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The Howl - Our Parent Newsletter
August 9, 2023
First Day of School is Aug 14, 2023!
Our 2023-24 Theme
Carter Meet the Teacher is Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 9, 5:00-7:00
August 8, 2023
Dear Carter Coyote Families,
Hope you have had a wonderful summer relaxing with family and friends!
We are so excited that school is starting in just a few days. Our teachers have been working hard to make our Coyotes first day a great experience.
At Meet the Teacher tomorrow, you will be able to meet your child's teacher, bring up school supplies, and tell your teacher your child's first week (and beyond) transportation.
This will be a come and go event. Please see above flyer for the time schedule. We will be handing out wristbands for your PK-1st student to wear the first several days that will identify their homeroom teacher. You will also be able to pick up car line tags. Our school-themed t-shirts will be available at Meet the Teacher or on the first day of school if you previously purchased those.
This is the only date we have available for children to meet their teachers, as the rest of the week is packed full with teacher trainings and district events.
New Students: Please make sure to visit the library to have your student's photo taken for their new Smart Tag/ID badge. Students are required to wear this every day!
Returning Students: You will receive an updated Smart Tag, but DO NOT need to have a new picture taken.
School-themed t-shirts will be available one more time for purchase in September - stay tuned to The Howl for ordering information.
Beginning of the Year Forms:
All required LCISD beginning-of-year forms MUST be completed online through the Skyward Family Access Center. Offering these forms digitally allows you the convenience of only updating information that has changed from last school year, while also helping us maintain accurate information in our student information system. Even if you just registered your child this summer, parents are still required to complete the beginning of the year forms as well. Online forms are available in the Skyward Family Access Center. Your child will not be assigned a homeroom teacher until the forms are complete. We would strongly suggest you complete the forms prior to Meet the Teacher tomorrow. Anyone who has not yet completed the forms will be required to complete the forms in the computer lab that night before a teacher assignment can be released.
Student Bus Routes and Information
Registering for the parent portal is a vital safety measure that should be completed by ALL parents. Bus routing information will only be available in Smart Tag. The Parent and Campus Portal will show updated bus route information for your student.
The Parent Portal link can be found here: https://www.lcisd.org/departments/support-services/transportation/smart-tag-information
Parents please go into the Smart Tag Portal and make sure you are registered for bus service by using the link above.
Please read on for more beginning of the year information!
Thank you!
First Day Procedures: PLEASE READ!
Students may report directly to their classroom and parents may walk students to their class on the first day. Please make sure that your child's teacher knows how they are getting home and any other important information.
Starting the 2nd day of school, any parent needing to go past the front office will need to sign in to our Raptor System and receive a badge.
Dismissal is at 2:40, the end of school day.
Lunch Visitors: We welcome visitors for lunch! However, we ask that parents do not visit for lunch until we have had time to learn new procedures and systems. Lunch visitors will be welcomed back to the cafeteria starting August 28. Our cafeteria has tables where you and your child can sit and enjoy lunch together. Remember, that you may bring food in for your child, but it cannot be shared or bought for/with other students.
Please pack you patience! Typically the first week or two dismissal takes longer as we and our students are learning new routines and procedures. It will get better and faster each day, trust and believe!
Front Office: Will be closed Friday for Registration. The last day to register is Thursday of this week.
Important District Changes to the Student Code of Conduct That Will Affect All Students
Among some of the most important changes are:
1. Being in possession of a Vape or E-cigarrette will result in automatic removal from the home campus to the Alternative Learning Center for a period of time TBD.
2. Being in possession of a Knife of any length will result in automatic removal from the home campus to the Alternative Learning Center for a period of time TBD.
3. Cellphones: Cellphones and personal electronic devices including smartwatches, must be turned off and stored in backpacks unless given specific permission given by a teacher to use for an instructional purpose. The district has outline specific, required consequence for violation of personal technology policy: See page 100 in elementary student handbook.
Link to Elementary Handbook and Student Code of Conduct: HERE
School Supplies List for 2023-24
ATTENTION! Carter ES Will Have New School Hours for 2023-24!
Carter Elementary fell into Group A, and our new hours will be: 7:15-2:40.
School doors will open 15 minutes earlier at 6:45, instead of 7:00 AM. The school day will start immediately at 7:15. Students who come to school after 7:15 will be considered tardy.
See flyer below for more information:
Full Price & Free and Reduced Cost Meals - Breakfast and Lunch
Please click the link below to apply for Free and Reduced-Cost Meals, Breakfast/Lunch Menus, and all things about Child Nutrition. Students will be charged for all meals unless you apply and qualify for free and reduced-cost meals.
https://www.lcisd.org/departments/support-services/food-service
STAAR Scores
For more information, please access this link: https://www.lcisd.org/students-parents/testing-information
2023-24 LCISD Instructional Calendar
Uniform Information for New Students and Parents
Below, please find the uniform colors and uniform clothing items that can be worn for the 2023-2024 school year:
Bottoms: Solid color navy blue, black, khaki or blue denim pants, capris, shorts, skirts, skorts or jumpers. Leggings/tights worn alone as well as embellished and distressed jeans with rips and tears are not allowed.
Tops: Solid color, collared (polo style, no logo) shirts in red, white, navy blue (dark blue,) black or hunter green (dark green.)
Maroon, gray, olive, kelly green, royal blue and light blue are not Carter approved uniform shirt colors.
School and PTO approved Carter ES spirit shirts are allowed daily, such as the once a year Carter themed shirt.
Leggings/tights worn alone as well as embellished and distressed jeans with rips and tears are not allowed. Additionally, basketball shorts, roller shoes, shoes that light up and backpacks on wheels are not allowed.
If a student is not wearing the proper uniform, they will be sent to the Nurse to either call home or receive a change of clothes, as our inventory allows.
PTO News
Contact doncarterpto@gmail.com to learn how you can support our school!
Arrival and Dismissal Areas for Car Line, Bus, and Walker/Bikers
Parents Please Sign up in Smart Tag Portal for Your Child's Required ID Badge
Registering for the Smart Tag Parent Portal is a vital safety measure that should be completed by ALL parents. Additionally, your child will use their ID Badge to purchase lunch and breakfast, on the bus, and library book check-out. Bus routing information will only be available in Smart Tag Parent Portal. The Smart Tag Parent Portal will show updated bus route information for your student before the first day of school.
The Smart Tag Parent Portal link can be found HERE
Parents please go into the Smart Tag Portal and make sure you are registered to ensure a smooth first day on the bus!
Important Documents at Your Fingertips
Important Dates to Remember
August 9 - Coyote Corral, our Meet the Teacher Event: A-I: 5-5:30 PM, J-Q: 5:30-6 PM, R-Z 6-6:30 PM, Last Call: 6:30-7:00 (Come and Go)
August 14: Students first day of school. Drop-off starts @ 6:45; school begins @ 7:15
August 24 - Parent Orientation: Parents attend only 1 session: Virtual Session A: 4:45-5:15 PM, Session B: 5:30-6 PM (F2F), Session C: 6:15-6:45 PM (F2F).
September 4 - Labor Day, Student & Staff Holiday
September 29 - Fort Bend County Fair Day/Student and Staff Holiday
Don Carter Elementary School
Leann Imrie, Principal
Mandy Casey, Assistant Principal
Aerika Dial, Assistant Principal
Website: www.lcisd.org
Location: 8500 A Meyers Road, Richmond, TX, USA
Phone: (832)223-5500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonCarterES/
Twitter: @cartercoyotes