November 19, 2010: Thanksgiving Feast/Grandparents Day

August 26, 2010: First Day of School Information

August 16, 2010: PCA/CFA Update

5 DAYS AND COUNTING!!

The Staff and Faculty at Parkside Christian Academy (PCA) and Cross Factor Academy (CFA) are excited to know that in just 5 days, we will be back together as a school community and family.  It has been an eventful summer here:  Mrs. Dixon had her 6^th son Jacob and the Summer Enrichment Program was another huge success, for which we are a grateful to Ms. Nafeesha for her leadership. (Please give Ms. Nafeesha an extra hug when you see her.  She has had no time off since the end of last year!)  In addition, we had numerous parents here over the summer helping to prepare for the new school year.  THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!  And more Thanks is to come.  So here are a few last minute details that you must be aware of in preparation for the first day of school.

1.      PCA and CFA are nut free schools starting this year.  We have students here that have severe allergies to nut products, so we have decided that in the interest of promoting the highest level of safety, we will prohibit students and staff from consuming any nut products during the school day.  We will continue to adhere to our current health protocols such as washing hands and tables as well as having hand sanitizer available throughout the school.  We know this will require sacrifice on behalf of the parent and student body, and we will do our best to support and assist you with alternative food options during this transition. 

2.      The first day of school is Tuesday, August 31. 

·         There will be no before care on this day.  Please try to arrive between 8:15 am and 8:30 am.

·         All students and parents, new and returning, should report directly to the gym on the first day.  You will go to your designated table and pick up your welcome packet.  In this packet, you will receive your childs homeroom assignment (PS High School) among other important information.  Students will also pick up their supplies at this time.  Parents are welcome to escort their child(ren) to their homeroom to help get them acclimated and to meet the homeroom teacher.  We ask that parents remain with their child in their homeroom for no more than 5 minutes. 

·         For PS and K0 parents, you may stay with your child for no more than 20 minutes.  Please understand that these guidelines are standard protocols that allow your child to transition effectively to his/her new environment.  Especially for students in PS through K1, separation anxiety is normal, therefore it is ok if a child cries when you attempt to exit.  It is ok to comfort them and to let them know everything will be alright.  We do ask that once that transition time is over, that you leave immediately and allow the teachers to take over from that point on.  You may find that initially your child cries each day during drop off, but in a short time, most children will adapt and feel secure in you eventually returning at the end of the day.  Please allow for some time for them to adjust to their new environment, and please let the teacher or administration know if you have any questions or concerns.  We will handle them with special care during this time!!!

·         There will be a school meeting at 9:30 am on the first day.  If you desire to stay for that meeting, please drop your child off in his/her homeroom then go straight to the gym to wait for the start of school meeting.  There will be refreshments available as you wait.

3.      What to bring on the first day:

·         PS, K0, K1

                                                              i.      Sleeping bag (all students are now required to have sleeping bags instead of just sheets or blankets)

                                                            ii.      Pillows with cases

                                                          iii.      Favorite sleeping animal, toy or other item

                                                          iv.      2 changes of clothes

                                                            v.      Lunch and 2 snacks (If not signed up with our hot lunch vendor City Fresh) NO NUT PRODUCTS!

                                                          vi.      Pull ups (If students are not completely potty trained.)

·         K2-3rd

                                                              i.      Backpack

                                                            ii.      Lunch and 2 snacks (If not signed up with our hot lunch vendor City Fresh) NO NUT PRODUCTS!

·         Middle School

                                                              i.      Backpack

                                                            ii.      Lunch and 2 snacks (If not signed up with our hot lunch vendor City Fresh) NO NUT PRODUCTS!

·         High School

                                                              i.      Backpack

                                                            ii.      Lunch and 2 snacks (If not signed up with our hot lunch vendor City Fresh) NO NUT PRODUCTS!

4.      Financials: Your child cannot start school until we have your signed contract and any outstanding payments. (NO EXCEPTIONS!)  If you have talked with Mrs. Dixon and made arrangements, then you are all set.  All payments for hot lunch, breakfast and snacks are due on the first day of school.

5.      Immunizations: Your child cannot start school without updated immunization records.  If you have contacted the administration about any hindrances to getting this before the start of the school, then you are all set.

6.      Uniforms: Uniforms are required for grades 1 through 10 only.  They may be picked up this Saturday from 9 am to 12 Noon or Monday from 9 am to 5 pm.  We expect students to be in uniform on the first day of school.  For those who do not receive uniforms prior to the start of school, you may pick them up when you arrive.  Students will a grace period of 1 week to fully conform to the uniform policy.  We will spend the first week helping everyone understand the details of the uniform policy.  Remember old Parkside uniforms are not acceptable and you can only order uniforms through the school at this time.  If you want additional shirts, please submit your order forms as soon as possible.  Payments are needed in advance.  Also remember that shoes must be all black, or other dark color.  If sneakers are worn, they must be all black.  For gym, students can change into regular sneakers.  (No OPEN TOE SHOES are allowed for all grades!)

7.      Medications: Please drop off all medications (Epipens, asthma pumps, etc) at the Main Office upon arrival.  Please label them with your childs name and include any special instructions.

8.      Pick up: For the first 2 weeks, we will have a token system to pick up your child.  Please stop by the Pick-up desk, receive a token from the staff person on duty, then proceed to the Multi or Gym to receive your child.  We ask that all adults not familiar to the school staff have some form of ID ready to be shown to the person in charge of releasing the students.  (They must be included on your pick up list!!)  Please be patient with the staff as they learn your faces, even if you have picked up the child before.  You will be asked your name and the name of the child you are picking up.  Once you are verified, you will receive a token and the student will be released to you and you then may take your child. 

·         Preschool K1: (Before 5 pm) You will receive a token then go straight to the basement floor to pick up your child.  After 5 pm, your child will be released from the Multi or the Gym.

·         Everyone else (Before 5 pm)  You will receive a token and then you may wait in the lobby until your child comes.  After 5 pm, your child will be released from the Multi or the Gym.  No parents or other adults are allowed in the school building, with the exception of PS, K0 and K1 parents who are limited to the basement floor.  K2 parents may accompany their child to their cubbies and lockers to retrieve their belongings ONLY after pick up.  Parents cannot go into the school building to retrieve belongings prior to picking up their child.  All other students must do this task independently.  High School students who are authorized to walk home or ride public transportation must be out of the building by 5:15 pm, unless prior permission to stay longer is given. 

WE NEED SPRUCING UP VOLUNTEERS AGAIN THIS SATURDAY ALL DAY!!!!!!

Thank you!

PCA/CFA Administration