Morgan Woods Elementary Newsletter

Morgan Woods Family,

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year at Morgan Woods Elementary! We are excited to welcome students and families back to what is sure to be an amazing year! This year’s theme is once again “One Team. Growing Together.” Keeping that in mind, I would like to begin by celebrating the growth our student achieved last year! While official scores and/or school grades will not be released until later in the fall, based on individual student test scores I anticipate seeing growth in both Mathematics and Science! This increase is a result of the hard work, dedication, and perseverance demonstrated by our students, staff, and families. Thank you for all your efforts and continued support!

Students return to school on Thursday, August 10, 2023. School hours are 7:40AM - 1:55PM, except on early release Mondays when students are dismissed at 12:55PM. Breakfast is free for all students and is available from 7:10 – 7:40 every morning. Students must be in their seats prior to the tardy bell which rings at 7:40AM. Instruction starts promptly at 7:40AM.

This week you will receive a postcard that provides your child’s teacher assignment and directions to several important documents on our website. Please review this information carefully and call the office should you have any questions (813-872-5369). I've included all information in attachments below for your reference, as well.

We are here for you, and for our students, and are looking forward to an unforgettable year!

Sincerely,

Jessica Kepa, Principal

Students are expected to be in attendance daily unless they are ill. Regular attendance has a direct impact on student learning from the very first day of school! Absences are unexcused unless reported to the office via the attendance line.

Instruction begins daily at 7:40AM. Studies have shown that school tardiness has a negative impact on learning outcomes. By the mere nature of arriving late and missing academic time, tardy students receive fewer hours of instruction than student who are in class when the bell rings. Arriving late to school, as well as signing out early, can mean that students miss out on activities designed to build connections with their peers, potentially impacting their social interactions.

We recognize that extenuating circumstances happen, and children will be late or have to leave early occasionally. However, if your child is late or signs out early more than 2-3 times in a nine week period it could impact their academic progress. Please help us in providing the greatest amount to academic time for your child's success by having them in the classroom by 7:40AM and allowing them to remain at school through dismissal at 1:55PM. Every minute matters!

Please join us for Open House on Tuesday, August 8, from 3:00-5:00PM. All families will enter through the cafeteria where you can learn more about the benefits of being a Title I school and how you can help! Visit our PTA table to become a member, purchase Spirit Gear, and more! Proceed into the main campus to meet your new teacher(s), see your classroom(s) and visit with members of your school family.

Community and Business Partners will be in attendance, as well, including the Boys and Girls Club After School Enrichment Program at Morgan Woods.

Morgan Woods is a mandatory uniform school. Our uniform includes navy, hunter green, or white collared shirts with navy or khaki bottoms (shorts, pants, skirts or skorts). Jeans are acceptable if free from holes and in good condition. Students should wear close-toed shoes that fasten around the heel, and that are safe for use during physical activity. Crocs are not permitted.

When needed, students may wear solid-colored jackets or sweatshirts to school. These items should be free from words and/or pictures (plain). Sweatshirts without hoods are preferred, as "hoodies" often create a significant distraction for students in the classroom.

Our Morgan Woods PTA will be offering a selection of Spirit Shirts that may be worn in place of collared shirts Monday through Friday. That's right, students may wear their Spirit Shirts any day of the week! A limited size selection in each of the five designs will be available for purchase during Open House. The remaining shirts will be provided via pre-order as soon as possible.

Our updated School Supply List is posted on our website and included below for your reference.