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12/22/24

 

Dear Laurel Park Families,

As Winter Break approaches, I encourage everyone to take this time to connect with loved ones, create meaningful memories, and enjoy the spirit of togetherness. Please note that the school will be closed for the holidays and will reopen on Monday, January 6.

 

We are grateful for the support and partnership of our school community and wish you all a joyful and restful holiday.

 

 

Respectfully, 

Charelle Lovett, Principal

 

Upcoming Events / Important Dates (Community Calendar)

  • Dec. 20: Happy track out, Track 4!
  • Dec. 23-Jan. 3: Winter Break, School Closed
  • Jan. 6: Welcome back, Tracks 1 & 3!
  • Jan. 13: Tracks 1 & 3 Quarter 2 Report Cards Go Home
  • Jan. 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, No School
  • Jan. 23: 2025-26 Magnet and Year-Round Applications Due 
  • Jan. 24: Happy track out, Track 3!
  • Jan. 27: Welcome back, Track 4!

 

So Long But Not Goodbye

Mr. Edwards retires after 36 years of teaching over 26,000 students physical education. Students celebrated him on Friday with a clap-out. We also say so long to Ms. Baker, Ms. Foster, and Ms. Karpova who are transitioning to different locations in the new year. Once a Penguin, always a Penguin!

 

A note from Mr. Edwards:

Laurel Park families,
I would like to thank you all for the great privilege to have been your child’s teacher for the past 11 years here at Laurel Park.  As I get ready to start a new chapter in my life I look back on the great memories of my time as a teacher.  It was not always the easiest job, but I know that I am a better person because of the experiences I have had over the past 36 years.  I hope that you all have a great holiday season and a happy and healthy 2025.  I will miss you all very much.  I wish you all the best of luck in accomplishing your dreams and reaching all your goals.  I hope to see you all around town in the coming years.  Please keep me updated on your accomplishments and the great things that are in your future.  Remember that we all need help from other people to reach our potential. Lastly, always remember to do your best and be kind to the people in your life.  
 
Thank you and be kind to each other,
Mark Edwards

 


 

Student Yearbook Art Contest Sponsored by Student Ambassadors

Our K-5 students are invited to submit a design related to "Kindness is Cool" for our 2024-25 yearbook. Students are to create a black/white or color design on 8x11 blank paper. All submissions are due to the Front Office by Friday, February 14. Please contact Lisa Charns (lmcharns@wcpss.net) or Jenna Miller (jcmiller@wcpss.net) with any questions. 

 

Student yearbook art contest

 

Save the Date: 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony Dates/Times Confirmed

We cannot believe our 5th graders will be moving up to middle school in six months. After speaking with Salem and Lufkin Middles, we have set our ceremony dates for Thursday, May 29 (Track 1) and Thursday, June 26 (Tracks 3 & 4) at 11:45 AM. More information will be shared with our 5th-grade families closer to the moving up dates. 

 

 

Looking for STEAM Night Activities & Presenters

Our STEAM Night planning committee is seeking interested families, staff, and businesses to provide activities during our annual STEAM night on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. This fun event highlights and celebrates the areas of science, math, engineering, arts, and mathematics. If you are interested in coming out that night and sharing your knowledge and expertise, please complete the participation form https://bit.ly/lpessteam2025. 

 

Questions about 2025-26 Student Assignment?

All of your questions about enrollment, magnet and year-round applications, and the 2025-26 enrollment plan can be found on WCPSS's website at https://www.wcpss.net/Page/33751. 

 

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

  • Spring AIG nominations for 4th and 5th grade students are now open. Nominations will be considered by the school's Committee for Gifted Education for AIG testing. Families can email me at Stephanie Atwell at satwell@wcpss.net with questions and/or to nominate their child.
     
    The next testing windows are:
          Tracks 1 & 3: January 13-17
          Track 4: February 3-7

Important links for ALL families:

 

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 December, we will focus on Gratitude -- You are thankful and show appreciation.

 

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. 

 

Save the Date!

 

Laurel Park PTA Information (laurelparkespta.com)

Submit Photos to the Penguin Passport

Our students experience new and different places during track outs throughout the year. We would love for students to share their adventures with us! Participation builds community, celebrates diversity, and inspires others! Visit https://www.laurelparkespta.com/penguin-passport.html for more information.

 

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!