MLK, Jr Principal Monthly

Dear Parents and Families,

As we complete the first three weeks of the 2025-26 school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership in helping us begin this year on such a positive note. The start of a new school year is always filled with excitement, new routines, and high expectations, and your support has been invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition for our students.

Over the past few weeks, I have seen our students settling into their classrooms, engaging with their teachers, and beginning to grow not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Our staff is working diligently to create a learning environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to do their best.

As we look ahead, I encourage you to stay connected with us—whether through Parent Square, weekly classroom newsletters, weekly school newsletters, monthly newsletters from the principal, or school events. Open communication and collaboration are key to student success, and we welcome your input and involvement throughout the year.

Thank you once again for entrusting us with your children. We are proud of the progress they are already making and look forward to an incredible year of learning, growth, and achievement.

With appreciation,
Dr. Collins
Principal

Special shout out to ALL of our amazing parents for your unwavering support and commitment to our school. Our students, faculty, and staff truly appreciate you!

• Educate ALL students at high levels regardless of individual abilities and differences.
• Create an environment appropriate for learning that is supportive, risk-free, positive, and student-centered.
• Continue to increase reading proficiency in grades 2nd through 5th (collectively) from 52% to 80% or above.
• Continue to increase math proficiency in grades 2nd through 5th (collectively) from 22% to 70%.
• Continue to Increase the attendance rate from 95% to 98% or above weekly.
• Continue to increase parent engagement from 70% to 90% or above

These are our TOP priorities. Our VALUE must continue to be placed on the education of our students first. Please join us this year for our Literacy, Math, and STEM Nights, Family Engagement Nights, and Let's Chat Sessions with the Principal. More information to come.

At Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary, we are committed to ensuring that our school remains a safe, welcoming, and respectful place for all students, families, and staff. To maintain this environment, it is essential that all members of our school community—students, staff, and parents alike—model appropriate conduct while on school premises.

Please be reminded that disorderly conduct—including but not limited to disrespectful language, aggressive behavior, threats, or any actions that disrupt the learning environment—will not be tolerated. Such behavior undermines the culture of respect and safety we work diligently to foster for our children.

We kindly ask that all concerns, questions, or disagreements be addressed in a constructive and respectful manner. If you need support in resolving an issue, our administrative team is available to meet with you and work toward a solution in partnership.

In order to safeguard our school community:

• Any parent or visitor who engages in disorderly conduct may be asked to leave school grounds immediately.

• Continued violations may result in restricted access to school property (trespass) and further action in accordance with district policy.

Our students are always watching and learning from the examples we set. By working together, we can ensure that our school remains a place where respect, collaboration, and positivity guide every interaction.

Thank you for your partnership and for helping us protect the well-being of our entire school community.

At school, we want every child to feel safe, respected, and supported. Sometimes children experience conflict, unkind words, or disagreements with peers. While these moments are hurtful and need to be addressed, not all negative behavior is considered bullying. It’s important for us, as a school community, to understand the difference so that we can respond appropriately and help children grow.

What Bullying Is:

Bullying is intentional, repeated, and involves a power imbalance. It can take many forms, such as:

• Verbal: Name-calling, put-downs, teasing meant to hurt.

• Social/Relational: Excluding someone on purpose, spreading rumors, encouraging others not to be friends with a child.

• Physical: Hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging someone’s belongings.

• Digital: Hurtful messages, posts, or threats online (cyberbullying).

Bullying is not a “one-time” conflict—it is a pattern of behavior that creates fear, distress, or harm.

What Is Not Bullying (But Still Needs Attention):

Not every disagreement or unkind act qualifies as bullying. Examples include:

• A one-time argument between friends.

• Someone cutting in line at recess.

• Two students who don’t get along and exchange unkind words.

• Accidental behaviors (e.g., bumping into someone in the hallway).

These situations may still cause hurt feelings, and they are important opportunities for children to learn conflict resolution, empathy, and self-regulation.

How We Respond:

• If it’s bullying: We investigate, intervene, and put supports in place for both the child targeted and the child engaging in bullying behavior.

• If it’s not bullying: We address the behavior, coach students on problem-solving strategies, and provide restorative practices to repair relationships.

Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

• Arrival: Students may begin arriving at 7:30 AM each day. For safety reasons, please do not drop students off before this time. Students should remain in their cars until staff members begin allowing entry at 7:30 AM.

• Early Checkout: Student checkout ends promptly at 2:00 PM with no exceptions. If your child has an appointment after this time, please make arrangements to check them out before 2:00 PM.

• Dismissal: Dismissal begins at 2:40 PM. All students must be picked up no later than 3:15 PM. Teachers’ contracted day ends at 3:15 PM, so it is essential that students are picked up on time. If students are not picked up by 3:15 PM and no communication has been made with school administration, further action may be required.

Safety Precautions

The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority. Please help us maintain a secure school environment by following these procedures:

• All school doors remain locked throughout the day.

• All visitors are required to sign in at the front office.

• For student checkout, staff will verify identification if the person is not recognized or is not listed on the student’s checkout form. Parents, please ensure that your child’s contact and checkout list is current and accurate.

Dress for Success

When visiting the school for meetings, events, or volunteering, please ensure that clothing is:

• Respectful and appropriate for a school setting.

• Free from images, language, or symbols that may be offensive, distracting, or inappropriate for children.

• Modest and suitable for an educational environment (e.g., no excessively revealing or informal attire such as pajamas, etc.).

We believe that modeling professionalism and respect benefits our students and helps reinforce the values we strive to instill in them. By dressing appropriately while on campus, you are helping us maintain a positive culture and setting an excellent example for our children.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Together, we can ensure that our school remains a welcoming and respectful environment for every child and family.

Sept. 1- Labor Day (School Closed)

Sept. 2- Return to School

Sept. 4- Grandparents Luncheon

Sept. 5- Progress Reports Go Home

Sept. 15-30 Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 29- Fall Pictures

Asst. Principal: Mr. Dannon Bedwell

Secretary: Ms. Victoria Morris

Email: lcollins@tusc.k12.al.us
Website: www.tuscaloosacityschools.com
Location: 2430 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205)759-3619