The Pizitz Post

Preparation for the 2024-2025 school year is in full swing at Pizitz. Our new teachers begin Rebel Academy (for new teacher orientation) today. We will be ready to welcome our students back to school on August 7. As we prepare, we want to ensure you have the information you need prior to the first days of school. Next week, you can expect to have access to your child's schedule via Powerschool. On Monday, the portal for school fees will open. In addition, we plan to share our updated procedural video for the 2024-2025 school year along with our carpool video updates.

July 30: Pirate 101 is for all new students to our school community (more details will come through individual invitations from our counseling department).

August 6: Pirate Preview Day is an opportunity for all students to receive a printed copy of their schedule, locker number, and carpool tag. Parents are welcome to attend with your child in order to meet teachers, see classrooms, and pick-up pre-ordered school supplies from PTO. Please adhere to your timeslot to expedite our process. Sixth grade teachers are only available in the morning. Seventh & Eighth grade teachers are only available in the afternoon.

• 8:00-9:00 6th grade (last name A-H)

• 9:15-10:15 6th grade (last name I-O)

• 10:30-11:30 6th grade (last name P-Z)

• 12:00-12:45 7th & 8th grade (last name A-H)

• 1:00-1:45 7th & 8th grade (last name I-O)

• 2:00-2:45 7th & 8th grade (last name P-Z)

August 7: The First Day of School will begin at 8:00 with drop-off beginning as early as 7:15 a.m. Students will begin their day in their homeroom classroom on the first day of school.

August 14: Parent Orientation will be organized differently than in years past based on parent and teacher feedback. Parents will have the opportunity to rotate through their child's four core content area classes (English, math, social studies and science). Elective and PE teachers will be available to meet parents on Pirate Preview Day. You will begin your session with your child's homeroom class.

• 4:30-5:30 6th grade
• 6:00-7:00 7th grade
• 7:30-8:30 8th grade

As always, let our team know when you have questions or concerns that arise regarding your child's middle school experience at Pizitz.

We are fortunate to have Nurse Nancy Henekker serve as our school nurse at Pizitz. Occasionally, she will send health room updates to parents and families through our regular Monday communication- The Pizitz Post. Stay tuned for updates coming from our health room that may be pertinent to your child's health and wellness.

Parents, please note these health room considerations for the upcoming school year:

1. Nurse Nancy will be available to receive all medications during Pirate Preview Day. This is a great opportunity to drop off student medications and supplies. If it is a prescription medication, please make sure you have the proper documentation and physician signature on your form. Medications must be in the student's current prescription bottle with the label and form matching directions and dosage on the bottle. Your doctor will have the form needed but there is a copy of the form on our website under the Student Health Services tab here.

2. All incoming 6th graders must have an updated immunization form on file. You can also drop this off at Pirate Preview Day or email Nurse Nancy with a copy (hennekern@vhcs.us). Please speak with your physician for any questions or concerns regarding your student's immunizations.

3. Please contact Nurse Nancy if your student has any health concerns including diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, allergies that require emergency medication or any other chronic illness or condition that she needs to be aware of for the school year ahead.

4. If your student is prone to headaches, stomach aches, seasonal allergies or other treatable illnesses, please consider leaving an "over-the-counter" medication for your student in the health room. Students can not carry medication on them unless cleared by Nurse Nancy. The medication must be in a brand new, unopened bottle. Siblings can share medications. Nurse Nancy will have forms available to fill out but they are also located under the Student Health Services tab on our website here.

Nurse Nancy is available by email (Hennekern@vhcs.us), phone (205-402-5376) or text (205-936-1280). For our new students and families, the nurse's office is located in the front office. You can access her office through the cafeteria.