🛎⛈IMPORTANT - WEATHER UPDATE🛎⛈
Based on conversations with state and local emergency management agencies regarding the incoming inclement weather from Hurricane Helene, Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27 will be Learn-from-Home days for all Polk School District campuses.
Please refer to communication channels from your student’s respective school/teacher for guidance and expectations regarding assignments.
A decision related to extracurricular activities/sporting events for Friday and Saturday will be announced at a later time. We apologize for the inconvenience, but will always make decisions in the best interest of our students and staff, keeping safety our first priority. Thank you for your continued support and stay safe.
⛈WEATHER UPDATE⛈
As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff, we are continually monitoring updates from state and local emergency management agencies on the anticipated effects to our area from Tropical Storm Helene. The latest briefing indicates that school district operations could be impacted for Thursday and/or Friday. In an effort to help you best plan and prepare, we will provide an update regarding any potential delays or cancellations after 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 25. We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership.
Ms. Laukka’s class making butter for farm week. #thriveatthehive #makeithappen
Please click below for The Weekly Buzz, 9/23/24:
https://secure.smore.com/n/ju0m3
Monday Challenge Sept. 30: Georgia Reads Day #georgiareads
Join Malcom Mitchell and Georgia Public Broadcasting for a Reading Rally on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 10:00 am.
Livestream Link
https://www.gpb.org/georgiareadsday
After a discussion stemming from a book they were reading, Mrs. Morris' 3rd grade PEP students had a taste test with ketchup potato chips. These chips are only sold in Canada and have their own unique taste. They were approved by Mr. Z, who also gave them a try!
Reminder: Tomorrow is Picture Day.
International Dot Day was yesterday. It is a day celebrated and inspired by the book, The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds. Our students spent some time last week expressing their creativity while visiting the library. #InternationalDotDay #makeyourmark #DotDay
Yesterday began the celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth! Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th to October 15th and serves as a time to recognize the culture, history, and achievements of the Hispanic and Latinx community.
Please click below for The Weekly Buzz:
https://secure.smore.com/n/e6w8rz
Congratulations again to Mrs. Melissa Turner for being named Teacher of the Year! She was acknowledged at the Rockmart High School football game for this accomplishment. We are extremely proud of you Mrs. Turner!
Indoor recess bingo with Mrs. Kersey and bubble fun with Mr. Hall!
Mrs. Graves' students completed art work for a "Never forget" 911 activity today.
Mrs. Scott, our counselor, has been teaching students about having a positive mindset. Check out Mrs. Chappell's students with Mrs. Scott today during classroom guidance!
Kona Ice: Sep. 27th
SAFETY UPDATE:
Polk School District families,
As your Superintendent, but most importantly as a parent, I understand the uneasiness and uncertainty you may be experiencing regarding your child’s safety while at school. Last week’s horrific event proved that we can never put too much emphasis on protecting our most valuable assets–our children. As such, we have many security measures in place to protect our students and staff on a daily basis. Some of these safeguards which have been in place for three years or more include Centegix alert badges for all employees, multiple metal detectors at all schools/district facilities, access controls on all external doors, KIST (Keep It Safe to Teach) locks installed on classroom doors and throughout the building, mental health therapists, and a fully staffed Police Department that includes an officer at every school in our district, including two at each of our high schools, one of which is a K-9 officer. This list, however, is not exhaustive of all of our safety efforts because we do not want to compromise our security measures by sharing them publicly with those that could potentially use the information to do harm. We hope you can appreciate this added layer of protection.
As a district, we firmly believe that school safety is a shared responsibility. We ask that you take the time to have a conversation with your student(s) about the importance of their actions, especially when it comes to potential threats. We ask that all stakeholders that see something, say something by reporting alarming information to school authorities or through our anonymous tip line. In addition, we ask that you stress the consequences for students that make threats, whether spoken or written, in person or online. Any such act directed towards our students, staff, or schools, upon investigation, will result in the appropriate charges by our law enforcement officers. Please discuss the seriousness of such behavior with your child.
Lastly, we ask for your continued partnership in helping us maintain a secure environment by adhering to our district policies and procedures. While they are not always convenient, they are all in place to protect those in our care. It takes all of us to ensure our schools are a place where staff can teach and students can learn because they feel safe and secure.
Respectfully,
Dr. Katherine M. Thomas, Superintendent
Our first faculty luncheon was a huge success! Thank you to every staff member who helped provide delicious food and/or decorate for today's luncheon.
Please, click below for The Weekly Buzz, 9/9:
https://secure.smore.com/n/fx9pa
Our awesome administrators made our Friday afternoon even brighter! It's heartwarming to know that we are appreciated. Thank you for all you do for us and the students of Van Wert! #thriveatthehive #makeithappen
