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3/2/2025

Dear Laurel Park Families,

We are excited for Laurel Park to participate in WCPSS's First in Fitness event on March 13! This event began in Wake County in 1982 with just eight elementary schools and 300 students competing in six fitness events. Since then, it has grown across the district while maintaining its core mission—encouraging children to exercise and achieve their fitness goals. (Fun fact: I participated in First in Fitness at Millbrook and Durant Elementary Schools, competing in the mile run from 1st through 5th grade!)

 

Coach V worked quickly to identify participants for this year’s event. One female and one male student from 3rd through 5th grade were selected to compete in one of the following events: pull-ups, 100-yard dash, shuttle run, speed rope, long jump, and mile run. Additionally, two 5th-grade students will compete in the triathlon, which includes the shuttle run, pull-ups, and mile run.

 

Congratulations to our student athletes who will represent Laurel Park and compete against students from other schools in our region! We are thrilled to be part of this tradition and look forward to many more years of participation.

 


Congrats to our First in Fitness Team!

 

Respectfully, 

Charelle Lovett, Principal

Follow LPES on Facebook

 

Upcoming Events / Important Dates (Community Calendar)

  • Mar. 3-7: School Social Worker Appreciation Week! Thank you, Ms. Mumford!
  • Mar. 3-14: WCPSS Transfer Request Window
  • Mar. 3: Spring and Class Pictures (no make-up date)
  • Mar. 5: Dancing Drum Cultural Arts Event
  • Mar. 7: 25-26 Track Change Request Form Due; Happy Track Out, Track 1!
  • Mar. 10-12: 2nd-grade Tracks 3 & 4 CogAT Testing
  • Mar. 11: Schoolwide Tornado Drill
  • Mar. 13: First in Fitness @ Southeast Raleigh HS
  • Mar. 26: Curriculum Night, 6-7:15 PM (RSVP)
  • Mar. 27: PTA Snack Cart
  • Mar. 28: Happy Track Out, Track 4!
  • Mar. 31: Welcome back, Track 1!

  

 

 

Thank you for a fantastic STEAM Night!

STEAM Night on February 27 was a huge success, thanks to the incredible efforts of so many! We extend our gratitude to the school's specialist team, the PTA book fair committee (Katie Davlantis, Cassie O'Neal, Joanna Strang), and the PTA STEAM Night coordinators (Beckie Cheung and Amanda Klenk) for their hard work. A special thank you to the numerous vendors and organizations who made the night engaging and educational. Your participation and support made this an unforgettable event for our students. Thank you for inspiring curiosity and creativity!

 

 

Dancing Drum Assemblies on March 5

The LPES PTA is excited to welcome back percussionist Steve Campbell with Dancing Drum on March 5! During the assemblies, students will take turns playing two types of African drums, shakers, and blocks as they work together to showcase the fascinating musical traditions of the world. This year’s assembly is called “Percussion, Parades, and the Steel Pan!” and will focus on the music of the Caribbean. For more information, check out https://unitedarts.org/artist-directory/dancing-drum-interactive-performance-assembly/. This program is funded by the LPES PTA. Thank you to families who have supported the PTA through fundraising efforts to make this and other cultural arts programs possible!

 

Eagle Scout Project Added New Benches to Playground

We want to recognize current high schooler and Laurel Park ES alum, Nathan Shepherd, for his Eagle Scout service project, in which he added two benches under one of our shade structures. His contribution provides a lasting benefit to our school community—thank you, Nathan!

 

 

Let Us Know You Are Coming to Curriculum Night on March 26 or April 9

We are excited about hosting a Curriculum Night on Wednesday, March 26 (Tracks 3 & 4) and Wednesday, April 9 (Track 1). There will be two 30-minute sessions, and families can choose from four sessions: addition/subtraction strategies, multiplication/division strategies, phonics/decoding, and reading comprehension. We are prepping materials and need to have a rough estimate of numbers. Please RSVP for the event here.

 

 

Important AIG Links for ALL families

Questions? Contact our AIG teacher, Stephanie Atwell at satwell@wcpss.net.

 

Single Subject Acceleration Test Request Window Information

Single Subject Acceleration (SSA) is an acceleration opportunity provided for enrolled WCPSS students. K-8th grade students who meet specific criteria in Mathematics or English Language Arts have the opportunity to accelerate in one subject area. Only students who are currently enrolled and attending a WCPSS school during the open nomination and testing window are eligible to be considered for SSA. 

SSA Test Request Windows:

  • Track 1: February 17-March 7
  • Tracks 3 & 4: March 17-28

Helpful Resources:

 

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 February, we will focus on Perseverance -- You continue to work towards something despite difficulty.

 

Friendly Family Reminders

  • LPES Family Handbook 
  • Smartwatches and Cell Phones: The only electronic device students should bring to school is the district-issued Chromebook. Personal technology (e.g., smartwatches, cell phones) should be turned off during school hours. Parents can call the front office to relay a message to their child.
  • Grades 3-5 Chromebooks: Students are expected to bring their charged Chromebooks to school daily. These are not only used for classwork but for district and statewide testing that occurs throughout the school year.
  • Extra Clothing: We ask all students to have an extra set of clothes at school in case something happens. (We have limited clothes and undergarments in the office.) Please check to ensure the set at school is weather-appropriate and still fits.
  • Lost and Found: Please remind your child to check the lost and found area in the cafeteria. We will donate lost and found items quarterly.
  • Volunteering: Register at www.wcpss.net/volunteer
  • Arriving Late / Leaving Early: 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. 

 

Upcoming spring events

 

 

Laurel Park PTA Information (laurelparkespta.com)

PTA Seeking to Fill Board Positions for the 2025-26 School Year

The LPES PTA is looking to fill several key board positions for the 2025-26 school year, and we’d love your help! Joining the PTA board is a great way to make a meaningful impact on our school community, contribute to the success of our events, and support the growth of our students. We’re seeking parents and guardians who are passionate about our school and eager to make a difference. Most positions don’t require prior experience, and we offer support and guidance throughout your term. If you're interested or have any questions, please reach out to us at lpesptapresident@gmail.com. We’d be happy to share more details about each position!

Positions Available (Complete Interest Form):

  • President
  • Vice President of Programs
  • Vice President of Fundraising
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer

 

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!