Bulldog Blast
Conn-West Elementary Newsletter - September 30th
Conn-West PTA
Whether this year is your first at Conn West or you are returning to the halls a seasoned pro, we are happy you and your students are here, and we want to make sure that you know how much we adore each of your children. The beginning of a new year is always full of excitement for new teachers, new friends, and seeing old friends again. The PTA has a full calendar planned for this year and we hope that you are as excited as we are to get started.
What does membership do?
You must be a member to vote or be a PTA Officer. Being a member also helps the state and national PTA show power of numbers when they advocate for our schools and students.
Why PTA?
Improve student achievement
Improve communication with families
Increase family engagement
Engage families in student success or school improvements
Qualify for grants and awards to support your school
Partner with other community organizations
Enhance fundraising efforts
Funding for items outside the normal school budget:
Movie nights
Breakfast with Buddies
Sweetheart dance
Teacher Appreciation
GLO Run/Block Party
Activities and prized for field day
How Do People Know About Events?
Flyers: Most Events will have at least one (1) flier sent home with every student.
Phone and Email Blasts: Some events will have a phone blast or an email blast from the school, which are typically reminders.
Facebook: The PTA has a Facebook page where we post events and other PTA information. Please, follow Conn West PTA on Facebook!
How We Pay for Everything? Fundraising!
Membership dues are not part of the operating budget, so we must fundraise for our budget each year. We will be doing a trash bag fundraiser in October with delivery during Parent/ Teacher conferences.
The PTA also partners with various restaurants to host fundraiser nights. During those events, we earn a portion of the profits. These events are great because you get an excuse to not cook dinner. These events are typically open, meaning that friends, family, neighbors, and the rest of the community can also participate.
How We Make Everything Happen? Volunteers!
It takes time and energy to make everything happen for our kids. Our volunteers get paid in thank yous, tiny smiles, and the occasional hug. Without volunteer support, the PTA cannot provide the extras that help make school special for our kids. There is a Facebook post with Volunteer job descriptions, so please look for that and sign up to help! Parent involvement at school is directly tied to increased academic achievement for your students.
How Do I Join PTA ?
PTA dues are $10 each school year and can be purchased at events and meetings. You may join by scanning the QR code to sign up. You may pay the $10 membership fee via CashApp $CWGVPTA , Venmo @connwestpta, check (make checks payable to Conn West PTA) or cash.
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School Day Hours
The school day begins at 9:05 am and ends at 3:55 pm. Students
may enter the building at 8:40 am. Please do not drop your child off
before 8:40 am unless they are enrolled in LINC. Breakfast will be served in the classroom from 8:40 am until 9:00 am.
Student Cell Phones
Transportation and After School Changes
If your child’s mode of transportation or after school routine is going
to change for the day, please notify the main office
@ (816) 316- 5225 prior to 3:00 pm to ensure that your child arrives
at the appropriate destination.
Follow our Facebook Page
Please follow our Facebook page @ facebook.com/ConnWestElementary
Meal Account Payments
The Grandview C-4 School District will accept meal account payments via cash or check (made payable to Grandview School District) directly at the school cafeteria OR online via PARENT PORTAL.
ONLINE MEAL ACCOUNT PAYMENTS via PARENT PORTAL
The Grandview C-4 School District is pleased to continue accepting online meal payment processing for your child’s cafeteria meal account. Families can make SECURE online payments for school meals through PARENT PORTAL.
Click here for a link to Parent Portal.
By accessing PARENT PORTAL, you can easily and securely make payments to your student’s meal account. Payments are processed immediately and appear on your student’s meal account within minutes. While logged into PARENT PORTAL, families can also monitor meal account balances, student’s spending, daily meal purchases, etc.
Giving the Basics
Grandview C-4 partners with the non-profit organization Giving the Basics, to provide several types of personal hygiene items to students and families who cannot otherwise afford
them. Items are free and include, but are not limited to, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, ethnic hair products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, soap, and laundry soap. Sometimes, items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, combs and brushes are also available. Personal dignity is an important component of school attendance and academic achievement. If you know of a student or family in need, please contact a school counselor, nurse, health para or building administrator. With your help, we can get these important items into the hands of the students who need them. Remember, the items are free and available to anyone in need.
Here Comes the Bus App
The Here Comes the Bus App will allow you to track your child’s bus in real-time and receive push notifications, set up alerts to notify you when your child scans on and off the bus. You can use the app on your smartphone device or on your computer by visiting herecomesthebus.com. You and your student will need to sign up by following the instructions below.
How to Sign up:
Download Here Comes Comes the Bus app or visit herecomesthebus.com
Click the “Sign Up” button
Enter school code 29438 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
Complete the “User Profile” box
Under “My Students,” click “Add.” Enter your child’s last name and student ID number (located in Parent Portal)
Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin.
How Students Sign up
Download Here Comes Comes the Bus app or visit herecomesthebus.com
Click the “Sign Up” button
Enter school code 29438 and click “Next” followed by “Confirm”
Complete the “User Profile” box
Under “My Students,” click “Add.” Enter student’s last name and student ID number (located in Parent Portal)
Once you confirm your information, you’re ready to begin.
For more information or for FAQ’s you can visit herecomesthebus.com. You can also email hctb@grandviewc4.net with any questions.
Upcoming Dates and Events
Thursday, October 6th: Mad Hatter Day
Monday, October 10th: PTA Trash Bag Sale Begins
Tuesday, October 11th: Think First Assembly for 3rd - 5th Grade Students
Tuesday, October 11th: 5th Grade to GHS
Friday, October 21st: End of 1st Quarter
Friday, October 28th: Free Dress Down Day
Friday, October 28th: Picture Retakes
Monday, October 31st: Fall Parties
Tuesday, November 1st: Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, November 2nd: Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, November 3rd: Early Release @ 1:10 pm
Thursday, November 3rd: Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday, November 4th: No School
Monday, November 7th: No School
Tuesday, November 8th: No School - PD Day for Staff
Conn-West Elementary
Email: marcy.simon@grandviewc4.net
Website: https://connwest.grandviewc4.net/
Location: 1100 High Grove road, Grandview, MO 64030
Phone: 816-316-5225
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConnWestElementary
Twitter: @CWES_Bulldogs