Weekly Update
Let's Get Rolling, 2024 - 2025!
Principal's Message
Winter Celebration of Learning
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Dear K-8th Matchbook Learning Families,
Weβre excited for the Winter Celebration of Learning on December 18th! Please review the key details below:
Regular Dismissal: Students will be dismissed at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, December 18th.
Aftercare Pickup: All aftercare students must be picked up by 2:00 PM.
After-School Activities: No activities on December 18th, except for STEP practice.
Toys for Tots Distribution: Distribution will occur from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM by the portables (left of the main building). Toys will not be distributed during the performance. This is for families who completed the form by October 25th. Confirm pick-up by calling the Front Office at 317-226-4263.
Performers: Students performing must report by 5:15 PM through Door #2.
Coat Distribution: For families who signed up by December 9th, coat distribution will take place from 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM at the check-in table in front of the gym.
Performance Times: The performances will be from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the gym. Overflow seating and community displays will be in the cafeteria.
Parental Supervision: Students must be accompanied by an adult during the event.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Second Step
Second Step is a research-based curriculum that helps children develop skills such as empathy, emotion management, problem-solving, and self-regulation. Each week there will be a lesson on an important topic and your student will be discussing and participating in activities that focus on this topic throughout the week.
This week is Week #8 (December 16). π½
Holiday Spirit Week Coming Soon!
Queridas familias,
Β‘La Semana del EspΓritu Escolar estΓ‘ a la vuelta de la esquina! Invitamos a todos nuestros estudiantes a participar en las actividades y eventos especiales que hemos preparado.
Winter Break and Virtual Learning Day Reminder
Hi Matchbook Learning Families,
Just a quick reminderβwinter break is coming up from December 23 to January 3, and weβll be back to school on Monday, January 6.
Also, please note that Friday, December 20 will be a virtual learning day. This means students wonβt be at school in person. Instead, teachers will send home the assignments with your child on Thursday, December 19. Make sure to check in with your child to ensure they complete their work!
We hope you all have a relaxing holiday season, and thanks for your continued support!
Attendance
Parents, please call our school office before 10 a.m. to report any absence!
Attention Matchbook Learning Families,
We want to share important updates regarding Indiana's attendance code. Itβs 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. Itβs important to communicate all absences to your childβs school. You can report absences by:
- Calling the school
- Responding to notifications from ParentSquare
- Sending a note or documentation (e.g., a doctorβs 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
Clear Backpacks Implementation: This is a friendly reminder that as of right now only clear backpacks are permitted.
Visitor Policy: Parent Walk-In Appointments
At Matchbook Learning, we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Key Points:
- Walk-In Appointments: Parents may walk in only for urgent situations posing an imminent threat.
- Scheduled Appointments: All other inquiries require an appointment to ensure effective communication.
- Contact: To schedule an appointment, please call the main office at 317-226-4263.
- 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!
Birthday Celebrations
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.
School Hours
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!
Reminder: Early Dismissal & Transportation Changes Guidelines
Dear Parents and Guardians,
To ensure a smooth and safe dismissal process, we ask for your cooperation with our early dismissal policy. Please note the following times for submitting transportation changes:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: Changes must be submitted by 1:00 PM
- Wednesday: Changes must be submitted by 11:00 AM
We understand that things come up, but please remember that transportation changes cannot be made based on student requests alone. All changes must be communicated directly to the school office during the specified times.
Frequent last-minute changes can be disruptive and cause confusion for both students and staff. We encourage you to set a consistent dismissal plan for your child to help us provide the best experience possible.
Thank you for your support and understanding in keeping our dismissal process safe and efficient!
FirstView App
FirstView is available for students and families to view the real-time location of a studentβs school bus.
Download the app now!
Guidance for the PowerSchool Parent Portal
Want to stay on top of your studentβs grades and attendance? Hereβs how to check in!
WHAT IS THE PARENT PORTAL?
PowerSchool is the school's student information system, or database, where we collect and store student information. The Portal is a "doorway" into our database, giving families access to information about their children.
WHY VISIT THE PARENT PORTAL?
The PowerSchool Parent Portal gives parents and students access to real-time information including attendance, grades, detailed assignment descriptions, school bulletins, and teacher comments. Everyone stays connected: Students stay on top of assignments, parents are able to participate more fully in their student's progress, and teachers can use their grade book to communicate information with parents and students.
ACCESSING THE PARENT PORTAL:
1. When creating an account for the first time, go to matchbook.powerschool.com.
2. Click on Create Account.
3. Fill in the Parent Account Details using an email that is listed on the PowerSchool account. (The guardian email below is one of the emails that is listed on the PowerSchool account.)
4. To link students to the account, you must provide the Student Name, Access ID, and Access Password. This information is listed below.
5. You will receive an email from PowerSchool requesting that you verify the account. Follow the steps in the email. 6. Sign in with the username and password that you created.
7. After signing in, you can then download the mobile app from the App Store and use the District Code of ZDKT.
β
Track Your Studentβs Behavior with LiveSchool!
Weβre excited to announce that families can now track their studentβs behavior and progress in real time through the LiveSchool app. This tool allows you to stay informed about your child's positive behaviors, goals, and any areas that may need improvement.
To get started, simply reach out to your child's teacher through ParentSquare to receive your unique login information.
Key Features of LiveSchool:
- Real-Time Updates on behavior and classroom participation
- Personalized Reports to help you stay informed about your child's development
- Engagement: Reward system where students can earn points for positive behavior
- Communication: Direct line to your childβs teacher for any questions or concerns
We encourage all families to sign up and stay connected to support their childβs growth and success at school.
If you have any questions or need help with setting up your account, feel free to reach out to your childβs teacher!
After School Activities
Monday
Band
Cheerleading
Bring Change 2 Mind
Step Team
Elem & MS Basketball
Tuesday
Band
Step Team
Girlβs Inc.
Elem & MS Basketball
Cheerleading
Wednesday
Band
Cheerleading
Thursday
Band
Step Team
Elem & MS Basketball
Cheerleading
Friday
MS Basketball
Girl Scouts Grades K -3
Hi Girl Scouts Families,
Just a quick reminder about our upcoming Girl Scouts meetings for Kindergarten through 3rd grade:
- Monday, December 16, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Monday, January 6, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Monday, January 20, 2025 MLK Day No School
We canβt wait to see the girls there for more fun and learning! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out though ParentSquare
Important Events
Kindergarten 100 Days of Learning Celebration
Our Kindergarten classes will be celebrating their 100th day of learning! Parents, stay tuned for more details about the event and how you can help make this milestone celebration extra special for our students.
Adult English Classes
Adult English classes has open spots for new students
Complete this Adult English Class Parent Interest Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfidIG_v1RoRaTd4w8i3rbv_CZpmKrW_mUM-_4N84KjV5uGqw/viewform
Parents will be contacted the week of 11/18/2024
if you have any Questions please call Mrs. Veronica Palacio at 317-441-1451
Join Us for WIDA ACCESS Information Night β January 9th, 2025
Join us on January 9th, 2025 for an important evening to learn about the exciting updates and goals for Matchbook Learning, specifically regarding WIDA ACCESS for ELLs.
Topics include:
- Your studentβs English proficiency
- How to help your student at home
- The upcoming WIDA ACCESS test
- Newest Indiana regulations
AcompÑñenos el 9 de enero de 2025 para una noche importante en la que compartiremos las emocionantes actualizaciones y metas de Matchbook Learning, especΓficamente sobre el programa WIDA ACCESS para estudiantes de inglΓ©s (ELLs).
Parents As Leaders Meeting
Indiana Pacers - School Fundraising
Calling all Matchbook Learning students, parents, teachers, and school staff members!
The Indiana Pacers are excited to help raise money for our school! As part of the Indiana Pacers School Fundraising Program, we are offering discounted tickets for our School Night with the Pacers. You can share these tickets with family, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else you can think of! The best part is that a portion of every ticket purchased goes directly back to our school.
Hereβs the fun part:
- 1 ticket β Indiana Pacers Sticker Sheet
- 4 tickets β Boomer Toy Figurine
- 10 tickets β 2 FREE tickets to the School Night
- 20 tickets β Pacers Mini Hoop
Ticket prices start at just $12. Our School Night is on Wednesday, February 26th when the Pacers take on the Toronto Raptors at 7:00 PM.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit:
Pacers School Night Tickets
Letβs make this a fun and successful event for our school!
The forms will be sent home next week. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Woods via ParentSquare.
School Based Services - Aspire
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
Parent & Student Handbook 2024-2025
We are pleased to share with you the Parent and Student Handbook for the current school year. This handbook contains vital information about our schoolβs 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 donβt hesitate to reach out to us.
Dress Code
Connect with us through ParentSquare
Please connect with us through ParentSquare by downloading the app on your devices!
- Download for iOS
- Download for Android
Thank you!
π The One Match Lottery for 2025 Enrollment is Now Open! π
Weβre excited to announce that Round 1 applications through Enroll Indy are now open for the 2025-2026 school year!
If you have an incoming Kindergarten student or a child in grades K-10 who would like to join our school community, now is the time to claim their seat!
Key Round 1 Dates:
- Round 1 Closes: January 24, 2025
- Round 1 Results: February 13, 2025
To apply, families must create an account through the Enroll Indy portal and select Matchbook Learning (K-8th) or The Match High School (grades 9th & 10th) as your preferred school. If you need any assistance with the application process or have any questions, we are here to help!
Please donβt hesitate to reach out at 317-226-4263
For High School Enrollment assistance please connect with Mrs. Sherry Jones at 317-717-9910
Secure your spot today and be part of our school community!
Resources for Families
Food Giveaway
Contingency site to provide shelter for families experiencing homelessness.
Families in need of shelter can contact the Mayorβs Action Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 317-327-4622. The center is closed from 2-3 p.m. on Thursdays.
π Winter Contingency Plan 2024/2025 π
Winter Contingency Plan 2024/2025
The 2024-2025 Winter Contingency Plan for Indianapolis is available! This plan provides vital information on sheltering options for single men and women experiencing homelessness.
The City of Indianapolis is also working to secure additional overflow shelter space.
Arts for All Program
The drive-thru pantry on the third Saturday of every month. Families can pull up in their cars to receive a bag of hygiene items, including shampoo, conditioner, body soap, razors, deodorant, toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and, when available, cleaning supplies, diapers, wipes, pads, or tampons.
The Handbook of Help
The Handbook of Help is a listing of services available to individuals in Indianapolis who may be experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Information in this handbook is provided voluntarily by the organizations listed.
https://www.chipindy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CHIP-Handbook-of-Help-2024-2.pdf
Free Meals Programs
Ensure Vaccinations Are Up to Date
This is a friendly reminder that all students must be up to date on their vaccinations according to Indiana state guidelines. Keeping vaccinations current is a requirement for all students to ensure a safe and healthy school environment.
Need Help Finding Food?
Let us help you find food assistance near you with our food assistance locator map.