Dabney Discussion V8I1

Welcome, or welcome back, to Veterans Park Elementary! I am incredibly excited to start the 2024-2025 school year. VPE is a community unlike any other and it shows in the way all of our students, staff, families, and community members make our building a fantastic place to grow and learn.

At VPE, we realize that education is a partnership between home and school. Our mission is to help all students achieve at high levels to ensure their success in school and life. Please know that we love our families! If you are interested in volunteering or helping to serve on the PTA there are many opportunities for you to help support your student and their educational experience. We are incredibly thankful to our PTA and our families for their partnership in fundraising for our new playground. We were able to fund additional equipment and our pour-and-play foundation. We are anticipating that the playground will be up and running and fully functional by the end of August and we are super excited for our students and families to enjoy this addition.

The community of Veterans Park Elementary is committed to helping the whole child learn at high levels and we are excited to partner with you!

I am excited to introduce the new staff at VPE who will be joining us this fall. The Site-Based Decision-Making Council (SBDM) and interview committees spent many hours this spring and summer reviewing candidates and interviewing to find perfect matches for our students. Please welcome the following staff members:

• Holly Ashley - English Learners Teacher

• Aubrey Holloway - Speech Language Pathologist

• Katie Queen – 3rd Grade Teacher

• Callie Randall - 3rd Grade Teacher

• Leah Starr - Special Education Teacher

• Grace Tabor -School Nurse

• Sammy Turvey - Special Education Teacher

As you can see, we have a lot of new faces joining the team and we are excited to bring such dedicated, experienced, and high-caliber educators on board at VPE. Please join me in welcoming these great new staff members to our incredible school!

A big thank you to White, Greer, and Maggard Orthodontics for sponsoring our VPE folders. Please keep the folder on hand all year. It has lots of VPE information including our policies and procedures! And the VPE school calendar is printed on the back cover. The following handouts are included in this packet:

• PTA Newsletter

• PTA Membership Form (Individual & Business)

• VPE Frequently Asked Questions

• PTA Directory Sign Up

• Boosterthon Flyer

• School Meal Information Flyer

• Free/Reduced Lunch Flyer (Application Online Only)

• Assault & Threats Notice to Families

• Counselors Informational Flyer

• Student Code of Conduct Fyler

• PBIS Flyer

• SBDM Parent Committee Member Application Form

• Required Forms (To be returned to school)-

• Student Information Form *

• Language Form *

• Health Form *

• Fee Waiver Application **

• School Smiles **

• Family Resource Center Assistance Form **

• Intended Use Form *

Please try to return these forms included ASAP so that we may better serve your family. If you have questions, feel free to call the VPE office.

** Needs to be completed only if it applies to your family & needs

* Needs to be dropped off or mailed to VPE

August 16 - First Day of School

August 18 - Summer Reading Ice Cream Party (For those who participated this summer)

August 22 - Boosterthon Kick-Off Pep Rally - Details in the Back to School Folder

August 26 - MAP Testing Window Opens

August 30 - Boosterthon "Fun Run" - Watch for details to come home!

September 4 - No School, Labor Day

September 6 - Spirit & Hat Day/Woot Woot Wagon & Grandparents Luncheon

September 9 - SBDM Meeting @ 3:00 (VPE Conference Room)

September 12 - PTA meeting, 7:45 am VPE Library or Virtual & Parent Volunteer Training, 8:30 am

September 18 - Fall Pictures, Wellness Wednesday & Family Focus Night

September 19 - Open House @ 5:30-7:00

September 24 - Kentucky Kids Day

September 26 - Gifted and Talented Parent Night @ 6:00

September 30 - October 4 - Fall Break No School

Watch the weekly emailed Newsflash for more details about the happenings at VPE!

Transportation is one of the biggest worries for a teacher and making sure students arrive and get home safely. We are welcoming & dismissing close to 800 students on a daily basis and we need to ensure that every child gets to school and their home safely. Please help us by following these procedures:

• Do not make unnecessary afternoon transportation changes, and only make changes during the school day in the case of an emergency.

• All changes in transportation must be in writing and before 1:15 pm….please don’t email your child’s teacher with changes because they can’t be honored. You may send in a handwritten note, or email us at vpetransportation@fayette.kyschools.us

• Parents please stay in your cars during arrival/dismissal and allow for staff to help students in and out. It is for your safety too!

• Be a good role model and only cross at the crosswalk!

• Do not drop students on Clearwater Way and please wait until you reach the sidewalk to allow students to get out of the car on the sidewalk side only.

• We can not have cars in the bus loop until after all buses have arrived which is typically at 7:20ish therefore, if dropping students prior to 7:20 please use the parking lot side to drop off students.

A helpful hint….there isn’t a line in the car line at 7:20 but tends to be one at 7:40! Come early to keep from being tardy!

During the first two weeks of school students will participate in two fire drills, an earthquake along with a sever weather drill. Students will also complete a lockdown within the first 30 days. Prior to all drill teachers and staff will review expectations.

If your child needs to take medication at school, the following is required:

• Medication Authorization form signed by the parent. Stop by the office to fill one out!

• Medication must be in the original prescription container. The information listed on the container must include the student’s name and the prescribed medication.

Other medical issues include asthma and allergies…

If your child has an allergy, asthma, or other medical conditions that require special adult attention and/or medication while at school and you have not completed a medical information packet, please come by or call the office immediately.

Call our Nurse, Grace Tabor, with questions.,

381-3161 ext 27202

Two Steps to an Excused Absence!

1. If your child is absent, please call the school at 422-0025 before 7:30 am. Please know that even if you call in, you will still receive an automated call about your child's absence.

2. For an absence to be excused, it must be followed up with a written excuse within 3 days. FCPS Board Policy does not allow us to accept notes after this time and absences will remain unexcused. Remember, when you take your child to a doctor or dentist, get a note.

See all the details in the FCPS Code of Conduct.

What is an Excused Absence/Tardy?

• Death of an immediate family member
• Illness of Student: Parents have a total of 10 notes to write for students' illnesses. After 10 cumulative absences due to illness students are required to present a written statement from a medical professional for each additional absence for the school year in order to be excused.
• Religious Holidays & Practices
• Medical & Dental Appointments: Be sure to grab note from the doctor's office!
• Family Emergencies: limited to three cumulative absent events per school year, as approved by the Principal.

**Family Vacations & Trips are NOT Excused Absences!

If you would like to sign up for the VPE Parent Director for the 2024-2025 school year you will need to complete the following directory form:https://bit.ly/VPEPTAdirectory24

Each year families will need to resubmit the information on a yearly basis. New directory information will be shared with families in September.

Every year students will take the MAP test three times with the exception of our kindergarten students who only take the assessment during the winter and spring. This assessment is a nationally normed test that helps our teachers with their instruction for your students. The testing window opens on Monday, August 26th, and closes on Friday, September 6th. Your students will be tested in both reading and math during this window and scores will be shared with families during fall conferences.

MAP COMMON QUESTIONS

How do schools and teachers use MAP Growth scores? Teachers can use the score to inform instruction, personalize learning, and monitor the growth of individual students. Principals and administrators can use the scores to see the performance and progress of a grade level, school, or entire district.

Can MAP Growth tell me if my child is working at grade level? Yes, but please note that MAP Growth scores are just one data point that teachers use to determine how a student is performing. Please discuss any questions that you have about your child’s performance with your child’s teacher.

How often will my child take MAP Growth tests? Most schools give MAP Growth tests to students at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year (in the fall, winter, and spring). Some schools choose to administer tests only twice a year as we do with our kindergarten students.

What are norms? NWEA provides schools with norms every three years. This is anonymous data from more than 10 million students around the country. Knowing the top, middle, and bottom scores of all these students combined allow teachers to compare where your child is to other students and help them grow.

Is MAP Growth a standardized test? Unlike a standardized test, MAP Growth is administered periodically during the school year. Instead of asking all students the same questions, it adjusts to each child’s performance— giving a more accurate measure of what they know. Teachers also receive results right away, which enables them to react more quickly.

What types of questions are on MAP Growth tests? The MAP Growth tests include multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and other types of questions. For sample tests, visit warmup.nwea.org.

KINDERGARTEN THROUGH FIFTH GRADE

Before enrolling in elementary school for the first time, children must have a current Kentucky Immunization Certificate showing that they have received:

· Four or Five Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) doses, with the last one administered after age 4

· Three or four polio doses, with the last one administered after age 4

· Two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) doses administered at least one month apart on or after 12 months of age

· Three Hepatitis B doses with last dose on or after 24 weeks of age

· Two Varicella (chicken pox) injections if child has not had chicken pox disease

State law also requires that children have:

· Physical Examination done within one year prior to or 30 days after entering school.

· A Kentucky Eye Examination done by a licensed Ophthalmologist or Optometrist before January 1 of the year of enrollment. (Students 4-6 years of age only.)

A Kentucky Dental Examination done by a licensed Dentist or Dental Hygienist is required for all 5- or 6-year-olds enrolled in public school, by January 1 of the year of enrollment. (Kindergarten only.)

We do not allow any whole class food treats (cupcakes, cakes, candy, fruit, etc.) at school for birthdays or other special occasions per our wellness policy and due to the many different food allergies. We feel that this decision will keep all our students safe. The entire policy may be viewed on our school website at SBDM VPE Wellness Policy. Instead of bringing cupcakes or treats to share, you are welcome to donate a book to the library and be added to our special birthday book board! Check out the details on our Media Center Website or email Ms. Ault.

Every year your student receives a copy of the FCPS Student Code of Conduct. This booklet goes over all of the district expectations & responsibilities for students. This year the document is being shared online with families. You can locate the Code of Conduct using the following link: https://www.fcps.net/families/code-of-conduct Please note that on pages 71 & 72 are the FERPA Directory Information OPT-OUT and the Media Coverage OPT-OUT. We ask that families review these forms and determine if they are something your family is interested in. Here is a summary of each form:

FERPA Directory Information OPT-OUT: Complete this form to exercise your right to privacy

Media Coverage Opt-Out Form: Complete this form to exercise your right to not have your child or their work shown on the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) educational access channel, the FCPS website, or the local news media.

• This will also keep your student from being on the VPE website and/or Instagram postings.

All completed forms need to be turned into the Veterans Park Elementary School office. If you have questions please contact the VPE office staff.

Please see the following attachments regarding assault and threats of violence in schools. By law families are required to receive written notice within the first 10 school days.

English

Spanish

Arabic

French

Swahili

Japanese

Chinese

Nepali

Each year our SBDM Council looks for two parents to serve as the parent representatives for individual committees. Please reference the information packet included in the back-to-school folder and sign up if you are interested in serving the school in this manner. We love having parent input and perspectives to help continue to grow our school community!

Boosterthon is Back! Our annual school fundraiser is set to kick off on Thursday, August 22nd. Students will be working to collect pledges for each lap they run during the outside "Fun Run" which will take place on Friday, August 30th. Parents are welcome to attend their child's "Fun Run" and details with homerooms times will be sent home in the next week.

VPE is not a free feeding site for the 2024-2025 school year. Therefore, students who do not apply and qualify for free/reduced meals will be required to purchase breakfast/lunch/milk if they so choose to eat school breakfast and/or lunch. Families must reapply each year to qualify. Please review the below information to determine if you qualify:

Who Can Get Free Meals?

• All children in households receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) or the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP), are eligible for free meals.
• Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.
• Children participating in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals.
• Children who have met the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals.
• Children may receive free or reduced-price meals if your household’s income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

To apply for free/reduced lunch you are encouraged to complete an online application instead of a paper application if you are able. The online application has the same information/requirements as the paper application. This process is more confidential and is the quickest way to get approved. Visit www.bit.ly/FCPSMealApp to begin or to learn more about the online application process. Contact the programs assistant at jessica.morgison@fayette.kyschools.us or 422-2152, if you have any questions about the online application or are having trouble accessing it.

If you need to send in lunch money to school we ask that you send lunch money to school in a labeled envelope with the child's name, grade and homeroom teacher listed. Lunch accounts may also be accessed at My School Bucks - https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home Accounts can be paid and monitored from this site.

Families & Parents are Welcome to Join Us For Lunch...but we ask that you let your child get into the routine of lunch before coming to eat with them.

VPE’s wellness policy does not allow fast food lunches or soft drinks for you or your child in the cafeteria. Please help us promote healthy living by not bringing in outside fast food.

For safety’s sake, strollers may not be in the cafeteria during lunch.

To not displace a student from his/her class, we ask that parents eat at the round tables with only their child.

We love cafeteria helpers...especially during Kindergarten Lunch times 10:50-11:25! Little hands need extra help at the beginning of the year opening lunches so we welcome volunteers!

Each month VPE celebrates Wellness Wednesday and Family Focus Nights on the third Wednesday of the month. Students are encouraged to dress in athletic gear on that day and walk extra laps at recess or participate in a movement activity. On that Wednesday a flyer will be sent home and families will be encouraged to share what "family" event they participate in that night. Students can return that form to school to be entered into a drawing for a prize!

We will have the return of our annual Grandparents' luncheon on Friday, September 6th. Grandparents are welcome to join their student(s) for lunch. Grandparent Adjusted Lunch Times are listed below based on homeroom. Please note the siblings will not be able to be pulled from homerooms to eat a different times and will need to eat during their scheduled times. Please expect long lines, but lots of fun! Thanks for your patience! Adult lunch is $5.00, exact change is appreciated or you are welcome to bring a sack lunch from home (no fast food per our policy).

10:30 -Kindred & Scott

10:35 - Rowe & Schaffer

10:40 - Workman

10:45 - Rawls & Nudd

10:50 - Pugel & Rogers

11:05 - Thayer & Sharp

11:10 - Boone & Knight

11:15 - Carter & Queen

11:20 - Altwies & Waters

11:25 - Miller & Randall

11:35 - Davis & Dickinson

11:40 - Belcher & Nally

11:45 - Robeson

12:00 - Lanter & Grossi

12:05 - Geldhof & Jones

12:10 - Hogan

FCPS has selected K&K Insurance Group to help make reliable coverage available. For families without other insurance, K&K's plan is a resource to consider. It can also help fill gaps caused by deductibles and co-pays. Families may purchase this voluntary/optional coverage anytime during the school year.

Insurance Link

We need to have the following on file for ALL students:

• Utility Bill & Deed/Lease

• Birth Certificate

• Physical & Up-to-date Immunizations

• Dental Exam

• Eye Exam - by an ophthalmologist or optometrist

As we check our student folders, we may be contacting you to provide the information that is missing or out of date. Thank you for helping to keep our records current.

This year we will be offering PTA meetings on two platforms - in person and on Zoom. They are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month at 7:45 in the VPE Library or using the following Zoom link: link:https://fcps-net.zoom.us/j/99018941544

VPE loves to have volunteers helping throughout the school day, attending field trips, and helping out in the building. Any and all adults accompanying a school group while on a field trip must first undergo and pass the background checks required for all FCPS volunteers through the volunteer application system. This applies to listed chaperones, volunteers, and anyone who travels separately to join the group at the respective venue. If you plan on coming to help in the building or on a field trip at any point in the future when allowed you will need to complete the following background check: https://www.fcps.net/leaders-support/departments-offices/family-community-engagement/volunteering-in-fcps

Parents don't need to be approved to eat lunch with their child, attend parent/teacher conferences or attend evening events. All other activities will require you to be an approved volunteer. These background checks are good for three years.

Newsflash - Weekly SMORE newsletter will be emailed to families on Friday afternoons via Infinite Campus.

Twitter - @vpepatriot

Instagram - vpeinaction

Infinite Campus - Attendance, weather calls & more! https://fayetteky.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/fayette.jsp

Email: molly.dabney@fayette.kyschools.us
Website: http://www.veterans.fcps.net/
Location: 4351 Clearwater Way, Lexington, KY, USA
Phone: 859-422-0025
Twitter: @vpepatriot