Cougar Connection

August 9, 2024

Volume 2, Issue 2

I am so excited to welcome you all to the new school year! The first day of school is just around the corner, and I know many of you are feeling a mix of excitement and maybe a little bit of nervousness. That’s perfectly okay! Big feelings are a normal part of starting something new, and it’s important to recognize and understand them.

Here are some tips to help you get ready for the first day of school:

1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Make sure you go to bed early the night before school starts. Being well-rested will help you feel more energetic and ready to learn.

2. Eat a Healthy Breakfast: A good breakfast will give you the energy you need to start your day right. Try to eat something nutritious like fruit, yogurt, or whole-grain cereal.

3. Pack Your Backpack: The night before, pack your backpack with all the items your teacher may have asked you to bring. Don’t forget your fully charged laptop, a healthy snack, water, and lunch unless you plan on having a hot school lunch.

4. Lay Out Your Clothes: Choose your outfit and lay it out the night before. This will save you time in the morning and help you feel confident.

5. Know Where To Go At Dismissal: Make a plan with the adult that will pick you up at dismissal. Do not worry if they do not show up on time, we will help you call them from the office.

6. Talk About Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel anxious or afraid. Talk to your parents, a sibling, or even me if you’re feeling nervous. Sharing your feelings can help make them seem less overwhelming.

Remember, everyone, even your teachers, feel a little bit anxious on the first day of school. It’s a big step, and it’s okay to have big feelings about it. We’re all here to help each other and make this a wonderful year.

I can’t wait to see all of your smiling faces and start this amazing journey together!

Warmly,

Mrs. Marni Angelo

Each Spring, our teachers put a great deal of time, thought, and consideration into student placement to ensure that each classroom is balanced academically and socially.

We thank you in advance for holding positive conversations with your child to help him/her understand that placement with a best friend or preferred teacher is not always possible. Please know that it can take a few weeks for a child to acclimate to a new teacher, grade level, and peer group. Our team of highly educated teachers are eagerly looking forward to providing a quality education to your child while supporting him/her through this adjustment period.

I am delighted to introduce three new members to our school staff this year. Linda Melendez will be joining us as a Kindergarten teacher, transitioning from her role as Teacher on Special Assignment within the district. Kori Tibbens is transferring from Croce Elementary to teach 2nd grade, bringing her wealth of experience and enthusiasm. Melissa Smith, formerly a 5th grade and intervention teacher from LAUSD, will enrich our 5th grade team. Additionally, I would like to announce that Abby Hayes will be moving to 3rd grade, and Cami Baca will return to 2nd grade. We are excited for the wonderful contributions they will all make to our school community.

All students are encouraged to meet up on the playground prior to the 8:27 a.m. bell. TK students will be escorted to their small playground by 5th grade escorts. Rest assured that once your child walks through the gates, we will get them to their classrooms safely!

• Students can enter the playground through the gate that is most convenient for the family.
• Yard duty supervisors will be posted at all playground entrances from 8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
• Because of limited supervision directly on the playground, the play structures will NOT be open. Ball sports and running games should not be played before school.
• At the bell, students on the playground will form a line on the blacktop number that corresponds to their classroom number, unless the teacher informs you of a different area.
• The front of the school is not the playground. Students who would like to move around prior to school should proceed to the playground through one of the open playground gates.
  

• The gate at the main office will open at 8:27 a.m. Students entering through this gate will proceed directly to the playground to line up with their classmates.

Similarly, students will be able to leave campus through the gate that works best for you. It is important that you communicate this with your child so we can ensure that all students are picked up in a timely manner. All perimeter gates to the campus and playground will be relocked between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Students who are still waiting at 3:00 (or 1:45 on Wednesdays), will be escorted to the office until you arrive.

This process will be reveiwed throughout the year as we intend to provide the safest and most efficient procedures for our students.

Breakfast and lunch are free to all students!

Breakfast will be served in the MPR from 8:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. Supervision is provided. Students will enter campus through the parking lot gate and proceed directly to the MPR.

All students have the option to eat a school lunch complete with entree, fruit or vegetable, and a milk. Students may purchase additional meals if they choose. Visit the Child Nutrition Services page for more information.

Website: livermoreschools.org/smith
Location: 391 Ontario Drive, Livermore, CA, USA
Phone: 925.606.4750