Disney Digest 2022-23
August 8, 2022
School Starts Monday, August 22...Are You Ready?
Dear Disney Families,
We are nearing our first day of school, Monday August 22. Our new operating hours are:
Doors Open: 6:45 AM
Breakfast: 6:45-7:15 AM
School Starts: 7:20 AM (Students are considered tardy after 7:20)
School Dismisses: 2:20 PM
Office Hours: 6:45-2:45
In this edition, you will find the following information:
- Carline Arrival Procedures
- Carline Dismissal Procedures
- Transportation Department Info and Bussing
- Breakfast/Lunch Prices and Procedure
- Kindergarten Orientation and Meet the Teacher information
- Classroom Assignments
- Volunteer information and Parent Access in the building
- Student Handbook Updates
- SPS University Information
- School Supply List
I look forward to meeting with you and your children in person very soon. In the meantime, enjoy the sun and fun of summer!
Your partner in education,
Dr. Lori Elliott
Disney Principal
Upcoming Events
Aug. 19 Kindergarten Orientation 9am-11am
Aug. 19 First-Fifth Parent Orientation 12:30pm-2:30pm
Aug. 22 First Day of School Doors Open at 6:45 am
Sept.13 SPS University/Fall Open Festival from 5-7pm
K-5 ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
Doors Open at 6:45 AM
Breakfast is served in the Diner from 6:45 AM to 7:15 AM
Grab & Go Breakfast Options will available from 7:15-7:30 for late arrivals.
There will be ONE drop-off line for carline in the morning. Car tags will be given at Kindergarten Orientation/Meet the Teacher.
- All cars will enter Redrex St. located on the North side of Disney property. Drivers who enter on Fremont St. will be directed to the end of the line from Redrex. Please follow this entrance for the safety of all students and staff.
- Cars will turn right on Warmwater St. and follow to Kingsley Rd.
- Cars will veer onto Kingsley Rd, which runs along the East side, backside of the Gym, and wrap around to Bates St., southside of Disney.
- Drivers will enter closest to the gym and follow the right lane closest to the building to Door 18, by the Disney Diner, which located closest to Fremont in that parking lot.
- Students will exit the passenger side of the vehicle for their safety. Drivers must remain in the car. Staff will be available to assist students with getting out of the vehicle.
- Please WAIT until the car in front of you moves forward and follow the flow of the traffic.
- Exit the parking lot using the first entrance (closest to Fremont). There is no left turn on Fremont when exiting Disney. You may use Wells to get on Republic Rd. (right on Bates, left on Wells) and then turn right on Fremont.
Do:
- Keep your car tag hanging from the rearview mirror until your child is safe in the car.
- Allow students to exit passenger side and walk to Diner Doors anywhere in "The Drop-Off Zone. Cones will be placed to designate "Drop-Off Zone".
- Encourage your child to practice with opening and closing the vehicle door independently.
- Practice having all your child's belongings together before you reach the Drop-Off Zone
- Send your child off with positive words of encouragement!
- Interact in a kind and respectful manner with staff and other drivers.
Avoid
- Removing your car tag or forgetting your car tag.
- Dropping your child off outside of the "Drop Off Zone". This will create unsafe territory for your child and drivers.
- Waiting to drop your child off in one given spot due to inclement weather.
- Cutting through the parking lot to exit quickly.
- Holding up traffic with gathering items at the last minute.
- Using your cell phone while carline is in motion.
Drivers will be directed to go back to their car and participate in carline if they park and walk their child to the Diner Door.
Drivers will not be allowed to use the bus lane for drop-off at any given time between 6:45-7:20 am.
Drivers will be directed to participate in carline appropriately by entering on Redrex St. only. Drivers will not enter from Fremont. Drivers will be redirected to proper procedure
We ask that you are a courteous example for your child and treat other drivers, our staff and our neighbors while entering and exiting our property respectfully. License plates will be reported to officials if drivers put the safety of our students in staff in harms way or disrespectful to staff.
Transportation Department & Bussing
Communication regarding routing should begin today and run throughout the week. It is imperative that you communicate directly with the Transportation Department regarding changes or needs in Transportation.
Bus Delay Tracking
Please expect delays during the first few days of school. If you are concerned about a bus delay, please utilize the Bus Delays link on Transportation's website. You can find it HERE. The Transportation Department contact is 417-523-0500.
Students will receive tags on the first day of school to help them check their bus number/color to ensure they are getting on the proper bus. Encourage your child to know their bus number for arrival and departure. It is helpful to write it on a luggage tag to attach to their backpack as well, if you would like to be proactive.
K-1 AND SIBLINGS DISMISSAL (PICK-UP PM)
Car tags will be distributed at Meet the Teacher and/or Kindergarten Orientation. Your child's assigned dismissal number AND name will be written on the car tag. Hang your car tag on your rearview mirror until your child is in the car.
Car line will begin at 2:20 PM.
- K-1 carline will enter on Redrex St. ONLY. Turn Right on Warmwater and then veer onto Kingsley. As Kingsley turns, drivers picking up K-1 students will follow the flow of traffic into the EAST parking lot (Gym parking lot). Drivers will stay to the right side of the parking lot.
- As students are called, they will line up and wait for staff direction to approach the Loading Zone. The Loading Zone is designated by orange cones.
- Students will be allowed to enter cars in the Loading Zone only. They must enter the passenger side of the car.
- Drivers are to remain in the vehicle. If a child needs assistance with buckling in a booster seat or seat belt, please move into a parking spot and exit the car in the parking spot. Do NOT get out of the vehicle in the carline.
- Drivers will continue to move forward with the flow of traffic even after the child is in the car. Do not merge out of line.
- Drivers exit either LEFT on Bates/Kingsley and go back to Fremont through Redrex OR exit straight onto Weller to enter Republic Rd.
Do
- Encourage your child to practice entering and exiting the car safely by themselves as much as possible. An adult will be there to assist and empowering student independence is one of Disney's goals.
- Use the parking spots if you need help assisting your child to buckle up properly.
- Use ONLY the exits identified. We have a large carline population and we are working to maintain a smooth and safe traffic flow.
- Stay hands-free from cellular devices while carline is in motion.
- Ask your child, "what was the best part of your day today?"
Avoid
- Slowing the flow of traffic by using carline as a parent/teacher conference.
- Using your cell phone when students are loading
- Using other exits. We are all in a hurry sometimes, but our goals are still the same: Every child and every staff member is safe at Disney.
Drivers will be directed to go back to their car and participate in carline if they park and try to pick up their child from carline.
Drivers will not be allowed to use the bus lane for pick-up between 2:10 and 2:45.
Drivers will be directed to participate in carline appropriately by entering on Redrex St. only. Drivers will not enter from Fremont. Drivers will be redirected to proper procedure.
We ask that you are a courteous example for your child and treat other drivers, our staff and our neighbors while entering and exiting our property respectfully. License plates will be reported to officials if drivers put the safety of our students in staff in harms way or disrespectful to staff.
2ND-5TH GRADE DISMISSAL PROCEDURE (PICK-UP LINE)
Car tags will be distributed at Meet the Teacher. Your child's teacher will provide you with a car tag providing an assigned dismissal number and last name. Hang the tag from your rearview mirror until your child is safely secure in the car.
Car line dismissal will begin flow at 2:20 PM.
- 2nd-5th carline will enter the South parking lot from Fremont and/or Weller. (see map below).
- Enter the South parking lot using the 2nd entrance (closest to the gym). Cars will alternate turning into the parking lot. (West then East)
- Pull forward to the Loading Zone at Door 18. The Loading Zone is between the 2 orange cones.
- When in the Loading Zone, your child may load into the vehicle. Continue to proceed forward in the carline. Do not pass other cars.
- To exit the parking lot, use the entrance closest to Fremont. To access Fremont, turn RIGHT on Bates. To access Republic Rd, turn LEFT on Bates and turn RIGHT on Weller.
Do
- Keep your tag visible and pull forward until your child is in the car.
- Encourage your child to open and close the car door independently. An adult will be available to help.
- Please wait patiently for your child to load in the "Loading Zone".
Avoid
- Merging around traffic to exit.
- Using your cell phone while carline is in motion.
- Trying to make a left on Fremont. Utilize Weller to Republic then right on Fremont.
Drivers will be directed to go back to their car and participate in carline if they park and try to pick up their child at the Diner Door.
Drivers will not be allowed to use the bus lane for drop-off at any given time between 2:10-2:45 PM.
Drivers will be directed to participate in carline appropriately by entering on Fremont Avenue or Weller Street only. Drivers will be redirected to proper procedure if attempts are made to use other methods of entry.
We ask that you are a courteous example for your child and treat other drivers, our staff and our neighbors while entering and exiting our property respectfully. License plates will be reported to officials if drivers put the safety of our students in staff in harms way or disrespectful to staff.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Free & Reduced Meal Information – Direct Certification Notification letters AND/OR Free/Reduced meal applications will be mailed to every household at the beginning of the school year. Notification letters will be mailed to all households that apply for the free/reduced program. You may also fill out an application on line at https://horizon.sps.k12.mo.us , available approximately two weeks prior to the start of school. This is a much faster option for enrolled students. A new application must be filled out EVERY school year if you have not received a direct certification letter. If you need further assistance with the application process please contact our Free and Reduced Clerk, Diane Chambers at 417-523-1130.
MEAL PAYMENT OPTIONS
Kindergarten Orientation
9-9:30 AM- Meet with Dr. Elliott in the Diner
9:30-9:45 AM- Supply Drop-off & Meet the Teacher
9:45-10:30 AM Parent Orientation and Student Experience
10:30-11:00 Follow-Up and Visiting Resources
Meet with Dr. Elliott
Dr. Elliott will review schoolwide information such as arrival/dismissal procedures, communication protocols, student behavior expectations, introduction of specialty staff, and more.
Supply Drop-off
Families will travel to their assigned homeroom and meet their Kindergarten teacher. The teachers will have instructions on how to disperse supplies. Families will have an opportunity to explore the classroom.
Parent Orientation & Student Experience
Dr. Elliott and other staff will come collect the students for a building tour and practice Kindergarten activities, such as going through the lunch line, visiting the new Library, other specialty classes and more. Dr. Elliott and staff will return students to the classroom at 10:30 AM.
Follow Up and Visit Resources
Families may finish Orientation by visiting or viewing the classroom for a bit longer, touring the school, checking in with the Nurses' Office or Counselor, and even register with Hall Pass from the Office.
1ST -5TH MEET THE TEACHER
Feel free to bring your child's supplies and drop them off in their classroom while you are here. Your child's teacher will have information for you to complete and find valuable for the upcoming school year.
While you are in the building, take the opportunity to visit the Nurse's office, the Main Office to sign up for Hall Pass, the new Library remodel, and/or the Counselor. Our Specialty teachers will also be in the building to meet and greet the family.
Classroom Assignments
On the left-hand menu, you will see Home Access Center. You will need your username and password to access HAC. If you do not remember your password or you have not signed up for Home Access Center, please contact the Main Office and ask Shayla, our secretary, to help you gain access. Our phone number is 417-523-3600.
Homeroom Assignments will be finalized on August 10. Please remember that parent request for specific teachers are not granted.
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION & VISITOR INFORMATION
We will have several opportunities to volunteer at Disney this upcoming school year. We are continuing to look for ways for parents to volunteer. In order to volunteer, you must ensure you have completed the Volunteer Background Check. HERE is the district page for how to start the volunteer process. We have listed some volunteer opportunities that will be possible through the year. Please contact Shayla Sleeth, Volunteer Coordinator at slsleeth@spsmail.org. You may also contact your child's teacher for classroom volunteer opportunities. Our PTA will also help share the word on PTA volunteer opportunities.
PTA Volunteers
Get involved with our PTA to help be a part of some of our larger events: Color Run, Winter Parties, Valentine Parties, Teacher Appreciation Week and so much more.
Homeroom Parents
Homeroom parents will work directly with the classroom teacher on other parties. This partnership will be developed on an individual classroom need. Each classroom teacher will communicate his/her needs. You can be a volunteer for our Specialty Teachers too! Want to help Coach Adams plan Field Day or Mrs. Tillery with her music programs? We will communicate when and how to get involved with these possibilities.
Glad You Are Here and Wish You Well Volunteers
These volunteers assist in arrival/dismissal procedures. They greet or send the students off in carline with positive greetings or wishes for a safe Dolphin BEST day or evening. More information will be shared closer to the first day of school. Mrs. Shayla slsleeth@spsmail.org will be your point of contact for more information.
Den Moms and Dads
More behind-the-scenes kind of parent? No problem! Get in touch with Mrs. Shayla about days/times to help make copies, update bulletin boards around the school or put together displays for teachers. More information to come AFTER school starts.
Library Volunteers
Looking for a way to help in the Library? Mrs. Payne would love some additional hands and reading friends in the Library. Contact Mrs. Payne at klpayne@spsmail.org
VISITOR INFORMATION
Visitors will be restricted to those who have proper identification and purpose for entering the building. Here are some examples:
- volunteering
- lunch with your child (DOES NOT START UNTIL SEPTEMBER-MORE INFO COMING)
- during school hours activity
- reading buddy
You will need to report to the Main Office and register with Mrs. Shayla to gain access to Hall Pass. Hall Pass grants you a printed Visitor badge for the time you are with us. VISITOR BADGES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES. Feel free to get registered with Hall Pass at any of our upcoming events (Meet the Teacher, SPS University, etc.).