The Wildcat Way July 24-28, 2023 (Week #2)

Featured Mrs. Bree Watson

Hello Loma Verde Families! Thank you for a wonderful first week of school, Loma Verde Wildcats!  It was so great to welcome back our Wildcats for the 2023-2024 school year. We were so excited to see the smiles and happiness of our students this week! Thank you for entrusting your children with us! We are so thankful for our teachers and staff that put in the extra effort to make the beginning of the school year such a success and prepare for an amazing year of learning.

Our goal is to inform families of school events and provide important announcements for the coming week. Please sign up to follow this blog with your email.  The weekly blog will be sent out at the beginning of each week through CVESD School Messenger, ClassDojo, Loma Verde’s Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter.  Thank you for reading the weekly blog.

Click here to access our 2023-2024 Loma Verde Parent/Student Handbook.

Cell Phone & Smart Watch Policy

A student may have a cell phone/smart watch on campus only if the parent/guardian has filled out and submitted a LV Cell Phone Waiver 23-24 to the school office. A student may bring a cell phone/smartwatch only after the parent has received his/her copy of the permission form signed by a school administrator. Cell phones/smart watches must be turned in to the classroom teacher at the start of the day and will be returned at the end of the day. Students are NOT allowed to keep cell phones on them, in desks, or in their backpacks during the school day. Cell phone permission approval is valid for one school year only and must be renewed each school year. On campus violation of any of the terms of the cell phone permission will result in the confiscation and revocation of cell phone privileges. The parent must come to the office to pick up the phone from an administrator. Read this article about giving tweens cell phones.

2023-2024 Important School Dates:

Please take a moment to review the upcoming school calendar for the 2023-24 school year. It is important to plan your vacations, family reunions, and other travel during school breaks. Click Here for the 2023-2024 CVESD School Calendar

Important Dates for quick reference:

  • Student Starting Date: July 19, 2023
  • Student Ending Date: June 5, 2024

Breaks:

  • Fall Break – September 25 – October 9, 2023
  • Thanksgiving Break – November 20 – November 24, 2023
  • Winter Break – December 18, 2023 – January 9, 2024
  • Spring Break – March 18 – April 1, 2024
  • Thursday, 7/20-Friday, 7/28 1:00 TK & Kinder Minimum Day only (minimum days 1:00 dismissal)
  • Thursday, 7/27 8:15 PTO General Meeting
  • Saturday, 7/29 11:00-1:00 CVESD Community Expo
  • Tuesday, 8/1 3:00 PM SSC Meeting
  • Thursday, 8/3 5:30 PM TK-6th grade Meet the Teacher & Curriculum Night
  • Wednesday, 8/9 6:00 PM CVESD Board Meeting
  • Thursday, 8/10 8:15 AM Coffee with the Principal & ELAC Meeting
  • Wednesday, 8/23 8:15 PTO General Meeting
  • Wednesday, 8/30 School Picture Day (wear uniform)

Meet the Teacher/Curriculum Night – Thursday, August 3, 2023

Please plan to join us on Thursday, August 3 for our Meet the Teacher/Curriculum Night!  Our teachers will have a back-to-school session where they will discuss classroom expectations, requirements, procedures, curriculum, field trips, and many more topics so that we can all have a successful year.  The teacher may also have a “donation” board for additional items- what a GREAT way to support the learning for your child!

  • Session 1- 5:30-6:00 PM
  • Session 2- 6:05-6:35 PM

Coming Soon: Before & After School Clubs!

We are offering many FREE before and after school clubs at Loma Verde starting the week of August 7. A few of the clubs are: Math 24, roller skating, karate, soccer, gardening, art & engineering, robotics, music, acting, book club, art journaling, dance, art therapy, cooking, basic first aid, tutoring, and more! Stay tuned for club information and registration coming.

2023-2024 School Breakfast Update

Starting in July 2023, CVESD is eliminating second-chance breakfast during students’ first recess. FREE BREAKFAST for all students will be served from 7:15-7:50 ONLY. Please plan accordingly. Students can bring a healthy snack to eat during their morning recess. (No chips, candy, soda, or sports drinks are allowed.)

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Kindergarten and TK Special Schedule

Please see the dates and times below for our TK-kinder minimum day schedule for the first 8 days.  TK/Kinder parents need to pick up students at the classrooms.  Gates will be open in the afternoon.  Please do not park in the drop-off/pick-up lane.

  • Wednesday, 7/19-Friday, 7/21 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Monday, 7/24-Friday, 7/28 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Monday, 7/31 kindergarten and TK will start the full-day schedule (2:30 dismissal)

Loma Verde Dress Code: School Uniforms

Loma Verde students will be required to wear school uniforms. Shirts are blue, white or grey and pants/shorts/skirts are navy or black. Spirit t-shirts can be worn any day. Please wear closed-toe shoes daily. If you need help acquiring the uniforms, please contact the office. Information is confidential.

DRESS CODE:

Students are expected to come to school appropriately dressed. Students failing to dress appropriately will be asked to change. If students are unable to change, parents/guardians will be contacted to bring clothing for their child to school. Parents/guardians are encouraged to have all student clothing free of any writing, pictures, or insignias. Students are not allowed to display by wearing or placement of apparel that would signify the affiliation or intent of affiliation in a student group advocating or participating in disruptive behavior. Ed Code 35183

Loma Verde allows for the outdoor use of sun-protective clothing and the use of sunscreen by students during the day. Sun Protective Clothing EC 35183.5

PANTS SHOULD:

  • Be fitted at the waist
  • Be worn on the waist, not sagging
  • Stay up on the waist if the belt isn’t worn
  • Not show skin
  • Completely cover other clothing worn as an undergarment (gym shorts, underwear, etc.)
  • Leggings must be worn appropriately

SHORTS SHOULD:

  • Be fitted at the waist
  • Not be short shorts
  • Be long enough to cover the buttocks, and upper thighs when walking, sitting, bending, or reaching
  • Not be torn

SKIRTS, SKORTS, DRESSES SHOULD:

  • Be long enough to cover the buttocks, and upper thighs when walking, sitting, bending, or reaching

TOPS SHOULD:

  • Not be backless, low back or low front
  • Not be tube tops, halter tops, or spaghetti straps
  • Not show bra, bandeau or bra-like items
  • Be long enough so that skin is not showing at the midriff when arms are raised
  • Have at least one-inch straps
  • Clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times

HATS/CAPS/HOODS:

  • Hats and beanies must be worn with the bill forward, team hats should be worn outdoors ONLY
  • Hoods are not allowed to be worn indoors

SHOES SHOULD:

  • Be worn at all times and tied
  • Cover heels and toes
  • Tennis shoes must be tied at all times
  • Sandals must have closed toes and heel straps 
  • Flip-flops or other backless shoes or sandals are not acceptable and can create a safety issue

NOT ALLOWED ON CLOTHING OR ACCESSORIES:

  • Hanging belts, belts must be through belts loops
  • Hairnets, bandanas, or blankets worn as outer garment covering
  • Pajamas (only during class and school spirit days)
  • Clothing with words or logos shall be free of writing or images that promote alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gangs, violence, profanity, rude, pictures, vulgarity, sexual connotations or racial prejudice
  • Any item that becomes a disruption to the educational process
  • Make-up is inappropriate in the elementary school
  • Dangling earrings, long chains, and keys are worn visibly around the neck are unsafe (key chains should not be on the playground, as it will present a danger)

If you choose to not have your child wear a uniform, please note, the following dress code must be followed. Be sure to read it. The Uniform Exemption Waiver form for this upcoming year is available below and also available in the office.

New Student Registration Information

NEW STUDENT registration began on February 15 online for the following:

  • Kindergartners who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.
  • NEW students in grades 1st through 6th 
  • All registrations will take place online. There will be no paper packets. To register please visit our district website: www.cvesd.org

Loma Verde Elementary currently has space in our Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten classes for this year, but has limited openings in our upper grades. Please contact our office for questions about space availability at (619) 420-3940.

Loma Verde Elementary offers a free preschool program for qualifying families that live in San Diego County. Learn more and enroll your child today at http://cvesd.org/preschool.

  • Please note:
    • TK students will not need a renewal zone transfer link as they will need to register at their neighborhood school for Kindergarten. Our district’s Early Childhood Education department supports Preschool and TK enrollment. Please contact them directly at (619) 425-9600 Ext.181725.
    • The Renewal Zone Transfer Form is independent of the “New Zone Transfer Form.”
    • Students who will be transitioning to Sweetwater Union High School District for seventh grade (middle school) do not need to notify CVESD about this but will need to complete registration processes with that district via https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/.

Loma Verde Elementary offers both the Dual Immersion (English & Spanish 50/50) program and English-only classes in kindergarten through 6th grade. Call 619-420-3940 for more information or click here to register.

PARENT LEADERS NEEDED

Are you interested in getting more involved at Loma Verde?  We need parents to serve on our School Site Council and English Learner Advisory Committee. If you are interested in making decisions about our school budget and School Plan for Student Achievement, please consider getting involved.  Please let Principal BreeWatson (bree.watson@cvesd.org) know if you would like to join the committees. Our PTO is also looking for parent leaders; let us know if you want to join!

Join our PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) Group!

We need your help to make this year fantastic! Please join our PTO group to help out at school events. Membership dues help to fund field trips, school events, classroom supplies, guest speakers, assemblies, and much more! All the money collected is spent on OUR LOMA VERDE STUDENTS! The membership drive will begin next week. More information coming soon. Thank you!

We Need You! 2023-2024 School Site Council Parent & Community Member Elections

We are looking for parents and community members that are interested in being part of our Loma Verde School Site Council. There are 5 parents/community members on this committee that serve a 2-year term. If you are interested in running for our Loma Verde School Site Council position, please click here to put your name on the ballot by ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Friday, July 21, 2023. SSC elections will be held the week of 7/24/23. The meetings are once a month, on a Tuesday, from 3-4:00 pm. SSC helps make decisions on school safety and how to spend our LCAP and Title 1 funds. Contact bree.watson@cvesd.org if you have questions. SSC Parent/Community Member Nomination Form

REMINDERS

  • EVERY MINUTE COUNTS! School starts at 8:00 a.m. Students need to be on the blacktop at this time and teachers will walk them to class. We ask all parents to exit promptly by 8:00 a.m. so that we can lock the gate after the bell.
  • Please send a water bottle with your child. Water bottles can be filled at the classroom sink or outside drinking fountains.
  • Label lunch boxes, water bottles, and sweaters with your child’s name!

PARKING, DROP-OFF, AND PICK-UP

All of us at Loma Verde want to thank our families and community members in advance for their patience and understanding as we try to accommodate the many vehicles that arrive each morning and afternoon at our school. We strongly recommend that families use the drop-off and pick-up areas we have established at school. Drop off students only in the drop-off zone.

  • If you must leave your car, park in the parking lot, not the bus loop.
  • NO Dogs during arrival and dismissal.
  • Please do not park in RESERVED spaces or the staff parking lot.
  • Students must walk bikes on the sidewalk.
  • The drop-off window is between 7:15-7:50 AM for students that are eating breakfast on campus and 7:30-8:00 AM for students that are not having breakfast at school. Students will line up on the blacktop in the morning between 7:30-8:00 AM where they will be supervised by Loma Verde staff. Each class has a designated place to line up. Teachers will pick their classes up on the blacktop at 8:00 AM. Instruction begins at 8:00 every day. Your child will be considered tardy if they are not on campus by 8:00 AM.
  • Kinder, TK, SDC preschool, and preschool parents: please follow your teacher’s instructions regarding drop-off.
  • Students who are not picked up by 2:45 pm (1:15 pm on minimum days) will be escorted to the office and must sign in.  The person picking up the child must come to the office to sign him/her out.
  • Parents may come onto campus from 2:30-2:45 PM (1:00-1:15 minimum days) to pick up their child(ren). Please pick up your child outside the classroom and leave campus promptly. Gates will be locked at 2:45 PM and 1:15 PM on minimum days.
  • For everyone’s safety BE PATIENT, KIND, and CONSIDERATE.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS!

REMINDER: Students need to be at school every day, arrive on time (before 8:00 a.m.), and stay in school for the entire day.

  • LET’S IMPROVE OUR ATTENDANCE AT LOMA VERDE!
  • Students should only miss school if they are sick. Those with symptoms can return with a negative Covid test, no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and symptoms improving. STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO BE SYMPTOM-FREE to attend school. We have plenty of rapid tests at school–just ask in the office. If you have a special circumstance and need an independent study, please let us know.
  • Please make sure your child is here by 7:55 a.m. and lined up on the blacktop (1st-6th grade) or by the classroom (TK-kinder). If they arrive after 8:00, they will be marked tardy.
  • We begin a secure campus at 8:00 a.m. Parents/guardians must exit promptly at 8:00. Thank you.
  • Students can arrive as early as 7:15 a.m.
  • FREE breakfast is served from 7:15 a.m. to 7:50 a.m.
  • If your child/children are absent it is very important to call the office to report the reason for the absence (619-420-3940). Please leave a voicemail or send an email to lomaverdeschool@cvesd.org.
  • Absences that are not reported will be considered UNEXCUSED. After 3 unexcused absences and/or tardies you will receive a truancy letter.
  • If you pick up your child/children early and/or they are tardy for personal reasons this is considered unexcused.
  • Remember to bring a doctor’s note. Vacations, dentist, and doctor visits should be scheduled during our breaks whenever possible.
  • If your child misses school, they are missing out on important learning! 
  • Our school staff will be scheduling SART (School Attendance Review Team) meetings with parents/guardians, calling home, and doing home visits for students who are chronically absent (missing 10% of school or excessive tardies).
  • Thank you for helping to get your child to school every day and one time!

LOMA VERDE SPIRIT GEAR IS FOR SALE!

We are selling Loma Verde spirit shirts and hoodies at school. The t-shirts are $12, grey sweatshirt hoodies are $24, and green zip hoodies are $30. (Cash only at this time.) Students can wear the spirit t-shirts and sweatshirt any day of the week OR the uniform shirt. Order forms can be picked up in the office. Let’s show our school spirit, Wildcats! Please make sure to write your child’s first and last name inside their hoodie.

FREE PARENTING CLASSES! Positive Parenting Program

Office Depot – Amazing School Partnership!

The Office Depot store in National City is raising money for Loma Verde Elementary! If you need office supplies or school supplies, please mention Loma Verde and Office Depot will give 5% back of qualifying purchases to Loma Verde when teachers, students, staff, friends, and family. Mention our school ID (70006781) at checkout.   We are so excited that they chose us to sponsor for the year! All of the donations will go directly to Loma Verde School for classroom supplies for the 2023-2024 school year. Thank you, Office Depot team, for your generosity! We will be receiving our first donation of $6800 at the store on July 31 at 3:00. Please join us!

CVESD Breakfast & Lunch Menu

Click here for the preschool breakfast and lunch menu. See the menu below for K-6 students.

CONTACT US!

Our school/District utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver text messages, straight to your mobile phone with important information about events, school closings, safety alerts and more.  You can participate in this free service* just by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school’s short code number, 67587.  Click here for more information.

FOLLOW UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Published by Mrs. Bree Watson

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