Groundhog Gazette

Hello Amity Parents/Guardians!!

We have hit the ground running this school year! It has been a fantastic start to the 2024-2025 school year! Thank you to those that were able to attend the Back to School Night-it was wonderful to see everyone in the building once again! If you were unable to attend, I recorded my introductory words on a Google Meet and shared them in a link below. Please reach out to your child's teacher for further information regarding specifics of each classroom. A few reminders that we have many students walking to and from school, so please drive safely and be on the lookout (This includes all of our areas - Parking Lot, Amity Road, S. Mitchell St., etc.). Also, thank you for keeping safety first in the drop off and pick up areas. Your support is greatly appreciated. Have a fantastic day!

Please follow us at https://www.instagram.com/amityelem/

Sep 2 - Labor Day [No School]

Sep 16 - Amity PTA Fun Run Kickoff Assembly

Sep 20 - Picture Day

Sep 23 - First Day 5th/6th Grade Girl's Basketball

Sep 27 - Amity PTA Fun Run Date

Oct 2 - School Custodian Day

Oct 11 - End of 1st Quarter [No School]

Oct 16 & 17 - Parent Teacher Conferences until 7:00 PM

Oct 18 - No School

Oct 25 - Picture Retake Day

Oct 30 - Amity PTA Farmstead Night

Amity PTA

amityptagroup@gmail.com

AmityPTA.org

PTA believes that together we can make every child’s potential a reality—but we need more believers like YOU. We need YOU. Will you join us?

Join Amity PTA Today

We're excited to introduce this year's fundraiser, the Groundhog Fun Run. Our goal this year is to raise $18,000 for building improvements and teacher classroom funds to benefit ALL students at Amity Elementary.

We’re excited for this fundraising experience because it offers 3 important things to our school community:

1️⃣ User-friendly fundraising platform

2️⃣ Character enrichment program

3️⃣ Fitness-focused event that includes ALL of our students

As a family, you will work together asking friends and family to donate on your student’s Donation Page at MyBooster.com. The best part is, you can still support our school just by SHARING about the fundraiser!

Students will also experience an amazing character enrichment program called “Castle Quest”, teaching students about how to be brave and live with character.

Key Dates to Remember:

💻 Early Signup online at MyBooster.com – 09/02/2024

🎉 Fundraiser Kickoff Assembly – 09/16/2024

👟 Event Day - Families are welcome – 09/27/2024

Please see the link below for the video that was recorded on our Back to School Night on Aug 22.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vFw23fSNVCf7HTvu4rP8cMAKSSPLvYs2/view

Girls Basketball will be starting on Monday, September 23. Practices will run from 3:45 (after school) until 5PM. Our season will run from Sep 23-Nov 1, (games will run from Oct 7-Nov 1), with two games each week. Please be on the lookout for paperwork that needs to be read and signed.

Please remember that you need to call and let us know if your student is going to be absent. We have a dedicated attendance line (208-854-4226). Please add this number to your contacts. Leave us a brief message any time of the day and it will save us from calling you to find out where your student is. Thank you!

As we begin this school year, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of regular attendance for your child’s success during their elementary school years. Every day of learning builds the foundation for their academic and social development, and consistent attendance plays a crucial role in ensuring that they thrive. Being at school regularly helps:

1. Build Strong Foundations: Elementary school is where children develop essential skills in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking. Regular attendance ensures that your child is continually engaged in lessons that build upon each other. Missing even a day can create gaps in their understanding, making it harder for them to keep up.

2. Develop Good Habits: Attending school regularly teaches children the importance of responsibility and commitment. These habits are not only essential for academic success but also for their future endeavors. When children understand that being present every day is important, they carry that sense of duty into other aspects of their lives.

3. Social and Emotional Growth: School is not just about academics; it’s also where children learn to interact with their peers, build friendships, and develop social skills. Regular attendance helps children feel more connected to their classmates and fosters a sense of belonging. It also helps them build the emotional resilience needed to face challenges and grow as individuals.

4. Prevents Learning Gaps: When children miss school, they miss out on vital lessons and activities. These gaps can lead to difficulties in understanding new concepts, causing frustration and a lack of confidence. Regular attendance ensures that your child is not falling behind and is keeping up with their peers.

5. Parental Involvement and Support: We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable. In such cases, we encourage you to stay in communication with your child’s teacher to catch up on missed work. Your involvement is key to ensuring that your child continues to progress, even if they have to miss school for valid reasons.

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s elementary school success. By ensuring that they attend school every day, you are setting them up for a bright and successful future. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education.

We have many new families to Amity and I want to explain our parking lot flow. Parents/Guardians, you are to pick up students in the main parking lot on the east side, in front of the building. Please pull up along the fence line and wait for your child in your car. Also, please refrain from using your cell phone during this pickup time. If you want to meet your child at the end of the day at a classroom door or in front of the school, please park your car first in a parking spot. We cannot have unattended cars blocking the flow of parent pickup. We also ask that you continue to move to the front of the line. We will get your child to you. The bus pickup area is designated for staff parking only (West side of school), and allows us to minimize foot traffic while busses are coming in and out for pickup at the end of each day. Everyone's safety is our first priority. If you have questions regarding our after school pick up process, do not hesitate to ask one of the staff members at the end of the day, as we are more than happy to help assist in any way.

Our health office is excited to start the year and take care of your kids! Having healthcare trained staff in a school helps kids stay in school and stay healthy, which improves learning!

Our staff coverage is as follows:

Monday- Clay Hamilton, Health Tech

Tuesday afternoon- Clay Hamilton, Health Tech

Wednesday- Tasha Hussman, Registered Nurse

Thursday- Anna Hall, Health Tech

Friday- Tasha Hussman, Registered Nurse

Please note we do not have health office coverage Tuesday morning this year.

We need your help!

• Please help us by complete the MEDICAL CONSENT in IC or fill out the paper form here.

Otherwise, we will need to call you before providing any care in the school that is non-life threatening including basic first aid.

• Please bring any medications your child might need at school to the health office. This includes over the counter medications like cough drops or cold medicine.

• We love your donations of Size 4-8 pants for accidents at school. If you have a KG or 1st grader, consider sending an extra pair in their backpack.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Boise School District believes that students’ well-being is crucial for their academic and personal success. With that in mind, we promote health and safety in our school environment. Boise School District prioritizes internal resources and partners with community organizations to support the well-being of students.

Idaho Code requires that we provide you with notice that the Boise School District provides preventative health and wellness services, screenings, medication administration, first aid and emergency care, and appropriate management of all health conditions with parental consent.

A framework for preventative health and wellness services is provided in an effort to support academic success for all students, which includes:

• Dental screening in Kindergarten, 2nd and 5th grade, and any students who are new to the District
  
  

• Vision screening in Kindergarten, 2nd and 5th grade, and any students who are new to the District
  
  

• Hearing screening in preschool, Kindergarten,1st and 6th grade, and any students who are new to the District
  
  

• Spinal screenings are offered for girls in grades 5 and 7 and 8th grade for boys

Other health services provided for students with parental consent include:

• Optional immunization clinics at various sites across the District. School entry immunization information and resources are available at each school’s Health office
  

• Onsite pediatric assessment and treatment services at select schools that expand those services to families
  
  

• Onsite behavioral and mental health services at select schools that expand those services to families.

Two new laws now also require parental consent.

• Please read our complete description of the new laws and how they may impact your child’s school experience.
  
  

• We also ask that you log in to Infinite Campus and update your child’s information.

School staff members support students by assessing and assisting students with the appropriate management of health conditions.

• Medication is administered according to the Boise School District Policy 3440, Administering Medication, and with parental consent.
  
  

• In addition, emergency care is provided to all students according to District Policy 3441, Emergency Care.
  
  

• Social-emotional, behavioral and mental health support services are provided to support student well-being.

If you have any questions about the above health services, please contact your student’s school nurse or principal.

Sincerely,

Boise School District

Health Services Department

The Boise School District complies with federal law (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) as it relates to the release of student directory information to the public. To learn more, log on to www.boiseschools.org and navigate to Parents & Patrons > Parent Information > FERPA Form. Or, please call the Clerk of the Board at 208-854-4123 to obtain a copy of the FERPA form.

At Amity we believe in Groundhog GRIT (G-Give Respect, R-Responsibility, I-Integrity/Independence, & T-Teamwork). Each quarter we will focus on one letter/one theme. We will begin with the letter "G", Give Respect! Our focus area for September is RESPECT in the Lunchroom/Cafeteria and Playground. Students are doing an excellent job cleaning up their lunch space, using walking feet, and staying in Zone 2 (normal conversation) voice level while eating their lunches. Keep up the good work!

A reminder to please keep toys and Pokemon cards at home. Thank you with your help with this.

• Danger! Danger! No open-toe shoes in PE!

• 1st Quarter Standards-

• Standard 1-Demonstrates skilled movement and movement knowledge.

• Throwing & Catching Skills

• Movement Skills

• Standard 2-Understands a physically active lifestyle and personal fitness.

• Participation

• Instagram @groundhogpe

EXTREME HEAT PROCEDURES

Time spent outside is an important part of the school day. Children should be exposed to fresh air and exercise. Time spent outside allows students to engage in activities that allow them to relax from the structure of the classroom. However, there are times when it is not safe for students to be outside.

Please utilize the following guidelines for school recess, outdoor activities or physical education classes.

Heat Index

Know your location's "HeatRisk" level to determine who is at risk and what actions to take. Find your HeatRisk level here: National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk forecast. The NWS HeatRisk tool provides a seven-day forecast of the potential level of heat risk for a specific location.

Conditions that are to be considered:

• Temperature

• Humidity

• Age of students

• Length of time outside

• The availability of shade

• Access to water to stay hydrated

Recess and Physical Activity/Physical Education (PE) Class Guidelines:

• Temperature considerations and suggestions based on the Heat Index:

• Green Heat Index - Unlimited outdoor activity

• Yellow Heat Index - Modified outdoor recess and PE activities.

• Orange Heat Index - Limited outdoor recess and PE activities.

• Red Heat Index - No Outdoor Activity. Recess and PE activities should be held indoors in a controlled temperature and environment.

• With all warm days, teachers and aides should be encouraged to remind students to reduce running/exertion activities and allow any student who complains of overheating to go to the office for rest and observation. With direct sun, certain areas of a school site may increase heat exposure, such as blacktop or concrete areas. Caution should be taken to observe all students for signs of overexposure.

• Students who are abnormally affected by high temperatures and humidity should be given special consideration. These students are identified by parents, health providers, teachers and outdoor activity staff.

• Students should be reminded to take frequent water breaks and school staff should monitor students for signs of heat exhaustion or overheating.

Athletics Program Guidelines:

Coaches at all levels are responsible for the safety and well-being of all players and spectators. Heat related illness is the most preventable form of sports related injuries/fatalities. These guidelines are aligned to the Idaho High School Activities Association guidelines and differ slightly from our normal school day protocols due to the fact that our athlete's activities are closely monitored by coaches. Site Athletic Departments will monitor and report Heat Index (combination of temperature and humidity) as follows:

• Green - Unlimited activity

• Yellow - Modified activity including ample water, breaks every 30 minutes, and equipment removed when not in use such as helmets.

• Orange - Limited activity, breaks every 20 minutes, alter uniforms/equipment, monitor athletes closely.

• Red - No Outdoor Activity.

The Athletics Program Guidelines include a commitment to athletes staying properly hydrated with the availability of water at all times.

EXTREME COLD PROCEDURES

During periods of extreme cold, each school should determine the criteria for making changes to recess, sports and strenuous activities. The decision-making process may vary from grade to grade.

Conditions that are to be considered:

• Temperature

• Humidity

• Local weather reports

• Age of students

• Length of time outside

• Adequacy of the clothing being worn

• Recess and Physical Activity/Physical Education Classes:

• When properly clothed, elementary aged students can participate in an outdoor environment in most weather conditions. Increased caution should be displayed when temperatures fall below 20 degrees including wind chill.

• When the temperature and wind chill fall below 20 degrees, students will remain indoors. Please use the wind chill chart posted below.

• Each year students and parents should be reminded of the school cold weather guidelines, along with reminders about dressing appropriately for weather conditions.

• Schools should try and honor reasonable parent requests or a reasonable request to allow students to stay indoors. Requests based on health conditions will be honored. Specifically, asthmatic children may need special accommodation for their needs during cold weather. The school should work with the parent on a plan for when the child is unable to participate in outdoor activity.

AIR QUALITY

Boise School District’s Air Quality Procedures.

Air Quality Index

Resources:

• National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk forecast

• Boise School District Air Quality Procedures