Alan Shepard Weekly Newsletter

Alan Shepard Families -

We recently had a 6th grade student at Alan Shepard diagnosed with Leukemia. To show our support for Zoey and her family, a webstore has been created for everyone to purchase a shirt. Proceeds from the shirt orders will go directly to the family. Check out the webstore link below. As shirt orders are completed, we will send them home from school.

On Thursday, November 21st, we have going to have a spirit day to show support for Zoey. We ask that all students wear orange. Orange is the ribbon color for Leukemia and we want to show our support for Zoey. Students and can also donate $1 to wear a hat to school that day. All proceeds will go directly to the family. You can also contribute to a GoFundme account for Zoey, if you would like.

The Alan Shepard PTO is hosting another movie night on Friday, November 22nd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the Commons. We are showing The Grinch (2018 animated movie) and snacks will be provided. Bring your own blankets to sit on and come enjoy a movie in the new space!

Thanks!

Chad Ruth

Recently, Zoey, a 6th grade student at Alan Shepard was diagnosed with Leukemia. Our entire school wants to show support for Zoey. Please consider ordering a shirt for your child or yourself to show Zoey we have her back! $5 of each shirt ordered with go directly to Zoey and her family.

***6th Grade Students will get a free shirt courtesy of the Alan Shepard PTO to show support for their classmate and friend.***

Webstore Link - Orders due by November 17th

Come join us in the new cafeteria area on Friday, November 22nd from 6:00-8:00pm for a Family Movie night. The Alan Shepard PTO will be providing snacks and we will show The Grinch on the projector. Students should plan on bringing a blanket to lay on.

The Spelling Bee will be on Tuesday, November 19th in the Commons. The Spelling Bee will start at close to 1:00 as possible. Please check in at the office if you plan on attending between 12:5-12:55. Good luck to our spellers.

Below are the updated music program dates for the 2024-25 school year.

Monday, December 2nd - 5th and 6th grade

Tuesday, February 18th - Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade

Thursday, March 27th - 3rd and 4th grade

Click on this link for more information and how to sign up. Questions? Please reach out to Mrs. Huber at lisa.huber@north-scott.k12.ia.us

The North Scott Community School District believes that good attendance is essential for students to fully benefit from the educational opportunities available to them. Frequent absences can hinder students' ability to develop important skills, impacting their success in academics and beyond. Unfortunately, students in this situation may struggle to achieve their full potential, and some may even drop out of school.

Please click this link to access Mr. Stutting's video explanation.

With the passing of Senate File 2435 and changes to Iowa Code Chapter 299 Compulsory Education, we want to provide you with our updated procedures for responding to student absenteeism.

• 5 days of absences (5% of a semester): A courtesy letter will be emailed to inform caregivers of excessive absences.

• 9 days of absences (10% of a semester): The state defines this 10% mark as "chronically absent." An email and certified letter will be sent to caregivers to notify them of "chronically absent" status and the county attorney's office will be notified.

• 14 days of absences (15% of a semester): The school will contact caregivers to schedule a required School Engagement Meeting, where an Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be created.

• 18 days of absences (20% of a semester): The state defines this 20% mark as "truant." The school will notify the School Resource Officer, who will consult with the county attorney's office. Truancy charges may be filed.

What Parents/Caregivers can do to foster good student attendance?

• Establish consistent daily routines for your student, including having dinner, completing classwork, getting a good night's sleep, and eating a healthy breakfast.

• Discuss with your student the importance of attending school every day and how regular attendance positively impacts their well-being.

• Whenever possible, schedule nonessential appointments outside of school hours to avoid disrupting their learning.

• Encourage your student to participate in meaningful after-school activities, as this can boost their engagement and sense of connection to the school community.

• Maintain open communication with the school to understand attendance policies and seek support when needed.

• Support your student's mental and emotional health, and collaborate with the school to address any concerns.

• Remember, school is about more than academics; regular attendance helps students develop social skills and access valuable resources.

The North Scott Food Pantry (Located at Faith Lutheran Church) will start taking Holiday Food Basket forms This Friday November 1st. The families must go into the food pantry during food pantry hours and get signed up with them directly. These are distributed the same day as gifts. Some Families only sign up for gifts, some families only sign up for the holiday food basket & some families sign up for both but it's all handed out on the same day. This year December 20th & 21st

***** NS Food Pantry Hours are Tuesday 5:30-7pm & Fridays 9:30-11am. If there are any questions regarding this please have them call the food pantry during hours or leave a VM. 563.285.8444

This handbook provides district-level information consistent between all elementary schools. It outlines several school and district policies and procedures.

The 2024-2025 school calendar has been approved and posted on the district website.

• First Day of School: Friday, Aug. 23
• Winter Break: Monday, Dec. 23 - Friday, Jan. 3
• Spring Break: Monday, March 17 - Friday, March 21
• Last Day of School: Tuesday, June 4

We strongly believe in the well-being and comfort of all children and families. We want your experience at Alan Shepard to be a happy, healthy, and positive one, so please don't hesitate to contact us at any point during the school year.

We have put together resources that contain links to support right here in our community. We are also happy to help families confidentially navigate these resources.

Sincerely,

Your Alan Shepard Resource Team

School counselor: Kelly Kelley, 285-3406

School nurse: Kristi Lindsey, 285-3116

School principal: Chad Ruth, 285-3114

When bringing in items for birthday treats, holidays or special occasions make sure to check if they are on the NS Safe Snack List. If you have questions please refer to our school nurse. The most recent list is always linked to our district website.

• November

  • 18 - Bookmobile 9:00-11:30 am

  • 19 - Spelling Bee, Commons, 1:00pm

  • 22 - 2 Hour Early Dismissal

  • 22 - PTO Movie Night 6:00pm in the Commons

  • 25 - PTO Meeting, 5:30pm Alan Shepard

  • 25 - School Board Meeting, Commons/Library at 6:30

  • 27 - No School

  • 28 - No School

  • 29 - No School

• December

• 2 - 5th and 6th grade Music Program, AM Rehearsal

• 6 - 2 Hour Early Dismissal - Professional Development

• 6 - Report cards go home with students

• 9 - Bookmobile 9:00-11:30 am

• 13 - 2 Hour Early Dismissal

• 20 - 2 Hour Early Dismissal

• 23 - No School

• 24 - No School

• 25 - No School

• 26 - No School

• 27 - No School

• 30 - No School

• 31 - No School

Continuous Notice of Nondiscrimination: It is the policy of the North Scott Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact Ms. Erin Paysen, Equity Coordinator, 308 N. Main Street, Donahue, IA 52746. Telephone: 563-282-9627