Sharing Day
We begin each day with a Morning Meeting, which includes a sharing time. Each student was assigned a sharing day. On their sharing day, students may bring in something to tell the class about (special objects/toys, photographs, something they made). I only ask that it not be something expensive or extremely valuable because we do not want anything to get lost or stolen. Students also often choose to just talk about something rather than bring something in. Parents can also email me photos or videos that go along with what their child would like to share.
Snack
Since our lunch time is late in the day, we have a morning snack. Please send a healthy snack to school with your child that is separate from his/her lunch. Some children end-up eating their whole lunch at snack time (and then have nothing left to eat at lunch) if they do not have a designated snack for snack time. It is also important to send a water bottle to school each day. Our security system does not allow the students to have easy access to the water fountain during recess. Having a water bottle at their seat also cuts down on interruptions during classroom instruction.
Change of Clothes
Please pack a change of clothes in your child’s backpacks in case of an accident (bathroom, playground, lunchroom spill or otherwise).
Birthdays
We love acknowledging birthdays! To make things simple, we HIGHLY recommend using the the OCPS Birthday Bites program, which you can easily order on the OCPS website. Birthday Bites flyer
If do not wish to use the Birthday Bites program, the birthday treat must be store bought with all ingredients listed on the label. We cannot accept any food not in the original package. You will drop-off the treats in the front office and must complete the Outside Food form. Small, easy-to-eat treats are greatly appreciated and we cannot accept any balloons or other decorations. Please do not feel that you need to send in anything. We are happy to celebrate in other ways! 🙂
If your child’s birthday falls on a school day, then we will celebrate it that day. If it falls on a weekend, then we will celebrate before or after (your choice). I will assign a celebration date towards the end of the school year for all our summer babies!
If your child is passing out birthday party invitations at school, there must be one for every child in the class.
Attendance
School hours are 8:45 to 3:00 (Wednesdays- 8:45 to 2:00). Students can be dropped off no earlier than 8:15. Before this time, there is no supervision in the hallways. If you need to drop your child off before 8:15, morning extended day is available. The first bell rings at 8:35 and the tardy bell rings at 8:45. Any child entering after 8:45 is considered tardy and must report to the office for a tardy slip. If your child is absent, please send a written note upon their return. An absence is considered unexcused until the parent/guardian sends in a note, stating the reason for the absence. Extended absences (up to 5 days) require approval through Ms. Dorries.
Change in Dismissal
If there is any change in the way your child goes home, teachers must be notified in writing. This is for the safety of your child. If your child is to leave school early, please sign him/her out in the office first. The office will then notify your child’s teacher and request that your child be sent to meet you in the office to go home.
SchoolPay
It is now possible to pay for your student’s breakfast and lunch online by logging on to https://www.schoolpay.com/. You can find the monthly breakfast and lunch menu on the school’s website. SchoolPay is also used for class donations and field trip payments.