Carline, Placards, & the new CURB app

What is a car placard, and why do I need one to pick up my student?

A car placard is a piece of paper provided by the school that has your student's name, class section, and dismissal number on it that will need to be shown to a staff member at pick up each day. The academy provides our car placards which cannot be reproduced by families. Each student enrolled in our academy receives their own car placard and dismissal number that is specific to them. We issue each student 3 car placards, if you need more for additional family members or a designated pick-up person, please let your scholar's teacher know and additional placards will be provided to you.

Dean's Corner

Important Back-to-School Reminders for a Safe and Smooth Experience

Welcome back Spartan Families! To ensure a safe and seamless experience for all our students, we'd like to share some important reminders:

Traffic Planning: As we return to school, please anticipate heavier traffic in the mornings compared to the summer months. It's essential to plan your commute accordingly. Remember, obey all traffic control devices to maintain a smooth flow and ensure safety for everyone.

School Zone Awareness: Keep in mind that tickets issued in school zones can be quite costly. It's vital to be attentive to speed limits and other regulations to avoid any unnecessary expenses.

Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures: Kindly drop off and pick up your children only in the designated areas. This practice is crucial to guarantee the safety of all students. By adhering to these procedures, we collectively contribute to a secure environment.

Know Your Child's Schedule: Familiarize yourself with your child's daily schedule and any after-school extracurricular activities they might be participating in. This knowledge ensures their safety and helps you stay informed about their whereabouts.

Safe Crossing: Great Hearts does not have a cross walk.  

Patience during Pick-up: We kindly ask for your patience during the pick-up process. Our aim is to make procedures run smoothly and efficiently, and this might take a little time initially. Your understanding is greatly appreciated as we work towards the best possible arrangements for all.

Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students to learn and grow. By adhering to these reminders, we can collectively contribute to the well-being of our entire school community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation,

Criselda Arredondo | Lower School Dean of Students| Safety Coordinator

Volunteer Training

Become a Volunteer! Attend training on August 23rd

1. Complete the Volunteer Interest Form so we know where to plug you in
2. Sign and Return the Confidentiality Form by emailing info@greatheartswesternhills.org)
   
3. Complete an Online Background Check 
   
4. Then attend either the in-person Volunteer Training on August 23rd from 8:15-9:00 AM in the LS Multi-Purpose Room (MPR).
   

*Please note: even if you have completed it before, you must submit another Background Check and Confidentiality Form to volunteer for the 2023-24 School Year.

*You can find details and volunteer opportunities on the Official PSO Website or email the PSO leadership directly with your questions at pso@greatheartswesternhills.org

Tissues and Tacos

(Kinder Parents Only)

Aug 14th, 7:30 to 8:15 AM

Please note: only Kinder parents may walk scholars up to their classrooms on the first day.

While some of us are crying--teary-eyed and blue.

There are some of us who cheer, "I'm so glad the summer's through!"

Whatever mood you're feeling, won't you stop and stay awhile?

We'll meet you by the classroom with tacos, tissues, and a smile!

Kindergarten parents and guardians, please join us for "Tissues & Tacos" on August 14th after drop-off!

On the first day of school, Kindergarten families may park in the lot (or at the adjacent Petco parking lot) and then walk their scholars to their classroom doors--after which the parents are invited to gather with other Kindergarten families at the courtyard picnic tables (through the lobby backdoors).

At the tables, breakfast tacos, coffee, and tissue boxes will be on hand, brought to you by your Great Hearts Western Hills PSO!

Curriculum Night

Thursday, September 14th from 6-8 PM

Each day, the Great Hearts Western Hills community is blessed to offer a rich, classical liberal arts curriculum to your scholars. On Curriculum Night, we are excited to share that curriculum with you! This night is dedicated to engaging parents in what we do daily- sharing our love of our curriculum. 

You will have the opportunity to sit in your scholar’s seat, learn about Spalding, handwriting, Singapore math, History, and science, hear from your students’ special teams, buy school swag, and visit with our PSO leadership. We look forward to seeing you on this night and are excited to share our love of learning with you! 

*This is a parent-only event, so please arrange for childcare. 

Intramurals

Registration 

Registration is OPEN to sign-up your scholar for Intramural Flag Football and/or Volleyball.  

Registration is through Aktivate: www.registermyathlete.com

As a reminder: Intramural is only for 5th and 6th graders

Registration will CLOSE on August 28th, and practices will begin on August 28th.

*note, all students will have been sorted into a House by August 28th - which will determine their practice schedule

Payment

Make your payments here: 

2023 Intramural Fall Sports – Layaway: https://greatheartswesternhills.configio.com/pd/1006/2023-intramural-fall-sports-layaway

2023 Intramural Fall Sports: https://greatheartswesternhills.configio.com/pd/993/2023-intramural-fall-sports

Flag Football

Flag football practice schedule (tentative):

Middle Earth and Narnia will practice on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:15-5:15. 

Volleyball

*Schedule Change

Volleyball practice schedule (tentative):

Middle Earth will practice on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:15-5:15.

Narnia will practice on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:15-5:15 

Requirements for All Intramurals

1. Students must be academically eligible to compete. This is determined by receiving a 70% or above in all classes.

2. A medical physical completed by a physician clearing the student for physical activity must be on file before students can participate.

3. Registration through Aktivate (www.registermyathlete.com including a preparticipation form, medical physical, and signed athletic handbook).

4. Parents must read and understand that by signing up for intramural sports, you have accepted and acknowledged the sports club disclaimer at checkout).

If you have any questions, please email our Intramural Director, Hannah Cavazos, hannah.boring@greatheartstxschools.org