PRINCIPAL'S CORNER
Beth Curtis
[email protected]
205-759-3667
Verner Elementary’s family believes that it is our school’s responsibility, in cooperation with the home and community, to provide a secure and safe environment which recognizes the total child. We strive to provide every opportunity for maximum student achievement and to recognize and stimulate special talent in all students by providing a quality instructional program. We develop curriculum and teaching strategies designed to respond to the social, emotional, personal and physical well-being of each student as we assist our students in acquiring the skills necessary for life-long learning.
The new school year began on August 8, 2018, for all of our great students! Our Meet and Greet sessions were held on
August 6. We are enjoying new school hours - 7:55 - 2:40.
If you need a supply list or TCS calendar, you may come by the school or check the TCS web page.
Your teachers have been working hard to make this the best year yet!!
MARCH MADNESS
MARCH HAS ARRIVED AND, HOPEFULLY, WE WILL SOON ENJOY SOME BEAUTIFUL SPRING WEATHER…
Please make note of these coming events:
COMING EVENTS: MARCH 1 READ ACROSS AMERICA BOOK CHARACTER PARADE AND
CELEBRATION
MARCH 2 – TCS RACE FOR THE LIBRARIES
- · MARCH 4 LAST DAY FOR 2018-19 PRE-K REGISTRATIO
- MARCH 5 TAZIKI’S VERNER SPIRIT DAY
- MARCH 8 INDIVIDUAL SPRING SCHOOL PICTURES
- March 10 – SPRING FORWARD/DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS
- MARCH 11-15 SPRING BREAK
- MARCH 19 VERNER SPIRIT NIGHT AT URBAN COOKHOUSE
- MARCH 22 REPORT CARDS GO HOME
- o MARCH 27-28 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR 2019-2020
- o April 19 (SAT.) MAYOR’S CUP RACE TO BENEFIT PRE-K
- o APRIL 23-26 TUSCALOOSA BICENTENNIAL EXPO FOR ALL STUDENTS
- o APRIL 8-26 STATE ASSESSMENT FOR VERNER GRADES K-5
- MAY 17 SPRING FLING
- o MAY 21 FIFTH GRADE “MOVING UP” EVENT
- o MAY 23 VERNER TALENT SHOW
- o MAY 22 AND 23 HALF DAYS FOR STUDENTS (DISMISS AT 12:30)
IF YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO WILL ATTENDING VERNER for the first time next fall (INCLUDING KINDERGARTEN,) please let them know that 2019-2020 REGISTRATION will be held MARCH 27 AND MARCH 28. All new students will need to bring a certified birth certificate, social security card, utility bill for residence verification (we will make a copy of all 3,) and a CURRENT IMMUNIZATION CERTIFICATE.
ALL GRADES WILL BE TAKING THE SCAN TRON GLOBAL SCHOLAR STATE ASSESSMENTS BEGINNING APRIL 8 AND CONTINUING THROUGH APRIL 27 (DIFFERENT GRADES TAKE THE ONLINE TESTS ON DIFFERENT DAYS SO YOU WILL HAVE A COPY OF THE SCHEDULE.) THE DIBELS ASSESSMENTS WILL BE GIVEN DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY. It is so important that every student participate, after having a good night’s sleep and good (high protein) breakfast!! Students need to be here on time each day as classes cannot be interrupted and we anticipate 100% successful participation.
THE VERNER TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE goes on as we search for ways to give our students more access to technology. We always welcome businesses and individuals who want to make a tax exempt donation to Verner to expand our one on one technology access for our students.
SPRING BRINGS MANY VISITORS TO THE FIELD OF DREAMS. Please encourage everyone who visits to pick up garbage and follow our guidelines that include NO WHEELED VEHICLES AND NO ANIMALS. THE PLAYGROUND CLOSES AT DUSK. We are responsible for all maintenance and clean-up so we need all the help you can give us.
THE BIG VERNER SPRING FLING IS FRIDAY, MAY 17 (RAIN OR SHINE!!) It is FREE and takes place during the school day. The financial investment you made to the VIP campaign gives everyone a chance to “play together” and have lots of fun and fellowship. You may CALL MARY VIRGINIA BEST OR LET YOUR TEACHER KNOW if you want to help with this great day. The tentative schedule is as follows:
8:30 -10:40 K, 1, 2 Field Day Activities
3, 4, 5 Spring Fling Activities
10:50 – 11:45 Lunch
12:00 – 2:15 K, 1, 2 Spring Fling Activities
3, 4, 5 Field Day Activities
CONGRATULATIONS TO: 4TH GRADE EXCHANGE CLUB ESSAY WINNER – LEILA FOSTER; 5TH GRADE PILOT CLUB ESSAY WINNER – GENESIS PREYER; VERNER’S CANSTRUCTION TEAM BUILT THEIR GUMBALL MACHINE ON FEB. 25 WITH THE CANNED GOODS THAT YOUR DONATION MADE POSSIBLE. THEIR ENTRY IS ON DISPLAY ALL WEEK AT DINAH WASHINGTON CULTURE CENTER AND YOU CAN VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE (VERNER’S WE HOPE) ALL WEEK;
IF YOU SHOP AT PUBLIX OR TARGET OR OFFICE DEPOT, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SIGNED UP FOR VERNER (PUBLIX) OR USE THE TARGET OR OFFICE DEPOT CREDIT CARD TO SWIPE EACH TIME SO WE CAN EARN A PERCENTAGE OF YOUR PURCHASES. AND REGISTER FOR AMAZON SMILE – YOU CAN USE THIS PORTAL WHENEVER YOU SHOP AT AMAZON AND VERNER RECEIVES A PORTION OF YOUR PURCHASE – no extra cost to you!!
WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO THANK OUR ADOPT A SCHOOL PARTNERS:
POWELL PETROLEUM, THE BANK OF TUSCALOOSA, RIVERVIEW ORTHODONICS, TAZIKI’S, AND AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL. THEY ALL SUPPORT US BY RECOGNIZING OUR STUDENTS WITH THE GROW AWARD, STUDENT OF THE MONTH, BUG AWARD, MATHEMATICIAN AWARD, AND PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARDS. THEY ALSO SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS TO SHOW TOKENS OF APPRECIATION TO OUR TEACHERS AND TO CELEBRATE “READ ACROSS AMERICA” AND DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY.
THE RENOVATION PROJECT CONTINUES AND IS ON SCHEDULE. We have moved 2nd and 3rd into their new permanent rooms and 4th and 5th hope to move out of portables around May 15. They are still working on library, lunchroom and office areas and should finish in July.
Thanks to the City of Tuscaloosa Police Dept. and Mayor, we now have a full time police officer, Trace Nabors. Please join us in welcoming him.
VERNER HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED WITH ANOTHER AWARD, THE CLAS SCHOOL OF DISTINCTION for our literacy programs, which include the annual reading success that is made strong by the work that parents, students, community, and teachers do together.
FRIENDSHIP FEBRUARY
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY AND HAPPY FEBRUARY!! As you can see by the calendar, February is a busy month at Verner and we look forward to celebrating friendships and kindness. Watch for classroom communications also so you can “keep up” with all of the exciting events. Visit Verner on our website and check out your individual teacher’s classroom link.
COMING EVENTS:
o FEB. 1 LAST DAY FOR YEAROOK ORDER;
o FEB. 4 DEADLINE FOR BOYS VS. GIRLS WINTER BOX TOP CONTEST
FEB. 12 (6:00) SWEETHEART DANCE TO BENEFIT THE FIELD of DREAMS
(3, 4,5 GIRLS) – RETURN YOUR REGISTRATIONS NOW
FEB. 18 - PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY FOR STUDENTS;
FEB. 19 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY FOR TEACHERS
FEB. 26 - PTA – PERFORMANCES BY 4TH AND 5TH
MARCH 1 – READ ACROSS AMERICA BOOK CHARACTER PARADE AND CELEBRATIONS
MARCH 4 LAST DAY FOR 2018-19 PRE-K REGISTRATION
MARCH 8 INDIVIDUAL SPRING SCHOOL PICTURES
o MARCH 11-15 SPRING BREAK
o MAY 17 SPRING FLING
o MAY 21 FIFTH GRADE “MOVING UP” EVENT
o MAY 23 VERNER TALENT SHOW
Winter Box Top Contest is going on right now! Please continue to bring in GENERAL FOODS BOX TOPS. Collection lasts until
FEBRUARY 4TH with competition between the boy and girl groups! KEEP CALM AND CLIP ON!
The annual SPRING FLING is scheduled for May 18. It is not a fundraiser but a celebration/field day full of fun activities. Contact your homeroom teacher or MARY VIRGINIA BEST if you want to help.
REGISTRATION FOR PRE-K ENDS MARCH 4. You can register online or come by the school to get your Pre-K registration directions.
The official 2019-20 pre-registration period for kindergarten and new students BEGINS SOON. We will send you more information as the date approaches. We will also have an orientation later in the spring for our new kindergarteners.
EVERYONE IS WORKING HARD DURING THIS VERY IMPORTANT SECOND SEMESTER. SO WE NEED TO MAKE ONE LAST REQUEST THAT YOU GET YOUR FAMILY TO SCHOOL BY 7:55 EACH MORNING. THE TEACHERS DO BEGIN THE DAY AT 7:557 SO EVERYONE SHOULD BE IN THEIR ROOMS READY TO BEGIN.
For the safety and respect of our children, PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONES when you are in the carpool lanes, mornings and afternoons.
Unfortunately, the flu has hit TCS schools as it has all over the country. Please let your teacher or Nurse Brittany know when someone in your family does have the flu so our nurse can monitor the effects on our schools.
WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF A CURRENT SAFETY CONCERN. THERE ARE A LARGE NUMBER OF CHILDREN WALKING FROM VERNER TO RIVERCHASE WHO DO NOT LIVE THERE. THERE ARE NOW MANY CARS WAITING ON SARATOGA ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD – AS MANY AS 25! CHILDREN ARE WALKING BETWEEN THE PARKED CARS AND MAY NOT SEE A COMING CAR. AND THE NEIGHBORS WHO LIVE IN THESE HOUSES THAT BORDER THE SIDEWALK HAVE HAD TREE LIMBS, BIRDBATH, ETC. BROKEN AS THE CHILDREN PLAY IN THEIR YARDS. AGAIN, THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THESE CHILDREN. PLEASE CONSIDER USING THE VERNER CARPOOL LANE IF YOU ARE PICKING UP YOUR CHILDREN. THE WAIT HAS IMPROVED SO MUCH SINCE WE GOT THE NEW OVERHANG.
OUR LATEST MOVE INTO THE NEWLY RENOVATED WING IS COMPLETE! And the contractors will now begin on the center wing that will eventually be home to 4th/5th. The following classrooms are the new “permanent home” for 2nd/3rd. Room 21 -3rd/MRS. JACKSON ROOM 26 – MRS. LIVINGSTON COMMONS F – MRS. PRADAT
Room 22-3RD/MRS. INGRAM ROOM 27 – 2ND/MRS. HIGGINBOTHAM MRS. MOUNTAIN
Room 23-3RD/MRS. LANDRY ROOM 28 – 2ND/MRS. HOCUTT COMMONS E – TEACHER WORKROOM/
Room 24 -3RD/MRS. EDDINGS ROOM 29 – 2ND/ MRS. WALKER TEACHER MAILBOXES
Room 25-ENRICHMENT/MRS. BRISTOW ROOM 30 -2ND/MRS. SUMMERLIN
JUMPIN' JANUARY, 2019
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We are all looking forward to sharing a great 2019 with the Verner family. We hope you had healthy, joyous holidays so everyone is ready to tackle a new year!! School resumes for teachers on THURSDAY, JAN. 3, AND STUDENTS RETURN ON MONDAY, JAN. 7.
WE CONTINUE TO APPLAUD OUR STUDENTS FOR ALL OF THEIR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS!! The awards assembly in January will give us an opportunity to recognize many, many students who have shown outstanding efforts, perfect attendance, and academic achievements. Remember, the “more you read, the better you read!” Please encourage your students to participate by reading anytime and anywhere- read WITH you and TO you. Using the online program, STRIDE ACADEMY (previously called Kid’s College,) is a fun and successful way to keep up with your child’s amazing achievements. We sent home information (in August and in December) on some sites you can use on new mobile devices if that was included in someone’s Christmas gift. One of the best resources is MyOn – the online library that offers audio books as well. You child can log on anywhere they have internet access and READ, READ, READ!! Let your teacher know if you need that information again.
JANUARY IS ALABAMA SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH – IF YOU SEE ONE OF OUR BOARD MEMBERS, I HOPE YOU WILL TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR HOURS OF SERVICE THEY SHARE WITH US.
Continue to COLLECT “BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION” AS THAT CONTEST BEGINS JAN. 7.
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVAN MALONE WHO WAS THE FIRST PLACE WINNER IN OUR SCHOOL SPELLING BEE. AND
LINDSEY KATE TERRY WAS THE RUNNER-UP!! WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF ALL 16 CONTESTANTS WHO WERE OUTSTANDING SPELLING CHAMPIONS REPRESENTING THEIR CLASSES. EVAN moves on to the county competition.
WE CONTINUE TO HAVE TOO MANY CHILDREN ARRIVING AT SCHOOL LATE. The Tuscaloosa City Board policy states that the 4th and subsequent tardies are unexcused and students accumulating 9 tardies in a year must be suspended pending a parent conference. Please help your child by seeing that they get a good start on their day by being in class when the teacher begins her/his instruction – THE LAST BELL RINGS AT 7:45. “BEING PUNCTUAL ARRIVING AT SCHOOL” WOULD BE A GREAT NEW YEAR’S “RESOLUTION!”
PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ARE USING THE PARKING LOT TO DROP OFF OR PICK UP STUDENTS, YOU MUST PARK AND WALK WITH THE CHILDREN TO AND FROM THE CAR. Watch carefully for other cars and pedestrians – children should not leave the sidewalk in front of the school until someone is ON THE SIDEWALK TO GET THEM. WE DO ENCOURAGE YOU TO USE THE FRONT DROP OFF/PICK UP LANE WHEN POSSIBLE. NOTE THE ADDITION OF OUR AWNING SO THAT WE CAN ACCOMMODATE MORE CARS AT ONE TIME. We hope you are not using your cell phone when you drop off and pick up your children. Not only is this a safety issue but this time is so important to your child and they need your full attention on both occasions.
OUR NEXT PTA MEETING WILL BE TUESDAY, FEB. 26. We will have great performances by our students!!
The fabulous volunteers at the front desk are serving our school and your children in such important
ways – please join us in thanking them for providing this vital service. The faculty AND the children will continue to have fire, tornado, and intruder drills.
START THE NEW YEAR WITH LUNCH MONEY ON YOUR CHILD’S ACCOUNT. We really encourage our students to eat in the lunchroom whenever possible – participation rate determines the number of CNP employees we have. The monthly menu can also help you encourage your student to try new foods.
AND PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR CHILD CAN EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST ON ANY DAY – and a delicious smoothie can be part of that breakfast. THE COST of breakfast IS ONLY $1.50 AND CAN BE APPLIED TO/DEDUCTED FROM THEIR LUNCH ACCOUNT. The children have finished eating breakfast in the lunchroom by 7:55 a.m.
AS WE CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM UNINTERRUPTED INSTRUCTIONAL TIME, we try to put all of your messages in teachers’ mailboxes instead of interrupting the class on the intercom. Please consider this when you call the school. Also, because the end of the day is so busy, we will not take messages to classes after 2:00 and we will not have check-outs after 2:10.
Note the following dates:
* JAN. 21- MLK HOLIDAY
* JAN. 23– 101 DAYS OF SCHOOL CELEBRATION
*FEB.(TBD) FIELD OF DREAMS SWEETHEART DANCE
o SPRING BREAK – MARCH 11-15
CONGRATULATIONS TO MARY ELIZABETH PRICE WHO WAS VERNER’S NOMINEE FOR THE JACKSONVILLE HALL OF FAME, KATE GARRETT, WHO WAS OUR NOMINEE FOR STATE TECHNOLOGY TEACHER OF THE YEAR. EMILY MERIWETHER WAS OUR NOMINEE FOR THE ALABAMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR. WE WERE ALSO PROUD TO NOMINATE MELEI RENICKS AS OUR SUPPORT TEACHER OF THE YEAR.
WE ARE CONTINUING TO MAKE PROGRESS IN OUR RENOVATION PROJECT. WE DO APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE WITH THESE CHANGES. THE 2ND AND 3RD GRADES WILL MOVE INTO THE MOST RECENTLY COMPLETED WING SOMETIME AROIUND THE END OF JANUARY.
DELIGHTFUL DECEMBER, 2018
HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!! Everyone at Verner is busy preparing for the 2018 holiday season and the full calendar of activities in December.
The Pre-K, k, and 1st grade classes successfully moved into their new classrooms on Nov. 10. They have begun work on the 4th/5th gr. Wing so our next round of moves will have 2nd/3rd moving into those rooms in February. Work continues on the library and office areas. Thank you for your patience with our progress!!
YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED ORDERING INFORMATION FROM YOUR PTA ABOUT THE SWEATSHIRTS AND ORNAMENT ONLINE ORDERING. THE DEADLINE IS DEC. 5 – WE CAN KEEP THIS AS A SURPRISE FOR YOUR CHILD IF YOU WOULD LIKE.
BOX TOPS for EDUCATION continues to be is a huge success at Verner. Penny Wallace will continue this project throughout the year so send in your box tops for the next contest beginning JAN. 7. SO YOU SHOULD BE COLLECTING BOX TOPS WHILE YOU ARE DOING YOUR HOLIDAY COOKING!! All of the children did an outstanding job in our fall campaign.
YOU HAVE RECEIVED INFORMATION ON HOW TO SUPPORT VERNER WHEN YOU SHOP AT PUBLIX – To support Verner, sign up for Publix Partners through your Publix.com account (if you don't already have one) and select VERNER. Then, enter your phone number at checkout each time you make an eligible purchase.
YOU CAN ALSO SWIPE YOUR TARGET RED CARD – if you have designated Verner as your rewards recipient we will get a % of sales. AND ALWAYS USE THE AMAZON SMILE PORTAL WHEN YOU SHOP AT AMAZON FOR THE PTA TO RECEIVE FUNDS FROM THEM. So, when you are holiday, weekly, or daily shopping, remember Verner!!
**Don’t forget to order your YEARBOOK AND/OR YEARBOOK ADS– you should order your book and your ad now at balfour.com. Yearbook prices will increase from $35 a book to $40 a book on Dec. 1.
The winter holidays begin at 12:30 (for ELEMENTARY students) on THURSDAY, DEC. 20. School is out (for students) for the winter holidays until Monday, JANUARY 7, 2017, at 8:00 a.m. Teachers return on Jan. 3rd and 4th for professional development.
DOE$ YOUR CHILD HAVE LUNCH MONEY ON HI$/HER ACCOUNT? PLEASE “DEPO$IT” “$UFFICIENT FUND$” IN THIS “ACCOUNT” SO HE/$HE WON’T HAVE TO “BORROW” FROM HI$/HER TEACHER AND YOU WON’T BE “OVERDRAWN!!” And there may be times when they forget to bring a lunch – or just want to try our “new and improved” menu – including BREAKFAST!!
THE GREAT READING INCENTIVE PROGRAM, “VERNER BUILDS GREAT LEARNERS,” will continue next semester. Please encourage your children to READ, READ, and READ for pleasure during the holidays so they won’t lose any of the huge progress they have made this semester. They can also use MyOn, our online reading platform everyday.
Your child will also be participating in MID YEAR assessments in December and January as we end our semester. Know that this data is so important to teachers as they plan effective instruction for YOUR CHILD next semester.
AND WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR “RESOURCEFUL, RESPONSIBLE, AND RESPECTFUL” STUDENTS. PBS (POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT) WILL ALSO CONTINUE IN JANUARY.
ROBIN COLE and KATIE PAVLICK, PTA VICE-PRESIDENTS FOR FUNDRAISING, join us in thanking you for your help with the
2018-19 VIP program. You may still make a donation by Dec. 31 so you will have a 2018 tax donation. Your donations make it possible for AMANDA JONES to continue as our computer teacher AND FOR US TO CONTINUE TO ADD BOOKS TO OUR LIBRARY. And thanks to the leadership of the PTA, our grounds are IN GOOD SHAPE!!
Your support of Verner and your contributions to VIP and our technology efforts make so many programs possible.
If you are planning to do something for your teacher at holiday time, we suggest you contact your class room mother to assist with the classroom celebration and maybe a collective gift for the teacher. You may also BUY A LIBRARY BOOK in honor of someone special at Christmas. And, if you are considering an electronic device as a Christmas gift for any child Pre-K through 12th, consider a 15 inch Chromebook – that is the device that all of our TCS schools/students use.
With cooler weather, we are seeing much more use of the Field of Dreams. REMEMBER THAT THIS PARK CLOSES AT DARK. NO PETS OR MOTORIZED VEHICLES OR BICYCLES SHOULD EVER BE ON THE PLAYGROUND or WALKING TRAIL as our children’s safety is most important. IT IS ALSO SUCH A HELP WHEN LARGE GROUPS PICK UP THEIR LITTER AND TAKE THEIR TRASH TO THE DUMPSTER BEFORE LEAVING.
Everyone is benefitting from the technology in the classrooms that continues to enhance instruction – this is all thanks to YOUR SUPPORT!!
THE LOST AND FOUND at Verner has many coats, sweaters, and other items without names. Please take the time to check this collection and please PUT YOUR CHILD’S NAME IN EVERYTHING!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GREAT TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM VERNER - MRS. EMILY MERIWETHER IS is Verner’s nominee for the ALABAMA TEACHER OF THE YEAR; MRS. MARY ELIZABETH PRICE is our nominee for the JACKSONVILLE STATE TEACHER HALL OF FAME; MELEI RENICKS is our nominee for SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR; AND KATE GARRETT IS nominated for INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY TEACHER OF THE YEAR.
JEFFERY WALKER is our NICK’S KIDS TEACHER OF THE YEAR.
EVERY YEAR, THE VERNER FAMILY gives monetary Christmas gifts to the custodial staff AND lunchroom staff. We also hope to have enough to provide a breakfast treat for each of our December police officers that help us daily. The SCA members are asking children to share a donation to this gift during the week of Dec.3-7. Any amount will be appreciated – we will take the total amount and divide it among these special friends at Christmas. We hope every child will be a part of this gesture.
THE SCA HAS HAD A VERY PRODUCTIVE SEMESTER. We appreciate the efforts of our great Student Council Association who has worked hard on a number of projects. THEY COLLECTED OVER $700 IN THE UNITED WAY STUDENT DRIVE. SCA members “won” a pie AND EGGS in the face as a result of the DRIVE CONTEST.
"NEWSWORTHY NOVEMBER"
CAN YOU BELIEVE “TURKEY MONTH” IS ALREADY HERE? PLEASE NOTE ALL OF THE NOVEMBER EVENTS ON YOUR CALENDAR by watching for newsletters and communications from the school, individual teachers, and grade levels.
We are so proud of the EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION at Verner. Please continue to share your suggestions and concerns directly with your child’s teacher. Most problems can be worked out with communication and we need a strong partnership between our teachers and parents to keep our program strong. The support personnel (counselor, P.E. coaches, librarian, principal, etc.) are also available to help you and the teachers.
WE CONTINUE TO BE SO GRATEFUL TO YOU AND THE PTA LEADERSHIP FOR PROVIDING SO MANY RESOURCES TO OUR STUDENTS THROUGH V.I.P. Your support and generosity continues to enhance instruction thanks to YOUR SUPPORT!! . This includes the computer lab classes taught by your computer lab teacher, Amanda Jones, the beautification and maintenance grounds projects, the instructional materials, and the supplies for art, music, P.E., and the nurse. YOU CAN STILL PARTICIPATE IN THE VIP CAMPAIGN.
AND PLEASE PLAN TO JOIN YOUR VERNER COMMUNITY FOR A SPIRIT DAY AT TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ IN MIDTOWN RESTAURANT ON NOV. 6. Taziki’s is one of our great Adopt A School partners. A Percent OF SALES COMES BACK TO VERNER AND WE GET TO ENJOY A DAY AND EVENING OF FAMILY FUN.
With cooler weather, we are seeing much more use of the Field of Dreams. REMEMBER, THAT THIS PARK CLOSES AT DARK. NO PETS OR MOTORIZED VEHICLES OR BICYCLES SHOULD EVER BE ON THE PLAYGROUND as our children’s safety is most important. IT IS ALSO SUCH A HELP WHEN LARGE GROUPS TAKE THEIR TRASH TO THE DUMPSTER BEFORE LEAVING.
WE ARE SO APPRECIATIVE TO THE SCHOOLYARD ROOTS garden project. All students are working in the garden and learning about healthy eating and the science of plants.
THE SCHOOL DAY BEGINS AT 7:55 AND ENDS AT 2:40 and we consider the entire day to be important to the instructional needs of your child. When children arrive late or leave early, it is disruptive to the class and to your child. Whenever possible, please try to have your child in school by 7:55 and let them stay until 2:40.
WHAT A GREAT YEAR OUR PTA IS HAVING!! Their blog page is http://vernerpta.edublogs.org; please sign up on this site to receive notices of upcoming events in our school and system.
THE VERNER PTA YEARBOOK STAFF has sent out information on how to purchase and design your ads online. They continue to take orders - just log on to www.balfour.com to buy an ad or order a yearbook.
We will also CONTINUE TO participate in “BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION” beginning with another contest collection in Jan. so keep saving those tops. We congratulate Mrs. Eddings’ class for winning the first contest. And, while you are holiday shopping, do not forget our PUBLIX PARTNERS. They have started a new method of giving us a credit for your purchase – go online and register at Publix.com/PARTNERS and then you just enter your phone number when you check out.
If you shop through Amazon, please sign up for AMAZON SMILE – a program/app that gives a portion of your purchases to one of your favorite charities. When you sign up, you will choose Verner as the recipient.
Many thanks for visiting our library Book Fair; it was a huge success and our only source for library book purchases except for VIP.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE STUDENTS WHO WERE RECOGNIZED AT OUR FIRST ASSEMBLY WITH THE STUDENT OF THE MONTH, G.R.O.W AWARD, HONOR ROLLS, AND MATHEMATICIAN AWARDS. Our Adopt a School partners, AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL, RIVERVIEW ORTHODONTICS, BANK OF TUSCALOOSA, TAZIKI’S, AND POWELL PETROLEUM, are working with us to honor the great effort of our Verner students. We also recognized those students with PERFECT ATTENDANCE as they were here everyday with no check-ins or checkouts!!! We look forward to even more at the end of the current 9 weeks.
MANY THANKS TO ALL THE FAMILIES WHO SUPPORTED THE SCA United Way, the COCTOBER sock drive, and the Trick or Treat for UNICEF program. AND WE APPRECIATE EVERYONE WHO HELPED WITH the SCA BAKE SALE – IT WAS A BIG SUCCESS!!
VERNER VS. ROCK QUARRY FLAG FOOTBALL TURKEY BOWL IS THURSDAY, NOV. 15, (6:00) ON THE NORTHRIDGE FOOTBALL FIELD. TURKEY BOWL T-SHIRT ORDERS are AVAILABLE UNTIL OCT. 30.
We are sending you this reminder to make address and phone number changes that may have changed since school started. Please send us the new address/phone numbers IF your information has changed since August:
Child’s name____________________NEW address_____________________________
NEW Phone numbers (work and/or home,) emergency contacts, cell phone numbers OR
NEW EMAIL:________________________________________________________________
OUTSTANDING OCTOBER
WE CONTINUE TO ENJOY A GREAT SCHOOL BEGINNING. And we do look forward to some fall weather and days with less excessive heat; the P.E. classes use the playground on Fridays as one of the options on “student choice day” and our Positive Behavior Program also includes some Field of Dreams reward time It makes a difference when you are able to help us with regular maintenance such as picking up trash and reminding others that motorized vehicles, bicycles, pets, etc. are not allowed on the playgrounds.
CHECK OUT THE GREAT FALL BOOK FAIR – OCT. 1 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCT. 5. PLEASE PLAN TO VISIT OR LET YOUR CHILD SHOP FOR GREAT BOOKS. This is the primary fund raiser for the library (which receives no state or local funds.)
THE FALL PTA MEETING IS OCTOBER 23. We will enjoy performances by kindergarten and 2nd grade.
VIP response has been steady but if you had not had a chance to participate, you can still make a pledge or donation so you can be a member of our PTA and proudly display your VIP DECAL OR MAGNET on your car and support our instructional efforts. We would like to complete the campaign by Oct. 26. We continue to give businesses and individuals in our community an opportunity to assist in providing individual CHROMEBOOKS for our students’ use. You and the PTA have provided a class set for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th!!
OUR COMPUTER LAB CLASSES HAVE BEGUN, THANKS TO VIP AND OUR COMPUTER TEACHER, AMANDA JONES. CHECK OUT THE NEW TYPING PROGRAM WE ARE USING – TYPINGCLUB.COM.
Watch for the VERNER YEARBOOK and Yearbook Ad sale coming soon thanks to our chairmen, Casey Jones and Brandee Tickle. You may already order online at www.Balfour.com. 4th and 5th graders are participating in the cover contest for the yearbook.
CARPOOLING SEEMS TO BE GETTING BETTER EACH DAY. Please remind your carpool to watch for your car while waiting; you should always have a visor card or paper plate on your visor so we can call your group more quickly. If you must pick up in the parking lot, we ask that you park and come get your children BUT WAIT FOR THEM AT THE EDGE of the overhang; WE WILL CALL THEM FOR YOU. You may also use a sign (paper plate) so we can easily identify who you are getting. We also ask that you do not enter the back parking lot to pick up a child – this creates a problem with supervision and the teachers ask that you pick them up in the front, either in carpool lane or park in the front parking lot.
WE ARE ENJOYING ANOTHER YEAR OF PARTNERSHIPS WITH OUR ADOPTERS, BANK OF TUSCALOOSA, RIVERVIEW ORTHODONICS, POWELL PETROLEUM, TAZIKI’S and AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL. We thank them for their commitment to quality education as they lead and support so many of our efforts throughout the year. When you see employees of these businesses, please let them know how much we appreciate their help and support.
OCTOBER IS PARENT VISITATION MONTH. Our parents are invited and encouraged to come in and “discover your schools” on
Oct. 18. You will receive a complete list of all of the GRADE LEVEL special events planned for that day and for October. Verner teachers are always anxious to form stronger partnership with parents so our students will be even more successful. If you have not had your first semester/initial parent conference of the 18-19 school year, please consider making that appointment NOW.
The SCA has already begun another busy year with the election and installation of officers and representatives. Congratulations to
WILLIAM FORTENBERRY, PRESIDENT; HARWOOD BEEKER, VICE PRESIDENT/TREASURER; AND ADELINE LOLLAR, SECRETARY. We also congratulate all of our delegates who represent their classes so well. Thank you, Mr. Walker, Mrs. Thompson, and Mrs. Wyatt, for serving as awesome advisors. The SCA is sponsoring events this month, the SOCKTOBER SOCK DRIVE (Oct. 1-31,) United Way student drive (Oct. 1-5,) Crazy Sock Drive (Oct. 12,) Bake Sale (OCT. 26) and Wacky Hat Day (Oct. 31.)
PLEASE CONSIDER ACCEPTING THE INVITATION TO VOLUNTEER AT VERNER. We still have places on all committees including BEAUTIFICATION, SPRING FLING, TEACHER APPRECIATION, FRONT DESK, SCHOOLYARD ROOTS Garden Project, and THE LIBRARY. Choose the area that best suits your time and talents and schedule.
Because the last hour of school is so hectic in the office, we follow the policy that the other schools in the city follow: NO CHECK-OUTS AFTER 2:10. If your child has an appointment, please send a note and plan to pick him/her up before 2:10. Teachers are using every minute of the day, including the last 30 minutes! Thank you for your understanding. And we look forward to celebrating the success of students with NO TARDIES and NO ABSENCES.
OCT. 4 IS INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL WALK/BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY... PLEASE DO MAKE PLANS TO FORM AND/OR JOIN A “WALKING SCHOOL BUS!!” (AND IF YOU ARE DRIVING, PLEASE SLOW DOWN AND WATCH FOR ALL OF OUR WALKERS AND BIKERS!!!)
We have one more “VERNER GRANDPARENTS’/ SPECIAL FRIEND DAY” on October 1. The first was a HUGE SUCESS!! This meant so much to the children and we loved having the visitors. Of course, grandparents, parents, and special friends are welcome to eat lunch with us ANY DAY!! We were sad that Mrs. Doris retired but hope you will join us in welcoming our awesome new CNP manager, Mrs. Dale.
WATCH FOR INFO ON OUR SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS (I.E. UNICEF and SOCKTOBER) ) THIS FALL. AND WE CONTINUE “FULL SPEED AHEAD” ON THE BOXTOP CONTEST – KEEP “CLIPPING AND SENDING” TO VERNER.
THE BIG TURKEY BOWL IS COMING – PUT NOV. 15 ON YOUR CALENDAR FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF FUN.
One of our instructional goals this year is to continue our focus on literacy – please encourage your student to read at home FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES EVERY NIGHT. And we look forward to honoring all of our “GOAL MAKERS” at our assemblies on Oct. 16. And, if your child has not shown MyOn to you, ask them for a demo!! IT IS OUR GREAT ONLINE LIBRARY.
The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) recently announced that 50 schools across the state would share $1 million allotted by the Alabama Legislature during the 2018 legislative session. And VERNER is one of these top 50 schools (of 1600+ AL schools) that will receive award for our efforts in showing the most improvement in last year’s 3rd grade reading results. We are so proud of our students, teachers and parents who earned this prestigious award!
SUPER SEPTEMBER - A New School Year Begins
WELCOME TO VERNER FOR A GREAT 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR!! This year promises to be the best ever as we celebrate and applaud our SUPER HERO students. Our theme for the VERNER READERS this year is” BUILDING GREAT VERNER LEARNERS! Each month you will receive a calendar with school-wide announcements as well as a breakfast and a lunch menu for the month. Classroom teachers will also send you regular communications, newsletters, and academic progress reports. Check out our web site for links and check out your teachers’ Weebly pages.
AS YOUR CHILDREN WAIT FOR YOU IN THE AFTERNOON, they will be sitting together in grade levels and we encourage them to watch for you to drive up (with their names on your visor!!). In the mornings, the Safety Patrols will assist your children out of the cars. There will be someone to supervise children in the lunchroom who arrive between 7:25 and 7:45. Children who arrive between 7:35 and 7:45, who are not eating breakfast, go directly to their grade level hall to be supervised by a grade level teacher.
REMEMBER OUR NEW SCHOOL TIMES ARE 7:55 – 2:40. YOU SHOULD PLACE THE DASHBOARD SIGN ON YOUR VISOR WITH THE NAMES OF THE CHILDREN IN YOUR CARPOOL. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you pick up your children before 3:00 as the teachers have commitments such as teacher meetings and conferences after school. You may consider enrolling your children in the Extended Day program if you cannot be here by 3:00.
YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED INFORMATION regarding after school activities including PIANO, ART, KARATE, CHESS, AND SCOUTING. Call the school office if you want information on the AFTER SCHOOL/EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM that lasts until 5:30.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO BUY A LUNCH TICKET for your child’s lunch. The daily lunch price for students for FY 2017-2018 is $2.65. (Child Visitors are $3.25 and Adult Visitors are $4.25.) You can put any amount on the ticket so you can be assured your child will never be without the option to buy a breakfast, lunch, drink, or dessert. The students quickly learn their lunch numbers for the automated ticket system. They may also eat breakfast beginning at 7:25 – the cost of breakfast remains the same at $1.50.
KEEP SAVING YOUR box tops; THE FIRST CONTEST ENDS OCTOBER 5.
We invite you to lunch anytime – and often- after the first 2 weeks!! Please do let your child’s teacher know if you are coming so the lunchroom can be prepared. All visitors, volunteers, and guests should enter through the front door, sign in using the RAPTOR system with your driver’s license, get a volunteer/visitor badge, and wait for your class outside the lunchroom entrance. Please remember that fast food, soft drinks, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and foods brought in from restaurants are not allowed in the lunchroom. Appointments with teachers can be scheduled – and encouraged - by sending a note to the teachers. The first, regular conference will be set up at the Open House on Aug. 28.
PLEASE MARK ALL ITEMS WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME – especially coats, sweaters, and lunchboxes.
YOU MUST SEND A NOTE OF EXPLANATION/EXCUSE WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT or TARDY– EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER. We consider every day to be an important day for your child to be present in school. Rewards and recognitions are presented to children with perfect attendance.
VERNER NEEDS YOU!! Parent involvement has certainly contributed to the success of Verner and our children. Please contact our PTA President, AMY SMITH, or your child’s teacher (or our fabulous librarian, KATE GARRETT, for some library fun) if you are interested in being a Verner Volunteer.
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR SCHOOL STORE IS OPEN AND FULLY STOCKED!! We have crayons, pencils, folders, scissors, paper, SMENCILS, and much more!!
YOUR PTA HAS SOME EXCITING EVENTS PLANNED FOR THE YEAR. The first occasion is PTA OPEN HOUSE on Aug. 28. (AND V.I.P is here again!!)
PLEASE BE ASSURED THAT WE WILL NOT TAKE THE CHILDREN outside for recess or P.E. if the heat index and/or temperature is too high for our students’ safety.
You will receive your individual STI home password in your child’s first progress report on Sept. 7. You can use it to access your child’s grades (in grades 3-5) from home – grades will be posted weekly so you can monitor your child’s progress.
And, as soon as we get all children enrolled, you will receive your child’s password to many of our paid sites including Tumblebooks, Google, IXL, Spelling City, and Stride Academy.
DETACH AND RETURN TO SCHOOL BY AUGUST 30 ONLY IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR CLASSROOM DIRECTORIES AND YEARBOOK
_______________(CHILD’S NAME) DOES NOT WANT OUR WITH PHONE # AND ADDRESS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASSROOM DIRECTORIES AND YEARBOOK
PARENT SIGNATURE____________________HOMEROOM __________________________