Shark Bites
Stopher Newsletter, August 15th
Message from our Interim Principal
Hi Families!!!
As I stood in the Stopher lobby at 8:15am Wednesday morning, I was honestly quite nervous about the day. How in the world would I be able to connect with this huge group of students, faculty, and families who knew very little, if anything about me, and with one-half of my face covered??? It’s been six years since I opened a year in an elementary school and I wondered, Scott, do you even remember what to do? Then it happened. I quickly realized I did not need to worry about that face mask, I needed the kids to see my heart and love for them. The rest would fall in place. As the day progressed, I noticed the students transitioned from “Who is that?” to “Hi Mister-Doctor Hooper!” Students seemed to quickly understand they are certainly my “why” when it comes to being an educator. I felt the pride of being a part of this wonderful school as I observed everyone move from place to place. As I gazed into the eyes of each child and adult, I quickly realized what an exceptional place I was privileged to serve! I felt accepted, valued, and appreciated. The first day of school was awesome! There’s no better place than an elementary school in August!
I’ll always shout from the rooftop that the most important thing an educator must do is establish positive relationships. This sets the foundation for learning and is critical in every school. We rarely remember the teachers we had back in the day who were outstanding in their teaching ability. We remember those who developed great relationships with us, believed in us, and expected us to be our best. That theme certainly prevailed last week as I enjoyed the first three days of school. Our faculty demonstrated a commitment to positive relationships with students everywhere I looked! After all our experiences since March, 2020; Stopher faculty is intently focused on relationships and building community, to the benefit for our students.
I do understand the start of a school year does come with its share of challenges. We all worry about the safety and health of our kids in the midst of the pandemic. Transportation to and from school the first week always brings its issues and frustrations. Parents, thank you so much for your patience and support as we encountered and worked through the challenges. I learned many years ago the incredible value of outstanding partnerships between families and the school. Children certainly thrive in those circumstances. Stopher is indeed a school of excellence because of our partnerships with you. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Only 172 days to go!
Scott
Stopher Spirit Wear ... Purchase Yours Now!
Car Rider Line
In the afternoon, cars MUST have the blue card clearly displayed in their windows. You can not use last year's card. We change the colors every year for the safety of our students.
Picking Students Up From Office
Once the car rider line has completed, students remaining in the gym will be brought to the office. Parents trying to pick up from the office at or after 4:00 will wait until those students are brought to the office. You will pick up your student faster by remaining in the line.
Bus Updates
During dismissal, students load buses quickly; however, Stopher can not control when buses arrive at Stopher. Sending the bus updates is the only way we can reassure parents of where their children are and give them an idea of when to expect their children home.
Volunteer Opportunities at Stopher
School Meals Update
**You do not need a Free/Reduced Meal Applicaiton on file for free meals; however, you will need one if you want to be excused from class and field trip fees.
School Meal Menu
Students will be given items to choose from when receiving breakfast or lunch. You can view the menu for the month via the following links:
Medicine Distribution at School
NOTE: Students are not permitted to carry medication (including cough drops). Inhalers may be carried by a student provided there is a form on file with a physician's permission to do so.
Stopher PTA Membership Information
JCPS Required Documents
- birth certificate
- immunization form
- school physical
- eye exam
- dental exam
If your child submitted the medical documents during his/her pre-school enrollment, those forms are no longer valid. Please obtain updated forms from your physician and turn those in as soon as possible.
Stopher Basketball
Stopher Cheer Sign-Ups
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Stopher Elementary School
Email: connie.puckett@jefferson.kyschools.us
Website: http://stopher.jcps-ky.com/
Location: 14417 Aiken Road, Louisville, KY, USA
Phone: (502)485-8281
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StopherSharks/