Van Buren Quaker Press
February 2021 Newsletter
Returning Student Registration Information!
https://powerschool.plainfield.k12.in.us/public/
If you need assistance accessing your parent account in PowerSchool, please don't hesitate to contact the office at 317-839-2575.
Valentines
Computer Care
*Spring Break Travel Reminder*
Please be sure to review the information sent by Mr. Olinger regarding spring break travel if you have plans to travel outside of the United States:
Dear Quaker Families,
For many, the long, dark and cold days of January and February lead to thoughts and plans for Spring Break, and so we wanted to share our plans with you as all of us look to warmer days.
First, thank you for continuing to support our efforts to keep kids and staff healthy. The data overwhelmingly tells us that wearing masks works, and we are seeing that play out in our classrooms.
The CDC reports new strains of COVID-19 are popping up around the world and even in the United States. While more and more people are beginning to travel like we did a year ago, there are renewed concerns about bringing the virus back into the country.
Given that, and following the latest guidance from the White House and CDC, we are asking families who travel outside the United States to quarantine for ten days upon return home. The current CDC information can be found at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html
If you choose to travel outside the United States, please contact your child’s principal ahead of time in order to work out a plan for their return to school.
Sincerely,
Scott Olinger
Superintendent
***SNOW DAY CHANGES FOR 2020-2021 ONLY ***
Cold Weather Reminders
Children will be expected to go outdoors for recess when the temperature and wind chill is 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) and above. Students will not go out if it is raining or sleeting. Please be sure that you listen to the weather in the mornings and dress your child appropriately. If your child must stay indoors because of illness during recess time, we ask that you write a daily note requesting that your child stay inside. Repeated requests for indoor recess will prompt the nurse to require a written statement from the family doctor concerning the request.
Community Value for February:
Community Value for January: Equal Opportunity
Value of the Month Nominees:
Lilly Bohanon
Jackson Henderson
Luna Pittman
Sarah Weaver
Lukas Cox
Alexander Eddleman
Everlee Harris
Asher Bonilla
Monroe Farmer
Hadley Phillips
Gabe Gutierrez
Jaxson Bennett
Annabelle Gonser
Riley Reynolds
Collin Dowden
Alexi Moss
Braxton Broyles
Matthew Walker
Rheyanna Rhodes
Amelia Parks
Max Snow
Tyler Sanchez Filicsky
Ciera Wright
Value of the Month Winner for January: Annabelle Gonser
Our Value winner will be recognized at the School Board Meeting and by Mr. Olinger later this month.
Nomination Letter from Mrs. Elsey:
I nominate Annabelle Gonser for the value of the month for January. I believe that she best exemplifies the value of equal opportunity because she is kind hearted, compassionate, and selfless. Anyone who knows Annabelle experiences abounding joy and comfort in her presence. She deeply cares for others' feelings and emotions before making decisions. This includes the cafeteria workers, friends, teachers, and custodians. Her willingness to selflessly serve those around her is inspiring. I know that I can always count on Annabelle to lend a helping hand to others without being asked. Whether it is in the cafeteria cleaning up, helping a pod friend with a challenging problem, or encouraging a friend who is struggling to focus. She is always willing to build others up without concern for their race, age, mental or physical ability. I am truly thrilled to nominate Annabelle for this award. I cannot think of a student who is more deserving than her.
PTO NEWS
Next PTO meeting is Tuesday, February 16th at 6:30 PM Via Zoom
Masked Reader Contest sponsored by the Van Buren PTO
Here is how the contest will work:
- Each Friday in February, we will watch a person who is dressed and masked up read a story to the students via VBS Live. Dr. Giesting will introduce the reader each week and ask them a few questions to help the students identify them.
- After the story, students will have the opportunity to guess who the reader was!
February is the perfect month to encourage reading since it is usually cold and dreary outside. Snuggle up with a good book!
Trash Bag Fundraiser
VAN BUREN PTO REMIND ACCOUNTS
Below are the links for each grade for the Remind app. The https: line is for those accessing the website on a computer, the second line is for accessing via the app on a smart phone, and the @ link is for non-smart phones to receive text messages.
Kindergarten:
https://www.remind.com/join/vbptok
rmd.at/vbptok
@vbptok to 81010
1st Grade:
https://www.remind.com/join/vbpto1
rmd.at/vbpto1
@vbpto1 to 81010
2nd Grade:
https://www.remind.com/join/vbpto2
rmd.at/vbpto2
@vbpto2 to 81010
3rd Grade:
https://www.remind.com/join/vbpto3
rmd.at/vbpto3
@vbpto3 to 81010
4th Grade:
https://www.remind.com/join/vbpto4
rmd.at/vbpto4
@vbpto4 to 81010
5th Grade:
https://www.remind.com/join/vbpto5th
rmd.at/vbpto5th
@vbpto5th to 81010
2020-2021 Cafeteria Information
LUNCH SCHEDULE
Kindergarten 12:20 - 12:50
1st Grade 11:45 - 12:20
2nd Grade 11:05 - 11:35
3rd Grade 11:55 - 12:25
4th Grade 12:30 - 1:00
5th Grade 11:20 - 11:50
***IMPORTANT COVID INFORMATION***
We urge parents to follow the protocols that are recommended by the Hendricks County Health Department and have been in place in our schools since August.
- A student or anyone living in the household has recently tested positive with COVID-19
- A student or anyone living in the household has been tested and is awaiting results for COVID-19, or
- The student is ill or has any symptoms of COVID-19
If your student is absent for COVID related reasons, they can complete their assignments from home and their absence will not count against their attendance.
Daily lessons for students can be found by clicking here. Students that are not in the classroom can always complete lessons via Google Classroom.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR
The USDA has extended the waiver for FREE school meals for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. All school meals will be free for all students until the end of the school year. Ala Carte items will still be available to purchase. Free meals are available for our Virtual Learners. Visit our school website https://www.plainfield.k12.in.us/page/new-food-services for more information on the pickup process for the meals.
***CAR RIDER REMINDER***
Thank you for your cooperation!
Student Masks
Things to Remember!
- Make sure your student has two clean masks in their backpack at all times.
- Talk to your student about social distancing and reinforce the importance of practicing this at school.
- If you need to drop something off at school, there is a table in the entryway. Please use the Post-It notes provided to label the item with your student's name and teacher. We will make sure it is delivered to them.
- Please remember to charge your student's device each night. Also, please stress the importance of taking good care of their device.
Remote, isolated, and quarantined students:
Daily lessons for students can be found by clicking here. Students that are not in the classroom can always complete lessons via Google Classroom.
Student Cell Phone Policy
School Supplies
Take time to review Van Buren's school safety plan. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe school for every child.
Van Buren Elementary School
Email: kdonovan@plainfield.k12.in.us
Website: www.plainfield.k12.in.us/o/van-buren-elementary-school
Location: 225 Shaw Street, Plainfield, IN, USA
Phone: (317)839-2575