The First Days of School:Children, grades Kindergarten through 6th, either receive bus service to and from school or walk, depending upon their residential location.There are specific entrances and exits for arrivals and dismissals for all children and your child(ren) will be given specific directions and guidance.If you choose to drive your child to school, cars are permitted to pick-up/drop off on Flower Avenue.School begins at 8:10am and ends at 2:45pm.Lunch is in shifts, with grades 1 & 2 eating at 11:15am, grades 3 & 4 eating at 12:00pm, and grades 5 & 6 eating at 12:30pm.Lunch may be bought at school; a monthly menu is provided to your child.Please visit the District website for specific information regarding lunch menus and payment.
School Store: Basic school supplies are available to the children for purchase at cost each week throughout the school year.Our parents run the store and the children will be permitted to shop prior to the start of classes on designated days.
Class Parents:During the first few days of school, look for a flyer in your child’s school bag requesting volunteers for Class Parent and Assistant Class Parents.Each class, from Kindergarten through 6th, has one class parent and 3-4 assistant class parents that help to coordinate events within the classroom with the teacher.One important task is the “phone chain.”This is a phone call system (in addition to the District Connect-Ed system) that ensures each parent is contacted regarding a specific emergent happening (school closure, emergency, school or District issue).Other duties of the Class Parent and his/her assistants are to help with production of the class play, various parties throughout the year, field trip assistance, and collection of funds for gifts such as holiday and end of the year gift for the teacher.
Birthday Celebrations: If your child has a birthday that falls during the school year, speak with your teacher about how to mark the occasion in the classroom.Typically, the younger children mark the day with a party in the classroom, and older children bring in a small snack for their classmates.Friendship books will be created by volunteers of the PTA for each class with the intent of improving communication between families of a class outside of school.
SEPTA (SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION):This group is across both elementary schools within our District – John Lewis Childs School (JLCS) and Floral Park-Bellerose School (FPBS).SEPTA currently meets at FPBS about once a month and discusses issues pertinent to the child with special needs and education.These meetings are open to all parents and provide a wonderful network of caring, supportive parents who experience similar issues.The JLCS PTA has a representative that attends the SEPTA meetings and then provides a report to the general membership meeting of the PTA at JLCS to ensure proper information exchange.
Curriculum Night:In September, parents are invited to come to school at night to meet their child’s teacher, maybe for the first time.A notice with dates and times will be sent home.At curriculum night, teachers discuss the curriculum for the year, highlight projects, specify requirements and explain classroom routines.We also use this time to do our Membership Drive for the JLCS PTA.This is the perfect time to join and become an active member of your child’s educational experience.The PTA provides refreshments and a perfect venue to meet other parents and school staff.
Harvest Fair:This is one of our most notable school community events and is held each Fall on the grounds of JLCS.It is a fun-filled day of rides, games, crafts, pumpkins, food and everything Autumn!It is our largest fundraiser of the year, providing the financial means to continue programs such as Parent As Reading Partners, Special Persons’ Day, the Champion newsletter, assemblies and programs, and so much more.This fair is completely managed by volunteers of family and friends.Families and businesses of the community of Floral Park give sponsorship.There is something for everyone on that day.
October
Gift Wrap Sale:Our largest fundraiser starts at Curriculum Night and products are delivered in November.
Class PhotosIn early Fall, a professional photographer comes to our school and takes individual as well as class portraits of all of our children.You will be provided a notice of date and time as well as an order form for pictures.There are various packages available for purchase.Your child is not required to participate in individual photos nor do you have to order portraits.For children in 6th grade, these portraits will be used for the yearbook at the end of the school year, so we ask that the boys wear jacket and tie and the girls wear something attractive and suitable.
Halloween Parade:On October 31st (or school day closest), all classes Kindergarten through 6th join in a parade throughout the neighborhood to show off their Halloween finest.Everyone in the school is in costume, from secretaries, teachers, to the Principal!Our parade is led by our own marching band (grades 4-6) and guided by the Floral Park Police.You are invited to line the parade route and cheer all the children and experience the real spirit of Halloween.
November
Class Plays: At some point during the school year, each class, grades K-3, will perform a play. For the Kindergarten classes, these plays are performed in their classrooms; the older children perform on the auditorium stage. Sometimes two classes work together on a play; sometimes one class provides the entertainment. The teachers work very hard with all of the children to help them memorize their lines, etc. You may be asked to supply your child's costume and help with some hand-made scenery prior to the performance date. Class parents are usually the organizers of scenery work-details, so watch for notices in your child's backpack about meetings.
December
Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences: Twice a year (once before Winter break and once in Spring), our District sets aside 1-½ days to allocate time for parents to come to school and discuss their child’s academic progress.Appointment times are during the day as well as in the evening.A set date and time will be sent home to you.However, if you need to alter the assigned time, you will need to get in touch with your teacher to make the necessary change.Please understand, however, that you do NOT need to wait until Parent/Teacher Conferences to discuss matters of importance regarding your child’s education.If at any point before or after this time you need to speak with your teacher, they are always available.
Holiday Fair:In the month of December, before the holidays, the JLCS PTA sponsors a shopping fair for the children.This enables all the children to buy gifts for family and friends.Each class comes to the fair at specified times and PTA volunteers help them find the perfect gift for everyone on their list according to the child’s budget.All gifts are reasonably priced and in new condition.
Winter Concert: In early December members of the Choruses, Grades 3 & 4 and Grades 5 & 6, as well as the orchestra and band, showcase their musical talents for family and friends. Children in these groups practice either before or after school during the year and always succeed in providing terrific entertainment. Plan to attend when the date is set.
Movie Night:
January
Report Cards:Report cards are distributed to each child three times a year:before the winter holidays, in the Spring and at the end of the school year and provide information about the students' academic skills, work habits and character development. The ?rst and second report cards are given to the parents at the Parent-Teacher Conference. The third (?nal) report card is given to the student at the end of the year.
Book Fair:During the month of PARP, the JLCS PTA hosts a wonderful book sale with the assistance of Scholastic Books.We offer a wide range of books for all ages.Prices are reduced significantly so that all children may have the opportunity to purchase.Each class is brought to the fair that is housed in the gym and given the time to browse the selections with the assistance of our PTA volunteers.Parents, family and friends are also welcomed to browse and purchase throughout the day.
PARP: Parents As Reading Partners:This a month-long event sponsored by the New York State and National PTA to highlight the importance of parents and caregivers as partners in their child’s education.The JLCS PTA organizes many activities throughout the month of PARP including guest readers in the classroom, performances, contests and the Book Fair.
February
Founder’s Day Celebration in conjunction with FloralPark-BelleroseSchool and Floral ParkMemorialHigh School.
Spirit Day:
March
March Math Madness:
Drama Club:Drama club is open to grades 4-6.The children are lead by our wonderful teachers in the production of a popular musical or play.Preparations begin in late Fall and culminate with multiple performances in early Spring.Once again, volunteers are welcomed to help with costume and scenery and it is a highly rewarding and fun experience for everyone.
April
Spring Conferences: Usually held in early April, Spring Conference is your opportunity to talk over your child's progress in the last months. Again, the school district sets aside one and a half days for conferences and a schedule will be sent home giving you a specific date and time. Remember to tell the teacher if you need a special time to come in.
Staff Appreciation Day:This is a day, when we as parents and caregivers, have the opportunity to show our appreciation to our teachers, administrators and all the “behind-the-scenes” individuals who help to make John Lewis Child School a special place.The volunteers of the PTA provide lunch for all of our staff centered on a theme.Notices requesting a food or cash donation will be sent home, as well as providing you an opportunity to help out that day and show your appreciation.
Reflections Program/Cultural Arts Festival:Each year, the National PTA sponsors the Reflections Program that encourages the creative expression of children through dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage).The theme of the project is generated from the National PTA and then winners are chosen at local, district, state and national level.All entries are submitted in December. Deadline for entries is the beginning of November. Following, the children are encouraged to showcase their talents at our Cultural Arts Festival.Artwork is displayed in the gym and the children display their musical talents, dance, sing, and exhibit their gymnastic routines for an audience.Refreshments are served by the JLCS PTA.
May
Plant Sale:The PTA Plant Sale is held just before Mother’s Day so that our children are given the chance to purchase a thoughtful gift for whomever they love.Flowers and plants of various sizes are offered and classes Kindergarten through grade 6 visit the sale according to a schedule.A price list as well as an order form to pre-order plants comes home with the children prior to the sale.PTA volunteers assist in the preparations for the day as well as during the sale day.
Special Persons Day:Special Persons’ Day is a day when the children recognize that special someone in their life.Someone who makes a difference to them; a mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandparent, neighbor or friend.This person is invited to spend time in the child’s classroom and participate in an activity centered on the theme of the day.Different grades will have different times for visitation so that everyone can feel special.
Memorial Day Parade:Our school marching band participates in the annual Floral Park Village Memorial Day Parade sponsored by the Floral Park American Legion Post.The parade begins at school and makes its way through the Village along Jericho Turnpike down to Memorial Park in front of Our Lady of Victory on Tulip Avenue.Many youth organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts and Little League Baseball teams participate as well, making it a very memorable parade for all.
June
Field Days:Field Day provides a chance for all the children to compete by class in a series of outdoor races and games.It is a two-day event, one day for grades 1-3 and another day for grades 4-6 and all are invited to attend and cheer on their classes.Raindates are scheduled and lunch is provided by the JLCS PTA along with a commemorative gift for each child.
Spring Concert: This is your second chance to see members of the Choruses, Grades 3 & 4 and Grades 5 & 6, as well as the orchestra and band, showcase their musical talents for family and friends. Children in these groups practice either before or after school during the year and always succeed in providing terrific entertainment. Plan to attend when the dates are set.
Flag Day:
Parents Lending Library:The lending library serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking guidance with issues such as parenting, learning disabilities, grief counseling, family issues and more.The library is located in the conference room on thefirst floor offering books, magazines, articles and videotapes.Materials are available to borrow on an honor-based system Monday through Friday before dismissal, or you may have your child bring the item home for you.You may speak with a member of the PTA committee to assist you and titles of all available material is available online at our PTA website (see at the end of this book for web address).
WEBSITE/EMAIL:The JLCS PTA website address is:http://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/JLCSPTAIt is the heart for the most current information about the PTA.It provides information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, the latest news, and meeting information.It serves as a central hub of information.
The JLCS PTA is also on Facebook.Search for “John Lewis Childs PTA” and then click the “LIKE” button to begin receiving immediate information as it is posted on the wall.Information posted includes current activities and events, calls for volunteers, information relevant to our children’s safety in the community, and so much more.
You may also opt to become a member of our email list.The email list is used to provide meeting agendas, meeting minutes, planning and preparations information and other relevant material.It is meant to keep every person current in the school’s activities, even if they can’t be at every PTA meeting or be at school frequently.You may request to be placed on the email list by writing to johnlewischildspta@gmail.comPTA members are automatically placed on this email list if you provide your email address when completing the membership form.
The District website is http://www.floralpark.k12.ny.us Children can find their homework assignments online, parents can manage lunch accounts and see the menu for the next day or month, and pertinent information about administrative details are also available here.
We hope that you and your family will enjoy being a part of the John Lewis Childs School community and we are happy to have you with us!
JLCS Parent-Teacher Association: We are a group of committed parents and teachers who work together for the benefit of all the children. Our meetings are generally held once a month at school. The success of our programs and our organization depends upon our membership. We encourage you to take an active part in your child's life. What better way than by joining the JLCS PTA!
Our membership drive starts in September and continues all year.Proceeds from membership fund the programs put on for the children.
The School Calendar will be coming home in your child's backpack during the first week of school. Please note our PTA meeting dates and we encourage you to refer frequently to all the events scheduled.
Welcome to our school community. We're glad you're here!
Welcome! John Lewis Childs School PTA 10 Elizabeth Street Floral Park, NY 11001 516-327-9317
