Parent Newsletter
October 1 - October 31
🦃 Pecan Springs Thanksgiving Lunch – Guest Tickets
Hi Parents!
It’s the season of feasting and togetherness! Join us on Thursday, November 13, 2025, for the Pecan Springs Thanksgiving Lunch.
Ticket Information:
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Guests: $5.25 per plate (exact cash only)
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Students: Free lunch provided
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Ticket Sales: Monday, October 6 – Friday, October 31, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, front office
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Limit: 2 guests per student (space is limited)
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Important: Tickets must be presented on the day of the event. Tickets will NOT be replaced if lost. No tickets will be sold on 11/13/2025
Additional Notes:
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If you wish to eat with another student, you will need to follow that student’s scheduled lunch time.
We look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with our Pecan Springs families!
🦃 Almuerzo de Acción de Gracias en Pecan Springs – Boletos para Invitados
¡Hola, familias!
¡Es tiempo de compartir y celebrar juntos! Acompáñenos el jueves 13 de noviembre de 2025 para el Almuerzo de Acción de Gracias de Pecan Springs.
Información de los boletos:
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Invitados: $5.25 por plato (solo efectivo exacto)
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Estudiantes: Reciben almuerzo gratis
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Venta de boletos: Lunes 6 de octubre – Viernes 31 de octubre, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, oficina principal
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Límite: 2 invitados por estudiante (el espacio es limitado)
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Importante: Los boletos deben presentarse el día del evento. Los boletos no se reemplazarán si se pierden. No se venderán boletos el 13/11/2025
Notas adicionales:
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Si desea almorzar con otro estudiante, deberá seguir el horario de almuerzo asignado de ese estudiante.
¡Esperamos celebrar Acción de Gracias con todas nuestras familias de Pecan Springs!
Let's work together parents!
Dear Parents / Guardians,
As we settle into our routines, we’d like to share a few friendly reminders to help your child have a successful and comfortable school year:
💧 Water Bottles:
Please send your student with a plastic or thermos-style water bottle each day. Every classroom is equipped with a refillable PRIMO purified water jug to help keep students hydrated and healthy.
🌞 Sunscreen and Hat/Cap:
With the hot and sunny weather, we encourage families to apply sunscreen at home before school each morning. A hat or cap is also helpful for sun protection during outdoor activities.
👟 Closed-Toe Shoes:
For safety and comfort, students should wear closed-toe shoes every day. Our Eagles are active throughout the day—learning in classrooms, playing outside, and walking between our portables while we’re in our current swing space.
Thank you for your continued support as we kick off what’s sure to be an amazing school year. Let’s rock it together! 🎉💙💛
Warm regards,
Pecan Springs Elementary
School Schedule / Horario Escolar
- 7:15 a.m. Doors open
- 7:35 a.m. Breakfast (in the cafe) ends
- 7:40 a.m. Start of the school day
- 7:40 a.m. Tardy Bell-Your scholar is TARDY/late
- 3:10 p.m. Scholars are dismissed
Club Days ⚽🎨
📣 Hello Pecan Springs Families!
We’re excited to share that Club Days have officially started on campus, and our students are loving it!
📅 New Club Days Schedule:
Clubs will now take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:00 AM – 7:40 AM.
During this time, students can eat breakfast and participate in the club of their choice.
✨ Who Can Participate?
Clubs are open to all students in 1st through 5th grade.
⚽ Football and Soccer are available for students in 3rd through 5th grade only.
🌟 Student Choice:
Students may choose a different club each day or stick with their favorite—it’s totally up to them! Participation is optional and flexible.
Thank you for your continued support in making Club Days a fun and engaging experience for all our Eagles! 🦅
📢 Good Morning Parents!
Please join us for our October PTA Meeting
🗓️ Tuesday, October 7
🕖 7:00 AM – right after drop-off!
📍 Portable U2 with Parent Support, Ms. Salgado
☕ Come say hi, grab some info, and connect with us!
Hope to see you there! Meet your PTA Board Members.
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📢 ¡Buenos días, padres de familia!
¡Acompáñenos a nuestra reunión de la PTA del mes de octubre!
🗓️ Martes 7 de octubre
🕖 7:00 AM – ¡justo después de dejar a los niños!
📍 Salón portátil U2 con la Apoyo para Padres, Sra. Salgado
☕ ¡Venga a saludar, recibir información y conectarse con nosotros!
¡Esperamos verlos allí! Conozca a los miembros de la junta directiva de su PTA.
No School: Friday 10/10 & Monday 10/13
📣 NO SCHOOL NOTICE 📣
There will be NO SCHOOL on:
🗓️ Friday, October 10 – Student/Staff Holiday / PLED Day
🗓️ Monday, October 13 – Student/Staff Holiday/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Enjoy the long weekend!
No hay clases: VIERNES 10/10 y LUNES 10/13
📣 AVISO: NO HABRÁ CLASES 📣
NO HABRÁ CLASES el:
🗓️ Viernes 10 de octubre – Día festivo para estudiantes y personal / Día PLED
🗓️ Lunes 13 de octubre – Día festivo para estudiantes y personal/ Día de los Pueblos Indígenas
¡Disfruten el fin de semana largo!
📸 Class Picture Day & Retakes- Thursday, October 23rd
Hi Parents!
It’s that time again — Class Picture Day is coming up!
📸 Date: Thursday, October 23
We’ll be taking class pictures and retakes for any students who missed the original picture day. Make sure your child comes to school dressed in their best!
🖼️ To order pictures online, use the link below:
https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001308864
💵 Paying with cash? Picture order forms will be sent home in your child’s backpack on Thursday, October 9 — be sure to check their folder after school.
Fall Picture Retakes
For fall retakes, only the online payment option is available. If you missed the original window to purchase fall pictures, you may still order online using the link below:
🖼️ Online Order Link: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001308864
Thank you for your continued support!
📸 Día de fotos de clase y re-tomas: jueves 23 de octubre
¡Hola, padres!
¡Es esa época otra vez — Día de Fotos de Clase!
📸 Fecha: Jueves, 23 de octubre
Tomaremos fotos de clase y re-tomas para los estudiantes que no pudieron tomar foto el día original. ¡Asegúrese de que su hijo/a venga a la escuela con su mejor atuendo!
🖼️ Para comprar las fotos en línea, use el siguiente enlace:
https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001308864
💵 ¿Pagar con efectivo? Los formularios para ordenar fotos se enviarán a casa en la mochila de su hijo/a el jueves, 9 de octubre — asegúrese de revisar la carpeta después de la escuela.
Re-tomas de Fotos de Otoño
Para las re-tomas de otoño, solo está disponible la opción de pago en línea. Si se perdió la ventana original para comprar las fotos de otoño, todavía puede ordenarlas en línea usando el siguiente enlace:
🖼️ Enlace para ordenar en línea: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001308864
¡Gracias por su continuo apoyo!
Monday, October 20 - NO SCHOOL, Parent Teacher Conferences
📢 Dear Parents
Monday, October 20 – NO SCHOOL
This day is set aside for Parent-Teacher Conferences. We invite all parents to come to the school, meet with teachers, and learn ways to support your student’s learning at home.
This is a great opportunity to:
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Discuss your child’s progress
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Partner with teachers to help your student succeed
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Learn strategies to support learning at home
We hope to see all parents!
Lunes 20 de octubre - NO HAY CLASES, Conferencias de padres y maestros
📢 Estimadas familias
Lunes, 20 de octubre – NO HABRÁ CLASES
Este día está destinado a las Conferencias de Padres y Maestros. Invitamos a todos los padres a venir a la escuela, reunirse con los maestros y aprender cómo apoyar el aprendizaje de sus estudiantes en casa.
Es una excelente oportunidad para:
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Hablar sobre el progreso de su hijo/a
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Colaborar con los maestros para apoyar el éxito del estudiante
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Aprender estrategias para apoyar el aprendizaje en casa
¡Esperamos ver a todos los padres!
🎃📚 Get Ready for October! 📚🎃
We’re excited to announce our 4th Annual Literacy Fall Festival — with a fun new twist!
Since we’re in portables this year, our usual Trunk or Treat will now be called:
✨ “Treats at the Door” ✨
🍬 We are now accepting candy donations to support this event!
📅 Last day to donate: Wednesday, October 29
🎉 Event Details:
📚 4th Annual Literacy Fall Festival: Treats at the Door
🗓️ Thursday, October 30
🕔 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
We can’t wait to celebrate reading and fun with you! 📖🍭
🎃📚 ¡Prepárense para octubre! 📚🎃
¡Nos emociona anunciar nuestro 4º Festival Anual de Lectura de Otoño — con un giro especial este año!
Como estamos en portátiles, nuestro tradicional Trunk or Treat se transformará en:
✨ “Dulces en la Puerta” ✨
🍬 ¡Ya estamos aceptando donaciones de dulces para apoyar este evento!
📅 Último día para donar: miércoles 29 de octubre
🎉 Detalles del evento:
📚 4º Festival Anual de Lectura de Otoño: Dulces en la Puerta
🗓️ Jueves 30 de octubre
🕔 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
¡Esperamos celebrar la lectura y la diversión con ustedes! 📖🍭
Coats for Kids! 🧥
🧥 Dear Parents, It’s That Time of Year — Coats for Kids! 🧥
Coats for Kids is an annual coat distribution event providing free winter coats to school-aged children in the Central Texas area who need them.
🗓️ Collection Dates: November 10 – December 3, 2025
📦 Delivery: Coats will be delivered directly to schools and sent home with students in December.
These coats are collected (new or gently used), dry cleaned, and sorted by volunteers at the Junior League of Austin. Volunteers carefully match donated coats to each family's request.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Children must be 18 years or younger and meet one of the following:
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Qualify for free or reduced lunch
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Have a low income
📝 Coat Request Form Details:
🗓️ Form Available: October 1–15 (or until supplies run out – first come, first served!)
📌 Each student needs a separate form. You may include up to two siblings under age 5 on one form.
✔️ Required Info:
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Student’s first and last name
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Birthdate
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Coat size
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Sibling info (if applicable)
🔗 Start the form by entering your email: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4U8Js96-b7qj1pY0F2_2Uqr2CC9yA2kn7rH453xawD46pyA/viewform
Thank you for helping us keep our kids warm this winter! ❄️🧤
Abrigos para niños!🧥
🧥 ¡Queridas familias, llegó la temporada de Coats for Kids! 🧥
Coats for Kids es un evento anual de distribución de abrigos gratuitos para niños en edad escolar en el área de Texas Central que los necesiten.
🗓️ Fechas de recolección: 10 de noviembre – 3 de diciembre, 2025
📦 Entrega: Los abrigos serán entregados directamente a las escuelas y enviados a casa con los estudiantes en diciembre.
Los abrigos (nuevos o en buen estado) son limpiados profesionalmente y organizados por voluntarios de la Junior League of Austin, quienes los emparejan con cada solicitud.
✅ Criterios de elegibilidad
Los niños deben tener 18 años o menos y cumplir uno de los siguientes requisitos:
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Califican para almuerzo gratis o a precio reducido
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Tienen un tener bajos ingresos
📝 Detalles del formulario de solicitud:
🗓️ Formulario disponible: del 1 al 15 de octubre (o hasta que se agoten los abrigos — prioridad por orden de llegada)
📌 Se necesita un formulario por estudiante. Puede incluir hasta dos hermanos menores de 5 años en una sola solicitud.
✔️ Información necesaria:
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Nombre y apellido del estudiante
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Fecha de nacimiento
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Talla del abrigo
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Información de hermanos (si aplica)
🔗 Comience el formulario ingresando su correo electrónico: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4U8Js96-b7qj1pY0F2_2Uqr2CC9yA2kn7rH453xawD46pyA/viewform
¡Gracias por ayudarnos a mantener a nuestros niños abrigados este invierno! ❄️🧤
MESSAGE FROM MR. HAYWOOD
It's that time of year where we begin testing students for our Gifted and Talented program here at Pecan Springs. If you believe your student excels in certain areas of school, thinks about problems in a unique way, or stands out in a certain area the GT program could be beneficial for your child. If you would be interested in getting your child tested for the GT program please see the flyer attached or reach out to Mr. Haywood.(zane.haywood@austinisd.org) for further questions. https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/2d7e6d3b76b145828eb75b7a66f8e1c9
Can I have lunch with my student(s)? 🥪
🍽 Parent Lunch Visits – Tuesdays & Thursdays
Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their student on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A minimum of two visitors per student is allowed.
🚫 No fast food (e.g., McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Burger King, etc.).
✅ You may bring food from home for your student.
Please do not share food with other students, as some may have allergies or dietary restrictions.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Brighter Bites: FREE Produce for YOU and YOUR FAMILY! 🍅🥦
🥦🍎 Brighter Bites is Here! 🍌🥕
A fresh approach to nutrition education — and it’s 100% FREE for families!
Enroll today to receive:
✅ ~20 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables every month
✅ Simple tips and tools for a healthier lifestyle
✅ Access to fun, budget-friendly recipes your kids will love
Why join Brighter Bites?
• Get free fresh produce on Brighter Bites days
• Save money on groceries
• Meet other parents and get involved in your school community
• Learn how to be healthy on a budget
• Try new, easy meals the whole family can enjoy
⭐ Participation in Brighter Bites does not affect your SNAP or WIC benefits.
Let’s build healthy habits together — one bite at a time!
🔗 Parents must register first:
https://www.brighterbites.org/signup/s=162/n=1
💚 Don’t miss out on this healthy and delicious opportunity for your family!
OCTOBER DISTRIBUTION WILL BE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER, 28 (2 PM - 3:30 PM)
Outside of Pecan Springs Elementary- in the front of the picnic tables
ONLY for Pecan Springs Families
Brighter Bites: ¡Productos GRATIS para TI y TU FAMILIA! 🍅🥦
🥦🍎 ¡Brighter Bites está aquí! 🍌🥕
¡Una nueva forma de aprender sobre nutrición — y es 100% GRATIS para las familias!
Inscríbete hoy para recibir:
✅ ~20 libras de frutas y verduras frescas cada mes
✅ Consejos y herramientas simples para un estilo de vida más saludable
✅ Recetas divertidas y económicas que a tus hijos les encantarán
¿Por qué participar en Brighter Bites?
• Recibe productos frescos gratuitos en los días de Brighter Bites
• Ahorra dinero en tus compras
• Conoce a otros padres y participa en la comunidad escolar
• Aprende cómo ser saludable con un presupuesto limitado
• Prueba comidas nuevas, fáciles y deliciosas para toda la familia
⭐ La participación en Brighter Bites no afecta tus beneficios de SNAP ni WIC.
¡Construyamos hábitos saludables juntos — un bocado a la vez!
🔗 Los padres deben registrarse primero:
https://www.brighterbites.org/signup/s=162/n=1
💚 ¡No se pierdan esta oportunidad saludable y deliciosa para su familia!
PRIMERA DISTRIBUCIÓN: MARTES 28 DE OCTUBRE (2 PM - 3:30 PM)
Afuera de la Escuela Primaria Pecan Springs
SOLO para familias de Pecan Springs
I would like to volunteer! 💙
As set forth by the State of Texas, all volunteers and mentors must complete an approved background check before being on campus to support our students.
It's easy peasey! Just follow the steps below:
Volunteer Background Check Instructions
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Visit austinisd.voly.org to create a volunteer account and complete the required steps for a background check, including your profile, school selection, and consent forms. Austin ISDaustinisd.voly.org
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Allow 2–5 business days for processing. Typically, background checks are completed within that window. Austin ISD+1
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After approval, you’ll receive a notification email confirming your cleared status. Austin ISD+1
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If you don’t receive a response within 5 business days, please contact the volunteer support team at volunteerchecks@austinisd.org for assistance. Austin ISD
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Once you're cleared, reach out by email to campus Parent Support at blanca.salgado@austinisd.org.
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Please allow up to two additional days after your background check is approved for campus coordination—then campus staff can begin processing your placement.
We can’t wait to welcome you to campus—thank you for supporting our students!
Class Dojo
Hello Parents,
We are so excited to welcome your students to the new school year! We know how important it is for parents to connect with teachers about missing assignments, grades, or simply to check in on how your student is doing throughout the year.
Where to download
- Android: You can download the ClassDojo app from the Google Play Store.
- iOS (iPhone/iPad): Download the ClassDojo app from the Apple App Store.
All teachers use ClassDojo, an app designed for easy communication between parents and teachers. Please download the app and connect with your student’s teacher using the links below.
How to get started:
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Find your student’s grade level.
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Look for your teacher’s name.
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Click the link and start connecting!
Use this app to share how your student learns best, ask questions, and provide any information that will help teachers support your child.
Thank you for your partnership!
Sincerely,
Your Campus Parent Support,
Ms. Salgado
Class Dojo Links Parent Invite/ Enlaces de Class Dojo: Invitación para padres
ESCE:
- Ms. Morris: SCAN QR CODE ABOVE
PK3:
PK4:
- McCant: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=CYPX7MM
- Ms. Melina Perez: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=68a356d18ddcc7ecc6ce0f89
Kindergarten:
- Mrs. Chapman: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=68a382109427f8ea58ab28c1
- Mrs. Perez: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=68a8bc04f7cd1ae9c2dafda2
First Grade:
- Ms. Liz
- Ms. Reynolds: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=C8E672C
Second Grade:
- Mrs. Raqeeb: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=68a4d2a67f27a56cae7d5038
- Mrs. Vela: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=68a75836adecd42d46fb8232
Third Grade:
- Mrs. Sandoval: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=68a350f9be7ccbc6c270a7ce
- Mrs. Romero: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=68a352a2ae98153e632a51e6
Fourth Grade:
- Ms. Lechuga: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=689d43f0ee31b8263e5cc324
- Mr. Baos: https://www.classdojo.com/ul/p/addKid?target=class&class=CU94EST
Fifth Grade:
Attendance / Asistencia ⭐
Dear Parents and Guardians!
This year, our goal is simple but powerful: to ensure that every scholar is present, every day.
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success—from kindergarten through high school. When students show up consistently, they’re more likely to build strong learning habits, stay on track, and reach their full potential.
We know that families play a vital role in this. Even as children grow older, your support in making sure they get to school safely and on time each day makes a huge difference.
Of course, we understand that some absences are unavoidable due to illness or emergencies. However, missing too many days—even for excused reasons—can cause students to fall behind academically.
Here’s what the research tells us:
Scholars who are chronically absent in kindergarten or 1st grade are far less likely to read on grade level by 3rd grade.
By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a clear warning sign of dropping out.
By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation than test scores!
A scholar is considered chronically absent if they miss just 2 days a month—that’s 18+ days per year. Absences add up quickly.
📚 What the Law Says (Texas Education Code 25.085):
All students ages 6–19 must attend school regularly.
This also applies to students younger than 6 who are enrolled in Pre-K or Kindergarten.
Students must attend from the start of the school day (7:40 a.m.) to the end (3:10 pm). Arriving late or leaving early may count as a partial-day absence.
Missing more than 50% of a class period means being counted absent for that class.
Students with 10 or more unexcused absences in a 6-month period may be referred for court intervention.
Let’s work together to build strong attendance habits—starting now. When students attend consistently, they’re more confident, more connected, and more successful.
One Team. One Dream. Together, We Rise—every day!
🚗 Be Kind to Our Neighbors
🚗 Be Kind to Our Neighbors
Please use the streets shown on the traffic map and avoid blocking our neighbors’ driveways.
Also, no illegal U-turns in the neighborhood, please.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and kindness!
🚗 Sea Amable con Nuestros Vecinos
🚗 Sea Amable con Nuestros Vecinos
Por favor, use las calles indicadas en el mapa de tráfico y evite bloquear las entradas de autos de nuestros vecinos.
También, no haga vueltas en U ilegales en el vecindario.
¡Gracias de antemano por su cooperación y amabilidad!
🚸 Safety First! Drop-off and Pick-up School Protocols
To ensure the safety of all students and help arrival/dismissal run smoothly, please review and follow these guidelines:
🚗 Morning Drop-Off
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Drop-off Location: All car riders must be dropped off at the main entrance on Dubuque Lane.
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Parents/guardians may walk their child(ren) to the designated campus entrances/security gates.
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For safety reasons, parents/guardians are NOT allowed to walk students to their classroom.
🚶 Afternoon Pick-Up
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Parents/guardians may pick up their child(ren) at the designated campus pick-up areas/security gates.
🚙 Arrival & Dismissal Guidelines
To enhance security and expedite the process, we ask all parents/guardians to:
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Remain in your vehicle during arrival and dismissal.
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Place your Safe School Tag on the right side of your dashboard so it is clearly visible.
⏰ School Hours
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Morning Entry: Doors open at 7:00 a.m.
Scholars will be greeted, escorted inside, and guided to their classroom or cafeteria. -
Dismissal Time: 3:10 p.m.
Students will be escorted to your vehicle or to their designated check-out location.
Important Notice: House Bill 1481 – Student Cell Phone Use 📵
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As many of you know, House Bill 1481 was passed in Texas this summer and is now in effect for the current school year. We want to take a moment to clarify what this means for student use of cell phones and electronic devices on campus.
🔒 Cell phones and all electronic devices must be turned off and stored away during school hours.
We understand that many families rely on cell phones for safety and communication. While students may bring their phones, they are not allowed to use them during class or throughout the school day.
✅ Devices must be:
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Turned OFF
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Kept in backpacks, not in pockets
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Out of sight during instructional time and while school is in session
🚫 If a student is found using their device during school hours:
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A campus administrator will collect the device
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The parent or guardian must come to the front office to retrieve it with an administrator present
Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work together to ensure a focused and respectful learning environment for all students.
Sincerely,
Pecan Springs Elementary
Aviso Importante: Proyecto de Ley 1481 – Uso de Teléfonos Celulares por Estudiantes 📵
Queridas familias,
Como muchos ya saben, el Proyecto de Ley 1481 fue aprobado en Texas este verano y entra en vigor este año escolar. Queremos aclarar lo que esto significa respecto al uso de teléfonos celulares y dispositivos electrónicos en la escuela.
🔒 Los teléfonos celulares y todos los dispositivos electrónicos deben estar apagados y guardados durante el horario escolar.
Sabemos que muchas familias dependen de los teléfonos para mantenerse en contacto y garantizar la seguridad de sus hijos. Aunque los estudiantes pueden traer sus teléfonos, no podrán usarlos durante las clases ni mientras la escuela esté en sesión.
✅ Los dispositivos deben:
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Estar apagados
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Guardarse dentro de la mochila, no en los bolsillos
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Permanecer fuera de la vista durante el horario escolar
🚫 Si un estudiante es sorprendido usando su dispositivo durante el día escolar:
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Un administrador del plantel recogerá el dispositivo
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El padre o tutor deberá venir a la oficina principal para recogerlo en presencia de un administrador
Gracias por su apoyo y cooperación para mantener un ambiente de aprendizaje enfocado y respetuoso para todos los estudiantes.
Atentamente,
Escuela Primaria Pecan Springs
