The Soaring Eagle News (Week 3)

Our first full 5-day week is officially in the books, and wow, our Eagles were truly SOARing! This week, even more students have been able to cash out their Class Dojo points, and several have reached their first classroom incentive. Additionally, our staff began administering the beginning-of-the-year assessments. These assessments serve as an important baseline for student learning, helping teachers understand where students stand in relation to the standards they’ll be learning this year. Teachers will use this data throughout the year to monitor student progress and make adjustments to ensure each child excels!

In this issue of the SOARing Eagle be on the look out for:

• NHCS Coffee, Curriculum, and Conversation -This Monday, September 16th, is the annual Coffee, Curriculum, and Conversation session where you’ll gain insights into the curriculum offered in New Hanover County and have the opportunity to provide your input. Pop-in sessions will be held from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. at the Board of Education Building on 13th Street. Coffee and light refreshments will be served!

• Virtual Parent Sessions - The Family Support Network of Southeastern North Carolina is hosting a series of virtual sessions, including "Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability," "Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential," and "Changing Problem Behavior into Positive Behavior" on Thursday, September 19th. These sessions are a great opportunity for parents to gain valuable insights.

• Mad Science Night - Mark your calendars for another exciting event on September 24th from 5-7 p.m. This will be a night filled with learning and fun for the entire family!

• Transportation De-assignment Procedures - Please review the transportation information in this week’s newsletter to ensure your child is not de-assigned from the bus.

Thank you to everyone who came out to Scooters last night—it was a blast! It's always fun to see our students and families come together outside the classroom.

Have a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to seeing our Eagles SOAR even higher next week!

To help children manage screen time , focus on balance and flexibility. It’s important to create a routine that includes other activities like reading, physical exercise, and creative play. Encouraging kids to engage in meaningful screen use, such as educational apps or family-friendly entertainment, can help foster a healthier relationship with technology.

Additionally, setting clear expectations and boundaries around screen time is key. Maintain open communication and discuss why limits are important, modeling good screen habits themselves. Regular breaks and active play can counteract the effects of prolonged screen use, while also ensuring children stay connected socially and emotionally.

See this article for more: How to Set Limits on Screen Time

NHCS is holding the annual Coffee, Curriculum, and Conversation session for parents on Monday September 16. We have pop-in sessions from 8am-1pm and 4-6pm at the Board of Education Building on 13th Street. Parents can join us for whatever time their schedule allows. We will have coffee and light refreshments. Parents are welcome to bring their younger children to this event as well.

This opportunity brought to you by the Family Support Network of Southeastern North Carolina will cover topics such as "Positive Parenting for Children with a Disability," "Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential," and "Changing Problem Behavior into Positive Behavior." These are Virtual sessions starting at 6:00 pm on September 19 & 26th.

To register, email REGISTER.FSN@GMAIL.COM

Mark your calendars for a night of exploration and discovery, September 24th from 5-7 PM! Our Science Family Night is a fantastic opportunity for students and families to engage in hands-on science activities together.

The purpose of the Family Advisory Council is to give opportunity for family stakeholders to provide input on the district's Parent & Family Engagement policy, identify needs of the district and provide input on how we allocate our federal funding (not just Title 1). Representatives will not only bridge the gap between the district and the families we serve, but will also work alongside administration and school teams to help increase family engagement at Alderman.

Progress Reports will be coming home on September 27th. Please review these reports with your child and continue to support their learning at home

The NC Farm to School art contest encourages public school students in grades Kindergarten through fifth to create artwork showcasing “North Carolina Agriculture” Each year 13 winners are chosen and their artwork featured in the NC Farm to School calendar.

Rules and how to enter will be provided.

• students riding at least 3 times a week
  
• parents following PreK, K-2, and special education "meet your student at the stop" rules
  
• students following safety rules
  

Please email Dave Bitner (david.bittner@nhcs.net) if you have any questions.

The following link will take you to the NHCS guide to the Parent Bill of Rights which provides you insights into your rights as a parent and a way to voice your thoughts and concerns.

Parent Bill of Rights

The PowerSchool Parent Portal is a place for parents/guardians to monitor student progress and attendance. Apps are available through google and apple for access via phones.

All volunteers, both Levels 1 and 2, must complete volunteer training each school year.

We love our volunteers! Whether you want to assist in a classroom, lead a small group, attend a field trip, or simply help in an area around the school, we need you to complete the application process to ensure you are either a Level 1 or Level 2 volunteer!

Our Level I volunteers work under the continual supervision of school staff. If willing to serve our school as a Level I Volunteer, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Read all of the information in this presentation, Volunteer Orientation, and the NHCS Volunteer Handbook (we will get this to you as soon as it becomes available).
2. Complete the Volunteer Orientation Assessment with a score of 80% or higher.

After completing Level I certification and if you are willing to complete Level II requirements, please complete a Background Check Application. Background checks cost $22.50 and are valid for three (3) years. Our Level 2 Volunteers may work alone with students and may not always be with a staff member.

General Guidelines after receiving district clearance to serve as a volunteer:

• Please have your photo ID ready when coming to campus to either sign in.
• When volunteering, please respect the instructional day and stay within your volunteer area.

Principal: Bobby Garcia

Website: https://alderman.nhcs.net/

Location: 2025 Independence BLVD., Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: (910) 350-2031