Dear Pope Families,

Welcome to Pope Elementary, home of the Thunderbirds, and the 2011 – 2012 school year. Each and every student, parent and staff member is an important and valued member of our team. We are glad that you and your family are here to partner with us.

Our staff firmly believes that every student deserves the opportunity to be educated in a way that prepares them for college if they so choose to attend. With that end in mind, we are determined to make sure that every student, without exception and without excuse, will be proficient or advanced in reading, language arts, math, and science.

We promise that your child will be successful if we all remember these two words: NO EXCUSES. This is not just our motto. It must be our commitment as students, parents, and staff to do WHATEVER IT TAKES for our children to be successful in school.

As much as we are focused on the academic growth of our students, we are also committed to helping them grow into strong citizens. At Pope, we work to teach our students how to treat people with dignity and respect. We believe that with clearly defined expectations, exceptional systems, and a solid partnership with parents we can create a school that knows no limits to the academic and social success of our students. We are excited to support your child’s learning and celebrate their successes throughout the 2011 – 2012 school year.

Many changes to the way we operate at Pope are planned for this year. We want to make sure everyone clearly understands our expectations for students, parents, and staff members so we are all “speaking the same language” and working with the same goals in mind.

Our state of the school presentation along with information shared at the parent orientation sessions can be accessed at this link. Parent Handbooks will be sent home with students whose parents were unable to attend one of the orientation sessions.

Sincerely,
Mr. Sunich
Mrs. Fox

In the spring of 2010, the State law addressing harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) was revised. This impacts the way in which HIB are handled at the school and district level. The first link below is to a PowerPoint presentation that answers Frequently Asked Questions about HIB and the new legislation. The other is a link to the PSD HIB Reporting Form. Reports of Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying will be addressed by Mr. Sunich or Mrs. Fox in the Pope office.

Become a Fan of Pope on Facebook by clicking on the following link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Puyallup/P...

If you have a question or comment you would like to ask Mr. Sunich - please click on the email link below to send him a message.
Email

Pope Elementary Mission Statement
To develop and empower all learners to reach their highest potential
Everybody, Every Day!

Puyallup School District Mission Statement
Supported by families in our diverse community, the Puyallup School District challenges its students to achieve their academic, creative, and physical potential.

Puyallup School District news on Facebook and Twitter

The Puyallup School District has opened Facebook and Twitter accounts and is posting up-to-the-minute news and information, including the first notice of school delays or cancellations.

Links to both social networking sites are on the Puyallup School District Web site at www.puyallup.k12.wa.us. To sign up and see daily posts, click the Facebook and Twitter links at the bottom of the Home page.

In an ongoing effort to improve the safety of students who walk or ride bikes to school, parents are encouraged to review the following fall and winter safety tips with their children.

Be seen:
•Wear bright-colored clothes, and if it is dark or hard to see, carry a flashlight and wear reflective gear. A variety of reflective gear is available in stores including zipper pulls, tape or tags for backpacks, and red blinking lights that clip onto shoes or clothing.
•Bicyclists who ride in the dark are required by law to have their bikes equipped with a white headlight and a red rear reflector or taillight.
•Walk or bike on the appropriate side of the road. If there is no sidewalk, be sure to walk on the side of the road facing traffic. Bicyclists should ride on the right side of the road, moving in the same direction as motor vehicles.

Dress appropriately:
•Layering is warmth. Wear many layers of loose clothing, as this ensures that there are pockets of air between the clothing layers that insulate the body from the cold.
•Close “gaps” — neck and wrist openings are potential sites for heat loss. Wearing a scarf around the neck and long gloves or mittens can help close these gaps.

Makes sure bicycles and bicycle equipment are in working order:
•Before riding a bike to school, check to see that the tires are inflated properly, the drive-train is clean and lubricated, and the brakes work.
•Keep both hands ready to brake. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since breaks are less efficient when wet.
•Remember to always wear a properly-fitted bicycle helmet.

Sources: National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, National Center for Safe Routes to School, Washington State Department of Transportation, and Mayo Clinic.

Please click on link below to see the Bell Schedule for Pope:
http://www.puyallup.k12.wa.us/studentpro...

Puyallup School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination may be directed to:
Lorraine Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources ~ (253) 841-8764
Executive Director of Diversity Affairs ~ (253) 840-8966
Title IX Coordinator ~ (253) 841-8785
Section 504 Coordinator ~ (253) 841-8700