Leverett: School to Home Connection

Happy November, Leverett Family!

Dear Leverett Families,

As we head into a festive and exciting month at Leverett, we have several events we’re thrilled to share with our families! On Thursday, December 12th, students will enjoy a special visit from Author Dennis Mathew during the school day. Then, on Friday, December 19th, we’ll wrap up the semester with our cheerful Winter Celebrations.

Our Winter Break will run from December 22nd through January 5th, and we hope our students enjoy both rest and fun. To keep those reading skills sharp, students are invited to complete our Holiday Book Bingo over the break and return it when we come back together in January. School resumes on Tuesday, January 6th.

Here are events that will take place at Leverett:

Nov. 24-28: Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 29: Razorback Parking at Leverett (volunteers needed!)

Dec. 9: PTO Meeting at 6:00 PM at local restaurant (more info to come!)

Dec. 15-19: Winter Spirit Week (see flyer below)

Dec. 19: Winter Celebrations at Leverett (2:00-3:00 PM)

Dec. 19: End of Quarter 2

Dec. 22-Jan 5: Winter Break

Jan. 6: School resumes

We will have Winter Celebrations for all classes on Friday, December 19th from 2:00-3:00 PM. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend. We will have the Upper Garland and Hall Street Parking lots open for parking. Please do not park in the bus loop. We hope to see you there!

This December, Leverett is kicking off a fun schoolwide reading incentive called “Lions Caught Reading!” Throughout the month, students can earn golden tickets whenever they’re “caught” reading—whether it’s in class, before school in the gym, at recess, or any moment they choose to pick up a book. Each golden ticket is entered into a weekly drawing, and winners will receive brand-new books during Friday announcements.

Students will also bring home a Winter Break Reading Bingo card. Any child who completes their bingo over break and returns it in January will receive a small prize and be entered into a drawing for a bigger prize. Each grade level will have one big-prize winner.

We’re excited to celebrate our Lions as they grow as readers this winter!

• Student Arrival: 7:25-8:10 AM

• Student Dismissal: 3:10-3:25 PM

• Bus Transportation: Buses will drop off students at the school after 7:25 a.m. If you have any questions regarding your child’s bus information, please contact the Leverett Main Office.

• Student ID Tags for Bus Riders: Students who ride a bus will receive an ID badge. Students must swipe their ID badge when they get on and off the bus. The card will tell parents/ guardians when the bus is near their stop. Only students with a bus ID tag will be allowed to use bus services.

• Car Rider Transportation: Students can be dropped off and picked up in the Lower Garland Street parking lot through the car line. A Leverett staff member will be there to receive them.

• Drop-off begins at 7:25 a.m. and ends at 8:00 a.m.

• Pick-up begins at 3:10 p.m. and ends at 3:25 p.m.

• Please remain in your car at all times. A staff member will escort your child to and from your vehicle. Please do not let your child out of the car unless you see a staff member.

• If you arrive later than the times listed above, please go to the main office.

• Car Rider Tag: To pick up your child, the Leverett Car Rider Tag must be displayed. If the vehicle does not have a car rider tag, the driver’s license of the person picking up the student(s) must be verified through the Leverett office staff and the student’s emergency card. Thank you for helping our car rider system run safely and smoothly. Your child’s safety is our top priority. Parents cannot walk to the car line area and pick up their student. They must be in a car for the student to be a car rider.

• Walkers: Walkers will be dismissed at the playground gate on Cleveland Street. Please wait for a school staff member to bring your student to you. Make sure to have the car rider tag to receive your child. Walkers can be picked up between 3:10 p.m. and 3:25 p.m. Please do not pick up your student as a walker if you are driving a car. Thank you!

• SKC: Students who are signed up for SKC will report to the cafeteria at the end of the school day. SKC will begin on the first day of school, August 12th for students in grades 1 through 4. SKC will begin for kindergarten students on Tuesday, August 19th.

SKC

• The Boys and Girls Club provides after school care for students. If you are interested in signing your child up for SKC, please visit their website for more information.

Changes in Student Transportation: Please notify the main office of any student transportation changes before 1:00 PM. This will ensure that your child goes to the correct location after school. Thank you for your cooperation!

Communication Methods: The school will communicate with you regularly through Bloomz, Thrillshare, electronic newsletters, School Status, email, flyers, Facebook, and phone calls.

Communication from Leverett Administration: Leverett administration will communicate through Thrillshare, School Status and Bloomz to update you on important information. Please be sure to sign up for alerts.If you need assistance, please contact the main office or your child’s teacher.

School Newsletter: Leverett will publish a monthly electronic newsletter with school information at the beginning of each month. These newsletters will be shared on the school-wide Bloomz app, classroom teachers’ Bloomz app, Thrillshare, the Leverett website, and the Leverett Facebook page.

Communication from Teachers: All classroom teachers will share their classroom Bloomz code, school email address, and School Status number with their student’s families. Please be mindful that your child’s teacher cannot receive phone calls or respond to questions during instructional hours.

• Monday Newsletter: Teachers will share a weekly electronic newsletter with the families of their students every Monday through Bloomz.

• Tuesday Work Folder: Teachers will send home a large envelope on Tuesdays that contain student work from the previous week. Please sign the back of the envelope and return to school the following day.

• Quarterly Parent Contact: Teachers will call their student’s parents or meet with them in person at least once per quarter during the school year to update them on their child’s performance at school. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress at school, please reach out to their teacher.

Are you connected to our school and your child's classroom through the Bloomz app? Receive weekly classroom updates, photos of your student learning, school-wide information, and much more in a user friendly format! Bloomz also offers translation in over 90 different languages! Need to sign up? Read the information below. If you need assistance, please contact the Leverett Main Office!

School Bloomz: Receive notifications, updates, information on events, and monthly School Newsletters!

School Bloomz Code: QC7UR9

• Instructions to download Bloomz app:

• Download the Bloomz app.

• Click "Join Bloomz" followed by "Enter Code."

• Enter the code and create your account.

• To connect to your child’s class on Bloomz, click "Add Class/Group" and enter the classroom teacher’s code (provided by the teacher).

Are you interested in supporting Leverett Elementary School by volunteering to help at Razorback parking? We are looking for parents/ guardians who can assist with this event. There is one home football game left this year. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up through the link below. Volunteers can park for free the day that they volunteer. We also still have spots available if you are interested, please email parking@leverettpto.com.

Our Leverett Staff members pour their hearts and energy to our amazing students every day! Our PTO has created a sign up genius to invite parents to bring snacks and treats for staff members to enjoy. If you would like to sign up to bring a snack, please click the link below!

We are thrilled to share that all Leverett students will receive fresh produce this fall through our partnership with Appleseeds. 🍎🥕 This wonderful collaboration helps support our students in building healthy eating habits and enjoying nutritious foods. We’ve already sent produce home with our 3rd and 4th grade students, and we’re excited for the rest of our Lions to have their turn! Below are the dates when additional grade levels will bring home fresh produce:

12/18: Appleseeds' Produce sent home with Kindergarten and Mrs. Ortega's PK Class

Leverett Nurse: Kristi Taunton kristi.taunton@fayar.net

Student Medications: If your child needs to take medication during school hours, contact our school nurse, Nurse Kristi (kristi.taunton@fayar.net). Parents must bring prescription or over-the-counter medications to the school nurse and complete the documentation. Students are not allowed to bring prescription or over-the-counter medications to school.

Our Leverett Lions shine so bright! Each month, our students focus on a different character trait. Our November Character Trait was Teamwork. In December our students will focus on Responsibility! Congratulations to the following students for being recognized as their grade level's student of the month!

Kindergarten: Kaden Lemus

First Grade: Isabelle Leos

Second Grade: Olivia Crawford

Third Grade: Ishiloebo Achibiyaa

Fourth Grade: Jersey Swiney

Leverett Elementary students participate in ENCORE class for one hour each day on a 6 day cycle. Your child’s teacher will provide the ENCORE schedule for their class.

• Music/ Art Teacher: Mrs. Reed (shelley.reed@fayar.net) Bloomz Code: JY4E4V

• P.E. Teacher: Coach Bailey (shae.bailey@fayar.net) Bloomz Code: ZPCQUM

• Library Teacher/ Innovator’s Workshop Teacher: Mrs. Powers (elizabeth.powers@fayar.net) Bloomz Code: XBJA6G

• Students will participate in guidance lessons provided by the school counselor each month.

• School Counselor: Mrs. Clark (erin.clark@fayar.net)

• Breakfast: 7:25-8:10 AM (in cafeteria)

• We are excited to share that breakfast will be free for all students this school year. Please make sure that your child arrives to school with plenty of time to eat breakfast before going to class.

• Lunch: Students in kindergarten through fourth grade eat lunch in the cafeteria. Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their student. Please check in at the main office. Parents cannot come to the classroom or recess without prior approval by the teacher and administration. Your child’s teacher will share your students lunch time.

• All students will have the option to purchase school breakfast and lunch. If you are interested in applying for free lunch, please complete the form. Students may purchase a lunch or bring their own lunch. Breakfast and lunch will be eaten in the cafeteria. Our staff cannot heat up breakfast or lunch for students.

• School Meal Links:

• Free and Reduced Lunch Application

• School Bucks (Add money to your student’s account)

• Leverett School Breakfast/ Lunch Menu

• Snack: Each grade level has a designated snack time. Please send your child to school with a healthy snack. Teachers greatly appreciate snack donations to share with students who do not have a snack.

• Water Bottles: Send your child to school with a sealable water bottle labeled with their name. All our water fountains have been replaced with bottle-filling stations.

Leverett Lions ROAR everyday in the classroom, in the hallway, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and on the bus! Do you know how to ROAR like a LION? ROAR stands for...

Ready to Learn

Outstanding Friend

Always Respectful

Responsible Citizen

Our students have been learning what it means to ROAR like a Leverett lion! We look forward to recognizing our lions this school year for following our school-wide ROAR expectations!

#HEARourROAR

We are very excited to announce that we have began Afterschool clubs at Leverett! Here is a list of clubs that we currently offer.

Chess Club

Teacher Leader: Kimberly Davis

Grades K-4

Day of the week club is held: Thursdays

Begins on 9/18

Arts and Crafts Club

Teacher Leader: Brittany Hutson

Day of the week club is held: Tuesdays

Begins on 9/30

Girl Scouts

Teacher Leaders: Erin Clark (counselor) and Elizabeth Powers

Grades K-4

Day of the week club is held: Every other Monday (9/22, 10/6, 10/20, 11/3, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8)

Begins on: 9/22

Leadership Club

Teacher Leader: Payton Hartman

Grades 3 & 4

Day of the week club held: Mondays

Begins on: 10/6 (every other Monday)

School Beautification Club

Teacher Leader: Jennifer Stewart

Day of the week club held: Wednesdays

Begins on: Oct. 8th

Harry Potter Club

Teacher Leader: Cassie Taylor

Day of the week club held: Tuesdays

Begins on: Nov. 4th

Space for clubs is limited and will be first come, first serve. Signing up for a club does not guarantee a spot. Students who participate in after school clubs will need a permission slip completed by their parent/guardian and to have someone pick them up at 4:30 PM. Parents/ guardians must be on time for pick up and have their ID with them. An after school snack will be provided.

Are you interested in starting an after school club? Please email Ms. Cremo at christie.cremo@fayar.net. All clubs are required to have a Leverett staff member sponsor and supervise for student safety. Thank you!

Your child's attendance is critical to their success at school. Parents and Guardians, please be sure to submit a note if your child needs to be absent. Notes can be sent to school by student or shared electronically through email Mrs. Thomas (meredith.thomas@fayar.net).

For an absence to be considered excused, you must:

-Provide the Child's Name

-The date(s) of the absence(s)

-Excuse for why they are absent (see list of possible excused absences below)

Notes must be submitted within 5 days of the absence

Possible reasons for absence to be considered excused:

-Note from parent that the child is sick (can be used for first 6 absences per semester)

-Doctor's (Medical/ Mental Health) or Dental note

-Death or illness in immediate family

-Observance of recognized holidays observed by the student's faith

-Student appointment at a government agency

-Participation in FFA, FHA, or 4-H sanctioned activity

Parent written excuses can only be accepted for the first 6 consecutive absences per semester. Once a student has reached 6 absences, parent-written notes can no longer be accepted per attendance policy.

Please review the following actions that will occur upon the following absences:

3 Unexcused Absences: Bloomz note, 3 Day Letter, and/or phone call reminder from school.

5 Unexcused Absences: Phone call, Attendance letter, and attendance plan & meeting (if notes are not received within 5 days)

10 Total absences: Phone call, 10 Day Attendance letter, and attendance plan & meeting. Possible DHS referral.

15+ Total absences: Review of attendance plan and meeting with School Administration and School Social Worker. Possible DHS and/or Truancy Court Referral.

Tardies/ Early Release: Having your child arrive at school on time and stay all day is critical to their learning. Our students learn from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. Excessive tardies and early releases will affect your child's attendance record and may require an attendance plan if deemed necessary by the principal and/or attendance committee.

-If your child arrives between 8:10 to 10:00 they are Tardy for the AM

-If your child arrives between 10:01 and 11:40 AM they are 1/2 day absent for the AM

-If your child leaves school between 11:41 and 1:30 they are 1/2 absent for the PM

-If your child leaves after 1:30 they are Tardy for the PM

Your child's attendance is recorded daily in ESchool. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's attendance, please call the Leverett Main Office at (479) 444-3077. Thank you!

Although we understand that illness occurs, we encourage all students to be present at school as much as possible. Please reach out to administration at any time if you have attendance concerns for your student.

School Wide Attendance Goal: : Leverett Lions Strive for Five or less Absences for the school year!

Our Leverett Lions compete weekly to see which grade level will have the best overall student attendance.

Our goal is for all grades to have 95% or more of their students attend school daily. Each week, we announce the grade level who had the best attendance for the entire school. The grade level with the best attendance will have a blue ribbon by their grade on the attendance bulletin board outside of the courtyard. At the end of the month, the grade level that has the most blue ribbons will receive an incentive. In addition, any grade level who has 95% or higher attendance each week will receive an incentive at the end of the month regardless of the number of blue ribbons they earn.

Grade Level Attendance Winners:

At the end of each month, we will recognize the grade level with the best attendance for the month. This is tracked weekly on the attendance bulletin board across from the courtyard.

Class Attendance Recognition: At the end of each month, the class with the overall best student attendance will receive an attendance reward poster to hang outside of their door, and receive an incentive.

Individual Student Recognition each Quarter:

Students will receive incentives each quarter for maintaining 5 or less absences during the school year.

Happy birthday to our students born in the month of December. A birthday certificate will be sent home with your student this month. We hope you enjoy your day!