Cumberland Academy Lower Elementary

Happy October, Lower Elementary Families! 🎃🍂 Our youngest Knights are growing as learners, building friendships, and discovering new things each day! This month brings opportunities to connect during parent-teacher conferences and enjoy fall fun together as a school community. Thank you for partnering with us and supporting your child’s learning. Be sure to read through our newsletter for October events, important dates, and campus reminders! 🧡

• Fall Break 10/12 &10/13: No School
• Parent Teacher Conferences 10/13
• Progress Reports Posted 10/14
• Red Ribbon Week 10/26-30
• Truck or Treat @high school 10/29
• American Indian Heritage Month
• Kona Ice 11/6

Consistent attendance helps children benefit from daily learning, relationships, and routines. Brighter Futures Indiana highlights these reasons attendance matters:

• Early learning: Daily practice with letters, numbers, and problem-solving helps children build on what they have learned.

• School readiness: Children practice following directions, listening, remembering information, and working independently and with a group.

• Social and emotional growth: Time with teachers and classmates helps children develop friendships, manage emotions, and build confidence and a sense of belonging.

• Language development: Conversations, stories, and classroom activities give children opportunities to expand their vocabulary and practice speaking and listening.

• Healthy routines: Attending regularly helps children become comfortable with daily expectations and develop habits that support future school success.

How can families help?

• Keep bedtime and wake-up times consistent.

• Prepare clothes, backpacks, and needed supplies the night before.

• Create a predictable morning routine.

• Have a backup transportation plan when possible.

• Let your child’s teacher know if your family is facing challenges with attendance so we can work together.

We know some absences are unavoidable. When your child is sick, please follow campus illness guidelines. Our goal is consistent attendance when children are well and ready to learn!

📖 Read the full article: The Importance of Attendance in Early Childhood Education

Thank you for helping our youngest Knights build a strong foundation! 💛

Shirts, Sweaters, etc.

1. Short or long-sleeve polo style shirt with collar in any solid color.

2. Approved Outerwear: Pullover sweaters, hoodies, cardigans or sweatshirts may be worn over the collared uniform shirt. Must be solid-colored without graphics or writing.

3. School spirit shirts are allowed to be worn on Friday.

4. Any non-school related emblems or logos must be no larger than a 2x2 inch square.

5. Logos signifying drugs, alcohol or other inappropriate items are never permitted.

Pants, Shorts, Skirts, etc.

1. Khaki (tan, not green), navy, gray or black uniform material pants, capris, shorts, skorts, skirts or jumpers are acceptable.

2. No running or athletic shorts/pants allowed.

3. Skin-tight attire such as leggings, jeggings, spandex, tights or yoga pants may not be worn as pants. The only exception is solid uniform colored leggings or tights may be worn under skirts or dresses of the appropriate length. Only solid colors are allowed. No sparkles, tears, stripes, patterns or pictures etc.

4. Collared, polo-style dresses are allowed.

5. All shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses or jumpers must be no more than 3 inches above the kneecap.

6. Tights, leggings and bike/cheer shorts must be worn under all dresses, jumpers and skirts.

7. Pants should fit properly around the waist; no sagging. If pants are too large, a belt must be worn.

8. Blue or black jeans are permitted only on Fridays with a spirit shirt and should be without designs, tears, rips or holes.

Shoes

1. Closed-toed shoes must be worn. Shoes must have rubber traction bottom; no open-heel/ slide on shoes. Tennis shoes are preferred.

2. No flip-flops, cleats, skate-shoes, house shoes or crocs may be worn.

3. Socks must be worn with shoes.

Hair

1. Hair and/or highlights must be a natural color.

2. While students may choose a variety of hairstyles, styles or hair designs that are offensive, contain inappropriate images or messages, or are excessively distracting to the educational setting are not permitted.

3. Clip in feathers, costume headbands or other accessories are not permitted.

Other Requirements

1. Nothing is to be worn over the school uniform throughout the day except approved outerwear.

2. In cold weather, any jacket or coat can be worn to school and kept in their cubby.

3. Caps, hats, bandanas or other headwear are not permitted on campus.

4. Earring should not be larger than ½ inch circumference and must not dangle longer than ½ inch below the earlobes. No gauges are permitted.

5. Only one necklace and one bracelet may be worn at a time.

6. Smart watches are not permitted during school hours.

7. Excessive or distracting makeup is not allowed.

We’re excited to celebrate Red Ribbon Week with a fun Halloween costume day! 👻 Please help us keep costumes school-friendly, safe, and appropriate for the classroom.

✨ Please remember:

• 🚫 No blood, gore, or scary/violent costumes
• 🚫 No toy weapons or weapon accessories
• 🚫 No masks or face coverings
• 🚫 No face paint or face print
• 🚫 No handheld accessories or props
• 💙 Temporary hair dye is allowed!

We want everyone to have a fun and safe day while keeping our focus on being kind, brave, and drug-free! ❤️🎃💙💛

Thank you for helping us make Halloween fun for all our Knights!

Every Tuesday in October, show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing PINK! 💕 Students and staff may also wear jeans on Pink Out Tuesdays.

👖 Jeans must be free of rips, tears, holes, or designs.

Let’s fill our school with PINK and show our support! 💗🎀