Hello Wildcat Families,

Our top priority right now is to get every family registered for the 23-24 school year. New and returning families need to complete registration (details linked below). Families will have access to teacher information in Infinite Campus when they have completed registration.

Mark your calendar for Kindergarten Kickoff (August 15th), Neighborhood Leisure Ride (August 17th) and the Ice Cream Social (August 21st). Our first day of school is Wednesday, August 23rd.

For ongoing news, including profiles of our new teachers, follow us on Facebook.

Take time to review the family handbook including information about school attendance and cell phone policies.

Enjoy the remaining days of summer.

Principal Cox

Registration is now open for Iowa City Schools. Please follow the directions for registering here.

If you need assistance, please call the Wood office at 319-688-1180 or stop by Monday-Friday 8-3.

Families who have registered will be able to view their student's teacher in Infinite Campus by the end of this week (Friday, August 18th).

Sign Up here: https://forms.gle/Z6U7URr7oWE5ijKW8

Join other southside neighbors and Principal Cox for a bike ride on August 17th 6-7:30 p.m.

The ride is a great way to explore the south side of town and includes a stop at Acapulco for free handmade popsicles while supplies last.

The ride begins at the bike racks of Grant Wood Elementary School. This ride is open to all ages and skill levels.

Please take time to become familiar with the Elementary Handbook for families and students. It is available in several languages on our district website.

Two items I want to highlight this week are Attendance and Phone/Personal Device use:

Consistent attendance is required by law and gives kids the best chance of learning the grade level standards. Getting into the habit of daily attendance is more important than ever.

It helps to :

• reduce stress
• make it easier to connect with friends and teachers
• supports learning
• Please call us if you need help with attendance. Wood's Student and Family Advocate, Kayla Strand, is available to assist families in this area.

Review pages 1 and 2 of the handbook with details about attendance.

Action item for families - establish a bedtime schedule and wake up routine that provides plenty of sleep and will make it possible for Wildcats to be in their classrooms by 7:55 a.m.

Breakfast is available at school from 7:30 until 7:50 a.m.

Students will secure mobile phones/personal devices when they arrive at school. Please read through this policy linked below. If students need to use their phone to contact family members this will be done with staff permission and supervision. Parents and caregivers can contact students through the school office.

Suggested supply lists are available on the district website.

OMBUDS:

Students, Families, and Employees - The Ombuds Office is here to help! Visit www.IowaCitySchools.org/Ombuds to learn more! You can also check out the Meet our Ombuds video!

Janet Abejo-Parker, Ombuds

ombuds@iowacityschools.org

(319) 688-1312