Wow! What an amazing first full week!
I have been in education for over 20 years. I stand by the belief that the first full 5 day week can be tougher than the first week. The adrenaline about the start of school is winding down, the early morning is getting to feel REALLY early and by Friday we even get some more tears, not just from the students. New parents, this is completely normal!
I promise the new routines will swiftly be in place and this tired feeling will be a distant memory...at least until the first full week next year!
This week I have included some pictures from the week for all to enjoy. New parents, in my message I always like to include a personal tidbit about myself. We are a small close knit school family and I feel it is important that you know a bit about me.
This week, I wanted to connect with the families of our 5th graders. I feel like I can relate to some of the anxiety you ma be feeling as your child is starting their last year in elementary school . This year my oldest child is starting his senior year of high school! I am currently in the excited phase of all this, but I am sure as the year progresses the sentimental phase will be kicking in. I am assuming that is how many of you are feeling now too. Together we are going to enjoy this final year and support our children into their next chapter!
Below there is a lot of reminders. Most of the information is also in the handbook, but we know the start of the school year is hectic and want to put some of the items in the newsletter as well.
Finally, there is an upcoming family night to put on your calendars!
As always, if you need anything, please reach out.
Mrs. Cravens, EdS.
502-485-8336
analese.cravens@jefferson.kyschools.us
To get started, download the Edulog Parent Portal Lite app from the Apple or Android store.
After downloading the app, you’ll be asked to enter a registration code. Use district registration code: 98295545. This code is specific to JCPS buses.
Go to the DISTRICT tab, tap the plus sign (+) in the top right to add the district code. When the code is accepted, you will see the district name and the number of buses you are following (initially zero).
Next, tap on the slide button to activate one or more buses. Tap on My Buses in the Main Menu below. You can scroll to each bus by swiping the vehicle box. Tap on the plus sign (+) to add an Alert Zone. Enter an address or move the map, name the alert zone, add a time frame, adjust the radius with the slide button, then hit Save. Once your vehicles have been added and alert zones created, they will be listed on the Home screen.
To access your Inbox, tap the envelope icon on the Home screen, where you can view Messages and Notifications.
You can view the location of a bus by tapping that particular bus in the MY BUSES tab.
Notifications are sent immediately when a GPS ping from your bus occurs within the notification zone. The school bus sends regular GPS pings to the app database in the cloud every 15-20 seconds. As with all technology, disruptions can occur. A lag can be produced if there is a disruption in cellular service or the GPS unit on the bus is disconnected. Make sure to monitor the app for bus movement before the expected bus time.
You can view the instructions in Spanish and learn more about the app at our website.
Below are our behavior expectations for all bus riders, this includes when riding on field trips. This information is also in the ZT Student Handbook and the JCPS Behavior Handbook that went home at the start of the year.
Expectations for Students Riding The Bus
B - Be Responsible For Your Behavior. Obey the driver’s instructions. The driver of a school bus is in complete charge of their passengers. • Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted on the school bus. • Keep the bus clean. Do not throw trash on the floor. Do not mark or deface the bus. Seat covers must not be damaged in any manner. Anyone caught damaging the equipment will be subject to consequences and/or to making restitution. • Pets and animals are not allowed on the bus at any time.
U - Use Respect. The driver has the authority to assign seats. • Use your inside voice. • Do not wave or shout to pedestrians or occupants or other vehicles. Do not throw objects out of the bus windows. • Know that using profanity and making obscene gestures on the school bus are prohibited. • Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. • Do not fight or scuffle on the bus or create any loud disturbances. • Refrain from talking to the driver, except in an emergency.
S - Stay Safe. Be seated immediately, and remain seated while the bus is in motion. If a seat is not available, hold onto the back of a seat. • Keep your head, hands, and feet inside the bus. • Students may not stand in the stairwell while the bus is in motion. • Books and backpacks should remain in your lap and not be placed in the aisle way. Instruments and large objects will be allowed on the bus only if they can be held on the lap. • Do not tamper with the emergency door, fire extinguisher, or other equipment on the bus.
Progressive Discipline
As bus referrals accumulate for students', the consequences will be more severe. Please remember, if your child is suspended from riding the bus, they are still required to be at school.
*If a child misses school due to a bus suspension, the absence is considered unexcused for most students. Guardians of students with exceptions are conferenced with on an individual basis.
o 3rd referral gets a 1 day bus suspension.
o 4th gets a 2 day bus suspension.
o 5th gets a 3 day bus suspension and parents/guardians must have a conference with school administrators.
o 6th gets a 4 day bus suspension.
o 7th gets a 5 day bus suspension.
o 8th and up gets 6 days or more of a bus suspension and parents/guardians must have a conference with school administrators. *Please see note below.
*These are on a case by case basis, and according to behavior guidance from JCPS, suspensions can go up to 20 days in length. This is also noted in the JCPS student behavior handbook that went home with every child at the start of the year.
