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9/15/24

 

Dear Laurel Park Families,

 

Last week, the North Carolina Department of Instruction released the school achievement and growth scores for the 2023-24 school year. I could not be prouder of our students, who diligently apply themselves throughout the year and embrace a growth mindset. Our LPES teachers are truly exceptional, constantly finding innovative ways to help students meet or surpass grade-level expectations. We celebrate all of our successes, and we could not be happier with our overall progress!

 

2023-24 Laurel Park Performance Grade: B

  • Achievement Score: 80.6% (we increased by 9.2%!)
  • Growth Score: 89.9% (we exceeded expected growth!)
  • Performance Score: 82
  • LPES Progress Report

 

How School Performance Grades are calculated: The A-F School Performance Grades are calculated by combining the percentage of students earning a score of at least grade-level proficiency with growth. Growth is measured by a statistical model that compares each student’s predicted test score, based on past performance, against his or her actual result. Test scores are weighted at 80% of the performance grade, while growth only accounts for 20%. (NCDPI)

 

As the 1st quarter comes to a close for all of our students, classroom teachers will begin to schedule conferences (phone, virtual, or in-person) with families to discuss their child's academic progress this school year and possible next steps. I ask that teachers meet with families at least twice a year as we continue to work in partnership to grow our students academically, socially, and behaviorally. 

 

Respectfully, 

Charelle Lovett, Principal

 

Upcoming Events / Important Dates (Community Calendar)

  • Sept. 16: Spirit Night at Panera Bread, 4-8 PM, Beaver Creek Commons
  • Sept. 26: PTA Snack Cart (sign-up to donate) & IA Appreciation 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. 2: Custodian Appreciation Day!
  • Oct. 7-9: Tracks 1 & 3 CogAT Testing
  • Oct. 9: Walk, Bike, or Roll to School 
  • Oct. 14-18: National School Lunch Week
  • Oct. 14: WCPSS Year-round application opens for the 2025-26 school year
  • Oct. 16: Unity Day -- Wear Orange
  • Oct. 19: Trunk or Treat, 2-4 PM
  • Oct. 23-25: Track 4 CogAT Testing

 

School Safety Information

Each time a tragedy occurs in schools, we are reminded of the importance of school safety. You put your trust in us daily when you send your child to Laurel Park, and we take that responsibility seriously. Wake County has taken proactive steps to support and enhance safety measures by authorizing an independent security assessment of every school. This work has been ongoing for several years. Some of this work is seen, such as our visitor management system that many of you interacted with at our REMIX event on September 6. Some of this work is unseen, such as security infrastructure and technology improvements. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our staff and students. Please know that we are committed to continuous improvement of school safety.

 

Read more about school safety on the WCPSS School Safety Site, which includes information on the importance of gun-safe storage in the home. 

 

Spotlight on 2nd-grade Music from Dr. Thompson

In the first quarter of the year, the second graders are learning how to play different instruments together and keep the beat as a group. So far, they have played hand drums, triangles, wood blocks, and rhythm sticks and are learning about the different types of metallophones and xylophones. Additionally, they are learning about musical rhythm and use popsicle sticks to create their own rhythms to clap and play on instruments. Lastly, we begin every class by singing and learning the solfege hand signals and syllables for do, re, mi, and la. Ask them about their favorite song of the year so far, "Lemonade!"
 
 

Spirit Night at Panera in Beaver Creek Commons

Our next Spirit Night is Monday, September 16 at Panera Bread 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.

 

 

Thank you!

Thank you for your generous donations over the past two weeks as the PTA partnered with Apex Leadership for our annual fundraiser. Funds raised will go directly towards cultural arts programs, school-based events, teacher professional learning and resources, and school upkeep. See our fact sheet below. 

 

 

Local Author, Scott Reintgen, to Speak to our 4th & 5th Grade Students on Sept. 24

Author Scott Reintgen's newest book, Last Dragon on Mars, releases on October 1st. He will be on campus on September 24th to speak to our 4th and 5th graders about the book and the writing process, and to answer their questions. To pre-order Last Dragon on Mars, complete the order form. Personalized books will arrive on Oct. 2 or 3. 

 

2025-26 Proposed School Enrollment Plan Open House

The initial school enrollment draft was shared with the School Board during a work session on September 3. Quickly after, Student Assignment launched the 2025-2026 Enrollment Proposal site to assist families and community members with understanding how the plan may impact their area and/or students. The proposal expands Laurel Park's base.
 
On September 24 from 6-8 PM, Student Assignment will hold an Open House at Herbert Akins Road MS for all families in WCPSS, but specifically those directly impacted by the opening of Bowling Road ES, Pleasant Plains ES, Rex Road ES, and Felton Grove HS. This is an opportunity for families to talk directly with district staff about their questions and concerns related to transitioning to an existing or new school.
 
 

Fall Beautification Day is September 28 at 8:30 AM

Bring your gloves and a shovel to spruce up the front of our school building on Saturday, September 28, from 8:30 AM to 12 PM. Sign up here

 

 

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

Important links for ALL families:

 

Trunk or Treat is on October 19

Trunk or Treat promotes a safe environment for neighborhood children and families to trick or treat. Kids can dress up in costume and trick or treat from trunk to trunk in the school's parking lot. There will be games, activities, and a pumpkin decorating contest—more information to come about volunteering, donating candy, or decorating a trunk. 

 

 

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)

Advocacy Chair Needed

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) began as a group of mothers who did not have the right to vote but found ways to advocate for children (i.e., child labor laws). Since the early 1900s, the PTA has worked to continue to advocate for children, provide families with relevant resources, and advocate for public education. The LPES PTA board is currently seeking someone to serve as the Advocacy Chair. This person will schedule parent sessions based on school needs (e.g., school safety, technology safety), attend Board Advisory Council meetings, and much more. Contact lpesptapresident@gmail.com if interested in serving in this position. 

 

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!

 

Track Out Camp Info (not WCPSS-sponsored)

The Learning Experience Learning Center, across from Publix in Apex, is now offering track out camps. Contact them directly at 919-303-7475 if interested.