Robbins Elementary

3832 East Hamilton Avenue

715-852-4600

November NEWSLETTER

Absence and Excuse from School

Children are required by state law to be in attendance every day. An absence is allowed only for illness, legal proceeding, or family emergency. Parents are required to call the school between 7:45 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. to report an absence. If a child is marked absent and a parent has not notified the school of the absence, the secretary will call the home.

Families must inform the school of a necessary vacation in advance. Vacations not approved ahead of time by the principal will be marked unexcused. Please know that lost time in the classroom can never be made up sufficiently, even with homework over the vacation.

We encourage a limit on days students miss school. We hope that your child will not miss more than a total of 5 days during the entire school year for illness, vacation, etc.

With the district’s attendance guidelines in place, the following rules will be followed:

  • Attendance will be taken 4 times per day 5 minutes after the start of each period as listed below.

Period 1 / 8:55 - 10:35
Period 2 / 10:35 - 12:20
Period 3 / 12:20 - 2:05
Period 4 / 2:05 - 3:45
  • If your child is late more than 5 minutes from the start of ANY period, they will be marked absent for that period. This includes excused and unexcused reasons.
  • After 7excused absences (all or part of a day), you will receive a form letter just notifying you that your child has missed 5 days. It is a record for you.
  • After 10 excused absences (all or part of a day), you will receive a second form letter and may be required to provide doctor’s excuses for future absences.
  • After 5 unexcused absences (all or part of a day), we will invite you to meet with us to help develop a plan to improve your child’s attendance.
  • Unexcused absences can be avoided by contacting the office BY 8:45 on the day of an absence with an acceptable reason. Students are allowed 10 excused absences per school year using one of the reasons listed below:
  • Personal Illness
  • Illness in the immediate family which requires the student to be absent because of family responsibilities
  • Funeral
  • Religious holiday
  • Family trips that can be taken only during the normal school term -a parent must notify the school prior to their departure
  • Professional or court appointments that could not be scheduled outside the regular school day
  • Serious personal or family crisis
  • Approved school activities during class time
  • Special circumstances that show good cause which are approved in advance by the school principal
  • Please be sure to bring a note from any professional appointments for it to be considered excused.

Brrrrr

The weather will change! Please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor recess. Students are out at recess for about 25-35 minutes during their lunch break and recess. Please be sure that your child has a hat, mittens, a warm coat, boots, and snow pants. Snow pants and boots are required to play in the snow. If snow pants and boots are forgotten, students will be required to stay on the blacktop area.

Sick Child Guidelines

With the cold and flu season fast approaching, please keep in mind these guidelines when deciding whether or not your child is well enough to come to school.

Please keep your child home if he/she currently has or has had these symptoms in the last 24 hours:

Fever, sore throat, pain, chills, diarrhea, earache, vomiting, persistent coughing, rashes, pink eye, or any other illness that is contagious.

Thanks for your help – it will help!!

Influenza Information from our School Nurse

Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Influenza claims the lives of about 100 children in the US every year and hospitalizes approximately 20,000 children annually. The best way to protect your family from influenza (flu) is to get everyone in your household vaccinated.

  • Influenza vaccination is especially important for people with compromised immune systems or certain underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Vaccines are safe and are subject to extensive testing in the US. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. The influenza vaccine can reduce chances of getting the flu by 70 to 90 percent and, if someone gets vaccinated but still gets the flu, chances are they will get a less severe case.

Influenza Symptoms

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

K-Kids Corner – Monthly Activities

  • “Stuff a Truck” food drive, November 1st – 11th
  • Selling fleece pillows, doll clothes, and bean bags to raise additional funds for Project ELIMINATE
  • Plan December “social” meetings – fun activity plus fun food
  • Start to plan project for Memory Care building (3rd grade members), Mrs. Shong will be sharing some ideas at our November 8th meeting
  • 4th/5th graders will begin making decisions about our History Theater Production (read through of the history theater production), discuss practice times, amount of time needed to plan
  • 4th/5th graders will get volunteers to work on the last 3 history exhibits (tack down existing 7 exhibits with better glue/tape)

Project ELIMINATE:

Congratulations to Robbins students for helping raise $236.07 through donations from October 24 – 26. With this money we will be able to save the lives of 131 children from dying from tetanus.

K-Kid Volunteers will go out Trick or Treating for UNICEF on Halloween night to add to our donations.

On November 3rd 10th, and 17th the K-Kids will be selling fleece pillows ($4 to $5), doll clothes ($1.00 - $5.00), and bean bags ($1.00 each).

K-Kids Korner: November Schedule:

Officers ONLY meeting, November 1st and November 29th from 3:45-5:00 (Mrs. Mattson’s Room)

3rd Grade Meeting, November 8th from 3:45-5:00 (library)

4th/5th Grade Meeting, November 15th from 3:45-5:00 (library)

Project Discovery

Project Discovery Jr. will be starting on November 10th, from 3:45 to 4:45. Watch for information to come home regarding this fun opportunity.

Robbins Project Discovery Jr. is an after school program for our 1st and 2nd graders. It provides opportunities for students to try something new, hook up with friends, and expand their horizons. Thank you to our PTO for sponsoring these amazing classes!

Public School Open Enrollment

Public School Open Enrollment: February 6 – April 28, 2017

Wisconsin residents in grades 4K -12 may apply to attend school in a school district other than the one in which they live. For example: a child that lives in the Altoona School District could apply to attend the Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD). Students in pre-kindergarten may participate in limited circumstances; parents should call Sandy LaValley at 715-852-3003 to find out if their preschool-aged child(ren) qualify.

Students who are currently attending the ECASD through open enrollment DO NOT need to reapply.

The open enrollment application for the 2017-18 school year is February 6 – April 28, 2017. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction no longer provides paper application forms to the school districts. An online application will be available to the public beginning Monday, February 6, and closing at 4:00 pm on April 28, 2017. For more information about open enrollment, please go to:

Have you moved outside of the Eau Claire School District this year? If so, you need to complete a Tuition Waiver form. Contact Sandy LaValley for more information at 715-852-3003.

DISMISSAL PLANS

Please make all arrangements for after school with your child before sending your child to school for the day.The office can take messages in the case of an emergency only, but not on a regular basis, as dismissal is an extremely busy time of the day. We understand that plans do change, so if your after school arrangements are different than normal please write your child’s teacher a note. If you have a dismissal schedule, please share that with your child’s teacher in writing. You may place calls to teachers before 8:30 a.m. or after 3:45 p.m.Emails or voice mail messages sent directly to teachers during the day may not be read or heard until after school.For the safety of the students, please make all after school arrangements before sending your childtoschool.

Thank you!

RCU School $ense

Get ready for Royal Credit Union’s All Student Challenge!

Encourage your student to take part in our All Student Challengeto show off their money skills. Students will design their own currency on the provided challenge sheet and return it to their teacher by November 11 to be entered in a drawing for one of two shopping sprees at the Royal School $ense prize table!!

Students do NOT need to be a member of Royal to participate – EVERYONE can join in on the fun!

Here are some fun details about currency design in the United States to discuss with your child:

Paper money in the United States comes in the following denominations, or amounts:
1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100.

United States currency shows pictures of important people who have made a difference for our country.

On paper money in the United States, there is a picture of a building, landscape, or important event in history on the back of each bill.

Royal Credit Union School $ensewants to help your child create the habit of saving each week for life. Your Robbins Royal School $ense is open on Wednesdays at lunch to help your child get excited about saving and helping their school. Remember that Royal donates $250 to your school for every 500 deposits made.

If you want to know how to start saving at school with Royal School $ense, please contact me at: Diana Rohlik at 715-855-5471 or

Veteran’s Day Ceremony

Every year for Veteran’s Day, Robbins honors those brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Our recognition has taken on many forms over the years.

This year we are offering students an opportunity to invite a veteran to lunch on November 11, 2016. We will be decorating our entire Robbins’ Commons and making arrangements for veterans to enjoy lunch with their special Robbins’ student and classmates. We will have patriotic music playing in the background! It should be memorable.

If you are interested in participating, please talk to your student about signing up to be a part of our lunch. Each veteran in attendance will be provided a free lunch compliments of the Robbins PTO!

Veterans should plan to arrive at Robbins at the same time their Robbins’ student goes to lunch. (Again, coordinate with your student prior to November 11th) If a veteran is here with a couple Robbins’ students, we will try to have all those students available at the same time. Lunches last about 20 minutes before the next grade level comes in.

In addition, we will be creating a Robbins’ Honor Wall to thank veterans. For the Honor Wall, please send a labeled pictureof the veteransif possible. We recommend copies of originals. To protect your picture, we ask that you place it in a Ziploc bag with your student’s name and homeroom information included in the bag. These items will be returned to your student on November 14th.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Please review the Help Directory below and consider how these programs may assist you and your family. These are not the only community resources available but are a few that are typically accessed by families in this area. The Eau Claire County Resource Guide identifies many additional resources and can be found here: or by calling 1-800-362-8255.

Organizations have different requirements, so please make note of any sign-up dates and bring any necessary information to complete the application process.

Also, if your family is financially unable to provide winter outerwear or school supplies for your child(ren), we do have limited resources donated by community organizations to our school. If you would like to confidentially discuss your child(ren) or your family’s needs, please call Heather Kapanke at 715-852-4603 or email me at .

Help Directory

Agency / Activity/Program / Date/Time / Contact / Guideline
Holiday Help
The Community Table
320 Putnam Street / Thanksgiving Lunch / November 24th
11:30-1:00 / 715-835-4977 / Anyone can attend. No reservation required.
Trinity Lutheran Church
1314 E. Lexington Blvd. / Thanksgiving Lunch / November 24th
11:30 and 12:30 meal / 715-832-6601 / Anyone can attend with a reservation.
Hope Gospel Mission
8 S Farwell Street / Thanksgiving Lunch / November 24th
12:00-2:00 / 715-552-5566 / Anyone can attend. No reservation required.
The Community Table
320 Putnam Street / Christmas Eve
Lunch / December 24th
11:30am-1:00pm / 715-835-4977 / Anyone can attend. No reservation required.
The Community Table
320 Putnam Street / Christmas Day
Brunch / December 25th
8:00am-10:00am / 715-835-4977 / Anyone can attend. No reservation required.
Hope Gospel Mission
8 S Farwell Street / Christmas Meal / December 17th
5:00-7:00 / 715-552-5566 / Anyone can attend. No reservation required.
Salvation Army
2211 S. Hastings Way / Christmas Toy Assistance Program / Sign up:
Oct. 31st-Nov. 10th
M-Th both weeks, 10:00-12:00 and
1:00-4:00 / Amanda
715-834-1224 / Must Be an Eau Claire County Resident. Identification for all family members, proof of residency, and income verification included in application process.
Interfaith Hospitality
309 E. Lake Street / Christmas Gift Assistance / Any time prior to Christmas / Amy
715-834-1379 / Application required.
Food
St Francis Food Pantry
1221 Truax Blvd / Food Pantry / Tues & Thurs 11:00am-3:00pm
Sat 11:00am-2:00pm / 715-839-7706 / Anyone can attend one time per week. Must bring photo ID and a piece of mail from a business addressed to you.
Hmong Mutual Assistance Association
423 Wisconsin St / Rice Pantry or Personal Care Products / Wed 12:00-4:00pm / 715-832-8420 / Income must be at or below the 200% Federal Poverty Rate. Must bring proof of income and address (a piece of mail from a business addressed to you)
Trinity Lutheran Church
1314 E. Lexington Blvd. / Food Pantry / Mon 1:30-3:00pm
Tues 1:30-3:00pm & 5:30-7:00pm
Thurs 1:30-3:00pm / 715-832-6601 / Anyone can attend.
The Community Table
320 Putnam Street / Free Meals / M -11:30am-1:00pm
T -5:00pm-6:15pm
W -11:30am-1:00pm
Th -11:30am-1:00pm
Fri -5:00pm - 6:15pm Sat-11:30am-1:00pm
Sun-3:00pm-4:00pm / 715-835-4977 / Anyone can attend.
Ruby’s Pantry
At Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
1120 Cedar Street / Surplus Food Distribution / 1st Thursday of the Month
Doors open at 4:00 PM and distribution starts at 5:00 PM and ends approximately at 6:30 PM / 715-834-2959 / Anyone can Attend. Must register the first time – name and address. Bring several strong boxes or laundry baskets to fill. $20 per share of food.
Clothing
King’s Closet
310 S. Barstow / Clothing / Thurs 10:00am-5:00pm
First Sat. of month- 9:00am-1:00pm / Anyone can shop.
Personal Care/Household
Salvation Army
2211 S. Hastings Way / Hygiene Center
(personal care items, cleaning supplies) / Mon.- Thurs. from
10:00am to 12:00pm and
1:00pm to 4:00pm / 715-834-1224 / Must be an Eau Claire County resident. Photo ID required. Short application to be filled out upon arrival.
Christ Church Cathedral
501 S. Farwell / Needful Things-
Personal Care Items Distribution / Last Saturday of every month 3:00pm-7:00pm / 715-835-1944 / Anyone can attend.
Homework Help
Boys & Girls Club
After School Program
1005 Oxford Ave / Homework time, supervised activity, and dinner / M-F 3:00-6:00pm on school days
M-F 7:30am-6:00pm during summer months and when school is not in session / / Students in grades 3-12. Must apply to be a member. Cost: $15/student but no more than $30/family
Homeless
Are you living with relatives or friends? Or are you living in a car, a campground, a park, a motel/hotel, or in a shelter? If you are and you have school-age children in the Eau Claire District, we have a Homeless Coordinator who can help you find and access resources to support you. To be referred, please call Heather Kapanke at 715-852-4603.

Monthly Events:

November 4th:Bring a buddy to breakfast

November 10th:Picture Retake Day

November 11th:Veteran’s Day Lunch

November 18th:Memorial Orchestra here to perform for students

November 21st-25th:NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break

For More Information:

Check out our website for more information!

Nondiscrimination Clause

The Eau Claire Area School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability.