The Sunday Message
Announcements, Resources, Celebrations 7/16/18
THE PLEASANT UNION STAFF LOOKS FORWARD TO AN OUTSTANDING 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR.
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WHAT A GREAT 1ST WEEK OF SCHOOL!!!
LOTS GOING ON IN WEEK NUMBER 1:
Lots of great learning went on in the first week of school. Our new kindergarteners, the graduating class of 2031 participated in their staggered entry day. All of the kindergarteners for Tracks 1, 2, & 3 will start on Monday, July, 16.
Pleasant Union is a Global Theme school and lots of global activities have already begun. Be sure to go to the @PleasantUnionYR Twitter site to see all the grade level activities in real time.
PUE WEBSITE BEING UPDATED:
Have you familiarized yourself with our school website? Thanks to Mrs. Kayla Perry for updating staff 2018-19 pictures, contact information and important links for each team. Mrs. Perry is going through each section of the site to bring it up to date. Be sure to periodically check the Banners at the top of the site for important announcements. Also, be sure read the "What's New" section for copies of the Sunday Message and other important links. If you have any questions or suggestions for our website please contact Mrs. Kayla Perry, kperry@wcpss.net.
Lots of forms have been sent home last week. If you have not received and completed the following forms please do so ASAP. Thank you much.
- Bright Yellow Emergency Locator Card
- Data Verification Form
- Military Connected Form
- Bus Rider Letter
- Parent Student Handbook review and receipt form
- Access to Portal-Access Form. This form needs to be completed and returned to our data manager, Mrs. Baginski. Once completed you will have the ability to update demographic information (phone numbers, email) and then be able to view your child's attendance, bus transportation status and bus stop.
IMPORTANT SCHOOL ROUTINES:
Pleasant Union sends home weekly Tuesday Folders with all students. It is extremely important that you review the contents of the folder as it will contain teacher announcements, assignments and action items that are needed. It will also, as the year goes along contain student work for your review.
COMBINATION CLASSES: As you may know, the new State laws enacted regarding class sizes have impacted our school. As a result of these changes we have needed to institute two combination classes this year (K/1 and 2/3). Additional changes could occur if more students arrive through the "tenth day" of track 4, or if students leave to go to other schools. If more students come, a new teacher may be hired and this could again affect our staffing plan. We make all decisions as quickly as possible and strive to avoid changing tracks and having to make more changes than needed. Due to the random nature of how students come to enroll and move schools, much of this change can't be predicted. If any changes affect you or your family, you will be notified as soon as possible.
SHOUTOUTS:
Periodically staff, students and parents do something that is extraordinarily good. Please alert me of these so that I can recognize them in the Sunday Message.
PLEASANT UNION IS A BYOD SCHOOL:
Students whose parents attended BYOD training/device set up and have signed off, agreeing to the guidelines of BYOD will be able to bring their own device to use at school. We will be setting up a BYOD Parent Info Night early in the school year for interested parents that are new to the school or have not received BYOD training. If you have questions on BYOD please contact our tech contact Mr. Stern bsstern@wcpss.net.
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Here Comes the Bus
If you haven't done your annual bus registration please do so for the 2018-19 school year. This is necessary for the Transportation Dept. to schedule stops for your child. Bus registration does not automatically roll over from year. We've noticed many Track 4 students that historically ride the bus have not been assigned a bus stop. If you need to renew your service or sign up for the first time go to the Transportation page.
Here Comes the Bus is a very useful WCPSS app for parents. The app translates GPS data into an easy to use customizable map that works on a computer, tablet or smartphone. It allows parents to see where the bus is and how close it is to your stop.
In addition, Pleasant Union will continue to provide updates for expected bus delays or if we are alerted that there will be a subs via the Remind app. If you are not signed up for the Remind app email our office receptionist, Becky Britt at rbritt@wcpss.net.
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GREAT AFTER SCHOOL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT PUE
Stem for Kids: Offered Wednesday Afternoons from 4-5pm.
Registration for Stem For Kids after school programs is now open. Four great programs are being offered this year. Check them out and register at Stem for Kids.
TGA Golf and Tennis www.playtga.com/wakecounty: Offered Monday afternoons (4-5 pm)
TGA introduces the life-long sports of golf and tennis at a young age through programs that provide a fun and enriching experience for children while being a convenient and affordable option for parents. Our dedicated coaching staff help students develop their skills and a passion for golf or tennis while using the sports as a vehicle for delivering curriculums that are loaded with educational concepts including STEM and life skills such as respect, honesty, perseverance and sportsmanship. Register here www.playtga.com/wakecounty.
KidzArt http://northraleigh.kidzart.com/: Offered on Tuesday afternoons (4-5 pm)
Registration will open on Sunday, July 15 at NorthRaleigh.KidzArt.com. HAVE FUN, learn to draw and experience creativity building exercises.
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SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY
LATE ARRIVAL:
Please walk your child into the school if you arrive at 9:10 or after. Our Safety Patrol is on duty until 9:10. Also, please be aware that the school doors open at 8:45 for students NOT enrolled in the Before School Program. Students are considered on time if they are in their classrooms ready to start the day at 9:15. If a child arrives at 9:14 and is not in their classroom by the the 9:15 bell they are considered tardy.
CARPOOL GUIDELINES:
Thanks to all that are posting their issued carpool number on your review mirror. This helped our carpool to move in a very expeditious manner during the first week of school.
Kindergarten Parents:
Our full Track 1, 2 and 3 kindergarten classes will be back on Monday. If you are a kindergarten parent please have your child practice securing themselves in the car seat so that the carpool line can move along in an efficient manner. Remember to place your child's car seat on the right passenger side of the vehicle so that our Safety Patrol guards can help your child get in and out of the car safely from the curb.
It is important for safety and the efficacy of our carpool that we remember that a single line should be maintained in the morning until the arrival bell rings at 8:45 and then at 3:15 in the afternoon. Cell phones should be put aside once the carpool line starts moving. It is essential that your focus is on student safety at that time. I have directed staff to ask you put your phone down if it is being used once carpool has started. We can't afford any student injuries, especially when preventable.
Make sure that you have your carpool number on your mirror until your child gets in the car.
BUS TAGS:
Bus tags with your child's name address and phone number will be attached to your child's backpack at the start of the year. A staff member and the bus driver will look for this prior to getting on the bus in the afternoon. If your child's falls off a replacement will be made.
KINDERGARTEN/1ST GRADE BUS RIDERS:
Please be aware that WCPSS safety guidelines state that if a parent or adult is not at the bus stop to receive your child the child will be returned to the school and you will be called to pick up. During the first weeks of school it is wise to be at the stop early to prevent your needing to drive to the school for pickup.
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TIME TO REGISTER TO BE A VOLUNTEER
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WAKE COUNTY HIRING BUS DRIVERS
Parents,
We have an immediate need for responsible and caring bus drivers bus drivers! Interested? Start your application now!
More than 75,000 WCPSS students begin and end their school days on one of our yellow buses. Transporting these students requires our drivers to cover nearly 85,000 miles on Wake County roads daily. This is no small task, and we need your help.
If you or someone you know has an interest in becoming a bus driver please go to Transportation Jobs to find out more.
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Mark Your Calendar
Monday, July 16
- First Day of School for ALL Track 1, 2, & 3 Kindergarteners.
Tuesday, July 24
- 9:30 3rd Grade BOG/Tracks 1, 2, 3
- 6:20/7:25 Open House, Tracks 1, 2, and 3 (K-5)
Thursday, July 26th
- Track 3 tracks out
Friday, July 27th
- First Day of School-Track 4
- 9:30-10:30 Track 4 Kindergarten Meet the Teacher
Tuesday, August 14
- Open House, Track 4 (K-5)