Black Cat Bulletin
Keeping it R.E.A.L! Respect + Effort + Attitude= Leadership
August 2018--Welcome Back to School Edition
From Our Principal...
What a great first week! Your children are precious! It was so good to see them, hear all about their adventures over the summer, and watch them make new friends and learn the new procedures of their new classrooms. I can tell it's going to be a great year! Mrs. Denise Strawn, our new principal intern, has walked the halls with me and shares the amazement from this perspective!
Your children are our reason for being here. You are our customers. We really want a strong relationship with you and our new theme for the year reflects that. We have adopted the theme "Building Bridges" for our school and with our PTA this year. It is so symbolic that the families/community on one side, and the school on the other TOGETHER build such strong bridges when we work together. PLEASE PLEASE consider joining PTA even if you can never attend a meeting or volunteer or donate. More to come from Nora Walsh, our PTA president.
One of the things that makes our school strong is your voice. There are many procedures/policies that have shifted, changed, been established because you help us see from a different perspective, notice a bit closer, or reconsider existing policies. While many policies exist for the safety of the children and can't be eliminated, the delivery, procedures, or communication can be tweaked to make it more understandable, easier to manage, or simpler.
Please, please reach out if you see a way we can be of assistance or service. We are truly BETTER TOGETHER!
We look forward to a great year with you and your children. Together, we'll build bridges that connect our children with their dreams and successful futures.
Sincerely,
Katie White
Principal
2018-19 Staff Assignments
2018-19 Staff List
Mrs. Katie White, Principal
Mrs. Denise Strawn, Principal Intern
Ms. Johanna Druen, Counselor
Mrs. Sheryl Moore, Secretary to Principal
Mrs. Nicole Smith, Secretary
Mrs. Christine Hamilton, Nurse
Kindergarten
Mrs. Wendy Brunson (Asst: Mrs. Angie Cree)
Mrs. Jessica Mayer (Asst: Mrs. Julia Rust)
Mrs. Angela Hayes (Asst: Mrs. Brandi Dore)
Mrs. Tara Kolb (Asst: Mrs. Julie Bradley)
First Grade
Mrs. Brooke Corressell (Asst: Mrs. Lisa Duncan)
Mrs. Cindy Evans (Asst: Mrs. Shelly Kremer)
Miss Megan Murphy (Asst: Mrs. Tammy Jewell)
Ms. Amanda Woods (Asst: Mrs. Valerie Polage) 1
Ms. Patricia Frayer
Second Grade
Mrs. Cassie Curl
Mrs. Carie Kingery
Miss Amy Nau
Mrs. Trish Kavanaugh
Mrs. Lindsey Rolley
Third Grade
Mrs. Courtney Rueger
Mrs. Robin Bass
Mrs. Stephanie Scheu
Ms. Jennifer McSheehy
Mrs. Renee Schefer
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Kitten McClain
Miss Alexis Nelson
Mrs. Lindsey Stine (sub: Mrs. Emma Koester)
Mrs. Shelly Deweese (Mrs. Jean Butler)
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Simone Nance
Mrs. Amanda Kellen
Miss. Lauren Erk
Mr. Marty Dwyer
Specials/Rotation Teachers
Mrs. Peggy Davis
Mrs. Susan Kemper
Mrs. Nadine Risley
Mrs. Anne Woodruff
Special Education
Ms. Elizabeth Ray, SLP
Mrs. Shelley Patton
Mrs. Renae Jackson
Courtney Giesman
Dava Tenbarge
Holly Tyring
Special Education
Ms. Elizabeth Ray, SLP
Mrs. Shelley Patton
Mrs. Renae Jackson
Courtney Giesman
Dava Tenbarge
Holly Tyring
Fine Arts-Instrumental
Ms. Leslie Dubiel, SPARK
Mr. Cameron Vile, PH Band
Mr. Adam Clark, PH Orchestra
Custodians
Mrs. Cindy Catt, Head Custodian
Mr. Marshall Thomas
Mr. Billy Bell
Reitz District Support
Mr. Todd Slagle Reitz Attendance Director of School Support
Mrs. Erin Diehl Achievement Coach
Mrs. Katie Ritter Data Coach
Mrs. Laurie Mullins Special Education Coordinator
Policy Clarifications
A few questions about school policies have been asked recently that might help our families:
Q: Can I eat lunch with my child at school?
A. You are welcome, invited, and encouraged to eat lunch with your children throughout the year! They love it, we love it!
The procedures for coming for lunch:
1. You must sign in through the office. (We will make sure you are on the child's emergency screen, check ID, etc... and then help you get a badge.)
2. When you report to the cafe, you choose a booth (that is not an allergy-free booth) and sit. When your child reports to the cafe, they will join you!
a. Your child may not invite friends or other relatives to join unless that parent has prearranged and sent a note--we will note that for the people in charge in the cafe.
b. Please be considerate of the rules of the cafe on food/drink: we encourage healthy options, avoid carbonated beverages, etc... (More info below).
c. For security purposes, parents are not permitted to join the class on the playground. However: Your child may remain with you in the booth when the class goes out to recess as long as there is not a waiting group needing the booth. If your child prefers not to go out, but wishes to remain with you and you are displaced by a new group, please come to the office and we'll find a place for you to sit with your child until it is time for them to return to class.
3. Any questions about lunch we didn't answer? Please ask!
Q: Can my child be a walker to my car if I park in the neighborhood?
A: Walkers, beginning Monday, will be those students who are walking to a house. If a child is walking to a car, that makes them a car rider, not a walker. Therefore, the child needs to be dismissed through the car line. We apologize for any inconvenience to our WT families, and understand it's frustrating to be in the line, but it is for the safety of all that these procedures be followed.
Q: Do I have to use the hanger tag for car dismissal?
A: Yes, please hang the tag so that we can be as quick and efficient as we can for all families. If you need a tag, ask! We'll have them for you! If you'd prefer to make your own, please do!!
Any additional concerns? Questions? Please let us know!
Other Policy Reminders for 2018-19
Here are a few reminders about policies--lunch policy is mentioned again in more detail below.
Signing in at the Office
Our front doors are locked during school hours. When you arrive at the front entrance, please press the intercom button. The office will answer, you will be buzzed in after verifying your identity.
Once you have entered the building please report to the office where you will be asked to sign in our Raptor sign-in system (same as past years). Please be prepared to present your driver's license to be scanned into our system. Please make sure to wear your Raptor printed badge where it is visible so staff will know that you have signed in at the office. It is important that you return to the office to sign out as you leave. You can scan the badge to make it easier to sign out.
Dress Policies
SHOES
Students may not wear flip flops to school. There are many safety concerns in the building and on recess each day that require a stable shoe. They also break easily, and we do not have shoes to provide to students.
Modest Dress
Spaghetti straps, belly shirts, sagging pants, and short shorts or short skirts will not be permitted. Spaghetti strap shirts are allowed under an over-shirt or sweater.
Classroom visits and instruction
While we enjoy visitors here to support learning at West Terrace, we do restrict non-scheduled visits (giving a child a forgotten lunchbox, saying "hi" when you're here on other business, etc.) These interruptions that occur during instruction cause a disruption to learning. Instruction is our number one priority. We will be happy to deliver your items to the teacher. You'll be asked to leave the item in the office for a later delivery.
Lunch Visits
We welcome you to join your child for lunch this year. Please remember that a lunch visit is a special time for you and your child to interact. You will sit in a booth with your child. For security purposes, you may not have other children join your family in the booth. *Please send a note to the office if someone other than you will be eating lunch with your child.
If you come for lunch with your child, please remain in the cafe. Visitors are not permitted in the classrooms before or after lunches as part of the lunch visit without notifying the office. This is for the security of all children in the building.
Recess
Visitors will not be allowed at recess due to safety concerns. If you join your child for lunch, please say good-bye at the cafe doors. Children nor parents are permitted to go to lockers during the lunch period.
Transportation Calls or Notes for Changes
ALL transportation changes should be made in writing to your child's teacher and sent to school. Calls to the office are not encouraged but will be accepted before 2:00 p.m. We are unable to let students go home a different way unless we have been contacted by parents. This includes sporting events, early dismissals, play dates, etc.
If someone will be picking up your child who is not listed in your child's emergency information, please send a signed note to school or add the individual to the form. Students will not be sent home with individuals who are not on the emergency form without a written note from parents.
Dismissal
We make every effort to make sure children do not miss a bus by providing supervision in the halls until they are cleared. If your child misses a bus, your child will be brought to the office and a parent will be contacted for pick up. In the event that a parent cannot be contacted, they will be sent to day care.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedure
Car pick up and drop off is located in the back of the school. Drop off will be from 7:45 to 8:10. As you proceed through the thoroughfare, please drive all the way to the "Drop Off Starts Here" sign and pull to the curb. The left lane is the exit lane. Please do not pass cards to drop off your child unless directed to do so by staff. Teachers on duty will help get your child out of the car if needed.
At pick up, we will load multiple cars at a time, and we use two lanes at a time. Place your car in park, and take your foot off the brake. Children will be released once all cars are stopped and secure. Please wait until the line is dismissed before putting your car in drive and moving.
Kindergarten ONLY car pick up is different! Keep driving down West Terrace Drive past the school and carefully turn around at the end of the drive in the gravel. Drive to the edge of the kindergarten rooms but DO NOT block the parking lot entrance, as buses drive in and out there, and walkers are dismissed across the cross walk. The children will be brought out front and delivered to your car.
There is no parking along the front curb after 2:30.
Medication
Medication can not be given to students without a current medication permission slip on file for this school year.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Attend today; achieve tomorrow. #Schooleveryday
All absences are considered "unexcused" unless verified by a doctor or the school. After 10 absences, we are required by law to hold a conference to discuss the child's attendance.
Remember:
- As a general rule, if a child is fever free and not vomiting
- Early bedtimes and a healthy diet will help your child's overall well-being. If a child feels better, he will get up easier and be happier to go to school.
- 24-Hour rule: If a child has been fever-free or has not vomited for 24 hours, he may return to school.
- Out of town trips are coded solely as an unexcused absence and an automated call will be made even if the office has been notified.
- Be sure to turn in all doctor excuses. We can not accept doctor's excuses that state "parent called in. Child not seen."
- Please note vacation days count as unexcused absences and can quickly get your child to the 10 day limit.
Healthy School Guidelines
Healthy Lunches and Drinks, Per State Code and Local School Board Policy
In keeping with the Healthy School Guidelines, we would like to remind everyone to pack healthy lunches; and when joining your student, bring a healthy lunch. Soft drinks are not part of a healthy lunch or snacks, and we would like you to provide a healthy alternative.
Suggestions include: The following qualify as better choice beverages: (a) Fruit or vegetable based drinks that: contain at least fifty percent (50%) real fruit or vegetable juice; and do not contain additional caloric sweeteners. (b)Water and seltzer water that do not contain additional caloric sweeteners. (c)Low fat and fat free milk, including chocolate milk, soy milk, rice milk, and other similar dairy and nondairy calcium fortified milks. (d)Isotonic beverages.
Further State and School Board policies include: Soft drinks including diet, energy drinks and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea, will not be brought from home since they are not allowed to be sold during the regular and extended school day per Indiana Code 20-26-9-19. Communicating to students and families that only accepted drinks will be allowed during the school day as directed by Indiana code is vital. Teachers can have a huge influence on students’ behavior by modeling healthy attitudes and habits toward food and physical activity.
Fast Food: Schools will strive to eliminate fast food from being brought into the school by students, the school, parents, or mentors, etc. during the school day.
We care about your children's health today, tomorrow, and as they become adults. We know the habits they develop now, and the model we set for them, makes a difference for a healthy future. Please join us as we further our commitment to health and wellness!
Birthday Treats
In order to support our healthy school, we continue to follow the policy of not permitting food treats of any kind for birthday celebrations.
News You Can Use
EVSC Volunteer Application
Recycling News
Please remember that you can recycle aluminum cans here at West Terrace!! The aluminum recycle cage is parked in the east parking lot right next to the recycle dumpster. We ask that you put only cans in the cage. Every penny we earn from the cans comes right back to our school!
JOIN THE WEST TERRACE PTA!
President: Nora Walsh
Vice-President of Community & Service: Stephanie Yellig
Vice-President of Membership & Fundraising: Amanda Hooper
Secretary: Janell Pycior
Treasurer: April Weyer
THIS YEAR'S STAFF
Mrs. Katie White, Principal
Mrs. Denise Strawn, Principal Intern
Ms. Johanna Druen, Counselor
Mrs. Sheryl Moore, Secretary to Principal
Mrs. Nicole Smith, Secretary
Mrs. Christine Hamilton, Nurse
Kindergarten
Mrs. Wendy Brunson (Asst: Mrs. Angie Cree)
Mrs. Jessica Mayer (Asst: Mrs. Julia Rust)
Mrs. Angela Hayes (Asst: Mrs. Brandi Dore)
Mrs. Tara Kolb (Asst: Mrs. Julie Bradley)
First Grade
Mrs. Brooke Corressell (Asst: Mrs. Lisa Duncan)
Mrs. Cindy Evans (Asst: Mrs. Shelly Kremer)
Miss Megan Murphy (Asst: Mrs. Tammy Jewell)
Ms. Amanda Woods (Asst: Mrs. Valerie Polage) 1
Ms. Patricia Frayer
Second Grade
Mrs. Cassie Curl
Mrs. Carie Kingery
Miss Amy Nau
Mrs. Trish Kavanaugh
Mrs. Lindsey Rolley
Third Grade
Mrs. Courtney Rueger
Mrs. Robin Bass
Mrs. Stephanie Scheu
Ms. Jennifer McSheehy
Mrs. Renee Schefer
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Kitten McClain
Miss Alexis Nelson
Mrs. Lindsey Stine (sub: Mrs. Emma Koester)
Mrs. Shelly Deweese (Mrs. Jean Butler)
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Simone Nance
Mrs. Amanda Kellen
Miss. Lauren Erk
Mr. Marty Dwyer
Specials/Rotation Teachers
Mrs. Peggy Davis
Mrs. Susan Kemper
Mrs. Nadine Risley
Mrs. Anne Woodruff
Special Education
Ms. Elizabeth Ray, SLP
Mrs. Shelley Patton
Mrs. Renae Jackson
Courtney Giesman
Dava Tenbarge
Holly Tyring
Support Staff
Mrs. Kristi Schuster, School Psychologist
Mrs. Gail Lashley, Cafe Manager
Mrs. Kim Sitzman, Media Specialist
(still vacant) Flex Assistant
Mrs. Niki Lynn, Extended Day Coordinator
Fine Arts-Instrumental
Ms. Leslie Dubiel, SPARK
Mr. Cameron Vile, PH Band
Mr. Adam Clark, PH Orchestra
Custodians
Mrs. Cindy Catt, Head Custodian
Mr. Marshall Thomas
Mr. Billy Bell
Reitz District Support
Mr. Todd Slagle Reitz Attendance Director of School Support
Mrs. Erin Diehl Achievement Coach
Mrs. Katie Ritter Data Coach
Mrs. Laurie Mullins Special Education Coordinator