Samuelson News
December-January
Important Safety Information
The weather is changing and soon we will have snow which makes following our pick up and drop off procedures that much more important. We have had several complaints recently about drivers not following directions. Drop off and pick up procedures are in place for student safety and it is imperative that they are followed.
Here are some of the issues we have been having:
- NO ENTRANCE FROM BEL AIRE ROAD. There is no entrance on Bel Aire Road into our parking lot. This is an exit only.
- Following traffic signs. When you are exiting our parking lot on Bel Aire Road during drop off or dismissal you must turn right. Traffic runs west and if you try and turn left you will run against traffic. The “NO LEFT TURN” sign is in place to ensure traffic runs smoothly as well as allowing an open lane for cars and emergency vehicles.
- Pick up/Drop off in the middle of the street on Bel Aire. This is dangerous and should never be done. Children can easily be hit by a car if they are dropped off or picked up in the middle of the street. If you are dropping off your child in a car, please enter on Lindlavista Way. You can drop off along the sidewalk at the side of the school. The area in front of Samuelson, along Bel-Aire Road, is reserved for buses and day care vans only. Stay on the right side of the road as you drive along Bel-Aire. For the safety of your children and other drivers, do not make U-turns in front of the school. This will help traffic move as quickly and smoothly as possible.
- Students not using crosswalks. Crosswalks are put into place to ensure your child’s safety. If they are crossing the street, please remind them to do so at designated areas.
- Staying in the car line and not cutting other cars off. If you are picking up your child in a car, enter on Lindlavista Way or Crestmoor Place. Stay in your car in the car line. The children will line up on the sidewalk at the side of the school. When it is your turn, a teacher will place your child (children) in your car. You may then pull forward or around as directed. You must turn right on Bel-Aire Road at dismissal time. The area in front of Samuelson, along Bel-Aire Road is reserved for buses and day care vans only. Please do not park along Lindlavista Way. One lane must stay open on Lindlavista Way for the car line and emergency vehicles. If you need to park and leave your car, you may park on Bel Aire Road or Crestmoor Place. Be kind to our neighbors and do not block their driveways.
Again, it is very important that our drop off and pick up procedures are followed. Keeping students safe is our top priority. Please do your part and drive with caution.
Winter Recess Guidelines
This is just a reminder to please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor recess. Samuelson students go outside when the temperature including the windchill is above 15. If your child would like to play in the snow they will need snow pants and boots. They will also need shoes to change into when they come inside. Students will not be allowed to wear wet boots in the classrooms. Thank you for your cooperation.
PBIS
Samuelson follows the principles of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS). As a PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports) school, we strive to prevent behavior problems before they happen. At the beginning of the year and after each school break, we take time to teach our expectations to all students. Students and classes who demonstrate respectful, responsible and motivated learning are rewarded by earning different incentives. One of our main and most popular incentives is the Paw Store. Students earn paws for being respectful, responsible, and motivated learners. They are able to purchase items from the Paw Store with the paws they have earned monthly.
Samuelson Elementary
Email: samuelson@dmschools.org
Website: samuelson.dmschools.org
Location: 3929 Bel Aire Road, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-242-8441
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuelsondmps
Twitter: @samuelsonDMPS
The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.
If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact E. Jacob Cummings, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: jacob.cummings@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.