THE TIGER TIMES
January 2017
Welcome to the 2016-2017 School Year
Acton Elementary School
UPCOMING EVENTS
January
3 Students Return for Second Semester
9 School Board Meeting
13 Yearbook Activity Picture Day
16 MLK Day-closed
20 All Pro Dads 7:45- 8:30 AM
20 Jump Rope for Heart Assembly
26 2nd Gr Field Trip NIFS
30 5th gr Field Trip IRT
February
1 Midterm Ends
3 Jump Rope for Heart
7 PTO Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
9 Fourth Grade Music Program 6:00 PM
10 Treats with Your Sweets PTO Event 6:30-8:00 PM
14 1st Gr FieldTrip Central Library
14 Friendship Celebrations 3:00-3:45 PM
17 All Pro Dads 7:45- 8:30 AM
17 4th gr Field Trip ISM/IMAX
20 President’s Day Holiday
21-23 Kindergarten Registration
23 Sky Zone PTO Fundraiser 4-8 PM
27 School Board meeting
27-Mar 10 ISTEP Applied Skills (grades 3-5 only)
March
2 First Grade Music Program 6:00 PM
7 PTO Meeting 6:30-8:00 PM
10 End of grading period
10 Indy Air Bears
13 School Board Meeting
13-17 I-READ
17 All Pro Dads 7:45- 8:30 AM
17 Report Cards Distributed
17 3rd Quarter Celebrations
20-31 Spring Break
LOST AND FOUND
ALL PRO DAD
Chick fil a will be available for $4 per person. RSVP at https://allprodadsday.com/chapters/5029
APPOINTMENT POLICY
- Just a reminder: School Board policy 5200 regarding appointments. – Parents are encouraged to schedule medical, dental, and other necessary appointments other than during school hours. When appointments are necessary during the school day, the student shall report back to school immediately after the appointment with a signed statement from the doctor, dentist, etc.
LET US KNOW YOU ARE COMING TO VISIT
We ask that you please pre-register before class parties, lunch or volunteering.
Below is the link to pre-register. Thank you for helping us keep our kids safe.
https://secure.safevisitorsolutions.com/Safe/Visitor/franklin000012
COUNSELOR CONNECTION
PBIS and SING-ALONG CONVOCATION
Before Winter Break, we held a whole school convocation and Sing-Along. To kick things off, our Student Council performed in some excellent skits reminding students of our PAWS expectations.
Great Job Student Council!
Ask your child if they know Acton’s four PAWS expectations:
P: PROMPT AND PREPARED
A: ACT RESPONSIBLY
W: WORK TOGETHER
S: SHOW RESPECT
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
We want our Acton Tigers here every day possible so they can get the most out of their education.
1. Your children can suffer academically if they miss 10 percent of school days or about 18 days. That can be just one day every two weeks, and that can happen before you know it.
2. It doesn’t matter if these absences are excused or unexcused. They all represent lost time in the classroom and a lost opportunity to learn.
3. Attendance matters as early as kindergarten. Studies show many children who miss too many days in kindergarten and first grade can struggle academically.
4. As a parent you are responsible for making sure your child develops the habit of regular attendance.
5. If you are facing tough challenges related to access to health care, unstable housing, poor transportation or lack of food, you can and should seek out support from the school and community.
RESIDENCY AND EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS
If your family is in an extreme living situation such as; living in a motel, car, campsite, shelter, temporary housing, combined housing, public places, etc. you could qualify for a McKinney –Vento (homeless) Act.
Please contact your school counselor to discuss ways we can possibly help support your situation.
Students who are in homeless living situations have the following rights:
1) Immediate enrollment in the school they last attended or the school in whose attendance area they are currently staying even if they do not have all of the documents normally required at the time of enrollment;
2) Access to free meals and textbooks, Title I and other educational programs, and other comparable services including transportation;
3) To attend the same classes and activities that students in other living situations also participate in without fear of being separated or treated differently due to their housing situations.
Any questions about these rights can be directed to your school’s Counselor.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received and understand the above rights.
________________________________________________________ ______________
Signature of Parent/Guardian/Unattached Youth Date
________________________________________________________ ______________
Signature of McKinney-Vento Liaison Date
PTO Update from PTO President Sarah Smith
- The Cookies & Canvas Event for January has been put on hold, but a new FREE Acton Event is scheduled for February. Mark your calendars for our next PTO event, "Treats with Your Sweets" on February 10th. Join Acton families for a night of games, movie and delicious treats. Bring a dessert to share and enjoy a fun time with fellow Tiger families!
- Acton Moms- We would love to know you! We see your familiar faces at events, the bus stop and at school, and we would love a chance to know you better. Come join the Acton PTO for a Mom's Night Out dinner on Monday, January 23rd at 6:30 at Fireside Brewhouse. Enjoy a dinner without kids and a time to meet other Acton Moms. No PTO business, we promise!
- Enjoy a delicious dinner and help support Acton. Hot Box Pizza Fundraiser is Jan 18th ALL DAY. Make sure to mention the Acton PTO when placing your order and Acton will receive 20% of the sales!
- If you are interested in serving as an Officer or as a Chairperson for the 2017-2018 school year, please contact Sarah Smith at indysmithfamily@gmail.com We are having a great time this year and are looking forward to a wonderful year. We would love your involvement on the PTO Executive Board next year!
- Are you creative? Do you love school supplies and bulletin boards? The Acton PTO could use your help with bulletin boards around the school. Contact Sarah Smith for more information.
- Did you know Franklin Township School Board Meetings are open to the public? Our new School Board was sworn in last night and officer elections have occurred. Increased parent participation is needed and the Franklin Township School Board needs your help in selecting the new Superintendent and forging a path for continued excellence in education. If you are interested in serving on committees or task forces for township planning, please contact Sarah Smith. Involvement is needed at a variety of levels and various time commitments are available.
- The next PTO Meeting is February 7th at 6:30 pm. Childcare & Snacks will be provided.
DROP OFF/PICK UP
Pick up must be done from the car rider line as well. Car rider numbers are available at the front office.
Your cooperation helps keep our students safe.
ATTENDANCE LINE
Upon returning to school following an absence or absences, the student shall bring a written statement. The note must contain dates of absences and reason, as well as parent/guardian signature. These statements determine if the absence is excusable.
REMIND 101
STAR EXPRESS NEWS
- Visit http://ftcsc.nutrislice.com/ for a complete listing of our Spring 2017 menu items.
- For more information visit: https://schoolnutrition.org/NSBW2016/
- For more information on student health, visit www.kidshealth.org.
- Online payments through PayPams is convenient way to pay for your child's meals.
SAFETY REMINDER
WE LOVE OUR STUDENTS. THEIR SAFETY IS CRUCIAL TO US. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE PREPARED TO STOP AND SHOW ID WHEN VISITING OUR SCHOOL.
WE HAVE RECEIVED A NEW VISITOR SIGN IN SYSTEM. THIS WILL REQUIRE ALL VISITORS TO HAVE AN IDENTIFICATION CARD THAT CAN BE SCANNED AT THE FRONT DESK.
SCHOOL TIMES
8:50am-3:50pm
Wednesday
8:50am-3:20pm
Car Rider Doors Open at 8:35am
TRANSPORTATION
- If there is a change in transportation for students at the end of the day, we must be notified by a Parent/Guardian before 3:00pm or we can not guarantee that the change can be made.
MUSIC NEWS
Mark Your Calendar....
Music Dates
2/9 – 4th Grade Music Program, 6:00 in Gym
3/2 – 1st Grade Music Night, 6:00 in Gym
4/29 – Folk Dance Festival
5/4 – 5th Grade Music Program, 6:00 in Gym
5/9 – 5th Grade Field Trip to ISO concert
What to know what is going on in music class? Follow us on Facebook!
Facebook: ActonElementaryMusic
5th Grade Program – NEW DATE!!!!
The 5th grade music program has been moved to Thursday, May 4th to accommodate some fun end of the year plans! Please adjust your calendar and plan to attend!
5th Grade Band/Choir/Orchestra Recruitment
5th Grade Parents:
It is time for our 5th graders to make a decision about Band, Choir, Orchestra or General Music for next year in 6th grade. Your 5th grade students has brought home a packet of information about all of the options. Please take time to look at this information with your child. If you have any questions, need another packet or would like any help with this fun decision, please let me know!
Mrs. Stevenson
Time-line at a glance:
Jan. 3rd - 6th – 5th grade students preview instruments during music class
Jan. 12th - 5th grade attends concert at FTMSE
Jan.19th – Middle School Directors come to Acton to help students choose an instrument
Feb. 3rd– all forms due to Mrs. Stevenson
Feb. 6th – Parent meeting at FTMSE – 5:30 & 7:00
Feb. 7th – Parent meeting at FTMSW – 5:30 & 7:00
(Only need to attend one meeting)
FOLK DANCE CLUB
Do you love to dance and move…like to sing …enjoy learning about other cultures... need something to do Fridays before school?
Then Folk Dance Club might be for you!
What: A great opportunity for students who like music and moving to have fun learning about other cultures and dance.
Who: Any enthusiastic 3rd, 4th or 5th grade student who displays good behavior and a positive attitude throughout the school.
When: Folk Dance Club will meet on Fridays before school beginning Feb. 3rd and going through May 5th with the possibility of an additional practice TBA in May. Practices will begin at 7:30am.
Performances: Folk Dance Club will participate in the Indianapolis Children’s Folk Dance Festival on Saturday, May 6th and also perform at an International Fair possibly hosted by Kitley Elementary in May.
Transportation: Students can be dropped off at the front doors beginning at 7:20am. Mrs. Stevenson will be up front to meet you. If you happen to arrive before 7:20, please wait outside the building with your child.
Cost: There is a $15 fee to join this club. This money pays for a t-shirt for the festival and snacks for the festival and International Fair. Payment can be made in cash or check. Checks should be made out to Acton Elementary. If you are in need of scholarship, please indicate on the attached sign-up sheet.
How to Sign-up: Fill out and return the form by January 27th!
Please e-mail or call with any questions.
Mrs. Stevenson
Amanda Stevenson
Amanda.stevenson@ftcsc.k12.in.us
803-5151
PE NEWS
- Jump Rope for Heart for all grade levels will be held on Friday, February 3rd during your child’s Related Arts Time! Students are welcome to bring their own jump rope from home if they choose too.
- A Jump Rope for Heart Kick-Off Rally will be held on Friday, January 20th where the students will be told all the information they need to participate in this exciting event. Paperwork will be coming home with this same information for parents.
- PLEASE work on jump rope skills at home, if at all possible. It’s an outstanding form of exercise but it takes practice. There are many students who are at the beginning stages and need that extra “boost” at home to be successful…any help parents can give at home would be very beneficial.
Any questions, please contact Jayne Adams
jayne.adams@ftcsc.k12.in.us 317-803-5110
MAJOR SAVER LIMO RIDE WINNERS
Congrats to our Acton winners:
Brady Cole
Devin Neil
Dylan Sanders
Ava Adams
FRONT OFFICE INFORMATION
Please review a few important front office policies.
- We do our best to keep classroom disruptions to a minimum. If your child forgets an item and you bring it in, please do not be offended if the front office asks for you to leave the item with them so it can be delivered at an appropriate time.
- If there is a change in transportation for students at the end of the day, we must be notified by a Parent/Guardian before 3:00pm or we can not guarantee the change can be made.
- If electronics (cell phones, ipods, gaming systems) are brought into school and removed from backpacks, they will be confiscated by the teacher. A parent/guardian will be asked to pick up the electronic at the front desk.
- When having lunch with your student in the cafeteria please remember to only have your child sit with you at the family table. We like to keep the table open for other families.
- Morning student drop off must be done in the car rider line. Drop off door opens at 8:35 am in the car rider line.
- Students arriving after 8:50 am MUST be signed in at the front office.
- Review the Franklin Township policies and procedures for absences on p. 2-3 in the student handbook. We appreciate your cooperation.
- All visitors must have a photo ID to enter the building.
- Just a reminder: School Board policy 5200 regarding appointments. – Parents are encouraged to schedule medical, dental, and other necessary appointments other than during school hours. When appointments are necessary during the school day, the student shall report back to school immediately after the appointment with a signed statement from the doctor, dentist, etc.