Bobcat Bulletin 2022-2023
Every bobcat matters. Every moment counts.
New student and KINDERGARTEN registration is open NOW @ prescottschools.com
We still have Yearbooks for sale! Stop by the office or dojo your teacher to get the form for yearbooks.
March character focus is COURAGE
What is Courage?
Courage is the ability and strength to face something that may be difficult or challenging. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather perseverance in the presence of fear and the willingness to stand up for what is right or try something new even though it may be uncomfortable or uncertain.
Why focus on Courage?
- Courage encourages engagement. Courage helps students raise their hand, participate, try new things, and voice their opinions.
- Courage builds self-confidence. Courage is the choice to act. By doing something, students increase their belief in themselves and their ability to do difficult or challenging things.
- Courage can help reframe a negative. When something does not go as planned or a student gets upset about a mistake or failure, courage can help reframe the event in a positive light.
Courage in Action:
- Provide leadership opportunities. Students can learn and demonstrate leadership by teaching and mentoring others, classroom roles and responsibilities, or community outreach.
- Encourage discussion and debate. Foster curiosity and empower students to formulate ideas and engage in respectful discourse and conversations.
- Celebrate failures. Create opportunities to reduce fear of failure and celebrate when students try something new, even if they are not successful the first time.
ART-astic News
Our Youth Art Month celebration has begun! Lincoln and Taylor Hicks' artists have adorned City Hall with their amazing creativity. Our High School's Ruth Street Theater art opening will be on March 9th from 5pm to 7pm. The District Office boardroom display will be shown from March-April. It is always exciting to see their beautiful art displayed throughout Prescott. As always your child has received an informational card if their work is being shown. A huge thank you to our community partners for supporting the Arts.
Looking to donate your Arizona tax credit. Think about donating to the Taylor Hicks Habitat.
Support Our Habitat Program
The Highlands Center is excited to bring this program to Taylor Hicks Elementary School
The Schoolyard Habitat Program is supported each year by members and friends of the Highlands Center along with families and friends of our local elementary schools through the Arizona Tax Credit program.
Please give your tax donations to Taylor Hicks Elementary School.
Arizona Tax Credits can be made anytime prior to April 15, 2023
To learn more or to make a tax credit donation today please visit: https://www.prescottschools.com/aztaxcredit
March 7th- Spring Picture Day
March 8th- Kindergarten Field Trip
March 9th- 4th Grade Field Trip
March 10th - Last day before break 1:20 Dismissal
March 13th - March 17th - Spring Break
March 30th- Books for Bingo PTA Event
***Free Tutoring*** Free Tutoring*** Free Tutoring***
PTA Corner
Hello Taylor Hicks Families!
Can you believe we are on the last 9 weeks of school?
Thank you again for participating in the Dime Challenge! Every dime collected went back to that teacher's classroom! Mrs. Cole's class was the overall winner and for that they earned a donut day and she will win a $25 Amazon gift card! $1475.95 was raised overall!
Books for Bingo will be March 30th from 5-7pm and every student goes home a WINNER! This is a FREE FAMILY EVENT so stay tuned!
Be on the lookout for more Dining for Donations dates!
Thank you!
Taylor Hicks PTA
7:30 - 8:00 AM - Breakfast is served in the cafeteria
7:45 AM - Students not eating breakfast may be dropped off and go directly to their classrooms. Please do not drop students off prior to 7:45 unless they are eating breakfast. If you arrive prior to 7:45 we will ask students to wait with parents until 7:45.
8:00 AM - Get ready bell
8:05 AM - Class begins (tardy bell)
2:20 PM - Dismissal time Monday - Thursday
1:20 PM - Dismissal on Fridays ONLY
Taylor Hicks office is open from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM each day. We would be happy to assist you, please call us at 717-3276.
Taylor Hicks Elementary School
Every bobcat matters. Every moment counts.
Previous Newsletter Information
Don't forget! No toys are allowed at school
Just a quick reminder for parents. We do NOT allow any toys at Taylor Hicks. This includes Pokémon cards, backpack trinkets and keychains, fidgets, pop its, jewelry, watches, or any new holiday presents.
These items get lost or stolen and they just create more distraction. Please make sure ALL toys and like items stay home and do not come to school. If students do earn something at school, we have strict instructions to put the item in the backpack until they get home.
Thank you for your help on this issue. It truly keeps our learning environment much calmer. :)
Reminder of Taylor Hicks Tardy Policy
As the weather is changing we are seeing an increase in students being tardy. Please work on getting your students to school before 8:05. If your are running behind please be sure to walk them into the office and sign them in.
At Taylor Hicks we want to ensure success for all of our students. Because a student’s arrival at school and transition into the classroom environment can have a huge impact on a student’s learning and attitude for the day, it is essential for all students to be at school by 8:05 a.m., when the bell rings to enter into the classroom each day. Students are considered tardy at 8:05 a.m.
Our Taylor Hicks tardy policy is listed below:
All students arriving on campus after the 8:05 a.m. bell are considered to be tardy. Any student who is tardy must be accompanied by their parent or adult to be checked into school at the front office. Students will not be permitted to enter their classrooms without being checked in by a parent or an adult at the office. Tardies cause disruption to the classroom learning as well as the child’s transition into the school day.
Upon receiving 6 unexcused tardies, a parent conference with the principal will be scheduled to determine consequences and possible improvement plan.
(Note: Excused tardies include family emergencies or appointments with professionals, such as doctors or dentists, note must be provided.)
Thank you so much for your partnership with us here at Taylor Hicks. Together we can ensure every student is ready to learn every day.
School Traffic
There has become an increase in traffic during drop off and pick up. Below are a few tips to make drop off and pick up quick and safe:
Use extreme caution and watch out for children.
Drive slow.
Do not use your cell phone during drop off or pick up.
Please do not block driveways or crosswalks. Be courteous of our neighbors.
Do not block traffic or park in the drop off or pick up lane. Please circle around instead of blocking traffic.
Stop at all stop signs, for crossing guards and school buses with flashing lights.
Load and unload children in designated locations only.
Remain in your vehicle while in the drop off and pick up lines. Students need to exit the vehicle quickly and safely.
Be patient and allow yourself a few extra minutes during these busy times.
1st grade pick up line will now be 2 lanes please be aware and move forward when needed. We need to get as many cars off the street as we can. Thank you for your help in keeping this a smooth process.
STUDENT WELLBEING VISION
All PUSD students will have the opportunity to achieve academically and be positive contributing members of society.
STUDENT WELLBEING MISSION
PUSD will provide students with the skills needed for academic success by teaching self awareness, self regulation, and interpersonal skills to increase positive relationships on a personal, school, family and community level.
View our Student Wellbeing Weekly Check in by clicking here.
Cell Phones/Smart Watches/Electronic Devices/Toys
Cell phones and smart watches should not be visible or heard at any time on school grounds. If parents allow their children to carry a cell phone or wear a smart watch for emergency purposes while walking home or at the bus stop, it should remain off and in the student’s backpack while at school. If it is heard or seen, it will be confiscated and held at the office until the end of the day. On the second violation, parents/guardians will have to pick up the cell phone.
Electronic devices such as iPods, iPads, MP3 players, gaming systems, etc. are not allowed at school or on field trips.
Personal items such as toys, trading cards, or personal items not related to the classroom should be kept at home.
Students should not bring anything of value to school or on the bus. Taylor Hicks will not be responsible for stolen or misplaced items.
Making the Right Call When Your Child is Sick
Parents and guardians, you are the first line of defense when trying to keep communicable illnesses out of our school, we encourage you to monitor children for signs of infectious illness every day. It is important to follow through with physician care when your child is ill. Please notify your school nurse if your child is diagnosed with any contagious illness (flu, COVID, strep throat, pink eye, chickenpox, norovirus, etc…). Reporting is confidential and promotes the nurses ability to provide accurate information to the entire school community. By continuing to work together with our local health department, we can play an important role in slowing the spread of illness on our campuses.
Our district policy (based on CDC and YCCHS recommendations) requires your child to stay home from school if he/she has:
Severe cough that may be uncontrollable and/or shortness of breath
Fever of 100.4 or higher. Keep your child at home until they are fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen).
Combination of 2 or more of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 degrees or higher; chills; muscle pain/body aches; sore throat; fatigue; congestion; loss of taste/smell; GI symptoms (nausea/vomiting diarrhea)
Vomiting or diarrhea, keep your child home for 24 hours after the last time he/she vomited or had diarrhea.
Sore throat with suspected strep infection, even if there is no fever. Keep your child home for 24 hours after their first dose of antibiotic has been administered after being diagnosed with strep, ear infection pneumonia, etc...
Drainage, swelling or redness from any ear or eye (may indicate infection)
General Disease Control and Prevention
Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol.
Covering nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or a sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Also refrain from sharing food, drinks, utensils, etc.
Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6 months and older.
For further information, please contact your School Registered Nurse:
Name JeanMarie Mead RN BSN and Michele Kolb RN
Phone # 928-717-3276
Email jeanmarie.mead@prescottschools.com michele.kolb@precottschools.com
Student Supply List
Below are the supply lists for each grade level.
Rise N' Shine Before School Club
In the morning, students who eat breakfast may arrive at school starting at 7:30 am and report directly to the cafeteria. Students who do not eat breakfast may arrive at school no earlier than 7:45 am. With that said, Taylor Hicks will be offering a before-school club to Taylor Hicks’ parents.
Rise ‘N Shine will run Monday through Friday and a Taylor Hicks’ staff member will supervise students beginning at 7:00 am. The club will be held in the library (room 7) and students will be able to work on homework, play board games, read quietly, draw, etc. during this time. This club will cost $1.00 a day to attend. Each day your child attends you will bring a dollar with you and give it to the club sponsor.
In order to participate in this club, a parent needs to fill out the bright pink registration form (coming home the first day of school), and turn it into the office or give it to the club supervisor the first day you use the club.
When you drop your child off at the Rise ‘N Shine Club, please park your car on the street or in a parking spot, walk your child to the library, sign your child into the club if your child is in Kindergarten, first or second grade. Those students who are in third or fourth grade may walk themselves in. Students will move to the cafeteria at 7:30 to eat breakfast, students who are not eating breakfast will sit quietly in the cafetiera. At 7:45 students not eating breakfast will be released to go to their teachers classroom.
Rise ‘N Shine will start on Monday, August 8th. Please note a child’s positive behavior is a requisite for continued participation.
Afternoon Pick Up
Parents must remain in their vehicle while in the pick up line. If you would like to walk up to get your child please find a parking spot and make sure to check your child out with their teacher. Parent pick up - each grade level will wait for parents outside in specific zones.
Kindergarten/BEST - outside the front doors along the main building
1st Grade - Blacktop near the playground
2nd Grade - Front grass
3rd and 4th Grade - Taylor Hicks Drive gate. This is a small area for cars so PLEASE be courteous with one another and neighbors as you wait for your children. Also, please make sure to follow the traffic pattern highlighted below.
3rd/4th graders with younger siblings can wait with K-2 classes so parents only have to make one stop.
