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9/1/24

 

Dear Laurel Park Families,

We have had a great first week of fundraising with Apex Leadership and are halfway to meeting our goal. Our students love interacting with the coaches during arrival, dismissal, and recess. This past week, students learned that future leaders are grateful, show respect, practice kindness, and do what’s right. 

 

On Friday, September 6, students will participate in the culminating REMIX event. Instead of running laps outside, students will perform different exercise moves in the gym. Students will need tennis shoes and a water bottle. Due to the number of students at each grade level, we will use the following schedule:

 

 

Parents are invited to observe the REMIX event, which will last 30–35 minutes once students arrive at the gym. Due to limited space, we ask that spectators be limited to immediate family members. Since all students will participate in the REMIX event, siblings will not be pulled from their classes to observe. Alternating upper and lower grades and the time between events should help with parking. 

 

For safety and security, we must ensure we can track who is entering and exiting the building. Please adhere to the following check-in and check-out procedures: 

  • Event volunteers (volunteer sign-up) and spectators use the bus loop entrance to enter the school. 

  • Please remain outside and scan the posted QR code with your phone to sign into the building. You will need your LICENSE.

  • LPES staff will assist with the check-in process and provide you with a sticker once approved to enter the building. 

  • We kindly ask that you go straight to the gym and not wander the building. 

  • Need to check your child out after the event?

    • Students will NOT leave with their parents through the bus loop doors. After the REMIX event, students will return to class with their teacher. 

    • Spectators and volunteers will exit the building through the bus loop doors and go to the front of the building to sign their child out. 

    • Students will need to be signed out at the front office by scanning the dismissal QR code on the easel.

    • 5th-grade spectators/volunteers only: Due to the timing of the REMIX event and dismissal, students will not be able to be checked out after the event. Please send a Talking Points message or email to your child’s teacher before 3:15 PM if you would like your child to meet you at Penguin Point (the Spirit Rock) at the 3:40 PM walker bell.

 

Thank you for assisting us with making this a fun and successful event for all students and staff. Enjoy the long weekend, and we look forward to seeing students on Tuesday!

 

Respectfully, 

Charelle Lovett, Principal

 

Upcoming Events / Important Dates (Community Calendar)

  • Aug. 26-Sept. 6: Fall Fundraiser with Apex Leadership
  • Sept. 2: No School, Labor Day
  • Sept. 2-6: Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week
  • Sept. 6: REMIX Event; Happy Track Out, Track 1!
  • Sept. 13: Instructional Assistant Appreciation Day
  • Sept. 16: Spirit Night at Panera, 4-8 PM, Beaver Creek Commons
  • Sept. 26: PTA Snack Cart (sign-up to donate) & IA Luncheon
  • Sept. 27: Happy Track Out, Track 4!
  • Sept. 28: Fall Beautification Day, 8:30 AM -12 PM
  • Sept. 30: Welcome back, Track 1!
  • Oct. 19: Trunk or Treat, 2-4 PM

 

Spirit Night at Panera in Beaver Creek Commons

Our next Spirit Night is Monday, September 16 at Panera in Beaver Creek Commons from 4-8 PM. Please show the image below or use the code FUND4U when checking out online or using the Panera Bread app.

 

 

BIMAS-2 Universal Screener Reminder

Our district uses the Behavior Intervention Monitoring Assessment System-2 (BIMAS-2) research-based screening tool. We believe this will help our students thrive academically by identifying students who may benefit from additional social and emotional support and interventions, much like some students benefit from additional academic support and interventions. If you would like more information about the universal screener, please visit www.wcpss.net/universalscreener. You can also email our school psychologist, Dr. Amy Hawkins at ahawkins@wcpss.net. 

 

Your child’s teacher sent home a BIMAS Opt-Out form during the week of August 19. If you do not want your child screened, please complete and return the BIMAS Opt-Out form to your child's teacher by Friday, September 6. No further action is needed if you allow your child to be included in the universal screening.

 

2024-25 LPES Student Clubs

We have a few new student clubs beginning in September! Members of the Jump Rope Club, open to 2nd-5th graders, will learn how to use a single and double rope. The YMCA Super Skippers group will lead the club. Club members will meet after school, 3:45-4:45 PM, every second Tuesday of the month beginning Tuesday, September 10. Members MUST wear sneakers and bring a water bottle to meetings. They will not be allowed to jump in any other type of footwear. Please fill out this form and a leader from the club will contact you. You may also email laurelparkespta@gmail.com with any questions.  

 

Members of the Mileage Club will enjoy moderate athletic activity weekly before school and celebrate personal goals. The club, open to all grades, will meet weekly on Tuesdays at 8:30 AM on the school playground. The club will meet from September 10-November 19 and members will participate in the culminating event at the Turkey Trot 5K Run at Apex Community Park on Saturday, November 23 (see this page). To participate in the club, email rfweber13@gmail.com for the waiver and information form. Parents are welcome to participate by walking and jogging around the track or helping count the number of laps. 

Please check out the Student Club page on the LPES site. We are grateful to the parents who volunteered to lead these clubs!

 

Academically/Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Information from Ms. Atwell & Ms. Baker

Important links for ALL families:

4th & 5th Grade Fall Nomination and Testing Dates (There is also testing in the Spring.): 

  • Track 1:
    • Make-up CogAT and Iowa testing September 3-6

  • Track 3, 4th and 5th grades AIG Fall nomination deadline is September 3
    • CogAT testing is September 10-12
    • Iowa testing is September 12-13
    • Make-up testing September 16-20

  • Track 4, 4th and 5th grades AIG Fall nomination window is August 19-September 3
    • CogAT testing September 16-18
    • Iowa testing is September 19-20
    • Make-up testing September 23-27
3rd Grade Universal Screening Dates:
  • CogAT Testing (new dates)
    • Tracks 1 & 3 on October 7-9
      • Make-up testing on October 10-11
    • Track 4 on October 23-25 
      • Make-up testing on October 28-30
  • Iowa Testing
    • Track 1 on November 4 and 6 (make-up testing on November 7-8 and 12)
    • Track 4 on November 18-19 (make-up testing on November 20-22 and December 2-4)
    • Track 3 on November 20-21 (make-up testing on November 22 and December 2-6)

  

Laurel Park Character Strengths

Each month, a selected character strength is highlighted in the morning announcements and discussed during your child's Classroom Huddle/morning meeting. In September, we will focus on Creativity -- You use your imagination to create new ideas.

 

Friendly Reminders

  • LPES Family Handbook 
  • Please remind your child to check the lost and found area in the cafeteria. We will donate lost and found items quarterly.
  • Each child needs a labeled set of extra clothes to keep in their backpack or cubby. This is not just for bathroom accidents! The Front Office does not have extra clothes to give to students. 
  • Interested in volunteering at LPES? Register at www.wcpss.net/volunteer
  • Students who arrive at school after 9:15 AM must be signed in by the parent/guardian via the QR code on the front door. Early check-out ends at 3:15 PM

 

 

Laurel Park PTA Information (laurelparkespta.com)

Join the PTA

Laurel Park has an active PTA that serves as our primary parent-teacher organization. Advocating for public schools and sound instruction is the PTA's priority in supporting the school with clubs, coordinating school events, beautification, playground enhancements, teacher planning days, and instructional resources. PTA members will receive a 10% discount on all spirit wear!