South Elementary School News

Dear South School Families,

Things have been busy here at South School. Students are working hard and getting into a routine. We appreciate our parents and families working with us to create a positive learning experience for all children.

It is hard to believe we are more than half way through the first grading period. Midterms went home with first grade students if they are currently receiving a C, D or F in any subject. Kindergarten students do not receive midterm reports. Parent/teacher conferences will be coming soon. You will be able to discuss your child’s progress at that time. However, anytime you have a question or concern, feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher.

We have many fun things coming up this month. Check out the rest of our newsletter to stay up to date.

Please feel free to contact me through the school office or by email if you have questions or concerns.

Tracie Murphy, Principal

South Elementary School

Students are expected to display proper behavior during home football games. Do not bring footballs into the stadium. Students are not permitted to play football anywhere in the stadium. Many concerns have been raised regarding the safety of students as well as other spectators that are trying to watch and enjoy the game on the field. Elementary students need to be seated with parents or guardians. Please be sure that your children are properly supervised for the safety and enjoyment of all.

Area school districts are joining those across the state in participating in an effort to identify, locate and evaluate all children from birth through 21 who may have disabilities. Many unidentified children with disabilities are preschoolers and parents may not be aware their child has a disability or that there are programs and services available. Anyone knowing of a child who may have a disability should contact the school.

In 2024-25, all K-12 students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch at school. Per federal requirements, this applies to full meals only. There is a charge if students purchase "extra" or "independent" items. Examples of this might include extra milk, a bottle of water or special drink only, or extra entrees. Please contact Angie Welch, Food Service Director, at 330-364-7103 with any questions.

Dover Families...we will be celebrating SPIRIT WEEK here at school to support our Dover Tornadoes! Our students will have the following "dress-up" days:

Monday, October 21-Dreaming of a Victory. Wear your pajamas.

Tuesday, October 22-Outshine Phila! Wear neon clothes.

Wednesday, October 23-Without a win, it doesn't make sense! Wear mismatched clothes.

Thursday, October 24- Taking it to the next level. Wear college or pro jerseys or shirts.

Friday, October 25-Go Dover! Beat Phila! Wear crimson & gray.

On Thursday, October 31st, students are permitted to wear their Halloween costume to school. Students must come to school in their costume; they may not change at school. Students must be able to sit at their desk comfortably. The following are NOT permitted:

• Halloween face masks, face paint, or hair color.

• Any attire with offensive logos (alcohol, tobacco, skulls, etc.)

• No props or weapons

Our PTG has planned and organized a parade around the block, weather permitting. More information will be coming home soon.

South School will hold our Open House from 5:30pm-6:30pm on Thursday, October 10th This is a great time to come and see what your children have been working on so far this year. We look forward to seeing you there.

Parents or Guardians are required to call the school office to report his/her child absent. If no call is made, the school will attempt to call you. Parents are responsible for informing the school of his/her child's absence and the reason for the absence. Please call the school office between 8:00 A.M. and 8:30 A.M. Upon returning to school, a written note is required explaining the reason for the absence. Please refer to our Elementary Handbook for our entire attendance policies and procedures.

For your planning, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day will be April 25th, 2025 at 2:00 P.M.

In order to protect your child, we have a procedure that asks you to come into the school office to pick up your child while school is in session. Students must be signed out before being able to leave. Please be sure to state the reason for early pick up on the sign out sheet. Students arriving late to school must be signed in at the office as well. Please do not simply drop your child off at the door. You will need to escort them to the office to sign them in.

All doors will remain locked throughout the day. All visitors must use the office door when visiting our school. A monitoring device has been installed on the office door. Please activate it by pushing the button. Office personnel will unlock the door once you've been identified. If you will need to go anywhere in the building other than the office, you will need to provide a photo I.D. This I.D.

will be scanned and a visitor badge will be issued. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping everyone in the building safe.

Parents are reminded to update their child’s Emergency Medical Authorization, (EMA), every year.

This provides us with information about your child. If you haven’t updated this yet...please do so at your earliest convenience by visiting www.dovertornadoes.com.

*Click on the Parents tab located at the top of the web page.

*Click on Parent Portal

OR Click on the link below

https://dover.esvportal.com/

There is no school on October 18th. Our staff will be involved in required training and professional development

Pets and/or other animals are not permitted on school grounds. This includes all exterior areas including sidewalks immediately surrounding the schools during drop-off and pick-up times. This policy is for the safety of all, and with respect to allergies and/or health issues of all

students.

Throughout the school year, we conduct several safety drills. These drills are required and also help

our students and staff know what to do in the event of an unlikely emergency. The following drills

are conducted throughout the school year; Fire drills, evacuation drills, intruder drills, reverse evacuation drills and tornado drills. Teachers review these with students before they are conducted. Our local Police department and first responders are also involved with conducting drills. If you have any questions regarding these required drills, please feel free to contact the school for more information.

The book fair will be held October 8th-11th. Students will be able to shop with their class. Your child's teacher will inform you of their shopping day. The book fair will also be open during Open House on Thursday, October 10th.

Prompt payment of workbook and supply fees is greatly appreciated. The fee for K-1 st grades is $25.00. As always, thank you for your cooperation. Pre-school tuition must also be paid by the first of each month. Our preschool tuition is currently $130.00 per month. Failure to pay your preschool tuition will forfeit your spot in our program.

Students can enter the building at 8:40 A.M. The first bell rings at 8:40 A.M. Students must be in their seats ready to work at 8:55 A.M. when the bell rings in order to be considered on time for school. Good habits begin early so it is important that children are on time and ready to begin their day. Dismissal

begins at 3:20 P.M.

Communication between home and school is very important. In order to keep you up-to-date with what is happening, we have several methods of communication.

1. Email Newsletters: Be sure to check your email for monthly newsletters and occasional updates.

Should your email address change, please let us know.

2. Phone Notification System: In the event of any emergency or to share important information, Dover Schools has a phone notification system. Please be sure to notify us if you change your phone number.

3. Staff Email: Each staff member has an email where they can be reached.

4. Voicemail: Each staff member has voice mail where you can leave a message if needed. Simply call the office and ask for the staff member you need. Mrs. Polce can transfer you to the proper voice mail box to leave your message.

5. Facebook: Check us out on Facebook to see what all is happening at Dover City Schools.

October 8th-11th: Book Fair

October 10th: Open House 5:30-6:30

October 18th: NO SCHOOL-Teacher In-service day

October 21st-25th: Spirit Week

October 25th: Dover/Phila Game

Report cards

October 30th: Picture Re-take Day

October 31st: Costume day and Parade