Loveland Leader
Summer 2022
Mission
The mission of Loveland elementary school, in partnership with our actively involved community, is to promote excellence and instill a desire for learning by challenging each individual within a safe, supportive environment.
Loveland's Expectations
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year
Dear Loveland Families,
Welcome to the start of the 2022-23 school year. I am eager to begin a new year of learning and leading.
Like many of you, my summer was spent catching up on things I enjoy, but do not necessarily have as much time to commit to during the school year. One of these is traveling. I love to travel and see new places and spend time with friends and family. My husband and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary on Sanibel Island in Florida. Then we spent the fourth of July on Woman Lake in northern Minnesota with family and friends. I enjoyed living the lake life filled with fishing, skiing, boating, and relaxing. I hope you all had a summer filled with fun and family time.
Each new school year brings with it the promise of what is before us. I believe this new year will present opportunities for our school community to grow closer together. Loveland will continue our quest for excellence for every learner.
As we begin the new school year I look forward to seeing each of you at “Sneak-A- Peek Night” on August 11th from 5:30PM to 6:30PM. All Back to School events are listed in the newsletter and on the website calendar. If you are new to Loveland, welcome to a wonderful learning community. See you soon!
Ms. Stephanie Hornung
Principal
Start-Up Calendar
August
11 Sneak-A-Peek 5:30-6:30 pm
16 First Day of School
30 District Wide Elementary Instrumental Curriculum Night, WMS 6:30 -7:30 pm
September
2 Professional Learning - No School
5 Labor Day - No school
8 Curriculum Night 6-7:15 pm
8 Community Club Meeting 6:30-6:45PM
12 Community Club Mtg. 6:30 pm
27 School Picture Day 8:45 am
Sneak-A-Peek
All Loveland families are invited to come to Sneak-A-Peek open house from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 11th. Sneak-A-Peek provides students and parents with the opportunity to meet their teachers and see where classrooms are located before the first day of school. You are welcome to bring school supplies with you. Come join us on August 11th!
Sneak-A-Peek Photo Opportunity
We are providing a photo opportunity to start the 2022-23school year the night of Sneak-A-Peek. On Thursday, August 11th, from 5:30PM to 6:30PM, we will have balloons and flowers next to the Loveland Elementary sign on the Loveland property along Ridgewood Avenue. Please feel free to come and snap a photo of your student in lieu of a first day of school photo. This will allow traffic to flow smoothly on the first day of school. We are excited to welcome you back to the 2022-23 school year.
Kindergarten Information
Kindergarten families should have received a letter indicating if your child will be attending school on the 16th and 17th or 18th and 19th. Please call the office if you did not receive this letter or are uncertain and we will be happy to help answer any questions.
Classroom Assignments
Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox as we near the end of July or early August. Class assignments will again be sent to each family via email. If for any reason you have not received your child's placement notice prior to Sneak-A-Peek Night on the 11th, please feel free to call the office at 402-390-6455.
lastname.firstname@westside66.net
Example: hornung.stephanie@westside66.net
For a full list of Loveland staff email visit westside66.org
2022-23 Loveland Staff
It is my pleasure to welcome three staff members in new roles for the 2022-23 school year.
Mr. Raydell Cordell III - Art Teacher
Mr. Garrett Garniss- Special Education and 5th Grade Student Teacher
Mr. Mark Maxwell- Building Custodian
Office Update
Mrs.Carlson, school administrative assistant, had exciting news in early July - she got married! As a result of this occasion, her name has changed from Val Carlson to Val Matt. Please help us congratulate Mrs. Matt on her recent marriage.
Returning Student Registration
All families of returning students must complete Returning Student Registration prior to the start of the 2022/23 school year. If you have not done so already, please CLICK HERE to complete this important process.
Enter your PowerSchool parent portal information to log in
Click Returning Student Registration
If you have problems logging in, please email powerschool.support@westside66.net.
School Arrival
Our instructional school day starts at 8:30AM. Doors will be opened at 8:20AM allowing students plenty of time to walk to classrooms, hang up backpacks, check in with teacher and peers, and be ready for those first important words of the day at 8:30AM. Give your students every advantage of a successful day by having them here at 8:20AM!
All students K-5 will enter the building along Ridgewood Avenue. 6th Grade students will enter classroom doors.
8:30 AM Classes Begin
3:30 PM M, T, Th, F Dismissal
3:00 PM Wednesday Dismissal
We will have supervision outside the building starting at 8:10AM. We ask students not to arrive before 8:10 unless:
Participating in a school activity
Serving on Safety Patrol
Working with a teacher
Attending Club 66 Before Care program
Why can’t we arrive early?
Teachers are involved in team meetings, staff meetings and individual planning from 8:00-8:20. Students may enter the building when the first bell rings at 8:20AM. Our school day begins promptly at 8:30AM. Thank you for your continued cooperation.
For the safety of all of our students, we ask that parents say good-bye outside of the school during arrival. Students are to independently arrive at their classrooms each morning. If students need assistance, Loveland staff members are available to help.
Morning Drop-Off Procedures
Morning drop off for all grade levels is on Ridgewood Avenue. Please do not use the parking lot as a drop off area. The doors available for students to enter in the morning are located on Ridgewood Avenue. The gates on Loveland Drive will remain closed until dismissal time, and no other doors will be unlocked for students to enter.
We ask all parents to please stay in their cars and use the drop-off lane in the morning. The 6th grade safety patrol, Mrs. Streff, Mrs. Sloup, and Ms. Hornung will be outside on Ridgewood Avenue helping children out of their cars, and they will be keeping traffic moving safely. Please have your child get out on the passenger side of the car. Remember, we have these procedures in place to ensure the safety of all students.
Drop Off/Pick Up Tips
When dropping off your child in the morning, pull forward as much as you are able to allow more than one car to drop off at the same time. If you need to enter the building for any reason, you must find a space in the lot or neighborhood and walk your child into the building. Please do not accompany your child to the classroom at this time.
Please DO NOT park in the handicap spaces unless you are entitled to do so by having a sticker or a placard visible.
Staff will be on duty before and after school to assist your child in any way.
Loveland Dismissal Information
DISMISSAL - ONE WAY SOUTH, 8:00 am-4:00PM - GRADES 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th
There are two lanes of moving traffic. All students waiting for rides will wait at the far end of Ridgewood Avenue (near the storm shelter). Teachers will be there to help get students into cars and on their way. We will also have staff helping with the traffic. We ask for your help and support, please be patient as you slowly approach the area for student pick up.
LOVELAND DRIVE - ONE WAY NORTH, GRADES K - 1st & SIBLINGS
Teachers will accompany all kindergarten and first grade students to Loveland Drive. All siblings will join them on Loveland Drive. Parents are to drive through and wait for teachers to help students get into the cars. Parents, we ask that you do NOT park on both sides of Loveland Drive or in private driveways, and that you never leave your car unattended to walk down to the playground. We appreciate your cooperation and flexibility during both morning drop-off and pick-up times.
Wednesday Dismissal @ 3:00PM
Students will be dismissed every Wednesday at 3:00PM. Please be prompt as teachers are scheduled to leave or meet in the building each week to participate in professional learning communities.
Westside's 75th Year Anniversary & FREE Back-to-School Celebration!
Westside Dance Team Mini Warrior Dance Team Camp
Westside Battle of the Books
Absences and Tardies
We want to know that all of our students are safe. Please notify the office at 402-390-6455 (available 24 hours a day) when your student is not coming to school or will be late for school. If we have not heard from you, it is our policy to call.
Students arriving after 8:30AM must come to the office and check in. Parents picking up or dropping off their students during the day for appointments, illness, etc., must sign them in and out through the office.
After School Plans
Please remember after school plans should be made in the morning. Students are expected to go directly home after school. Students going home with another child after school should make plans ahead of time.
Don't forget to notify the school if there is an unexpected change of after school plans for your child. If you know in the morning, a note to the teacher is always appreciated. We appreciate your cooperation in making sure your child is safe.
Lunch Information
For the last two school years, Westside Community Schools, given waivers and reimbursement provided by the USDA, has been able to provide breakfast and lunch to the students of the district at no charge. As we move into the upcoming school year for 2022/2023, these waivers will not be extended. Therefore the district will have to return to a traditional pre-pandemic model where students either pay full price for all meals or will have to qualify, directly or via application, for free or reduced price meals. Costs per meal, per school grade level, will be as follows:
Elementary School Meal Pricing: Breakfast=$1.70 and Lunch=$2.60
WMS Meal Pricing: Breakfast=$1.90 and Lunch=$2.95
WHS Meal Pricing: Breakfast=$2.05 and Lunch=$3.20/$3.65
If you have not already, please fill out an application to determine if your student would qualify for either free or reduced price meals. Please remember that this status is always kept private and that there is no way for other students to have access to this information.
Loveland Breakfast and Lunch Menu
Check out Westside Community School's Online Breakfast and Lunch Menu!
https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/LovleandElementarySchool
Visitors at Lunch and Breakfast
We will continue to not have visitors at breakfast or lunch at Loveland during the school year to allow for more space for our students in the cafeteria. We will continue to reevaluate this practice as the school year continues. We appreciate your continued support.
Birthday Treats
Birthday Treats are a special way to celebrate your child with his/her classroom. Birthday treats are not required. They can be consumable or non-consumable. If you choose to bring in food, it must be an approved treat or snack from our District's Healthy Snack List.
Cell Phones and Smart Devices in School
We understand that it's important for students to be able to contact their parents before or after school. Our expectation is that all cell phones are turned off and placed in a student's backpack while on school grounds. In the event students need to contact their parent, calls can be made from classroom or office phones.
Student use of smart devices such as watches, fitness bands, smart headphones, etc. are handled on a case by case basis. Typically students are allowed to have these devices as long as they are not a disruption to learning or used in a way that distracts the student. Note: During state testing and other assessments, students may be asked to store their smart devices at the teacher's desk to ensure they are not used as part of testing.
FLIP-FLOPS AND RECESS/GYM A DANGEROUS COMBINATION!
While flip-flops are very cute and popular, they present some safety challenges for our students out at recess and on gym days. If your student likes to be active at recess, please consider sending safer shoes for those recess/gym feet!
STUDENT DRESS CODE
Students in the Westside Community Schools are expected to dress in a way that is appropriate for the school setting. Students should not dress in a manner that is dangerous to the health and safety of anyone, or interferes with the learning environment or teaching process in our school. The following is a list of examples of attire that will not be considered appropriate; this list is not exclusive, and other forms of attire may be deemed by the Principal to be inappropriate for the school setting:
Clothing that shows an inappropriate amount of bare skin or underwear, clothing that is too tight, revealing or baggy, tops and bottoms that do not overlap, or any material that is sheer or lightweight enough to be seen through, or otherwise of an appropriate size and fit so as to be revealing or drag on the ground;
Shorts, skirts, etc. that do not extend downward as far as the student’s fingertips when the student is standing fully upright with arms relaxed at his or her side.
Sleepwear and slippers, including pajama bottoms, blankets, and costumes, unless part of a school-sponsored activity;
Clothing or jewelry that advertises or promotes beer, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs;
Head wear including hats, caps, bandannas, hoods worn over the head, and scarves;
Clothing or jewelry which exhibits nudity, profanity, makes sexual references, or carries lewd, indecent, or vulgar double meaning;
Heavy coats and jackets.
Consideration will be made for students who wear special clothing as required by religious beliefs, disability, or to convey a particularized message protected by law. Westside Community Schools’ Dress Code guidelines have been developed to create safe and productive learning environments where all students are accepted, engaged, celebrated, and have the opportunity to thrive in school. The final decision regarding attire and grooming will be made by the Principal. In the event a student is uncertain as to whether a particular item or method of grooming is consistent with the school’s guidelines, the student or student’s parent/guardian should contact the Principal. If school staff determine that the student does not meet dress code, the student will be asked to change.
For more information regarding the dress code and code of conduct, please download and read the Elementary Student-Parent Handbook.
Attention! 5th Grade Students and Parents!
You are invited to BE A PART OF THE MUSIC! This fall, you will have the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before you by being a part of Band and Strings! In the first three weeks of school we will be visiting all the buildings, demonstrating the instruments, and giving students the opportunity to select an instrument of their choice. We will have a parent meeting about our program on Tuesday, August 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Westside Middle School. All are welcome to attend to learn about elementary instrumental music and meet the teachers. We are excited to introduce your child to the world of instrumental music!
The Elementary Instrumental Music Staff
Gail Carpenter-Johnson, Michael Freeman, Viktoria Matheson and Jennifer Johansen
Headphones Needed For the First Day of School
We recommend that ALL students have a durable set of headphones for the school year. We use these daily in our classroom.
WATER BOTTLES
Water fountains were turned back on at the end of the last school year. Therefore, we will allow students to use the water fountains throughout the school day. If you would like your child to bring a water bottle, you are more than welcome to have them do so. Our water fountains are equipped with water bottle fillers. Please mark these items with your child's name for identification purposes. The district and school will NOT be providing students with water bottles this year.
Deliveries During The School Day
It happens to all of us. We forget things we need for school or work at home. Fortunately, sometimes parents are able to drop items off for their child. To keep students focused on learning we would ask that such items be dropped off on the black table in the vestibule at the front door. We are happy to deliver items to your child or have your child’s teacher pick them up at an appropriate time.
Visitors Entering Loveland
When approaching the front door at Loveland, please ring the doorbell/buzzer on the left hand side of the building. Mrs. Matt will greet you over the intercom and direct you to the front office. All visitors will need to sign in at the office and receive a visitor’s badge. Please note - it is our practice to ask for identification of visitors to ensure the safety for all students.
Running Late
Please let the office know if you are running late or have a morning appointment for your child. If your child plans on eating lunch from the cafeteria that day, PLEASE call the office with your child's lunch choice before 9 am.
MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS
Loveland, along with all Westside Elementary Schools, will continue to email monthly newsletters the first Friday of the month and post these important communication publications on school websites. Students will still bring home flyers advertising various non-profit activities, along with a printed monthly school lunch menu. Please make sure we have your most current email address.
TWO PARENT HOUSEHOLDS
What if you only see your child a couple of times a week? You can still be involved in your child’s education.
Inform the office of your current phone number, address, and email.
Inform the teacher you would like to receive progress reports (this may be electronic), conference schedules (when appropriate), and notices about school activities.
Provide your child with a special folder to save school papers for you. That way, you’ll see your child’s finished work as well as the teacher’s comments.
Westside App
It's never been easier to keep up to date on events in Westside and at Loveland. The Westside Community Schools App is available for both iPhone and Android in the App Store. Using this app allows you to follow important information for our school and district, access calendars, and links to important resources. Be sure to download it and check it out!
DOES YOUR FAMILY NEED ASSISTANCE?
Westside Community Schools provides clothing and food assistance through the Family Resource Center to students and their families who may need extra support. Families can contact the School Social Worker, April Anderson, by email or at 402-408-8914 to arrange a time to meet there. Additional resources can be located in the Social Work Newsletter.
We want to make sure every child has the school supplies to feel ready to start on their first day. If your family is in need of assistance for school supplies there are several options throughout the community. Many of these are currently taking donations to help stock up for those wishing to access this. If your family would either like to donate to or access these supports, further information can be found at the Salvation Army 7 Can Help Kids Back to School Backpack Program as well as by contacting the School Social Worker.
Medication at School
For your child’s safety and for the safety of others, all medication, even cough drops, must be kept locked in the health office and must be in the original package. All medication, including cough drops, needs to be accompanied by a medication form signed by the parent or guardian, and all prescription medication forms must be signed by the doctor. Whenever possible, the medication should be administered at home.
Student Illness
Office personnel will notify parents/guardians when a student needs to be sent home from school due to illness. Conditions requiring a student be sent home include: temperature greater than 100.0°F, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rashes, or on determination by the school nurse that the child’s condition prevents meaningful participation in the educational program, presents a health risk to the child or others, or that medical consultation is warranted unless the condition resolves.
Parents should complete the online Annual Information Update each year to verify that emergency daytime phone numbers are current so that parents can be reached if their child becomes ill or is injured while at school. Parents should also inform the School Nurse or Health Assistant of health-related information they feel is important for each child’s safety and success at school.
When is My Child Too Sick for School?
Send me to school if...
· I have a runny nose or just a little cough but no other symptoms.
· I haven't taken any fever-reducing medicine for 24 hours and I haven't had a fever during that time.
· I haven't thrown up or had any diarrhea for 24 hours
Keep me at home if...
· I have a temperature higher than 100 degrees even after taking medicine.
· I'm throwing up or have diarrhea.
· My eyes are pink and crusty.
Call the doctor if...
· I have a temperature higher than 100 degrees for more than two days.
· I have been throwing up or have diarrhea for more than two days
· I have the sniffles for more than a week and they aren't getting better.
· I still have asthma symptoms after using my asthma medicine (and call 911 if I'm having trouble breathing after using my inhaler.)
Emotional Wellbeing
We know it is important to consider both the physical and social-emotional well-being of our students, families, and staff. We continue to be committed to providing regular instruction and support for managing thoughts and feelings.
If your child is experiencing particular difficulties (whether related to the pandemic or other life circumstances) and you would like to explore options for additional support, we encourage you to contact our School Psychologist, Mrs. Gnader (gnader.courtenay@westside66.org) who can help in coordinating additional support and resources.
Annual AHERA Notice
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) requires each public school district to annually notify parents, staff, and employee groups of its asbestos management plans. A management plan is in place for Loveland and is available for review either at the school building or at the Westside Service Center, 9437 J St. Omaha, NE.
This school was originally inspected in the 1980’s and re-inspected by a certified inspector every three years thereafter. The three-year re-inspection was conducted in 2018, a ceiling tile inspection in 2019, and periodic surveillance will be conducted as required. No abatement activities are currently in progress or scheduled for the 2022-23 school year at this building.
The Designated Person responsible for managing the District’s AHERA compliance and the contact person for questions or to review a management plan is the Director of Facilities, Russ Olsen (402) 390-8331.
Loveland Community Club Update
Be looking for information about upcoming Loveland Events: • Sneak-A-Peek • Homecoming Parade • Book Fair • Staff Appreciation week • Ice Cream Social • Loveland Launch Fundraiser. We are excited for the upcoming school year!
Loveland Community Club President: Christina Greenwald Vice President: Jill Conway
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Westside Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital/parental status, military/veteran status or any other category protected by law in its programs and activities or in admission or access to, or treatment in, hiring and employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
The following District personnel have been designated to coordinate compliance and can address inquiries about the District’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures:
For questions or concerns by students, parents or others:
Coordinator of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator – ABC Bldg. 909 So. 76th St. Omaha (402) 390-2100 E-mail: titleixcoordinator@westside66.net
Director of Special Services/ADA & 504 Coordinator (disability/accommodation) ABC Bldg. 909 So. 76th St. E-mail: ADAcoordinator@westside66.net
For questions by District employees or applicants:
Ass’t Supt. for Human Resources/Lead Title IX Coordinator - 909 So. 76th St. Omaha, NE (402) 390-2100 E-mail: titleixcoordinatorHR@westside66.net
For further information about anti-discrimination laws or to file a complaint of discrimination you may also contact the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Dept. of Education, One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106,
Tele. (816) 268-0550, Fax (816) 268-0599, (TDD) (800) 877-8339, or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.