Eagles' News Brief:
Welcome Back! 8/20/2021
Important First Day of School Notes!
- DO NOT SEND SICK STUDENTS TO SCHOOL. Please do not send your child to school sick. Sick students will be sent to our Care Center for parent pick-up, and they will need to following the following procedures for returning to school after Covid-19 Diagnosis, Exposure, or Illness.
- MASKS ARE REQUIRED. Masks are required inside the building. It is imperative that masks are worn properly... covering the mouth, nose, and chin. This protects everyone, and it helps reduce the number of students who may need to quarantine.
- ONLY KINDERGARTEN PARENTS WHO ARE DROPPING OFF STUDENTS FOR STAGGERED ENTRY (8/23-8/25) OR THEIR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (8/30) MAY WALK THEIR CHILDREN TO CLASS. We will have staff in the hallways to ensure that all students in grades 1 - 5 make it to their new classrooms.
- LABELED WATER BOTTLES ARE ENCOURAGED. Please send your student to school with a labeled water bottle each day. Water fountains are not available for use.
- BE SURE WE HAVE YOUR MOST UP-TO-DATE CONTACT INFORMATION AT ALL TIMES (PHONE & EMAIL). To opt-in to receive text messages, simply text YES to 67587. To update your School Messenger preferences visit: https://www.wcpss.net/schoolmessenger
- TALKING POINTS~ Texts from teachers~ We are moving from ClassDojo to Talking Points! Be sure we have your updated contact information, and you'll be able to directly text your child's teachers! There is a "TalkingPointsfor Parents" app you can download if you'd like. Messages will then go through the app.
- THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE DURING ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL. If you're new to Vandora, take a moment to watch this video about our carpool procedures. All afternoon carpool students will get new carpool numbers this year. Sign up for your new carpool number: https://forms.gle/xWm4dwp34b4vbtCr8.
WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A WONDERFUL YEAR OF "UNLOCKING THE MAGIC" OF LEARNING WITH YOUR CHILD!
Community School Supply Events this Sunday!
Community Day: August 22, 1 - 4pm 1339 5th Avenue, Garner, NC * Free hair cuts, school supplies & hair braiding * Food & Games * Sponsored by: Speed Ryderz, Diamond Cutz, Locks, Naturals, & More, Garner Fire & Rescue, Xquisite Power Washing, Burrell Transit, Wake County Public Libraries *For Drop-Offs Contact: Brandon Pegues 919-679-4030
Community Partnership Back to School Drive: Sunday, August 22, 4-6pm Omega Multipurpose Center, 1004 Vandora Springs Road, Garner, NC *Bookbags & School Supplies *Masks Required; Remain in your vehicle. Sponsored by Raleigh Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. & Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Before School Care is Back!
Of course families are welcome to utilize other area daycares / child care facilities for before and afterschool care. Reach out to Ms. Moore-Kerr via kmoore-kerr@wcpss.net if you have questions.
Bus Rider Registration, 21-22 School Year
Current students eligible for bus service – 2021-22 school year
Parents: if your student is enrolled, has a school assignment that provides for neighborhood or express school bus transportation, and wishes to use this service on a regular basis, go to Bus Rider Registration to apply.
Transportation-Ineligible and Alternate Stops (requests for before- and after-school care)
For guidance on making an application for bus service, go to Alternate Stop for before- and after-school care stops and Transportation-Ineligible if your student’s school assignment requires parents to provide transportation.
If your student is assigned to a bus but is not a bus rider, please submit a decline transportation form so we have the most up-to-date information.
Immunization Records & Health Forms:
State law requires every child entering public schools in North Carolina for the first time to receive a health assessment. The assessment must occur within 12 months prior to entering school. Your medical provider should provide a completed N.C. Health Assessment Form to the school on or before the child's first day of attendance. N.C. Health Assessment Forms are also available at Wake County schools, area doctors' offices or at the Wake County Health Department.
As a reminder, we MUST receive these documents within the first 30 days of school. Please let us know if you have questions or need support.
Interested in Volunteering? Please register for clearance by October 29!
Reactivation for Continuing Volunteers for 2021-2022
- Reactivating volunteers may go to any WCPSS work site and register through wcpss.net by selecting the Community tab, and then selecting Volunteer.
- Individuals previously approved to volunteer must reactivate by 4 p.m. on October 29, 2021.
- Current volunteers, who provided a valid email address, will receive an email 15 days and 30 days prior to the expiration of their volunteer status reminding them to reactivate.
- All new volunteer applicants must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work.
- New volunteer applicants may go to any WCPSS work site and register through wcpss.net by selecting the Community tab, and then selecting Volunteer.
- Applicants will be notified by email once their application has been approved.
- Applicants who are not approved will receive notice from Employee Relations.
Updates Regarding Student Devices for 2021-22 School Year
Any problems with Chromebooks that are currently checked out must be reported to your school or the WCPSS Technology Help Desk as soon as possible.
Student devices that are not functioning because of a defect in the device will be repaired or replaced as needed. Devices that are damaged or lost will be replaced once during the device loan period. Students who experience a second incident of damage or loss will be limited to in-school use of a device only. All families will be expected to sign an agreement at the beginning of the school year acknowledging this and other student expectations. Find the agreement and additional information. Schools will provide a copy to students at the beginning of the school year.
Finally, all hotspots that are checked out from last year must be returned to your student’s school as soon as possible. Families will have an opportunity to request a hotspot if one is needed at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year through the school’s social worker or SAP Coordinator.
Virtual Academy Reminders & Resources (for Registered VA Families Only)
- Your student's supplies are ready for pick-up. Please stop by the school to pick up your child's supplies & materials if you've not already done so.
- Virtual Academy Orientation to be completed during the first week of school: https://www.wcpss.net/virtualacademyorientation
- WCPSS Guides to Technology: https://www.wcpss.net/GuidesToTechnology
- Resources for Virtual Academy Families: https://www.wcpss.net/VirtualAcademy
Community Events & Resources:
House Wake! COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program
Are you a renter struggling to make your monthly housing costs and utility payments? The House Wake! COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program may be able to help! Learn more: https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/housing-affordability-community-revitalization
Vandora Springs Elementary School
Email: rcurtis@wcpss.net
Website: https://www.wcpss.net/vandoraspringses
Location: 1300 Vandora Springs Road, Garner, NC, USA
Phone: 919-662-2486
Twitter: @vseeagles