Boone Meadow Friday Flyer
August 29, 2025
We’ve had a wonderful week of learning and growing together at Boone Meadow! Across the grade levels, students are diving into rich units of study that spark curiosity and joy. Kindergarten is exploring the Five Senses, first grade is discovering the influence of A World of Books, second grade is noticing Seasons of Change, third grade is journeying through The Sea, and fourth grade is examining the Great Heart—both literally and figuratively. Along the way, our learners are engaging in narrative and informational writing, applying new knowledge, and exploring science and social studies concepts. We are off to a fantastic start!
As we look ahead, here are a few important updates:
-
Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 1
School will be closed in observance of Labor Day. School resumes on Tuesday, Sept. 2. -
Body Safety Presentations – Sept. 2 & 3
Our annually required student body safety sessions are scheduled for these dates. Please see the note from Mrs. Sloan, our school counselor, below for more details. -
Jog-A-Thon Launch – Friday, Sept. 5
Get ready! Our PTO will kick off this year’s Jog-A-Thon during lunch on Friday. (JAT Launch is when PTO leaders will come and talk with students during lunch to get them excited for the upcoming event at the end of the month.) This year's beloved Jog-A-Thon is themed Indy 500, will take place on Friday, Sept. 26. It’s always a highlight of our school year—stay tuned for more information! -
On-Time Arrivals & Tardies
Lately, we’ve noticed an increase in tardy arrivals and vehicles moving too quickly on campus. For the safety of all, please arrive between 7:45–8:00 AM and drive with care. Thank you for modeling safety and responsibility for our students. -
Family Conferences – Nov. 5 & 6
Please save the date! Conferences are a time to celebrate your child’s growth and partner together for their continued success. While these dates are set aside for formal conferences, know that our teachers always welcome your communication to support your child’s journey. Please don't hesitate to reach out to them to dialogue or share concerns and/or successes!
Thank you for your continued partnership and for sharing your children with us. We’re grateful to learn and grow alongside such a wonderful school community.
Enjoy the long weekend!
With gratitude,
Tom & Jarrod
Tom Hundley, Principal
Jarrod Gatlin, Assistant Principal
Body Safety Presentations on September 2nd and 3rd
Dear BME Families,
As you know, the safety of our students is our highest priority. We routinely practice safety drills and engage in ongoing safety education of our students throughout the year. We teach guidelines and principles in a way to develop student agency, allowing them to regularly make decisions that prioritize their safety across settings and situations.
One topic within the larger umbrella of Safety Education is that of Body Safety. A few examples of Body Safety topics include wearing seat belts and helmets, looking both ways to cross the street, keeping hands to self, eating healthy foods, and following school procedures such as walking in the hallways. Body Safety education also encompasses the prevention of childhood abuse.
ZCS has partnered with the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide (ICPYAS) to provide ChildHelp Speak Up Be Safe™ presentations. This program teaches students how to recognize unsafe situations, resist harm, and report to a safe adult. This instruction will be provided to all students at Boone Meadow on September 2nd and 3rd, 2025. ICPYAS is a non-profit organization that employs certified instructors who deliver research-based lessons to students in developmentally appropriate ways as a means to give children strategies to keep their bodies safe. All students in grades K-12 receive the instruction on an annual basis, in accordance with state legislation SEA 355.
To learn more, please visit the Parent Resource Website: Parent and Caregiver Resources
The site includes:
- An overview of the program
- Age-appropriate safety concepts
- Tips for talking to your child about personal safety
Parents have the opportunity to opt out of this program, if desired. The opt-out form is attached at the bottom this message. (We will have additional copies available for you should you need a hard copy - simply call the front office or notify your child's classroom teacher with a request for the paper version.) Please note, this opt-out form should only be completed and returned if you desire for your student NOT to receive this body safety education.
Questions regarding this program should be directed to Kristi Sloan, BME School Counselor.
Email: ksloan@zcs.k12.in.us
Phone: 317-873-2226, ext. 14992
As always, we value your partnership in the education of your child, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve your family in such meaningful ways.
As we plan for the year ahead, we want to ensure to communicate regarding our expectations regarding electronic devices. These devices are a distraction to our students (not just the students wearing them) and have become a disruption to the classroom learning environment. This is addressed in our elementary handbook Elementary Handbook and is copied below. Teachers will request students to store smartwatches/cell phones in their backpacks and lockers during the school day. Please note that our teachers have phones in their classrooms and will be able to communicate if an emergency occurs. As always, we thank you for your support and cooperation!
Electronic Devices and Other Restricted Items in School (page 22)
The following items are restricted on school grounds: toys, trading cards, valuables, and electronic devices not academically necessary including but not limited to cell phones, tablets, and smart watches. These items may NOT be used by students in the building or on school-sponsored transportation, unless the student has permission by the supervising adult. Electronic devices are to be used for educational purposes only. When not in use for educational purposes they need to be off and stored in the student’s locker or backpack during the school day. A reminder that communication for a student’s dismissal change should not be made through a student’s electronic device but always needs to be made directly to the teacher or school office. The school accepts no responsibility if these items are lost, stolen or damaged and is not responsible for investigating the loss or damage of these items. The student and parents/guardians accept full responsibility for these items.
Breakfast is served daily in the cafeteria from 7:45 to 8:00 AM. Please note that the serving line will close promptly at 7:55 AM.
Important Details:
- Cost: Breakfast is $1.40, with a reduced price of $0.30 for students determined as eligible for reduced lunch. If you need to apply for meal assistance, you can click HERE to access the application for free and reduced lunch consideration.
- Bus Arrival: Students who are to have breakfast should go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival. They will be the first students released from buses.
- Car Riders: If your child is a car rider and would like to have breakfast, please ensure they are among the first in line for drop-off at 7:45. Students in the BAC and Bridge programs will also have the option to enjoy breakfast if families choose.
- Time: Due to the short window of service, all students must finish their breakfast by 8:00 AM and head directly to their classrooms. Please note that food cannot be carried to the classroom.
We know students being present at school benefits them in numerous ways from learning to connecting. Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 482, a new Indiana law as of July 2025, is bringing changes to how attendance is documented and reported to the state. Our ZCS Board of Trustees has updated our attendance policy and student handbooks to align with SEA 482. Below is a graphic to help you understand these updates.
*ZCS policy and state law outline different procedures for students with significant medical circumstances.
Upcoming Events
Life Goals and Care Statements
Do the Right Thing/Treat People Right
I care for myself, for others, and for our space
September Lifeline: Kindness
September 1: Labor Day (No School)
September 2 & 3: Body Safety Lessons
September 5: JAT Kickoff @ lunch
September 9: PTO Mtg @ 6 PM
September 11: Vision Screening (Lion's Club) 1st & 3rd grades
September 18 & 19: 4th Grade to Camp Tecumseh
September 26: Jog-A-Thon
October Lifeline: Teamwork
October 1: Blood Mobile
October 3: PTO Family Movie Night
October 7: End of Q1; PTO Mtg @ 6 PM
October 8: Picture Retake Day
October 10: Fall Parties
October 13-17: Fall Break
October 20-31: ILearn Checkpoint 1 for 3rd/4th grades
October 24: Report Cards posted to PS
November Lifeline: Gratitude
November 4: PTO Mtg @ 6
November 5: Family Conferences (3:00-5:30)
November 6: E-Day & Family Conferences (11:00-7:00)
November 10: Veterans Day Program
November 17 - 21: Book Fair
November 26-28: Thanksgiving Break
December Lifeline: Hope
December 2: NWEA Window Opens (K-4)
December 9: PTO Mtg @ 6
December 12: Boone Meadow Voices concert @ ZWest (7 PM)
December 19: Winter Parties/End of Q2/S1
December 22- January 2: Winter Break
January Lifeline: Curiosity
January 5 - Teacher Workday
January 6 - Students return to school; ILEARN Checkpoint #2 (1/6-1/16)
January 12: WIDA testing window opens (through 2/27)
January 13: Report Cards posted to PS; PTO Mtg @ 6
January 19: MLK Jr Day (No School)
January 20 - Feb 6 - CogAT Testing (K & 2)
February Lifeline: Bravery
February 10: PTO Mtg @ 6
February 12: Step Up Program (4th grade transition) @ ZWest
February 13: Friendship/Valentines Parties
February 16-20: February Break (No School)
March Lifeline: Perseverance
March 2 - March 13: IREAD Testing Window (2nd & 3rd grades)
March 10: PTO Mtg @ 6
March 16- March 26: ILEARN Checkpoint #3 (3rd & 4th grades)
March 17 - End of Q3
March 24 - Kindy Roundup
March 27 -April 3: - Spring Break
April Lifeline: Zest/Enthusiasm
April 6: Return to school from Spring Break
April 7: Report cards posted in PS
April 13- May 8: ILEARN testing - 3rd/4th grades
April 14: PTO Mtg @ 6
April 24: Boone Meadow Bash
May Lifeline: Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence
May 4 - May 12: NWEA (K-2 only)
May 5: Boone Meadow Voices Spring Concert @ ZWest
May 12: PTO Mtg @ 6
May 15: Field Day
May 25: Memorial Day (No School)
May 27: 4th Grade Celebration
May 28: Last Day of School w/ students
May 29: Teacher Workday
Every morning and afternoon, we safely transport approximately 550 students within a 10-15 minute window. During dismissal, students stay in their classrooms until called for buses, cars, BAC, or walkers. Our dedicated staff ensures every child gets where they need to be. Thank you for following our routines and procedures—your cooperation is crucial to keeping everyone safe.
Car Riders:
- Enter Boone Meadow via Eagle Church entrance/access road for both arrival and dismissal.
- Near the end of the access road, Kindergarten-4th grade vehicles should form two lines and wait for staff signals to approach the curb.
- Morning drop-off begins at 7:50; Kindergarten drop-off at 8:50.
- Drop off at the curb unless otherwise necessary. Extra foot traffic delays arrival.
- Adults are to remain in vehicles and students must exit on the curb side.
- Keep the fire lane clear until signaled to pull up for potential emergencies and deliveries.
- For dismissal/pick up, drivers are to clearly display car/family numbers. Please use the approved current school year placard provided your family at open house.
During the school day, all volunteers are expected to check in at the front office. Prior to the volunteer's first volunteer experience, the individual must sign a Non-disclosure Acknowledgement Form and have successfully completed a Full Criminal History Background Check.. Necessary background check paperwork is available on the ZCS website at the Volunteers/BRAVO link and should be submitted at least 10 days before the intended volunteer date. Volunteers must also view the state-mandated confidentiality/bullying video, provided on the Volunteer/BRAVO website. The volunteer will pay the fee for the full background check which will expire after 5 years.
During the school day, all visitors must enter via the front door and sign in at the front office. Visitors need to be prepared to present a government-issued photo ID which will be scanned against the National Sex Offender Registry. All visitors will be issued a visitor badge/tag to be worn inside the building at all times. Visitors other than parents/guardians must be prearranged and organized through the main office.
