Union Elementary Weekly Update
July 21, 2017
Dear New and Returning Union Families,
Let me be the first to welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year! For those of you that I have not yet had the privilege to meet, my name is Jen Raycroft. I am honored to serve this community as the principal of Union Elementary. I hope this message finds you savoring what remains of summer and making memories that will warm your heart and mind long after the heat has ended. At school, we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of our students! The halls have been quiet for too long, and we look forward to another amazing school year full of learning and fun!
This newsletter contains valuable information for all families. I hope you will find it to be helpful as you prepare for your child(ren) to return back on Tuesday, August 8th.
Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Jen Raycroft
Upcoming Union Events
July 31- Union Office officially reopens with regular hours, 7:15-3:15
August 1- Dads Club Meeting, 7:00 PM in Teachers Lounge
August 2- New Family Tours, 4:00-6:00 PM
August 3- Derek Peterson Keynote Presentations, 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM
August 4- Classroom Placement emails sent by end of day
August 7- Meet the Teacher Night, 5:00-6:30 PM
Recommended Times:
Last Name A-J, 5:00-5:45
Last Name K-Z, 5:45-6:30
August 8- First Day of School
August 24- Curriculum Night, 5:30-8:00
5:30-6:00 Kindergarten
6:00-6:30 1st Grade
6:30-7:00 2nd Grade
7:00-7:30 3rd Grade
7:30-8:00 4th Grade
Beginning of the Year Event Details
August 1: Dads Club Meeting, 7 PM
The first meeting for the 2017-2018 school year will be held in the Teachers' Lounge at Union Elementary School beginning at 7 PM. You can enter the building through Door 11 on the east side. The Union Elementary Dads Club has been around since the 1990s, and is represented by the “greatest group of guys” in Zionsville. They plan a number of fun, extra-curricular activities for Union’s kids throughout the year, as well as work with the teachers and PTO to improve educational resources. Basically, the Dads are all about kids and having fun. The motto: is “Be Glad You’re A Dad!” Dads meet in the Teachers’ Lounge the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM.
August 2: New Family Tours, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
New Union Families, this is a great opportunity for you to see our school and learn a little about us. New families should have received a separate email invitation. For more details and to RSVP, click here
August 7: Meet the Teacher Night, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Please join us in order to reconnect with classmates and visit your classroom. During this time, your family can drop off supplies, meet teachers, and get your last few questions answered. The event will conclude at 6:30 in order to be well-prepared and well-rested for our first day of school on Tuesday, August 8th.
While we recognize that this may not work for every family's schedule, we are recommending the following times:
5:00-5:45, Last Names A-J
5:45-6:30, Last Names K-Z
This is to help with parking and traffic flow. We also recommend carpooling or walking if possible. Meet the Teacher Night is a well attended event and we want everyone to kick off the school year in a positive way!
August 8: First Day of School!
August 25: Union Curriculum Night, 5:30 – 8 pm
During this event, 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.
Summer Project Update
School Hours for 2017-2018
School Supply Lists
Meet our New Staff Members!
Derek Peterson Community Presentation
Please consider attending a 90-minute keynote presentation by Derek Peterson at the ZCHS Performing Arts Center on Thursday afternoon, August 3, 2017, at either 4:00PM or 7:00PM. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Click here to order free tickets.
Mr. Peterson is a must-see presenter for all parents and community members. Here is a flyer about this event: Parent and Community Webs of Youth Support PRINTABLE.pdf
Thank you for reserving a ticket (please, only if you will be here and intend to use it). Our seating is limited to the first 1200 per session. Please reserve today and tell friends and neighbors that you are going. Child care is provided free of charge if reserved in advance by clicking here for child care.
Even the highest performing students are impacted mightily by what Derek Peterson will share with parents and community members. Please do not miss this important event.
Sincerely,
From the Clinic
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 Sept. 5th 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 Sept. 5th 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, may present proof of that appointment in order to stay in school.
Medication Pick up in the Health Clinic
A quick reminder, ALL medication that is in the health clinic must be picked up by May 26th 2017. The clinic is open on school days from 8am-4pm.
For the safety of our students, all medication must be transported to and from school by an adult (unless other arrangements have been made with the Nurse or Health care assistant). Any medication that is left in the clinic will be discarded by St. Vincent Hospital.
Please contact me in the clinic with any questions or concerns.
Background Check Information
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.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!
Union Elementary is partnering with Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library for a fun-filled summer reading challenge. Start reading when school ends and keep track of your reading in one of the following three ways. Choose to record your reading: 1) number of books (For Babies- Grade 3 only), 2) number of hours, or 3) number of days(20 minutes or more each day).
You can print out a reading log at www.zionsvillelibrary.org or pick up a copy at the Public Library when school ends. (Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library address: 250 N. Fifth Street, Zionsville, IN 46077 * 317-873-8342)
During the first week of school in August, return your reading log to your new teacher. Those students who have met a goal will be able to participate in a reading party, complete with a watermelon treat and an extra recess! Come Join the Fun of Reading at Union Elementary!
Union Elementary School
Email: jraycroft@zcs.k12.in.us
Website: http://uni.zcs.k12.in.us/
Location: 11750 E 300 S, Zionsville, IN, United States
Phone: 317-733-4007
Twitter: @ZCSUnionElem