Principal's Message
Kimberlie Rens, Principal
Principal’s "2012 Back to School" Message
July 2012
Welcome to Willow Grove Elementary School! We are excited to welcome all of our students on the first day of school! The following information should answer many of your questions regarding the start of school.
School Begins on Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Kindergarten Schedule
Transition Days – August 22 – September 28 9:00 – 1:40 Mon-Fri
Beginning October 1 the Kindergarten students will begin the same schedule as Grades 1-5 below:
Grades 1-5 Schedule
Mon-Wed, Fri 9:00 – 3:20
Thursday 9:00 – 1:40
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Classroom assignments will be posted in the front of the school Tuesday, August 21st at 4:00.
BEFORE SCHOOL SUPERVISION
The playground will be open to students in the morning beginning at 8:40 a.m. No supervision will be provided before 8:40 a.m. so students should not arrive at school before this time. Once students arrive, they may not leave unless a parent or other authorized person comes to the office to sign them out. To ensure the safety of our children, you will be required to show identification when you pick up your child.
SCHOOL LUNCH
Students have the option of buying lunch at school. Please prepay if possible. Lunch is served daily in the cafeteria for $2.50 and includes milk. Free and reduced prices are available for those who qualify. Please fill out an application if needed. If you qualified for free or reduced lunch in 2011-12, then you will receive free or reduced lunch until September 28 only. You must complete a new application every school year.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
If your child is on medication, a “Physician’s Recommendation for Medication” form must be obtained from the school, completed by the physician, and returned to the school. Download the form here. No medication may be given at school without this form. An adult must bring the medication to the school office in the original container medication is dispensed. Children may never have medication in their possession at school. This includes aspirin, inhalers, cough drops, etc.
BICYCLE RIDING
Only students in grades 3, 4, and 5 may ride a bicycle to school. Children must wear a helmet, provide a lock for the bicycle, and follow safety rules/laws. Bikes must be walked once on school grounds. No rollerblades, razors, scooters, or skateboards are allowed on campus.
PARKING LOT DROP OFF & PICK UP
When dropping off and picking up students in the parking circle please drive all the way around the outer edge of the circle then pull all the way forward to drop off/pick up your child at the curb. Do not let your child out of the car until you are stopped at the edge of the curb. Never leave your car unattended in the loading zone. If you need to enter the school campus for any reason, please park your car in a designated space in the lot or on the street.
EXTENDED STUDENT SERVICES
Willow Grove Elementary provides an ESS program, which is a fee-based before and after school childcare program. ESS is open from 6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. All students planning to participate in ESS must be registered at our ESS building. Please call our coordinator, Marcy Golden at 858-673-6527, for information regarding registration and fees.
VOLUNTEERING AT WILLOW GROVE
If you would like to volunteer at Willow Grove and have not already completed a background check and submitted a current TB test, you will need to do so. Please click here for the required Megan's Law forms-- fill out and return these to the office. Your clearance is still valid if you were cleared to volunteer last year.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT
This is an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s teacher and learn about their child’s classroom expectations, homework policies and curriculum. Back to School Night is Thursday, August 30th. This is an ‘adults only’ evening. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!
I am excited to be working with such a talented and dedicated staff in a school where parents are supportive of our efforts. Children are our greatest natural resource. We take seriously our responsibility to nourish, protect, and develop children to their fullest potential. Best wishes for a great 2012-13 school year! You have enrolled your children in an outstanding school where we make a difference, one child at a time! We look forward to seeing you on the first day of school.
Sincerely,
Kimberlie Rens
Principal