Back-To-School Gator Gab
2021-2022 School Year Parent Newsletter
UNION CHAPEL ELEMENTARY
Welcome, Gators!
Please take time to review this back-to-school edition of our Gator Gab parent newsletter for important information regarding a wide variety of items and topics.
Class placement information will be emailed to families who have completed the residency process on August 9.
It is important to note that we are starting the school year under a mask mandate, in keeping with information provided by the PHSD.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Union Chapel office at (816)359-4310.
Tax-Free Weekend
Click here for the list of school supplies needed for your child.
2021-22 School Year Back to School Night
To keep all of our incoming gators and their families safe we have divided the evening into four sessions: 5:30 - 5:50, 5:50 - 6:10, 6:10 - 6:30, and 6:30 - 6:50.
When you receive your child's class placement (on 8/9), you will also receive the SignUpGenius link to sign up for a Back-to-School time. Please note several important details:
- Review available slots and click on the button to sign up. We ask that all families plan a visit of 15 minutes or less for this event.
- At this time, all visitors to our building (regardless of vaccination status) are required to wear masks the entire time while at Union Chapel.
- For social distancing purposes, each child may bring up to two family members. Please plan now for childcare, etc. Thank you!
This is an informal meet-and-greet event that provides students with an opportunity to meet their teachers, see their classrooms, learn the layout of the school, and drop off school supplies!
A few helpful pieces of information:
- Our food service manager, Mrs. Franksen, will be available in the cafeteria of you would like to pre-pay for lunch extras. (There is no cost to families for regular school breakfast and lunch again this year.)
- PTA will be outside the front doors with information about volunteer opportunities, membership, student directory, and spirit wear sales.
- Adventure Club information will be available in the literature rack in the UC entryway.
- Pre-ordered school supplies will be on students' desks.
Welcome, School Family!
No picture? No problem! We'll be happy to take a Polaroid picture of you and your child to add to the board on Back-to-School Night. Just say, "Cheese!"
First Day of School
Here is what you can expect from a regular school day:
Start
Breakfast starts at 8:50 am
Car riders can be dropped off at 8:50 am
Classes begin at 9:10 am
*Students arriving after 9:10 am will need to check in at the office and will be counted as a partial absence.
Dismissal
Dismissal for walkers, car riders and Adventure Club begins at 3:53 pm. Bus rider dismissal occurs as soon as the other groups have cleared the hallways, approximately 4:00 pm.
Parent Orientation
First Day of School-Monday, August 23; 9:10 am - 4:00 pm
Parent Orientation-Thursday, September 2; 5:30 -7:00 pm (classrooms)
No School; Labor Day-Monday, September 6
Early Release-Wednesday, September 8; Students released at 2:00 pm
Keeping our Gators Safe
Ensuring the safety of our students is our most important goal. All outside doors including the main entrance are locked during school hours.
At this time visitors will be limited to people who are here to work, such as substitutes and repair workers.
ALL visitors will need to be "buzzed" into the office by pressing the intercom button near the main entrance. One of our administrative assistants will then verify your identification and reason for visiting Union Chapel. Please be prepared to provide proof of identification upon request. Safety procedures are in place to ensure the well-being of every child, staff member and guest at Union Chapel. Thank you for honoring our safety procedures and helping us create a safe environment for our U.C. Gators!
Should you need to pick up your child for early dismissal, please come to the office, and Mrs. Sadler, Mrs. Burch, or Mrs. Rezac will call the classroom. Of course, where possible, please schedule appointments before or after school to prevent interrupting your child’s learning
Regular Car Rider Preparation
An information sheet regarding car rider procedures will be available on your child's desk during Back-to-School Night on Thursday, August 19th.
Please have this name placard visible in your window as you pick up your child. If you are unable to print this prior to the first day of school, there will be printed copies available in the drop-off line.
Arrival and Dismissal
In order to ensure appropriate supervision each morning, students will be greeted at your vehicle at 8:50 AM. You can help by using both lanes upon entry into the north side of the parking lot, and by following directions to divide into three lanes as cars come around toward the entrance of the building. Move as far forward as possible in your lane. Please ensure your child has belongings and is ready to exit your vehicle quickly each morning so we can keep the lines flowing smoothly. Classes begin at 9:10 AM. Students arriving after 9:10 will be counted as a partial absence.
Dismissal for walkers, car riders & Adventure Club takes place first (around 3:53). Once these students have cleared the hallway, we begin bus rider dismissal. During dismissal, it is extremely important for parents of car riders to remain in vehicles. Car riders will be called in the order parents are lined up in the three car rider lines and front row of parking spaces. Do not leave your car unattended. We are happy to help your child get to your vehicle safely. Following these processes will support a safe, efficient dismissal each day.
Bus Rider Preparation
Transportation information, including stop location, time, and bus number, will be available in your parent portal through Infinite Campus on Tuesday, August 17. If you have questions or concerns regarding bus issues, please contact First Student at (816)359-4560 or 20275.busrequest@firstgroup.com
Students will be expected to wear masks while on the bus and will be physically distanced when possible.
First Student will respond to emails or messages within a 24-hour period.
Student Attendance
Regular attendance and punctuality are important for children to gain the most from their educational experiences. When your child is late, absent or leaves school early, it will be noted on his or her attendance record.
If your child is going to be absent, please call our office (816-359-4310) before school so we are assured of your child’s safety. If you forget to call, you will receive a call to verify the absence.
If a child’s attendance becomes a matter of concern, the classroom teacher, as well as our social worker, Mrs. Ellie Logan; or counselor, Mrs. Beth Dusin, may contact the parent or guardian to offer support.
Please try to schedule appointments before or after school. We want our Gators here as much as possible to maximize their learning opportunities!
Meal Prices
Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, Park Hill School District will provide free breakfast and lunch to our in-person students each day.
For Park Hill Online Academy students and area children:
Students in our area who do not attend our schools in person will be able to order our five-day frozen bulk meal kits.
*Students may bring money for extras and snacks if they desire.
Meal Information
COMING SOON: Parents will be able to download an app to pull up the menu for the day. You will also have the ability to print a copy if you would like.
Meal Payment
Students who bring lunch money to school should turn in the payment envelope to the cafeteria before school.
The Park Hill School District Food Service Department also offers automated prepayments to a child’s meal account via telephone or online. Money can be applied to a child’s food service account so children will not need to carry cash to school each day. SchoolCafe.com is our online portal for making payments to accounts, viewing purchase history, setting account restrictions, etc. Parents who wish to use online applications will need to set up a SchoolCafe account.
Student ID Badges
Your student will be issued a student ID badge to be worn each school day. The ID badge supports our safe and caring environment by providing proper identification and improved processes for transportation, lunch, and more.
*Students arriving late/leaving early will check in/check out at the front office using their badges.It is imperative badges be brought to school each day.
Mail from School
UC Report Cards
Assessment of student progress will continue to be based on learning standards as outlined in the PHSD curriculum, which is available for parent review on the district’s website.
Of course, telephone calls, notes, emails will continue to be important ways to share more immediate feedback. If you have any questions about your child’s progress at any time, we encourage you to contact the classroom teacher.
Forgotten Items
Student Dress
Families should use good judgment in choosing clothes that are appropriate for school. Clothing which may cause a distraction from the learning process is not permitted. Clothing such as “short” shorts, see-through shirts or blouses, halter tops, spaghetti strap tops, t-shirts with inappropriate printing, clothing advertising drugs or alcohol, or clothing that does not cover the midriff are not allowed. Roller skate shoes are not to be worn to school. Tennis shoes should be worn on P.E. days. Refer to the student handbook or PHSD Board Policy JFCA for more detailed information.
** Flip-flops & other backless sandals are strongly discouraged, as they can pose a danger on stairs and on the playground.**
Union Chapel Vision and Mission Statement
Our Vision
Building Successful Futures * Each Student * Every Day
Our Mission
Union Chapel is a safe, caring environment that upholds high standards and inspires students to achieve their personal best so they will become successful lifelong learners and citizens of character.
At Union Chapel Elementary School, we value:
- A positive and structured environment;
- Open line of clear and regular communication;
- Collaboration;
- Students feeling valued, respected and safe;
- Variety in learning approaches to meet individual learning needs, styles, and interests; and
- High standards and a clear purpose for learning.