Weekly Update

Attention Matchbook Learning Families,

We want to share important updates regarding Indiana's attendance code. It’s essential for you to be aware of these policies to help your student meet state requirements.

K-6 Attendance Policy: According to Indiana Code 20-33-2.5 (Senate Enrolled Act 282), if a student has three (3) unexcused absences within a ten-week period, the school will notify parents/guardians in writing. Upon reaching six (6) accumulated unexcused absences, a mandatory conference will be scheduled between parents/guardians and the assistant principal to develop an attendance plan.

K-8 Attendance Policy: If a student misses 10 unexcused days in one year, school staff is required to report this to the Marion County prosecuting attorney, who will then contact parents about potential consequences.

Unexcused Absences Include:

• Absences without prior communication from a parent/caregiver
• Extended absences due to travel without Principal / Assistant Principal's approval
• Absences for sports or non-school-related activities

We understand that students may be absent due to illness. It’s important to communicate all absences to your child’s school. You can report absences by:

• Calling the school
• Responding to notifications from ParentSquare
  
• Sending a note or documentation (e.g., a doctor’s note)

We recognize that personal and health-related issues can affect attendance. Please keep open lines of communication with us. Our attendance secretary, counselors, administrators, and teachers are here to support you. If you need assistance, please reach out at 317-226-4263

Clear Backpacks Implementation After recent discussions, we are transitioning to clear backpacks for all students to enhance safety and organization within our school. The school can provide clear backpacks as needed. To facilitate this transition, we ask all families to fill out a the form on Parent Square indicating whether they need a clear backpack. The final day for students to use opaque backpacks will be Thursday, October 10th. After that, only clear backpacks will be

Snack Policy Revision We are also revising our snack policy. Moving forward:

• Only fully packed lunches will be allowed in school. Snacks without a full lunch will no longer be permitted.

• Snacks will be provided for all after-school activities, so students do not need to bring additional food items.

Please review the full policy on ParentSquare for all the details.

At Matchbook Learning, we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

Key Points:

1. Walk-In Appointments: Parents may walk in only for urgent situations posing an imminent threat.
2. Scheduled Appointments: All other inquiries require an appointment to ensure effective communication.
3. Contact: To schedule an appointment, please call the main office at 317-226-4263.
4. Visitor Check-In: All visitors must check in at the office with a valid state-issued ID.

Disclaimer: Please review the full policy on ParentSquare for all the details.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Your student's classroom teacher will honor your child on his/her special day in the classroom. Birthdays are also recognized during school announcements every day. Please do not send in balloons, flower bouquets, birthday cakes, sweets, foods or goody bags.

Please note the following important details:

• Doors Open: 7:30 AM
• Classroom Arrival: By 7:50 AM
• Dismissal: 2:20 PM (Wednesdays at 12:00 PM)

If your child arrives after 7:50 AM, they will need to get a tardy pass, and all tardies will be recorded in our system.

We encourage you to have your child arrive early so they have time to grab breakfast and start their academic day on time.

Thank you for your cooperation!

To help us maintain a safe and efficient environment, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• All transportation changes must be communicated to the school office by 1:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, or by 11:00 AM on Wednesdays.
• Changes cannot be made based solely on a student’s request to their teacher; parents must call the school office during the specified times.

Frequent changes in dismissal plans can be challenging for both students and staff. We kindly ask that you establish a consistent transportation plan to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth day for your child.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making this a great school year!

The Step Team is an exciting dance group open to both boys and girls in grades six through eight. We hold family and community close to our hearts and strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Practices are held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 2:45 PM to 4:30 PM. Our team values diversity and encourages students from all backgrounds to join and be a part of our vibrant community.

We look forward to seeing you at practice!

This program is for 6th to 8th grade girls.

The program will run from 2:45 PM to 4:00 PM on Tuesdays.

For enrollment, please text the word "Leader" to apply now on the flyer or reach out to Ms. Woods

Attention 6th-8th Grade Students and Parents:

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Practice Band for 6th-8th graders! This band is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their musical skills, collaborate with peers, and enjoy making music together.

Practice Band Schedule:

Practices: Practices will be held every Tuesday and Thursday until 4:00 PM

Important: To participate, all students must have a completed waiver form. Please ensure your child brings this form before their first practice session.

We’re excited to inform you that Picture Day photos are now available online! The company has sent emails with links to the photos. Please check the email address associated with your child’s profile for these links in the coming days, or you can visit jostenspix.com and use the code below if needed:

Code: FE300124

Please note that picture retakes will be on October 10, 2024, for any child who did not have their photo taken.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Woods.

We are excited to announce a field trip to the pumpkin patch on October 24! This will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to enjoy a fun day of exploration and learning.

Please complete and return the permission form to the teacher as soon as possible to ensure your child's participation.

October 11 will be designated as a virtual learning day for all students. On this day, students will not report to school and will complete their work from home.

Teachers will provide a paper packet of assignments that must be returned when students return to school after fall break on Monday, October 21.

Reminder: Fall Break is Coming! 🍂

Please note that our school will be on fall break from October 14 – 18, 2024. Mark your calendars and plan accordingly.

We are excited to invite you to our Parents in Touch Day! This special event offers a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with your child's teachers, discuss their progress, and collaborate on their educational journey.

Important Reminders:

1. Forms Distribution: PIT Day forms will be sent home next Wednesday. Please ensure they are completed and returned to your child’s teacher by Friday, October 4.

2. Update Contact Information: To receive timely communication, please verify that your contact information is current in our system. Accurate details are crucial for scheduling and notifications.

3. Scheduling Conferences: Some parents may receive phone calls or notes from the school to schedule their teacher conference. We appreciate your prompt responses to these communications to ensure an efficient and productive meeting experience.

This year, we have partnered with Toys for Tots to help ease some of the financial strain during the holidays. Please remember that this program is intended to assist families in need, rather than cover all Christmas expenses.

Distribution will take place during the Winter Celebration of Learning in December.

The forms were sent out this week, and we ask that all families needing assistance complete and return them to Mrs. Woods or the front office no later than October 23, 2024.

Additional forms can be found in the front office or outside Ms. Woods' office.

Forms are available only for current Matchbook Learning families.

Mark your calendars! Our Scholastic Book Fair will take place from October 25 to November 1, during school hours. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore new books and enhance their reading collections.

More information will be shared soon, so stay tuned! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Happy reading!

Join us on Tuesday, October 29, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM for our annual Trunk or Treat event! We’re excited to make this year’s celebration BIGGER and BETTER, and your presence will make it even more special!

This family-friendly event promises a safe and fun experience for all. Weather permitting, it will take place outdoors. In the event of rain, we’ll move indoors and embrace a “Haunt the Halls” theme!

Aspire Indiana Health is a nonprofit fully integrated healthcare provider serving children and adults in Marion, Boone, Hamilton and Madison counties, where we are certified by the state of Indiana as a Community Mental Health Center (CMHC). School-Based Services are counseling services provided through a partnership with a local school system.

Please contact Mrs. Bellamy or Mrs. Flores to inquire about this services.

lbellamy@matchbooklearning.com - iflores@matchbooklearning.com

We are pleased to share with you the Parent and Student Handbook for the current school year. This handbook contains vital information about our school’s policies, procedures, and programs.

Please take a moment to review the handbook thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the important details. It includes information on:

• School rules and expectations
• Attendance and academic policies
• Safety and emergency procedures
• Contact information and resources

We ask that you review the handbook carefully and ensure you are aware of all relevant information. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Please connect with us through ParentSquare by downloading the app on your devices!

• Download for iOS
• Download for Android

Thank you!

Good morning, Matchbook Learning families,

Many of you have asked how you can order one of our favorite Matchbook sweatshirts, and I’m excited to share the details with you!

You can now purchase these sweatshirts through our new fundraising campaign, Matchbook Pride. Please feel free to share this information with other families—parents can order these sweatshirts for their students as well!

Join us in supporting our campaign here: Matchbook Pride Fundraising Campaign. All funds raised will go directly to Matchbook Learning at Wendell Phillips School 63.

Thank you for your support!

If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Woods.