We would like to take this opportunity to emphasize how important regular school attendance is for a student to make the most of his or her education. Regular attendance helps our students to benefit from teacher-led activities, to build each day's learning on the previous day's instruction, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may hinder a student's mastery of the instructional materials. While we understand that students must stay home when they are ill, we respectfully request that students and parents make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.

State law requires that a student enrolled in Kindergarten and higher who attends school must attend at least 90% of the days the class is offered to receive credit.

If a student needs to go to a medical appointment during the school day and is in attendance before and/or after the appointment, the absence will not count against the student for the 90% rule as long as a note is provided from the physician. If, however, a student misses an entire day of school, even if it is for a medical purpose, the absence will count as one of the days towards the 90% rule. Please send a note or email within three days to Melissa Smith at melismith@mckinneyisd.net each time your child is absent stating the reason for the absence in order for it to be documented. Family vacations will be counted as unexcused absences.

Arriving to school on time each day is also an important part of learning. Classes begin promptly at 8:00AM each morning. Students who arrive after 8:00AM are missing key elements in the instructional process. Tardy letters will be sent home throughout the year. Thank you for giving your child the optimum opportunity for success by arriving to school promptly. We are also keeping a record of any student that is picked up late after 3:15PM.

We will continue to have a poster this year in the front office to bring awareness to the number of absences, tardies, and early checkouts for each day. We appreciate your support and your help to ensure that your child arrives to school so that we can maximize learning time. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding the attendance policies.

Watch DOGS stands for Dads of Great Students. We have the very best students and we have the very best dads, stepdads, granddads, and other supportive male role models. Watch DOGS serve on campus for a half or full day in the classroom, cafeteria, recess, and throughout our campus; building relationships and mentoring students. Sign up is now open.

Learn more and sign up at :

http://www.schools.mckinneyisd.net/bennett/pto/bennett-watch-d-o-g-s/

Please remember to complete your volunteer background check.

Come and make a joyful noise! 4th and 5th graders are invited and encouraged to join the Bennett Choir!

More information at the Choir site: https://sites.google.com/student.mckinneyisd.net/bearchoirnotes/home

Check out additional information from our school counselor, Mrs. Parks!

https://www.smore.com/app/pages/preview/caw1k

On Friday, PTO will be sponsoring the Principal's Coffee at 8:15AM in the Learning Commons. This is an opportunity to connect with other parents, learn more about Bennett, and ways you can be involved. Feel free to bring questions to ask!

On Friday afternoon, our entire school family will gather for our first Friday Live of the year. This is a pep rally like assembly where we recognize and celebrate our students, parents, and staff! All students, staff, and parents are encouraged to wear a spirit shirt! Spirit sticks will be awarded to classes with the highest participation!

Wednesday, September 20: Fourth and Fifth Grade Choir 7:15AM

Thursday, September 21: PTO Sponsored Spring Creek BBQ

Friday, September 22: PTO Sponsored Principal's Coffee 8:15AM; STUCO elections; Friday Live 2:15PM; Watch DOGS registration closes

Saturday, September 23: Crape Myrtle Run MBHS

Monday, September 25: Creed Lunch 10:30AM; Special Olympics Bowling; STUCO Reps announced; Bennett Batons 3-4PM

Tuesday, September 26: Fourth and Fifth Grade Choir 7:15AM; Big Kahuna Principal Fundraiser orders due; PTO October Newsletter goes home; Vision/Hearing Screenings for Kinder, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades. If your child wears glasses, please make sure they bring them!

Wednesday, September 27: 1st-5th Grade Progress Reports go home; Fourth and Fifth Grade Choir 7:15AM

Thursday, September 28: Bear Buddies - all 1st-5th grade new to Bennett students are invited!

Saturday, September 30: MISD Volunteer Renewal Grace Period ends - get your background check updated!

Each year, our staff works to develop goals for our campus. This becomes our Campus Improvement Plan. Out of these goals grow five tactic teams to serve our campus. We invite parents to join these tactic teams. Our next Tactic Teams will meet at 3:30PM on Wednesday, October 4, January 10, February 28, April 18.

To learn more about the tactic teams or participate, please see: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FsPwi9gxtxdOL7H5xHGfUfa6RpklBe0j0YrhmcsETZs/edit?usp=sharing

Each year McKinney has the Crape Myrtle Trail Run. Top 3 schools with the most registered runners WINS and sees their PE Coach or Principal KISS THE PIG at the Run! (Hint: McClure Knocks it out of the park every year and we want to kiss that pig)

FUN, FREE Things to do before, during, and after the Run! Enjoy the free Inflatable Obstacle Course, Petting Zoo, Bounce House, Face Painting, Photo Booth, Social Media Contest, Best Pig Costume and MORE surprise entertainment in the NEW Myrtle Village!

LOTS OF PRIZES, AWARDS & GIFTS

Sign-up NOW at www.CrapeMyrtleTrails.org and pay with credit card.

** Or make check payable to Crape Myrtle Trails of McKinney and return this completed registration form to your school office! (flyer linked below)

Early Registration

$15 student runner

$25 1 Mile, 5K adult runner

$30 for 10K

After Sept. 17, 2017

$15 student runner
$30 1 Mile, 5K adult runner.

$40 for 10K

Click for More Information

9th Annual MISD Holiday Bazaar will be held on October 21 at McKinney High School

· Over 100 vendors

· Campus attendance drawing- new this year

· Proceeds benefits all MISD

· Free entrance and Free parking

· Doors open at 9am

· Family event with Roadhouse serving BBQ sliders 2 for $5.00- these proceeds benefit MISD CTE Criminal Justice Students

We always welcome your feedback. You are welcome to e-mail, call, or schedule a meeting with Mrs. Holderman and Mrs. Constantinescu. This is also a link to provide feedback, appreciations, compliments, concerns, or suggestions as we continue to ensure we are the BEST school in McKinney. https://goo.gl/forms/bViz4KSi6dEN415C3

Email: aholderman@mckinneyisd.net
Website: www.mckinneyisd.net/bennett
Location: 7760 Coronado Drive, McKinney, TX, United States
Phone: 4693025400
Facebook: facebook.com/MISDBennett
Twitter: @bennettbears