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!

Along with MAP Assessments, our teachers use several other tools to better understand each child’s learning. One important tool is the Teachers College Reading Benchmark Assessment, which all students in Grades 1–5 will take in the coming weeks.

During this assessment, teachers sit one-on-one with students. Students are asked to read a passage aloud so teachers can observe fluency, accuracy, and expression.

Afterwards, they retell the story and answer comprehension questions. This process helps teachers learn more about each child’s reading level and provides insight into areas such as comprehension, decoding, and reading fluency.

The results guide teachers in selecting books at the right level for each student and in planning next steps to support their growth as readers. You’ll hear more about your child’s individual progress during our upcoming goal-setting conferences.

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

The library isn’t just for students—it’s for you too! 📚 If you’d like to take home extra books for your child or enjoy some great reads yourself, you can sign up for a parent account. Just scan the QR code below or click the link to get started. We’d love to see you borrowing books right alongside your kids!

Shark fans unite! Students are voting to give our new library buddy a name. What will it be?

Books + friends + fun = the perfect LC recess!