Tiger Tales Parent News Sept. 2015
News For & About Raymore Elementary & Early Childhood -
Exploring Math
Constitution Presentation
Wayside Waifs Visit 3rd Grade
Happy September!
It's hard to believe we have completed our first month of school together! There have been many exciting events recently! Our WatchDOGS volunteer program is up and running, Wayside Waifs visited third grade for "No Bullying" lessons, our fourth grade leadership students have started their leadership roles in our school, and students grades 2-4 are actively engaged with 1:1 Chromebooks . Attendance has been tremendous at several recent events too: Curriculum Night, Wild Animal Family Adventure, WatchDOGS Training, and Paradise Park Family Night.
A huge highlight is that our school has been recommended to DESE as an "Exemplary PLC (Professional Learning Community) school". This past week a team of MO PLC consultants visited our school to see how we work as a Professional Learning Community (PLC). The team interviewed teachers, administrators, and students. The team was very impressed with our instructional practices, school culture, and dedication and commitment to educating our students. Our school scored well in all areas and therefore will be recommended as an "Exemplary PLC school". We will officially find out in January if we are selected by DESE. This is testimony to the amazing teachers, parents, and kids we have here. Way to go!
Thank you for your continued partnership and support each and every day as together we help your child develop a love of learning. As always, please feel free to call us if you ever have a concern or question. We are happy to help.
Jennika Miller, Principal
Melissa Lucas, Assistant Principal
High School Student Leadership Assembly
90+ Watch D.O.G.S. strong to kickoff the year!
Welcome Early Childhood Friends!
Student Learning Targets Posted on District Website
Learning Targets and Power Standards are posted for parents on our district website: http://www.raypec.k12.mo.us/index.aspx?nid=1015 . From the district homepage, select “For parents” and then “Curriculum for Parents” from the drop down.
Board Unanimously Approves Long Range Facility Plan
The Board of Education on Sept. 24, 2015, unanimously approved a Long Range Facility Plan to address the majority of space needs anticipated by the District over the next eight to 10 years. The plan includes constructing an addition onto the south high school to accommodate all students in grades 9-12. Construction and reconfiguration will provide additional space for grades K-8 and the Early Childhood Program. Superintendent Dr. Kari Monsees explained that the improvements will require a $27 million general obligation bond issue in April 2016, but will not require an increase in the tax levy. Savings from the recent bond refinancing helped maximize the improvements identified with the plan. The plan was developed with the input of more than 470 patrons over the past year. The Board of Education and the Long Range Facility Planning Team have worked diligently to finalize the details in the plan.
Read more: http://www.raypec.k12.mo.us/index.aspx?NID=981
Volunteering in Ray-Pec Schools District Outlines Volunteer Application Process
Volunteers are important to the success of many school district programs and activities. Many people volunteer to help with events and activities such as field days, class parties, book fairs, PTA events or dances, etc., under the supervision of District staff.
A second category of volunteers assist in ways in which they may be responsible for supervising students without the direct supervision of a District employee. Examples of this type of volunteer include the Watch D.O.G.S., field trip chaperones, or individuals providing academic tutoring. Currently, the District has more than 250 volunteers in this category!
For the safety of students, staff, and volunteers, individuals who wish to volunteer in the second category described above must complete a screening process:
- Complete an information form
- Undergo a background check (requires $12 fee paid by volunteer)
- Complete a form for the Child Abuse and Neglect Registry check
- Sign a confidentiality agreement
Read on if are interested in becoming a screened volunteer: http://www.raypec.k12.mo.us/index.aspx?NID=1021
C.A.N. needs our help each week!
Visit our weekly menu site and donate anything on it! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E48ABAC2FAA8-caring
Calling all other labels & Boxtops!
Technology Integration
What began as a "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) Pilot Program in the Ray-Pec School District now includes components of both BYOD and one-to-one (1:1) computing. Under a 1:1 program, a school issues a device to each student to access the Internet, digital course materials, and digital textbooks.
This year, the District is providing Chromebooks for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. BYOD is available in the 6th and 9th grades. The District's Technology and Academic Services departments are providing technology integration professional development sessions for the teachers in those grade levels, as well as other teachers who have implemented BYOD in their classrooms. In addition, the District opened its wireless network at Ray-Pec High School to improve access.
The expanded use of technology in Ray-Pec schools provides a number of benefits to students: Benefits to students: http://www.raypec.k12.mo.us/index.aspx?nid=933
See more information about future plans: http://www.raypec.k12.mo.us/DocumentCenter/View/8857
Friendly School Reminders & Opportunities
- For security of all kids and staff, please be prepared to present your State ID/Driver's License at the front desk. Office staff will sign in all visitors and provide a badge to be worn visibly at all times. Please be sure to check out at the office before leaving.
- I.D.: Please be prepared to show ID anytime you are visiting our school or picking up a child. If we do not recognize you (and we try hard!), this measure ensures your child's safety and that of our school. Thank you for your support.
- We will continue to practice regular drills/procedures through out the year in classrooms and as a school for a variety of emergencies including fire/evacuation, tornado/shelter, and more. This year our staff was more extensively trained by professionals in what to do in the case of a violent intruder. Thanks to our district's leadership, we are even better equipped with the most effective strategies to protect and prevent our children in the case of a variety of emergencies.
- All cars join our north car rider line. Please remain in vehicles and ensure your child enters on the curbside of the car.
- Early Childhood sessions M, T, W, and Th are 8-11 & 11:45-2:45. Students are not in session Friday.
- Elementary Student arrival & breakfast begins at 8:25 AM. The tardy bell is 8:45 AM. Dismissal begins at 3:45.
- All students who walk/bike to school on their own should wait for Mrs. Wratney our crossing guard for assistance to cross Madison or our parking lot.
- "Grab & Go" Breakfast is available for purchase by ALL kids & they enjoy in class as they begin their day. Hot breakfast can be chosen from 8:25-8:35 and then eaten in the cafe as well.
Upcoming Events:
October:
Oct. 6: PTA Trash bag sales extended until this date
Oct 9: Early Release @ 1:15pm [No Early Childhood Classes]; Staff Development
Oct 9: PreK/ECSE "Meet Me in the Park" @ Rec Park[11a-Noon]
Oct 15: Transportation Station Hosted by Parents as Teachers [5:00-6:00p Front & South Side Parking Lost of Re School]
Oct 16: EC Vision Screenings [Walk-In process @ Cottage 9a-1p]
Oct 19-Nov. 2: PTA Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Oct 23: Elementary [K-Gr4] Fall Parties @ 2:55p
Oct 26: PreK Fall Celebration Parties M/W Spencer Class[Two Sessions: 10a-11a and/or 1:45p-2:45p]
Oct 27: PreK Fall Celebration Parties T/Th Spencer Class/Blended [Two Sessions: 10a-11a and/or 1:45p-2:45p]
Oct 28: Early Release @ 1:15pm; Parent/Teacher Conferences [2p-8p]; "Be Proactive" 7 Habits Student Recognition Assembly 12:30 pm
Oct 29: No School; Parent/Teacher Conferences [Noon-8p]
Oct 30: No School
Jennika Miller, Principal
Email: jennika.miller@raypec.org
Website: raymoretigers.weebly.com
Location: 500 North Madison Street, Raymore, MO
Phone: 816-892-1925
Twitter: @raymoretigers