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Eagle's Nest News
The Morello Park Family Newsletter
July 26, 2024
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I'm excited to welcome everyone back to Morello Park for the 2024-25 School Year. In my back-to-school message to the Morello Park staff this year, I reflected on the range of emotions we all feel as back-to-school approaches. The mixture of anticipation, apprehension, excitement, anxiety, and hope that we all feel at this time of year is something very unique and special. We should be mindful that our kids experience this mix of emotions, perhaps more than anyone. We can help them manage this confusing mix of emotions by encouraging the positive ones and helping them understand the negative ones. I've included some tips below for helping kids get acclimated to a routine and prepared for their first days, which can make a huge difference in having a great start. This first newsletter is also packed with important information for a safe and efficient start to the school year, and I urge you to read it all carefully.
I know we are going to get off to a great start and I encourage anyone to contact me if they have any questions or need anything. I look forward to getting to know everyone in the coming weeks!
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Registration/Check-in: Thurs, 8/8, from 2pm to 5pm
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Kindergarten Orientation/Meet & Greet: 8/13 @3pm
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First Day of School: Wed, 8/14
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PTA Meeting: 8/20 @ 7pm
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Coffee with the Principal: Fri, 8/23 @ 8:30am
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Back to School Night: Tues, 8/27
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Minimum Day: Fri, 8/30
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Data Confirmation and Residency Re-verification
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Please don’t forget to complete your annual data confirmation and address verification. Both will need to be completed prior to the first day of school on Aug. 14th.
To complete the data confirmation process please visit your Aeries Parent Portal. The portal is now open to allow you access.
This document outlines the approved proof of residency documents. Current documents from group 2 and group 3 are required for verification. As a reminder, utility bills are not accepted. If you need a copy of your current property tax bill, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office at (925) 957-5280 and request a hard copy be emailed to you. There are no fees associated with this request. We do not accept the “internet copy” of the property tax bill.
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Check-in/Registration Day
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Check-In Day is on Thursday, August 8th, from 2 PM to 5 PM. The main parking lot will be open for this event, with overflow parking available on the playground blacktop. Parking will be permitted from 1:30 PM onwards.
The Check-In Day activities will be held in the cafeteria. Please ensure you stop by each table to get checked off before receiving your teacher assignment. If you haven't submitted your residency documents to the MPE residency email address, please bring a copy with you, as we won't have copiers available.
We ask that you complete all data confirmation before arriving. However, if you are unable to do so, we will have a limited number of devices available for you to use that day.
After receiving your teacher assignment, you are welcome to walk the campus and check out your child's classroom. Please be cautious of any construction areas and avoid fenced-off sections. Some teachers may be hard at work on moving into their classrooms this day, and we ask that you be mindful of their limited time if you see them.
The PTA will also have a table set up during Check-In Day. I strongly encourage you to stop by and sign up. Our PTA works tirelessly to organize fun events and raise funds for our school, and their efforts are invaluable.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to seeing you on Check-In Day!
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2024-25 Class Supply Lists
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Kindergarten Meet & Greet
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Our Kindergarten teachers will be hosting a Meet & Greet on Tuesday, August 13th at 3 PM. (Please note that this date has changed from it's previously scheduled tentative date) This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to meet the teachers, learn important information for the upcoming school year, and ask any questions you may have.
While attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged for all incoming Kindergarten students. This event will help your child feel more comfortable and prepared for their new school experience.
Additionally, incoming TK students are encouraged to participate in TK Boost for a more comprehensive orientation.
We look forward to meeting you and your child!
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If you haven't registered for the TK Boost program yet, it's not too late! Register here to secure a spot for your child. If you have already registered, we look forward to meeting your wonderful kids!
TK Boost Details
We are excited to offer a TK Boost opportunity for incoming TK students on August 7th and 8th from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM each day. This program helps new TK students acclimate to a structured school day and routines with their classroom teacher at their assigned school.
Potential Daily Schedule:
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8:00-8:30 AM: Slow start/Meet & Greet
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8:30-9:00 AM: Carpet time
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9:00-9:30 AM: Whole class project
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9:30-10:00 AM: Snack recess
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10:00-10:15 AM: Story and mindfulness
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10:15-11:15 AM: Open centers
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11:15-11:45 AM: Lunch recess
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11:45-12:00 PM: Closing circle and dismissal
Please note that the schedule may change based on student needs.
What to Bring:
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Snack and Lunch: Students will need to bring their own snack and lunch, as the cafeteria will not be open. Snacks will be eaten during the morning break, and lunch will be eaten during the afternoon break before dismissal.
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Water Bottle: Ensure your child has a water bottle to stay hydrated.
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Change of Clothes: Pack a change of clothes in a separate Ziploc bag.
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Comfortable Clothing: Students will be having fun and might get a little messy, so please dress them in clothes that are okay to get dirty.
We are excited for the students to join us for this fun and engaging program. Thank you for your preparation and support!
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Parking Lot/Drop-Off Etiquette
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We kindly remind you of the following parking lot guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone:
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No Parking Zones: Please do not park along the red curb or in any staff parking spaces. The front parking lot is reserved for staff only.
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Visitor Parking: The majority of our new East parking lot is reserved for visitors, with the exception of a few marked staff spots. If you wish to walk your child to the front of the school, please find a legal parking space.
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Alternative Parking: Consider parking at Morello Hills Christian Church (1000 Morello Hills Drive) and walking your child to campus.
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Neighbor Consideration: Parking will be challenging during the first few days, and there is limited parking near the school. Please be considerate of our neighbors and avoid blocking any driveways.
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Pedestrian Safety: If walking, please stay on marked sidewalks and watch for cars pulling into and out of the East parking lot.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Lanes
At the front of the school, there are three lanes:
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Drop-Off/Pick-Up Lane: For dropping off and picking up students.
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Merging Lane: For merging after you have dropped off or picked up your child.
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Drive-Through Lane: For driving through without stopping.
Please follow these guidelines for everyone's safety:
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Traffic Etiquette: Stay in line and do not cut in the drop-off line.
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Cell Phone Use: Refrain from using your cell phone while in the pick-up/drop-off line.
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Pull Forward: Move forward as much as possible to keep the lanes moving and stay in your vehicle.
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Drop-Off Locations: Do not drop off your students in the drive-through or merging lane, or at the crosswalk near the preschool.
It is essential to prioritize safety over convenience. Not following traffic rules can result in injury or property damage. Please be kind, prioritize safety, and be patient.
Remember, our students are always watching and learning from our behavior. It will take a few days to adjust, so please drive slowly and be patient.
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For the first couple of weeks, please display a paper with your child's name in your car window at pick-up. Ensure the name is large enough to be easily seen. This will greatly assist our staff in calling your child for pick-up and help the process run smoothly.
Important Reminders:
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Pull Forward: Please pull all the way forward to make room for other cars.
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Booster Seats: If your child uses a booster seat, place it on the passenger side so staff can assist them.
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Stay in Your Vehicle: Do not get out of your vehicle, as this slows down the traffic lines.
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Traffic Rules: Follow all traffic rules and maintain a slow speed near the school for safety. Be patient and mindful.
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We continue to have a closed campus. Here are the key points to remember:
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Morning Drop-Off: Parents should drop students off at the front of the school and not enter the main gates. Only students are allowed on campus for the morning Walk & Talk.
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Afternoon Dismissal: Parents should wait outside the gates for their child to be dismissed.
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TK/K: Since TK and Kindergarten do not participate in the walk-and-talk, we will have a different morning routine for them. Kindergarten families are strongly encouraged to attend the Kindergarten Meet & Greet on August 13th. TK families are strongly encouraged to participate in TK Boost. Anyone not in attendance will receive more information via ParentSquare from their teacher as the start of school approaches.
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Campus Entrance: This year, there will be only ONE entrance to our campus, located in between our new kinder and office buildings. All other campus entry points have been closed off for security reasons.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our campus safe and secure.
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As we gear up for another exciting school year, here are some helpful tips to ensure your child is ready and feels comfortable with the back-to-school routine:
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Establish a Routine: Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up times gradually a couple of weeks before school starts. Consistent sleep schedules help children feel more rested and ready to learn.
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Create a Morning Routine: Practice the morning routine, including getting dressed, eating breakfast, and leaving the house on time. This helps reduce morning stress and sets a positive tone for the day.
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Talk About School: Discuss what a typical school day will look like. Talking through the schedule, activities, and what to expect can alleviate any anxiety your child may have.
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Prepare School Supplies Together: Involve your child in gathering and organizing school supplies. This can build excitement and a sense of responsibility.
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Visit the School: If possible, visit the school grounds before the first day by taking advantage of check-in day, Kinder orientation, or TK Boost. Familiarity with the environment can make the first day less daunting.
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Practice Quick Car Exits: For those using the drop-off line, practice unfastening car restraints quickly and safely. This ensures a smooth and efficient drop-off process for everyone.
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Healthy Habits: Encourage healthy eating and regular physical activity. Good nutrition and exercise are linked to better concentration and overall well-being.
Starting the school year with these practices can help your child feel more confident and ready to take on new challenges. Here's to a fantastic and successful school year ahead!
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We understand that electronic devices, especially smartwatches, are becoming increasingly popular among young children. While we recognize the convenience and safety they can provide, these devices have become a significant distraction in our classrooms.
To ensure a focused learning environment, we are asking that students do not wear smartwatches during the school day (unless they have a documented health need). Despite features like "focus time" or "school time" modes, managing these devices in the classroom remains a challenge. All electronic communication devices, including smartwatches, should be powered off and stored in students' backpacks during school hours.
Please note that parents should not expect to reach their children via smart devices during the school day. If you need to communicate with your child, please call the school office. Additionally, we ask that you inform the office of any pickup and drop-off arrangements rather than relying solely on messages sent to your child via smart devices after school. For safety reasons, the school needs to be aware of all such arrangements.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain an effective and safe learning environment for all students.
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Our PTA works tirelessly to organize fun events for students and families and to raise funds that support our school community. We truly appreciate their dedication! However, it takes a village to accomplish these goals, and we strongly encourage all families to become PTA members.
Joining the PTA helps support its goals and fosters a strong partnership with our school. Membership does not obligate you to anything beyond your dues, but the PTA is always in need of volunteers to help carry out their plans. Even if you can only participate in a limited way, your involvement is greatly appreciated.
The PTA will host several tables at Check-In Day with information about yearly events, how to join the PTA, and details about spirit wear purchases.
First PTA Meeting: Tuesday, August 20th, at 7 PM. We hope to see you there!
Thank you for considering joining our PTA and contributing to our vibrant school community!
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Morello Park Elementary | Dedicated to Excellence
Phone: 925-335-5840
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