July 28th

Dear Audubon Families,

We’re thrilled to welcome you back to a brand-new school year at Audubon Elementary! Whether you’re a returning family or new to our school community, we are so excited to partner with you to make this year our best yet. Our team has been hard at work preparing classrooms, finalizing schedules, and getting ready to greet our students with open arms and high expectations for learning and growth.

As you get ready for the first day, there are a few key things we want to make sure are on your radar. We’ve included detailed information in the attached sections of this newsletter to support you as you plan and prepare.

You'll find important updates about our homework policy and attendance expectations, both designed to support consistency and student success throughout the year. We’re also including the district calendar so you’ll have key dates like holidays and breaks on hand.

We know how important it is for families to feel prepared when it comes to routines, so please take a moment to review our updated start time and dress code reminders to help your child feel comfortable and ready to learn from day one.

A new addition to this year is the moment of silence that will now take place each morning, as required by recent legislation. This brief time offers students a calm, respectful way to start their day on a positive note.

We’re also including details about bus transportation and how to access pick-up/drop-off schedules. For dismissal at school, we continue to use the PikMyKid app—please make sure your account is current and your child’s pick-up arrangements are accurate.

Our Parent Dashboard remains your go-to hub for school updates. This year, we’ll continue using TalkingPoints as our primary way to message families—make sure to download the app if you haven’t already! Our facebook page will continue to be updated often, so check back frequently for the latest information!

We believe that strong schools are built on strong partnerships with families. We’re honored to work with you and can’t wait to welcome your child back to school soon!

~Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Velotta

Being at school every day sets students up for success—academically, socially, and emotionally. When students attend regularly, they gain confidence, stay connected, and keep up with important learning. We’re here to support your family and appreciate all you do to make school a daily priority. Together, we can build strong habits that lead to bright futures!

Our first day of school is quickly approaching! Save the 25-26 Daviess County School Calendar to stay in the know on all upcoming dates!

Purpose

This policy on the assignment of homework to students has been developed to establish responsibilities and guidelines for standards for the assignments, evaluation, and monitoring of homework assignments.

Scope

This policy is intended to guide teachers, parents, and students of Audubon Elementary School.

Definition

Purpose for Homework

Homework consists of assigned activities students must complete outside the classroom to reinforce, extend, or apply previously learned skills and knowledge. It should not introduce new or unfamiliar concepts and to be recognized that not all homework needs to take the form of written assignments.

Guidelines

1. It is the policy of Audubon Elementary School that teachers will assign homework as appropriate to all students capable of completing assignments and that homework will never be used as a form of punishment.

2. Homework canwill consist of nightly assignments, independent reading, and/ or someone reading to the student.

3. The appropriate amount of minutes per evening of any assignments completed at home are as follows:

· K-1: not to exceed 30 total minutes

· 2-3: not to exceed 40 total minutes

· 4-5: not to exceed 45 total minutes

*Do not let a child work on homework an exceeding amount of time. If a child frequently struggles with homework past the assigned minutes, the parent should contact the teacher. The parents and teacher will collaborate to develop a plan of action for individual success.

Daily Reading will be the only homework that could be assigned on weekends

4. Homework assignments are given to support student learning as appropriate. Some homework, especially in the primary program, should involve students in reading to their parents and vice versa or in taking part in cultural and creative activities. With the exception of innovative strategies, it should not introduce new or unfamiliar concepts or skills

5. Teachers will evaluate and return all homework assignments to students in a timely manner.

6. Teachers will decide which homework assignments affect a student’s grade.

7. Teachers shall provide clear, concise directions for the completion of homework assignments.

8. The principal of Audubon School will ensure that the Homework Policy is distributed to all teachers, parents, and students.

9. Parents and students will sign a Homework Contract which outlines their roles and responsibilities for homework at Audubon.

Parental Support

Parents are urged to actively involve themselves with their children’s homework. Homework assignments offer an opportunity for valuable interaction between parent and child in support of learning. Parents can help in the following ways:

1. Show interest in the schoolwork that children bring home.

2. Provide a suitable place to study, free from disturbances.

3. Keep materials available for completing homework.

4. Be available to explain instructions and answer questions.

5. Check to see that all work is completed.

6. Encourage the child to perform his/her best and praise them when they do.

7. Help students use grit and self-control to complete homework.

8. Keep close contact with the child’s teacher.

9. Reward children in appropriate ways for their work.

10. Do not let a child work on homework an exceeding amount of time. If a child frequently struggles with homework past the assigned minutes, the parent should contact the teacher. The parents and teacher will collaborate to develop a plan of action for individual success.

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for completing homework with support from parents and should follow the following suggestions:

1. Begin with the End in Mind: Make a plan for completing homework

1. Write down assignments and due dates, ask questions and get supplies before leaving school.

2. Select an appropriate area for homework to be done. Take all materials, books, homework folder, and assignments directly to that area each day.

3. Plan a time to work and be consistent in completing it on time.

2. Use grit and self-control to complete homework.

3. Do your best work.

7:00am—Our doors open. Students participate in fun, engaging activities that set them up for a successful day!

*Students who are car riders and plan to eat breakfast need to arrive by 7:15 am.

7:25am—Students move to classrooms.

7:30am—Our morning announcements begin.

7:35am—Our school day officially begins.

All students must be signed in by an adult after 7:35 am.

2:20pm- School Ends - Car riders will be brought to the front of the school. For the safety of your child, you must have a car tag (given from the office) to pick up your student. Please announce your arrival when you join the car rider line.

Dear DCPS Families,
Beginning this school year, all Kentucky public schools will include a moment of silence or reflection at the start of each day, as part of a new state law (House Bill 96). This quiet time will last between one and two minutes. During this moment, students will remain seated and silent, allowing them to choose how they wish to spend the time—whether in personal reflection, prayer, meditation, or simply taking a calm moment to start their day.

Teachers and staff will not guide or suggest how students use this time; it’s completely up to each individual student. We encourage families to talk with their children about how they might want to use this quiet moment meaningfully.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your school’s administration.

We will have the same bus drivers this year, but their route numbers will be different. See the chart below for the updated numbers! Please refer to the stopfinder app for exact pick up and drop off times.

Click on the image below to go to our Parent Dashboard!

Scan the QR code to download the TalkingPoints app—our school’s primary way to share updates and stay in touch with families.

Our teachers are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction every day. While they will respond to your messages as soon as they can, please understand that replies may come after school hours or during their planning time.

For urgent questions or time-sensitive matters, don’t hesitate to call the school directly at

270-852-7150.

Thank you for helping us support a focused and respectful learning environment!

Email: aesinfo@dcps.org
Website: https://www.daviesskyschools.org/o/aes
Location: Audubon Elementary School, 3000 Worthington Road, Owensboro, KY 42301
Phone: 270-852-7150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AESOwensboro