Tiger Times
October 2019
Acton Elementary
Phone: 862-6108
FAX: 317-862-7251
ATTENDANCE: 317-803-5105
TRANSPORTATION: 317-862-2314
Website: http://www.ftcsc.k12.in.us/acton
Location: 8010 Acton Road, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: 317-862-6108
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acton-Elementary-School-1522775218039522/
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Drop off/pick up
Pick up MUST be done from the car rider line as well. Car rider numbers are available at the front office.
Your cooperation helps keep our students safe.
Attendance Line
School Times
8:50am-3:50pm
Wednesday
8:50am-3:20pm
Car Rider Doors Open at 8:35am
Remind 101
Visitor Check In
WE LOVE OUR STUDENTS. THEIR SAFETY IS CRUCIAL TO US. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE PREPARED TO STOP AND SHOW ID WHEN VISITING OUR SCHOOL.
WE REQUIRE ALL VISITORS TO HAVE AN IDENTIFICATION CARD THAT CAN BE SCANNED AT THE FRONT DESK.
Transportation Changes
This will ensure a live person has the change handled. We strongly encourage against making last minute changes but understand that emergencies occur. ~~~We ask that phone calls to change dismissals be made very rarely and we must be notified by a Parent/Guardian before 2:30 pm.
EXISTING/RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION
Acton Families, we still have many households that need to complete the updated registration information for this 19-20 school year.
This registration process ensures we have the most up to date information for your student (phone numbers, address, emergency contacts, etc). You will also need to give permission on the consent for your child to be seen in the clinic as well as update any medical conditions etc. Without this consent ,the nurse is unable to see your student except in an extreme emergency. Please follow the link below to access the portal.
Directions can be found on the Parent Portal's main page. Just click on the arrow icon to expand the directions.https://ic.ftcsc.k12.in.us/campus/portal/franklin.jsp
Tiger News
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6S5yNlg4L7UwHc0sLwiw5sfEp2b6nYP4
October-Red Ribbon Week
Student Council and I have planned different activities and lessons throughout the week to help teach students positive, healthy choices and resist peer pressure. I think in elementary it is most important to focus on the following:
1. Recognize a healthy vs. unhealthy choice
2. Teach and empower students to make decisions for themselves even if they are the only one to make that positive choice or that choice feels uncool.
More information on Red Ribbon Week will be coming home with students before we leave for fall break!
When your student says "I don't know" after you ask how their day was...
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sD2v3y7FBH4vm_JLre7vscP55hSf3lC5ms50xqqkIWk/edit?usp=sharing
Below is the link to pre-register. Thank you for helping us keep our kids safe.
https://secure.safevisitorsolutions.com/Safe/Visitor/franklin000012
Please review a few important front office policies:
- We do our best to keep classroom disruptions to a minimum. If your child forgets an item and you bring it in, please do not be offended if the front office asks for you to leave the item with them so it can be delivered at an appropriate time.
- If there is a change in transportation for students at the end of the day, we ask for a hand written note to be sent in with the student so the office may help field the change. There are days the assigned teacher is out and unable to receive emails/dojo/voicemails. This will ensure a live person has the change handled. ~~~We ask that phone calls to change dismissals be made very rarely and we must be notified by a Parent/Guardian before 2:30 pm.
- If electronics (cell phones, ipods, gaming systems) are brought into school and removed from backpacks, they will be confiscated by the teacher. A parent/guardian will be asked to pick up the electronic at the front desk.
- When having lunch with your student in the cafeteria please remember to only have your child sit with you.
- Morning student drop off must be done in the car rider line. Drop off opens at 8:35 am in the car rider line and the line closes at 8:50 am
- Students arriving after 8:50 am MUST be signed in at the front office.
- Review the Franklin Township policies and procedures for absences on p. 2-3 in the student handbook. We appreciate your cooperation.
- All visitors must have a photo ID to enter the building.
High Ability Parent Information
What is High Ability?
The Indiana definition is: “high ability student” means a student who: performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain when compared to other students of the same age, experience, or environment; and is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interests. (IC 20-36-1-3)
FTCSC High Ability Mission Statement
Franklin Township Community School Corporation’s (FTCSC) goal is to equip all students with the skills and knowledge they will need to flourish in a global society. FTCSC recognizes that some students perform at, or show the potential to perform at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in the core academic areas of language arts and mathematics. These students are found in all socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, and FTCSC recognizes the need to identify such students through systematic, ongoing procedures. The high ability program provides a supportive learning climate that will enrich learning so students can maximize academic potential and develop emotionally and socially in order to be contributing members of society.
Our FTCSC high ability programs are committed to:
- providing high ability students the inherent right to pursue development of their full potential in accordance with learning needs unique to high ability students.
- challenging students with academic rigor at a pace and depth appropriate for high ability students.
- assisting in the social and emotional developmental needs which may be different from those of age-mates.
- collaborating as a dedicated team of educators, parents, community members, and students to strive for academic excellence.
- ensuring program decisions that are based on data, standards, and effective research-based strategies.
Lynlie Schoene
Chief Innovation Officer
Join us for our upcoming meeting on Nov 7th in the LGI room, at 6:30pm.
Childcare is provided by the YMCA.
Our Acton PTO has a lot of fun things planned for this year. Please take a minute to like/follow the Acton PTO Facebook so you can be sure you won’t miss out!
September PTO Minutes
September Meeting Minutes
Acton Elementary PTO
Date: 9/5/19
Location: Acton Elementary LGI Room
Meeting Called To Order By: Danita Mullins and Cat Lapkovitch
Time: 6:30 pm
Number of members attending: 19
Welcome - Danita Mullins
Introductions
Principal’s Report- Mrs. Wessel-Burke
Mrs. Wessel-Burke was able to share ILearn results. She shared that when you look at our results compared to the state, as well as the district, they look good. She shared that the scores were set up so that 50% fail and 50% pass. Acton was at almost 60% of our students passed both math and ELA.
Mrs. Wessel-Burke also talked about the new Tigerś Den. It is now open and we have already had 2 classes to utilize it.
Homecoming parade is coming up on September 26th. Our student council students will dress up as astronauts/aliens for our school theme: Flashes and Beyond. She asked if the school could borrow the balloon archway.
Mrs. Wessel-Burke also asked if any parents would be willing to help with the yearbook collages for this school year.
A motion was given for $50 for balloons. It was seconded.
Treasurer’s Report- Sarah DeNeal
REMINDER: Please use “Funds Approval & Reimbursement” Sheets
Old Business
Back to School Picnic
It was brought up about possibly having the Picnic on a different night. It was stated due to this being at the beginning of the school year kids will have new friends from their class to play with. We may possibly move this back a week.
New Business
4th Grade Field trip- Tammy Beechler
Mrs. Beechler stated that the bus will be more money due to having less students, as well as needing a wheelchair accessible bus. The total cost of the trip would be $4949. They would like to offer a Gray Brotherś Fundraiser for the whole school again. In the past, the students have only been charged $25. They also proposed that they borrow $100 to pay the deposit for the buses by 9/27/29.
Cat asked if we could approve the $100 for 4th grade. Mrs. Wessel-Burke motioned, Lindsey Elliott seconded that motion.
It was also approved for 4th grade to sell Gray Brotherś Pie as a fundraiser.
Tiger-Team-A-Thon- Heather Freeman
Heather Freeman asked for everyone to share the video put out for the Team-A-Thon.
There is also a link for people to donate through paypal.
There is a donation button on Facebook to make donating easy.
Ray Skillman Chevy donated money for all students to get shirts.
Businesses were offered to donate to the PTO to sponsor an event. A banner was made for the business name to go on the banner for the event.
As of now, there are 5 secure sponsors.
It was asked if anyone could come and help sort shirts on the Wednesday prior to the Team-A-Thon.
It was mentioned that a lot of companies will match a charitable donation. A sheet will be sent out with some of the companies that do match donations. A push will be made for this closer to the Team-A-Thon.
Parent Teacher Conference support
Bags for teachers on Wednesday.
Chick-Fil-A and pizza on Thursday.
A sign up genius will be sent out for people to sign up to donate for snacks.
Frite Lodge
Mrs. Wessel-Burke has not heard back yet from the Frite Lodge. She will continue to reach out to them.
Fall Parties
Game Night
Tuesday, November 5th.
Concessions and pies will be sold.
Money for skating aids
Mrs. Adams has requested money for skating aids. It was estimated that each would cost $50-$60 a piece. These would be used every other year and stored in her office.
A motion was given to approve $250 to Mrs. Adams. It was seconded.
Looking Ahead
2nd Grade music program
November 14th- Students will also sing at the Veteranś Day program.
Choir Concert
December 12th-
Cookies with Santa
Santa is booked. Cookies are taken care of. Volunteers will be needed for set up and that evening. Check with Jenny Weiss
Winter Parties
Committee Coordinators
Scrips- Sarah DeNeal-Encourage people to buy gift cards around the holidays.
Boxtops- Encourage parents to download the new app.
Bookstore- Darcie Lawalin: It has been slow. Wednesday mornings. It was asked to put pictures on social media, as well as on the morning announcements to help promote.
Class Party Organization- Nothing to Report
Spirit Wear: New designs are being drawn up. It was asked about having a seperate staff order form.
Teacher & Staff Appreciation- Candy wrappers were purchased at Target to give out for staff birthdays.
Event Coordinators
Mother/Son Night- Kim VanRoekel- -Nothing to Report
Father/Daughter Dance- Christie Huber: Sock Hop theme-Nothing to Report
Breakfast & Books- Valerie Karamanis: Nothing to Report
5th Grade Jam- Christie Huber: still working on theme- Nothing to Report
Spirit Nights:
Hot Box Pizza- September 26th
Pacerś Family Nights- February 7th (Not sure if this is a fundraiser or not)
There is a whole section where the fundraising group is sat. This includes a chick-fil-a voucher, hat, and shot on the court.
Chick-Fil-A- TBD
Chicagoś Pizza- TBD
Minutes taken by Lindsey Elliott
Meeting ended at 7:41 pm
NEXT MEETING: November 7th, 2019 @ 6:30 in Acton Elementary LGI Room
(No October Meeting)
Mark Your Calendar....
2019-2020 Music Programs
November
November 11th - 9:30 am - All School Veterans Day Convocation
November 14th @ 6:00pm - 2nd Grade Program
December
December 12th @ 6:00pm - Choir Concert
December 12th @ 7:15pm - 3rd Grade Winter Program
December 15th @ 2:00pm - Choir sings at Sounds of the Season concert at FCHS
December 20th @ 2:15 - All School Sing Along
February
February 11th - 5th Grade Symphony Field Trip
March
March 12th @ 6:00pm - Grade 1 Related Arts Night
March 19th @ 6:00 pm - 4th Grade Program
March 19th @ 7:15 pm - 5th Grade Program
TBD (April/May) - Folk Dance Festival
TBD - International Fair
What to know what is going on in music class? Follow us on Facebook!
Facebook: ActonElementaryMusic
Veteran’s Day
We will be hosting a program on Monday, November 11, 2019, in celebration of Veterans Day. As part of this program we would like to recognize the Veterans from our Acton family. If your student has family members that are Veterans we invite you to send in pictures of your Veterans and pictures of your Veterans with your Acton Students to be included in a picture slideshow. Please scan and send pictures to Mrs. Stevenson at amanda.stevenson@ftcsc.org by November 4th. Please include the Acton Student’s name, grade and how they are related to the Veteran in email.
Please put November 11th at 9:30am on your calendar and invite your Veteran’s to join us for this celebration.
We are also holding an essay contest. Students are invited to write an essay answering the question: “What does a Veteran mean to me?” Essays can be turned in to Mrs. Stevenson by Nov. 1st.
Acton students will be bringing home flags, (after Fall Break), to color in honor of our Veterans. Please return decorated flags by Nov. 1st. If you need more copies, please contact your child’s teacher.
We would like to offer coffee and cookies to our guests on November 11th. If you are able to donate a package of cookies, please sign-up below. Cookies should be delivered to the front office by Friday, November 8th.
ART NEWS
Acton has 37 Winners in The Children’s Museum Art Contest!!
This year Acton once again participated in the Children’s Museum Haunted House Art Contest. Acton swept the contest with a celebration of 37 Acton Tiger winners!!! Along with ACTON’S WINNERS… THE REST OF THE SCHOOL DID AN AMAZING DEPICTING THIS YEAR’S THEME OF A “HOTEL OF SPELLS”. THE FOLLOWING WINNERS WERE OUR TOP 30 FINALISTS OUT OF OVER 3,000 ENTRIES!!
ONE OF OUR STUDENTS RECEIVED 1ST PLACE!! OUR WINNERS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM DURING HAUNTED HOUSE HOURS.
BELOW ARE OUR WINNERS:
KDG:
- VERITY BEIDLER
- TEAGAN ROLL
- LOGAN BADGER
- SCARLETTE HAWES
- MAISIE PITTMAN
- LYLA BARRINGER
- DILLIAN CRAFT
- ELLIE DEPRIEST
1ST GR.
- LAKIALYNN SMITH *****1ST PLACE!!
- ROSLYN DUFFNER
- RYDER HAMPTON
- JUDE MUSE
- ELEANOR DAVIDSON-MCALLISTER
- LILLIANA WAMPLER
EVERLY WERNKE
AVA BULLARD
AMELIA RUSSELL
ISABELLA CUMPEAN
BODE DENEAL
JAVANNI GIOSCIO
NATHAN DEWELL
GRAYSON BROWN
ERICA MCMULLIN
KHLOE KEOUGH
MASON BECK
MASON BECK (2ND ENTRY!!!)
LANDON ALVEY
FAITH SMITH
KIERSTEN DAHL
NADIA TORNATTA
CARLEY STEVENS
ZOE CZAP
- MADISON HILES
- KYLIE ROSS
School Nurse Services:
The goal of school nursing is to maximize the health and safety of our students during the school day while minimizing time out of class. Due to this, if a student reports to the clinic with signs or symptoms of a contagious illness the parent or guardian will be called to pick up their student. The school nurse will follow the general guidelines and instruction set by the Indiana State Department of Health, Marion County Health Department, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Signs and symptoms of a contagious illness that students will be sent home for are: temperature of 100 degrees or greater, witnessed vomiting, diarrhea, undiagnosed rash, eye redness with discharge, etc.
Parents are asked to not send their children to school if the child is experiencing signs or symptoms of a contagious illness. Children sent home from school should stay home until they are fever-free (without medication) or symptom-free for 24 hours.
MEDICATION POLICY:
- FTCSC does not stock any medications in any clinic. Medication given for the academic success of students, or other medications given for acute or chronic conditions may be administered at school. Please administer one- , two-, or three-time-per-day medication (such as antibiotics) at home. Medication administration forms are available at each school or online, and the parent must also have completed a CHN consent to treat form for students needing medication at school. Written permission must be on file before medication will be administered by the nurses.
- Per IN Code, all medications must be in the ORIGINAL containers; medication received in a baggie or envelope cannot be given, for the safety of the students.
- All K-8 parents must bring/pick up medication (prescription or OTC) for their students when medicine must be given during the school day. A physician’s order is necessary in order for an emergency medication (EpiPen or inhaler) to be carried by a student with a life-threatening condition. It is helpful to have a backup of the medication in the clinic.
- Parents should contact the nurse at their child’s school as to appropriateness of carrying water.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be given to students. Please send only a small bottle, due to cabinet space constraints. The label on an OTC serves as the guideline for dosing and frequency, including appropriate duration before a doctor is consulted. If the parent desires a dose or schedule that is different from the label, a physician’s order is necessary to administer. Students less than 12 years of age must have age appropriate children’s medication. Aspirin cannot be given to students, due to risk of Reye’s syndrome—please check labels of various pain relievers and stomach medications to make sure aspirin is not an ingredient. Supplements are never appropriate for school. Medication guidelines are found online.
VISION SCREENINGS
“The Marion County Public Health Department provides state mandated vision screening services for all students in first, third and fifth grades. We also screen any new students who have transferred into Marion County from other counties or from out of state and any student suspected of having vision problems. If your child wears glasses and/or contacts, we expect him/her to complete their vision screening with their visual aids. It is important to us that your child pass his/her screening, versus failing them unnecessarily because their glasses/contacts were not with them. If your student has a pre-existing medical issue and is under the care of a doctor please let us know. You, as the parent or legal guardian, have the right to decline this service/screening for your child. If you do not want the MCHD to conduct a vision screening on your child please contact your school nurse, Heather Anderson RN at 317-803-5104 to request a decline services form prior to the screening date of October 3, 2019.
Here are a few clinic reminders:
- Any student coming to the clinic must have consent. Please return any consents that are outstanding as soon as possible. Students will not be able to be seen unless it is an emergency without a consent.
- For grades K-12 all medications must be transported to and from school by a parent or guardian. Medications must not be expired and be in original box and/or have the pharmacy label attached.
- COUGH DROPS are medication
- Students must be free of vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school and must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication before returning to school.
- The clinics do not stock any medications.
- If your child is going to be absent from school please call your child in using the attendance line phone number.
- Work with your child at home on proper hand washing and coughing and sneezing into their sleeve/elbow.
- · Students must be up to date on vaccines to attend school. Non-compliant letters have been sent home to the students that aren’t up-to-date. Please get these taken care of as soon as possible. The EXCLUSION DATE is September 12th. Please call the clinic (803-5104) if you have any questions.
- · Vision Screenings will be coming October 3rd, more info to come.
LICE REMINDER
Parents, please inspect your child regularly for head lice during the school year.
Lice spread from person to person by direct contact or by using another person’s personal items--comb and brush, hat, hair bows, coat, clothes, etc. Head lice are tiny and brownish in color and only live on the human head. They crawl rapidly, but do not fly or jump. The bugs deposit tiny white eggs (nits) on the hair shaft by using sticky “glue” so the eggs do not dislodge easily. Besides visualizing the bugs/eggs, the only symptom of head lice may be head scratching. Most lice-killing products do a good job killing the live lice but they likely do not kill all of the nits. The nits that survive the treatment may hatch and the process may begin again. The importance of egg removal and regular inspection is crucial to avoid reoccurrence. Lice may spread anywhere children gather, such as when playing “dress-up” at home, at ball games where children wear a common helmet/hat, at sleep-overs, on movie seats, at a club meeting (i.e. Girl Scouts etc.), and at day care centers and rarely, schools. Regular inspection of your child’s head enables you to identify a case earlier, resulting in faster eradication and quicker return to school. Please notify the school nurse if you would like more information, need assistance in identifying the louse, or to report that your student has head lice. As with any health condition, only parents may call the school with information about their child. Thanks for your vigilance in the months ahead.
- Visit http://ftcsc.nutrislice.com/ for a complete listing of our menu items.
- For more information visit: https://schoolnutrition.org/NSBW2016/
- For more information on student health, visit www.kidshealth.org.
- Online payments through PayPams is convenient way to pay for your child's meals.
- Free and Reduced Lunch Application: https://paypams.com/OnlineApp.aspx
PreK-5th Grade Basketball Cheer Clinic Information
FRANKLIN CENTRAL FOOTBALL CHEER CLINIC REGISTRATION
Who: Any PreK-8 grader
When: Saturday, December 7 1-3:00pm
Where: Franklin Central High School Freshman Academy Entrance
Cost: $35
The Franklin Central Cheerleaders will teach:
Cheers Chants Dance Jumps Motions Simple Stunts
All that participate in the Basketball Cheer Clinic are invited to perform at half-time Friday, December 14 at the Varsity Basketball Game. All participants receive free admission into the varsity game. More information will be provided at the clinic. Please bring this completed form to the clinic with payment. Cash or checks made out to FCHS accepted. Do not turn in form ahead of time, please wait until the day of the clinic.
Please join us for an exciting camp filled with instruction and fun!
If you have any questions, please contact Alicia Dirr via email at alicia.dirr@ftcsc.org
October:
1 Skating Party --WOW
2 Custodian Appreciation Day
2-3 Parent Teacher Conferences
3 Vision Screenings
4 End of Quarter
7-18 Fall Break
14 Columbus Day
21 Students return
21-25 Red Ribbon Week
22 School Store fundraiser
25 Fall Parties
25 Grades posted
30 Picture retakes
31 Halloween
November:
5 Family Game Night
6 -11 Teacher window open
7 PTO Meeting
11 Veteran’s Day Assembly
11 Pro Act Training (Wolski, McIntosh)
13 Midterm grades post for parents
14 2nd grade music program
15 All Pro Dads
15 Pro Act (Pryor)
25 Pro Act (Krug, Miller)
27-29 Thanksgiving break