WELCOME BACK to Memorial Elementary
August 2023
Dear Memorial Families,
Please take some time to read through this newsletter for some basic school information about the Memorial procedures and policies. If you have any questions about this information or the information found in the VCS Elementary Student Handbook, please ask.
We hope to see you soon at the upcoming open house, August 14 from 4:30 - 5:30. This is an informal opportunity to meet your child's teacher, bring in school supplies and look around the school. There is not special program during this hour, so come any time.
With Great Respect,
Mrs. Debra Misecko, Principal
Save The Date(s):
July
30 Landscaping Project and Planting with the PTO, 10 - 12 p.m.
25-31 - Registration on Skyward Parent Portal - all students must be registered.
2 Landscaping Project and Planting with the PTO, 5-7 p.m.
12 Kindergarten Popsicles and Play on the Playground, 10-11 am
14 Meet and Greet/Open House - 4:30 - 5:30
16 First Day of School
22 New Parents' Meeting in cafe at 5:30 p.m.
22 Back to School Night 6-7 p.m.
* Spirit Wear Orders will go home first week of school. Stay tuned for due date.
September
13 PTO Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Cafe
22 Walk-A-Thon (Rain Date, Thursday, September 28)
FAQs from Parents
"How should I pay for my child's lunch and breakfast?" Please refer to this VCS webpage link for more information from the School Nutrition Department.
"How will I know my child's bus number and bus stop information?" After registration is complete the transportation department will begin to set up bus routes for the school year. The information for your child will be found in their Skyward account 2-3 days before school begins.
- "May I request a teacher for my child?" The time has passed for special requests for classroom teachers. Class lists are built in May with many considerations. Any changes may disrupt the class as they are designed.
- "What do I do if we are taking a vacation during the school year?" Please refer to the Elementary Student Handbook for more information. These absences are counted as unexcused and will count towards the threshold of unexcused absences. If is is necessary to go on a vacation during school days, please do you best to avoid the ILEARN window for students in grades 3-5. That is April 15 - May 10, 2023.
- "When can I meet my child's teacher?" Memorial will host an Open House on August 14, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.This time will be used to bring in school supplies, meet the teacher, and tour the school. There will not be a formal session with the teacher and you may come at any time.
- "When can I learn more about my child's class and school day?" Back to School Night for parents will be on August 22 from 6-7 p.m. This will be a time to learn more about your child's class and a time to ask questions. At this session teachers will cover the class guidelines, expectations, communication tools, and the curricular focus for the year.
Guidelines and Procedures from Memorial
Arrival
Attendance (Why it Matters)
Letters concerning student absences are generated automatically through Skyward. If you believe there is an error in your child's attendance record or if you have more questions about the procedures, you may contact the Memorial office. If the number of student absences is equal or greater to 10% of the scheduled school days, the principal will review the file for documentation and make a referral to Project Attend, if applicable.
Bike Riders
Birthday Treats
A student may only bring in party invitations to pass out, if one is being given to all the students in the class or given to all students of the same gender as the birthday child.
Breakfast
Car Riders - Drop Off in the Morning
Car Riders - Pick Up in the Afternoon
in the next spot available. A staff member will be outside and will radio into the cafe for your child(ren) to go to your designated spot. Your child will enter the car curbside. We ask that you do not get out of your car. After your child loads, you will follow the street down to Park Avenue.
All car riders will be issued a sign with their last name on it. Please display this in the front window of your car as you arrive. Many parents find it helpful to hook it on the visor. Please do not get out of your car. If you need to assist with a seatbelt, please pull into the parking lot after your child has loaded.
In years past, most confusion at dismissal occurs when parents need to send someone in their place, such as a grandparent. Please share the dismissal procedures with them as well.
Car riders should not pick up at other locations, such as at the corners across Park Avenue, as it blocks the neighborhood traffic.
Changes in Dismissal
Child Care
Office Drop-Off
In the rare occasion that Items need to be dropped off at school, parents will leave the item in the vestibule. Please be sure to label the item(s) with your child’s first and last name and indicate the teacher’s name.
Communication
Your child's progress can be viewed in Skyward. Teachers will update weekly.
Elementary Day
8:20 a.m.: Breakfast begins
8:30 a.m.: Doors open
8:30 a.m.- 8:45 a.m.: Student Arrival by bus and car
8:45 a.m.- 3:15 p.m.: School Day
3:15 p.m.: Dismissal Begins
Extracurricular Activities
Handbook
Lunch
Nurses
As always, children should be fever free and should not have thrown up for 24 hours before returning to school. If you are unsure about sending your child to school, please call the school nurse to discuss the situation.
PTO
President - Malorie Medellin
Vice President - Tracee McMahon
Treasurer - Megan Taylor
Secretary - Casandra Heeren
Stay tuned for more information coming about 23-24 PTO events. They will be shared in the Memorial Newsletter, on the Memorial Elementary PTO Facebook page, and the Memorial PTO Website.
School Safety
As teachers establish procedures in their classrooms the first week of school, they will teach students about each type of drill. They will practice it as a class and discuss the procedures. During the second week of school, we will have our first one of each type of drill. Before starting this first set of drills, the office will announce them and explain why we are practicing the procedures. Our goal is student preparedness.
Specials
Snacks
- Fruits and Vegetables: Seasonal Fruit (i.e. strawberries, apples, berries, etc.), Fresh Vegetables, Raisins or dried fruit (no chocolate or candy coating), Unsweetened applesauce,
- Low Fat Grain Options: Pretzels (unflavored), Animal crackers (plain), graham crackers, Baked chips, Crackers (Goldfish, Teddy Grahams, cheese and peanut butter crackers), Fig bars, Vanilla wafers, Air popped popcorn (plain), Cheerios (plain)
- Additional Snacks: Fruit and grain bars, Low fat string cheese, Fruit Snacks, Low fat yogurt Drinks
Please keep in mind that snacks should be in individual portions and easy to eat in a classroom setting. Refrigeration and utensils will not be available.
Supplies
Here is the link to the Memorial supply list. If you need any assistance with school supplies, please contact our school social worker, Mrs. Dravet.
Tardy Procedures
Visitors/Volunteers
Walkers - Arrival and Dismissal
At the end of the school day, walkers will be dismissed after the bell at 3:20 p.m. Students must cross the street at the corner with the assistance of the crossing guard. Parents waiting for walkers should plan on waiting on the northeast corner of the intersection of Milton and Park (the corner of the parking lot).