Eagle Friday News and Notes
August 18, 2017
Highlights for the Coming Week!
Please be sure to read on in this newsletter for important information on the following:
- Solar Eclipse Information
- Curriculum Night
- Walker and Car Rider Procedures
August 21st Solar Eclipse
Dear Families,
On Monday, August 21, people in North America will be able to view a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1918. It is perhaps one of the biggest astronomical events of the decade. As a school, we want to take advantage of this educational opportunity. All ZCS elementary students will participate in developmentally-appropriate lessons about the solar eclipse that will focus on:
· The cause of this astronomical event (alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun)
· How to safely view the eclipse using appropriate eye wear. Through the generosity of the Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF), all students will receive a pair of certified viewing glasses to take home.
Due to the timing of the solar eclipse in our viewing area (approx. 1:00 – 4:00 PM), teachers were given the option to lead an outdoor eclipse viewing lesson during the school day or to stay indoors to learn more about the astronomy of an eclipse from other sources. Our teachers have planned lessons where students will go outside to view the eclipse. The students in the class are required to have a parent/guardian signed waiver to participate. Students in those classes who do not have a signed waiver will be provided an alternative lesson which may include NASA’s live stream of the event in the media center (NASA 101).
We will be putting into place a variety of other protocols to maximize student safety. Students will have indoor recess this day and no activities will occur outdoors without a signed student waiver. You will also notice some changes in our car rider transportation in the afternoon. Car riders will wait indoors until their vehicle pulls up and they are summoned by an adult. We will also be holding walkers and bike riders in the front lobby and ask that an adult enter the front doors to meet your student and accompany him/her home. Finally, we are making it a Hat and All Black Spirit Day! Please send your student to school with a brimmed hat and dressed in black to represent the eclipse.
We look forward to helping our students experience this major astronomical event in a purposeful and safe way!
Sincerely,
Mr. Foreman
Additional Resources:
Videos:
Bill Nye and the Planetary Society -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL_qffRVV3oS0x3hALb5dQW5ZZPjDgwbKY&v=uMvhPUnWoc0
SciShow Kids-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz9aGDKZ_94
Solar Eclipse 2017 viewing times in Zionsville, IN
Duration: 2 hours, 50 minutes, 29 seconds
Partial begins: Aug 21 at 12:57:29 PM
Maximum: Aug 21 at 2:24:27 PM
Partial ends: Aug 21 at 3:47:58 PM
Source of times above: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2017-august-21
Beginning of the Year Events
August 14 to September 1: NWEA Testing Window, grades 1-4
August 18: Eaglefest (Mr. Foreman in the Dunk Tank around 6:00)
August 21: Solar Eclipse (see note regarding protocols below)
August 24: Eagle Curriculum Night, 5:30-8:00
During this event for adults, each classroom teacher will present a half hour session highlighting the curriculum, events, and expectations for the year ahead. Each grade level has a designated time, indicated in the calendar above. You will also be able to visit informational booths from various district and community organizations.
- Kindergarten: 5:30-6:00
- 1st: 6:00-6:30
- 2nd: 6:30-7:00
- 3rd: 7:00-7:30
- 4th: 7:30-8:00
We will have child care available in the cafe while the adults attend the half hour session We understand that it can be difficult for families to make other child care arrangements at times.
August 29: Up With People Visit Eagle
September 1: Kindergarten Dad's Club Breakfast, 8:15-8:45 (*Please note this time change)
Dads (or other meaningful adults) of Kindergarten students are invited to join us in the cafe for breakfast with your Kindergarten student. A flier will be coming home with you student early next week.
September 4: Labor Day - No School
September 15: 1st Grade Dad's Club Breakfast, 7:15-7:45
Arrival and Dismissal
Kindergarten - 9:00 am until 2:30 pm
Grades 1-4 - 8:00 am until 2:30 pm
*Students are considered tardy if they arrive in their classrooms after 8:00 am.
Students may walk/bike to school, ride in a car, or take the bus. Our ultimate goal is student safety! If we all follow the procedures it really helps us make sure all students arrive to school and back home safely every day.
Bus information: please call Amy Eaton at (317) 873-2852 (ext. 11802). Buses unload at the back of the building with the assistance of our staff.
Walkers - All walkers must cross at the crossing guard. Walkers will be able to enter the building at 7:50 am and go to their classrooms. Students must be accompanied by a parent until the doors open at 7:50 am.
Walkers will be dismissed from the back door after buses leave and walked across the street at the crossing guard. Please meet your child here to help with our safe dismissal. It causes confusion if we have parents waiting at the front doors for walkers.
Car riders - Cars may enter the loop and wait for an Eagle staff member to indicate when they can enter the building. We ask that parents shut off their car to help with emissions if they are early for pick up or drop off. Students exit and enter cars on the passenger side. Please teach your child(ren) to buckle and and unbuckle so that the driver can also remain in the car safely. Car riders will enter the building between 7:50 and 8:00 am. Car riders will be dismissed at 2:30 pm.
***Please Note: We want to be courteous of our neighbors here at Eagle. Please be sure to keep driveways accessible to homeowners while we wait to pick up/drop off students.
School Lunch Information
A Message from PTO
* Our first meeting of the year will be Tuesday August 22 at 1:15 at Eagle. All parents welcome - kids and babies welcome too as long as they’re accompanied by a parent.
* Spirit Wear - if your paid order reaches the front office by Monday, August 18, you’ll have your items in time for the first spirit wear Friday on September 1. But if not don’t fret! The spirit wear table will be open on August 24 for Curriculum Night so you can see items in person before you buy. Those orders should available by the end of September.
* Jog-A-Thon Kickoff is Thursday, September 7th! If your company is interested in being a sponsor with your name/logo on the t-shirts please email EagleJogAThon@gmail.com. We still have spots available. Deadline to sponsor is August 31st!
* Are you a runner? The Eagle Running Club is in search of someone to help lead the running club! You can decide days and times. Contact ptoeaglezcs@gmail.com
* Raise $$ for Eagle Elementary while you shop or dine. Become a Boosterville booster today by signing up at http://boosterville.com/for-booster/ or text BOOST 66389 (include the space) to 317-333-6764. Then select Eagle Elementary as your non-profit organization and shop at participating businesses.
* August 30th is Noble Roman’s Day. Mention Eagle Elementary when you place your order and the PTO will receive a portion of the sales. Dine-in, carry-out, or call for delivery.
Heather Lusk
PTO President
Immunization Requirements
State law stipulates that the medical records of children on file at school show the required immunizations have been completed by the 20th day of the school year. That day is September 5, 2017. Information regarding immunizations requirements for 2017-2018 can be found here.
Parents of children whose immunizations are not up-to-date should contact their health care provider or the Boone County Health Department to schedule an appointment for the necessary immunizations. Some pharmacies also carry the necessary vaccines.
If parents object to immunizations, a written objection must be on file in the school office by September 5, 2017. This must be updated yearly. Children who do not have up to date vaccination records by that date will not be allowed to return to school until the proper immunization information is on file. Students who have appointments with their health care provider after Sept. 5th 2017, must present proof of the scheduled appointment in order to remain in school.
Please contact Kendra Scales in the health clinic with any questions or concerns. kscales@zcs.k12.in.us
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR VOLUNTEERS
We value partnerships with our families and welcome parents and guardians to serve as volunteers in our schools. Each ZCS building offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities.
Examples include:
Field Trip Chaperones
Out of Town/Overnight Chaperones
Tutors
Volunteer Coaches
Classroom Helpers (PTO parties/room parents)
Library Helpers
After Prom Workers
Field Day/Jog-A-Thon Volunteers
Book Fair Sales/Athletic Ticket Sales
During the school day, all volunteers are expected to sign in at the front office. Prior to the volunteer opportunity, all volunteers must sign a Non-disclosure Acknowledgement Form and have successfully completed a Full Criminal History Background Check. Necessary background check paperwork is available on the ZCS website at the Volunteers/BRAVO link and should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the intended volunteer date. Volunteers must also view the state mandated confidentiality/bullying video, provided on the Volunteer/BRAVO website. The volunteer will pay the fee* for the full background check which will expire after 5 years. The link to apply for the full background check can be accessed on the Volunteers/BRAVO link on the ZCS main webpage. For more information, contact the Volunteer/BRAVO Coordinator.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR VISITORS
During the school day, all visitors must enter via the front door and sign-in at the front office. Visitors need to be prepared to present a government issued photo ID which will be scanned against the National Sex Offender Registry. All visitors will be issued a visitor badge/tag to be worn inside the building at all times.
Examples Include:
Lunch Guests
Classroom Guest Speakers
Classroom Special Events (Grandparent Day/Famous Hoosiers/etc.)
Parent/Teacher Conferences
We ask that all visitors schedule an appointment to meet with teachers, counselors, administrators and all other staff members so that we may best serve everyone. Visitors other than parents/guardians must be prearranged and organized through the main office.
*ZCS thanks all volunteers for generous support of our youth and schools. Thank you, too, for supporting assurance of student and staff safety by completing and paying for a volunteer background check.
ZCS Food Services Positions Available
Eagle Elementary
Email: aforeman@zcs.k12.in.us
Website: http://eag.zcs.k12.in.us/
Phone: (317) 873-1234