Weekly Parent Smore

Tuscaloosa City Schools
Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy 2025–2026

Tuscaloosa City Schools is dedicated to providing a safe and focused learning environment for all students. In alignment with the Alabama FOCUS Act, the district has updated its policy regarding the use of cell phones and personal devices.

Elementary Schools (Grades K–5)

• All cell phones and smart devices must remain powered off and stored in students’ backpacks for the duration of the school day.

• The use of personal devices, including cell phones and tablets, is not permitted during class, recess, or lunch.

• Students will utilize school-issued Chromebooks for instructional purposes.

Exceptions
Use of personal devices may be permitted in the following circumstances:

• Documented medical needs outlined in an IEP, 504 Plan, or health plan

• Teacher-approved instructional use

• Emergencies directly impacting student safety

Important Reminders

• Personal devices are not permitted during state testing.

• TCS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices.

• For urgent communication, parents/guardians should call the school office. Messages will be promptly delivered to students.

Help Shape the Future of AI in Tuscaloosa City Schools

We want to hear from our families! Please take a few minutes to complete the Family & Community Artificial Intelligence (AI) Input Survey and share your thoughts on how AI can support teaching and learning in TCS. Your feedback will help guide our next steps and ensure family voices are part of our planning.

Parentsquare App.

ParentSquare Quick Start Guide

ParentSquare is our main tool for keeping families informed and connected. Please follow these steps to set up your account and start receiving important updates.

Step 1: Download the ParentSquare App

• 📱 Apple Devices: Go to the App Store, search for ParentSquare, and download.

• 📱 Android Devices: Go to Google Play, search for ParentSquare, and download.

• You can also use ParentSquare on a computer: www.parentsquare.com

Step 2: Create Your Account

• Open the app or visit the website.

• Click “Sign Up/Create New Account.”

• Use the email address or phone number you provided to MLK Elementary during registration.

• Follow the prompts to set your password.

Step 3: Verify Your Contact Information

• After logging in, confirm that your name, phone number, and email are correct.

• If information is incorrect, contact the school office so we can update it in our system.

Step 4: Set Your Notification Preferences

• Tap your profile picture (top right) → My Account → Notification Settings.

• Choose how you want to receive messages:

  • Instant (for urgent updates)

  • Daily Digest (one summary per day)

• You can also select App, Email, or Text notifications.

Step 5: Start Connecting

• Read posts from the school and your child’s teachers.

• RSVP to events, sign up for volunteer opportunities, or fill out permission forms directly in the app.

• Send private messages to teachers or staff when you have questions.

💡 Tip: Keep notifications on so you never miss important updates about events, school closures, or emergencies.

Need Help?
📞 MLK Elementary Main Office: 205.759.3570
💻 ParentSquare Help Center: https://parentsquare.zendesk.com

Please reach out to Ms. Sharp or Mrs. Wester if interested!

Your voice matters! Joining our PTA helps support students, teachers, and school programs all year long.
✅ Connect with other parents
✅ Support fundraisers & events
✅ Help shape our school’s future

Regular attendance is essential to your child’s academic success and to the overall performance of our school. We ask that every student attend school each day unless they are ill or there is a family emergency. If your child is absent, please provide a written excuse or doctor’s note on the day they return.

When planning vacations or out-of-town events, we kindly encourage you to review the school holiday calendar and schedule trips during designated breaks. Consistent attendance supports your child’s academic growth, helps them stay connected socially, and makes a meaningful difference in their learning progress.

Together, we can ensure our Falcons are present, engaged, and soaring toward success each day.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary
Safety & Procedures Reminders

The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. Please take a moment to review the following reminders to help us maintain a safe, orderly, and focused environment for all:

• Visitor Check-In: All visitors must sign in at the front office using Raptor and present a valid driver’s license.

• Transportation Changes: Any changes in transportation must be communicated to your child’s teacher through a written note or ParentSquare message no later than 11:00 a.m. This ensures students are in the correct location at dismissal.

• Carline Procedures: Please remain in your vehicles during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. If your child requires assistance, a staff member will be available to help.

• Bus Safety: Do not pass buses or block the bus loading area at any time.

• Student Checkout: Students will not be permitted to check out after 2:00 p.m., without exception.

Instructional Time Protection
To avoid disruptions, classrooms will not be interrupted for phone calls. If you need to send a message to your child, please contact the school secretary, who will ensure the message is delivered promptly.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation in helping us provide a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment for every student at MLK Elementary.