It’s hard to believe it’s time to say, “School starts this month.” In fact, Lowell Area School (LAS) students return to the classroom three weeks from today.
An Early Start
Earlier this year Lowell Area Schools announced a change to the 2017-18 school year. The first day of school would be scheduled before Labor Day. Kent ISD was the driving force behind the change as districts in Kent County look to streamline with their schedule. Kent ISD offers classes which coincide with the schedule of colleges and universities.
The new school year will begin on Tuesday, August 22. Teachers will report the day prior and elementary and middle school students will have the opportunity to meet their teachers this evening. During this time representatives from the transportation department will be available to address any busing questions or changes. Current bus route information is available for viewing on the district’s website.
District Calendar, District News
Michigan mandates 180 days of educational instruction which went into effect for the 2016-17 school year. While classrooms will be filled in August rather than September, the number of school days will not change. A two-week break in December will replace the week-long hiatus from last year. The last day of school will be June 1, 2018 compared to June 9 this year. The end of each trimester will also be a half day district wide. The complete district calendar can be found online for easy viewing. If you like to plan ahead you can mark your calendar for parent/teacher conferences after looking at the district wide schedule here.
In order to stay up to date with what is happening in the school district and specific schools the LAS website provides information. For those seeking information while on the go search for “Lowell Area Schools” in the App Store or Google Play. The LAS app serves to inform parents via school calendars, school closing information, and more.
Get Involved
Parents are also encouraged to become involved with their child(ren)’s school and extracurricular activities. There are never too many volunteers. By participating alongside students parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. become positive role models through their interactions in the classroom and during events. School events can’t happen without the help of parents.
All of the elementary schools and the middle school have a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). There’s no need to join this group. If you’re a parent of an elementary school student you’re already a member. Attending monthly meetings are not required to volunteer in order to work on organizing, planning, or help an event run smoothly. Even working parents can help as evening events are also scheduled throughout the year. At the high school level sports, theater, band, and much more seek parental help each year for events.
Regardless of current level of education a student in the LAS is about to begin, more than teachers and school staff are needed to educate, mentor, influence, and participate in the experience. Seek out opportunities to be involved at school in and out of a classroom setting.
Curiosity Corner Preschool
Those attending preschool will also have an early start to their school year. Curiosity Corner Preschool holds their Open House on Tuesday, August 29 from 9am-10:30am and Thursday, August 31 from 5pm-6:30pm. Students and their family are invited to visit their classroom and meet their teacher. Anyone planning on volunteering in a 3’s classroom should also plan on attending Volunteer Training Wednesday, August 30 from 9am-10am or Thursday, August 31 from 6:60pm-7pm. In-class volunteering is not required for those with a student in a 4’s classroom. New this year an aid will be with four-year olds and their teacher. Students will be welcomed Tuesday, September 5 for the first day of school.
TOTS playgroups and classes begin mid-September. Online registration is currently open. Payment for classes must be received in order to reserve a spot.
School Preparation
Shop local and stop by Springrove Variety for all of your school supplies for elementary school students. They have lists for each grade and classroom and will hand you all that you need. Today is also the last day to pre-register, which is required, for Flat River Outreach Ministries’ Back-to-School Backpack Program. Registration will take place today, Tuesday, August 1 from 1pm-7pm during their Lunch Buddies program. Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed August 8 and 15 from 1pm-7pm.
There’s still time to get out and enjoy what’s left of summer vacation for this year. And the school year will start off with a three-day week followed by two four-day weeks allowing for warm weather activities to occur over long weekends.
Leave a Reply