TLES Community Newsletter
February 2, 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Eagles,
We recently had the new Superintendent visit our school and he asked us, "What makes TLES special?" It was difficult to answer. Because to be honest, there were so many things I wanted to share. I expressed deep gratitude for our highly involved and supportive families, our dedicated staff, and of course our amazing students. Then we walked around the school and as we did he saw evidence of exactly what I described. We saw numerous volunteers working with students in the hallways. We had students participating in highly engaging lessons using both tech and "old school" paper and pencil. We even saw students outside practicing a reader's theatre. I was able to brag about the improvement we've seen with our chronic absenteeism (currently best in the district), and the growth we've seen with our English Language Learners and in math overall. I was also so proud to talk about the different ways we try to connect students to school so they have leadership opportunities such as: Student Council, Green Team, Science Olympiad, Safety Patrol, Apple Seedlings, Garden Club, Kinder Helpers, Reading Buddies, Kindness Crew and more. It is fitting that I can share all this in a February newsletter because I can say he LOVED our school as do I. Wishing you a month ahead filled with love and gratitude for all the wonderful things in your lives.
Sincerely,
Lani Russi
Principal, TLES
- 2/9 - Spirit Day - Jersey Day
- 2/12 - 2/22 - Read-a-Thon Drive
- 2/14 - Spirit Day - Love to Learn - wear red, white, pink or lavender
- 2/15 - Spirit Day - Eras - wear clothing from your favorite era (20s, 50s, 80s...)
- 2/15 - Family Dance Night @ GMS
- 2/16 - 2/19 - President's Weekend - NO SCHOOL
- 2/23 - Kids Heart Challenge Kick-Off
- 2/28 - Restaurant Night - Rubio's
TLES School Schedule
Gates open at 8:35 AM. Please do not drop children off prior to 8:30 AM as there will not be supervision for them unless enrolled in our BASES program.
Daily Schedule for Grades 1-5: M, T, Th, F 8:50 AM-3:15 PM
Wednesdays: ALL STUDENTS TK-5 attend 8:50 AM-12:55 PM
TK and Kinder Early Birds attend M, T, Th, F from 8:50 AM-12:55 PM
Wednesdays 8:50 AM-12:55 PM
TK and Kinder Late Birds attend M, T, Th, F from 10:25-2:30 PM
Wednesdays 8:50 AM-12:55 PM
Please note: The warning bell rings at 8:45 AM. The second bell at 8:50 AM signals the start of school. Students who arrive after the second bell are considered tardy and must enter the office to get a pass.
Pick Up and Drop Off
Traffic Safety
At TLES, safety is our first priority. With that in mind, we would like to ask once again that families please remember the following:
* Reduce speed when driving near the school, particularly through the pick-up and drop-off loop.
* Pull all the way forward in the loop. We have had an increase in parents stopping their car near a specific gate, versus pulling forward when there is a gap. Once dropped off, students are then able to walk to whatever gate they enter.
* Use the crosswalks. We still have parents darting through traffic oftentimes with their children in tow, including the street from the neighborhood which feeds into the exit of our parking lot. This is extremely dangerous and does not model how we would want students to safely cross a street.
* Obey traffic laws including not double parking. Just because the parking lot is full does not allow you to block others in. If you get to the lot after all spaces are filled you will need to get in line to drive through the loop or park on the street and walk to pick up students.
* Ensure your car does not cross over into the crosswalk in the loop or the streets. Your bumper should meet the limit line, not cross it.
Families often ask us why our traffic seems so congested and the answer is that the school was built as a neighborhood school where most students would walk. However, since most of our families choose to drive students to school, we need to be patient and courteous and follow the safe and legal requirements to keep everyone safe.
The back two rows of the parking lot are blocked off to prevent students from being dropped off and picked up in the parking lot. Students may only be picked up in the loop. If families need or want to park and walk to meet their students at the gate, you may pull through in lane 2 and then turn left into the lot.
The loop near BASES is only intended for use by our special needs and BASES students who were given passes. If you do not have a pass, we ask that you please do not drop off or pick up in that area. If your student rides a bike or scooter to and from school please ensure they wear a safety helmet.
We thank you again for your partnership in ensuring the safety of our staff, students, and families!
PTA Buzz
The PTA Buzz is your go-to Newsletter with upcoming PTA-sponsored events and notices to keep our Eagle Families connected!
Updated COVID Guidelines
Classified Employee and Teacher of the Year!
We are so excited to announce our Classified Employee and Teacher of the Year for the 2023/2024 school year. Mrs. Erin Wolinski was recognized as our Classified Employee of the Year, and Mrs. Karen Griffin as our Teacher of the Year. Please help us in wishing them both congratulations on these well deserved awards!
Founder's Day Award
The Founder's Day award is presented to a current PTA member who has over the span of years contributed to the success of the PTA unit. This year, PTA was proud to present this award to Mrs. Kristen Mokhlessin.
Device Insurance
TVUSD is happy to offer students and their families device insurance. We know that things happen and so we offer insurance to give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered should something occur. The cost is $20 per device for the 23-24 school year. Anytime during the year, anyone can still purchase iPad insurance for $20.00 (cash or check) in our Library. Our Librarian needs to inspect the student's iPad at that time.
Bike Temecula Valley (BTV) was invited to present at our Friday Flag on Friday, November 17th to discuss the importance of bike safety strategies to keep TVUSD's students SAFE. BTV supports SAFE infrastructure and bike routes by educating, inspiring, and activating the Temecula Valley community to create a world-class network of SAFE recreational and active transportation for all ages and abilities. BTV has partnered with Caught with Your Helmet On and the Riverside County Sheriff's Office to reward children for wearing their helmets. Be sure to participate in our Walk & Roll to School days for a chance to be "caught"!
Helmets
We have seen an increase in students not wearing their helmet when riding their bikes and/or scooters to school. Please remember students MUST be wearing a secured helmet...it is the law! If students are not wearing a helmet, they will be given one reminder. If they continue to not wear a helmet, the bike and/or scooter will be secured in the front office where an adult needs to come pick it up. Please help us encourage Eagle safety by ensuring your students have and wear a helmet!
We're going green! Monthly breakfast and lunch menus can be found through the TVUSD website. You can also opt-in to have them emailed to you monthly once they are available or you can bookmark the menu page!
Care Solace
*Please note that if there is an emergency, please call 911.
Temecula LuiseƱo Elementary School
Location: 45754 Wolf Creek Drive North, Temecula, CA 92592
Phone: (951) 294-6340