Weekly News and Important Dates

Watch D.O.G.S:  Watch D.O.G.S (Dads Of Great Students) program to increase male involvement and presence in our schools.  Dads (or male role models) are invited to attend our 2nd annual Watch D.O.G.S kick-off on Monday, September 21 at 6:00 p.m.  Pizza will be served.  To learn more about the Watch D.O.G.S program, please visit http://www.fathers.com/watchdogs/

Book Fair:  Our annual fall book fair will be held on September 25 and 26.  Thursday hours are 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Friday hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..  You are welcome to visit the book fair with your child before or after school hours.  You can also send money to school with your child to purchase books.

Culver's Night:  Please mark your calendars to join us for Culver's Night on Tuesday, September 30! This night is always packed with fun and we fill the restaurant with RHE families!  Student Council leaders will be serving up the food and custard, too.  Culver's will donate a portion of the proceeds to our school.  We hope you will join us!

Fall Pictures:  Life Touch will be taking individual fall pictures on Tuesday, September 30.

Important Dates:

• 9/22:  Watch D.O.G.S Kick-Off, 6:00 p.m.
• 9/23:  Books and Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.
• 9/25-26:  Book Fair
• 9/30:  Culver's Night, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
• 9/30:  Fall Pictures
• 10/9:  Health Fair
• 10/11:  Race to the Future
• 10/13:  Grade Level Pictures
• 10/17:  Early Release Day (Dismiss at 12:50)

Information About Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)

Recently, there have been reports of regional and metro-area cases of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), which has resulted in hospitalization and serious illness for some children and adults. Enteroviruses are very common, and the majority of people infected with enteroviruses have mild or no symptoms. There are more than 100 types of enteroviruses.

Symptoms for enterovirus D68, a less common strain, follow:

· Symptoms begin with runny nose, sneezing and cough.
· As the disease progresses, symptoms may include new-onset wheezing or asthma exacerbation.
· Additional symptoms indicating the need to seek medical attention are fever, rash, difficulty breathing and worsening of the cough.

Children particularly susceptible to enterovirus D68 complications include those with asthma, a history of breathing difficulties or weakened immune systems. There is currently no specific treatment for EV-D68. Supportive care includes drinking plenty of fluids, rest and over-the-counter medication to ease symptoms.

Prevention of enterovirus D68 is similar to other communicable diseases:

· Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before eating.
· Protect others when you cough or sneeze by coughing or sneezing into your bent elbow or into a tissue.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Do not share drinks and eating utensils with others.
· Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, tables, keyboards and toys.
· Stay home when ill.

Consult your health-care provider for additional information and guidance.

Weekly News and Important Dates

PTA:  I hope you and your family will join us for the PTA carnival this Friday (9-12-14) evening from 5:00-8:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to have fun with your child AND support PTA.  See you there!

Richardson Grade Level T-Shirts:  Be sure to check your child's backpack on Monday for a Richardson grade level t-shirt order form. We are very excited to start a new tradition here at RHE!  Each child will have the opportunity to purchase a grade level t-shirt to wear in our upcoming grade level pictures, on field trips, and for special spirit days.  All order forms will be due on Friday, September 19.  We will only be placing one order so make sure to get your order form in!

Car Rider Line:  We need your help!  If you drop off or pick up your child, you know that our car rider line can get quite long.  In order to keep cars and buses from waiting on Blackwell, we need to keep our car line moving.
Here's how you can help:

• When waiting in line, please pull up close to the car in front of you so we can fit more cars in the line.
• Please have your child ready to get out when you pull up to the building.  
• When your child is getting in/out of the car, please do not get out of the car.  We have staff who can assist your child.  Feel free to motion for one of us to come to your car if you need assistance.  
• In the morning, please drop your child off once your car reaches the straight edge of the sidewalk.  This will allow for multiple children to get out at that same time and move the line along quickly.  
• Children need to exit the car using the door closest the building.  

Thank you so much for your help with this matter!  

Richardson Forms and Flyers:  Please visit our website to view/print any important flyers or forms. Our site is updated frequently so please check often.    

http://rhe.lsr7.org/documents/

Important Dates

• 9/19:  Grade Level T-shirt Order Forms Due
• 9/19:  Volunteer Training, 9:00 a.m. at RHE
• 9/22:  Watch D.O.G.S Kick-Off, 6:00 p.m.
• 9/23:  Books and Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.
• 9/24-26:  Book Fair
• 9/30:  Culver's Night, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
• 9/30:  Fall Pictures

Volunteer Training

Richardson Elementary Volunteer Training Dates are coming up fast!  We have 2 dates in September that you can attend.  You will need to attend one of these volunteer training sessions in order to volunteer at Richardson this school year.  

Tuesday, September 9th:  6:30-7:30pm, in the Richardson Cafeteria, PTA Meeting/Volunteer Training
Friday, September 19th:  9-9:30am, in the Richardson Library, Volunteer Training

*We will have Watch D.O.G.S volunteer training at the Watch D.O.G.S  kick-off event on Monday, 9/22, 6pm

If you have questions, or it's not possible for you to attend the Tuesday or Friday training, please contact Mr. Blakemore by email at:  casey.blakemore@leesummit.k12.mo.us.