Weekly Parent Smore

TCS Cell Phone & Personal Device Policy 2025–2026

Tuscaloosa City Schools is committed to creating a safe, focused learning environment for all students. In line with the new Alabama FOCUS Act, TCS has updated its policy on cell phones and personal devices.

Elementary Schools (K–5)

• All cell phones and smart devices must be turned off and stored in students’ backpacks throughout the school day.

• No phones or personal tablets may be used during class, recess, or lunch.

• Students will use school-issued Chromebooks for all learning activities.

Exceptions

• Medical needs documented in an IEP, 504, or health plan

• Teacher-approved instructional use

• Emergencies affecting student safety

Important Notes

• Devices are not allowed during state testing.

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

• For urgent communication, please call the school office, and messages will be delivered to your child.

Together, we can help our students stay focused, safe, and ready to learn every day!

September is Attendance Awareness Month!
Every school day counts, and consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s academic success. When students attend regularly, they build strong learning habits, stay on track with their classmates, and are more likely to achieve their goals. Let’s work together to ensure our students are present, on time, and ready to learn each and every day. Together, we can make every day matter!

Something beautiful happened! The vision of Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary’s 21st Century students was brought to life through a community mural just one mile from the school. Fifth grader Sheriah Hamler inspired the powerful phrase “True Beauty”, while fourth grader Angelina Moore designed the elaborate butterfly—both serving as focal points of the mural and a lasting staple of MLK’s Female Student Empowerment week-long celebration each March!

Thank you West End Laundry for allowing this mural to come to life on your exterior wall.

Thank you to artist Mrs. Emily Coupland-Lowery for bringing to life the vision designed by our scholars.

Thank you to Mrs. Ruth O’Connor for sharing Maybe Something Beautiful with our scholars and sparking their creativity. Thank you to our 21st CCLC Director, Ms. Tanisha Strode, for ensuring our students are provided with enriching experiences that benefit not only our school but also our community. Thank you Dr. Fondren for your commitment to ensuring our 21st program remains high quality!

• Educate ALL students at high levels regardless of individual abilities and differences.
• Create an environment appropriate for learning that is supportive, risk-free, positive, and student-centered.
• Continue to increase reading proficiency in grades 2nd through 5th (collectively) from 52% to 80% or above.
• Continue to increase math proficiency in grades 2nd through 5th (collectively) from 22% to 70%.
• Continue to Increase the attendance rate from 95% to 98% or above weekly.
• Continue to increase parent engagement from 70% to 90% or above

These are our TOP priorities. Our VALUE must continue to be placed on the education of our students first. Please join us this year for our Literacy, Math, and STEM Nights, Family Engagement Nights, and Let's Chat Sessions with the Principal. More information to come.

At school, we want every child to feel safe, respected, and supported. Sometimes children experience conflict, unkind words, or disagreements with peers. While these moments are hurtful and need to be addressed, not all negative behavior is considered bullying. It’s important for us, as a school community, to understand the difference so that we can respond appropriately and help children grow.

What Bullying Is:

Bullying is intentional, repeated, and involves a power imbalance. It can take many forms, such as:

• Verbal: Name-calling, put-downs, teasing meant to hurt.

• Social/Relational: Excluding someone on purpose, spreading rumors, encouraging others not to be friends with a child.

• Physical: Hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging someone’s belongings.

• Digital: Hurtful messages, posts, or threats online (cyberbullying).

Bullying is not a “one-time” conflict—it is a pattern of behavior that creates fear, distress, or harm.

What Is Not Bullying (But Still Needs Attention):

Not every disagreement or unkind act qualifies as bullying. Examples include:

• A one-time argument between friends.

• Someone cutting in line at recess.

• Two students who don’t get along and exchange unkind words.

• Accidental behaviors (e.g., bumping into someone in the hallway).

These situations may still cause hurt feelings, and they are important opportunities for children to learn conflict resolution, empathy, and self-regulation.

How We Respond:

• If it’s bullying: We investigate, intervene, and put supports in place for both the child targeted and the child engaging in bullying behavior.

• If it’s not bullying: We address the behavior, coach students on problem-solving strategies, and provide restorative practices to repair relationships.

Sept. 2- Return to School

Sept. 4- Grandparents Luncheon

Sept. 5- Progress Reports Go Home

Sept. 15-30 Hispanic Heritage Month

Sept. 29- Fall Pictures