Recess is an important part of the school day, and we want students to enjoy it safely. One simple way to protect children from the sun is by wearing a hat during outdoor play. Hats with wide brims or a flap that covers the neck give the best protection while also helping kids stay cooler and more comfortable.

Why it matters: Too much sun can cause sunburn and skin damage, even in cooler months. Staying hydrated is just as important. Sending your child with a filled water bottle each day helps them stay energized and healthy during outdoor play.

Tips for families:

• Please label your child’s hat with their name so it can be returned if it gets misplaced.

• Make sure your child has a water bottle with them daily, especially on hot days.

By working together, we can make sure every child enjoys recess while staying safe in the sun and well-hydrated. So pack that hat, label it with [Child's Name], and let the playtime begin!

We hope that each ES class has at least one class parent. If you are interested in helping in this role, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.  

Key Responsibilities of a Room Parent

• Support your child’s teacher: Work with your child’s homeroom teacher on class needs such as activities or field trips. Each teacher’s requests will look a little different. Remember, you are not expected to do everything yourself.
  
  

• Stay connected: Whenever possible, attend Elementary Parent Coffees and Parent Teacher Group (PTG) meetings and encourage other class parents to join you. Dates are in the Elementary School events calendar.
  
  

• Help with volunteers: From time to time, PTG event chairs may contact you to help recruit parent volunteers.
  
  

• Assist with field trip chaperones: Support the teacher in finding chaperones when needed.
  
  

  • At least 2 adults are required for all trips.

  • Day or walking trips: 1 chaperone for every 10 students.

  • Chaperones may be teachers, assistants, parents, school staff, or other approved adults.

Parent Issues and Concerns

If parents share personal or academic concerns about their child, please do not try to resolve these issues yourself. Instead, kindly direct them to the appropriate teacher or ACS staff member. As a parent rep, your role is to help keep class WhatsApp discussions positive, respectful, and helpful.

Class Potlucks and Extra Activities

Parent reps are welcome to organize potlucks or other class- or grade-wide events outside of the school day. Please note that homeroom teachers may not always be able to attend. Holiday celebrations and other “extras” often depend on the support and organization of dedicated parents, and we are grateful for your involvement.

Welcome to all our new students and families!
It has been a joy getting to know your children over these first two weeks of school and to see them settling into their new spaces and building connections.

We’d also love to share with you a video that was shown at our Back to School Morning Meeting. In it, last year’s leaving students offer words of wisdom and advice for our newest scorpions... and there’s even a special cameo from our beloved ES mascot, Wadi! This video gives you a glimpse of the spirit of ACS, and we hope that before long, your family will feel right at home here too.

Wadi - Back to School Video

📚🦈 Something New is Swimming into the LC! 🦈📚

We have a brand-new Reading Buddy in the library… a baby shark! 🐟 Students will get the chance to suggest names for our new friend and then vote to choose the winning name. Stay tuned to join the fun and help us give our shark a special name! 

Our first graders had an exciting start in the LC this week! They practiced the routines for borrowing books and laughed along with a fun read-aloud of The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice. What a fantastic way to begin their reading journey this year!

Our fourth graders had their library orientation this week, where they learned all about the LC’s procedures and routines. They also practiced the important skill of checking out books on their own using the iPads, building independence and responsibility as readers!