October 25, 2023
REMINDER: School begins at 8:40 am. We encourage students to be settled in their classrooms by 8:35. Please aim to have them arrive a bit earlier if coming by car or walking. Also, please do not park in the Handicapped spots. Thhank you! 😊
🗒️Message from Principal Terry
Dear Families,
I trust this message finds you all doing well.
Firstly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated PTA and the generous sponsors of the inaugural Terry's Tailgate event. The turnout was phenomenal, with not only a show of support for the PTA but also a testament to the unity and strength of our school community. The YMCA/NCES Trunk or Treat event had 1,500 attendees join us and we had an abundance of candy to share. Once again, a massive thank you to everyone involved!
Morning Carpool Update:
Safety during drop-offs is of utmost importance to us, and we've noticed some challenges that need addressing. To this end, we're implementing new procedures to streamline the morning carpool routine.
From 8:15-8:40 AM, the parking lot closest to the carpool lane will be closed. If you need to visit the front office during this time, please park in the lot located on the cafeteria/bus drop-off side of the building The map below shows the area marked in green. In short, during these times, the carpool side will be exit-only.
For everyone's safety, please refrain from dropping your student off at the four-way stop on the carpool sidelines that you see marked in red on the map below. Instead, always use the designated carpool line.
To assist with traffic flow and clarity, parts of the carpool map will be color-coded. Areas marked in red will be no-access zones or have blockades to help traffic flow, while those highlighted in green will indicate suitable parking areas if you need to enter the school building during that 8:15 to 8:40 time frame.
Your cooperation in these measures is pivotal in ensuring the safety of our students, families, and staff. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work together for the best interests of our school community.
➗ RSVP! ➖ Math KNight 11/9 ➕
Back by popular demand! Math KNight is open to all K-5 families with a submitted RSVP (by 10/30).
RSVP here by 10/30. Just like last year, ALL are welcome, but a head count is required to ensure space and food is available. No walk-ins permitted, so fill out the form by 10/30 if you plan to attend.
Thursday, November 9, 6:00-7:15; doors open at 5:45 pm.
Math KNight is a chance for families to play math games together. Lots of options will be available for your family to freely choose activities that fit your interests and ages.
Pizza, cookies, and water will be served.
Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!
📄 News from our Family Resource Center
I have extended the deadline to apply for Holiday Assistance until tomorrow, 10/26. The Family Resource Center provides baskets of food for a Thanksgiving Meal and/or a winter meal as well as holiday gifts. I have some community sponsors who are ready to get the ball rolling. So, please, please complete this form now if your family is in need.
I also wanted to remind everyone that there are 3 forms that we need completed, the Educational Benefits Forms (EBF), Residency Form and the FRC Needs Assessment. The first two can be completed on your Parent Portal account. (Go here to log-in/sign-up and complete the forms designated "required"). You can access the Assessment here. If you would prefer to complete a paper copy of these forms, please reach out to me at the email below. Classes who have over 95% of their students complete the forms by Nov 1 will receive a special treat! Please help your student's class earn a prize!
Academic Information 📝
KSA Score Information/Update: The School Report Card public release is tentatively set for Nov. 1. The embargo review period for media and district review will begin on Monday, Oct. 30, and end on Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Individual student score reports will be sent home for every child on October 30th.
📁 Records and Immunization Information
Friendly Reminder:
Please ensure you've submitted the nursing consent form, which can be found in the Parent Place. Additionally, we need the most recent immunization records for your child. For any child new to JCPS and all kindergartners:
A physical examination record.
Dental records (Note: The school dental exam is acceptable).
A vision exam conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist (Please note that the school's vision test does not meet this requirement).
Dental and Vision records must be into the school no later than January 1st! Thank you for your attention.
Clubs and Activities 🏀
Fall clubs and activities are in full swing and will continue through 11/17.
🛡️ Safety Patrol
Safety Patrol is returning for the 2023-24 school year. Selected 5th grade students will serve in various roles throughout the school. Mr. Wilson, assistant principal, will be visiting 5th grade classrooms this week to share expectations and the selection process for safety patrol. Starting Monday, October 30th, the safety patrol application will be available for one week. On Sunday evening, October 29th, a school messenger message will be sent to all 5th grade families with a link to the application.
🍎 Parent Teacher Association
Visit the PTA Website for information and events!
October Letter from the PTA
Every year, National PTA hosts our annual Reflections Theme Search Contest to select one student theme to inspire student artists as they participate in a future PTA Reflections program. The winning student will also receive a $100 award and national recognition. This year's theme is "I am Hopeful Because..." If you have a student who would like their theme to be considered, please have them fill out this form and email it to reflections@kypta.org. Entries are due no later than midnight on November 15th.
🎉 Celebrations 🎉
Thanks to all who attended our amazing Terry's Tailgate and YMCA Fall Festival! Loved seeing our staff, students and families have a great time!
🗓️ Important Dates
10/24-10/27: Red Ribbon Week (see info above)
10/25: Bending with Bowden Club 8:00-8:30
10/25: Let's Code Club 3:30-4:00
10/25: Beta Blitz 3:20-4:15 (parent meeting begins at 4:00)
10/26: Post Office Club 8:00-8:30
10/26: Cheerleading Practice 3:30-5:00
10/26: STEM Challenges Club 3:30-4:00
10/27: Best Buddies Club 8:00-8:30
10/28: Saturday School Session 3
10/30: Math KNight RSVP due
10/31: Dress Like a Character Day (except 4th grade, see info from teacher)
Recurring Information
Photo ID is always required when entering the building during the school day.
Parents may join their child for lunch! Lunch schedule linked here. No restaurant food is permitted. Photo ID required.
Follow us on social media! Facebook: Norton Commons Elementary School, Instagram: @NCES_Knights, X (Twitter): @NCES_Knights
If you are not getting text alerts from NCES, make sure to sign up for School Messenger.
Our ECE Department is raising money from Box Tops! Download the app and email rachel.murphy@jefferson.kyschools.us or christina.frederiksen@jefferson.kyschools.us with questions.
Transportation 🚘
School building opens at 8:00. School starts at 8:40. Students who arrive at 8:40 AM or later must have a parent accompany them to sign-in in the main office as a tardy. Breakfast will close at 8:35 AM daily. Only students who arrive on late buses will be provided breakfast after that time.
🚍 Bus Riders:
Please download the Edulog Lite app so that you can track your child's bus.
🟧 Walkers:
If your child is a walker, please do not park in the parking lot in the morning or afternoon.
🚘 Car Riders:
Parents remain in their vehicle.
Keep your 2023-2024 car rider tag visible until the student is in the car.
🎒 Note from the FRC
Items Needed- The Family Resource Center is in need of girls’ underwear and gently used pants in XS and S sizes. Label the items “FRC” and send them in.
Dental Clinic- Offered by NCES and School Smiles in November. If interested, follow this link to sign up (also sent this form in the beginning of the year packet). This exam will fulfill the JCPS requirement for a dental exam for all 5-6 year old students.
Hearing and Vision Screenings on 12/14 and 15- If you DO NOT want your student to participate, you must sign and return the notice of non-consent, coming home this week. (This doesn't count as the JCPS required vision exam for 5-6 year old students, but reach out to me for referrals to affordable eye doctors if you need one.)
Holiday Assistance- The FRC provides food baskets at Thanksgiving and for winter holidays we provide food baskets and/or gifts. Priority is given to our students on Free/Reduced lunch, but if there are special circumstances surrounding your request, please let me know. Please complete this form to apply. Completing the application does not guarantee that you will receive assistance. You will receive a letter if you are approved and it will indicate the type(s) of assistance you will receive.
Just a reminder:
Blessings in a Backpack provides food on the weekend for families who may be facing food insecurity. Students receive a packet of food on Fridays that usually contains a meat product, crackers, cereal, and some snacks. If you are interested in having your student participate, please complete this form. The program will start at the end of the month.
If you need clothes for your student from the Clothing Assistance Program (CAP), please complete this form.
Any questions about this information or if I can help your family in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 502-357-6265 or christina.case@jefferson.kyschools.us
