LA CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

August 15, 2023

 

Dear Bobcat Families,

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! We are confident this will be another great year of teaching and learning for our students, staff and families. Much planning, training, and preparations have been occurring over the summer break to continue in our efforts to teach and support our students. The first day of school will be here before we know it so please take a look at some friendly updates and reminders below:

New bell times this year at the elementary school are:

7:45am-2:15pm (M,T,Th,F)

8:45am-2:15pm (Wednesdays only)

**The first day of school is on a Wednesday with a start time of 7:45 (no late start)**

** Classroom and building doors open at 7:30**

Class Assignments:

Your child’s current class assignment will be posted in Skyward by the end of the day on August 19. If changes are needed to be made after the 19th, the building principal will notify families. 

Meet Your Teacher and Supply Drop-Off: Monday, August 28.

(last names A-L at 1:00 p.m.)

(last names M-Z at 2:00 p.m.)

This is the time to introduce yourself and bring in supplies, if possible.

(LINK TO SUPPLY LISTS)

Visitors and volunteers All visitors are required to sign in at the office. Volunteers that work with children or recess visitors need to complete a registration form. link to volunteer form. The process typically takes two weeks – at the start of school it may be slightly longer.

Before/After School Care (A.S.K.):  A limited number of spots will be available in the district’s before/after school program. Please check the district website for updates.

email: ask@lacenterschools.org or call  360-263-2134 ext. 3117.

Bus Transportation is provided by KWRL. If you haven’t already, please register online using this link: KWRL bus registration or by calling 360-841-2023. Even if you registered last year, KWRL requires a new registration this year.

Registration:

If you have not yet registered your child, please contact Joyce Hantho for more information or to return required documentation. joyce.hantho@lacenterschools.org

First Day of School:

• First through 5th Grades: August 30th
• Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten: All Kindergarten students attend September 5.
Preschool: First day – Monday, September 18

Drop off / Pick up Reminders:

Parking lot pattern. Enter the upper parking lot at the former Middle School entrance. There are two lanes through the driveway.

Parking lot map

When dropping off:

School begins at 7:45 a.m. Drop off can begin at 7:25. When waiting in front of the school, students will stand in front of the main doors. From the front of the building, they will then enter the hallways.

As in previous years, K-2nd (and older siblings) can be dropped off up in the horseshoe area in front of the school. 3rd-5th grade students (with no younger siblings) can be dropped off at Holley Park near the tennis court, to the East of campus.

• Students will wait outside of the building until 7:30 a.m.
• Students coming from the bus zone or East (back of school) will go directly to their classrooms at 7:30, and not congregate/play on the playground.>

• Students should be seated behind the driver in order to exit at the curb and NOT into traffic.

• Please prepare students for entering the building (backpacks on).
• Parents will not be permitted in the building, unless visiting the office.
• Pull forward as far as possible in the “horseshoe driveway.”

If dropping off in the “horseshoe driveway”:

• Enter the upper parking lot at the former Middle School entrance
  • To enter the parking lot, use the upper (furthest East) entrance by the former Middle School.
  • There will be a sign at that point that says “enter here.”

• Do not enter from the ramp that comes out on 4th St.

• Form two lanes.

• Pull forward to the corner of the Middle School lot and horseshoe driveway.
• Alternate entry to the horseshoe driveway with the vehicle in the other lane.

• Students should be seated behind the driver in order to exit at the curb and NOT into traffic.

When picking up:

• Pull forward as far as possible in the horseshoe area, or
• park in an available space in the former Middle School lot.

When exiting:

• Exit down the ramp past the cafeteria. This area is marked on 4th Street with an “exit only” sign.

Pick-up: end of day – Classes will stagger dismissal times beginning at 2:05.

Bus: Teachers and/or paras will walk students to the bus.

As in previous years, K-2nd (and older siblings) can be picked up in the horseshoe driveway in front of the school. 3rd-5th grade students (with no younger siblings) can be picked up at Holley Park near the tennis court, to the East of campus.

K-2/Family Pick-up: Horseshoe Driveway – 2:10 p.m. (pull forward)

For students that will be picked up: teachers/paras and students will wait at the front entrance to the school.

• Students will be dismissed to family waiting on the sidewalk, or walked to their vehicle.

Please enter from the upper lot off of Fourth St, and follow the painted signs in the parking lot.  Parking is also available at Holley Park. To reduce your wait time and traffic congestion, we recommend older students meet parents at the east side of the campus near the ticket booth/tennis courts. A staff member will be stationed there at the excusal bell time each day. 

 

New staff to welcome:

• Steve Avery – PK-2 Principal
• Sierra Thomas – PK-2 School Counselor
• Sheena Davies – Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
• Kristen Emerick – Kindergarten Teacher
• Erin Peck – Kindergarten Teacher
• Tara Eilts – 3rd Grade Teacher
• McKenzie Braaten – 5th Grade Teacher
• Jennifer Ikerd – Head Secretary

Throughout the year, we’re certain you’ll find exceptional learning experiences and memorable moments. We look forward to sharing them with you.

Best regards,

Steve Avery, PK-2 Principal

Welcome Back to School: A Message from Mr. Avery>

Greg Hall, 3-5 Principal

Welcome Back to School: A Message from Mr. Hall