Get ready for school bells to ring

The summer months have been wonderful!  We hope that you have rested and enjoyed your precious time with family and friends. It has been super to see many of you and hear of the work that you are doing to prepare for your students to begin school in the coming weeks. We are looking forward to opening campuses to welcome our faculty, staff and students. We look forward to seeing our parents and community partners soon and working together this 2015-2016 school year!  

 This welcome letter provides information relative to the school year 2015-2016.  This information is also posted on our district website at www.gonzalesisd.net, on facebook, and available by calling the campus directly.

Student/Parent Handbook and Code of Conduct:  The 2015-2016 Gonzales ISD Student/Parent Handbook and Code of Conduct is available online at www.gonzalesisd.net.  It is also available in the front office of each campus.  

Please remember that each parent or guardian is advised to read the Gonzales ISD Student/Parent Handbook. We are required to keep a signed receipt of having read the Student/Parent Handbook and Code of Conduct on file.  

The receipt forms will be received at registration/school start and should be returned to your child’s campus.

Additionally, as part of the Gonzales ISD Student/Parent Handbook, there is a specific section on the GISD Drug Testing Policy for 2015-2016 with a reference to the purpose and the GISD Drug Testing Guidelines and Procedures Handbook available from the campus administrator.

The GISD Drug Testing Policy requires an additional signature page related to drug testing. Further, upon request individual copies of the Gonzales ISD Student/Parent Handbook and Code of Conduct can be obtained by contacting your campus principal.

Bus Routes: Bus routes are posted at individual campuses.  Bus information is available by calling 830-672-3010.

Meet the Teacher - PK-6th grade campuses have scheduled time for Meet the Teacher.  Please check dates and times on-line at our Gonzales ISD website, in the Gonzales Inquirer, the Gonzales Cannon (early August publications) and on the campus marquees.

Registration — Please check dates and times on-line at our Gonzales ISD website, in the Gonzales Inquirer, the Gonzales Cannon (first week of August publications) and on the campus marquees or by calling campuses.

School Supplies - School Supplies-Grade level school supply lists have been compiled and are available online, in the Gonzales Inquirer and the Gonzales Cannon and by contacting the campuses.  Supplies may be dropped off during Meet the Teacher night for grades PK-6.  

School Start Times - Please check dates and times online at our Gonzales ISD website, in the Gonzales Inquirer, the Gonzales Cannon (early August publications) and on the campus marquees or by calling campuses.

Lunch Schedules —  Please check times by contacting the individual campus.

First Week of School Pick-Up/Drop-Off: East Avenue Primary:  East Avenue will have a staggered start time for the first week of school Aug. 24 — Aug. 28  only.

Staggered start times follow:  

• First grade report to school between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.

• Kindergarten report from 8a.m. — 8:30 a.m. and Pre-K report between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Please help out by following the staggered start time schedule in place for the first week only.  

(If you must be at work at a time that will not allow you to follow the schedule we understand. Feel free to deliver your child at the normal 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.) Remember to report at the normal time of 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. beginning the second week of school.

Immunizations: Please check out the Gonzales ISD Health Website for immunization information.

2015-2016 District Calendar: Please note that the Gonzales ISD 2015-2016 Calendar can be located on the district website or in the Gonzales Inquirer or the Gonzales Cannon (early August).  New calendars will be sent home with each student the first week of school.

Dress Code: Thank you for following the Gonzales ISD dress code.  If you have questions related to the dress code, please refer to the Student/Parent Handbook or review it on-line at the Gonzales ISD website.

Attendance: School start times are communicated as outlined above. Please review and call if you have questions regarding attendance.

It is so helpful for students to begin the day calmly and without stress of tardiness. Arriving on time ensures that they do not miss their instructional time.  Please watch for additional attendance information to go home the first week of school.

Spend time talking to your child: Please spend time talking with your child regarding school. Your child’s teacher will assist with procedures and meeting new friends.  

It is normal to experience some anxiety and excitement about the coming year.  Let your child know that there will be many familiar faces and friends.

Discuss the importance of school attendance and success in learning. Time contributed now to regular school attendance will make a difference in the entire year. Spending time each school morning and evening talking about what your child is learning at school sets a tone for the value of education.

It is great review and practice to talk about what the assignments of great interests are and even what might be a challenge in order to support classroom instruction.

Ask your child about new friends and what he/she has learned about their friend’s families, like where they work and how they spend free time.

Ask your child about his/her favorite teacher and why he/she would pick that one. The questions you ask are important to show your child that you value who he/she spends time with, the world of education and the time they spend learning. These are some of the most important conversations you will have with your child.

Thank you for working with us to support your child’s education. A supportive team approach is vital to the success of each individual student as we encourage them to learn, develop confidence and grow to be productive and caring citizens.