FAQs

Communication:

The best method of communication is via email. We  try to respond as soon as possible. If you need to set up a time to speak on the phone or in-person, please send an email to set up a time to do so. 

Planners:

Students are provided planners at the beginning of the year. Third grade teachers use these to communicate discipline and record spelling words for the week. Please ensure your student brings the planner back to school every day. 

Take Home Folder:

The red take home folder will be sent home every Thursday. The folder will contain graded and ungraded assignments as the teacher provides, as well as their weekly homework. Red folders should return every Friday. 

Reading Homework and At-Home Reading Suggestions:

As much as the ELAR teachers love when their students find books that they love, we cannot wait to see what they read at home! If you need ideas for what your child should be reading at home, it never hurts to ask your student what they love to read! Students have library books that they select every week. 

When that seems to be a trouble to decide, there are many websites that help students find books they may love. 

How you can help:

Volunteer

Reinforce concepts at home

Check planner every night

Remove/review student work brought home in their Thursday folder

What time does school start and end?

Please help your child arrive at school by 7:40 am.  Students who enter the classroom after 7:45 will be considered tardy and need to have a tardy slip from the office.  Parents will be notified when a student is frequently tardy, and legal action must be taken if tardiness continues.  The final bell rings at 3:05, and students will be dismissed at that time. Students not picked up by 3:25 will be escorted to the front office and the late pick-up will be documented.

How do I pick my child up early?

If you would like to pick your child up early, please send a signed note or email to your child's homeroom teacher and/or to the front office.  In order for your child to be released you must sign them out in the front office.  The office will call for your child after you have arrived. 

What do I do if my child will be absent from school?

Official attendance is taken at 9:15 a.m. each day. Students who arrive after this time are counted absent for the day. Partial day absences due to a medical/dental appointment are excused with a note from the health care provider. All absences require a note written by the parent/guardian/doctor within 3 days of the student returning to school. If your child will be absent, click on the "report an absence" that is in yellow on the Sem Website in the upper right hand corner. We account for every child every day, and we want to make sure that they are safe.

How can I contribute to the classroom?

We love our volunteers!  Once you are an approved volunteer, please contact your child's teacher to find out ways you can contribute to the classroom. Some examples are helping at lunch, making copies, and cutting out lamination.  There are opportunities to do things both at Sem and at home.  If you would like to donate to the classroom, classroom wishlists by teacher are located on the Meet the Teacher page. 

How do I pay for my child's lunch?

Visit School Cafe  to update your child's account.  If you choose to send lunch money with your child, he or she will need to visit the cafeteria before 7:45 to make their payment.  

May I bring in food from restaurants for my child's lunch?

Yes, but you may not provide food for children other than your own.

May I visit my child for lunch?

Yes, please plan to arrive in the cafeteria at 12:30.  You must sign up online to schedule the day you would like to eat with your child. Fill out his form. Parents may sit at one of the visitor tables with their child. Lunch ends at 1:00.

When is my child's library book due?

Each Third Grade class visits the library once per week with their ELAR teacher. Students are able to check out up to three books at a time. Library books are due the following week. Library days will be on a specified day every week unless students are notified otherwise. 

Can my child have a birthday celebration at school?

Due to the priority placed on food allergies, health, and wellness FISD has put in a place a new policy regarding birthday day treats on elementary campuses. Birthday treats will not be a part of birthday celebrations. Teachers and students will continue to celebrate each child's birthday as the teacher sees fit. Thank you for your cooperation.

BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS: We only allow birthday invitations to be handed out at school if: the whole class is invited, or all boys/all girls are invited. Birthday invitations should be passed out before school begins or at dismissal.