Tulsa Elementary Family Newsletter
☔ April 2024 🐇
🐰🍬☔🐣🍭
#SchoolCanBeDifferent
💕 Our Mission & Vision Statements 💕
The Epic Mission, “Fulfilling every student’s individual potential by personalizing an educational plan that focuses on school and family partnership to achieve optimal student performance, is our goal each and every day."
Tulsa LC's Vision, "We will create a safe and inclusive learning environment where teachers, students, and families are empowered through positive communication and relationship building for every aspect of education and life experience."
💫 Epic's 5 Aspirations 💫
🐰 Welcome to April 🐣
🚫 The VLC is Closed the Following Days 🚫
May: 27
June: 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
July: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
☔ April is full of Heritage ☔
National Scottish-American Heritage Month
During the month of April, Scottish-American Heritage is recognized. From the first patriots, presidents, and industrialists, Scottish Americans contributed significantly to the establishment and development of the United States. Scots and Scotch Irish were some of the first Europeans to settle in North America. They brought their culture, industriousness, and ability to overcome with them.
National Arab-American Heritage Month
April is National Arab American Heritage Month, a special time to recognize the achievements of Arab Americans, the history of Arab migration to America, the diversity within the Arab American community, important customs and traditions and more.
🍽️April Breakfast & Lunch Menu 🍽️
Spanish Version
📆 What's Happening? Mark Your Calendars 📆
April
Arab & Scottish-American Heritage Month
01: April Fool's Day; Assistant Principal Appreciation Week (Mr. McCarty)
02: World Autism Awareness Day; Happy Birthday Mrs. Katibeh! (Counselor)
03: Gifted &Talented Testing (2nd grade); Paraprofessional Appreciation Day (All TAs)
08: Happy Birthday Ms. Wright! (2nd grade); Solar Eclipse
15: State Testing Begins; Spring Pictures; Tax Day
24: Administrative Professionals’ Day (Mrs. Heydinger)
May
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
01: National Principal Appreciation Day (Mrs. Pilgrim)
03: Happy Birthday Ms. Jimenez! (5/6 Grade); School Lunch Hero Appreciation
04: May The Fourth Be With You!
05: Cinco de Mayo
6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week
08: Spring Pictures; Solar Eclipse
10: School Nurse Appreciation Day (Mrs. Rankin)
12: Mother's Day
13: Spring Benchmarks Begin (PK & 3rd)
14: Happy Birthday Mrs. Shaw! (1st Grade)
15: Last Day of State Testing!
17: PK & KG Graduation @ 1:15 & 2:15
18: Tulsa High School Graduation @ 12:00 & 5:00
19: Tulsa High School Graduation @ 5:00
25: Spring Benchmark Window Closes (PK-3rd)
27: Memorial Day (LC Closed)
31: Last Day of School!; Q4 ends
June
02: Happy Birthday Mrs. Burke! (3rd Grade)
12: Happy Birthday Mr. Gardner! (KG)
14: Flag Day
16: Father's Day
19: Juneteenth (LC Closed)
24-7/5: Summer Break (LC Closed)
Current Academic Calendar for 2023/2024
🍎 Hurry & Save Your Spot! 🍎
Re-Enrollment is Open & Spaces are Filling Up
You should of received an email with how to re-enroll for the 2024-2025 school year. Enrollment is now live! Remember that spots are limited in our building and it would be best to go ahead and re-enroll even if you are unsure so that your family will have a guaranted spot next year and will not be placed on the waiting list. Please feel free to reach out to our staff if you have any questions or need assistance with the re-enrollment process.
All returning students will need both proof of residency and immunization (shot) records or a waiver. Need a quick PDF of your child's immunization records? You can request a vaccination record for yourself or your legal dependent on the following link:
Please note that you cannot complete enrollment on a cell phone. You must use a laptop, desktop, or Chromebook. You will need your parent portal login. We encourage you to look at the following training document for assistance if needed.
Need More Assistance?
If you need assistance with your Parent Portal account, please email customerservice@epiccharterschools.org or use the chat feature on our website. To access the school’s chat feature:
- Go to epiccharterschools.org.
- Click on the yellow chat bubble in the lower-right corner of the screen.
- Choose “Parent Portal Help” from the options listed.
- Type your question and one of our customer service specialists will help.
🌞 2024 Total Solar Eclipse - April 8th 🌞
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The eclipsewill be a total solar eclipse. It will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun – known as the path of totality – will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun.
ATTENTION PARENTS: On April 8th, our site will be in the viewing radius of the solar eclipse. Many teachers have educational activities planned around this special event, including using the special viewing tools such as eclipse glasses outdoors. Every effort will be made to minimize the risk to students, but if a student does not comply with the instructions and directions provided by staff, students maybe exposed to potential risks associated with viewing the sun. Parents/Guardian assume the risk for any injuries or damages resulting from their student's participation by allowing your student to participate. If you wish for your student to NOT participate in the solar eclipse viewing, please contact the Learning Center front desk at 918-550-4770 and e-mail your child's homeroom teacher.
📸 Spring Pictures - April 15th 📸
The purpose of the spring photo sessions is completely different than the fall photos. For starters, fall portraits focus only on the student’s head and shoulders, while spring photos show much more of the student’s personality, like you’d see done in a professional photography session.
📝 Spring Benchmark Time 5/13 - 5/25 📝
Required Window PK-3rd Grade AND probationary promoted 4th/5th Grade Students
- PK - STAR Early Literacy
- KG - STAR Early Literacy
- 1st - STAR Early Literacy & Math
- 2nd - STAR Reading & Math
- 3rd - STAR Reading & Math
- 4th - STAR Reading & Math
- 5th - STAR Reading & Math
🎓 Working from Home... 🎓
Please remember that students are expected to work when the Epic district offices are in session, even if the LC is closed.
When the learning center is closed for breaks and vacations, we will not be expecting students to continue to work (this does not include virtual learning days). The only exception to this is if your child is behind in work and needs to complete missing assignments to get back on pace.
While there is not a required amount of time for students to attend the learning center in person, we do know that students are more successful when attending class daily for direct instruction and remediation. We highly recommend that your child attends the LC a minimum of 3 days per week. Your child is given a weekly checklist of assignments. Their core curriculum and our Epic Essentials are all part of their weekly work expectations. These lessons are to be completed in full whether or not your child physically attends the center daily.
🧥 Lost & Found 🎒
What to do if Your Child has Lost Something at School?
- It happens to most kids at least once. The best place to start is by taking a deep breath.
- Talk with your child. Find out if they remember the last time they had on the item. Walk through the day with your words. Ask questions such as, “What happened next?” or “Where did you go afterwards?”
- Send a quick e-mail to your child’s teacher. FYI – We are missing a (color) (size) (brand) (item name). If you see it, would you please set it aside for (your child’s name).
- Have your child check the classrom lost and found. Then, check the school lost and found.
- Repeat the above steps 2 days later if the first day was unsuccessful.
Please make sure your child is checking the lost and found for missing items. We have several coats, sweatshirts, water bottles, and other items.
🧸 Please No Toys at School 🎮
Please support your chid(ren) by reminding them that toys are not allowed at school. All older grades (2nd-6th) need to ensure they are focused on learning and not toys in the classroom, including stuffed animals. This will help eliminate distractions here at the center. Thank you for your support.
Acceptable Item Examples for students to Bring
- Sport Balls: basketball, football, soccer
- Jump Ropes
- Frisbees
Unacceptable Item Examples for students to Bring
- Nintendo Switch (any gaming device)
- Remote Control Items (cars, animals, etc.)
- Toy Weapons (knives, guns, etc.)
🗣️ Counselor's Corner 💜
Hello, families! I’d like to report that our small groups are up and running and have been going very well! I have introduced and began implementing Bricks Based Counseling, a STEM based small-group curriculum, with my 2nd through 6th grade students. They seem to be enjoying the combination of play, creativity, and guided discussions. For my Pre-k through 1st grade groups, we have been utilizing social stories, read-alouds, and simple games, to reinforce skills. Please remember that small groups will pause during state testing, which is right around the corner.
In order to help your students perform at their best, here are a few simple strategies you can implement on testing days to help them be successful:
Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast
Many teachers report that students who do not perform well on assessments, simply haven't gotten enough sleep, and haven't eaten a complete breakfast on the morning of the test. Doing both of these things will ensure that your child is working at full capacity and can demonstrate all of the amazing skills they have learned this school year!
Give yourself some extra time
Remember, things happen, so plan ahead and give yourself a bit of extra time on testing days. Extra time to wake up and energize; extra time to eat a healthy breakfast; and extra time to travel to school. Being in a rush adds undo stress on you and your students; plan ahead and give yourself the gift of extra time!
Remain positive
Staying calm will help your child stay calm. If they get nervous about the test, or are likely to experience anxiety during the test, help them practice some relaxation techniques that they can try once during a testing session.
As a reminder, here is a link to the Test Anxiety and Coping Skills lesson that I have shared with teachers and students: Test Anxiety & Coping Skills Presentation
As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns.
-Mrs. Katibeh
Free Counseling Services are Available
Tele therapy/Virtual Counseling:
Our partner counseling agency, Alliance, can provide virtual counseling only for students who have experienced trauma, death/loss, anxiety, & depression, etc.
In-person counseling (including individual and family, crisis services);
Epic is partnering with CREOKS to refer families to various counseling services in ALL 77 Oklahoma counties. CREOKS referrals will connect families to local resources to help with a variety of health needs.
🧩 Special Education Department 🧩
Extended School Year (ESY) Dates - For our qualifying special education students, ESY will be conducted July 8th through August 2nd via Zoom with your child's case manager.
Parent Survey for Special Education Services - This survey is for parents of students currently (or recently) on an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Your responses will help guide efforts to improve services and results for students. Your response is voluntary. Epic Charter Schools is located in Oklahoma county.
💻 Neptune Navigate - Digital Citizenship 7th Lesson Due in April 💻
Every day there is another story about a student losing a scholarship, an athlete being suspended, or someone losing their job because of something they did online – in some cases, years ago. And as the FBI recently reported, online predators are having a field day with so many kids and teens switching to online learning. By teaching children early – and reminding teens and adults consistently – how to behave responsibly online, you can help keep them safer in the digital world. That’s what our Digital Citizenship lessons do. Every student in grades KG-6th will be completing one lesson per month as part of their Social Studies grades.
- Neptune Navigate is a MUST HAVE for Parents! (video)
- ELL Accommodations: Spanish lessons available for grades PK-6
🏫 Epic Targeted Instruction 🏫
This tutoring program is available to all Epic VLC students in grades 3-6 that are in need of some extra remediation. We particulary encourage our families with students that scored below 40% on their Winter benchmark or were not profient on their Spring state tests to actively particiapte in sessions. We have found that students that particiate in weekly sessions at least twice a week with fidelity in their challenging subjects can gain great progress over the school year. Each 3-6th grade class will hold ETI sessions in class Tuesdays for reading and Wednesdays for math.
📞 Parent Portal is through Powerschool 📞
PowerSchool is where your contact information is housed. Any time we need to email, call, text, or direct mail you important information, we draw from PowerSchool for your current contact information. So, should your contact information change after enrollment, it is imperative that you update it via the “Forms” section in your Parent Portal.
If you ever forget your username or password for Parent Portal, there is a "Forgot my username" and a "Forgot my password" link on the home page of PowerSchool/Parent Portal. Your Epic teacher or Live Chat through the Epic website is always a good resource should you need assistance with Parent Portal.
👐🏻 Epic & Social Services Partnership 👐🏽
EPIC Charter Schools is excited to announce a partnership with Oklahoma Human Services to work with the families we serve. This partnership provides EPIC with full-time dedicated school-based specialists. They will be able to connect families with local services who may need them. This could include assistance with food, clothing, shelter, or home safety issues; anything that could have a negative impact on a student’s educational experience.
If you need assistance or know a learning center family that needs help, please visit with our health aide, Mandy Rankin. We want to ensure our families get the services they need to best assist them. amanda.rankin@epiccharterschools.org
🤧 Allergy Season 🤒
What Is an Allergy? An allergy occurs when the body's immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts to it. The symptoms that result are an allergic reaction. The substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens. Allergens can get into your body many ways to cause an allergic reaction. Schools are prepared to manage food allergies, environmental allergies and latex allergy. When sending your child off to school, though, it’s important to make sure school staff is aware of your child’s allergies. Parents play a key role in working collaboratively with school staff on allergy management. That way, staff will be prepared to manage any symptoms that occur. You will work together to create a plan so your child will be able to fully participate in school and remain safe.
Please make note of the following:
- Students with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to stay at the center.
- Students must be fever free for 24-hours with no medications to return to the center.
- We cannot give students medication without medical forms being filled out by the legal guardian and turned into the health aide; Mandy Neeriemer.
- All medication must be provided by the parents. We cannot supply your child with any medications; even Tylenol or a cough drop.
📝 State Testing for Grades 3rd - 6th 📝
State Testing Season
As we move into our state testing season. This can be a difficult time of year for students as they begin to stress about testing. Please make sure to remind them that these tests DO NOT define them! We don't want our students to stress, have anxiety, or feel like these tests make or break their school year.
Tips To Make Testing Easier:
- Know the day & time your child is testing
- Send children to bed early to get plenty of rest
- Take the time to eat a healthy breakfast before starting the day
- Be positive, this test does NOT define your child
Spring 2024 State Testing
State Testing is required by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) for all students in grades 3-8 and 11. Each Spring, EPIC conducts in-person testing sessions around the state in order to comply with this state requirement. This year's state testing window is April 15th through May 15th.
State Testing Resources
Testing this year will be April 15th - May 15th. Please make preparations now to have your child available to attend in-person during these dates on their scheduled test dates.
Parent, Student, Teacher Guides (PSTGs)
PSTGs - English versions & Spanish versions
Testing Resources
Below you will find some links to resources of the OSTP.
Access Past State Test Results
Parents can access their student's state assessment scores through the Oklahoma State Testing Portal. This portal will not only enable parents to view their child’s progress and strengths/weaknesses on the tests, but it will also assist parents with tracking state assessment information throughout their child's academic career. Currently, the portal provides scores starting with the school year 2016-17. Each year, the portal will be updated with new assessment results.
🚗 Drop Off & Pick Up Reminders 🚙
Drop Off:
- Enter through the 2nd driveway at the FRONT of the building & circle around to the cafeteria to drop off students
- When using the car line, drivers must stay in line & inside their vehicles when dropping off students.
- After 8:30 you will need to walk your students to the North door & we will buzz your child in & proceed with check in.
- Please do not drive up from the back of the building to get in the car line.
Pick Up:
- Prior to 3:30 please go to the North door & we will assist you.
- After 3:30 we will be outside in the car line. You will need to go through the car line to pick up your child.
- Enter through the 2nd entrance at the FRONT of the building. Please do not drive up from the back of the building to get in the car line.
- All drivers must stay in line & inside their vehicles.
- Person picking students up will need to have the family number and/or yellow card ready to give to staff. This is a saftey issue so there are no exceptions.
What if I forget my tag and/or number?
This is a saftey issue so there are no exceptions
- If the person picking up students does not have the correct family number; students will not be released to them in the carline.
- Persons with no number/forgot a number will have to go to the north door & present ID to be checked with the authorized pick up list before students will be released.
- Our top priority is the safety of our students. Please ensure you have your number to avoid having to go to the front office.
⛅ Weather Alerts 🌦️
We will make every attempt to notify families in a timely manner when a site closure is necessary to protect students and staff from unsafe travel conditions. Parents should monitor Epic’s social media pages, as well as the Epic website for the latest closure information from our Communications Department. We will also notify local news channels when a learning center is closed.
Because we cannot know the weather conditions in every area of those we serve, please monitor your local road conditions. If you determine travel is unsafe, you may choose for your student to work remotely. As with all other closures and absences from a learning center, students are expected to complete assignments from home on days when they do not visit the site.
A couple of notes about the weather:
- Students will not be outside if the temperature OR heat-index is above 100 degrees. If the weather is below that 100 degree mark we will have outdoor time.
- Students will not be outside if the temperature OR wind-chill is below 32 degrees. If the weather is above that 32 degree mark we will have outdoor time.
- Please dress your child appropriately; including shoes, light clothing, warm jackets or coats. If your family needs winter wear assistance, please let us know. We have resources that can help!
- So that we all have the same information; we will all be using Channel 6 for temperature and "feels like" temperature to decide on outdoor time.
🎭 Clubs & Organizations 🎨
We are happy to announce several clubs that students are welcome to join. Teachers and staff will review student applications and will notify families of days and times that clubs will be in session.
- Art Club - Mrs. Roberson & Ms. Hightower
- Checkers & Chess Club - Ms. Wright
- Gardening Club - Ms. Mondy
- Kindness Club - Ms. Hightower, Ms. Jimenez, & Mrs. Katibeh
- Native American Club - Ms. Littlebear
- Music Theater Club - Mrs. Grass, Ms, Veirs, & Ms. Freedman
- Safety Patrol - Ms. Messenger
- Spanish Club - Mr. Fitzgerald & Mr. Jones
- Student Leadership - Mr. McBride
- Yearbook Club - Ms. Veirs
🍎 We Love to Celebrate our Hardworking Teachers & Teacher Assistants! 🍏
Bethany Littlebear
5th & 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
For the Month of April
All of our teachers & teacher assistants work hard daily to provide the best educational experience for our families.
Khadine Washington
Resource Para
💜 EPIC has HEART - Character Traits 💜
Students of the Month - Respect
The Student of the Month program is meant to promote success in and out of the classroom. For a student to be a well-respected citizen, they must be able to balance many different areas of life. They must exemplify outstanding characteristics both as a student and as a citizen of the community. The student must be able to handle many different aspects of student life while maintaining excellence in the classroom. This award is designed to nominate and select students who promote and take pride in the EPIC LC and in themselves.
We recognize the following students for embodying the character trait - Respect.
- Mrs. Douglas: Gemma McGee
- Ms. Scott-Hightower: Kinley Garvin
- Mr. Jones: Olivia Weaver
- Ms. Weatherford: Kaidence Young
- Mr. Fitzgerald: Miguel Garcia
- Ms. Freedman: Khalil Coburn
- Mrs. Duncan: Kylar Terry
- Mrs. Grass: Ezekiel Stokes
- Ms. Burke: Julian Gray
- Ms. Dowler: Austin Doberstein
- Ms. Pierson: Makaila Belton
- Mrs. Roach: Jordyn McGruder
- Ms. Jimenez: Kyria Gordon
- Ms. Veirs: Gideon Thao
- Ms. Littlebear: Zalena Wriedt
- Mr. McBride: Francisco Flores
Free Meal from Outback Steakhouse
As part of the Student of the Month accomplishment the Outback Steakhouse on 71st Street would like to congratulate your child with a free entree' from their Joey menu. This meal does not require any other purchase on your part. Cards will be sent home to all Student of the Month recipients.
Outback Steakhouse
9006 East 71st Street
Tulsa, OK 74133
918-254-4741
📅 2024-2025 Epic School Year Calendar 📅
We are pleased to release the board-approved 2023-2024 school year calendar. Please note the important information key to the left and bottom of the document. This includes an explanation of a couple of differences in the schedule for administration and employees. More communication will go out soon to Epic families.
💊 Medication at School 💉
It is the policy of Epic Charter Schools that if a student is required to take medication during site hours and the parent or guardian cannot be at the site to administer the medication, an administrator, the principal, or another designated employee may administer the medication when authorized in writing by the student’s parent or legal guardian and physician. If your student requires medication during the school hours, please come in and fill out our required medical documentation with our Health Aide, Mandy Rankin.
Please remember, your student cannot take medication without all proper documents signed and turned back in to our Health Aide, Mandy Rankin. You can contact the Health Aide at 405-749-4550 Ext. 658 or via email at amanda.rankin@epiccharterschools.org. She is always happy to assist our families in any way.
Resources & Facts from the Oklahoma State Department of Health
Updated Covid-19 Policies & Procedures
This “Return to Learn Plan, 2023-2024," includes a host of considerations to address the variety of issues and contingencies that may impact operations and instruction amid the continued incidence of COVID-19 and associated variant strains. This plan reflects the importance of students’ educational instruction while ensuring the safety of our students, teachers, and staff. This plan is subject to change to ensure it is consistent with state and federal law, guidance from health officials including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Oklahoma State Department of Health, and others (collectively, “Health Officials”).
- Return to Learn Plan 2023-2024
Persons who test positive are required to stay home. The test day is day 0. The 5 days begin the following day.
Persons who have symptoms should test as soon as possible.
Please report your positive case on our website at: COVID-19 STAFF/FAMILY REPORTING
🆓 Free Educational Resources 🆓
Looking for some enrichment for your child? Try some of these amazing educational resources!
ABCya - Reading Site for Grades PK-6th
CommonLit
Discovery Education
Educational Games for Kids
NASA STEM Engagement
National Gallery of Art
National Geographic
🙋🏾 Still have Questions? 🙋🏻
Please contact your child's teacher and they will be happy to help you further. Please understand that throughout the day, our teachers are busy teaching. Emails are checked in the morning and after school. We will respond within 24 business hours.
Tulsa Elementary Learning Center
Leadership Team
Principal - Amanda Pilgrim
Assistant Principal - Patrick McCarty
Managing Director of Instruction - Kim Nelson
VLC Counselor - Kacy Katibeh
Teacher Development Specialist - Robyn Carey