The Lion Letter

Read more about Mr. Tad Calcara here!

📢 You’re Invited!

Title I Parent Meeting
📍 Multipurpose Room (MPR)
📅 Wednesday, September 9th
🕔 5:00 PM (before Back to School Night)

Come learn about:

• What Title I is and how it supports our students

• How parents can be involved in school programs

• Ways Title I funds are used to strengthen student learning

Your participation matters!
We encourage all families to attend and have a voice in shaping our school’s success.

✨ We look forward to seeing you there! ✨

📢 Join Our School Site Council!

We are looking for parents/guardians to serve on our School Site Council (SSC).

What is the School Site Council?
The SSC is a decision-making group made up of parents, teachers, staff, and the principal. Together, we:

• Review and approve our school’s goals and action plans.

• Decide how certain school funds are spent to support student learning.

• Provide input on programs that impact all students.

Why join?

• Be a voice for your child and our school community.

• Help shape important decisions about academic programs and resources.

• Learn more about how schools operate and collaborate with staff.

Who can join?
Parents/guardians of students enrolled at our school. No experience required—just an interest in supporting student success!

Commitment:
SSC members typically meet [once a month / a few times a year] for about an hour.

👉 If you are interested in serving or would like more information, please contact Dieter Swank at dieter.swank@oside.us or christine.fuentes@oside.us by September 9th.

Together, we can make a difference for our students!

🌟 Join Our English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)!

We are looking for parents and guardians of English Learner students to be part of our English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC).

What is ELAC?
ELAC is a parent advisory group that:

• Advises the principal and school staff on programs and services for English Learners.

• Reviews and gives input on our school’s English Learner program, needs, and goals.

• Helps ensure our students receive the best support for language development and academic success.

Why join?

• Be a voice for your child and other English Learners.

• Learn more about school programs and resources.

• Build connections with other families and staff.

Who can join?
Parents/guardians of English Learners enrolled at our school.

Commitment:
Meetings are held [once a month / a few times a year], usually for about an hour. Interpreters and childcare may be provided.

👉 If you are interested in serving or want more information, please contact Christine Fuentes (Assistant Principal) at christine.fuentes@oside.us or Margarita Luna (School Community Advisor) at margarita.luna@oside.us by September 9th.

Your voice matters—help us support our English Learners!

The first two days of school (August 13th and 14th) are minimum days! All TK - 5th grade students will attend from 8:55am to 1:05pm. Just our TK and K students will continue with minimum day schedules for the first 12 days of school (August 13th - 28th). Please make arrangements so that students are picked up on time.

Our Arrival/Dismissal Procedures are the same as last year and can be found in the Family Handbook. We've attached a picture here for your convenience.

Remember to always use crosswalks when crossing the street.

If you have any questions, our office staff is here to help!

We are excited to share our cell phone policy, "During the Day, Off and Away," for the 2026-2027 school year (Board Policy 5131.8). Our goal is to create a safe and focused learning environment for all students by minimizing distractions and promoting their mental well-being.

Key Points:

• Cell Phone Usage: Students must turn off (ringer/tone/sounds off) and store their phones in their backpacks upon entering campus. Phones should stay off until they leave.

• Communication: Classrooms have landlines for students to contact parents when necessary. Phones will be accessible in emergencies.

• Academic Benefits: Reducing phone usage helps students stay focused and engaged in class.

• Safety and Security: This policy helps prevent cyberbullying, ensures students focus during emergencies, and reduces the risk of theft or loss.

Support and disciplinary measures are in place for policy violations to help students adjust.

Thank you for your support as we work together to enhance our students' learning experience and well-being.

Join Mr. Swank and Ms. Fuentes for our Grade-Level Kickoff Meetings, Wednesdays from 5:45–6:45 PM at Laurel Elementary. Come learn how you can support your Laurel Lions' math success at home!

Please make sure your contact information remains up to date in your Aeries Parent Portal, so you receive newsletters, reminders, and important school communications throughout the year.