2025-2026 Lower Elementary Welcome Guide

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Laurel Hall School

A message from Principal McCloud

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Family Welcome Back to School Event/Orientation

Wednesday, August 27

More info to come

Second Day of School

Friday, August 29

8:00AM-12:00PM GRADES 4-8

8:30AM-12:00PM

GRADES K-3

First Day of School

Thursday, August 28

8:00AM-12:00PM GRADES 4-8

8:30AM-12:00PM GRADES K-3

Regular School Hours

Grades 4-8: 8:00AM-3:00PM 2:05PM dismissal on Friday

Grades K-3: 8:30AM-3:00PM 2:05PM on Friday

Gates Open 7:45AM After School Program (ACE) until 5:30PM

Meet The Administration Team

FAST FACTS

Mrs. Barbara Hitchcock, Assistant Principal bhitchcock@laurelhall.com

Greetings Incoming Hornets!

I am so excited to welcome you to the Laurel Hall family! Laurel Hall offers students an array of educational experiences and opportunities and I hope that you will take the opportunity to explore all that we offer. My office is located in the school office wing, and I am happy to answer any questions you might have during your Laurel Hall journey. I look forward to meeting each one of you on campus Go Hornets!

Ms. Kim Hinton, Office Coordinator khinton@laurelhall.com

Welcome to LH and we are thrilled to have you join our community! My name is Ms. Kim, and you will find me in the school office. Whether you need a tardy slip, assistance with your locker, need to contact your parents, I’m here to help. I’m also the one your parents will contact if you will be absent from school Feel free to stop by the office anytime with any questions or if you need assistance The school office is open from 7:30AM – 4:00PM Monday – Thursday and Fridays we close at 3:30PM. I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Ms. Stephanie Humble, Admissions & Marketing shumble@laurelhall.com

Hello Hornets! I’m Ms. Humble and I am so excited for you to be joining our school Whether you are a current LHS student or one of the many amazing applicants I got to meet during the application process, I cannot wait to see you on campus this fall When I’m not in the admissions office, you can find me on campus capturing fun content for our social media channels. I also have a daughter starting kindergarten this year. Welcome to the Laurel Hall family, you’re going to love it here Go Hornets!

School begins promptly at 8:00AM for grades 4-8 and 8:30AM for grades K-3

Gates open at 7:45AM

School ends at 3:00PM, and at 2:05PM on Friday

After School Care (ACE) ends at 5:30PM

Tuition is billed over an 11month period beginning June 2025 until April 2026. Parent-Student Handbook

LHS LINGO

The BUZZ - Our Friday e-newsletter. Sign up

The Hive - 3-8th Grade Library

Littles Library - K-2nd Grade Library

LHS - Laurel Hall School

LHP - Laurel Hall Preschool

ACE - After School Enrichment Program

PTO - Parent Teacher Organization

School Mascot - Hornet

School Colors - Green and Gold

School Instagram - @thelaurelhallschool

LHS Spirit Wear - Order here

PTO Live Doc - here

WELCOME, NEWLY ADMITTED HORNETS!

Please join us for a meet-and-greet on campus.

.. Friday, 16 Friday, 16 of May from 2: 45PM-4: 00PM of May from 2:45PM-4: 00PM t h t h

1 1 9 1 9 O x n a r d S t r e e t , N o r t h H o l l y w o o d

1 1 9 1 9 O x n a r d S t r e e t , N o r t h H o l l y w o o d

Meet the teachers.

Say hello to the PTO.

Meet new students.

We can’t wait to see you.

Laurel Hall School Directory

School Office: (818) 763-5434

Office Coordinator: Kim Hinton, khinton@laurelhall.com

Please email Kim with any student absence notifications.

Questions about tuition and billing: Susan D’Este, sdeste@laurelhall.com

Admissions: (818) 763-5434 x110

Admissions Coordinator: Stephanie Humble, shumble@laurelhall.com

School Website: www.laurelhall.org

Emmanuel Lutheran Church Website: https://www.elcnoho.org/

S c h o o l U n i f o r m I n

We believe that a uniform policy at Laurel Hall is important to providing quality education to our students A uniform policy reduces many of the stresses that distract students from learning. Our official uniform vendor is Skobels, purchases can be made online via www.skobels.com.

Students are expected to dress in school uniforms daily beginning with the first day of school except for announced "spirit day (Friday)" or "special dress" days Parents will be notified of dress code violations and will be expected to bring appropriate clothing to school

General Uniform Requirements

• Uniforms must be clean and in good repair; no rips, holes, or tears in clothing are acceptable.

• Laurel Hall logo should be legible and visible

• All clothing must be the correct size for the student.

• Pant legs may be cuffed or un-cuffed but must be hemmed.

• Pant bottoms cannot be frayed, split, or baggy around the ankle

• Pants should not be excessively tight.

• Colored shirts worn under the uniform shirt must be solid white, grey, dark green, or black (no lace).

• Shirts with graphics or writing other than the Laurel Hall logo may not be worn under uniform shirts

Please read page 39 of the Parent-Student Handbook for full uniform policy details.

Campus Uniform and Friday Spirit Wear Campus Uniform

With the exception being Laurel Hall Spirit Wear or any LH branded shirts, all students must wear white, navy, or dark green, long, or short sleeve polo shirts containing the Laurel Hall logo. We do not require a P.E sport uniform, students do not change for P.E class. Students supply their own choice of backpack, lunch box and drink bottle. Please review page 39 of the Parent-Student Handbook for uniform guidelines.

Friday

Spirit Wear

On Friday, students may wear a Laurel Hall spirit wear shirt with their choice of nonuniform bottom (casual pants, shorts, skirt.) Pajama pants, leggings, yoga pants etc. are not permitted. Please refer to LH Handbook for specifics LHS swag can be purchased from the PTO. We also have an external vendor that sells Laurel Hall spirit wear, however it is more expensive than PTO. Link here.

Students may wear a green or yellow tshirt if they do not have a spirit wear shirt. Our PTO will be selling items as soon as possible.

Please refer to student handbook for uniform guidelines

n o t e f r o m N u r s e N a t a l i e

Hello LHS Families!

My name is Natalie, and I am the school nurse. You’ll find my office right outside next to The Quad In order to ensure your students medical record is up to date, please ensure you have uploaded the most recent copy of their immunization record.

To ensure a safe and healthy school year, please keep in mind:

When to keep your child home:

Have your child stay at home if they are not feeling well If they go to school, their condition may worsen, and their illness may spread to others. Please report to the health office any confirmed diagnosis of contagious illness such as strep throat, conjunctivitis, fifths disease, etc

Please keep your child home if they are experiencing a fever (ear or forehead temperature of 100 4 F or greater; oral temperature of 100 F or greater; or underarm temperature of 99 F or greater). Children must be fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medication) before returning to school. Children’s temperatures do not remain constant throughout the day It is important to check your child’s temperature a few times throughout the day, not just in the morning or at night, to be certain they have completely recovered from their illness.

For gastrointestinal illness, children who vomit or have diarrhea should remain home until they have not vomited or had diarrhea for a full 24 hours. Children should be tolerating regular meals without discomfort before returning to school

Children who are coughing continuously should remain home if the cough is such that it interferes with their ability OR the ability of others to concentrate on schoolwork, even if they are fever-free

Children diagnosed with strep throat must be on antibiotic therapy for at least 12 to 24 hours before returning to school Please notify the school if your child was diagnosed with strep throat

Children diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis need to be on antibiotic therapy for a full 24 hours AND have no purulent discharge from the eye(s) before returning to school For viral conjunctivitis, please be sure there is no watery drainage before returning to school.

In all, children should feel well enough to perform regular school activities before returning to school.

HEALTHOFFICEFAQ

OVERALL NOT FEELING WELL

STAY HOME if symptoms prevent the student from participating meaningfully in regular school activities

RETURN WHEN symptoms improve

Please note that a child with multiple symptoms is more likely to be contagious.

SORE THROAT

STAY HOME if pain will prevent the student from participating meaningfully in regular school activities

Seek medical attention for difficulty breathing or swallowing, or continuous drooling

RETURN WHEN symptoms improve If an antibiotic is prescribed, take the first dose at least 12 hours before returning

OKAY TO ATTEND SCHOOL WITH MILD SYMPTOMS

DIARRHEA

STAY HOME if your child is experiencing stools that are more frequent (2 or more than normal) or less formed than usual for that child. Seek medical attention if the stool looks bloody or black

RETURN WHEN your child has not had diarrhea for 24-48 hours or infectious cause has been ruled out

RASH

FEVER

STAY HOME if fever is at or greater than:

100 4 F (ear or forehead), 100 F (oral), or 99 F (underarm)

RETURN WHEN your child has been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication such as Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin (i e , acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

RESPIRATORY VIRUS SYMPTOMS

STAY HOME if symptoms are accompanied by fever; if your child has significant nasal discharge (e.g., interfering with their ability to participate in school and/or can’t be contained without contaminating other children or staff); if your child is coughing continuously such that it interferes with their ability OR the ability of others to concentrate on schoolwork

RETURN WHEN your child has been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication and when other symptoms are mild and improving

STAY HOME if your child has a fever or recent exposure to measles or chickenpox

Seek medical attention if rash is worsening, causing pain, has blisters, or is not healing

RETURN WHEN symptoms improve or as guided by your healthcare provider. In general, for conditions such as lice, impetigo, ringworm, scabies, and pinworms, your child may return as soon as they start appropriate treatment Rash should be covered if possible OKAY TO ATTEND SCHOOL WITH MILD SYMPTOMS

VOMITING

STAY HOME if vomiting has occurred 2 or more times in 24 hours

RETURN WHEN vomiting has ended overnight, and your child is able to hold down liquids and food

EAR or EYE IRRITATION (including pink eye)

STAY HOME if there is discharge from the eye or ear; if discharge can’t be contained without contaminating other children or staff (e.g., young children who may not be able to refrain from touching the eye/ear); or if symptoms prevent child from participating meaningfully in regular school activities.

RETURN WHEN symptoms improve If an antibiotic is prescribed, take the first dose at least 12 hours before returning OKAY TO ATTEND SCHOOL WITH MILD SYMPTOMS

S t a r t y o u r y e a r s u c c e s s f u l l y

Prepare supplies together

Let them help pick out their backpack, lunchbox, or school shoes. This gives them a sense of ownership and excitement.

Practice self-help skills. Ensure they can manage things like opening their lunch containers, zipping their backpack.

Read books about starting school

Books like “The Kissing Hand” or “First Day Jitters” can help kids understand and process feelings about starting school.

Charge your Chromebook every night (grades 3-8 only). Purchase a Chromebook sleeve if possible.

Practice the routine

Do some trial runs: wake up, get dressed, have breakfast, and walk or drive the route to school at the right time.

Label everything

Label clothes, lunch boxes, water bottles, and supplies to avoid lost items.

M e e t t h e E l e m e n t a r y T e a c h e r s

Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Burton
Ms. Skaf Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Costanzo 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Castellanos 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Bunnell 4th Grade Teacher
Ms Parra 3rd Grade Teacher
Ms Rickard 3rd Grade Teacher
Ms Barr 5th Grade Teacher
Mrs Doyle 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Evans 2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. Soldati 5th Grade Teacher
Coach Richter Athletic Director/P E
Ms. Castro 4-8th Grade Spanish
Coach Bianco Health and P E
Ms. Cohen Art
Ms. Wagner Technology and Robotics
Mr. Haworth 4th & 5th Grade Music
Ms. Olivia TK-3rd Grade Music
Coach Jones P E
Mr. Murphy 4th and 5th Grade Band
Mrs. Harvey Language Arts Resource Teacher
Mrs. Fatum Math Resource
Mr Longfield Director of Music (Emmanuel

FosteringGrit,Empathy,andOtherSUCCESS SKILLSEveryStudentNeeds.

In 2024, Laurel Hall introduced its new character education program, The Formative Five. We believe that helping students establish these success skills is fundamental to their success in school and in all aspects of life. One of the five success skills is featured each month.

Empathy: learning to see the world through others’ perspectives.

Self-control: cultivating the abilities to focus and delay selfgratification.

Integrity: recognizing right from wrong and practicing ethical behavior.

Embracing diversity: recognizing and appreciating human differences.

Grit: persevering in the face of challenge.

Organic Kids LA

The hot lunch program offered for Preschool-8 students in partnership with Organic Kids LA aims to provide nutritious and delicious lunch meals to students. With a focus on balanced nutrition and mostly organic ingredients, the program strives to support the health and well-being of students while simplifying the lunchtime experience for parents and caregivers.

Ordering Process:

Parents and caregivers have the convenience of registering for the hot lunch program via the Organic Kid's LA website. Upon registration, they gain access to an intuitive ordering system where they can select meal options for their child on specific days or for the entire week. This streamlined process eliminates the hassle of daily lunch preparation while ensuring that students receive meals tailored to their preferences and dietary needs.

Website: https://www.organickidsla.com/

Questions: customersupport@organickidsla.com or 323879-9426

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Let’s Go, Hornets!

Athletics at Laurel Hall include a variety of sports for our students. We recognize that extracurricular sports are an important extension of the classroom Our athletic programs center on teaching skills, sportsmanship, cooperation and leadership while building confidence, community and self-improvement. we foster and encourage healthy competition. The athletic faculty at Laurel Hall is caring, talented and experienced.

Fall Sports

4th-8th Grade Flag Football Co-ed

6th-8th Grade Cross Country Co-ed

4th-8th Grade Girls Basketball

3rd - 8th Grade Cheer Co-ed Winter Sports

4th-8th Grade Girls Soccer

4th-8th Grade Boys Basketball Spring Sports

4th-8th Grade Baseball

4th-8th Grade Track & Field Co-ed

4th-8th Grade Girls Volleyball

4th-8th Grade Boys Soccer

3rd-8th Grade Cheer Co-ed

Sports sign-up will not happen until the fall. Coaches will send information directly to all families.

Hello from the Laurel Hall School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)!

We are so excited to welcome everyone back from their summer adventures and meet all the wonderful new families that will be joining our community this year.

We have a lot of fun school events planned throughout the year and an amazing new PTO board filled with rockstars that we couldn’t be more excited about

Laurel Hall's PTO has two missions To build a community where everyone feels welcome, involved and excited about our wonderful school and to raise funds so we can keep investing in new projects that our kids can benefit from.

There will be so many opportunities throughout the year to volunteer and be part of fun events that bring all our LH families together We have such a great community that we treasure, and we welcome anyone and everyone that would like to get involved! Each family is required to fulfill 25 hours of approved (but also fun) service per school year.

For the most up to date info on what’s happening with PTO follow us on Instagram @laurelhallpto or check out our live doc

Again, welcome Hornets! Let’s have a great year!

ERIKA SIEME AND DESTINY CAMPBELL PTO CO-PRESIDENTS

Click for PTO Live Doc for ALL things PTO (save this to your browser, parents!)

For all things PTO follow @laurelhallpto on Instagram. DM (direct message) your student name and grade so we can accept your follow request

d n e s s

Be Kind: Laurel Hall School promotes a community of kindness and respect. From their earliest years, Laurel Hall students are immersed in an environment that emphasizes and values character development, kindness and ever committed to growing young minds and hearts.

As our students develop in middle elementary, they continue to build upon the strong moral foundation that started within their earlier years.

Students understand the core values of LHS and have more opportunities to exercise these traits throughout their day. They are challenged to become better citizens of their community and gain experience through academic and extracurricular examples of altruism and virtue.

�� We’reproudtobeschoolpartnersof PrivateSchoolVillage(PSV)!

PSV’s mission is to connect and support Black and Brown families in private schools, creating spaces where students and families can thrive through community, resources, and shared experiences.

As a partner school, our families are welcome to attend all PSV events and programs! To learn more, visit their Instagram page @privateschoolvillage and find out how you can get involved including how to become a Parent Ambassador and help build this meaningful community.

We’re excited to continue growing our connection with PSV!

LHSSUMMER SPORTSCAMP

If you are interested in registering for the Laurel Hall Sports Camp, please submit the registration form indicating which specific week(s) your child will be attending If you have more than one child, you will need to register each child separatel

*There will be no makeup days for absences or for days missed Parents are financially responsible for each week their camper has registered to attend. There will be no prorating of weekly fees for missed days due to sickness or travel Should you withdraw from our summer program prior to May 31st, 2025, you will not be charged fees. After May 31st, 2025, there will be NO refunds

Daily camp hours are 9:00 a m to 12:00 p m , Monday through Friday. Drop off begins at 8:45 a.m. Participants who are attending the afternoon Summer Art Academy camp will be escorted to the camp by staff

Please contact

C o n n e c t w i t h L a u r e l

Follow @thelaurelhallschool on Instagram Follow @laurelhallpto on Instagram (DM your student name and grade)

Subscribe to our weekly school newsletter The Buzz (family and friends are welcome to subscribe, too!)

Get excited! It’s going to be the best year ever!

Laurel Hall Preschool is a private Christian early childhood center that has a strong program of learning and play for children aged 2 to 5 that prepares them for success in kindergarten and the early elementary school years. Beautiful and safe outdoor yards provide opportunities for physical activities, and a weekly chapel with our director of music who delivers music and stories and addresses values such as kindness, sharing, and God’s love.

Administrators, teachers, families, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church collaborate as a community to ensure that every child’s learning, social-emotional, physical, and spiritual needs are met. Small group sizes assure attention to each child’s learning and progress.

Our preschool students master the skills and concepts necessary for success in kindergarten or transitional kindergarten. They are curious and enjoy learning, and they demonstrate Christian values such as kindness, sharing and helping.

More information: www.laurelhallpreschool.org

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2025-2026 Lower Elementary Welcome Guide by Laurel Hall School - Issuu