|
July 15, 2018
Dear Western Valley Families,
The Western Valley staff welcomes you and your child to the 2018-2019 school year! I look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure that we provide a superior education for your scholar. This year, I am delighted to continue serving as the principal for both Western Valley Schools. Please take a few moments to read over the important information contained in this letter (page 2 also).
First Day of School
The first day of school is Monday, August 6, 2018.
WVES and WVMS Meet the Teacher Nights
We will be holding our annual “Meet the Teacher Night” as follows: WVMS 7th and 8th Grades ONLY on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 from 4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.; WVES & WVMS 6th grade ONLY on Thursday, August 2, 2018 from 4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. Please make it a priority to stop by and visit with your child’s teacher. At WVES, class rosters will be placed near the main entrance of the school with your child’s assigned classroom. For WVMS, we will start with a general session in the cafeteria at 4:30P. We will be running seven (7), 10-minute mock periods starting at 5:00P - Attendance is highly encouraged, as this will help your child to feel comfortable on the first day of school, knowing who her/his teacher is and where her/his classroom is located.
Regular School Hours
WVES Regular School Hours: 8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.; WVMS Regular School Hours: 8:40 A.M. – 3:33 P.M.
WVES Early Release Thursdays: 8:00 A.M. – 1:15 P.M.; WVMS Early Release Thursdays: 8:40 A.M. – 2:15 P.M.
WVES students may arrive on campus at 7:35 A.M. A free breakfast will be served in the classroom at 8:00 A.M. WVMS students may arrive on campus by 8:00 A.M. and should report directly to the courtyard (this is a change from last year). Students may not linger in front of the WV offices. Breakfast will be served at 8:40A during first period.
We will continue our early release day every Thursday for teacher professional development, as approved by the Fowler Elementary School Board. Also, note that every early release day will also follow the same schedule (for example, teacher accountability days, parent/teacher conference days, etc.). Please make accommodations to ensure that your child is picked up on time every Thursday.
Drop-Off/Pick-Up Reminder
This is a friendly reminder that the WVES parking lot is located on the west side of the building. All elementary parents that pick-up their children should park in the west parking lot and proceed through the west entrance of the campus. Parents are also reminded that parking along the red curbing is not allowed, per fire code.
We will retain the same middle school pick-up procedures from last year (in the WVMS south parking lot). Bus route information will be available at the “Meet the Teacher” event.
Attendance and Tardiness
At Western Valley, we value good attendance habits for students. It is very important to your child’s academic success that she/he is on time daily. We understand that at times emergencies or situations may arise that require your child to be absent or tardy. When an absence or tardiness occurs, parents should notify the school office attendance line as follows: WVES - (623) 707-2100; WVMS - (623) 707-2106. Please call no later than 10:00 A.M. on the day of the occurrence. Students that exceed the maximum of 10 absences per year may be cited, as permissible by Arizona state law.
2018-2019 Fowler Elementary School District Calendar
Enclosed, you will find the Fowler Elementary School District adopted calendar for the 2018-2019 school year. Take the time to note important dates, holidays, and early release dates. Please make every effort to ensure that future vacations, doctor’s appointments, and family functions are planned when school is not in session. Note that all students (2nd – 8th) will be receiving a student agenda in which to write important dates, homework assignments and parent/teacher communication. Take a few moments with your child during the first week of school to write down these dates in her/his agenda. This will be a very important communication tool for students, parents and teachers during the school year so please familiarize yourself with it.
Student Uniforms
At Western Valley, we follow the FESD District Student Uniform Policy. Students are required to come in uniforms every day. The uniform consists of a white, navy or light blue, plain collared shirt and a navy blue bottom. Students are also required to wear closed-toe shoes. The 2018-2019 WV Parent/Student Handbook is available on our district website ( HYPERLINK "http://www.fesd.org" www.fesd.org) and in the student agenda. Take the time to review the handbook, as it contains specific information about school policies. The uniform policy will be strictly enforced, so please ensure that your child has appropriate uniform clothing. Denim/jean bottoms will only be allowed on dress down days.
Kids At Hope
This year, you will continue hearing about our “Kids at Hope” philosophy. At Western Valley, we believe that all children are capable of success, no exceptions! We will be making a concerted effort as a staff to ensure that we help your children to set personal goals and to develop a vision for their adult lives. For more information about “Kids at Hope”, you may visit their website at HYPERLINK "http://www.kidsathope.org/" http://www.kidsathope.org/. We look forward to seeing your child on Monday, August 6th. If you have any questions about the information contained in this letter or about any aspect of your child’s education, feel free to contact me at (623) 707-2100 or via e-mail at mruiz@fesd.org. Your inquiries are always welcome. We look forward to a great school year!
Sincerely,
Marco Antonio Ruiz, M.Ed.
WV Principal
|