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Puster Elementary Principal Message
October 17, 2019
Puster Families,

We hope you will join us for Puster Pride tomorrow morning at 8:15 in the cafeteria. If you would like to sign up for Fast Pass entrance, you may do so here.

We need your feedback! At Puster, we can always do better today than we did yesterday. I have created a brief, anonymous feedback form where you can share the positives and the wishes you have as you reflect on your students’ experiences at Puster this year. This form will be available all year. In the future, you can find this form linked in the signature line of our emails as the question “How are we doing?”. We hope you will provide your thoughts and share your experiences so we can both celebrate and continue to improve.

I hope you and your families have a fabulous fall weekend!

Puster Proud,
Holly

Dates to Remember
October 18 - Puster Pride Assembly
October 22 - Fall Family Fun Night
October 30 - Kindergarten Field Trip
October 30 - Starbooks Cafe
November 6 - Picture Make Ups
November 7 - Thanksgiving Lunch
November 11 - Veteran's Day Program
Counselor Corner
Parents ,

My publisher, Boys Town Press, has created a fun activity to do with your family to help celebrate Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 26th. They have asked that Puster Elementary get started on this first so we can be an example for other schools across the country. Please work with your family and determine something you can do to make a difference on October 26.. Write this idea on the attached heart and return to school by Wednesday, October 9th. For examples and more information, please see the 2 attachments. We will put these on our main bulletin board in the hallway. Thanks for making a difference. 

Go to this link for more information:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjAA0HG4iL1YJbRO6dDgxggDrN8-jIlb/view?usp=sharing

Bryan Smith - Puster Counselor
469-742-8228
Library News
Hello Parents!
We have had another great week in the library! We have recently started our Space unit in the Makerspace in 1st-3rd grades! Thank you for your donations towards this unit, they have been greatly appreciated. Below are the items that we are still needing if you are wanting to donate.

Items for Makerspace:
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Index cards
  • Unused paper plates
  • Plastic straws
  • Dot Stickers
  • Construction Paper
  • String
  • Unused Paper Cups
  • Ink Pads
  • Balloons
  • Straws
  • Water Bottles
  • Tooth Picks
It is the time of year again for our Book Pumpkin Decorating Contest! We are very excited to see what your students create!! Please see the below graphic for more information.

In November we will be having a very talented author come to visit! His name is Michael Patrick O'Neill and he is an ocean photographer. For more information see the school website, mentioned in the below graphic.
Puster News
Rudolph Run

Puster Families! I would love for yall to join Coach Johns and I in the Rudolph Run 5k & Donner Dash on Saturday December 7th off Main street in Downtown Allen.
 How to Register: Please Register by November 17
Step 1: Go to LifeInAllen.org/RudolphRun 
Donner Dash: Registration #12192
Rudolph Run 5K: Registration #12193

Note: Please register under the online school link and include your child’s homeroom teacher/ PE teacher names. By registering online you are agreeing that you will pick up your race packet on one of the pickup dates. 
Step 2: Packet Pick up dates

11:00Am- 6:30Pm on Wednesday December 4th or Thursday December 5th at Allen Parks and Recreation Administration Building (301 CenturyParkway - Allen). Packets will also be available to pick up on race day starting at 7:00Am.

Go to this link for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XyRvG7tKjf4x2Oa1jvSiQaymCc2FIv5j/view?usp=sharing
Watch D.O.G.S. – Be Involved, be a Hero, be a Watchdog.
Watch D.O.G.S. is a program that helps bring dads and other male role models into our school. Dad's spend a day with their child at school and get to interact alongside the teachers, help with carpool, monitor hallways, help out in the classroom, help with specials...the possibilities are endless.

Spend a day or a ½ day to be a hero for your child. 

Add your picture to the Puster Watch D.O.G.S. Wall of Fame. 

In order to participate you will need to sign up, perform a background check, get a T-shirt!

Sign Up

Pick a date and time slot on the sign-up genius website, link below.


Background Check

Complete the districts background check for the new school year, link below.


Watchdog Shirt

Each Watch D.O.G. dad is encouraged to wear a Watch D.O.G.S. T-shirt on the day you are volunteering at the school. Your child may also want a "My Hero" shirt to wear that day too. Below is the link to purchase a t-shirt. Watch D.O.G. t-shirts are not required but are encouraged.


Questions

If you have any questions about Watchdogs, please contact fellow Puster dad, Kyle Smith, at [email protected]  or 903-456-9888. 
PowerSchool Parent Portal Access Tips
Here are some quick bullets about the PowerSchool Parent Portal:

PowerSchool Parent Portal Access Tips
Here are some quick bullets about the PowerSchool Parent Portal:

·          Unless you have changed your username after August 12, 2019, the username is the email address that is associated to the parent account. The log of invalid logins that we are seeing are typically parent accounts that are trying to use something other than an email address as the username.

·          Recently users have been denied access and it is determined that they are not using the correct URL. Please make sure that you are going to  http://powerschool.lovejoyisd.net . If you see Welcome to Unified Classroom, you are on the wrong site. This is another PowerSchool product that we do not have a subscription as it duplicates Google Classroom.

·          Remember that the mobile app is only a tool for updates on assignments, grades, and attendance. Typically to access the Enrollment Forms, Absence Reason Excuses, GPA Information, and the Random Drug Testing Forms you must use a tablet, laptop or desktop and the URL above. From a mobile phone, you can use your browser and go to the URL above; however, once logged in it is difficult to navigate.

All after school clubs are up and running . Please remember to set your “Weekday Defaults” in School Dismissal Manager. Let us know if you need help! Please note times and dismissal plans for each.

"Default" and "Weekday Defaults" = dismissal that will happen most of the time (choir, kids first, bus, spanish, etc.).

"Exception" = just for that day.

Once an exception has been made on your end, it can not be edited on our end. We can, however, adjust defaults on our end. Please let us know if we can help.

Teachers have been asked to follow only what is in Dismissal Manager. Please notify the front office if you have a change that cannot be made in the system. Thank you!
PTA News
Puster Families, 

It's finally fall y'all! While we patiently wait for cooler weather, planning for Puster's fall family fun night is in full swing. This event is a family favorite that has everything from a midway with games and prizes, to bounce house fun, balloon artists, a cotton candy station, snow cones, a cookie walk, and more! This event for all Puster families will be held rain or shine on Tuesday, October 22 @5:30pm: RSVP:  http://bit.ly/2ojMGfT

Also, DISCOUNTED school spirit wear will be available for purchase during Fall Family Fun Night - stop by and get some fall gear. We will be set up in the courtyard! Credit Card Purchases only.
The PTA general meeting and “Parenting the Digital Generation” Presentation, Monday November 4th at 11am.
The Puster PTA will hold a general PTA meeting on Monday November 4 in the Think Tank, across from the library, beginning at 11:00 am. Immediately following the meeting we will have a parent presentation from Summar Thomas-Mosby from the Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center.  
What you will learn in this informative presentation:
·         How to protect children as they navigate the digital world.
·         The four biggest risks for children online and helpful conversations about those risks to have with your children.
·         Recommendations on how to utilize technology to better protect your children.
Summar Thomas-Mosby
Community Educator
2205 Los Rios Blvd.; Plano, TX 75074
P: 972.633.6743 | C: 682.319.4476
www.caccollincounty.org






District News
District Communications

One of our Board Priorities is to develop stronger community connections and confidence through effective communication. We are continuing to strengthen our communications and have shared best practices for communicating with the Board of Trustees and best practices for staff communications with parents. Today we are sharing the following information regarding how best to communicate and handle concerns with teachers, coaches, directors, etc. For future reference you may find this information on the Parent Resources page under District Communication.

Student and Parent Concerns/Grievances
The faculty and staff of Lovejoy ISD are committed to the service of our students and their parents by responding promptly and professionally to concerns or grievances which may arise.

Student and Parent Complaints/Grievances are governed by LISD Board Policies FNG (LEGAL) and FNG (LOCAL).

How Do You Resolve Parent Concerns?
If you, as the parent or guardian of a Lovejoy ISD student, have concerns regarding your child’s education or performance, we want to talk with you. Sitting down and talking with the people who interact most often with your child on a daily basis – his/her teacher, counselor, coach or director– can remedy the majority of concerns.

Most concerns can be and usually are resolved at the classroom/activity/sports or campus level. However, if your concerns are not addressed by visiting with the teacher, campus counselor, coach or director, you may choose to follow the three-level process listed below:

Level One:
Within 15 business days of the incident causing the concern/complaint, you may request a meeting with the next level supervisor which could be the Athletic Director, Fine Arts Director or Campus Principal. The Level One form may be found here.

Level Two:
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Level One process, within 10 business days of receipt of the Level One decision letter, you may request a meeting with the Assistant Superintendent of Operations (Athletics, Safety, Operations) or Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction (Teachers, Administrators, Student Discipline). The Level Two form may be found here.

Level Three:
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Level Two process, within 10 business days of receipt of the Level Two decision letter, you may appeal the decision to the  School Board by contacting the Superintendent. The Level Three form may be found here .


Upcoming Events


Apply Now for Leadership Lovejoy

The Lovejoy Independent School District is pleased to announce the application process for Leadership Lovejoy. This program provides an opportunity for participants to learn the history of Lovejoy, as well as educational practices, programs, and philosophy of Lovejoy ISD. Additionally, Leadership Lovejoy members will provide feedback, ask questions, and share ideas for district improvement. Meetings will be held once per month from October – April from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.

If you are interested in applying for the 2019-2020 Leadership Lovejoy Cohort, please click on the following link: https://forms.gle/EHGLDcud9CzufgL27.
 
Applications should be submitted by Tuesday, October 15.

Running Over Depression – Senior Project

Please join us for the 4th Annual Running Over Depression Run on Saturday, November 16th at Lovejoy High School. The 1K Fun Run will begin at 8:00 AM and the 5K Run will begin at 8:30 AM at Lovejoy Leopard Stadium.  Running Over Depression is an event being organized by Lovejoy Seniors Zane Edwards, Shalin Mehta, and Thomas Michal for their Senior Projects. The goal of this run is to raise awareness about teenage depression and suicide prevention. All proceeds from the run will be donated to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. To register please  CLICK HERE.

If your business is interested in sponsoring Running Over Depression please email  [email protected]
Safety and Security Training

Lovejoy ISD is offering “Stop the Bleed” and “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events” trainings during the month of November. You are invited to join us for this training which is applicable and practical for all community members.

Stop the Bleed
November 19, 2019
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Lovejoy High School Lecture Hall

Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
November 21, 2019
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Lovejoy High School Lecture Hall

For additional information, please visit our Community News Page.

Lovejoy ISD Community News
Community News
The  Lovejoy ISD Community News Page includes news from our schools, programs, booster clubs, student organizations, Foundation for Lovejoy Schools, community, and more. Check back often for up-to-date news on events and activities.
 
This Week's News:

Apply Now for Leadership Lovejoy!

Senior Judges Needed!

Register Now! 10th Annual Turkey Chess Tournament

Varsity Football Tickets Available Through School Store

Parking Information for Home Football Games

2019-2020 PTA Reflections Contest – Look Within

Majestics Fundraiser
Homecoming Mums and Garters
On Sale at Lovejoy High School through October 15

City of Lucas Farmers Market

Choir Fundraiser

Majestics Fundraiser

When Life Gives You Lemons Fundraiser

Foundation for Lovejoy Schools Men’s Tailgate Party and Cornhole Tournament

Taste of Fairview Benefiting the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools

Red Ribbon Night at Allen Americans

Lovejoy Professional Network Charity Benefit Golf Tournament

Senior Project! Boys Wrestling Camp

STEM Design Your World Conference for Girls

Senior Project! Girls Wrestling Camp

Senior Project! Running Over Depression

Safety and Security Training

Leopard Baseball Buddy League

Mountain Bike Team

Lovejoy High School Cheer Fundraiser
Holiday Poinsettias for Sale

Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run

News from Collin College



For the latest Athletic News, download the "Lovejoy Leopards Athletics" app.

For the latest Fine Arts News, follow  @LovejoyArts on Twitter, or like them on Facebook at Lovejoy Arts.