Classroom Wish List
dry erase markers
black pens
Clorox wipes
magic erasers
binder clips (any size)
sticky notes
black sharpies
Kleenex
SSA nominations are due for Track 1 4/25/18
Testing window is 4/12-4/25
SSA nominations are due for Track 2 4/20/18
Testing window is 4/9-4/20
SSA testing nominations for Tracks 3 and 4 is May 17th.
Testing window is 5/25-6/1
All Spring 4th and 5th grade AIG Nominations due December 21st
(Tracks 1,2,3 & 4)
4th and 5th grade CogAt/Iowa Assessment Windows
Jan. 8- Jan. 19 Track 1 Testing Window
Jan. 8- Jan. 19 Track 2 Testing Window
Jan. 8- Jan. 19 Track 3 Testing Window
Jan. 22- Feb. 2 Track 4 Testing Window
4th and 5th grade AIG Nominations Due:
Track 1: August 15th
Track 2& 4 : September 1st
Track 3: September 12th
4th and 5th grade CogAT & Iowa Testing Dates
Track 1: Aug. 21- Aug. 25
Track 2&4: Sept. 11- Sept. 15
Track 3: Sept. 18- Sept. 22
email nominations to: [email protected]
Dear Laurel Park Families,
On Monday, May 1st the Technology Services Department of the Wake County Public School System will conduct major upgrades to our internet servers. These upgrades are intended to help improve the speed and reliability of our internet connection as well as to enhance our data storage capabilities. However, the planned upgrades will also have the unfortunate consequence of rendering most of our student desktop and laptop computers useless.
Many of these machines are approaching ten years old and run on the Windows XP operating system, which is no longer supported by Microsoft or WCPSS. The recession of 2007-2008 and subsequent state and local budget cuts have brought about an end to Wake County’s Technology Refresh program and, as a result, schools are now left to replace old technology with instructional supply funds or through fundraising efforts
After conducting a school-wide inventory, we are anticipating the loss of approximately 200 devices from our classrooms and media center. Our staff have been notified of these changes and are proactively working to ensure that all students are offered the same high quality, rigorous instruction that typifies Laurel Park Elementary. Please know that we are currently exploring several possible plans for replacing computers in our classrooms and hope to have a solution in place by the beginning of the next school year. Until then, if you have questions please feel free to reach out to either myself or Mr. Nixon.
Sincerely,
Raleigh Bame
Principal
Laurel Park Elementary
2450 Laura Duncan Road
Apex, NC 27523
phone: 919.290.2333
fax: 919.290-2334
SSA Information on link below:
http://wakeacceleration.weebly.com/
November Penguin Press: https://www.smore.com/wjpb8
Laurel Park Elementary School Yearbook Link
<http://cl.exct.net/?qs=2a1b99414649bb30811a41f3cd168e727d77b836127841523f881f0648ef7062e81b26e2f5149b7a>
All Spring 4th and 5th grade AIG Nominations due December 21, 2016
(Tracks 1,2,3 & 4)
4th and 5th grade CogAt/Iowa Assessment Windows
Jan. 9- Jan. 24 Track 1 Testing Window
Jan. 9- Jan. 24 Track 2 Testing Window
Jan. 9- Jan. 24 Track 3 Testing Window
Jan. 23- Feb. 3 Track 4 Testing Window
email: [email protected] with nominations
Yearbook is cancelled October 31st.
4th and 5th grade CogAt/Iowa Fall Nomination Due Dates
Track 1 August 15th
Tracks 3 and 4 September 6th
Track 2 September 12th
4th and 5th grade CogAt/Iowa Testing Windows
Track 1 August 22- September 2
Tracks 3 and 4 September 12th- September 23rd
Track 2 September 19th- September 30th
SSA Information Session:
Session #1: Western Wednesday, 2/17/2016 Reedy Creek Middle School
Session #2: Central Thursday, 2/18/2016 Martin Middle School
Session #3: Southwestern Tuesday, 2/23/2016 West Lake Middle School
Session #4: Northeastern Wednesday, 2/24/2016 East Millbrook Middle School
Session #5: Southern Tuesday, 3/1/2016 North Garner Middle School
Session #6: Northern Tuesday, 3/8/2016 Carroll Middle School
Session #7: Eastern Wednesday, 3/9/2016 Wendell Middle School
*All Parent Information Sessions will be held in the school’s auditorium from 6PM-7PM.
Thank you for all the donations. Our Donors Choose Project was Funded!!!
Hi Parents and Friends,
I would like to make sure my students have the materials they need to succeed, so I just created a DonorsChoose.org classroom request.
New Technology for our Critical Thinking Lab
Give to my classroom by February 7, 2016 and your donation will be doubled thanks to DonorsChoose.org. Just enter the code LIFTOFF during checkout and you'll be matched dollar for dollar (up to $100).
Also Duke Energy has chosen to fund half of my grant!!! (read details below)
-projects that qualify for this 50% match offer will appear on the site as half-off with the foundation or corporate logo on the project page. However, funding is only applied to projects if citizens fund the other 50% before the grant runs out or before the project expires.
In return, you'll get awesome photos of your gift in action and our heartfelt thanks.
Thank you so much,
Jamie
P.S. If you know anyone who may want to help my students, please pass this along!
Laurel Park E-Blast… The Penguin Press
January 29, 2016
Follow us on Twitter @LaurelParkElem; “Like” our PTA on Facebook: Laurel Park Elementary School PTA
Dates to Remember!
Jan. 30- Make Up Day- Tracks 1, 2, & 4- 8:45-12:45
Feb. 5- School Spirit Day: Wear School Colors!
Feb. 6- Jelly Beans School Skate, 5:15-7PM- $6.00
Feb. 8-12- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Feb. 11- General Body PTA Meeting, 6:30PM
Feb. 12- Early Release Day, 1:15PM Dismissal
Mar. 4- Boosterthon Fun Run, Track 1
Mar. 4- Early Release Day, 1:15PM Dismissal
Mar. 9- Author Visit for Grades 3, 4, & 5
Mar. 11- Boosterthon Fun Run, Tracks 2, 3, & 4
Mar. 17- Spring Pictures & Class Pictures, Tracks 3 & 4
Mar. 18- Early Release Day, 1:15 PM Dismissal
Mar. 23- Spring Raleigh Night @ Carnage Middle
Apr. 2- Make Up Day- Tracks 1, 2, & 3- 8:45-12:45
Welcome Mr. Charles Langley, Interim Principal:
As the search for our next leader continues, Mr. Langley, a retired principal, who has many years of experience leading elementary schools for the Wake County Public School System, is excited to step in and support Laurel Park students, families, and teachers. His goal is to make sure that all the things that students, parents, and teachers enjoy about LPES continue. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Langley!
School Spirit Day- February 5:
Show your school spirit by wearing school colors on Friday, February 5th!
PTA: Jelly Beans School Skate- February 6:
Join us for a fun school skate just for Laurel Park students, staff, and families on Saturday, February 6th from 5:15-7PM. Event cost is $6.00.
WCPSS Spotlight on Students: Grace T.
Grace T. was recognized as our Spotlight on Students award recipient at last week’s ceremony. Grace has demonstrated several of the qualities on the criteria list as she has been working to perform "America" on the recorder for the 4th grade North Carolina Symphony education concert field trip. This is an opportunity I extended to students and is a voluntary pursuit. Grace decided to take on the challenge of learning to play "America," along with learning new notes on the recorder. She would ask me for help outside of class as she arrived at school in the mornings and we would arrange times such as in the afternoons before dismissal for her to have some guided practice. She has been self-motivated and diligent in practicing the music at home and is working to have the piece memorized for the education concert- even planning to practice on the road to National Parks in Arizona and Utah during her current track out. When I asked Grace if she would be okay playing on her own since she was the only student in her class working on the piece, she said "sure!" Her confidence, hard work, flexibility, and determination is admirable! I am very proud of Grace and the wonderful qualities she's demonstrating in her music studies.
Bus Driver Appreciation Week: February 8-12:
Parents of Penguin Bus Riders:
Please join us in celebrating your child's bus driver during the week of February 8th - 12th.
Our bus drivers work hard to keep students safe while transporting them to and from school each day. Please, take a moment to show your child's bus driver how much you appreciate her hard work and diligence.
*Track 3 families are encouraged to recognize their children’s bus drivers during the week of February 22.
Printable Cards: English - Spanish
Information for Prospective Families:
We are gearing up to welcome prospective families for the 2016-17 school year into our building. Self-Guided tours are available on Thursday afternoons between 4:15 and 4:45PM. Simply register in the front office upon arrival. A Guided Tour is available on February 8 at 1:45.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2016-2017 school year has begun:
We are excited about your child attending Laurel Park!
Below is the information that parents will need for registration:
1. Proof of residence (current water, gas, or electric bill that is no more than 60 days old, newly signed lease or settlement statement).
2. Certified copy of your child's birth certificate. You can obtain an official birth certificate from the county or state health department where the child was born. Copies will not be accepted.
3. Immunization records
4. Any custody documents specific to your child
5. Photo ID of parent or guardian
By state law, children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before August 31 of that school year. Children do not need to be present for registration. In fact, it is preferable for parents to register without your children present, if at all possible.
For additional information visit the WCPSS Kindergarten Registration website, www.wcpss.net/kindergarten
Inclement Weather Notifications:
Parents: For information about inclement weather decisions and to sign-up for email alerts visit: http://ow.ly/GX8Hi.
Volunteer Opportunities:
-A hearty thank you to our current Media volunteers for checking in, checking out, assisting students and shelving. We are interested in fleshing out the schedule so each day of the week is covered. Media Center help needed on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Interested parents, please contact Mrs. Woodard at [email protected] or sign up atwww.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4caaad2ba20-magnificent.
-To prepare for our book giveaway to support Laurel Park students, please donate gently-used books to the Book Donation Box right outside Media Center.
-Our Copy Crew is still in need of paper to use when making copies for teachers. Are you able to donate a ream of paper? If so, please drop your donation off in the large box near the entrance to our media center. Thank you!
Author Visit for Students in Grades 3, 4, & 5- Deborah Wiles- March 9:
Deborah Wiles is from Alabama and Georgia. She has written two picture books, Freedom Summer and One Wide Sky. Her five novels are Love, Ruby Lavender,Each Little Book That Sings, and The Aurora County All-Stars, Countdown, and Revolution. Countdown takes place in 1962 outside Washington, DC during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Revolution takes place in Mississippi in 1964 during Freedom Summer, a voter registration event to expand black voting in the South.
Support the Laurel Park Friendship/Social Committee for Staff:
Will you or your business help the Friendship Committee reward the efforts of our AMAZING LP teachers throughout this year by donating goods or services? Perks as simple as fun-size candy bars, a cup of coffee, or other healthy treats go a long way with our staff! If you are interested in supporting this effort, be sure to mark your donation for the Friendship Committee/Suzanne Zaccardo. Thank you for your consideration!
Volunteer Registration:
Any new volunteer applicants for the 2015-2016 school year must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work. The volunteer system is now open daily during school hours (8:45AM to 3:30PM) and is accessible through our media center or any WCPSS school. Volunteer clearance can take anywhere from 3 days to two weeks to be granted, so register well in advance of any activity to wish to support.
Birthday Wishes: All In Good Health
We all love celebrating kids' birthdays - there's no doubt about that. But a school birthday celebration doesn't need to involve cupcakes or other unhealthy foods.
Many families have multiple birthday parties as they celebrate on their own on the actual birthday, with extended family and with their children's friends. Additionally, many students in any given class have birthdays in the same week and sometimes on the same day! That's a lot of cake, cupcakes and ice cream. Plus, many children have food allergies and other health conditions that can cause them to feel left out of such celebrations. So perhaps the school birthday celebration, if there is to be one at all, should focus on the birthday girl or boy, rather than food. Here are a few fun ideas to celebrate birthdays in the classroom:
1. Join the Celebration Book Club! This program allows families to donate a book to our school's library in celebration of their children's birthdays.
2. Donate items to add to your child's classroom recess bag. Supplies for indoor or outdoor recess would be appreciated by your child's classmates.
3. Contact your child's teacher to learn about other acceptable ways to celebrate in her classroom. Thank you for your support and understanding! We always ask that parents contact their child's teacher before bringing food to school.
YMCA Arrival and Dismissal
This is a reminder that the YMCA is intended to be a before and after-school care program. Since the YMCA utilizes the bus loop for “Rides In and Out” it is important that all YMCA parents cooperate with staff requests in order to ensure student safety during arrival and dismissal. Arrival and dismissal procedures tend to take a little longer during the first few weeks of school. However, once we get into the swing of things, the bus loop should typically be clear by 4:15 in the afternoons. We ask that YMCA parents who must pick a child up around 4:00 send in a note changing their child’s transportation to carpool. Similarly, parents who arrive after the carpool line begins to build and buses begin to arrive should utilize carpool. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Connect with us:
· Remind your neighbors and friends to sign up for the Penguin Press: http://www.laurelparkes.com/?a=subform
· Follow us on Twitter @laurelparkelem
· “Like” our PTA on Facebook: Laurel Park Elementary School PTA
Laurel Park E-Blast… The Penguin Press
January 8, 2016
Follow us on Twitter @LaurelParkElem; “Like” our PTA on Facebook: Laurel Park Elementary School PTA
Dates to Remember!
Jan. 7- Kindergarten Registration Begins
Jan. 8- Report Card Day—Tracks 1, 2, & 3
Jan. 12- School-Wide Spelling Bee, 6PM
Jan. 14- Open House for Prospective Families, 6PM
Jan. 15- Early Release Day, 1:15PM
Jan. 16- PTA Painting in School, 9 AM – 12 PM
Jan. 18- Holiday; No School
Feb. 5- School Spirit Day: Wear School Colors!
Feb. 6- Jelly Beans School Skate, 5:15-7PM- $6.00
Feb. 11- General Body PTA Meeting, 6:30PM
Feb. 12- Early Release Day, 1:15PM Dismissal
Mar. 4- Boosterthon Fun Run, Track 1
Mar. 4- Early Release Day, 1:15PM Dismissal
Mar. 9- Author Visit for Grades 3, 4, & 5
Mar. 11- Boosterthon Fun Run, Tracks 2, 3, & 4
Mar. 17- Spring Pictures & Class Pictures, Tracks 3 & 4
Mar. 18- Early Release Day, 1:15 PM Dismissal
Mar. 23- Spring Raleigh Night @ Carnage Middle
Congratulations to Mr. Batten:
For the second year in a row, Mr. Batten was voted “Best Elementary School Principal” via Cary Magazine’s Maggy Awards!
Inclement Weather Notifications:
Parents: For information about inclement weather decisions and to sign-up for email alerts visit: http://ow.ly/GX8Hi.
Wellness Challenge:
During the month of January the School Wellness Committee has challenged each classroom to keep track of the total minutes that they are active each day. We encourage families to get involved to promote physical activity and healthy habits among students as well. All physical activity counts! A calendar with wellness ideas for students to consider will come home in students’ Monday folders.
Volunteer Opportunities:
-A hearty thank you to our current Media volunteers for checking in, checking out, assisting students and shelving. We are interested in fleshing out the schedule so each day of the week is covered. Media Center help needed on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Interested parents, please contact Mrs. Woodard at [email protected] or sign up atwww.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4caaad2ba20-magnificent.
-To prepare for our book giveaway to support Laurel Park students, please donate gently-used books to the Book Donation Box right outside Media Center.
-Our Copy Crew has run out of paper to use when making copies for teachers. Are you able to donate a ream of paper? If so, please drop your donation off in the large box near the entrance to our media center. Thank you!
Please Join the PTA and Our Sponsors as We Refresh The Hallways!
Next Saturday, January 16th
9:00 am to 12:00 pm (Free Lunch to Follow)
Childcare Provided for Painting Families
See our LPES PTA Facebook Page or click here to Sign Up.
(http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044ca4af29a3fa7-beautification1)
Track Change Requests for the 2016-17 School Year:
Track Change Request Forms are now available on our school website. Completed Track Change Request Forms are due January 15, 2016. Only one form per family is required.
School Spirit Day:
Show your school spirit by wearing school colors on Friday, February 5th!
PTA: Jelly Beans School Skate!
Join us for a fun school skate just for Laurel Park students, staff, and families on Saturday, February 6th from 5:15-7PM. Event cost is $6.00.
Author Visit for Students in Grades 3, 4, & 5- Deborah Wiles:
Deborah Wiles is from Alabama and Georgia. She has written two picture books, Freedom Summer and One Wide Sky. Her five novels are Love, Ruby Lavender, Each Little Book That Sings, and The Aurora County All-Stars,Countdown, and Revolution. Countdown takes place in 1962 outside Washington, DC during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Revolution takes place in Mississippi in 1964 during Freedom Summer, a voter registration event to expand black voting in the South.
Information for Prospective Families:
We are gearing up to welcome prospective families for the 2016-17 school year into our building. Self-Guided tours are available on Thursday afternoons between 4:15 and 4:45PM. Simply register in the front office upon arrival. Guided Tours are available on January 22 and February 8 at 1:45. An Open House for Prospective Families is scheduled for January 14 at 6PM.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2016-2017 school year begins on January 7:
We are excited about your child attending Laurel Park!
Below is the information that parents will need for registration:
1. Proof of residence (current water, gas, or electric bill that is no more than 60 days old, newly signed lease or settlement statement).
2. Certified copy of your child's birth certificate. You can obtain an official birth certificate from the county or state health department where the child was born. Copies will not be accepted.
3. Immunization records
4. Any custody documents specific to your child
5. Photo ID of parent or guardian
By state law, children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before August 31 of that school year. Children do not need to be present for registration. In fact, it is preferable for parents to register without your children present, if at all possible.
For additional information visit the WCPSS Kindergarten Registration website, www.wcpss.net/kindergarten
New Bus Boarding Procedures:
Beginning January 1, 2016, the WCPSS Transportation Department will implement the use of hand signals by bus drivers to signal students when it is safe to cross the street/board the bus.
The hand signals are simple:
1.Open palm: stay at bus stop
2.Thumbs up: motorists stopped, prepare to cross
3.Point: cross the street to the bus
*Students should not cross the street until given the okay signal by the driver.
-We’ve shared these training videos with students at school. Consider reviewing them again at home.
(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh0NMiBxz7S16UzOekKJPsBB3Lgbkcv4n)
-Here is a related handout. (http://www.ncbussafety.org/safetylessons/DriverCard_CrossingProcedures.pdf)
-More information can be found at http://www.wcpss.net/Page/175.
Donor’s Choose Grants:
Thank you for continuing to support and spreading the word about our teacher's Donor’s Choose grants! (http://tinyurl.com/pdr9tld) Their impact on learning and student engagement in our classrooms is HUGE!!
Currently, Ms. Alford has a project posted!
Thank you again for your support of these projects! If you choose to donate toward a grant, please enter promo code SPARK, INSPIRE, DISNEYCREATIVITY or JUMPSTART at checkout and your donation may be doubled! Thank you!
Support the Laurel Park Friendship/Social Committee for Staff:
Will you or your business help the Friendship Committee reward the efforts of our AMAZING LP teachers throughout this year by donating goods or services? Perks as simple as fun-size candy bars, a cup of coffee, or other healthy treats go a long way with our staff! If you are interested in supporting this effort, be sure to mark your donation for the Friendship Committee/Suzanne Zaccardo. Thank you for your consideration!
Volunteer Registration:
Any new volunteer applicants for the 2015-2016 school year must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work. The volunteer system is now open daily during school hours (8:45AM to 3:30PM) and is accessible through our media center or any WCPSS school. Volunteer clearance can take anywhere from 3 days to two weeks to be granted, so register well in advance of any activity to wish to support.
Birthday Wishes: All In Good Health
We all love celebrating kids' birthdays - there's no doubt about that. But a school birthday celebration doesn't need to involve cupcakes or other unhealthy foods.
Many families have multiple birthday parties as they celebrate on their own on the actual birthday, with extended family and with their children's friends. Additionally, many students in any given class have birthdays in the same week and sometimes on the same day! That's a lot of cake, cupcakes and ice cream. Plus, many children have food allergies and other health conditions that can cause them to feel left out of such celebrations. So perhaps the school birthday celebration, if there is to be one at all, should focus on the birthday girl or boy, rather than food. Here are a few fun ideas to celebrate birthdays in the classroom:
1. Join the Celebration Book Club! This program allows families to donate a book to our school's library in celebration of their children's birthdays.
2. Donate items to add to your child's classroom recess bag. Supplies for indoor or outdoor recess would be appreciated by your child's classmates.
3. Contact your child's teacher to learn about other acceptable ways to celebrate in her classroom. Thank you for your support and understanding! We always ask that parents contact their child's teacher before bringing food to school.
YMCA Arrival and Dismissal
This is a reminder that the YMCA is intended to be a before and after-school care program. Since the YMCA utilizes the bus loop for “Rides In and Out” it is important that all YMCA parents cooperate with staff requests in order to ensure student safety during arrival and dismissal. Arrival and dismissal procedures tend to take a little longer during the first few weeks of school. However, once we get into the swing of things, the bus loop should typically be clear by 4:15 in the afternoons. We ask that YMCA parents who must pick a child up around 4:00 send in a note changing their child’s transportation to carpool. Similarly, parents who arrive after the carpool line begins to build and buses begin to arrive should utilize carpool. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Connect with us:
· Remind your neighbors and friends to sign up for the Penguin Press: http://www.laurelparkes.com/?a=subform
· Follow us on Twitter @laurelparkelem
· “Like” our PTA on Facebook: Laurel Park Elementary School PTA
The LPES PTA Monster Book Fair is coming November 3rd - 17th!
Check out the flyer for more information!
2015LPESBookFairFlyer (1)
We need volunteers! Sign up here!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0945aea8238-2015
AIG Testing Windows and Nomination Information
4th and 5th grade students who show above average ability or achievement in Language Arts or Math but are not yet identified in that area may be nominated for the AIG program at any time during the year. Our School Based Committee will make referral decisions based on current data and student’s work samples. You will be notified of our decision. Those that are referred will be tested in the next available testing window. Testing windows occur in the fall and spring semesters of each school year.
Testing for the fall nomination window will occur for Track 1 the week of August 24, 2015 and Tracks 2, 3, and 4 testing will occur the week of September 14, 2015. Please remember that students cannot be nominated in the fall semester if they were referred and tested this past spring semester. If you would like to nominate your 4th or 5th grade child for the AIG program, please contact Ms. Maye via email ([email protected]) or by sending her a note before August 14, 2015 for Track 1 and before September 4, 2015 for Tracks 2, 3 and 4.
Information on spring testing will be sent out third quarter.
dry erase markers
black pens
Clorox wipes
magic erasers
binder clips (any size)
sticky notes
black sharpies
Kleenex
SSA nominations are due for Track 1 4/25/18
Testing window is 4/12-4/25
SSA nominations are due for Track 2 4/20/18
Testing window is 4/9-4/20
SSA testing nominations for Tracks 3 and 4 is May 17th.
Testing window is 5/25-6/1
All Spring 4th and 5th grade AIG Nominations due December 21st
(Tracks 1,2,3 & 4)
4th and 5th grade CogAt/Iowa Assessment Windows
Jan. 8- Jan. 19 Track 1 Testing Window
Jan. 8- Jan. 19 Track 2 Testing Window
Jan. 8- Jan. 19 Track 3 Testing Window
Jan. 22- Feb. 2 Track 4 Testing Window
4th and 5th grade AIG Nominations Due:
Track 1: August 15th
Track 2& 4 : September 1st
Track 3: September 12th
4th and 5th grade CogAT & Iowa Testing Dates
Track 1: Aug. 21- Aug. 25
Track 2&4: Sept. 11- Sept. 15
Track 3: Sept. 18- Sept. 22
email nominations to: [email protected]
Dear Laurel Park Families,
On Monday, May 1st the Technology Services Department of the Wake County Public School System will conduct major upgrades to our internet servers. These upgrades are intended to help improve the speed and reliability of our internet connection as well as to enhance our data storage capabilities. However, the planned upgrades will also have the unfortunate consequence of rendering most of our student desktop and laptop computers useless.
Many of these machines are approaching ten years old and run on the Windows XP operating system, which is no longer supported by Microsoft or WCPSS. The recession of 2007-2008 and subsequent state and local budget cuts have brought about an end to Wake County’s Technology Refresh program and, as a result, schools are now left to replace old technology with instructional supply funds or through fundraising efforts
After conducting a school-wide inventory, we are anticipating the loss of approximately 200 devices from our classrooms and media center. Our staff have been notified of these changes and are proactively working to ensure that all students are offered the same high quality, rigorous instruction that typifies Laurel Park Elementary. Please know that we are currently exploring several possible plans for replacing computers in our classrooms and hope to have a solution in place by the beginning of the next school year. Until then, if you have questions please feel free to reach out to either myself or Mr. Nixon.
Sincerely,
Raleigh Bame
Principal
Laurel Park Elementary
2450 Laura Duncan Road
Apex, NC 27523
phone: 919.290.2333
fax: 919.290-2334
SSA Information on link below:
http://wakeacceleration.weebly.com/
November Penguin Press: https://www.smore.com/wjpb8
Laurel Park Elementary School Yearbook Link
<http://cl.exct.net/?qs=2a1b99414649bb30811a41f3cd168e727d77b836127841523f881f0648ef7062e81b26e2f5149b7a>
All Spring 4th and 5th grade AIG Nominations due December 21, 2016
(Tracks 1,2,3 & 4)
4th and 5th grade CogAt/Iowa Assessment Windows
Jan. 9- Jan. 24 Track 1 Testing Window
Jan. 9- Jan. 24 Track 2 Testing Window
Jan. 9- Jan. 24 Track 3 Testing Window
Jan. 23- Feb. 3 Track 4 Testing Window
email: [email protected] with nominations
Yearbook is cancelled October 31st.
4th and 5th grade CogAt/Iowa Fall Nomination Due Dates
Track 1 August 15th
Tracks 3 and 4 September 6th
Track 2 September 12th
4th and 5th grade CogAt/Iowa Testing Windows
Track 1 August 22- September 2
Tracks 3 and 4 September 12th- September 23rd
Track 2 September 19th- September 30th
SSA Information Session:
Session #1: Western Wednesday, 2/17/2016 Reedy Creek Middle School
Session #2: Central Thursday, 2/18/2016 Martin Middle School
Session #3: Southwestern Tuesday, 2/23/2016 West Lake Middle School
Session #4: Northeastern Wednesday, 2/24/2016 East Millbrook Middle School
Session #5: Southern Tuesday, 3/1/2016 North Garner Middle School
Session #6: Northern Tuesday, 3/8/2016 Carroll Middle School
Session #7: Eastern Wednesday, 3/9/2016 Wendell Middle School
*All Parent Information Sessions will be held in the school’s auditorium from 6PM-7PM.
Thank you for all the donations. Our Donors Choose Project was Funded!!!
Hi Parents and Friends,
I would like to make sure my students have the materials they need to succeed, so I just created a DonorsChoose.org classroom request.
New Technology for our Critical Thinking Lab
Give to my classroom by February 7, 2016 and your donation will be doubled thanks to DonorsChoose.org. Just enter the code LIFTOFF during checkout and you'll be matched dollar for dollar (up to $100).
Also Duke Energy has chosen to fund half of my grant!!! (read details below)
-projects that qualify for this 50% match offer will appear on the site as half-off with the foundation or corporate logo on the project page. However, funding is only applied to projects if citizens fund the other 50% before the grant runs out or before the project expires.
In return, you'll get awesome photos of your gift in action and our heartfelt thanks.
Thank you so much,
Jamie
P.S. If you know anyone who may want to help my students, please pass this along!
Laurel Park E-Blast… The Penguin Press
January 29, 2016
Follow us on Twitter @LaurelParkElem; “Like” our PTA on Facebook: Laurel Park Elementary School PTA
Dates to Remember!
Jan. 30- Make Up Day- Tracks 1, 2, & 4- 8:45-12:45
Feb. 5- School Spirit Day: Wear School Colors!
Feb. 6- Jelly Beans School Skate, 5:15-7PM- $6.00
Feb. 8-12- Bus Driver Appreciation Week
Feb. 11- General Body PTA Meeting, 6:30PM
Feb. 12- Early Release Day, 1:15PM Dismissal
Mar. 4- Boosterthon Fun Run, Track 1
Mar. 4- Early Release Day, 1:15PM Dismissal
Mar. 9- Author Visit for Grades 3, 4, & 5
Mar. 11- Boosterthon Fun Run, Tracks 2, 3, & 4
Mar. 17- Spring Pictures & Class Pictures, Tracks 3 & 4
Mar. 18- Early Release Day, 1:15 PM Dismissal
Mar. 23- Spring Raleigh Night @ Carnage Middle
Apr. 2- Make Up Day- Tracks 1, 2, & 3- 8:45-12:45
Welcome Mr. Charles Langley, Interim Principal:
As the search for our next leader continues, Mr. Langley, a retired principal, who has many years of experience leading elementary schools for the Wake County Public School System, is excited to step in and support Laurel Park students, families, and teachers. His goal is to make sure that all the things that students, parents, and teachers enjoy about LPES continue. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Langley!
School Spirit Day- February 5:
Show your school spirit by wearing school colors on Friday, February 5th!
PTA: Jelly Beans School Skate- February 6:
Join us for a fun school skate just for Laurel Park students, staff, and families on Saturday, February 6th from 5:15-7PM. Event cost is $6.00.
WCPSS Spotlight on Students: Grace T.
Grace T. was recognized as our Spotlight on Students award recipient at last week’s ceremony. Grace has demonstrated several of the qualities on the criteria list as she has been working to perform "America" on the recorder for the 4th grade North Carolina Symphony education concert field trip. This is an opportunity I extended to students and is a voluntary pursuit. Grace decided to take on the challenge of learning to play "America," along with learning new notes on the recorder. She would ask me for help outside of class as she arrived at school in the mornings and we would arrange times such as in the afternoons before dismissal for her to have some guided practice. She has been self-motivated and diligent in practicing the music at home and is working to have the piece memorized for the education concert- even planning to practice on the road to National Parks in Arizona and Utah during her current track out. When I asked Grace if she would be okay playing on her own since she was the only student in her class working on the piece, she said "sure!" Her confidence, hard work, flexibility, and determination is admirable! I am very proud of Grace and the wonderful qualities she's demonstrating in her music studies.
Bus Driver Appreciation Week: February 8-12:
Parents of Penguin Bus Riders:
Please join us in celebrating your child's bus driver during the week of February 8th - 12th.
Our bus drivers work hard to keep students safe while transporting them to and from school each day. Please, take a moment to show your child's bus driver how much you appreciate her hard work and diligence.
*Track 3 families are encouraged to recognize their children’s bus drivers during the week of February 22.
Printable Cards: English - Spanish
Information for Prospective Families:
We are gearing up to welcome prospective families for the 2016-17 school year into our building. Self-Guided tours are available on Thursday afternoons between 4:15 and 4:45PM. Simply register in the front office upon arrival. A Guided Tour is available on February 8 at 1:45.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2016-2017 school year has begun:
We are excited about your child attending Laurel Park!
Below is the information that parents will need for registration:
1. Proof of residence (current water, gas, or electric bill that is no more than 60 days old, newly signed lease or settlement statement).
2. Certified copy of your child's birth certificate. You can obtain an official birth certificate from the county or state health department where the child was born. Copies will not be accepted.
3. Immunization records
4. Any custody documents specific to your child
5. Photo ID of parent or guardian
By state law, children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before August 31 of that school year. Children do not need to be present for registration. In fact, it is preferable for parents to register without your children present, if at all possible.
For additional information visit the WCPSS Kindergarten Registration website, www.wcpss.net/kindergarten
Inclement Weather Notifications:
Parents: For information about inclement weather decisions and to sign-up for email alerts visit: http://ow.ly/GX8Hi.
Volunteer Opportunities:
-A hearty thank you to our current Media volunteers for checking in, checking out, assisting students and shelving. We are interested in fleshing out the schedule so each day of the week is covered. Media Center help needed on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Interested parents, please contact Mrs. Woodard at [email protected] or sign up atwww.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4caaad2ba20-magnificent.
-To prepare for our book giveaway to support Laurel Park students, please donate gently-used books to the Book Donation Box right outside Media Center.
-Our Copy Crew is still in need of paper to use when making copies for teachers. Are you able to donate a ream of paper? If so, please drop your donation off in the large box near the entrance to our media center. Thank you!
Author Visit for Students in Grades 3, 4, & 5- Deborah Wiles- March 9:
Deborah Wiles is from Alabama and Georgia. She has written two picture books, Freedom Summer and One Wide Sky. Her five novels are Love, Ruby Lavender,Each Little Book That Sings, and The Aurora County All-Stars, Countdown, and Revolution. Countdown takes place in 1962 outside Washington, DC during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Revolution takes place in Mississippi in 1964 during Freedom Summer, a voter registration event to expand black voting in the South.
Support the Laurel Park Friendship/Social Committee for Staff:
Will you or your business help the Friendship Committee reward the efforts of our AMAZING LP teachers throughout this year by donating goods or services? Perks as simple as fun-size candy bars, a cup of coffee, or other healthy treats go a long way with our staff! If you are interested in supporting this effort, be sure to mark your donation for the Friendship Committee/Suzanne Zaccardo. Thank you for your consideration!
Volunteer Registration:
Any new volunteer applicants for the 2015-2016 school year must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work. The volunteer system is now open daily during school hours (8:45AM to 3:30PM) and is accessible through our media center or any WCPSS school. Volunteer clearance can take anywhere from 3 days to two weeks to be granted, so register well in advance of any activity to wish to support.
Birthday Wishes: All In Good Health
We all love celebrating kids' birthdays - there's no doubt about that. But a school birthday celebration doesn't need to involve cupcakes or other unhealthy foods.
Many families have multiple birthday parties as they celebrate on their own on the actual birthday, with extended family and with their children's friends. Additionally, many students in any given class have birthdays in the same week and sometimes on the same day! That's a lot of cake, cupcakes and ice cream. Plus, many children have food allergies and other health conditions that can cause them to feel left out of such celebrations. So perhaps the school birthday celebration, if there is to be one at all, should focus on the birthday girl or boy, rather than food. Here are a few fun ideas to celebrate birthdays in the classroom:
1. Join the Celebration Book Club! This program allows families to donate a book to our school's library in celebration of their children's birthdays.
2. Donate items to add to your child's classroom recess bag. Supplies for indoor or outdoor recess would be appreciated by your child's classmates.
3. Contact your child's teacher to learn about other acceptable ways to celebrate in her classroom. Thank you for your support and understanding! We always ask that parents contact their child's teacher before bringing food to school.
YMCA Arrival and Dismissal
This is a reminder that the YMCA is intended to be a before and after-school care program. Since the YMCA utilizes the bus loop for “Rides In and Out” it is important that all YMCA parents cooperate with staff requests in order to ensure student safety during arrival and dismissal. Arrival and dismissal procedures tend to take a little longer during the first few weeks of school. However, once we get into the swing of things, the bus loop should typically be clear by 4:15 in the afternoons. We ask that YMCA parents who must pick a child up around 4:00 send in a note changing their child’s transportation to carpool. Similarly, parents who arrive after the carpool line begins to build and buses begin to arrive should utilize carpool. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Connect with us:
· Remind your neighbors and friends to sign up for the Penguin Press: http://www.laurelparkes.com/?a=subform
· Follow us on Twitter @laurelparkelem
· “Like” our PTA on Facebook: Laurel Park Elementary School PTA
Laurel Park E-Blast… The Penguin Press
January 8, 2016
Follow us on Twitter @LaurelParkElem; “Like” our PTA on Facebook: Laurel Park Elementary School PTA
Dates to Remember!
Jan. 7- Kindergarten Registration Begins
Jan. 8- Report Card Day—Tracks 1, 2, & 3
Jan. 12- School-Wide Spelling Bee, 6PM
Jan. 14- Open House for Prospective Families, 6PM
Jan. 15- Early Release Day, 1:15PM
Jan. 16- PTA Painting in School, 9 AM – 12 PM
Jan. 18- Holiday; No School
Feb. 5- School Spirit Day: Wear School Colors!
Feb. 6- Jelly Beans School Skate, 5:15-7PM- $6.00
Feb. 11- General Body PTA Meeting, 6:30PM
Feb. 12- Early Release Day, 1:15PM Dismissal
Mar. 4- Boosterthon Fun Run, Track 1
Mar. 4- Early Release Day, 1:15PM Dismissal
Mar. 9- Author Visit for Grades 3, 4, & 5
Mar. 11- Boosterthon Fun Run, Tracks 2, 3, & 4
Mar. 17- Spring Pictures & Class Pictures, Tracks 3 & 4
Mar. 18- Early Release Day, 1:15 PM Dismissal
Mar. 23- Spring Raleigh Night @ Carnage Middle
Congratulations to Mr. Batten:
For the second year in a row, Mr. Batten was voted “Best Elementary School Principal” via Cary Magazine’s Maggy Awards!
Inclement Weather Notifications:
Parents: For information about inclement weather decisions and to sign-up for email alerts visit: http://ow.ly/GX8Hi.
Wellness Challenge:
During the month of January the School Wellness Committee has challenged each classroom to keep track of the total minutes that they are active each day. We encourage families to get involved to promote physical activity and healthy habits among students as well. All physical activity counts! A calendar with wellness ideas for students to consider will come home in students’ Monday folders.
Volunteer Opportunities:
-A hearty thank you to our current Media volunteers for checking in, checking out, assisting students and shelving. We are interested in fleshing out the schedule so each day of the week is covered. Media Center help needed on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Interested parents, please contact Mrs. Woodard at [email protected] or sign up atwww.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4caaad2ba20-magnificent.
-To prepare for our book giveaway to support Laurel Park students, please donate gently-used books to the Book Donation Box right outside Media Center.
-Our Copy Crew has run out of paper to use when making copies for teachers. Are you able to donate a ream of paper? If so, please drop your donation off in the large box near the entrance to our media center. Thank you!
Please Join the PTA and Our Sponsors as We Refresh The Hallways!
Next Saturday, January 16th
9:00 am to 12:00 pm (Free Lunch to Follow)
Childcare Provided for Painting Families
See our LPES PTA Facebook Page or click here to Sign Up.
(http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044ca4af29a3fa7-beautification1)
Track Change Requests for the 2016-17 School Year:
Track Change Request Forms are now available on our school website. Completed Track Change Request Forms are due January 15, 2016. Only one form per family is required.
School Spirit Day:
Show your school spirit by wearing school colors on Friday, February 5th!
PTA: Jelly Beans School Skate!
Join us for a fun school skate just for Laurel Park students, staff, and families on Saturday, February 6th from 5:15-7PM. Event cost is $6.00.
Author Visit for Students in Grades 3, 4, & 5- Deborah Wiles:
Deborah Wiles is from Alabama and Georgia. She has written two picture books, Freedom Summer and One Wide Sky. Her five novels are Love, Ruby Lavender, Each Little Book That Sings, and The Aurora County All-Stars,Countdown, and Revolution. Countdown takes place in 1962 outside Washington, DC during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Revolution takes place in Mississippi in 1964 during Freedom Summer, a voter registration event to expand black voting in the South.
Information for Prospective Families:
We are gearing up to welcome prospective families for the 2016-17 school year into our building. Self-Guided tours are available on Thursday afternoons between 4:15 and 4:45PM. Simply register in the front office upon arrival. Guided Tours are available on January 22 and February 8 at 1:45. An Open House for Prospective Families is scheduled for January 14 at 6PM.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2016-2017 school year begins on January 7:
We are excited about your child attending Laurel Park!
Below is the information that parents will need for registration:
1. Proof of residence (current water, gas, or electric bill that is no more than 60 days old, newly signed lease or settlement statement).
2. Certified copy of your child's birth certificate. You can obtain an official birth certificate from the county or state health department where the child was born. Copies will not be accepted.
3. Immunization records
4. Any custody documents specific to your child
5. Photo ID of parent or guardian
By state law, children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before August 31 of that school year. Children do not need to be present for registration. In fact, it is preferable for parents to register without your children present, if at all possible.
For additional information visit the WCPSS Kindergarten Registration website, www.wcpss.net/kindergarten
New Bus Boarding Procedures:
Beginning January 1, 2016, the WCPSS Transportation Department will implement the use of hand signals by bus drivers to signal students when it is safe to cross the street/board the bus.
The hand signals are simple:
1.Open palm: stay at bus stop
2.Thumbs up: motorists stopped, prepare to cross
3.Point: cross the street to the bus
*Students should not cross the street until given the okay signal by the driver.
-We’ve shared these training videos with students at school. Consider reviewing them again at home.
(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh0NMiBxz7S16UzOekKJPsBB3Lgbkcv4n)
-Here is a related handout. (http://www.ncbussafety.org/safetylessons/DriverCard_CrossingProcedures.pdf)
-More information can be found at http://www.wcpss.net/Page/175.
Donor’s Choose Grants:
Thank you for continuing to support and spreading the word about our teacher's Donor’s Choose grants! (http://tinyurl.com/pdr9tld) Their impact on learning and student engagement in our classrooms is HUGE!!
Currently, Ms. Alford has a project posted!
Thank you again for your support of these projects! If you choose to donate toward a grant, please enter promo code SPARK, INSPIRE, DISNEYCREATIVITY or JUMPSTART at checkout and your donation may be doubled! Thank you!
Support the Laurel Park Friendship/Social Committee for Staff:
Will you or your business help the Friendship Committee reward the efforts of our AMAZING LP teachers throughout this year by donating goods or services? Perks as simple as fun-size candy bars, a cup of coffee, or other healthy treats go a long way with our staff! If you are interested in supporting this effort, be sure to mark your donation for the Friendship Committee/Suzanne Zaccardo. Thank you for your consideration!
Volunteer Registration:
Any new volunteer applicants for the 2015-2016 school year must register and have an approved criminal record check prior to engaging in volunteer work. The volunteer system is now open daily during school hours (8:45AM to 3:30PM) and is accessible through our media center or any WCPSS school. Volunteer clearance can take anywhere from 3 days to two weeks to be granted, so register well in advance of any activity to wish to support.
Birthday Wishes: All In Good Health
We all love celebrating kids' birthdays - there's no doubt about that. But a school birthday celebration doesn't need to involve cupcakes or other unhealthy foods.
Many families have multiple birthday parties as they celebrate on their own on the actual birthday, with extended family and with their children's friends. Additionally, many students in any given class have birthdays in the same week and sometimes on the same day! That's a lot of cake, cupcakes and ice cream. Plus, many children have food allergies and other health conditions that can cause them to feel left out of such celebrations. So perhaps the school birthday celebration, if there is to be one at all, should focus on the birthday girl or boy, rather than food. Here are a few fun ideas to celebrate birthdays in the classroom:
1. Join the Celebration Book Club! This program allows families to donate a book to our school's library in celebration of their children's birthdays.
2. Donate items to add to your child's classroom recess bag. Supplies for indoor or outdoor recess would be appreciated by your child's classmates.
3. Contact your child's teacher to learn about other acceptable ways to celebrate in her classroom. Thank you for your support and understanding! We always ask that parents contact their child's teacher before bringing food to school.
YMCA Arrival and Dismissal
This is a reminder that the YMCA is intended to be a before and after-school care program. Since the YMCA utilizes the bus loop for “Rides In and Out” it is important that all YMCA parents cooperate with staff requests in order to ensure student safety during arrival and dismissal. Arrival and dismissal procedures tend to take a little longer during the first few weeks of school. However, once we get into the swing of things, the bus loop should typically be clear by 4:15 in the afternoons. We ask that YMCA parents who must pick a child up around 4:00 send in a note changing their child’s transportation to carpool. Similarly, parents who arrive after the carpool line begins to build and buses begin to arrive should utilize carpool. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Connect with us:
· Remind your neighbors and friends to sign up for the Penguin Press: http://www.laurelparkes.com/?a=subform
· Follow us on Twitter @laurelparkelem
· “Like” our PTA on Facebook: Laurel Park Elementary School PTA
The LPES PTA Monster Book Fair is coming November 3rd - 17th!
Check out the flyer for more information!
2015LPESBookFairFlyer (1)
We need volunteers! Sign up here!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0945aea8238-2015
AIG Testing Windows and Nomination Information
4th and 5th grade students who show above average ability or achievement in Language Arts or Math but are not yet identified in that area may be nominated for the AIG program at any time during the year. Our School Based Committee will make referral decisions based on current data and student’s work samples. You will be notified of our decision. Those that are referred will be tested in the next available testing window. Testing windows occur in the fall and spring semesters of each school year.
Testing for the fall nomination window will occur for Track 1 the week of August 24, 2015 and Tracks 2, 3, and 4 testing will occur the week of September 14, 2015. Please remember that students cannot be nominated in the fall semester if they were referred and tested this past spring semester. If you would like to nominate your 4th or 5th grade child for the AIG program, please contact Ms. Maye via email ([email protected]) or by sending her a note before August 14, 2015 for Track 1 and before September 4, 2015 for Tracks 2, 3 and 4.
Information on spring testing will be sent out third quarter.