Aug/Sept Newsletter
Aug/Sept 2023
A Note from the Principal
Greetings Orion Families,
It is our pleasure to welcome families to Orion Elementary School. Teachers and staff are filled with energy and enthusiasm for helping students feel welcomed, connected and a part of our Orion Lion’s family. It is our mission that students develop socially/emotionally and are challenged to grow in his or her academic abilities.
Office staff (Heather and Ashlen) are available to assist and answer questions Monday- Friday from 8:15 am – 4:00 pm, please leave a message if your call is not answered. Someone will get back to you asap.
I am honored to serve as the principal of Orion Elementary School. It is a privilege to be a part of a community where parents, teachers and students care for each other and build positive relationships that support academic and social growth. Please feel free to contact me at (907) 742-0250 or at cheathon_brenda@asdk12.org
Once again, welcome back! Let’s make it a great year at Orion Elementary school!
MONDAY LATE START
Our first Late Start Monday will begin on August 21, 2023. This will occur every Monday throughout the school year. Buses will run 1-hour late and school starts at 9:50 AM every Monday.
General Information
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Bus Rider Information
If you are registered in Q then student bus routes should be in Parent Connect/Q on 8/15/2023.
Drop off and walkers are on Bullard Ave at the back gate. Students will line up at their designated doors. Teacher names will be on cones. Students should not be on campus until supervision is present at 8:45 am Tuesday - Friday and 9:45 am on Mondays. Please be aware of the crosswalk and refrain from parking there. There will not be a staff at the crosswalk this year, please watch closely for children crossing. We have added flashing lights to a sign that will be placed in the middle of the crosswalk.
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Back to School Event
We will have our annual Back to School Meet and Greet Event on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. This is a great time to meet teachers, find your students' classroom, and tour the school. In order to be on a class list at the event you need to be registered. We have limited school supplies and snacks from USO. * We are excited to see you at the event. *
PTA will have information available at the event. We have several open PTA offices. Please sign up at the table with any questions or if you are interested.
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The first day of school is Thursday August 17, 2023 for 1st - 6th grade. Kindergarten and Preschool will start school on Thursday August 24, 2023. Kindergarten teachers will set up a meeting with families to meet the student and build a relationship. These meetings will occur August 17, 2023 - August 23, 2023.
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Calendar Events
August 16 Back to School Meet and Greet 4:30pm - 6:00pm.
August 17, 2023 - 1st - 6th grade first day back to school.
August 17, 2023 - August 23, 2023 - Preschool/ Kindergarten teachers and students/families meet and greet.
Kindergarten Academy - Sign up for a session during Back to School Meet and Greet
August 24, 2023 - Kindergarten first day back to school.
September 5, 2023 - mClass Assessment K-3rd grade
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Checkout our School Website! We are in the process of making changes. This is a work in progress so keep looking throughout the year. Follow our Facebook page for postings. Keep your email address updated as notifications are shared on Blackboard through email.
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Students will not be able to start school without being vaccinated. If you have questions, call the office to speak with the nurse beginning August 14th.
Transportation
Regular Transportation
Transportation is provided for students who live at least 1 ½ miles from their neighborhood school. Bus stops are established in accordance with Anchorage School District Transportation Department criteria. Please check Parent connect for bus route numbers and times.
Special Needs Transportation
Transportation is provided for students as a related service and part of the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). For more information, see Transporting Children with special needs, an informational guide for parents, teachers, school bus drivers and attendants.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
We need officers!
Orion Elementary is looking for enthusiastic noon duties. If you are interested, please apply!
Cafeteria Information for Families
The school meal program is partially subsidized by the Federal and State governments. Breakfast is served from 9:45 - 10:10 Monday and 8:45 to 9:10 a.m. Tuesday - Friday. Your child’s teacher will share a lunch schedule with you.
Please talk to your child about making healthy choices. All students are encouraged to eat a healthy balanced meal but ultimately it is up to the child to make those choices in school. Consider reviewing the lunch menu together so that your child knows what choices you would like them to make. School meals are planned to meet the necessary dietary requirements of growing children. Please limit items that contain nuts or peanut products for classroom designated as nut free . Students with allergies are offered a separate seating area.
Free/Reduced Meal Benefits - Free and Reduced Meal applications are processed continuously throughout the year. Meal benefits support both the families and the school. We highly encourage all families to look into this opportunity and apply if you think that you may possibly qualify. One application should be completed per household. Applications are available at the school office, or go online for a faster response.
Paper application is not required if applying online. If you are applying for meal benefits, please follow all instructions thoroughly. Applications will be processed by the School Food Service Branch to determine eligibility. A letter of Notification of Eligibility will be sent home.
Apply for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals: https://www.asdk12.org/Page/13246