Antioch Elementary School

Message from Mr. Childers

August 25, 2024

 

Hello Parents,

 

This is Tom Childers contacting you from Antioch Elementary.  We are very excited for the first day of school. Students may not be dropped off prior to 7:00am. We encourage you to arrive early as the traffic will be heavy. Please be patient and following the directions from our staff. You may park and walk your child to the front door if you wish. Parents are not permitted for lunch until September 16th. Your child's birthday is an exception… but never on Friday, as Antioch does not permit parents for lunch on Fridays.

 

Antioch PTO   Click here to visit the PTO Website.

The Antioch Elementary PTO provides a tremendous level of support for our school. Please take a few minutes to read the newsletter and consider getting involved with the PTO to support Antioch Elementary.

 

The 2024/25 Birthday Rock reservations will are now live on the PTO website. Antioch PTO.

Please adhere to the guidelines below for Antioch Birthday Rocks:

The Birthday Rock will be reserved through Antioch PTO. Signups are on a first come first serve basis.  While we wish everyone would be able to get their child's actual birthday, that may not always be an option. Please do not contact the PTO if you were not able to get your preferred date.

The cost will be $5 to reserve the rock for two days. Payment must be paid upon checkout. No refunds will be given if you decide not to paint your rock. Funds raised will go towards a school grounds improvement project for that school year

There are two grade specific rocks: K-2 and 3-5. Please select the appropriate rock for your child's grade.

• K-2 Rock is closest to school building
• 3-5 Rock is first rock upon entering Antioch Elementary School

The rocks are reserved for two days. You also have an option of "Side A" or "Side B" of the rock.  "Side A" faces toward Antioch Church Road and "Side B" faces toward the school.  You may begin painting the rock at 2:30 pm on the day of your reservation. You may not paint earlier than 2:30 on that day. We suggest the following:

• If your child's birthday is Monday or Tuesday, paint on Sunday.  
• If your child's birthday is Wednesday or Thursday, paint on Tuesday.
• If your child's birthday is Friday, paint on Thursday.
• If your child's birthday is Saturday or Sunday, you can decide to paint on Thursday (for school Friday) or Sunday (for school Monday).
• If the rock is painted over by someone, it is NOT the PTO or school's responsibility.

Antioch Elementary PTO reserves the right to remove any content, message or language from the Birthday Rock that is deemed inappropriate or not of a positive nature.

The family painting the rock assumes liability for any individual or member of the group who may be injured, or who may incur clothing or other personal property damage.

Suggested materials for painting:

• Latex paint (interior or exterior) – one quart is usually enough for the background color.
• Spray paint also works.
• A roller works best for covering the background.
• Small brushes or sponges work well for lettering.

Suggested artist to paint the rock:

• Nikki Dunn from Boulder Spirits ~ Check her work out @boulder_spirits on Instagram or Boulder Spirits on Facebook. 

If you have any questions, please email info@antiochpto.org.  Please DO NOT contact the school.

 

Click this link to access a condensed version of the 2024-2025 Antioch Elementary School Calendar.

 

Parents may click the link to access the Student Handbook for the 2024-2025 school year.

 

You may access the student supply lists by clicking this link.  Please review the information below if your child is planning to ride the school bus this year. Parents should begin by clicking here to watch the introductory video.

 

Parents may use this link and then click on REAL TIME BUS INFO link to access the Edulog Parent Portal Smartphone App.

 

Where's My Bus?

Get the information you need from the transportation department without having to make a phone call. Receive timely messages or bus delay information. Access all of your students through one secure login.

 
The Edulog Parent Portal smartphone app helps you receive information about your child’s school bus ride.                

 It allows you to:

1. Access designated bus stop times and locations,
2. See real-time information about the location of your child’s school bus, and

3. Receive notifications when the bus is getting close.

 

The first day of school for students will be on Monday, August 26th. Kindergarten students will have staggered enrollment during the first week of school and your Kindergartener will ONLY attend school ONE DAY during the first week of school. This day will be assigned when the teacher contacts you to introduce themselves. No Kindergarten students will attend school on Friday, August 30th. Our Kindergarten Teachers will host an informational meeting at 10:00am on August 30th for parents ONLY, students should not attend this session.

 

Are you searching for afterschool care options? Check out this list of resources.

On Site Afterschool Opportunities

 

Off Site Afterschool Opportunities

 

This information is ONLY for families with Third, Fourth or Fifth Grade Students.

Union County Public Schools provides a chromebook for all students use in grades third, fourth, and fifth. The district includes a 30-dollar Annual Technology Fee which includes limited Accidental Damage Insurance Coverage for Chromebooks.

• The fee may be waived if the student qualifies for Free Lunch (parent/guardian must provide letter from Child Nutrition to school.) Payment options: online using this payment link, cash or check made payable to school.
• Accidental Damage to the Chromebook is at no cost to the student.
• Non-accidental damages will result in the cost of repairs and/or possible loss of computer privileges.
• Fees are due by August 31, 2024.
• Fees are recorded in the PowerSchool Student Information System with outstanding fees shown on the report card.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for the cost of lost ,stolen, or intentionally damaged devices

 

****INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER ADAPTERS, BATTERIES, INTENTIONAL DAMAGE, OR LOST/STOLEN DEVICES ****

 

 Please include the following information when emailing me with a question or concern.

• Child's Name
• Teacher Name
• Grade and
• Your phone number

 

This information will allow me to respond to your question or concern more quickly. Parents may access all archived messages on the school website. Our school phone number is 704 296-3005. I strongly encourage you to listen to your voice message before returning a missed call from the school. Antioch Elementary has nearly a hundred staff members and it is sometimes very difficult for our office staff to determined who called you. Please note that our school receives many phone calls each day.

 

All parents should familiarize yourself with the car rider map.

Morning Car Rider Line Diagram

 

Morning drop-off begins at 7:00am and students are recorded as tardy if they are not in their classroom by 7:30am. Parents should follow the direction of our staff at all times and should NOT pass other cars as this poses a significant safety risk for pedestrians. All walkers should cross the traffic lanes ONLY at the designated crosswalks. Our bus lot is available for morning drop off as well as parking once the buses have departed. Our staff will direct you into this area once it is available. Parents may park and walk their child to the front door. Our school safety protocols will prohibit parents from walking their child to the classroom.

 

Kindergarten parents are encouraged to arrive between 7:30am - 7:45am during the first two weeks of school. You may park and walk with your child into the gym by entering the doors from the bus lot. Our staff will greet your child and escort them to class. Traffic will be much lighter during this time and you will have an opportunity to take a picture and say goodbye to your little one.

 

Staff members and Volunteers will be strategically located throughout the building to ensure that all students arrive at class safely. Your child's teacher will receive them at the classroom door and welcome them to the new school year.

 

All exterior doors, interior doors, and windows will remain locked throughout the school day. Each staff member has multiple ways to communicate with the office in the event of an emergency. Safety zones have been established on the grounds of our campus to ensure that proper supervision is maintained at all times. Our students and staff will participate in monthly safety drills to practice our response in the event of an emergency.  All students will also participate in a safety meeting each semester to discuss appropriate behavior and how students should respond if a situation makes them feel uncomfortable.

 

Our school has very specific dismissal procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff as well. All transportation changes must be provided in writing to your child's teacher. You may contact Mrs. Young, our receptionist (cathy.graham@ucps.k12.nc.us) in the event of an emergency. Please do not email the teacher during the school day for a same day transportation change. The teacher may not be available to check his/her email and your message may go unnoticed.

 

Please note: Frequent transportation changes increases the potential for mistakes by our staff. Each student's daily dismissal method is documented and maintained at the school in the event of an emergency.

 

Students who are afternoon walkers will be dismissed through the door at the end of the Kindergarten Hallway. Parents must come to the door to request their students. Please complete this form when someone other than the parent is picking up your child from the walker door.

 

Kindergarten and First Grade car riders will be dismissed beginning at 1:50pm through the STAFF LOT car rider line (see map). Parents who also have students in grades second through fifth should NOT arrive at this time as your child will NOT be available for dismissal.

 

Second and Third Grade car riders will be dismissed beginning at 2:00pm through the STAFF LOT car rider line (see map). Parents who also have students in grades fourth and fifth should NOT arrive at this time as your child will NOT be available for dismissal.

 

Fourth and Fifth Grade car riders will be dismissed beginning at 2:10pm on the BUS LOT (see map). Parents who also have Kindergarten through third graders may pick all students up at this time. Fourth-Grade and Fifth-Grade students will be seated with their younger siblings in the gym and cafeteria and must be picked up from the BUS LOT.

 

Afternoon Car Rider Line Diagram

 

Our school provides bus transportation in the morning and in the afternoon.

 

Please send a note to the teacher if someone other than a parent is picking up your child after school in the car rider line or at the walker door.

 

Parents may use this link to access more information about School Nutrition Services. Lunch and Breakfast Menus will soon be available.

 

Parents will be invited to volunteer at the school and will also be permitted to eat lunch with your child. If you would like to become a volunteer for Union County Public Schools, complete a volunteer application. Once your application is submitted, you will receive an automated email correspondence instructing you to confirm your email address. Additionally, you will receive an automated email when your application is approved or denied. 

 

Parents are permitted to have lunch with their child. Beginning the week of September 16th (M-Th)- Families with the last name of  A-E are invited to visit for lunch. Students may have two visitors  due to seating limitations. Lunch with your child is open on Monday through Thursday ONLY.

 

Family Lunch Rotation for Lunch:

Week of September 16th (M-Th) - Families with the last name of A-E

Week of September 23rd (M-Th) - Families with the last name of F-K

Week of September 30th (M-Th) - Families with the last name of L-Q

Week of October 7th (M-Th)  - Families with the last name of R-Z

 

Each classroom teacher has made seating arrangements for you. If seating in the cafeteria is not available, parents may be asked to eat in the courtyard. Please plan your visit accordingly with respect to the weather.

 

Parents are permitted to send in a birthday treat for students to celebrate their child's birthday. All treats must be commercially prepared. I would suggest scheduling this with your child's teacher to prevent multiple treats on the same day.

 

Your child's birthday is an exception to the outlined schedule. Please communicate with your child's teacher. However, Antioch Elementary does not permit parents for lunch on Fridays.

 

Please take a moment to review the attached flyer about the School Bond on the November 5th Ballot.

 

Dates of Interest:

• 9/2 - Labor Day - No School
• 9/3 - All Students & All Kindergarten Students will attend school.
• 9/3 - Beginning of Grade Reading Assessment (BOG) - Third Grade Only
• 9/6 & 9/7 - Madagascar Jr. Auditions
• 9/9 - Gatorthon Kicks off - Coin Wars
• 9/11 - Hairspray Event
• 9/11 - School Improvement Team Meeting
• 9/13 - Tape Mr. Childers to the Wall
• 9/20 - Fall Pictures
• 9/27 - Swamp Slammer - Students "lock-up" their teachers.

 

Thank you for supporting our school - working together as one team on one mission, we are meeting needs, challenging minds, and celebrating accomplishments.

 

Until next time… Have a great day!