Hello Central Elementary!

Greetings, Central Families!

October brings many opportunities to celebrate, connect, and show our school spirit! Throughout National Principals Month, we are celebrating Mrs. Cynthia Huff for her leadership, dedication, and commitment to helping our students and school community bloom.

Report cards go home Friday, October 16. Please take time to review your child’s progress, celebrate their growth, and discuss goals for continued success.

🎀 Pink Out House Challenge—Thursday, October 22
All faculty and staff are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer research and awareness. Earth, Wind, Fire, and Ice—who will win? Let’s bring our House spirit and fill Central with pink!

🏆 Awards Day—Friday, October 23
Join us at 8:30 a.m. in the gym as we recognize our Honor Roll students, students with Perfect Attendance, and SOAR Leaders. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments!

❤️ Red Ribbon Week—October 26–30
Our theme is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.” Help us celebrate healthy choices by participating in these daily themes:

• Monday, October 26—Wear Red and Stand Together: Wear red to support healthy, drug-free living.

• Tuesday, October 27—Team Up Against Drugs: Represent your favorite sports team, school organization, club, or activity.

• Wednesday, October 28—Your Future Is Bright: Wear bright colors or sunglasses.

• Thursday, October 29—Be Comfortable Being Yourself: Wear pajamas or comfortable clothing.

• Friday, October 30—Saddle Up for a Drug-Free Future: Wear western attire or dress as your favorite book character for our Character Parade!

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📅 Important Pre-K Reminder
Pre-K students will not attend school Tuesday, October 27, through Thursday, October 29. Please make arrangements for these three days. All other grade levels will attend school as scheduled.

🍿 Popcorn Day—Friday, October 30
For $3 per student, students will enjoy popcorn and juice! Presales run Monday, October 19, through Wednesday, October 28. We also encourage families to join the PTA and help support activities that make Central a wonderful place to learn and grow.

📚 Character Parade—Friday, October 30
Let your favorite book come alive! Students are invited to dress as a favorite book character as we celebrate creativity and the joy of reading. We’re Blooming to an A, one story at a time!

✖️ Coming in November: Multiplication Fact Challenge!
Students in grades 3–5 will begin with the 3s multiplication facts. We will set aside five minutes at the end of the day, with students having two minutes to complete the quiz. Every student who scores 100% will enter a prize drawing, and five winners will be selected after each challenge!

Help your child prepare with flashcards, math games, or quick practice questions at home. Your encouragement builds confidence and strengthens the skills our students need to succeed.

Thank you for your continued partnership, Central families. Together, we are helping every Falcon grow! 🌻

Thank you for helping make Central a place where every child can learn, grow, and bloom! 🌸

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will make this an outstanding school year as we continue Blooming to an A!

Welcome back—we are so glad you are part of the Central Elementary family! Let’s make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!

Thank you to the Rice/Short Family for always supporting Central Elementary and going the extra mile for our faculty and staff! Your kindness, generosity, and encouragement make us feel valued and appreciated.

Families like yours make our work even more meaningful by reminding us that we share a purpose: helping our children learn, grow, and succeed. Your partnership strengthens our Central family and brings joy to the work we do each day.

Congratulations to our student leaders representing Central’s four Houses!

🔥 Fire: Ethan Gladney and Ava McMillian
🌍 Earth: Chassidy Saxton and Brodrick Johnson
💨 Wind: Bailey Dunn and Andres Pascual
❄️ Ice: Jacob Smith and Anastasia Boyd

We look forward to seeing these leaders encourage their classmates, build House spirit, and model our SOAR values of Self-Discipline, Open-Mindedness, Accountability, and Respect. Central families, join us in celebrating our leaders as we continue “Blooming to an A!”

Today, we celebrate Ms. Cynthia Huff and the positive impact she makes at Central Elementary! Her leadership, encouragement, and commitment to student success inspire our staff and help our students grow. Through high expectations and a caring heart, she helps build a school community where students, staff, and families feel valued.

Ms. Huff, thank you for your dedication, your vision, and your belief in what Central can achieve. You help us keep “Blooming to an A!”

Thank you, Team 3, for celebrating Mrs. Huff! Your thoughtfulness helped make her feel loved and appreciated during National Principals Month. We appreciate all you do to make Central bloom!

Team 4, you’re up next! Get ready to bring the sunshine as we continue celebrating our wonderful principal!

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Leah Fikes, Central Elementary’s 2026 Nick’s Kids Teacher Excellence Award honoree!

This recognition celebrates her dedication to students and the difference she makes through teaching. Mrs. Fikes, thank you for the care, encouragement, and commitment you bring to our Central family. We are proud to celebrate you and this wonderful honor!

Central families, get ready to multiply your skills! Beginning in November, students in grades 3–5 will participate in our Multiplication Fact Challenge, starting with the 3s multiplication facts.

We will set aside five minutes at the end of the day for the challenge, with students having two minutes to complete the quiz. Every student who scores 100% will enter a prize drawing, and five winners will be selected after each challenge!

Please help your child practice at home using flashcards, games, or quick review questions. Your encouragement will help build confidence and strengthen math skills.

Let’s multiply our skills and SOAR to success!

On Thursday, October 22, all faculty and staff are encouraged to wear PINK in support of breast cancer research and awareness!

🌍💨🔥❄️ Earth, Wind, Fire, and Ice—who will win? Bring your House spirit and help us fill Central with pink as we show our support together!

Wear pink. Show your House pride. Make your support bloom! 🌸

Join us for Awards Day at 8:30 a.m. in the gym as we celebrate our students with Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, and SOAR Leaders.

Central families, join us for Red Ribbon Week as we celebrate healthy choices and a drug-free future! Our theme is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.” Students are encouraged to participate in these fun daily themes:

• Monday, October 26 — Wear Red and Stand Together: Wear red to show our commitment to healthy, drug-free living.

• Tuesday, October 27 — Team Up Against Drugs: Wear clothing representing your favorite sports team, school organization, club, or activity.

• Wednesday, October 28 — Your Future Is Bright: Wear bright colors or sunglasses.

• Thursday, October 29 — Be Comfortable Being Yourself: Wear pajamas or comfortable clothing.

• Friday, October 30 — Saddle Up for a Drug-Free Future: Wear western attire or your favorite costume.

Families, please take time to talk with your child about making healthy choices, setting goals, and being a positive influence on others. Together, we can make a difference!

Central families, please remember that Pre-K students will not attend school Tuesday, October 27, through Thursday, October 29, 2026. Please mark your calendars and make arrangements for these three days.

Thank you for planning ahead and for your continued support!

Central’s Character Parade is Friday, October 30! Students are invited to dress as their favorite book character as we bring beloved stories to life. Get creative and help us celebrate the joy of reading—Blooming to an A, one story at a time!

Central Elementary is collecting nonperishable food items from October 1 through November 19. Families can donate canned goods, pasta, rice, and condiments by placing them in the collection barrel at school. Every donation helps support neighbors facing hunger. Thank you for helping our Central Falcons make a difference!

Central Elementary is excited to support United Way through our World’s Finest Chocolate Fundraiser! Beginning Tuesday, September 29 through Saturday, October 24, 2026, World’s Finest Chocolate candy bars will be available for purchase at Central Elementary for only $2 each.

Our teachers and staff will be selling the chocolate at school, and students will have opportunities to purchase their favorite sweet treats. Students will not be responsible for taking boxes home or selling chocolate.

Every purchase helps Central Elementary support United Way and the important programs and services it provides throughout our community.

🍫 Candy Bars: $2 each
📅 September 29 – October 24, 2026
❤️ Proceeds benefit United Way

Central families, thank you for helping us make a sweet difference in our community. Together, we are Blooming to an A! 🌸🌼

Sweet Treats. Brighter Futures. Supporting United Way!

Come support our 4th- and 5th-grade student-athletes and cheerleaders at the Westside Classic on November 19, 2026! Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. at the Central High School Football Stadium.

Tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the gate. Bring your enthusiasm and help us celebrate our students’ teamwork, effort, and school spirit!

Let’s fill the stands and cheer our Falcons on as they SOAR! ❤️🖤🦅

In October, look forward to Lights On Afterschool Trunk or Treat, Awards Day, Red Ribbon Week, and our Character Parade. Check the calendar for all dates, including the Fall Holiday and Staff Planning Day.

Central Elementary is excited to announce that our fifth-grade students will participate in the Great Handshake Competition! This valuable experience will help students strengthen their confidence, communication, and leadership skills as they practice offering a professional handshake, participating in an interview, delivering a one-minute elevator speech, and responding thoughtfully to impromptu situations. Students will also learn about professional attire, teamwork, current events, and making a positive first impression. Additional information about participants, preparation sessions, and competition dates will be shared with families soon. We look forward to watching our fifth-grade Baby Falcons bloom into confident young leaders!

Central Elementary parents and guardians, please refrain from calling the school to change how your child will get home. Last-minute transportation changes have created confusion for students, teachers, and staff during dismissal.

If you will not be home to receive your child, please make arrangements to come to the school and check your child out before 2:00 p.m. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, organized, and efficient dismissal process for all students.

Joining the PTA is an important way to support our students, strengthen family-school partnerships, and help our school community continue to grow. Your $10 membership gives you a voice and helps provide meaningful programs, activities, and opportunities for our students. Together, we are Blooming to an A!

Central Elementary is proud to partner with Neighborhood Bridges Tuscaloosa City, a charitable organization that connects schools and communities to help meet students’ basic needs, remove barriers, and create opportunities for every child to succeed in school and life. Community members can subscribe to receive notifications about anonymous needs within our schools and choose how they would like to help. To learn more or become a subscriber, visit Neighborhood Bridges Tuscaloosa City. Together, we can build bridges of kindness and support for Central students and families!

As we continue “Blooming to an A,” our SEL focus for the next two weeks is Self-Confidence, part of Self-Awareness.

Self-confidence means believing in yourself and your ability to succeed—even when things feel challenging. Our slogan is “I believe in me!”

Families can help children’s confidence bloom by encouraging positive self-talk, celebrating effort, and supporting them as they try new things. Remind your child: “You can keep practicing, ask for help, and learn from mistakes!”

🌱 Family Challenge: Share one thing you are proud of and one new thing you will try.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

Together, we’re helping our Central students grow in confidence and bloom!

Transportation Request Form

Families should complete the transportation request form only if their child did not ride a Tuscaloosa City Schools bus during the previous school year.

Transportation Request Form:

Tuscaloosa City Schools Transportation Request Form

📌 Important Reminders

• ✅ Students who were assigned to a bus route last school year will automatically be assigned to a bus route for the new school year.
• 📧 Families will receive an email asking them to confirm their current transportation information and report any changes.
• 🏡 If your home address has changed, please update your address in PowerSchool before submitting a transportation request. Transportation requests cannot be processed until the new address has been updated in PowerSchool.
• 🚌 If your child is new to Tuscaloosa City Schools or did not ride the bus last year, please complete the transportation request form as soon as possible.

Families, please take time to review the Tuscaloosa City Schools 2026–2027 Code of Conduct with your child. This important guide outlines student expectations, attendance requirements, appropriate behavior, disciplinary procedures, technology use, and the rights and responsibilities of students and families.

Working together to understand and follow these expectations will help us maintain a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for every student.

• View the Code of Conduct in English
• View the Code of Conduct in Spanish

School Start Time Reminder

School begins promptly at 7:55 a.m. Students arriving after this time are considered tardy.

• Breakfast is served before the bell—late arrivals may miss it.

• Intervention and review time happen first thing in the morning.

• A calm, on-time start sets the tone for a successful day.

Thank you for making punctuality a priority and helping our students start strong each morning!

Tardies

Please know that excessive tardies or absences are closely monitored and may result in truancy concerns, as required by state guidelines. We want to partner with you to ensure this does not become an issue for your child.

Getting to school on time helps your child start the day calm, prepared, and ready to learn. Thank you for making punctuality a priority—it truly sets your child up for success!

If you are experiencing challenges with morning routines or transportation, please reach out to us. We are here to support you.

Daily Attendance

Attendance plays a vital role in your child’s success and in our school’s overall report grade. We need every student at school each and every day unless they are sick or there is a family emergency. If your child is absent, please be sure to send a written or doctor's excuse the very next day they return.

When planning vacations or out-of-town events, we kindly ask that you refer to our holiday calendar and schedule trips during school breaks. Consistent attendance helps your child stay on track academically and socially, and it makes a significant difference in their learning progress. Let’s work together to ensure our Falcons are present, learning, and soaring every day.

The mission of Central Elementary is to create a culture of high expectations and develop S.O.A.R. leaders in which our scholars are providing service, being optimistic, ambitious, and respectful at all times.

The vision is for all of us to build on our students' past to face the challenges of the future in an intentional environment supporting 100% of students' every day!

S - Self Discipline

O -Open Minded

A - Accountable

R - Respect

• October 1-31- National Principal Month

• Monday, October 12 - Fall Holiday (School

• Friday, October 16 - Report Cards

• Thursday, October 22 - Pink Out Day ( Wear Pink )

• Friday, October 23 -Awards Day @ 8:30

• Saturday, October 24 - Word Finest Chocolate Fundrasier Ends

• Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30 - Red Ribbon Week

• Friday, October 30 - Popcorn & Character Parade

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

For your safety and the safety of our students, please following the traffic loop during arrival and dismissal. Thank you advance for your patience in the drop off /pickup line. We will continue to become more efficient as time progresses.

• Parents please remain in your cars during arrival and make sure students are ready to exit the vehicle on the right side of the car closest to the school.
• Doors open daily at 7:30. Therefore, students cannot be dropped off at the front of the school prior to 7:30. You must wait with them to make sure your child is safe and supervised by an adult.
• Please drop your child off near the front door where the Officer will direct them to cross, not across the street or in the parking lot.
• Students will be dismissed at 2:40 p.m.

For the safety of all our students, we kindly ask that during dismissal you refrain from yelling across the street or signaling for your child to walk toward you.

All parents must follow our established dismissal procedures to ensure a safe and orderly process. No students will be permitted to walk across moving traffic in the carpool line to meet parents waiting across the street.

Your cooperation helps us protect every child and maintain a smooth, safe dismissal for our school community.

To help us get you in and out of the carpool lane quickly, we will provide you with a tag to keep in your vehicle. Each grade level will use a different color.

• Complete the car tag with the name (first and last) and grade level of each child riding with you and place the tag on your dash near the windshield (on the passenger side) upon arriving on campus.
• Please DO NOT get out of your vehicle to retrieve students. This is a safety issue.

Thank you for your cooperation!

If you would like to see Central Elementary with a strong PTO this year, then let's start out strong and contact me today!