LPA Elementary October Newsletter

Dear Lake Park Audubon Elementary Families,

As the vibrant colors of fall fill the air, it’s a perfect reminder of the importance of taking time to slow down and spend quality moments together. I encourage all families to carve out time each day to ask your child about their day. These small conversations build a bridge between school and home and remind your child that their experiences at school are important to you. Whether it's sharing a story about something new they've learned or discussing a challenge they faced, these moments foster connection and support their growth.

At Lake Park Audubon Elementary, we believe that education is a team effort. Our dedicated staff works hard every day to provide the best possible learning environment for your child, and we value the partnership we have with you in this process. Together, we can ensure that each child receives the support they need to thrive. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions. We're here to work alongside you as we educate and empower your child.

I also want to take a moment to celebrate the success of our recent Grandparents Day event! It was heartwarming to see so many family members come out and enjoy the day with their children and grandchildren. The joy and excitement shared by all was truly a highlight of the month. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this day so special for our students.

As we continue through the fall season, I look forward to more opportunities to connect and celebrate with our amazing school community. Thank you for your continued support and for entrusting us with your child’s education.

Warm regards,

Dr. Brittanie Watson

Principal, Lake Park Audubon Elementary

LPA elementary will be honoring red ribbon week from October 28th to November 1st. The events hosted and daily morning announcements during the week will center around ending bullying and bullying prevention. There will also be a dress up theme each day for students to participate in. We encourage students to participate in the many fun events as we work together to promote respect across our school.

Thank you to everyone that participated in our fall Club Choice fundraiser. Students raised over 8,000 dollars for their school. The funds raised will go towards elementary events and classroom activities. All items purchased will be delivered to the elementary school on November 4th. Please watch your email for more information on the delivery date and pick up instructions.

LPA elementary parent teacher conferences will be hosted on November 12th and 14th. Classroom teachers will be sending out emails and notifications in the upcoming week or so for parents/guardians to sign up for a conference time slot. The Scholastic Book Fair will also be open both conference nights. Please take some time to stop and look at the books and items available at this years book fair.

LPA elementary students will be dismissed at 1:15 p.m. on November 12th, 14th, and 27th. The November 12th and 14th days are due to parent teacher conferences. November 27th is the normal monthly scheduled early release day for staff professional development.

Under the Compulsory Attendance Law, every child from ages 7 through 16 must be enrolled in school unless excused for mental, physical, or moral reasons.

There is a direct link between regular attendance and academic success. At Lake Park Audubon Elementary School, we believe that attendance habits begin in the first year of school, and these habits become behavior patterns by the time students reach high school. “Every Student Succeeds” legislation states that each school needs to have a minimum of 90% attendance in order to achieve success. Parents, students, and the LPA staff need to work together to be sure that students arrive on time and attend school regularly.

If your child/children are going to absent from school, email the elementary school administrative assistants at elem_attendance@lpa.k12.mn.us Please include your child's name, grade, and reason for the absence.

Absences:

• Students who arrive at school more than 30 minutes after the start of the school day will be marked ½ day absent.
• Students who arrive 5 minutes after school starts will be marked tardy.
• Students who leave 30 minutes prior to dismissal 3:08 will be marked ½ day absent.

Excused Absences:

• Illness of the student
• Serious illness, death, or emergency in the family.
• Religious reasons
• Unsafe weather conditions
• Family trip with prior approval and notification
• The principal may designate other absences as excused as situations arise.

Unexcused Absences:

• Oversleeping
• Missing the bus
• Absences without prior approval
• Any absence without parental permission
• The principal may designate other absences as “unexcused” as situations arise.

Tardiness:

• A student who reaches four unexcused tardies will be considered truant for one school day.

Upon returning to school after an absence, a note (email) of explanation signed by a parent must be given to the office (doctor’s note as relevant).

The note should include:

• The reason for absence
• The date of the absence
• A signature of a parent

Absences will be unexcused if the school does not receive notification for the reason of the absence within five days.

October 28th-November 1st: Red Ribbon Week

October 28th: October School Board Meeting

November 4th: Fall Fundraiser Items Delivered

November 12th: Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Out)

November 14th: Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences (Early Out)

November 22nd: End of First Trimester

November 25th: November School Board Meeting

November 27th: Muffins in The Morning & Early Release Day

November 28th & 29th: No School (Happy Thanksgiving!)

December 11th: Early Release Day

December 12th: Winter Music Programs

December 21st-January 1st: No School (Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!)

December 23rd: December School Board Meeting

Elementary Office Hours: 7:30am - 4:00pm

Elementary Principal: Dr. Brittanie Watson bwatson@lpa.k12.mn.us

Elementary Administrative Assistant: Barb Jenson bjenson@lpa.k12.mn.us

Elementary Administrative Assistant: Melissa Mattson mmattson@lpa.k12.mn.us

Attendance Email: elem_attendance@lpa.k12.mn.us