Converse Newsletter

School day starts at 7:45

School dismisses at 3:00

Morning supervision starts at 7:30. Students are expected to be in the classroom at 7:45! Please make every attempt to get your child to school before 7:45.

Students are dismissed at 3:00. Arriving late and/or leaving early impacts student attendance.

Dear Converse Families,

Mark your calendars to come out to support Converse at Culver's Night on Tuesday, February 17th, from 4:00-8:00! The money raised from this event will be used to offset the costs of field trips, 4K- and 5th-grade graduation, events or awards (such as student of the week), the school carnival, and other necessary materials and supplies.

We have officially started the third quarter, and we need your help. Families, please help ensure your child reads every night and completes their reading log. Daily reading is one of the most important things students can do to build strong literacy skills. When children read consistently, they improve their fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and reading confidence. Nightly reading supports students in working toward and reaching grade-level reading expectations, which is critical to success across all subjects. Just a short amount of reading each evening makes a big difference over time.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning and helping them grow into confident, capable readers!

Regular school attendance is essential for student success. Our district expects students to attend school at least 95% of the time. Consistent attendance at school enables students to fully participate in learning, build strong routines, and stay connected with their teachers and peers.

We absolutely understand that students should stay home when they are ill. However, when children are healthy, it is important that they are at school each day. Even missing one or two days a month can significantly impact learning over time.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting strong attendance and helping your child succeed academically and socially. Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. 💙📅

Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to your child’s education. Together, we can ensure a strong finish to the year and a successful start to the third quarter.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the school office if you have any questions.

Warm regards,
Ms. Malott

Principal

4K is a full-day program taught by DPI-certified teachers. SDB uses fun, engaging, hands-on learning to prepare students for their future education. The daily activities develop early math and reading foundational skills while cultivating language and cognitive skills. Art, music, and PE are integrated into the school day. Our social-emotional curriculum fosters positive social skills, self-image, and citizenship. Students must be 4 by September 1st to be eligible for enrollment; there is no early entry into 4K.

For more information, visit our 4K program page link.

Here is the link for new student enrollment website

Online student enrollment link direct digital link to register

If you have any questions about enrolling, you can call 608- 361-4023.

Students go outside for recess every day, as weather permits. To safely enjoy playing in the snow, please be sure your child comes to school with appropriate winter outerwear, including:

• Snow pants

• Winter boots

• Warm coat

• Hat

• Gloves or mittens

  
  

In addition, we strongly recommend that students keep an extra set of clothes in their locker. This helps ensure they can stay comfortable if they have an accident or get very wet during outdoor play.

Please be sure your child has an extra change of clothes (weather appropriate) either in their locker or backpack. This is helpful when students have accidents, spill on themselves, or get wet/dirty. Our supply of clothing has dwindled! We need pants for both boys and girls for children in 4k through 5th grade. If you have any you'd like to donate, we would love to take them off your hands! Additionally, we are in need of NEW underwear and socks for boys and girls of all sizes. Any items you wish to donate can be brought to the Converse office or sent to school with your student. Thank you!

Student hours: 7:45- 3:00 daily

Student Absences: Please report absences by calling 361-2100. All absences must be reported. If your child is absent or tardy due to an appointment please bring a valid doctor note to excuse the absence.

A.M. Student Arrival: Students should enter the building using doors 2, and 7. All students arriving prior to 7:40 will go to the Converse gym to participate in the morning walking circle. Door supervision begins at 7:30 and ends at 7:45. Students arriving at 7:45 or after must enter through the main entrance (door 1).

Breakfast: all students are offered breakfast free of charge daily.

Lunch: all students are offered lunch free of charge daily. Students may opt to bring lunch from home. Please label your child’s lunch with their first and last name and grade level/teacher. Students are not able to bring soda/pop or energy drinks to school. Students should not bring candy, chips, or treats unless they are part of a complete lunch that is brought from home. It is an expectation that students do not share their lunches.

Lunch periods are as follows:

Kindergarten: 10:40

2nd Grade: 11:00

4K: 11:10

3rd Grade: 11:30

5th Grade: 11:55

4th Grade 12:15

1st Grade: 12:20

Entering the Building: All parents, family members, and volunteers who wish to enter the building must sign in through the Raptor system. When entering the building, please bring your driver’s license or a valid form of identification. Please be prepared to show your ID if you are picking up a student early. Entrance is only permitted through door 1 (the main entrance). Parents/guardians who wish to speak to a teacher should schedule an appointment with the teacher **. Due to tight school security, parents/guardians will not be permitted into the school hallways/ classrooms during the school day.

Dismissal:

4K and 5K Students will exit using door 2 (south end of building).

Grades 1-5 will exit the building using doors 4, 7, and 8.

Utilizing the Drop-off/ Pick-up Lane:

When using the drop off/pick up lane, please pull ahead as far as possible in the right lane. Please put your car in park when dropping off or picking up your child. Your child should enter your car from the passenger side (curbside). Please ensure your child is fully seated in the car with the door closed before you begin to drive forward. Please ensure the left lane is clear before merging to exit the parking lot. Students will not be permitted to walk into the left lane to meet their ride. Please do not stop your car in the crosswalk area. We appreciate your attention to safety.

Bus Lane: Please keep the bus lane in front of the school clear to ensure that daycare vehicles, buses, and emergency services can access it safely. Your cooperation is essential for the safety and efficiency of our school. You can be ticketed if you stop or park in the bus lane.

Updating Contact Information: It is imperative that we have your most current contact information. Please ensure that you update your contact information with the office if there is any change.

Cell Phones: Students are expected to keep their cell phones in their lockers and on silent to maintain a focused learning environment. This allows for better engagement in class activities without the distractions of phone notifications.

Thank you.

Safety Reminder: Put Your Phone Down in School Zones!

When you're driving through a school zone, your full attention is needed. Texting, calling, or checking your phone can wait—children’s safety is the top priority.

Why it matters:

• Kids can be unpredictable, and they may suddenly cross the street.

• Distracted driving is dangerous—slow down, stay alert, and keep your eyes on the road.

• Fines for using your phone in school zones can be steep, and the risk of an accident is far worse.

Tips for safe driving:

1. Put your phone on silent or "Do Not Disturb" mode before entering school zones.

2. Slow down and follow posted speed limits.

3. Stay alert—watch for pedestrians, crossing guards, and school buses.

Families, we need your help! Converse has a problem with Chromebooks being damaged this year. We are not sending Chromebooks home at the elementary level, and we do understand that accidents happen. Many devices are being intentionally damaged—dropped, thrown, stomped on, slammed, or otherwise mistreated. These Chromebooks are school property, and students are responsible for caring for them.

Misuse of Chromebooks that lead to damage could result in the following charges for replacement parts:

Broken screen-$100.00

Hinges-$30.00 (each)

Screen Bezel (frame around screen)-$35.00

Keyboard-$79.00

Replacing entire chromebook-$289.00

So that you know, Chromebook misuse also includes using the Chromebooks for non-educational purposes. Teachers/staff conduct regular history checks on Chromebooks. Misuse may result in office discipline referrals per the district code of conduct.

• February 9- PTO meeting in school library, 3:15
  
• February 17- Converse Culver's Scoopie Night 4:00-8:00
  
• February 27- No School for students
  
• March 9- PTO meeting in school library, 3:15
  
• March 12- Converse Literacy Night 4:00-5:00
  
• March 19- Elementary Evening Conferences
  
• March 24- Elementary Evening Conferences
  
• March 25- 5th Grade Band Concert 6:00 BMHS
  
• March 27- No school for students
  
• March 30-April 3- Spring Break
  

Wednesday, March 25th

5th Grade Band Concert

6-7pm @ BMHS in Barkin Arena

Friday, April 17th - (Field Trip for 4th Graders)

BMHS Music Demonstration Concert

9-11 AM @ BMHS in Auditorium

Wednesday, April 22nd

4th Grade Band & Orchestra Test Drive

4-7pm @ BMHS in Barkin Arena

• Online Volunteer Application
  

  1. Fill out and submit the Online Volunteer Application

  2. If you reside in a state other than Wisconsin, or you have lived in the state of Wisconsin for less than 10 years, you must also complete an InfoMart Form. You must download the InfoMart Form and email it to volunteer@sdb.k12.wi.us or drop it off at the Kolak Education Center at 1500 Fourth Street.

  3. Background Check - The safety and well-being of our students, staff and volunteers is our number one priority. Therefore, the district will conduct criminal background checks on all volunteers who work directly with and/or have access to students. Background checks will be conducted prior to volunteering. The district reserves the right to conduct additional background checks periodically thereafter.

  4. Approval/Denial Notice - You will receive an email from volunteer@sdb.k12.wi.usregarding your volunteer application approval or denial.

  Please note, your volunteer application may take up to two weeks to process.

  *In order to volunteer in the School District of Beloit you must complete a volunteer application form every three years. Applications are valid from August 1 through July 31*

  
  

If you’re seeking guidance or need assistance for your child, please feel free to connect with a member of our student services team:

Mrs. Amy Langer- School Social Worker

Mrs. Staci Brandt- School Counselor

Ms. Taylor Hamilton-School Psychologist

When they come to school consistently, they can take part in all classroom activities, connect with their teachers and friends, and keep up with their lessons. This active participation plays a big role in their academic growth and helps them achieve their best.

If your child is taking the bus, we recommend downloading the Bus Zone app.

This app allows you to track your student's bus route, view stop locations, check scheduled arrival times, and more. Download the app on the App Store or the Google Play Store.

We truly value the commitment of all our families who stay engaged with our district. There are numerous ways for you to stay connected including downloading our free SDB App, signing up for our monthly community newsletter, listening to one of our podcasts, viewing all the great news about our district, reading one of our latest blogs, or following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.