We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to bring your attention to an important matter regarding cell phone usage and online safety, particularly in light of recent concerns brought to our attention by one of our fourth-grade parents.
Last week, a vigilant parent reached out to us about inappropriate messages that their child was exchanging with fellow students via text messaging. We take these matters seriously and have addressed the situation promptly. However, we believe it is crucial to share this information with our entire school community to foster awareness and promote a safe and respectful digital environment.
As technology becomes an integral part of our students' lives, it is essential for us as parents and educators to work together in guiding them towards responsible and respectful online behavior. We encourage you to have open conversations with your child about their cell phone usage, emphasizing the importance of treating others with kindness and respect in both face-to-face interactions and online communication.
Here are a few key points to consider:
Monitor Online Activities: Regularly check your child's social media accounts and messaging apps to ensure they are engaging in appropriate and respectful communication.
Establish Clear Guidelines: Set guidelines for cell phone usage at home, including designated times for usage, appropriate content, and the importance of respecting others' privacy.
Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences with you. If they come across anything inappropriate or concerning, they should know they can turn to you for guidance.
Educate on Digital Citizenship: Reinforce the importance of responsible digital citizenship, including the consequences of inappropriate online behavior and the impact it can have on others.
By working together, we can create a safer and more positive online environment for our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued partnership in promoting a secure and respectful learning community.
There has been an increase in students having chewing gum at school. Gum is not allowed at Discovery as it makes our campus messy when it is stuck to furniture and the ground. In addition, since the beginning of the school year we have noticed more students bringing trading cards/trinkets/fidgets/toys, etc. to school. Unless there is a special occasion and/or it has been approved by a teacher, toys/trading cards/gadgets/fidgets need to be left at home. Having these items at school causes a disruption to the learning environment. Support from home is appreciated.
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR BAD WEATHER?
As weather gets colder and wetter, it's a good time to share reminders about what happens if school is delayed or closed due to bad weather.
School may be delayed or canceled because of weather conditions or other events. Bus routes may also be affected by unsafe travel conditions. Most of the major radio and television stations broadcast information about school closures.
The announcement of a school closure or delay is usually made early in the morning. Parents will receive a ParentSquare notification if school is closed or delayed. If you have a mobile phone number on file with your child's school, you should receive a text message. The system will not send a phone call unless it can't reach you another way.
Updated school closure and delay information will also be posted on the school district’s website, on the FlashAlert website, and the district Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) feeds. If school is canceled, the school day will be made up later in the year. If bus routes are limited due to snow or ice on roadways, the alternate routes are listed on the transportation website.
Read more about emergency communication on the district website.
Each Tuesday, during lunch recess, students have the opportunity to buy books for one dollar ($1) at our PTO-sponsored Dollar Bookstore. These books are sometimes new, but often gently used, and are ready for new homes. Students love shopping for books and can even earn "free book" certificates from teachers and staff.
Donations of gently used books are always welcome! If your child has outgrown their books, please consider donating them to Dollar Bookstore. Students may purchase 1-2 books each week, so please limit the amount of money they bring to school. No more than $5 dollars, please. This is an optional event and is a great way to get books into the hands of our students.
Please join our PTO group on Facebook:
Discovery Elementary PTO
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1558801251020448
Contact us with questions and feedback at:
pto.discoveryelementary@gmail.com
Next PTO Meeting: Monday, January 22, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
PTO Meeting - Monday, January 22, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.
Join us via Facebook Live: (private group, please send request first) https://www.facebook.com/groups/discoveryelementarypto/?mibextid=oMANbw
Join us via Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4179711224?pwd=aDRVYnU3dzg3enowNTF6eGh3QklIUT09
Meeting ID: 417 971 1224
Free Meals for all Students
This year all Discovery students continue to be eligible to receive FREE breakfast and lunch. If you send lunch from home, please make sure your child can independently open all items and that you send healthy foods your child will eat.
- Breakfast is served from 8:35-8:50 AM daily.
- Lunch is served by grade level at their designated lunch time.
- Breakfast and Lunch Menus - January
