Happy New Year BTW Families!
January 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well and ready for the second half of the 2023-2024 school year. As we embark on this new year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to school after the winter break. I trust that your holidays were filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones.
Our team here at Booker T. Washington Elementary School is thrilled to welcome back our students. We're eager to continue providing a nurturing and engaging learning environment for students filled with engaging lessons, activities, and projects that will inspire and challenge our students. Included in this newsletter you will find the January testing window, important dates and a calendar of upcoming events for your planning purposes.
As always, we value the partnership between home and school. Please make sure we have your updated telephone number, email address and mailing address on file at the office. Your continued support and involvement play a vital role in your child's educational journey. Should you have any questions, concerns, or insights, please don't hesitate to reach out. Communication is key in ensuring a successful and enriching experience for your child.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Let's work together to make the remaining months of the school year a fulfilling and rewarding experience for them.
Here's to a fantastic return to school! Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead.
Mrs. Bernette D. Brock
Principal
Always Remain Optimistic! It's a New Day!
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
Mark Your Calendars
January 2, 2024- Welcome Back! School Re-opens for students and staff.
January 11, 2024- Reading SOL Winter Growth Assessment (3rd - 5th grade students)
January 12, 2024- Math SOL Winter Growth Assessment (3rd - 5th grade students)
January 15, 2024- No School- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 26, 2024- Early dismissal for students / Clerical day for teachers
January 29, 2024- No School for Students - SPS Professional Learning Day
January 30, 2024 - No School for Students- 1/2 day clerical / 1/2 day Professional Learning
January 31, 2024- Beginning of 3rd Nine Weeks
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Suffolk Public Schools Saturday Academy
Applications for the Suffolk Public Schools Saturday Academy Session for January 6, 2024 are NOW AVAILABLE! This application closes at 5 pm on Noon on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
Due to the planning required for the Saturday sessions, late applications will NOT be accepted. Students who do not register and receive a notice of acceptance will not be allowed to attend. Registration caps will be locked at a maximum of 15 students per class. BTW Parents, claim your spot. Don't delay!!!
To apply, please complete the form by using the links provided below:
In-person Saturday Academy Registration: https://forms.gle/RvdBUfKUz4ra4vzB9
*Sessions will be held at Booker T. Washington Elementary School (K-5). Transportation is provided. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
January's Testing Schedule at a Glance
We are approaching the midway point of the 2023-2024 school year. During the month of January, students will be involovd in a variety assessments to determine their growth from September. For your convience, the testing windows are below. Please note, the dates are windows that testing could occurr. Specific testing dates will be sent by your child's teacher.
Virtual Family Engagement Event
VA Living Museum on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Information about the event is included on the flyer. The focus of the event will be on Virginia Ecosystems.
DID YOU KNOW?
Attendance is an important part of your child's academic success! Both excused and unexcused absences affect academic progress and state reporting/accreditation status. Please keep students in school as much as possible. We want your child to be successful and our school to remain Fully Accredited!
If your child must be absent from school please be sure to notify the front office. You may send in a paper note or email our attendance clerk, Ms. Jones at patricejones@spsk12.net.
LUNCH WITH STUDENTS
Parents are welcome to have lunch with their student(s). You must complete the Volunteer Connect form linked here.
COMMUNICATION/HOME ACCESS CENTER
Please make sure that the school keeps updated contact information on file for you. We should have an updated phone number, email address, and mailing address. This information is used to keep you informed of upcoming events and important school topics.
Also, please check Home Access Center (HAC) frequently to ensure that you are updated on your students' academic progress.
VOLUNTEERS WELCOMED
If you wish to volunteer at any Suffolk Public School please complete the Volunteer Connect form linked here. Teachers and school staff will reach out to you with volunteer opportunities.
APPROVED SNACK LIST
APPROVED SNACK LIST
Below is a list of suggested snacks that parents may bring for classroom celebrations and school parties:
Fresh Fruit
Special K Red Berry Bars
Frozen Yogurt
Quaker Rice Crisps
Baked Cheetos
Oven Baked Potato Chips (Frito Lay)
Raisins
Wheat Thin (Nabisco)
See the Amazon Healthier Generation Smart Snacks online store for additional items such as:
Pepperidge Farm, 100 calories Whole Grain Cheddar Goldfish
Doritos, Reduced Fat
Nutri-grain Cereal Bars- Mixed Berry
Honey Maid, Teddy Grahams
Cheetos, Cheese Puffs Reduced Fat
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats Whole Grain
General Mills, Simply Chex Snack Mix
Cheetos, Fantastix Flamin Hot
More details on SPS policy linked here.
CAR RIDER PROCEDURES
Student Drop Off
- Student drop-off time is 9:00 a.m.
Parent drop will be at Door #15 beginning at 9:00AM and ending promptly at 9:25 A.M.
- Parents are asked to remain in their vehicle.
- Please do not pass cars or double park, forcing students to walk in traffic.
- Please follow the direction of the car rider staff.
Please have students exit the car nearest the sidewalk (passenger side).
Any students dropped off after 9:25 a.m. will need to be escorted to the main entrance by a parent.
Student Pick Up
Student Pick up
- Everyday Student Pick Up - 3:45 - 4:00 p.m.
- Your 2023-2024 Tag must be visible until your child is in the car with you.
- Please ensure the corresponding smaller car rider tag number is on the student’s backpack.
- Parents must be prepared to show their driver’s license for identification.
- Only individuals on the car rider registration form will be allowed to pick up the student.
- Please do not walk up to staff on duty to call for students.
- Students will not be allowed to switch back and forth between the bus and car rider programs.
- Those arriving after 4PM may need to enter through the front entrance and sign their student out from the front kiosk.