Dear Florence Families,

Believe it or not, school starts this Tuesday, August 12th, and our staff is ready to welcome each student on our journey of excellence!  As this is a big day for all of us, we want it to be as smooth and joyful as possible for everyone. So, here are a few reminders for the week to help you and your student be prepared!  

First Day Attendance

Attendance on the first day is crucial! Students who do not attend on August 12th will be marked as No-Shows and will have to be re-registered.  

School Hours

The school day starts at  7:50 AM.

Tardy arrival is from 7:50 AM - 8:10 AM. 

Morning Drop-off

Traffic the first week is heavy.  Please leave home early to get to school on time.  

The Hug Zone will continue. Parents may say their goodbyes in this area.

Please make sure your child’s backpack is tagged with their name, teacher, and grade level so staff can help them get to the right place.

Dismissal Procedures

Deaf Ed Program: Pick up the bus entrance by the Florence Recreation Center.

PK–1st Grade Car Riders: Use the inside lane for car pickup.

2nd–5th Grade Car Riders: Use the outside lane for car pickup.

Please have your car tag ready to show staff.

Do NOT block the middle lane—it must remain clear at all times.

Parents who walk their children home: Please line up at your child’s designated areas.  

PK–1st: Library

2nd–5th: Cafeteria

Please do not bunch together—this keeps the process safe and efficient. 

Bring your child's pick-up tag with you.  If not, we will need to ask you to wait until our dismissal process is complete, so we can verify your identity.

Here is the main idea for drop-off and pick-up procedures:

Meals

Free lunch and breakfast will be provided for all students.

We will notify families when they may begin joining their child for lunch.

No Cell Phone Policy

In the 89th Texas Legislative Session, state lawmakers passed House Bill 1481, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, prohibiting students from using personal digital communication devices during the entire school day, including instructional and non-instructional time.

The law requires Mesquite ISD to implement a "no cell phone" policy during the school day, which includes all personal digital communication devices.

• Cellphones

• Tablets

• Smartwatches

• Earbuds and headphones

• Radios and paging devices 

• Any other electronic device used to communicate with others

When your child returns to school on August 12, use of these devices will be prohibited during class time, transitions, and lunch. This means students will be required to keep these devices stored out of reach in their backpacks or lockers for the entire school day.

A Note from Coach Williams/ P.E.

Footwear Requirements for Physical Education - Starting this school year, Mesquite ISD requires closed-toe and closed-heel athletic shoes for all physical education classes. Students must wear athletic shoes for physical education at all times. Acceptable shoes can be lace-up or Velcro, should fit well, and must not leave marks. For more information, please visit the district's physical education/health page.

The following are NOT considered appropriate for physical education:

• Crocs

• Boots

• Slippers

• Huaraches

• Sandals

• Booties

Extra Reminders

• Send your child with a full water bottle labeled with their name.

• Review your child’s dismissal plan with them in advance so they know exactly where to go.

• Arrive early and be patient—first-day traffic is always heavier.

• Returning 2nd-5th grade students will need to bring their charged Chromebooks and chargers with them.  

We can’t wait to see all the smiling faces on Tuesday morning! Thank you for your cooperation in making the first day/week a success. 

Together, we will have an amazing start to the year!

[Monday, Aug 11 at 9:41 AM]
CORRECTION TO SCHOOL HOURS:

Dear Parents,

We need to CORRECT AN ERROR in our previous newsletter regarding school hours. The school day starts at 7:35 AM, not 7:50 AM as previously stated.

Students will be marked tardy from 7:50-8:10, and absent after that (partially or full day after 8:10).

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

Y. Cabrales