Greetings Powell Families,

 

NC State Fair

Only a few more days to purchase advanced State Fair tickets to support Powell.   Enter our school code 536.  The state fair donates $2 for every adult ticket purchased and $1 for every student ticket purchased using our school code 536.  Share this information with your friends and family. Anyone can use our school code 536 to support our school. Tickets must be purchased by October 17th.

PTA Executive Board Meeting

Our next PTA Executive Board Meeting is this Monday, 10/14/19 in the Powell Media Center.  All are welcome.

 

National School Lunch Week - 10/14 - 10/18/19

 

United Arts Council - School Project Grant

Artist in Residence, Shannon Newby

We are very excited to share that Powell is one of five WCPSS schools to receive the United Arts Council, School Project Grant, totalling $5,000.  Funding from this grant will support our One Book, One School, One Community program this school year.  The grant funds will be used to purchase our book, “Give Bees a Chance”,  for each family, as well as cover the cost for two visiting artists.  Our first artist is Shannon Newbywho will be visiting us this week, working with 2nd & 4th Grade students.  Ms. Newby will be installing a Community Hive where students will explore the industrious, efficient methods of honeybees and other pollinator friends and work collaboratively to create a large-scale project.  During most of the program, students will work in teams and delegate tasks in order to complete the collaboration.

 

School Improvement Team Meeting

Our next School Improvement Team meeting is this Tuesday, 10/15/19 at 7:40 AM in the Powell Media Center.  All are welcome.

 

Fall School Pictures

Wednesday, 10/16/19 is Fall Picture Day.  All students will have their pictures taken for the Powell Yearbook.  Picture package information was sent home last Tuesday. Please send in payment on Tuesday or you can purchase online. 

 

Kindergarten Field Trip

Our Kindergarten students will be travelling to Wakefield High school this Friday, 10/18/19, to see a fabulous play.

 

WCPSS Magnet Fair

Attention 5th grade families, it’s time to begin thinking about middle school.  The WCPSS Magnet Fair is Saturday, October 26th from 9AM -12PM at Panther Creek High School. The application period for Magnet/Year-Round Schools opens October 26th and closes January 30th. 

 

New Homework Policy

Powell is changing the activities we expect students to do outside of school.  We know that children are learners both in and out of the classroom. Our goal is for students to understand this as well.  Our new policy is a homework policy where "No time-wasting, rote, repetitive tasks will be assigned that lack clear instructional or learning purposes."  We continue to expect our students to read EVERY night, increasing their fluency and improving comprehension skills. We also continue to expect our students to practice math facts EVERY night.  The most significant change in our homework policy is that we will no longer be assigning worksheets for homework. Instead, teachers will be providing you with a talking point of what was learned in school that day.  Teachers will give you insight into your child’s education and will also provide ideas of how our students can engage in the curriculum with you. These ideas will be engaging activities where students can practice the skills, just not in the form of a worksheet.  This will be done through our new communication tool, TalkingPoints explained below. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me by email - cbrower2@wcpss.net 

 

Powell PLAY Day

In addition to receiving talking points about curriculum, teachers will be providing ongoing activities each week.  PLAY Day stands for Powerful Learning And You (PLAY) where You is the parent. We recognize that parents wish to be connected to their child’s academic success.  Our Play Integration Specialist, Justin Kram, will be working closely with teachers building these activities. As we develop these activities, some will have the possibility to be completed in one evening, one week, or several weeks.  Eventually, we will be creating a database where parents can access these PLAY Day activities on our school website.  

 

TalkingPoints

Powell is one of 22 WCPSS schools who are currently piloting a communication tool, TalkingPoints.  The vision of TalkingPoints is “We want every child to have the support needed to learn, grow and succeed.  We want every family member to be empowered to be partners in their children’s education.  We want teachers and schools to be successful in supporting families.” TalkingPoints is a tool that allows teachers to send text messages home, which will be translated into the parent’s native language.  Parents can then response in their home language, which will be translated into English. Teachers will be sending at least 2 - 3 messages each week.  You can expect these messages on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You can expect to receive the PLAY Day activity in your Wednesday message. 

 

Artist in Residence, Bren Bataclan

We had an incredible week with visiting artist, Bren Bataclan.   Every student participated in assemblies on Monday and our 5th grade students particpated in a residency with him this week.  Check out this amazing City of Oaks, Raleigh Sky Line mural designed by our 5th grade students.  Thank you to our PTA who continue to support our Artists in Residency programs.

 

PTA Reflections Arts Program

PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Students of all grades and abilities may participate and explore the arts based on the 2019-2020 theme: Look Within.  Submission due date is Friday 10/25/19. The last three years we have had WCPSS winners from Powell.  We hope to have representation again this school year. Information on how to register will be coming home soon.  For more info visit the website or contact our Cultural Arts Chairperson, Gina Ali gali@wcpss.net.

  

READvolution Reading Program

For the third consecutive year, WCPSS will partner with the Carolina Hurricanes to bring READvolution to all of our elementary schools. This exciting partnership will support a community-wide literacy campaign around daily reading outside of school, plus allow students the chance to attend a Hurricanes game.  This year the READvolution time frame will be between Monday, Sept. 30 and Friday, Dec 6th, 2019. Please log your books at https://readvolution.cengage.com/wake If you need assistance, please contact our Media Specialist Jess Gill, jgill3@wcpss.net 

• Students who achieve the goal of reading 20 minutes per day throughout the allotted time frame (for a total of 800 minutes) will receive complimentary ticket vouchers to a Hurricanes home game.
• Schools that collectively read 2,020 books between now and December 6 will be entered into a drawing by region to participate in a culminating event (the Cool School Field Trip) at PNC Arena during the school day in February.

 

Race for Education

Thank you to each student who sent in labels for our Race for Education.  We will update you on classroom tallies soon. Our Race Day date will now be on our inclement weather make up day, Thursday, October 31st.  Don't forget that if we reach our school goal, Mr. Brower will sing Old Town Road in costume for the whole school!

 

We need Volunteers

Throughout the school year, there will be many opportunities for parents to volunteer at Powell.  All volunteers must register annually by completing the volunteer registration at any WCPSS school.  Please reactivate your registration by October 31st.

Have a great week!

 

Curtis M. Brower

Principal

Greetings Powell Families,

New Homework Policy

Powell is changing the activities we expect students to do outside of school.  We know that children are learners both in and out of the classroom. Our goal is for students to understand this as well.  Our new policy is a homework policy where "No time-wasting, rote, repetitive tasks will be assigned that lack clear instructional or learning purposes."  We continue to expect our students to read EVERY night, increasing their fluency and improving comprehension skills. We also continue to expect our students to practice math facts EVERY night.  The most significant change in our homework policy is that we will no longer be assigning worksheets for homework. Instead, teachers will be providing you with a talking point of what was learned in school that day.  Teachers will give you insight into your child’s education and will also provide ideas of how our students can engage in the curriculum with you. These ideas will be engaging activities where students can practice the skills, just not in the form of a worksheet.  This will be done through our new communication tool, TalkingPoints explained below. Our Bagels with Brower focus on Friday was the introduction of this new policy. I encourage you to visit our Powell Facebook Page and watch the replay. Our parents present had great questions and conversation as we socialized this new policy.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me by email - cbrower2@wcpss.net 

 

Powell PLAY Day

In addition to receiving talking points about curriculum, teachers will be providing ongoing activities each week.  PLAY Day stands for Powerful Learning And You (PLAY) where You is the parent. We recognize that parents wish to be connected to their child’s academic success.  Our Play Integration Specialist, Justin Kram, will be working closely with teachers building these activities. As we develop these activities, some will have the possibility to be completed in one evening, one week, or several weeks.  Eventually, we will be creating a database where parents can access these PLAY Day activities on our school website.  

 

TalkingPoints

Powell is one of 22 WCPSS schools who are currently piloting a communication tool, TalkingPoints.  The vision of TalkingPoints is “We want every child to have the support needed to learn, grow and succeed.  We want every family member to be empowered to be partners in their children’s education.  We want teachers and schools to be successful in supporting families.” TalkingPoints is a tool that allows teachers to send text messages home, which will be translated into the parent’s native language.  Parents can then response in their home language, which will be translated into English. If you haven’t received a text message from your teacher yet, you will be receiving one by tomorrow.  Teachers will be sending at least 2 - 3 messages each week. You can excpect these messages on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. You can expect to receive the PLAY Day activity in your Wednesday message. 

Artist in Residence, Bren Bataclan

We are very excited for Bren Bataclan to visit Powell for a third year in a row.  Bren is an artist whose goal is to make you smile.  The murals in the Multi-purpose room lobby and cafeteria were both created by Bren and previous 5th graders.  Every student will participate in an assembly with Bren where they will learn his drawing style. Our 5th graders will be working closely with him to create a mural with the theme of Raleigh.   Bren’s Smile Project has been featured on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, The Smithsonian Magazine, The Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Detroit Free Press, The San Francisco Chronicle and most recently, PRI's The World

 

World Day of Bullying Prevention, Wear a Blue Shirt

Tomorrow, Monday 10/07/19  The first Monday of every October is World Day of Bullying Prevention™!  On this day students, schools, and communities all over the world go BLUE together against bullying. It also kicks off National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month every October.  If you are on Twitter, lets share our photos. Be sure to use the hashtag #BlueUp. Be sure to tag @PowellesPLAY, @PowellPrincipal and @WCPSS

 

Election Polling Site - 10/08/19

Reminder that Powell is a Wake County polling site.  Be on the lookout for visitors to our campus who do not know our normal one way traffic patterns around car pool and in the bus loop area.

 

Teacher Workday, No School for Students - 10/09/19

 

PTA Reflections Arts Program

 PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Students of all grades and abilities may participate and explore the arts based on the 2019-2020 theme: Look Within.  Submission due date is Friday 10/25/19. The last three years we have had WCPSS winners from Powell.  We hope to have representation again this school year. Information on how to register will be coming home soon.  For more info visit the website or contact our Cultural Arts Chairperson, Gina Ali gali@wcpss.net.

 

Fall Yard Mob

Powell was awarded the WRAL Azalea Grant again this year and we will be receiving 50 beautiful plants to add to our campus. We need you help getting them in the ground.  Our Fall Yard Mob is coming this Saturday, October 122th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM! This event will include light weeding, mulching, planting, and pruning. We need lots volunteers.

 

Fall School Pictures

Next Wednesday, 10/16/19, every student will participate in Fall School Picures.  Fall pictures are the pictures used in our school yearbook.  Look for information coming home on how to purchase pictures packages.

 

 

NC State Fair Tickets

Are you planning to attend the NC State Fair?  If so, buy your tickets here to support Powell.  Enter our school code 536.  The state fair donates $2 for every adult ticket purchased and $1 for every student ticket purchased using our school code 536.  Share this information with your friends and family. Anyone can use our school code 536 to support our school. Tickets must be purchased by October 17th.

 

READvolution Reading Program

For the third consecutive year, WCPSS will partner with the Carolina Hurricanes to bring READvolution to all of our elementary schools. This exciting partnership will support a community-wide literacy campaign around daily reading outside of school, plus allow students the chance to attend a Hurricanes game.  This year the READvolution time frame will be between Monday, Sept. 30 and Friday, Nov. 22, 2019. Please log your books at https://readvolution.cengage.com/wake If you need assistance, please contact our Media Specialist Jess Gill, jgill3@wcpss.net 

• Students who achieve the goal of reading 20 minutes per day throughout the allotted time frame (for a total of 800 minutes) will receive complimentary ticket vouchers to a Hurricanes home game.
• Schools that collectively read 2,020 books between Sept. 30 and Nov. 19 will be entered into a drawing by region to participate in a culminating event (the Cool School Field Trip) at PNC Arena during the school day in February.

 

Box Tops for Education

The Box Tops program is changing.  No more clipping. No more sending Box Tops to school. All you need is your phone. Download the ALL-NEW Box Tops app, shop as you normally would, then simply scan your store receipts to find participating products. The app will automatically credit our school's Box Tops earnings online. Visit the Box Tops website for more info.  If you still have or find Box Tops on packages, you can still continue to clp them and send them to school.

 

Race for Education

Thank you to each student who sent in labes for our Race for Education.  We will update you on classroom tallies soon. Our Race Day date will now be on our inclement weather make up day, Thursday, October 31st.  Don't forget that if we reach our school goal, Mr. Brower will sing Old Town Road in costume for the whole school!

 

We need Volunteers

Throughout the school year, there will be many opportunities for parents to volunteer at Powell.  All volunteers must register annually by completing the volunteer registration at any WCPSS school.  Please reactivate your registration by October 31st.

 

Free & Reduced Price Meal Applications

2018 - 2019 meal benefits will expire THIS WEEK on October 8th for the new school year.   Applications are available at school, however, families are encouraged to complete an application online.   Visit the WCPSS School Meals page for more information.  

 

Birthday Celebrations

We love to celebrate our school family, especially when recognizing someone’s birthday. We keep our students focused academically throughout the day and have little to no downtime for classroom celebrations.  Parents are welcome to bring a small birthday treat for the classroom, during the class lunchtime only. If bringing a treat, it is important to first communicate with your child’s teacher before the day of the planned celebration.  It is also important that you arrive at the very beginning of lunch. We have a quick, tight schedule in the cafeteria. Classes will not be permitted to sit past their scheduled table time. Parents should not bring pizza parties, chips/pretzels or drinks to the celebration.  Did you know that WCPSS Child Nutrition Services offers healthy options for these special treats?  Contact our CNS Manager, Lisa McAllister lmcallister@wcpss.net for more information.

Have a great week!

 

Curtis M. Brower

Principal

Greetings Powell Families,

PTA Spirit Day: Our first PTA Spirit Night wais at City BBQ.  Our PTA earned $235. Thank you for your support.  

 

School Improvement Team Meeting:  Our next SIT meeting is this Tuesday, 09/24/19.

 

College Colors Day:- Wear your favorite college T-Shirts and colors this Friday, 09/27/19

 

NC State Fair: Are you planning to attend the NC State Fair?  If so, buy your tickets here to support Powell.  Enter our school code 536.  The state fair donates $2 for every adult ticket purchased and $1 for every student ticket purchased using our school code 536.  Share this information with your friends and family. Anyone can use our school code 536 to support our school. Tickets must be purchased by October 17th.

 

Box Tops for Education: The Box Tops program is changing.  No more clipping. No more sending Box Tops to school. All you need is your phone. Download the ALL-NEW Box Tops app, shop as you normally would, then simply scan your store receipts to find participating products. The app will automatically credit our school's Box Tops earnings online. Visit the Box Tops websitefor more info.  If you still have or find Box Tops on packages, you can still continue to clp them and send them to school.

 

AIG Parent Nominations/Fall Testing Window:  Any 4th or 5th grade parent who is interested in having their child tested for AIG services should email our AIG teacher, Ms. Sidney Fox sfox@wcpss.netor complete this form. 

 

Race for Education:Are you getting those labels completed?  Labels are due back to school this Friday, Sept 27th.  Each class will receive a special prize based on the number of labels they bring in! The more labels returned, the better chance we have of earning funds for our school to use on important educational resources. The students are also able to earn an individual prize too!  Our Race Day date will now be on our inclement weather make up day, Thursday, October 31st. (Hopefully, this will be our last date change.)

 

Rack Room Real Teacher of the Year Award: Has a teacher made an impact in your child’s life? Nominate your child’s favorite teacher and they could win a $10,000 technology grant for our school, plus free shoes for a year!  Upload a 30 second video or photo with a 500 words or less story about your child’s favorite teacher! Entries accepted September 3 through October 4, 2019!Submit your entry here!

 

We need Volunteers: Throughout the school year, there will be many opportunities for parents to volunteer at Powell.  All volunteers must register annually by completing the volunteer registration at any WCPSS school.  Please reactivate your registration by October 31st.

 

Free & Reduced Price Meal Applications:  It’s time for families to apply/reapply for free or reduced priced school meals.   Applications are available at school, however, families are encouraged to complete an application online.  2018 - 2019 meal benefits will expire on October 8th for the new school year.  Visit the WCPSS School Meals page for more information.  

 

MySchool Bucks: With a MySchool Bucks account paying for school meals is easy. Go to www.MySchoolBucks.comor call (855) 832-5226 to enroll. You'll need your child's Student ID number, available in your registration materials or at our school. Once your account is established you may:

• Securely deposit funds to your child's account
• Check balances
• Set spending limits
• Review purchases made

 

Birthday Celebrations:  We love to celebrate our school family, especially when recognizing someone’s birthday. We keep our students focused academically throughout the day and have little to no downtime for classroom celebrations.  Parents are welcome to bring a small birthday treat for the classroom, during the class lunchtime only. If bringing a treat, it is important to first communicate with your child’s teacher before the day of the planned celebration.  It is also important that you arrive at the very beginning of lunch. We have a quick, tight schedule in the cafeteria. Classes will not be permitted to sit past their scheduled table time. Parents should not bring pizza parties, chips/pretzels or drinks to the celebration.  Did you you know that WCPSS Child Nutrition Services offers healthy optionsfor these special treats?  Contact our CNS Manager, Lisa McAllister lmcallister@wcpss.netfor more information.

 

PTA Membership:  The PTA sponsors many academic programs at Powell and supports our students  teachers in many ways. Please consider joining our PTA for just $8.00. Click here to join online.. You will receive many discounts with your PTA card.  

 

Emails & Text Message Communication:  Lots of updates and information is shared by text messaging.  If you are not receiving Text Messages from the school, you need to Opt In for School Messenger.  To Opt In, simply text YES to the number 67587. If you are reading this on the website and did not receive it by email, please contact our Data Manager, Carolyn Bost, csbost@wcpss.netto update your email address.  Please make certain that we always have your most up to date phone number, which will be used in case of emergencies.  For more information, click here.

 

Have a great week!

 

Curtis M. Brower

Principal

Greetings Powell Families,

 

Instructional Assistant Appreciation Day- Monday, 09/16/19  Join us in celebrating our fabulous Instructional Assistants

PTA Spirit Day: Our first PTA Spirit Night is at City BBQ this Tuesday, 09/17/19, from 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM at both the Raleigh and Garner location.  Be sure to present the bar code being sent in a separate email. Our PTA earns back 25% The barcode can be printed or shown electronically.

 

NC State Fair: Are you planning to attend the NC State Fair?  If so, buy your tickets here to support Powell.  Enter our school code 536.  The state fair donates $2 for every adult ticket purchased and $1 for every student ticket purchased using our school code 536.  Share this information with your friends and family. Anyone can use our school code 536 to support our school. Tickets must be purchased by October 17th.

 

AIG Parent Nominations/Fall Testing Window:  Any 4th or 5th grade parent who is interested in having their child tested for AIG services should email our AIG teacher, Ms. Sidney Fox sfox@wcpss.net  

 

Race for Education: Our 8th annual Race for Education fundraiser is now underway.  Your student received a Race for Education packet this week (check those backpacks!) and attended a Race kick off assembly on Wednesday. The packet contains an instruction sheet along with a set of labels with a corresponding sheet that you will write how your child knows that particular family or person. Maybe it’s a neighbor or a family doctor and they know them as ‘Dr. Jim’, you would list that name so the letters home are more personal. These labels are due back at school on Sept 27th. If you did not receive a packet or you received a packet in Spanish/English and need an English/Spanish version, please reach out to your child’s teacher. Each class will receive a special prize based on the number of labels they bring in! The more labels, the better chance we have of earning funds for our school to use on important educational resources. The students are also able to earn an individual prize too! 

The PTA currently has a live poll on the Powell PTA Facebook page that gives families a chance to vote for an event for Principal Brower if we make our school goal! Vote for your students choice now!  Our Race Day date will now be on our inclement weather make up day, Friday, November 1st.

Rack Room Real Teacher of the Year Award: Has a teacher made an impact in your child’s life? Nominate your child’s favorite teacher and they could win a $10,000 technology grant for our school, plus free shoes for a year!  Upload a 30 second video or photo with a 500 words or less story about your child’s favorite teacher! Entries accepted September 3 through October 4, 2019!Submit your entry here!

 

Free & Reduced Price Meal Applications:  It’s time for families to apply/reapply for free or reduced priced school meals.   Applications are available at school, however, families are encouraged to complete an application online.  2018 - 2019 meal benefits will expire on October 8th for the new school year.  Visit the WCPSS School Meals pagefor more information.  

 

MySchool Bucks: With a MySchool Bucks account paying for school meals is easy. Go to www.MySchoolBucks.comor call (855) 832-5226 to enroll. You'll need your child's Student ID number, available in your registration materials or at our school. Once your account is established you may:

• Securely deposit funds to your child's account
• Check balances
• Set spending limits
• Review purchases made

 

Birthday Celebrations:  We love to celebrate our school family, especially when recognizing someone’s birthday. We keep our students focused academically throughout the day and have little to no downtime for classroom celebrations.  Parents are welcome to bring a small birthday treat for the classroom, during the class lunchtime only. If bringing a treat, it is important to first communicate with your child’s teacher before the day of the planned celebration.  It is also important that you arrive at the very beginning of lunch. We have a quick, tight schedule in the cafeteria. Classes will not be permitted to sit past their scheduled table time. Parents should not bring pizza parties, chips/pretzels or drinks to the celebration.  Did you you know that WCPSS Child Nutrition Services offers healthy optionsfor these special treats?  Contact our CNS Manager, Lisa McAllister lmcallister@wcpss.netfor more information.

 

PTA Membership:  The PTA sponsors many academic programs at Powell and supports our students  teachers in many ways. Please consider joining our PTA for just $8.00. Click hereto join online.. You will receive many discounts with your PTA card.  

 

Transportation Changes: Please remember to send written transportation changes to your child’s teacher.  Transportation changes will only be taken over the telephone in cases of family emergency.  

 

Early Pick Up:  Please remember that students will not be dismissed between 3:15 and 3:45 PM.  If you have an afterschool appointment, please arrive prior to 3:15 PM to check out your child.  

 

Arrival & Dismissal: For the safety of our students and staff, it is important for all families to follow our arrival and dismissal procedures.  We open our school doors and welcome our students at 8:45 AM. Students should not arrive on campus before that time. Walkers should leave their home to arrive at school no earlier than 8:45 AM.  All students should be picked up from campus by 4:05 PM.

 

Transportation Tags: Every student at Powell will be issued a transportation tag for their backpack, which should be used for the entire year.  Please do not remove the tags from the backpack. Should the tag get removed or lost, please contact our assistant principal, Melissa Hart, mhart@wpcss.net. 

 

Carpool: Parents using carpool should follow the one way carpool route, which begin on N King Charles Rd, turn Right on Valiant Street, then turns Right into the school parking lot.  In the AM, students should exit the vehicle onto the sidewalk at the bottom of the steps. Students arriving in carpool should remain in the vehicle until the bell rings at 8:45 AM. In the PM, every car must display the child’s carpool number.  If you do not have your carpool tag, you will be asked to report to the office to sign out your student. Students will load the vehicle by the cafeteria sidewalk. Six students are loaded at one time, using our carpool number and color system. Cars should remain in the line until all six students are loaded.  Under no circumstances should a car pull around the other remaining vehicles. All students riding to and from school in a car are considered a carpool student. Students should never be dropped off or picked up on Marlborough Road. To assist with congestion and safety, Raleigh City Council has now mandated No Parking on School Days from 8:45-9:30 AM and 3:30-4:15 PM on Marlborough Road.  During this time, Raleigh PD may enforce this No Parking Zone by issuing citations as needed.  

 

Here Comes the Bus APP: WCPSS Transportation provides bus rider families with a FREE bus tracking system called Here Comes the Bus, which translates GPS data into an easy to use customizable map that works on a computer, tablet or smartphone. The app allows you to see where the bus is and how close it is to your stop. For more information and to sign up, click here.

 

Walkers: Students walking to school should not arrive on campus before 8:45 AM.  At dismissal, students exit campus through the exterior Multi-Purpose room door. Parents picking up their child should wait on the sidewalk near this door.  Walking students and families should exit campus promptly. Students should not be permitted to run or play in the natural areas, around the planted azaleas or near the road and parking lot.  Students considered walkers should be walking to or from school. If a parent chooses to drive a walker to school, please follow carpool procedures. Walkers should not be exiting through the walker door and then entering a vehicle.  Please refer to the No Parking information stated above in the carpool section.

 

MemberHUB: The PTA uses a site called MemberHub to organize all PTA events, communications, sign-ups, and parent directory. ​Join MemberHub here.

 

Emails & Text Message Communication:  Lots of updates and information is shared by text messaging.  If you are not receiving Text Messages from the school, you need to Opt In for School Messenger.  To Opt In, simply text YES to the number 67587. If you are reading this on the website and did not receive it by email, please contact our Data Manager, Carolyn Bost, csbost@wcpss.netto update your email address.  Please make certain that we always have your most up to date phone number, which will be used in case of emergencies.  For more information, click here.

 

Parent Communication: This school year, Powell teachers and staff will be utilizing a streamlined approach to communication.  Every classroom will be using the same platform called “Talking Points” to communicate information, as well as share curriculum information with you.  Our goal is to engage 100% of our families on a weekly basis. We are piloting this program with other WCPSS schools. Unfortunately, the system is not quite set up at the district level.  We aim to begin using this service during the first or second week of September.  

 

Facebook & Twitter: Please follow us on Twitter @PowellesPlay and on Facebook Powell Center for Play and Ingenuity Magnet Elementary School

 

Have a great week!

 

Curtis M. Brower

Principal

Greetings Powell Families,

 

I hope that each of you have safely made it through Hurricane Dorian.  Fortunately, our area was not affected as severely as it could have been.  Please mark your calendar for the Inclement Weather Make Up Days, which are Friday, November 1st and Friday, December 20th.

 

3rd Grade Beginning of Grade (BOG) Test: The BOG can not be given until after the 10th day of school.  The BOG will now be administered on Thursday, September 12th.

 

Electives Begin on Thursday, September 12th

 

School Improvement Team Meeting:Thursday, September 12th at 7:40 AM in the Powell Media Center

 

District 4 Board Advisory Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday, 09/12/19 has been cancelled.

 

Domains Begin on Friday, September 13th

 

Race for Education:Our 8th annual Race for Education fundraiser is now underway.  Your student received a Race for Education packet this week (check those backpacks!) and attended a Race kick off assembly on Wednesday. The packet contains an instruction sheet along with a set of labels with a corresponding sheet that you will write how your child knows that particular family or person. Maybe it’s a neighbor or a family doctor and they know them as ‘Dr. Jim’, you would list that name so the letters home are more personal. These labels are due back at school on Sept 27th. If you did not receive a packet or you received a packet in Spanish/English and need an English/Spanish version, please reach out to your child’s teacher. Each class will receive a special prize based on the number of labels they bring in! The more labels, the better chance we have of earning funds for our school to use on important educational resources. The students are also able to earn an individual prize too! 

The PTA  currently has a live poll on the Powell PTA Facebook page that gives families a chance to vote for an event for Principal Brower if we make our school goal! Vote for your students choice now!  Our Race Day date will now be on our inclement weather make up day, Friday, November 1st.

Rack Room Real Teacher of the Year Award:Has a teacher made an impact in your child’s life? Nominate your child’s favorite teacher and they could win a $10,000 technology grant for our school, plus free shoes for a year!  Upload a 30 second video or photo with a 500 words or less story about your child’s favorite teacher! Entries accepted September 3 through October 4, 2019!Submit your entry here!

 

Free & Reduced Price Meal Applications: It’s time for families to apply/reapply for free or reduced priced school meals.   Applications are available at school, however, families are encouraged to complete an application online.  2018 - 2019 meal benefits will expire on October 8th for the new school year.  Visit the WCPSS School Meals pagefor more information.  

 

MySchool Bucks: With a MySchool Bucks account paying for school meals is easy. Go to www.MySchoolBucks.comor call (855) 832-5226 to enroll. You'll need your child's Student ID number, available in your registration materials or at our school. Once your account is established you may:

• Securely deposit funds to your child's account
• Check balances
• Set spending limits
• Review purchases made

 

Birthday Celebrations: We love to celebrate our school family, especially when recognizing someone’s birthday. We keep our students focused academically throughout the day and have little to no downtime for classroom celebrations.  Parents are welcome to bring a small birthday treat for the classroom, during the class lunchtime only. If bringing a treat, it is important to first communicate with your child’s teacher before the day of the planned celebration.  It is also important that you arrive at the very beginning of lunch. We have a quick, tight schedule in the cafeteria. Classes will not be permitted to sit past their scheduled table time. Parents should not bring pizza parties, chips/pretzels or drinks to the celebration.  Did you you know that WCPSS Child Nutrition Services offers healthy optionsfor these special treats?  Contact our CNS Manager, Lisa McAllister lmcallister@wcpss.netfor more information.

 

PTA Membership:  The PTA sponsors many academic programs at Powell and supports our students  teachers in many ways. Please consider joining our PTA for just $8.00. Click hereto join online.. You will receive many discounts with your PTA card.  

 

Transportation Changes: Please remember to send written transportation changes to your child’s teacher.  Transportation changes will only be taken over the telephone in cases of family emergency.  

 

Early Pick Up: Please remember that students will not be dismissed between 3:15 and 3:45 PM.  If you have an afterschool appointment, please arrive prior to 3:15 PM to check out your child.  

 

Arrival & Dismissal: For the safety of our students and staff, it is important for all families to follow our arrival and dismissal procedures.  We open our school doors and welcome our students at 8:45 AM. Students should not arrive on campus before that time. Walkers should leave their home to arrive at school no earlier than 8:45 AM.  All students should be picked up from campus by 4:05 PM.

 

Transportation Tags:Every student at Powell will be issued a transportation tag for their backpack, which should be used for the entire year.  Please do not remove the tags from the backpack. Should the tag get removed or lost, please contact our assistant principal, Melissa Hart, mhart@wpcss.net. 

 

Carpool: Parents using carpool should follow the one way carpool route, which begin on N King Charles Rd, turn Right on Valiant Street, then turns Right into the school parking lot.  In the AM, students should exit the vehicle onto the sidewalk at the bottom of the steps. Students arriving in carpool should remain in the vehicle until the bell rings at 8:45 AM. In the PM, every car must display the child’s carpool number.  If you do not have your carpool tag, you will be asked to report to the office to sign out your student. Students will load the vehicle by the cafeteria sidewalk. Six students are loaded at one time, using our carpool number and color system. Cars should remain in the line until all six students are loaded.  Under no circumstances should a car pull around the other remaining vehicles. All students riding to and from school in a car are considered a carpool student. Students should never be dropped off or picked up on Marlborough Road. To assist with congestion and safety, Raleigh City Council has now mandated No Parking on School Days from 8:45-9:30 AM and 3:30-4:15 PM on Marlborough Road.  During this time, Raleigh PD may enforce this No Parking Zone by issuing citations as needed.  

 

Here Comes the Bus APP: WCPSS Transportation provides bus rider families with a FREE bus tracking system called Here Comes the Bus, which translates GPS data into an easy to use customizable map that works on a computer, tablet or smartphone. The app allows you to see where the bus is and how close it is to your stop. For more information and to sign up, click here.

 

Walkers: Students walking to school should not arrive on campus before 8:45 AM.  At dismissal, students exit campus through the exterior Multi-Purpose room door. Parents picking up their child should wait on the sidewalk near this door.  Walking students and families should exit campus promptly. Students should not be permitted to run or play in the natural areas, around the planted azaleas or near the road and parking lot.  Students considered walkers should be walking to or from school. If a parent chooses to drive a walker to school, please follow carpool procedures. Walkers should not be exiting through the walker door and then entering a vehicle.  Please refer to the No Parking information stated above in the carpool section.

 

MemberHUB: The PTA uses a site called MemberHub to organize all PTA events, communications, sign-ups, and parent directory. ​Join MemberHub here.

 

Emails & Text Message Communication:  Lots of updates and information is shared by text messaging.  If you are not receiving Text Messages from the school, you need to Opt In for School Messenger.  To Opt In, simply text YES to the number 67587. If you are reading this on the website and did not receive it by email, please contact our Data Manager, Carolyn Bost, csbost@wcpss.netto update your email address.  Please make certain that we always have your most up to date phone number, which will be used in case of emergencies.  For more information, click here.

 

Parent Communication: This school year, Powell teachers and staff will be utilizing a streamlined approach to communication.  Every classroom will be using the same platform called “Talking Points” to communicate information, as well as share curriculum information with you.  Our goal is to engage 100% of our families on a weekly basis. We are piloting this program with other WCPSS schools. Unfortunately, the system is not quite set up at the district level.  We aim to begin using this service during the first or second week of September.  

 

Facebook & Twitter: Please follow us on Twitter @PowellesPlay and on Facebook Powell Center for Play and Ingenuity Magnet Elementary School

 

Have a great week!

 

Curtis M. Brower

Principal