LITTLE DRAGON NEWS
Spring Cove Elementary Newsletter
August/September 2014
http://scsd.schoolwires.net
Welcome!
Excitement abounds everywhere with the start of the school year. At the end of each month, a newsletter will be sent home with the children. The monthly newsletter strives to keep families informed about school events, policies, procedures, etc. This newsletter and other important Spring Cove School District information can be found on the website at http://scsd.schoolwires.net. Select SCE from the drop down box at the top of the homepage to be guided from the district page to the SCE homepage.
Welcome to New Staff Members
SCE welcomes the following new and/or returning staff members:
Mrs. Sarah Sarvey Art Teacher
Mrs. Lindsey Burgett Grade 1
Mrs. Julie Garwood Grade 4
Mr. Kevin Schneider Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Donald Trenn Music Teacher
School Board Policies
The Spring Cove School Board has approved two new updated board policies for
consistent implementation across the district for this school year. The policies are Policy 221-Dress Code K-12 Students and Policy 204 Attendance. Each policy contains new rules, as well as specific changes of past practices. The policies can be found on the district website http://scsd.schoolwires.net. The elementary student handbooks distributed on the first day of school will also contain these policies.
School Pictures
Spring Cove Elementary has scheduled picture day for Monday, September 29. Please watch for the photo/package ordering information to come home at a later date!
Attendance Policy
The district’s attendance policy correlates with the Pennsylvania compulsory attendance laws. There are several pieces of the district’s policy that need brought to everyone’s attention.
1. Written excuses must be turned in to the office within three days of the absence. Once three days has passed, the absence will be marked unexcused and cannot be reverted back. In the past, there have been up to three additional notices sent out regarding missing excuses. Please know that this will no longer be the case. It is imperative that we receive excuses immediately following your child’s absence from school.
2. A total of three unexcused days are permitted during the course of a school year. Any unexcused days accumulating above three must be taken to the district magistrate’s office as a truancy citation.
3. Educational field trips are to be approved before the actual trip occurs. Please complete an educational field trip form and submit it prior to the trip. At least one week in advance is best; however, the sooner, the better. The educational field trip forms can be found on the elementary website. They can also be picked up in the office or sent home with your child at your request.
Consistent attendance is extremely important to your child’s academic success. We appreciate your support.
Student Dress Code Changes
The 2014-15 school year has brought about some changes to the student dress code across the district. The dress code will be outlined in detail in the student handbook distributed at the beginning of the school year. It can also be found on the district’s website under the school board tab. Click on “policies.” The student dress code is pupil policy number 221. It is important to note that this dress code will be enforced consistently across the district.
Student Safety
For the safety of the students, the Spring Cove School District requires all school visitors, including parents/guardians, report to the school office upon entering the building at any time. All visitors sign-in and wear a visitor’s badge at all times. School district staff must wear employee badges.
If parents/guardians enter the building during the morning arrival time period or dismissal, they must sign-in and receive a badge.
School doors open at 8:20. Breakfast is served from 8:20-8:35. Classes begin at 8:40.
There is no supervision of students before 8:20. Vehicles dropping off students in the morning are asked to always park beside the front curb beginning at the west end of the building. This courtesy parking allows for all vehicles to get close to the building and eliminate the waiting line of drop-off traffic to be backed out to the main highway.
Dismissal is at 3:20. Car riders are dismissed at the west end exit doors. At these outside doors, students must be signed out by an adult authorized by the families.
Schoolwide Title I
For the 2014-2015 schoolyear, Schoolwide Title I programs will serve students. Schoolwide Title I funding is used to support all students in achieving academic proficiency. Our Annual Title I Meeting is incorporated into our Meet the Teacher activities. Title I Policies are distributed through our Student Handbooks and First Day Packets. Policies are also available on the school website at http://scsd.schoolwires.net/domain/343. Title I funding for 2014-2015 will support technological program of Accelerated Reader as well as specialized instruction for at risk learners through programs such as Leveled Literacy Intervention and Reading Recovery. In addition, workshops are held annually for parents. Professional development is provided for our teachers. Questions regarding the Title I program should be directed to Mrs. Kendra Pritchett, Federal Programs Coordinator, at 793-2014.
Homework Folders/Binders
Students have been provided with a binder to help them organize their materials and keep track of assignments. Please check your child’s binder on a nightly basis so that you are aware of homework assignments and of other information being sent home from school.
PTO Volunteer Support
Families are welcome and encouraged to become an active part of our school community. The value of involvement in your child’s education is extraordinary. To make it easier to find ways to become involved, the “PTO Volunteer Support Form” is attached and posted on the school website under the PTO link at http://scsd.schoolwires.net/domain/323. We strive to help families to find ways of becoming involved in school community activities. Please complete and return the attached form, indicating areas where you would be interested in contributing. Your interest in becoming involved is sincerely appreciated. As events approach and needs arise, volunteers will be contacted.
Communication with School
Teacher conferences can be arranged at any time during the school year. Parents are encouraged to meet with teachers with any questions/concerns. Teachers can also be reached by telephone or by e-mail. Teachers’ e-mail addresses can be found on their web pages.
SchoolMessenger
The district office and SCE will occasionally use the electronic messenger system, SchoolMessenger, to contact families with important information, particularly notifications of any early dismissals from school. The SchoolMessenger system is able to contact ONE phone number and ONE email address. The automated calls can only be made to the number listed as “Student’s Primary Phone” on the Registration Update which is completed at the start of each school year. Therefore, the number provided on this form should be the number that you wish to have SchoolMessenger call. SchoolMessenger is also able to contact ONE email address, if provided. Throughout the school year, notify the school secretary of any changes in phone numbers, mailing/electronic addresses, or emergency contact persons. Thank you for your assistance.
Support Our Schools
SCE collects the following items:
General Mills Box Tops
Empty Ink Cartridges
Old Cell Phones (without accessories)
Soda Pop Tabs
Campbell’s Soup Labels
Collection proceeds are used to purchase materials and equipment for our school. All contributions are appreciated.
§ Also, by shopping at Martin’s, families can raise money for our school. Online registration is offered at www.martinsaplus.com. Even if you were registered last year, you will need to re-register.
§ More information will be provided in the future, regarding how you can also support our school by joining Giant Eagle’s Apples for the Students Program.
School Supplies
A sincere and grateful thank you is given to our students’ families and community for purchasing the required school supplies for the 2014-2015 schoolyear. The supply list is posted under the “For Parents/Community” tab on the school website at http://scsd.schoolwires.net/domain/433.
Snacks and Birthday Treats
Please refer to the first day packet for information regarding snacks and birthday treats. Families who wish to recognize their child’s birthday at school through a special treat are asked to send non-food treats, such as pencils, erasers, or stickers.
Six-Day Rotation Schedule
Please refer to this month’s event calendar (attached) for upcoming activities and a 6-day rotation schedule. The 6-day rotation is used to schedule each classroom’s art, music, physical education, and library lessons. In the event of a snow day, the missed day will be the next day. For example, if school is cancelled on Day 3, students will return to school on Day 3.
A new school year of incredible adventures
begins for our Spring Cove Elementary Learning Community!