September 20, 2023
🗒️Message from Mr. Terry
Dear Families,
I am thrilled to share that I've completed my first full month at Norton Commons Elementary. It's astonishing how quickly time flies! At the start of the school year, the teachers and I came together to watch a profound educational TED Talk by Rita Pierson. With many years as an educator under her belt, Mrs. Pierson passionately shared her belief that "Every kid needs a champion." This statement resonated deeply with me, so much so that I've added it to my email signature. It aligns perfectly with my core beliefs. I've swiftly found a sense of belonging at Norton Commons, and it's my sincerest wish that every student and family feels the same. More importantly, I hope that when our students leave, they do so feeling they have a host of champions behind them. We want to unequivocally convey to them that we believe in their potential and are committed to supporting them academically, socially, and emotionally.
On a different note, please stay updated with the latest happenings at our school. Club and activity sign-ups will be starting soon, so ensure you keep an eye on our updates for more details. A special shout-out to our Cross Country team, which had their inaugural meet last Friday. They have three more meets lined up. Do check out the dates mentioned below.
Sincerely,
Andrew Terry
📚 Scholastic Book Fair
Academic Information 📝
Watch for conference information from your child's teacher to schedule conferences.
Mark your calendar for 9/29! Join Nicole Feld, our Academic Instructional Coach, for an EL informational session over coffee. Our new EL curriculum for teaching whole group modules in reading and writing will be discussed. It will be held on Friday, September 29 at 8:30-9:00 AM in the Library.
Teachers will be sending home a progress report prior to fall break. The progress report matched with a conference will help you get an idea of how your child is doing this year. This document will give you an idea of your child's progress so far. It includes:
initial MAP test information (a more detailed MAP report coming at conferences)
your child's current progression grade and work habits scores, reported as a 4-3-2-1 score with 4 indicating exceeding standards and 1 being not meeting standards
a math and reading goal for your child, as well as information on how to support your child in meeting his/her goal
Clubs and Activities 🏀
We are beginning fall clubs and activities after fall break.
Mark your calendar! Basketball tryouts are Wednesday 10/18 for 4th and 5th boys and girls. Practices will begin Wednesday 10/25. More info to come.
YMCA and NCES Fall Festival 10/20 🍂
Mark your calendar for the YMCA at Norton Commons Fall Festival! Rain date is 10/21.
🍎 Parent Teacher Association
The PTA Reflections Program invites students in all grades to reflect on our 2023-2024 theme and create art in the following categories: dance, film, literature, music, photography and visual arts.
The deadline for submissions is November 10.
Contact madelyncerra@gmail.com if your student plans to participate.
Visit the PTA Website for more information.
🎉 Celebrations 🎉
Our classrooms are busy with learning. We love seeing our teachers leading engaging lessons and the students learning and growing.
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
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 student is in the car.
🗓️ Important Dates
9/15-9/22: Book Fair
9/24: Cross Country Meet (George Rogers Clark Park)
9/26: Cross Country Meet (Tom Sawyer State Park)
9/29: Cross Country Meet (Tom Sawyer State Park)
9/29: 8:30-9:00 EL Info Session for Families
10/2: Family Teacher Conferences
10/3-10/6: Fall Break
10/18: Basketball tryouts
10/20: YMCA and NCES Fall Festival (10/21 Rain date)
10/23: Picture Day
Recurring Information
Announcements
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.
