McClure Newsletter

The House Sorting Ceremony for 3rd graders and new 4th & 5th graders will be Wed. Sept. 7th at 2:30pm. This event will be live streamed for primary classes and family members to enjoy.

If you would like to watch your student be sorted into their House Family, please login to the Zoom link below by 2:30pm on Wed. 9/7.

Live Stream Link:

https://tps501.zoom.us/j/86711483018?pwd=VUFsMmtZMlVXTTZvakdhQUxTd2ZwUT09 Meeting ID: 867 1148 3018 Passcode: 104356

In honor of Grandparent's Day, we will have a Grandparent's Day event on Wed. Sept. 14th and Thurs. Sept. 15th. We will celebrate grandparents or any adult that attends with their student with donuts and juice. Students and their guest are welcome to eat breakfast with us from 8:00-8:40am.

Wednesday, Sept. 14th will be for Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students and their guests.

Thursday Sept. 15th will be for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students and their guests.

*If a guest has a student in both primary and intermediate grades, they can choose to attend the date that works best for them.

Student pictures will be taken on Wed. Oct. 5th throughout the school day. The attached flyer below, will be sent home with your student closer to this date.

Our free after school tutoring and enrichment program, the McClure Learning Nest, will officially begin September 13th. The focus of all after school programing is to address learning loss that may have occurred during Covid as well as provide enrichment opportunities for students. The program will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, from 3:45-5:30pm. A snack will be provided to each student at the beginning of the program time.

Transportation will need to be provided for your child to be picked up no later than 5:30.

Please fill out ONE Google form per child in the household that you would like to sign up. This is a first come first serve roster due to staffing availability. We will take the families that respond first and then will have a waiting list. If a spot would open up, the next person in line would be notified. All families will be notified by Mon. Sept. 12th if your child has been selected. This is based on staffing and interest.

We are so excited to be able to offer these opportunities to our students!

If you have any questions please contact Brenda Domme at bdomme@tps501.org.

Click here to complete the Google form.

McClure has started our own before and after school childcare program this year which has officially been named The Eagle's Nest! If you are interested, please complete the registration form linked below. The form also outlines the monthly fees, times, etc. Once you submit the form, you will be contacted within 48 hours to notify you if there is enough room in the program for your child to attend.

McClure 22-23 Childcare Registration Form

Parents,

iRead 20 calendars have been sent home with your student. This is a reading program to encourage your student to read at home. You will receive a calendar for each month through April. Students are to read at least 20 minutes a day for at least 20 days a month. At the end of the month students return their calendar to the library signed by a parent to receive a reward.

BREAKFASTS AND LUNCHES ARE NO LONGER FREE.

Please see pricing below. If you want more information, please visit the TPS Child Nutrition website.

Breakfast

Regular price: $1.50

Reduced price: $0.30

Single Milk- $0.65

Lunch

Regular price: $2.50

Reduced price: $0.40

Single Milk- $0.65

You can view your student's lunch balance through the TylerSIS Parent Portal. Information on how to make lunch payments is listed below.

If you have not filled out a free/reduced meal application, it can be found on the McClure homepage, TPS homepage, or at https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/welcome

1. You can send a check or cash with your student to school to deliver to the office. If you write a check, write 'lunch' in the memo. Make checks payable to McClure Elementary.

2. At no cost, MypaymentsPlus allows your family to:

• Create a free, secured account to manage all of your student's accounts.
• Check your student's current account balance.
• Monitor the items your student has been purchasing in the cafeteria.
• Create settings to receive email notifications when the account reaches a low balance.
• Online Lunch Payment Website-https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/welcome

3. For a small fee, MypaymentsPlus allows your family to:

• Make a prepayment into your student's meal account using a check, credit card, or debit card at www.mypaymentsplus.com, or by calling 877-713-5442 (toll-free)! Funds deposited through MypaymentsPlus are usually available for student use within a matter of minutes. This feature eliminates the need to send a check to school or worry about lost or forgotten lunch money.
• Create settings to automatically replenish your student's account when it reaches a low balance.

To receive certain benefits each year, Topeka Public Schools MUST HAVE ALL families complete the Family Benefits Application AND the Meal Benefits Application. Our records indicate you need to complete one or both of these forms.

If you qualify for Meal Benefits, you will receive:

• Reduced School Fees
• Reduced or Free School Lunch
• Reduced Musical Instrument Fees
• Free Advanced Placement Testing exams
• Free ACT exams
• Tuition scholarships for concurrent college credit
• If you complete the Meal Benefits Application (using the link below) and qualify, would your family be interested in discounted internet services through the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program?
• If you complete the Meal Benefits Application (using the link below) and qualify, would your family be interested in borrowing a district Chromebook for use at home while your student(s) attend one of Topeka Public Schools' Elementary schools?

In addition to the benefits listed above, families who accurately complete the form linked below also help the district qualify for federal and state funds used to support at-risk students and critical programs.

Click this link to apply: https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/TOPP01

Kindergarten-5th Grade

Full Pay (do not qualify for free lunches)

$50 Textbook Fee

$15 Computer Fee

Reduced Pay (qualify for free lunches)

$10 Textbook Fee

$15 Computer Fee

Preschool

Full Pay

$20 Textbook Fee

Reduced Fee

$10 Textbook Fee

Topeka Public Schools utilizes the School Messenger system for web services and to deliver text messages to families in the district. Alerts come straight to your mobile phone with important information about school events, school closings, and more.

Parents and guardians can participate in this free service by signing up in Tyler SIS, or by sending a text message of "Y" or "Yes" to the TPS short code number, 67587. You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying "stop" to one of our messages.

View our communications document to learn more about how Topeka Public Schools communicates with families throughout the school year. Don't forget to follow us on social media! We're active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Check out the newly created page featuring the therapy dogs that work in TPS!

Thank you for your ongoing flexibility and patience as we roll out our updated arrival and dismissal procedures.

The City of Topeka will be posting the official 'no parking' and 'one way' signs in the upcoming weeks. Even though the official signage has yet to be posted, we continue to ask that you follow the expectation of not parking on the roads listed below during arrival and dismissal.

If you have suggestions or feedback on our arrival and/or dismissal procedures, we encourage you to email or call Dr. Artzer.

https://www.facebook.com/TPS501McClure

Student bus route information can be found in TylerSIS Parent Portal. Click the attached file below for directions on how to access routes. Like last school year, Topeka Public Schools will be offering transportation for students who live in their school's attendance area but also live outside the 1.75 mile radius.

TPS has partnered with Kansas Central School Bus in implementing a free school bus routing parent notification app and website service. This program allows you to view the real-time location of your child's school bus on your device.

This App is free and available for both Apple and Android devices. Just search for Here Comes the Bus in the App Store or Google Play, or click on the convenient links below to access the app download site.

How to get signed up:

1. Visit www.herecomesthebus.com or download the app to your smart phone or table from the Apple Store or Google Play.

2. Click the 'sign up' button.

3. Enter school code 29036 and click 'Next' followed by 'Confirm.'

4. Complete the 'User Profile' box.

5. Under 'My Students,' click 'Add.' Enter your child's last name and student ID number. If you do not know your student's ID number, please call Mrs. Ford or Mrs. Ard in the office.

6. Once you confirm your information, you're ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus!

We would like to invite all parents and guardians of McClure students to attend our PTO meetings. These meetings are held monthly on Tuesdays at 6pm in the library. Our next meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 27th at 6:00 pm.

Our PTO is essential to assisting in raising funds for many school projects and instructional resources. You do not need to hold a PTO position in order to be a part of PTO. We hope to see many of you at the first meeting!

Please contact Kelli Hegarty at kellihegarty5@gmail.com with any questions in joining our PTO.

Check out the State Street PTO Facebook page too:

https://www.facebook.com/mcclureelementarypto

There are several opening on our PTO executive board. If you are interested in serving one of these open roles, please completed the Google form below.

The following PTO positions are still needing to be filled:

• Carnival Coordinator
• Carnival Committee Member
• District Community Advisory Council (DCAC) Representative

Complete the Google Form below if you are interested in serving in one of these PTO positions for the 2022-2023 school year.

The district's academic calendar provides a quick-glance overview of important dates for parents to be aware of. This calendar includes days school is not in session, parent-teacher conferences, and start and end dates for the 2022-2023 school year.

The McClure school calendar is posted on our school website. Click here to view.

School Doors Open

Students are not allowed to enter school until 8:20 a.m (9:10am on Fridays) unless they are enrolled in the before school child care program, are participating in a before-school program under the direction of a teacher, or are under the supervision of a parent.

School supervision will be provided for students beginning at 8:20 a.m. (9:10am on Late Start Fridays). All students are to come inside and sit in their assigned location with their classes if they arrive after 8:20 a.m. and before 8:30 a.m. Students are to be seated and quiet until the bell rings at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served from 8:20 until 8:40 a.m. Dropping students off outside of school to wait unsupervised before 8:20 a.m. (9:10am on Late Start Fridays) could present a safety risk. Parents are asked to supervise your children until 8:20 a.m. (9:10am on Fridays)

School Instructional Hours

Mon.-Thurs.- Students enter the classroom at 8:30am. Direct instruction begins at 8:40am. Students are dismissed at 3:40pm.

Fri.-Students enter the classroom at 9:20am. Direct instruction begins at 9:40am. Students are dismissed at 3:40pm.

Early Pick-up

Our school day ends at 3:40pm. Classes will not be dismissed before 3:40pm. Students may be excused early for appointments, but a parent/guardian must check-in at the office and sign the student out. Students will only be dismissed from class after someone checks them out of the office first. This ensures that we keep our students safe.

Meeting With Staff

We ask that you call to make an appointment with a teacher or staff member in the event that you need to meet with him/her in person. Our teachers and staff utilize every minute of the day to benefit our students, so it is important to respect their instructional time by minimizing distractions. If you need to visit with a principal, teacher, or other staff member, please call the office at 438-4340, and a meeting time will be set up that will be most convenient for everyone.

Every Friday of the school year, the doors will open at 9:10am, and school will start at 9:20am students will be counted tardy at 9:40am. This allows time for teachers to collaborate, look at data, and plan for the following week with their teams. Thank you for your flexibility in supporting teacher collaboration!

In order to support you and your child, the Kindergarten teachers at McClure have designed this opportunity to give you hands-on practice on how to work with your child at home. During these evenings, you will be informed about upcoming skills that your child will be learning during that quarter. Then, the Kinder teachers will teach YOU how to practice these skills with your child, then YOU will practice with your child while we are there to support and answer questions you may have. This format allows you to get hands-on experience to practice "in the moment" because your child will be at your side during your learning experience. It promises to be a fun and worthwhile time for you and your child.

The remaining sessions are listed below.

2nd quarter-October 4th, 5:30-6:30pm

3rd quarter-January 10th, 5:30-6:30pm

4th quarter-March 21st, 5:30-6:30pm

My name is Stephanie Ford and I am beginning my time with TPS as Dr. Artzer’s Administrative Assistant! I come from an eclectic work history including a 911 dispatcher, admin for outpatient rehab therapies, school para and most recently assistant manager at a local credit union! I have a hectic life outside of work with my husband Matt and our 3 children. My oldest son Zachary will be a sophomore at Topeka West, my daughter Lily will be in 6th grade at French and our youngest Everett is 4 and will be attending kindergarten next year! We also have 3 dogs and a cat! I am high energy, have never met a stranger and love to hear peoples stories! I have a gift of remembering people - so if I connect you with a story or a person from the past, don’t be surprised! I look forward to the school year and all the challenges it will bring!

Hello! My name is Kerri Jones and I am your new special education social worker. I will be split between McClure and McCarter. I will be at McClure Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Friday. I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to be a part of McClure! So a little about me, I have my bachelors degree in occupational therapy and a masters in social welfare from the University of Kansas. I have been with Topeka Public Schools for 7 years. I have two adorable kids ages 10 & 3. I also have two dogs; Puppy the dachshund and Kia the Great Pyrenees. I love doing just about anything outdoors like hiking, swimming, and gardening. My passion is helping others, rather it be resource finding or a listening ear. I look forward to getting to know all of you and having a fantastic year here at McClure!

Hello! My name is Sydney Oehrke and I will be an Occupational Therapist at McClure. I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri (GO CHIEFS!) . I attended Truman State University in Kirksville, MO for my BS in Health Sciences and then attended Creighton University where I received my Doctorate in occupational therapy. I've spent the last two years working in a pediatric therapy clinic in Anchorage, Alaska where I enjoyed many adventures in the great outdoors. I moved back to the midwest to be closer to family and continue my passion for pediatric occupational therapy. When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my husband and two great danes (Annie and Rally), taking walks, going fishing or trying new foods. So excited to meet everyone and be apart of the McClure community!

My name is Erin Morse. I live in Council Grove and am from Wamego. I have spent my career in education at USD 501. I’ve been at Ross since 2016. I started out as a resource teacher and then became the 4-5 BASR teacher. I have been married for 25 years and have two children. Skylar is 22 and is working on her sonography degree online in Scottsdale Arizona. Lane is 21 and loves being outdoors and creating. He currently works for a landscape company. His girlfriend Abby has been a wonder addition to our family. Education has been at the heart of my family and I was inspired by my son to go into special education after working in banking for many years.

Hi! My name is Megan McHenry and I am so excited to be joining the 1st grade team. I graduated from Emporia State university and this will be my first year in the classroom. While in college, I cheered at Emporia State and later became the coach for 2 years. I love shopping, hanging out with my daughter Isla and watching makeup videos on Youtube. I am looking forward to an amazing time here at McClure.

Hi, I am Brian Swaim. I will be teaching 3rd grade at McClure. I recently completed my master’s degree in education at Fort Hays State. Last year was my first year teaching. I taught 2nd grade at Meadows Elementary. Teaching is my second career. I originally received my bachelor’s degree in business administration and worked for years as a project manager at Topeka Foundry. When I worked at Topeka Foundry, the new gym and tornado shelter addition was my project. I have 3 kids. 2 boys- Adrian and Austen and a daughter- Josie. I grew up in Silver Lake and still live in the area. I enjoy spending time outdoors kayaking, hunting, fishing, and watching my kids’ sports activities.

Hi! I’m Melissa Rickford and I’m excited to be at McClure assisting Mr. Logan. I’m beginning my 14th year as a speech pathologist. I’m originally from western KS and currently live in Lawrence with my husband, two daughters, and our cat Butler. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going for walks, and cooking/baking. In addition to McClure, I’ll be assigned to Whitson as well as serving students at preschools/daycares around the area. I’m excited to be a part of the McClure team!

My name is Becky Laytham. I am a paraprofessional. This is my seventh year with Topeka Public Schools. I have been working in the education field for forty years. I enjoy music. I have led a children’s choir and play 5 instruments. My family keeps me pretty busy. My husband and I have been married for 38 years. I have two daughters and eight grandkids. I am expecting my ninth grandchild in February. I also enjoy spending time with my dog, cat and seven Guinea pigs.

Hi! My name is Kaitlyn Ferrier and I am a new paraprofessional. It is my first year being a para, however I have previously worked in a pediatric dental office as a dental assistant and was CNA. I have two pets, a puppy and a cat. I have three younger siblings that I adore and help take care of. I enjoy kayaking, hiking, and fishing! I'm so excited for the new school year!

Through our ongoing partnership with the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, all Topeka Public Schools families will be able to opt-in for a free library card when enrolling online or in-person.

Being a student in Topeka Public Schools means you have access to all resources at the public library, including online databases, e-books, digital audio books and streaming videos, as well as all of the physical items at the library or bookmobiles. Enroll your student and apply for your free library card in the Parent Portal at topekapublicschools.net.

School menus can be viewed below or by clicking HERE.

FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program: FCC has announced its affordable connectivity program to provide eligible families, a credit of up to $30 per month to cover the cost of Broadband services with various providers, including Cox. Eligible families include those who qualify for free & reduced school lunch, SNAP, WIC, or those with an income level at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline for family size. Click here for either English or Spanish.

September Healthy Schools Tip: Please share this in your school newsletter - September Healthy Schools Tip.

• September 7: 3rd Grade House Sorting Ceremony

• September 8: Papa John's Night

• September 14: Grandparent's Day Breakfast, grades K-2

• September 15: Grandparent's Day Breakfast, grades 3-5

• September 21: Family Fitness Fun Night at Hummer Sports Park, 5:30-7pm
  

• September 27: PTO Meeting 6pm in library
  

• September 28: Family Fitness Fun Night - Rain Date

• September 29: 4th Grade Kanza Field Trip

• October 3-7: Spirit Week

• October 4: Kinder Kollege

• October 5: Picture Day

• October 10: No School, Teacher Planning & Prep Day

• October 11: No School, District PD Day

• October 18: 4th Grade Symphony Trip

• October 20: Sk8-Away Night 6-8pm

• October 24-27: Book Fair

• October 26: Parent Teacher Conferences, 4-8pm

• October 27: Parent Teacher Conferences, No School 8am-8pm

• October 28: No School

• October 31: Halloween Parade & Party

Email: cartzer@tps501.org
Website: https://mcclure.topekapublicschools.net/
Location: 2529 Southwest Chelsea Drive, Topeka, KS, USA
Phone: 785.438.4340
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TPS501McClure