Bush Elementary November Newsletter

Our staff is dedicated to creating the best possible learning environment for your children. For that reason, we have set goals this year which focus on targeted goals in academic achievement and daily school participation. In the classroom, we are actively working to raise student achievement rates in literacy, math, and science. Alongside these academic priorities, consistent attendance is critical for long-term success, and as a building, we have set a goal for 90% of our students to be present at least 90% of the time. When students are here every day ready to learn, they build the skills, habits, and confidence needed to thrive.

How You Can Help at Home:

• Talk about school in a positive way! Ask your child questions about what they learned in science or math, check their folders regularly, and reach out to their teachers early if you notice them struggling.

• Read together for at least 15 minutes every day, and invite your child to talk to you about what they're reading.

• Help your child get plenty of sleep and set out clothes and backpacks the night before so your mornings are smooth and on-time.

• Schedule doctor appointments, non-urgent checkups, and family trips outside of school hours or during scheduled breaks whenever possible (see the district calendar below).

As we progress through the year, we will provide updates and progress toward our building improvement goals here!

• Academic Goal: Teachers will be engaged in iReady and Wonders professional development this month
• Academic Goal: Mid-year iReady testing with commence at the end of November/beginning of December
• Attendance Goal: We are trending in the right direction, but are currently below our 90% attendance goal

It’s hard to believe we’re already welcoming November at Bush Elementary! The school year continues to fly by, and we have plenty to be proud of as we wrap up our first quarter. From PBIS assemblies and our first-quarter Bush Bonanza to family conferences, the past several weeks have been full of opportunities to celebrate learning and connect with our families. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to be part of these events. Seeing our families involved in our school community is always a highlight!

Attendance continues to be an important focus for us at Bush. While we are making progress, we still have work to do to reach our goal of 90% attendance. Our current attendance rate is 84.27% (see the graphic below). If you enjoy a little friendly competition, Bartley and McIntire are currently ahead of us! Every day in the classroom matters, and getting students to school on time and ready to learn is one of the most important ways families can support their success. We value our partnership with you, and if your family needs help or resources to improve attendance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help!

With November comes colder temperatures, so please remember to send your child to school dressed for the weather. Whenever conditions permit, we take advantage of outdoor recess, and having a warm jacket or coat helps ensure students can comfortably enjoy that time outside. Thank you for helping us keep our Hornets happy, healthy, and ready to learn!

Thank you again for continuing to support our school and our students.

It's a great day to be a Hornet!

At Bush Elementary, we utilize CharacterStrong as our character education curriculum. Each month, there are activities that families can participate in called "Family Dares" that align with our character traits each month. *If your family participates, snap a family picture and email me at jtharp@fulton58.org for a chance to be featured on the Bush Elementary Facebook page.

Here is this month's Family Dare:

Join us Wednesday, November 4 at Bush Elementary for our next PTO meeting!

Here is the district attendance information for the previous month:

Fulton Public Schools Online Registration for the 2026-27 school year is open. Please log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal to complete the required forms.

1. Access your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
2. Click on More (if using a mobile device, please select the 3 horizontal lines in the top left corner to access the menu)
3. Select Online Reg
4. Click Start to begin
5. Complete all forms, update any information as needed & electronically sign at the end of the process.
6. Click SUBMIT

Please note that your student CANNOT receive their class schedule or teacher assignment until online registration has been completed and approved.

Address changes CANNOT be processed until proper proof of residency documentation has been provided. Please email Sara Kneedler (skneedler@fulton58.org) with any questions regarding proof of residency requirements.

If you experience any issues logging into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal please contact our Technology Department at 573.590.8040.

As part of our participation in Title I programming, we are providing you with all related information below:

In an effort to maintain a safe and uninterrupted educational environment for our students and staff, all visitors to the building must be buzzed in for entry. Visitors will be stopped between the double doors and granted access to the building only if necessary. Thank you for supporting our campus safety procedures.

Our Fulton Public Schools Board of Education is providing all students with the basic school supplies they'll need for the 2026-27 school year.

Families are not asked to send supplies in with their student(s) for the classroom/teacher.

Please note that backpacks, lunchboxes, and headphones WILL NOT BE provided as they are personal items that students often prefer to pick out.

Log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal to complete the 2026-27 Free & Reduced Meal Application online.

This form must be completed each year to qualify. Unsure if you qualify, complete the form, and our Food Service Department will process it and let you know!

Completed paper applications can be dropped off at our Central Office (2 Hornet Drive), during Open House, or sent in with your student on the first day of school.

If you have any questions, please contact our Food Service Department at 573.590.8045.

Hunger is a significant issue that affects many, including our students. In Missouri, 1 in 5 children experience food insecurity, with many of their other family members dealing with the same challenge. That’s where Bush's School Market program comes in. In partnership with The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, we provide a variety of meal ingredients, snacks and more for students experiencing food insecurity. Our School Market allows students to choose the foods they bring home, empowering them to pick what they need to thrive. If you'd like to learn more about the program, please reach out to our School Market Coordinator!

Cereal, shelf-stable milk, canned fruits and vegetables, proteins like tuna or canned chicken, meal kits, soups and more may be available at the market. Other items, such as hygiene products may be available at times.

The School Market is open to all our students. There are no requirements to receive items.

Please fill out this survey if your family would like to receive food from the market each month.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Krista Forck, Social Worker

573-590-8424

kforck@fulton58.org

Here is the link to monthly breakfast and lunch menus.

Dismissal: Dismissal begins at 3:10 with our walkers dismissing first, followed by car riders, then bus riders.

In an effort to consolidate information, we have created a district handbook for families PK-12th Grade.

2026-27 District Handbook

All bus transportation information will be sent from our transportation department. When completing Online Registration please ensure your email address is entered correctly as this is the email communication will be sent to.

Transportation schedules will be sent to families. If you do not receive an email, please contact our Transportation Department at 573.590.8020 or fpstransporation@fulton58.org

Here is the link to the FPS 2026-27 district calendar.

Interested in subbing for Fulton Public School; visit penmaceducation.com/central-mo for more information.

Our Fulton 58 Mobile App allows families to read the latest announcements & news, view upcoming events, staff directories, lunch menus, engage in 2-way conversations with teachers/coaches or sponsors and more!

Download the Fulton 58 App for Android Devices

Download the Fulton 58 App for Apple Devices

Fulton Public Schools utilizes multiple methods to keep families informed. Parents/guardians, it is vital that the district has up-to-date contact information on file to ensure you receive vital communication and updates. Changes to your contact information can be made in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

2 Way Communication

"2 Way Chats" is contained within the Fulton58 App and will consolidate communications between families and teachers, coaches, and sponsors in one place. No need for multiple apps, text threads, or email chains. This will allow families to quickly locate updates and messaging, streamlining the experience.

Visit the 2 Way Chats section of our website for instructions on downloading the Fulton 58 mobile app, logging in, setting notification preferences, and an overview of the 2 Way Chats dashboard.

"Honoring Our Hornets" is a way for you to express your gratitude to any Fulton Public Schools employee who goes above and beyond what is expected. Anyone can submit an "Honoring Our Hornets" nomination for any Fulton Public Schools employee.

*Recipients will be selected monthly from the nominations received.

Submit An "Honoring Our Hornets" Today!

• Nov. 4 - PTO Meeting
• Nov. 10 - Picture Retake Day
• Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
• Nov. 11 - Board of Education Meeting
• Nov. 12 - 2nd Grade Field Trip
• Nov. 12 - 3rd Grade Concert
• Nov. 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break
• Nov. 30-Dec. 3 - Mid-Year iReadyInform Begins