Dear Larson Elementary Families,

Welcome back to school! We just had a fantastic first two weeks, and we're excited to share what’s coming up.

School starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:05 PM. If you need to drop off your child early, our latchkey doors open at 7:30 AM. We also offer a special morning time for students who arrive by 7:45 AM. This is called our morning soft start intervention, an extended day program.

During this extended day early program, students can go to their classes a bit earlier, which means more time for learning and less rushing around. This helps teachers give more attention to each student and allows for small group activities to help those who need extra support. It’s a great way to start the day calm and ready to learn!

Whole school newsletters will be published monthly, and sent home through email, posted on our Facebook Page, posted on our website, and the link to the newsletter will be texted to families as well. Paper copies will be available in the main office. Classroom teachers will send their own updates regularly, and updates are also available on our school website, linked below. You can also stay up to date with photos and current events happening at Larson by following our Facebook page: Larson Elementary HCS.

Our district uses Skyward as a "Student Information System". You can access your child's grades, attendance, and discipline data with your own Skyward login. Information specific to your child was sent home in the teacher placement letters. If you are new to Larson, please call Mrs. Holley or Mrs. Mason in our main office and they will give you your login!

We know this year is going to be amazing at Larson Elementary. With all the hard work from our teachers and the support from families, we’re looking forward to a year filled with fun, learning, and new achievements. Thanks for being a part of our school community!

Educationally,

Andrea J. Andera, Ed.S

Principal

When: Thursday, September 12, 2024

Larson Elementary Back (South) Parking Lot: 4:30 - 6:00

What: Please join us for a back to school celebration of creativity and fun!

• Time to make your mark! You will design your own special dot that represents your family (there are no rules or guidelines). The more creative the better!

• Come to Larson to have a snack, and help make a mark with sidewalk chalk! Visit with teachers and each other, and have fun!

• Bring a lawn chair to sit on the sidewalk if you desire!

• We will chalk the sidewalk and the playground blacktop - park out back off of Fifth Street!

Why: International Dot Day! The Dot, by Peter Reynolds, celebrates the power of creativity and what makes each of us unique! Families and friends will enjoy catching up with the staff as we share a snack and our summer adventures, and get to know one another! This has become a tradition for elementary students at HCS!

Not familiar with the book? Check out the linked read-aloud below!

Annual Report & Annual Title I Meeting: Before Dot Day

4:00-4:30 in the Larson Cafeteria

You’re welcome to join Mrs. Andera & Mrs. Hargraves to review the most recent Annual Education Report, as well as learn about how students receive Title I services at Larson Elementary.

Larson Elementary students have the opportunity to attend their "specials" courses each week. "Specials" are non-core content classes, and for the 24-25 school year, we are pleased to continue to offer Art with Mrs. Merillat, Math Lab with Mr. Foote, Physical Education with Ms. Junge, STEM with Mr. Seefeld. This year, we are introducing a NEW special course that focuses on socio-emotional learning, with Ms. Pappas. Unfortunately, we were unable to find a replacement music teacher, and are looking for creative solutions to keep music education alive at the elementary level.

Each student has the opportunity to engage with each special course once per week for 50 minutes. Deep mathematical thinking, creative art projects and rich vocabulary instruction, physical fitness and health, hands-on team building and inquiry-based learning, and positive behavior supports are cultivated to provide a rich educational experience for all elementary students.

Arrival - doors open at 7:30. There is no supervision for students before 7:30; please stay with your children.

When arriving in the traffic loop in front of the building, please pull up as far as you can (up to the flag pole) so we can accommodate as many cars as possible in the loop.

Dismissal begins at 3:05. Please line up in the traffic line. Avoid Spruce Street and line up down Hornet Drive. Having trouble with SDM? Give us a call, we are happy to help. Our dismissal procedure safely dismisses approximately 600 students in a 15 minute window of time! Thank you for your cooperation and kindness as we continue to strengthen procedures.

Building opens at 7:30 for latchkey.

Phone Number: 989-539-3259

Principal: Andrea Andera

Assistant Principal: Sandy Hargraves

School Secretaries: Tina Holley & Carol Mason