August 2024

Brookhaven Broncos Parent Newsletter

Principal's Message

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! Meet the Teacher is Thursday, August 8th, from 4:00-6:00 PM. We look forward to seeing all students and families. The 1st stop will be the cafeteria where we will have the lists available.

The 1st day of school is August 14th. The bell schedule is the following:

7:00 - 1st bell (doors open for students to enter)
7:30 - Warning bell
7:35 - Tardy bell (parents must come into the office to sign their child in)
2:45 - 1st dismissal bell (PreK and Kindergarten)
2:50 - 2nd dismissal bell (1st and 2nd graders)
3:00 - Final dismissal bell (3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and all walkers)

Our staff has prepared for your students and we're so excited to hear their voices in the hallways and classrooms. If your child is new to Brookhaven, the first week may be a scary time. Please know that we are here to make everyone's experience a positive one.

The first 3 days of school, August 14th, 15th and 16th only, parents may walk students to the classroom doorway. We ask that you do not enter the classroom with your child or engage the teacher in a conversation as their priority is to attend to their students. By Monday, August 19th, parents will need to say goodbye to their children outside. We will continue to have staff in the hallways to assist students to their classrooms. All students are able to eat a free breakfast and lunch all year long.

If you would like to order a Brookhaven Broncos t-shirt for your student, please see the link below. You can order now until August 30th. https://gogandy.com/brookhavenes-sp24

Below you will see a flow chart for any concerns you may have during the school year. The primary focus for the Assistant Principals and myself is to be in classrooms with teachers and students. I want to encourage you to call the school at 254-336-1440 to set up an appointment as our calendars are very full with meetings, classroom observations, trainings and working with students. This will allow us to have uninterrupted time with you to discuss your concerns. Please do not show up to the campus and expect to talk to an administrator immediately. This may not be possible.

A friendly reminder about morning drop off:

Please DO NOT stop in the middle of the parking lot to drop students off. If you do not want to use the valet drop off, please park your car in a parking spot and walk them to the crosswalk leading to the building. Thank you for your understanding and keeping all students safe!

Parents, you are welcome to come eat lunch in the cafeteria with your student after the 1st two and a half weeks of school. You will need to have a photo ID and sign in at the front office and sign our agreement memorandum.

Thank you for your support in your child's education experience!

Sincerely,

Becky Whitelow, Principal

PH 254-336-1440

Becky.Whitelow@killeenisd.org

Counselor Corner

We are so excited about the 2024-2025 school year! Coming back to school after summer break is a big change for everyone. Here are some tips for making the transition back a little easier.

· Start by attending Meet the Teacher, Thursday, August 8th from 4-6 p.m. One of the biggest back-to-school fears is “Will I like my new teacher?” Breaking the ice in advance is one of the best ways to calm everyone’s fears.

· Lay out school clothes the night before and place homework in backpacks before bedtime.

· Ease back into a Bedtime Routine before the first day of school.

· Have a conversation about morning and afternoon expectations. This will help create smooth routines for leaving and returning home.

· Create a positive morning routine. Discuss a wake-up time that supports an on-time arrival. By the way, free breakfast is served daily!

· Stay positive about any stress or anxiety your child expresses with you and share tips that may help.

· Stay involved. Ask your children how their day went. At dinner or bedtime, consider “Tell me your best thing and worst thing about today.”

· Finally, give them a goodnight kiss at bedtime or a goodbye hug before they leave. Feeling loved and connected goes a long way.

Here is a read aloud you can share with your child to assist in communicating their feelings about the First Day of School. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUT6lgo2Sus

Welcome back Broncos! My name is Mrs. Mercer, the Parent Liaison and Volunteer Coordinator at Brookhaven. If you would like to volunteer, please make sure you go to the Killeen ISD website to complete a background check at www.killeenisd.org › volunteer. Upon completing your background check, you will need to attend an orientation with me on campus. I will explain everything that you need to know about volunteering at Brookhaven. We also have our literacy program for 2-3 year olds, The Little Broncos. More information will come once school starts. I look forward to working with you and your children. Go Broncos!

Message from the Cafeteria:

All children can eat breakfast and lunch free regardless of your income. Al a carte items can be purchased. Prices ranges from $.50 to $2. These snacks can be purchased by any student grades Pre-k- 5th. Please let Ms. Sharelle Dix or Ms. Katrina Davis-Stevenson know if you have any questions.