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Please read the information below and share it with family and friends who may need to know.

We will send a Friday Family News each Friday. We hope you will keep yourself updated by reading the information each week. We send to the email you have on file with us. Please contact the office if you need to update your information.

Please share the information with family/friends who have scholars at PLA@103 if they don't get the newsletter on Fridays.

See the bottom of our newsletter every week for information from Skilled US for GED, ELL, and career information.

Fall Break - NO SCHOOL - October 12-16

Scholars return to school on Monday, October 19

PLA@103 understands that there are rare occasions when emergencies happen, and parent/guardians need to pick up early from school. Emergencies are understandable because they don't happen often. If you are picking your child up from school early on a consistent basis, they are missing valuable instruction which can be detrimental to their education. This can be considered educational neglect. Please consider this when deciding if you need to pick your child up early from school.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are Wednesday, October 28. Scholars will have at-home learning (not in the building), and parents will attend to meet with their scholars' teacher(s).

PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR SCHOLAR'S TEACHER IF YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF YOUR PIT DAY CONFERENCE TIME.

It is imperative that you arrive on time for your conference. If your time is scheduled for 2:15pm, you must arrive no later than 2:15pm. Conferences usually last about 15-20 minutes.

To best prepare for your parent/teacher conference, please see the following tips:

Questions to Ask Your Child's Teacher at a Parent-Teacher Conference

In elementary grades, a parent can expect to meet with their child's teacher at least once during the school year. The purpose of the meeting (parent-teacher conference) is usually to update you on your child's progress. Other meetings might be scheduled if your child is experiencing any problems at school.
You might feel a little nervous about going a conference, especially if you haven't been to many before.
As a teacher, sometimes I feel a bit nervous too meeting with parents that I don't know - especially if we'll have to discuss something negative.
Instead of just showing up and hoping for the best, you can prepare by jotting down some questions you want to ask. Teachers really appreciate when parents actively participate in the discussion.

Here are some ideas for you:
Great questions to ask the teacher during your conference

• How is my child progressing academically? Is he/she meeting grade-level expectations?

• What are my child's strengths at school?

• Are there any specific areas where my child could improve?

• What can I do at home to support my child's learning? Are there any specific activities or resources you recommend?

• How is my child's behavior in class? Does he/she follow the rules and get along with classmates?

• Is my child completing classwork and participating as expected?

• Are there any upcoming projects or tests that my child needs to prepare for?

• What's the best way to keep in touch with you about my child's progress? Can I email you or is a note or phone call better?

• Is there anything you need in the classroom that I can help with?

Things NOT to ask your child's teacher

• Questions that are personal in nature, such as asking about the teacher's relationships or activities outside of school

• Questions that are accusatory or confrontational, such as blaming the teacher for your child's academic struggles

• Questions that are designed to compare your child to other students

• Questions that require the teacher to divulge confidential information about other students

• Questions that show disrespect or a lack of trust towards the teacher

It's important to be mindful of the questions you ask during a parent-teacher conference to keep the conversation productive and respectful. Focus on asking constructive questions that will help you better understand your child's academic progress and how you can support their learning.
If you disagree with the teacher, explain why in an objective way without making it personal.

Other tips for attending a parent-teacher conference

-Schedule Your Meeting:
Don't just show up at school and expect the teacher to meet with you. Also, ask if you should bring your child to the meeting or not. Some teachers prefer to have the student there too.
-Arrive on Time:
Be respectful of the teacher's time and of other parents who may have a conference scheduled right after yours.
-Listen and Ask Questions:
Listen carefully to what the teacher has to say. Ask questions to clarify anything you don't understand. Avoid interrupting the teacher, and try to stay focused on the topic at hand.
-Be Open-Minded:
Keep an open mind during the conference. Try to see things from the teacher's perspective and be willing to consider their suggestions for improving your child's academic performance.
-Follow Up:
After the conference, talk to your child about what was discussed. If the teacher made suggestions to help your child at home, do your best to implement them. If you have further questions or concerns, reach out to the teacher to schedule a follow-up meeting or phone call.

Even if you don't love your child's teacher, keep in mind that you are both there to help your child. Try to work as a team towards your common goal.

The Scholastic Book Fair will be at PLA@103 the week of October 26-30.

Scholars will be able to visit the Book Fair and purchase books if they bring money.

Parents can visit the Book Fair on Wednesday, October 28 during PIT Day.

More information and links will be coming soon!

Our annual candy drive is under way for our PLA scholar’s “Trick or Treat Family Night” taking place October 29th from 4 to 5:30pm. Please send a bag of candy with your scholar to PLA 103 to ensure we have a Family Night to remember. The classroom in every grade with the most candy will win a popcorn/snow cone party. We thank you for your cooperation.

October 19-November 13

PLA@103 will be having a canned food drive to collect food for those in need.

More information coming soon!

Please make note that our doors open at 7:20am for scholars to enter.

Please do not drop scholars off before 7:20am, but please do try to have your scholar at school before 7:50am so they are here when the day starts.

Scholars should not be at school without a parent or guardian before 7:20am.

All cars should pull up to the circle. NO CARS can be in the bus lane by the sidewalks at arrival and dismissal until all buses have been unloaded/loaded and departed.

Do not drop your scholar off on the other side of the street or in the back parking lot. Thank you for working with us on keeping our scholars safe.

MORNING DROP OFF

*Doors open at 7:20am

* Do not drop scholars off before 7:20am due to safety concerns.

* Do not drop scholars off anywhere but the circle drive (this means don't drop off across the street or in the back parking lot)

* Pull as far forward on the circle as possible; do not drop scholars off until you've

pulled up to where staff are directing you to go

* Encourage your scholar to exit the vehicle quickly and on the side of the sidewalk

* Stay in line. Dropping children off in the middle of the

circle drive is an extreme safety hazard that puts your child(ren) and others at risk.

* If you arrive after 8:15am, you must walk your child to the door and buzz to be let in.

Your child will be marked tardy.

* If you arrive at 10:30am or later, your scholar will not be admitted unless you

provide a written excuse from a medical professional. This will be an unexcused absence.

*The front sidewalk/curb IS NOT available as the pick-up line until all buses have been loaded and have departed.*

AFTERNOON DISMISSAL/PICK-UP

* If your child is walking home, they will not be dismissed until the buses have left.

* If your child is a car rider, you must be in the car rider line ON THE CIRCLE.

* There will be a staff member at the entrance to the circle drive.

You must stop and speak to them to give them your car rider number.

* Your child will not be dismissed from class until you've given your car rider number.

* DO NOT cut line. Your number will be skipped, and you'll end up waiting longer.

* DO NOT park and walk up to the building. STAY IN LINE and STAY IN YOUR CAR.

* We know the line looks long, but it moves fast when everyone

cooperates and follows the procedures.

* Stay in line. Do not encourage your child to walk into the parking lot.

This is an extreme safety issue.

* Encourage your child to enter the vehicle quickly so the line can move efficiently.

* Talk to your child about exiting the building quickly.

They are not to stop by other classrooms or hang around in the halls talking to friends. The entire car rider line is waiting on them to get outside and get in their car.

* Honking adds unnecessary noise and stress to the procedure. Please don't honk.

* Do not encourage your child to come to your vehicle if you are far back in line.

If you are changing the way your scholar gets home (permanently or temporarily) please call the office before 1:45pm (317-226-4103).

Scholars will not be dismissed early unless you arrive before 1:45pm. Please plan accordingly.

THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING THESE PROCEDURES TO KEEP OUR SCHOLARS SAFE.

You will receive WEEKLY Classroom Newsletters (these may not come home the week that Midterm Reports come home)! These will inform you of weekly skills being taught, units of study, reminders, etc. Be sure to look for this to come home with your child on Fridays.

You will receive a MIDTERM Report approximately every 4 weeks this year. Report Cards will continue to come home every 9 weeks.

If you aren't getting weekly newsletters, please check your child's backpack and reach out to your scholar's teacher.

Be sure to take a look at the PLA@103 website - https://pla103.org/

PLA 103 MCKINNEY-VENTO PROGRAM -
Phalen Leadership Academy school 103 is dedicated to supporting students experiencing housing instability. If you are staying with friends/relatives due to economic hardship, in a motel, or in a shelter, you may be eligible for services. We are here to help.

What is McKinney Vento?

Homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence.

Please see below for helpful links and flyers concerning assistance.

Helpful links:

McKinney Vento LEA Homelessness Assistance
Parents’ Right to Know

For any questions or concerns please contact our MKV school liaison:

Mr. Rolando Baluja, LCSW, LSSW Homeless Education Liaison Phone: 317.662.4427 rbaluja@phalenacademies.org

MORE RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE HERE.

Eastern Star Church
5750 East 30th Street

317-591-5050

Jones Tabernacle Church

2510 East 34th Street

317-5477828

Height of World Church

5640 East 38th Street

317-547-2273

New Jerusalem Church

5415 East 34th Street

317-541-0174

Old Bethel United Methodist Church

7995 East 21st Street

317-359-9652

One Way Apostolic Church

5840 East 16th Street

317-353-6984

Sharing Place East

6024 East 21st Strett

317-359-6566

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

3801 Forest Manor

317-257-8292

Have a 6th-12th grader who needs help with homework? Check out the Rose Hulman Ask Rose homework resource below.

Please share this newsletter with parents/families of other PLA@103 scholars if you know they don't receive it. If those parents/families aren't receiving the PLA@103 Friday Family Newsletter, please have them contact the front office at 317-226-4103 to ask that their contact information be updated in our system. The newsletter can only be sent to the contact information we have on file.

Parents,

Here are some great at-home learning sites for your scholar to use at home.

https://www.mclass.amplify.com/homeconnect/

https://www.roomrecess.com/

Indiana Senate Bill 78 has been signed into law for all schools in Indiana.

Quick Guide for Parents: Indiana’s New School Device Law (SB 78)

Dear Parents and Guardians,

To help our students stay focused, minimize digital distractions, and fully engage with their teachers and peers, Indiana has enacted a new statewide law regarding personal electronics in schools (Senate Bill 78).

Beginning this school year, all public and charter schools in Indiana are required to enforce a "bell-to-bell" policy. This means students are restricted from using personal wireless devices during the entire school day, not just during class time.

What Devices are Covered?

The law applies to all personal, student-owned wireless communication devices, including:

• Cellphones and smartwatches

• Tablets and gaming devices

• Personal laptops used for non-school purposes

• Smart glasses (e.g., Meta Glasses)

How It Works at Our School

Under the law, school districts must choose one of two approaches: a complete ban on bringing devices to school, or a strict secure storage policy.

Our Choice: Students may still bring their devices to school, but they must be completely powered off and stored away out of reach (in their backpacks/lockers) from the morning bell until final dismissal.

Important Exceptions to the Rule

We understand that communication and health are top priorities. The law strictly permits device use under the following circumstances:

• Medical Needs: If a student needs a device to manage a documented health condition (such as monitoring blood sugar) with an order from a licensed healthcare provider.

• Educational Support: If the device is explicitly written into a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

• Language Translation: For multi-lingual students who require the device as a translation tool.

• Emergencies: During critical, school-approved emergency situations.

Why This Change?

Data and feedback from educators nationwide show that "bell-to-bell" device restrictions significantly reduce cyberbullying, lower student anxiety, improve academic focus, and encourage kids to actually talk and socialize face-to-face during lunch and recess.

We appreciate your partnership in talking with your child about powering down before they walk through the school doors. If you need to reach your student during the school day for a non-emergency, please contact the main office, and we will gladly get a message to them.

In response to the statewide Senate Bill (SB 78) passing and going into effect as state law in 2026, PLA@103 will operate within the following guidelines and procedures regarding all personal student devices (including cell phones, smart watches, and all devices mentioned above) during the school day:

• Scholars are encouraged to keep all electronic devices home during the school day.

• Scholars who choose to bring their personal devices to school will be required to keep the device(s) powered down in their backpack or a protected collection container within the classroom based on the teacher’s discretion.

• If the device is out during the school day, the scholar will be asked to give it to the teacher until the end of the school day.

• If the scholar refuses to turn in their device, the teacher will refer them to the Dean through an official write-up.

• Progressive discipline will be instituted in ordinance with SB 78.

• • 1st offense -phone taken until the end of the day. Parent called/letter sent home with scholar.

  • 2nd offense -phone taken until the end of the day. Parent must come pick up the phone at the school.

  • 3rd offense - phone taken until parent comes to retrieve the phone and has a conference.

  • 4th offense- suspension from school.

  
  

This and all PLA procedures and guidelines can be found in our scholar handbook here.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This message is a reminder that all scholars are required to wear proper uniforms each day. Scholars that are not in compliance with uniform policy will receive consequences according to the school handbook which can include suspension from school.

Nurse Sara will provide important health information here throughout the year.

THE MOBILE DENTIST WILL BE AT PLA @ 103

OCTOBER 26-27 AND OCTOBER 29-30

EL DENTISTA MÓVIL ESTARÁ EN PLA @ 103

26 y 27 de octubre y 29 y 30 de octubre

DANTIS MOBIL LA AP NAN PLA @ 103

26-27 Oktòb ak 29-30 Oktòb

https://www.myschooldentist.com/PLPCIN_schsrm

PLEASE COMPLETE DENTAL CONSENT AND GIVE TO NURSE

POR FAVOR, COMPLETE EL CONSENTIMIENTO DENTAL Y DÉSELO A LA ENFERMERA

TANPRI RANPLI KONSANTMAN DANTÈ A EPI BAY LI BAY ENFIMYÈ

Coughing is a healthy reflex that helps clear the airways. A severe cough or one that lasts more than 2–3 weeks needs a medical checkup. Many coughs are caused by a virus that needs to run its course and get better on its own. Sometimes, this can take up to two weeks.

In the meantime, there are plenty of ways to help your child feel more comfortable. You can read more about how to treat coughing here: English Resources and Spanish Resources.

How Are Coughs Treated?

The treatment for a cough depends on what’s causing it. Doctors usually don't prescribe antibiotics because those work only against bacteria.

Should I Give My Child Cough Medicine?

Cough medicines are not recommended for any child under 4 years old. For kids ages 4–6, ask your doctor before giving any cough or cold medicines.

In general, it’s best not to give your child cough medicine. While it might help stop coughing, it doesn't treat the cause of the cough and doesn’t work very well in kids. In fact, cough medicine can make kids drowsy or dizzy, and may dry mucus and the throat so it’s harder to cough properly.

*Check out our Facebook and Instagram for pictures as well!

*Kindergarten celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
*Sixth grade celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

SEE OUR INSTAGRAM FOR TONS OF VIDEOS FROM OUR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION!

FYI Center Operating 24/7

Where: 2401 E 25th St.
Indianapolis 46218

Cost: Free

As of early April, the FYI Center is now operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All services are FREE to the community. Youth are able to remain at the center for up to 23 hours. Please reach out for further questions about services.

You can make referrals by calling the center at 317-327-KIDS or 317-327-5534, or you can email.

LEARN MORE >>

Mujeres Conectadas – Events in the Community

Mujeres Conectadas (MC), es una organización sin fines de lucro de desarrollo personal y bienestar para las mujeres latinas en el estado de Indiana, ayudándolas con recursos y herramientas para que logren su mejor versión.

Mujeres Conectadas (MC) is a non-profit personal development organization for Latinas in the state of Indiana, that connects women with the right resources and tools, to help them reach their highest version.

APRENDER MÁS / LEARN MORE >>

October 12-16 - NO SCHOOL - FALL BREAK

Wednesday, October 28 - PIT DAY

Tuesday, November 3 - E-Learning Day - No scholars at school

Wednesday, November 11 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

Tuesday, November 24 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

November 25-27 - NO SCHOOL - THANKSGIVING BREAK

Thursday, December 17 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

December 18-January 1 - NO SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK

Tuesday, January 5 - Students Return to School

Wednesday, January 13 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

Monday, January 18 - NO SHOOL - MLK, Jr. Day

Wednesday, February 3 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

Monday, February 15 - NO SCHOOL - PRESIDENTS DAY

Wednesday, February 24 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

Thursday, March 25 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

Friday, March 26 - Friday, April 2 - NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK

Wednesday, April 7 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

Monday, May 31 - NO SCHOOL - MEMORIAL DAY

Thursday, June 3 - 11:20am EARLY DISMISSAL

We will post a breakfast and lunch menu here monthly:

Mission: Our mission is to ensure that each of our scholars meet high academic and social standards, and thrive as leaders at home, in their communities, and in the world.

Vision: Our ultimate goal is that our scholars master key academic skills, and demonstrate strong character as exhibited by: honesty, service to others, a superior work ethic, and a strong vision for and belief in their futures.

Are you out of work? Unhappy with your current job? Do you have an older son or daughter who needs a better job? We'd like to encourage you to sign up for adult education and training opportunities at Skilled US -- Apply Now | Skilled US

See the link above or scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for more information.

Introducing Skilled US: Empowering Adults to Achieve Career Success

Skilled US is on a mission to help adults across the nation gain the skills they need to secure family-sustaining jobs—tuition-free! Skilled US helps you gain the skills needed to secure a better-paying job and support yourself or your family. Our PREP Workshops are designed to equip our students with skills for both personal & professional success! We offer job training and career readiness support, empowering you to build a stable and fulfilling future. Let us help you take the next step toward financial independence!

Topics In PREP Workshops:

• Mindset

• Time Management

• Conflict Resolution

• Workplace Professionalism

• Career Readiness

• Financial Literacy

Example Programs

• GED & High School Equivalency

• English Language Classes

• Medical: CNA, QMA, CCMA, Pharmacy Tech

• Advanced Manufacturing

• CDL A & B (Semi-Truck Driving)

• Welding, HVAC, Electrical

• Diesel Mechanic

Why Choose Skilled US:

• Easy Application Process

• Short-Term Programs with Job Seeking Assistance

• In Demand Job Skills + Wages

• Transportation & Child Care Assistance

Join the Skilled US Movement!
Applications are open at www.skilledus.org. Together with local employers and community partners, we're creating pathways to success for students nationwide.