The Elise Ford Allen Academy

The Rider Nation News

Information for the Week of March 2-6

Last week was one to remember! Our students and staff delivered an outstanding performance of The Evolution of the Revolution, showcasing incredible talent, teamwork, and school pride. We are also excited to have volleyball season officially underway — the energy and enthusiasm from our athletes has been fantastic! Thank you to everyone who took time to complete the Cognia survey; your feedback is valuable as we continue strengthening our school community.

As we look ahead, state testing begins and will continue over the next two weeks. This is an important time for our students to show what they know. Please help by ensuring your child gets a good night’s sleep and arrives at school on time each day. Read Across America Week will bring fun literacy-focused activities throughout the building. We have our annual Family Literacy Night on Thursday at 5:00. A reminder that Wednesday is a half day with a 10:30 a.m. dismissal. Let’s work together to support our students as they do their very best!

Looking Ahead into February & March

MAR 2- vision and hearing screenings; Read Across America week begins; garden club 2:30-3:30

MAR 3- vision and hearing screenings; IAR begins; chess team 2:30-3:30

MAR 4- Look! It's my Book! ; ½ day 10:30 dismissal- SIP DAY-students come to school comfy and cozy- out of uniform- today kids will recognize Read Across America Day

MAR 5-Chess team 2:30-3:30; VB @ Lincoln; literacy night 5:00

MAR 7- VB @ EFA 9:00 AM

MAR 9- Riverfront Museum- Kindergarten 9:00; Hult 2nd grade 9:00;

MAR 10- Riverfront Museum 1st grade 9:00; VB @ EFAA 4:00- 8TH GRADE NIGHT

MAR 11- Dolla Holla; Riverfront Museum 2nd grade 9:00; sp and deb 2:45-4:00

MAR 12- Chess team practice 2:45-3:30; Volleyball @ Liberty 4:00; last day of testing (for students who were here each day)

MAR 13- Q3 report cards go home; Page Turners book club

MAR 16- Hult Kinder 9:00; garden club 2:45-4:00; School Community online- 5-8 7:45; K-4 2:00

MAR 17- chess team 2:45-4:00; Parent breakfast 7:30-8:30; St Patrick’s Day slushie attend incentive

MAR 18- Afterschool PD 3-4:15; Happy Birthday to Derria Edwards

MAR 20-Page Turners 2:45-3:30

MAR 23- Garden Club

MAR 24- chess team practice

MAR 25- Dolla Holla; Speech and debate

MAR 26- Chess team practice; IN PERSON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

MAR 27- PBIS MARCH MADNESS CELEBRATION

LITERACY UNDER THE BIG TOP! THURSDAY, MARCH 3 5:00-6:00

TAKE THE COGNIA SURVEY & GET YOUR STUDENT(S) AN OUT OF UNIFORM DAY! SCREEN SHOT THE MESSAGE AT THE END AND EMAIL TO YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER OR ALLEN@PSD150.ORG

CLICK HERE! PARENT SURVEY

Just a gentle reminder that our school is nut-free to keep all students safe.

Please coordinate all treats with your child’s teacher in advance.
Treats should be dropped off at the front office by 10:00 a.m.
To keep celebrations simple and learning on track, please avoid balloons, large party items, or elaborate treats.
Items should be small and easy for the teacher to hand out during class without interrupting instruction.

Thank you for helping us keep celebrations fun, safe, and classroom-friendly!

IAR INCENTIVES WILL START ON MARCH 3 THRU MARCH 12

Arrival Procedures

Parents may not pull in past the barricade in the morning. We have adults helping students get out of the car in the morning.

Supervision for students does not begin until 7:15. Once most busses unload we come in the building.

Dismissal Procedures

Dismissal- Students who are car riders will be dismissed by their teacher to the back car rider rooms, they WILL NOT bring car riders out front. Parents should pull in the back parking lot where Mrs. Schuler will assist with lining cars up in an orderly fashion. ALL PARKING ON AIKEN IS RESERVED FOR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING BUSSES.

Walkers: All K-4 students will remain with their homeroom teacher until an older sibling gets them.

**THERE IS NO PARKING ON WARREN BETWEEN 2:00-2:40 DUE TO BUSSES

Bussing Procedures

Busses will be on Warren Street this year. Students will be monitored as they get off the bus in the morning and load the busses in the afternoon. If you are unsure if your child has bussing please call transportation at 693-4418.

Uniforms

All collard shirts must be navy, royal blue, light blue, hunter green, red, white, black or orange. Pants are black, khaki or navy. No jeans, no leggings, no stretch pants/shorts. All footwears must be closed-back or have an ankle strap (as needed). Solid uniform-color sweatshirts/sweaters or Spirit Wear sweatshirts may be worn over the collared uniform shirt. Sweatshirts/sweaters must not have hoods. Sweaters may be pullover or cardigan style. Purses and bags are to remain in lockers for the entire school day. Coats, jackets, and vests are to remain in lockers for the entire school day. Hats, bandanas, sweatbands, scarves, etc. are not to be worn at school.

Cell Phones

All cellular devices will be locked in a YONDR pouch each day. All pouches will be collected and stored out of sight for the day. If a child needs to get a cellular device because they are leaving early, an adult will unlock it for them. This is a board policy for all middle and high school students in PPS.

Clear Backpacks

Alll students in grades 5-8 must have a clear backpack by October 15. They are for sale at school for $20.00.

A PEEK AT OUR HOMEROOM ATTENDANCE FOR SEMESTER 2 LET'S KEEP OUR EYE ON 95% OR HIGHER EACH WEEK.

The chart above shows your child’s homeroom attendance. Each class tracks daily attendance because every student makes a difference. When a homeroom reaches its weekly goal, the class celebrates by coloring in a “slice of pizza.” Once the slice is complete, the homeroom earns a bag of fruit snacks to enjoy together.

Let’s keep the momentum going—our school goal is 95% attendance each day. Right now, our school average is 92.5%. We’re close—let’s work together to reach that goal! Ask your child about their weekly color...a great conversation starter!

PARENT NEWSLETTER TIPS & ARTICLES

EFA shares a monthly newsletter called Parents Make the Difference! to help families support learning at home that is personalized for EFA.

What it is: A short, easy-to-read newsletter with age-appropriate tips for your child’s grade level.
What it includes: Ideas to build good habits with homework, attendance, reading, behavior, and emotional well-being.
Why we use it: Because families and schools work best as a team! These newsletters give simple, research-based ideas you can use every day to help your child succeed.