Samuelson News

December - January 2018-2019

Important Safety Information

The weather is changing and soon we will have snow which makes following our pick up and drop off procedures that much more important. We have had several complaints recently about drivers not following directions. Drop off and pick up procedures are in place for student safety and it is imperative that they are followed.

Here are some of the issues we have been having:

- Following traffic signs. When you are exiting our parking lot on Bel Aire Road during drop off or dismissal you must turn right. Traffic runs west and if you try and turn left you will run against traffic. The “NO LEFT TURN” sign is in place to ensure traffic runs smoothly as well as allowing an open lane for cars and emergency vehicles.

- Pick up/Drop off in the middle of the street on Bel Aire. This is dangerous and should never be done. Children can easily be hit by a car if they are dropped off or picked up in the middle of the street. If you are dropping off your child in a car, please enter on Lindlavista Way. You can drop off along the sidewalk at the side of the school. The area in front of Samuelson, along Bel-Aire Road, is reserved for buses and day care vans only. Stay on the right side of the road as you drive along Bel-Aire. For the safety of your children and other drivers, do not make U-turns in front of the school. This will help traffic move as quickly and smoothly as possible.

- Students not using crosswalks. Crosswalks are put into place to ensure your child’s safety. If they are crossing the street, please remind them to do so at designated areas.

- Staying in the car line and not cutting other cars off. If you are picking up your child in a car, enter on Lindlavista Way or Crestmoor Place. Stay in your car in the car line. The children will line up on the sidewalk at the side of the school. When it is your turn, a teacher will place your child (children) in your car. You may then pull forward or around as directed. You must turn right on Bel-Aire Road at dismissal time. The area in front of Samuelson, along Bel-Aire Road is reserved for buses and day care vans only. Please do not park along Lindlavista Way. One lane must stay open on Lindlavista Way for the car line and emergency vehicles. If you need to park and leave your car, you may park on Bel Aire Road or Crestmoor Place. Be kind to our neighbors and do not block their driveways.

Again, it is very important that our drop off and pick up procedures are followed. Keeping students safe is our top priority. Please do your part and drive with caution.

Samuelson's First Box Top Challenge!

Our first Box Top challenge for the 2018-2019 school year will begin Tuesday, December 4th, and run through Friday, December 21st. Have your child bring their Box Tops either glued or taped to their collection sheet. Please make sure the Box Tops are not expired. The classroom that collects the most Box Tops will earn a popcorn party!

Print a Box Top collection sheet here!

Want to keep up on the latest news? Check out our website here!

Winter Music Programs

Our annual winter music program will take place on Tuesday, December 11th, in the Samuelson gym. The times are as follows:

3rd Grade – 5:45 p.m.

4th Grade – 6:20 p.m.
5th Grade – 7:00 p.m.

Students should report to their homeroom 15 minutes before their program start times. All students should be accompanied to school by at least one adult, who is able to stay for the duration of the program.

The students are busy practicing for their programs in music class, and we are looking forward to doing a great job. These music programs are part of the music education experience, and are a great opportunity for students to develop self-esteem, confidence, and pride in their efforts. Students will want to look their best for their performance, but no specific outfit is required.

We hope everyone will be able to attend. If you have any questions, you can email (Michael.jones@dmschools.org) or call (242-8441).

Have school fees to pay? Pay them here!

Click here to fill out the PTO Volunteer form!

Nurse News

Typically, we see a lot more illness this time of year so here is a friendly reminder of the Des Moines Public Schools Illness Policy. Please report any communicable diseases such as influenza to the school nurse. Students with the following symptoms should remain home or may be sent home from school:

An oral temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Note: The child’s temperature must remain below 100 degrees for 24 hours without benefit of use of fever reducing medications before they can return to school.

Vomiting- should be free of symptom for 24 hours before returning to school.

Diarrhea- should be free of symptom for 24 hours before returning to school.

Persistent nasal congestion, reddened eyes, sore throat, cough or headaches that disrupt the student’s learning or pose a risk of disease transmission to others.

Unexplained skin eruptions or rashes. When in doubt, consult your child’s doctor.

Any other health condition that in the school nurse's judgment is of concern for the others health and wellbeing and that of the child.

Communicable illnesses in which you have been advised to remain out of school until cleared to return by the county health department or your child’s doctor.