Spartan Scoop
Your monthly guide to school news and events October 2017
Save the Date
· October 6: 3-5 Odyssey of the Mind Parent Meeting
· October 9: Free Flu Clinic for Students
· October 9-13: Student-Led Conferences
· October 10: Interim Reports Sent Home (1st & 2nd grade)
· October 11: 3-5 Odyssey of the Mind Tryouts, 4-6 p.m.
· October 13: Half-Day Dismissal, 12:15 p.m.
· October 16: Bus Safety Day
· October 17: Coffee Chat with the Principal, 8-8:40 a.m.
· October 18: Fourth Grade Field Trip to Yorktown
· October 19: Back to School Night 5-7 p.m.
· October 20: Federal Impact Aid Forms Due
· October 20: United Way Fundraiser Crazy Hat Day
· October 20: SCA Elections
· October 23: PTA Reflections Entries Due
· October 23-27: Red Ribbon Week
· October 27: Kindergarten STEM Stay Trip
· October 27: PTA Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off
· October 31 & Nov. 1: First Grade Field Trip to Safe House
Principal's Corner
Thank you for all you have done to make the first month of school one to remember! Each day at Saunders we focus on one mission: ensuring that all students graduate college, career, and citizen-ready. Student success is a partnership between home and school. The partnership requires trust and mutual respect. Let's work together to achieve the extraordinary!
Fall is in the air and it is a great time to curl up with a good book! I have been reading I Pledge Allegiance by Pat Mora and Libby Martinez on the Morning Show. Libby and her great aunt Lobbo learn to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and explore what it means to be a citizen. Our scholars are learning what it means to be a good citizen in school.
Each morning we begin by greeting students at the door with a smile, handshake, and warm welcome. Teachers set the focus for the day during Morning Meeting. Students exchange greetings and compliments, share important events, participate in a social skill activity, and read the morning message.
Yours in Education,
Shannon Pipkin, Principal
Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork
Constitution Week
This year all Saunders students had the opportunity to participate in an essay contest during Constitution week and to answer “What is the Constitution and Why is it Important?" Constitution Day is September 17th. The U.S. Constitution was created to establish America's national government and fundamental laws. This year we had six students awarded gift cards to Barnes and Noble for their wonderful entries. The winners were: Zoe Watkins; Robinson Vasquez-Escalante; Logan Mulrine; Jordai Cox ; Alexis Byre; and Timara Richmond.
Here is the entry from Alexis Byre to give you an idea of how hard our students worked to learn about this important document.
“In 1787, one of the most influential documents in American history was written. On September 17th the founding fathers came together and wrote the Constitution. The Constitution was written to give Americans their own government. From the moment it was finalized until today, it still plays a huge part in history. The founding fathers were John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay Adams, Tomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington. The Constitution is a big part of history and is the reason we have our own government today.”
This essay contest provided students an opportunity to prepare for other essay contests coming later in the year.
Student-Led Conferences
Please join us for student-led conferences the week of October 9th through October 13th. Teachers will schedule conferences with families before school or after school. Due to conferences held during the week students dismiss half-day on Friday, October 13th. Dismissal will begin at 12:15 p.m. Please communicate any transportation changes for October 13th in writing. We want to ensure that everyone is picked up on time and makes it to their destination safely.
Free Flu Shots
Free flu shots for students will be given at our school on Monday, October 9, 2017. The flu shot is the best way to prevent children and teens from getting the flu. Please sign and return the consent form and help us keep everyone healthy this flu season. We will accept permissions up to the day of the clinic, but appreciate you returning them now, so we can get an accurate count.
Please call the school nurse for additional information.
PTA Fall Harvest Festival
PTA Reflections Entries
For Details Contact: monadiaz4@yahoo.com and nancy.rose@nn.k12.va.us
See complete rules and obtain entry forms at www.vapta.org
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When are students permitted to enter the school in the morning?
You are encouraged to stay with your child until the doors open at 8:50 a.m. Avoid dropping your child off at the school prior to 8:50 a.m. Staff members are not available to supervise them. Student hours are from 9:05 a.m. until 3:40 p.m. Newport News Parks and Recreation offers before and after school childcare at Saunders.
Q: Why don't you ask every adult to show ID when picking up a student from the cafeteria?
Parents and guardians created an initial sign-out authorization sheet for their child. School personnel match the signatures to authorized persons. School personnel are required to check ID for persons not listed and are prohibited from releasing the child in their care.
Q: Why don't you ask every adult to show ID when picking up a student from the main office?
School personnel may not ask for identification if they have previously verified the identity of the adult picking up the student. If school personnel does not know the identity of the adult, then they will ask for a picture ID.
Q: Why am I not permitted to pop in and observe my child in the classroom whenever I want?
We want you to get involved at Saunders! Whether visiting or volunteering in a classroom, you need to have made arrangements with the teacher ahead of time, so instruction is not interrupted. When entering after 9:05 a.m., you must first stop in the Office, speak with a secretary, and state the reason for your visit before you are issued a visitor sticker. If you have not scheduled a visit, we can call your child to the Office so you can speak with them or you can join them in the Cafeteria for lunch. Visitor stickers must be worn on your person, so we know you are not an intruder.
About Us
Website: saunders.nn.k12.va.us
Location: Saunders Elementary School, Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA, United States
Phone: (757) 591-4781
Facebook: facebook.com/saundersnnps
Twitter: @saundersnnps