ASTEC ELEMENTARY GRAND OPENING SUCCESS
ASTEC Elementary School hosted a grand opening event June 9th to celebrate the completion of the elementary school in 2020. Many people attended including community supporters, civic leaders, donors, ASTEC Board members, ASTEC Fund members, administrators, faculty, staff and students. 

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce presented ASTEC CEO and Founder, Dr. Freda Deskin with a dedication plaque and a ribbon cutting ceremony. 

When asked about the event, Dr. Deskin said, “We are so happy to finally be able to host this event and thank our many financial supporters.”

ASTEC Elementary students, Angel Ixcoy, Helena Garcia, Dana Saenz, Gredmarie Samaniego Zuniga, and Israel Reyes gave guest tours of the school and did a fantastic job! 

While the school has been open since the fall of 2020, the grand opening was delayed due to the pandemic.
ASTEC ELEMENTARY NAMED "DESKIN CAMPUS"
ASTEC's Board of Directors recently announced that ASTEC Elementary School’s campus will now be known as the “Deskin Campus”, in honor of Dr. Freda Deskin, the school’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

When asked about the dedication and honor, Dr. Deskin said, “I am humbled and thrilled that our governing and foundation boards are honoring me in such a special way.” 

ASTEC Elementary School began serving Oklahoma City students in August of 2020 with a brand new building and full enrollment.

ASTEC started in 2000 as the first start-up charter school in Oklahoma. ASTEC now serves grades PreK-12.
THINGS-TO-DO BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS
The first day of school, August 18th, will be here before we know it. Here is a list of things for parents to do before the beginning of school so that their scholar is prepared and ready to learn on the very first day.

  • Have Badge Made - Each scholar must have a new ID Badge made EACH YEAR
  • Fill out Free/Reduced Lunch Form - This must be filled out in order for a computer to be issued on the first day of school
  • Fill out E-Rate Form - This must be filled out in order for a computer to be issued on the first day of school
  • Pay Activity Charge (New Students Only) - This pays for field trips, transportation, class parties, prom, high school graduation, senior breakfast, etc. The money accumulated in their graduating year’s account and is used when activities occur at each grade level. *(The activity charge for returning students has been waived for the 2022-23 SY)
  • Bring Supply Gift Card - This is a $25 Staples gift card ONLY. Please bring the receipt attached to a gift card with your scholar’s name on the card and receipt. Gift cards pay for bandaids, art supplies, composition books, hand sanitizer, kleenex, poster board, markers.  
  • Purchase Supplies - Do this before the first day of school on tax-free weekend, August 5-7 to save some money. The elementary supply list is listed below.
  • Mark Calendars for Elementary Orientation - August 2 at ASTEC High School Auditorium, 2401 NW 23rd Street, 6-8 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: This event will not be at the elementary school.
  • Check Uniform Policy - Make sure your scholar has what they need for their uniform on the first day. See uniform article in this newsletter.
  • Update Your Phone and Email Address - check to make sure we have the most current contact information in our files so that you don’t miss important announcements and events.
  • Obtain Metro Library Card - A library card is free and easily accessible online at metrolibrary.org or in person at either 2914 SW 59th Street or the Belle Isle location at 3621 NW Expressway.
ELEMENTARY SUPPLY LIST
PK-2nd
  • 1 Orange Plastic 2 Pocket Folder
  • Pencil Box
  • Pencils
  • Primary Composition Book
  • $25 Staples (only) Gift Card with store receipt
3rd-5th
  • 1 Orange Plastic 2 Pocket Folder
  • Pencil Box or Bag with zipper
  • Pencils
  • Composition Books (1 red, 1 blue, 1 green, & 1 black)
  • $25 Staples (only) Gift Card with store receipt
Please purchase 1 gift card per student with a separate receipt for each card. Write the student's name and grade level on the store receipt and gift card. (No Visa gift cards will be accepted.) 
 
ASTEC will purchase general supplies in bulk using the gift cards, including poster board, crayons, spirals, markers, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, band aids, wipes, dry erase markers, print paper, printer ink, paper towels, art supplies, etc.
 
PreK-5th grade students do not need to purchase a backpack. If they do have a backpack - it must be clear with black trim. 
 
Trapper Keepers are not allowed for any grade level. Use school ID: 70116179 when you purchase from Staples.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
SNEAK-A-PEEK
METRO LIBRARY CARD REQUIRED
All ASTEC scholars will be required to have a Metropolitan Public Library card as part of their enrollment. Scholars will grow academically if they become readers. Being exposed to a large library collection allows wonderful choices to engage young people. 
 
A library card is free and easily accessible online at metrolibrary.org or in person at either 2914 SW 59th Street or the Belle Isle location at 3621 NW Expressway. Scholars will need to provide a copy of the electronic library card or physical card to complete their enrollment.
TAX-FREE WEEKEND AUGUST 5-7, 2022
Oklahoma’s annual sales tax holiday will begin on Friday, August 5 and end at midnight on Sunday, August 7. Certain clothing and shoe purchases are exempt from sales tax for this time period only. Qualified items are exempt from state, city, county and local municipality sales taxes.
 
Retailers are required to participate and may not collect state and local sales or use tax on most footwear and clothing that are sold for less than $100 during the holiday.

For more information and answers to common questions on the sales tax holiday, as well as a listing of sales tax-exempt items, please refer to the Oklahoma Tax Commission information sheet.

(excerpt from Metro Family Magazine)
ELEMENTARY ORIENTATION
ASTEC Elementary School Orientation

Tuesday, August 2nd, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
ASTEC High School Auditorium
2401 NW 23rd Street, Entrance B

**PLEASE NOTE**
The ASTEC Elementary School Orientation will be held at the ASTEC High School Auditorium, 2401 NW 23rd Street, NOT AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
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Orientación de la escuela primaria ASTEC

Martes, 2 de agosto, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Auditorio de la Escuela Secundaria ASTEC
2401 NW 23rd Street, Entrada B 

**POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA**
La Orientación de la Escuela Primaria ASTEC se llevará a cabo en el Auditorio de la Escuela Secundaria ASTEC, 2401 NW 23rd Street, NO EN LA ESCUELA ELEMENTAL.
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION WITH ASTEC
ASTEC uses SchoolMessenger for automated phone calls to inform and remind parents of important events, notices and changes to the school schedule.

Please be sure to update your phone number and email address with the school so that you can stay updated on important news from ASTEC. 

Other ways to connect with the school are by subscribing to the ASTEC Elementary School Star Newsletter (sign up on our webpage), and following us on our social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram.
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ASTEC utiliza SchoolMessenger para realizar llamadas telefónicas automáticas para informar y recordar a los padres de familia sobre eventos importantes, avisos y cambios en el horario escolar. 

Por favor, asegúrese de actualizar su número de teléfono y dirección de correo electrónico con la escuela para que pueda mantenerse al día sobre las noticias importantes de ASTEC. 

Otras formas de conectarse con la escuela son suscribiéndose al boletín de noticias de ASTEC Elementary School Star (inscríbase en nuestra página web), y siguiéndonos en nuestras plataformas de medios sociales: Facebook e Instagram
ACTIVITY CHARGE - NEW STUDENTS ONLY
New ASTEC Elementary School students are required to pay an activity charge of $20. This money pays for field trips, transportation, class parties, etc. The money is accumulated in their graduating year’s account and is used when activities occur at each grade level.  
 
*Please note: The activity charge for returning students has been waived for the 2022-23 SY due to COVID restrictions that prevented classes in the past from having many of the events they would normally have.
STAPLES GIFT CARDS
A typical school supply list for one student is $100. To save parents the time and expense of shopping for school supplies, ASTEC asks each scholar to bring a $25 STAPLES gift card. This allows ASTEC to purchase supplies for our scholars in bulk such as paper, Kleenex, band aids, crayons, glue, construction paper, rulers, scissors and more.  
 
Parents may bring in the $25 STAPLES gift card and gift card receipt to the elementary office before school begins or they may send it on the first day of school with their scholar. 
 
Be sure to write the scholar’s name on the receipt and the gift card with a permanent marker.
UNIFORM POLICY
The purpose of the ASTEC Charter Schools’ Uniform Policy is to encourage and support the learning environment of our school and to develop responsible scholars. The ASTEC Board of Directors, administration, and faculty reserves the right to make good faith interpretations of this policy and to address and resolve any issues that may not be specifically listed. The uniform is a dressy-casual, TAILORED look.

Uniform Vendors

  • Fashion Sports & Uniform - 1300 NW 23rd St. & N. Classen, OKC, OK (405) 524-9990
  • Walls - 4011 SW 29th, Del City, OK (405) 672-4438
  • Walmart or Target

(Purchases may be made at Target or Walmart, but must comply with the official uniform guidelines)

“Professional Uniform” (May be worn any day, including Friday)
  • Solid white long sleeve Oxford style shirt (see clothing details) 
  • Solid black blazer 
  • Khaki pants, or skirt (see clothing details) 
  • Solid black dress shoes and black socks 
  • Solid black leather belt w/simple buckle 
  • Solid black tie (optional) 

“Standard Uniform” Elementary School (Monday­ ‐ Friday)
  • Solid black polo shirt with ASTEC patch 
  • Khaki pants, shorts, skirt or dress jumper

Note: Younger scholars will need to bring an extra set of clothing in their backpack in case of accidents or spills. Field Trip attire, unless given written permission, will be the standard uniform.

Outerwear (Monday - Friday)
  • Jackets may not be worn zipped up while in the building. 
  • Sweaters must have an ASTEC patch on the left side. 
  • Outerwear may not have a hood, may not be oversized, and no longer than slightly below the waist. 
  • Solid black sweater or jacket only may be worn in the school building. 
  • Heavy outer coats must be placed in the student’s cubby once they enter their classrooms. No heavy coats may be worn inside the school building.

Clothing Details
  • Clothing must fit properly. Oversized clothing of any kind is NOT permitted. 
  • Frayed hems or holes in clothes are not allowed. 
  • Scholars may not wear tight or low-cut shirts or tight pants. 

Additional information may be posted at www.astec-k12.com or distributed throughout the school year.

Tops
  • Only solid white undershirts or solid black undershirts may be worn. 
  • HOODIES are NOT allowed at school. Mock hoodies (sweatshirts that have a partial hood around the neck) are NOT allowed at school. 
  • The ASTEC patch must be sewn or “ironed on” and must be straight. (Patch may not be stapled, glued or pinned on the shirt.) 
  • Shirts are to be tucked in (without blousing), with the belt visible. 
  • Jackets may not be worn zipped up while in the building. 

Bottoms
  • SKINNY PANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED 
  • Khaki pants, shorts, skirts or dress jumper only 
  • May not be tight 
  • Pants must be hemmed and strike the top of the shoe in the front and fall no lower than the top of the • heel in the back - not touching the ground. Joggers (pants with elastic around the ankles) are NOT allowed. • Pants are to be worn at the natural waist and cannot sag. Pants may not be worn tucked into shoes/boots. 

Accessories
  • Solid white or black socks must be worn. 
  • Girls may wear plain black or beige hose with skirts, dresses (Note: When standing up, the length of the dress/skirt, shall be no more than one hand-width above the knee) 
  • Scholars may wear solid black scarves. No other scarves are allowed. 
  • A solid plain brown or black belt, with a plain buckle, is to be worn at all times. 
  • Purses (3rd-5th) may only be brought to school as needed. Purses must be compact in size, NO BIG PURSES.
  • Backpacks on wheels are NOT permitted. 
  • Shoes must be ABSENT of any other color or colored symbols. 
  • Shoes may NOT have wheels or heels larger than ¼” 
  • Shoes must be solid black. PK-2 students may also wear solid white shoes if they are unable to find solid black shoes in their size. 
  • Shoestrings must be the SAME color as the shoes with which they are worn. 
  • Only SOLID black, white, or gold/yellow hair ties, bows or clips are allowed (ties and clips featuring more than one of these colors are not appropriate, oversized hair ornaments are not allowed). 

Scholar Appearance Details
  • One pair of earrings, no larger than ¼” may be worn. 
  • Nose, eyebrow, tongue and other visible piercings are not allowed.  
  • No bracelets, including rubber bracelets (unless ASTEC approved). 
  • Prescribed medical bracelets may be worn. 
  • One necklace may be worn, but it must not be visible. 
  • Only one simple ring per scholar can be worn, such as a class ring or a purity ring. 
  • Hair must be well groomed and worn away from the eyes. 
  • Distracting, unconventional, non-professional haircuts or hairstyles are prohibited. 
  • Shaving designs into the hair is prohibited. A line shaved into a boy’s hair that is perceived as a natural part is allowed. 
  • Shaving lines in eyebrows is NOT permitted. 
  • Hair must be the scholar’s natural color (i.e. multi-colored hair is not accepted). 
  • Nail polish must be a soft tone or a natural color (not dark, bright, garish, or glittery). Designs are not allowed.
  • As a matter of safety, fingernails may not exceed ⅛” and must be shaped with ONLY rounded edges.
  • There must be no visible tattoos, ink drawings, etc. Temporary tattoos may NOT be worn during the school day.
  • Makeup is not allowed for our elementary scholars.  

Please Note: Scholars unable to procure uniforms (in whole or in part) should contact a school secretary, the Headmaster, or a trusted faculty member.
IMPORTANT DATES
Elementary Orientation
August 2
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
High School Auditorium
2401 NW 23rd Street, Entrance B

Tax-Free Shopping Weekend
August 5-7

Sneak-a-Peek
August 11
4:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
ASTEC Elementary School
Find Your Classroom and Meet the Teacher

First day of school
August 18
7:30 a.m (Doors Open) 8:00 a.m. (Tardy Bell Rings)
3:00 p.m. (Dismissal)
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Did you know you can get daily updates about our programs and our scholars on our Facebook and Instagram page? Just click here for Facebook and click here for Instagram hit the "like" / "follow" button!
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¿Sabía que puede recibir actualizaciones diarias sobre nuestros programas y nuestros académicos en nuestra página de Facebook e Instagram? ¡Simplemente haga clic aquí para Facebook y haga clic aquí para Instagram presione el botón "me gusta" / "seguir"!
NEED HELP?
Families facing a difficult financial time may contact their school headmaster for a waiver for activity fees or or school supplies.
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Las familias que enfrentan un momento financiero difícil pueden comunicarse con el director de la escuela para obtener una exención de las tarifas de las actividades o los útiles escolares.
CONTACT US
(405) 947-6272