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3/16/25

Dear Laurel Park Families,

We are excited about our first Curriculum Night since 2020 on Wednesday, March 26 and Wednesday, April 9 from 6-7:15 PM! Families can attend two 30-minute sessions selecting from the following options: addition/subtraction strategies, multiplication/division strategies, phonics/decoding, and reading comprehension. We are finalizing materials and need to have a rough estimate of numbers. Please RSVP for the event here.

 

CSX Transportation will complete track maintenance within Cary from March 17-28, weather permitting. This work will require temporary street closures of several at-grade railroad crossings in our area, including the crossing at Laura Duncan Road, Apex Road, which has a tentative closure start date of March 17. Each closure is expected to last 2-5 days. These dates and durations are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions. During these closures, no vehicle or pedestrian traffic will be allowed to cross the tracks. Motorists should follow posted detour routes and anticipate possible traffic delays. A detour map is provided below for your reference. CSX Transportation appreciates your patience and understanding as they work to maintain and improve the railroad infrastructure in our community. 

 

 

Respectfully, 

Charelle Lovett, Principal

Follow LPES on Facebook

 

Upcoming Events / Important Dates (Community Calendar)

  • Mar. 26: Curriculum Night, 6-7:15 PM (RSVP)
  • Mar. 27: PTA Snack Cart; Kinder Track 4 Letteland Parade @ 1:30 PM
  • Mar. 28: Happy Track Out, Track 4!
  • Mar. 29: Spirit Night at Rock Solid Warrior South Apex, 6-8 PM
  • Mar. 31: Welcome back, Track 1!
  • April is Occupational Therapist Appreciation Month! (Thank you, Ms. Muller!)
  • April 4: School Library Media Coordinator Day! (Thank you, Ms. Shortley!)
  • April 3-4: 2nd-grade Track 1 IOWA Testing
  • April 5: Tracks 1 & 3 Saturday School, 9:15 AM - 12:45 PM
  • April 9: Curriculum Night, 6-7:15 PM (RSVP)
  • April 7-11: National Assistant Principal Appreciation Week! (Thank you, Mr. Barabasz!)
  • April 11: Kinder Tracks 1 & 3 Letterland Parade @ 1:30 PM
  • April 17: Spring movie night @ 6 PM; Happy track out, Track 3!
  • April 18: Holiday / No School
  • April 21-25: Happy Administrative Assistants Appreciation Week! (Thank you, Ms. Franklin, Ms. Lorenzen, & Ms. Murray!)
  • April 21: ONLY Track 1 on Campus
  • April 22: Welcome back, Track 4!
  • April 23-24: 2nd-grade Track 4 IOWA Testing
  • April 26: Spring campus beautification, 8:30 AM - 12 PM

 

 

Join us at our next Family Spirit Night!

Come out to Rock Solid Warrior South Apex on Saturday, March 29, from 6-8 PM!

A Note from Nurse Heide

Spring is upon us, so you know what that means. That’s right, health plan updates and renewals! As your school nurse, I will be reaching out over the coming weeks to touch base about your student’s health plans and whether any changes need to be made for the 25-26 school year. I am required to speak to a parent or guardian to reassess your student’s health care needs before I can renew any health plans. I do understand that it can be hard to take a phone call while at work. If this is the case, please return my call and leave a message letting me know how best to reach you.

 

If you have a student that has medications at school, a new 1702 form will be required when the new school year begins. Your doctor may complete the 1702 Form anytime after April 1, 2025, and it will be valid for the 25-26 school year. For your convenience, I have included the link for the 1702 form: https://www.wcpss.net/cms/lib/NC01911451/Centricity/Domain/5175/1702_parent_request_and_physicians_order.pdf

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can be reached at 919-524-1894 or hcassimatis@wcpss.net

 

Here’s to a happy and healthy spring!

Heide Cassimatis, BSN, RN, NCSN

 

First in Fitness Fun!

Thirty-five 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students participated in First in Fitness on Thursday, March 13. Students competed against 23 other schools in Southern Wake County in their selected event, and did a phenomenal job keeping their composure and representing Laurel Park. We had students place in pull-ups, speed rope, shuttle run, and triathlon. Thank you, Coach V, for making it a reality to have LPES participate in the program. We are excited to participate in the annual fitness competition next year!

 

 

Mileage Club is Back for the Spring!

After taking a running break during the winter months, Mileage Club will return on Tuesday, April 1st. The club meets weekly on Tuesdays at 8:30 AM at the school's track between the playgrounds. Please complete the interest form. Parents are welcome to join!

 

 

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:

  • 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 March, 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

 

 

Attend the WCPSS Family & Community Engagement Summit 

Join us for the Family and Community Engagement Summit on Saturday, April 26, from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM at The Summit at Capital Hills. The summit will feature a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and more. All staff, families, and community members are invited to attend. Registrants for the Summit are invited to attend the Kick-Off event at Marbles Kids Museum on April 25 from 6-8 PM.

 

 

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!