Laurel Hall School
The countdown is on, Hornets!
Family Welcome
Back to School Event/Orientation
Wednesday, August 27 More info to come
First Day of School
Thursday, August 28
8:00AM-12:00PM
GRADES 4-8
8:30AM-12:00PM
GRADES K-3
Second Day of School
Friday, August 29
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
AUGUST
A message from Principal McCloud
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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
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/
All information in Welcome Guide is correct at time of printing. Laurel Hall School reserves the right to any changes.
Tuition & Billing Information
All tuition and fees are processed through our Tuition Management System.
https://parent.blackbaud.school/Login.aspx
Families will receive instructions on how to set up or access their account at the time of signing their LHS contract.
Tuition payments can be made in-person at the office via cash or check, OR online through tuition management
Payment plans and billing schedules are available once your account is set up. Due dates and billing details will be visible in your online tuition account.
Additional fees (e.g., after-school programs, athletics, unfulfilled PTO hours or other items) may also be billed through the system.
Need Help?
All questions related to tuition, billing, or payment setup should be directed to: Susan D’Este - Business Office
�� sdeste@laurelhall.com
WELCOME, NEWLY ADMITTED HORNETS!
Please join us for a meet-and-greet on campus.
1
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
can’t wait to see you. Meet the teachers. Say hello to the PTO. Meet new students.
S c h o o l U n i f o r m I n
All items must be purchased from the approved uniform vendor of Laurel Hall School. The Laurel Hall uniform consists of:
Shirts
• 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.
• Girls in grades TK- 5 may wear white Taylor or Peter Pan blouses.
• Girls in grades 6-8 may wear Taylor blouses Pants (may be purchased from other stores but must meet the following criteria)
• Solid khaki, navy.
• Uniform Style (example: Docker, Dickie, Gap).
• Cotton, cotton blend, twill only.
• In all grades, no yoga pants, leggings/jeggings, Pilates pants, tights or any type of tight-fitting bottoms may be worn in place of pants/shorts Shorts/ Shifts/ Skirts/Skorts
• All students must wear khaki, or navy twill. Can be purchased from other stores.
• Girls in grades TK- 5 may wear Blackwatch plaid shirts or khaki or Blackwatch skirts or skorts.
• Girls in grades 6-8 may wear Blackwatch plaid or khaki skorts
• Shorts, shifts, skirts, and skorts must be hemmed so that the length is no more than 4 inches above the knee
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.
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.
Natalie Santana MSN, RN School Nurse
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
M e e t t h e M i d d l e S c h o o l T e a c h e r s
Ms. Lopez
6th Grade Homeroom
6th and 7th Grade Language Arts
Mrs. Fatum
7th Grade Homeroom
6th & 7th Grade Math Math Resource
Mrs Johnson
8th Grade Homeroom
7th Pre-Algebra 8th Algebra
Ms. Wagner Technology and Robotics
Mr. Conway
6th Grade Homeroom
6th and 7th Grade Science & History
7th Grade Homeroom
Ms. Puebla
6th Grade Homeroom
6th and 7th Grade Math
Mr Stewart
7th Grade Homeroom
7th and 8th Grade Science
7th and 8th Grade History
Mr. Trujillo
8th Grade Homeroom
7th and 8th Language Arts
Jones
8th Grade Homeroom
6th-8th Grade Bible
Middle School Trips Coordinator
Athletic Advisor/P.E
.
Mrs Wakelin
Mr Murphy Band
Ms
Ms
Cohen Art
3rd - 8th Grade Strings
6th-8th Grade Health
7th & 8th Grade Financial Literacy
Mr. Longfield Handbells & Guitar Director of Music (Emmanuel Lutheran Church)
Mrs. L Angelle
Mrs Williams-Krubiner Drama
Coach Richter Athletic Director/P.E
Mr Hayworth Music/Vocals
Mrs Caserio Graphic Design
Coach Bianco P.E
Ms. Wright
Ms. Dominque Dance
Chuck Bunnell Interim School Pastor
Campus Supervisors
*All teacher assignments correct at time of publishing. Subject to change without notice.
Ms. Katie
Mr Manny
Ms Hikari
Ms. Priscilla
i c i e s
Cell Phones:
By no means are middle schoolers expected to have cell phones at school. Students may bring a cell phone to school but will turn it in during advisory (home room) class at 8:00AM and collect it just before they go home. You can wear a Smartwatch if you have the communication functions turned off.
Attendance:
School begins promptly at 8:00AM and finishes at 3:00PM On Friday, school ends at 2:05PM. Daily on-time attendance at school is very important for a successful school year, though absences are normal from time to time. If your student will be absent, or is sick, please email Ms Kim Hinton in our front office via khinton@laurelhall.com to inform the school. You must also CC your homeroom teacher. Late arrival or early-pick up information should also be sent using the same process All students who are late or need to be picked up early must report to the front office to be signed in/out.
Homework:
Homework is to be performed outside of the classroom and may include practice of skills learned in class, assigned reading, studying, projects, or the completion of class work. Homework includes activities or assignments that can be independently completed by the students within a reasonable time allotment, with minimal adult help. Homework is connected to grade level subject matter or curriculum and is connected to classroom instruction. LHS teachers value the quality of homework verses the quantity Students are responsible for all homework when due Those who are absent can find their assignments on the student portal and are given appropriate time to complete assignments. Source: LHS Handbook L a u r e l H a l l S c h o o l P o
Uniform:
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.
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
u m m e r R e a d i n g
All students entering grades 6–8 will participate in teacher-assigned summer reading. Book selections will be announced soon, so stay tuned! We can’t wait to explore new stories together and kick off the school year with great discussions.
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 couldn’t be more pumped for what this new school year has in store for us all!
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
ptopresident@laurelhall com
ERIKA SIEME AND DESTINY CAMPBELL
PTO CO-PRESIDENTS
For all things PTO follow @laurelhallpto on Instagram. DM (direct message) your student name and grade so we can accept your follow request Click for PTO Live Doc for ALL things PTO (save this to your browser, parents!)
a u r e l H a l l S p o r t s P
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.
AFTERSCHOOLPROGRAM (ACE) INFORMATION 2025-2026
FAQ:
WHAT IS ACE?
ACE is the LHS After - School Program Students will be given snack , homework help , outdoor play / fun and creative activities . ACE Staff also run camps during the summer
HOW DO I ENROL MY STUDENT?
HOW DO I PICK UP MY CHILD FROM ACE?
An ACE staff member will be at the gate with a sign out book every afternoon , and will radio the staff when your child is being picked up . Only authorized persons will be allowed to pick up your child . Please text if you need to add anyone to your pick - up list .
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM RUNNING LATE?
TIMES AND LOCATION
Email Susan D ’ Este sdeste @ laurelhall com with subject : ACE Enrollment 20252026 ( Student name ) . ACE is a one - time , flat fee of $ 2 , 835 for unlimited use throughout the academic year ( not including camp ) . Tuition will be billed by the LHS business office The ACE program starts every day right afterschool at 3 : 10PM - 5 : 30PM M - Th and 2 : 10PM - 5 : 30PM on Friday . Students meet the ACE Staff in Parish Hall the first week to go over introductions and expectations , and then meet in the Quad area with their assigned staff / group .
If you are running late , please let the staff know . You can text Elizabeth ( 323 ) 459 - 5877 & Nicole ( 323 ) 803 - 6364 in a group text .
DO YOU OFFER OCCASIONAL DROP-IN DAYS?
We do not offer drop - in days but understand that sometimes emergencies happen Drop - in days will incur a fee billed by the business office
DO YOU OFFER ON-SITE CAMP PROGRAMS?
Yes ! Elizabeth owns and operates her own camp program . Summer Art Camp rents the LHS facilities during the Spring / Summer / Winter camp times . Click here for information on the program https : / / summerartacademy . com / A f t e r S c h o o l C a r e ( A C E )
Questions?
ACE Contact: Elizabeth Paravicini eparavicini@laurelhall.com
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/
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
Color code your books and composition books by subject. Charge your Chromebook every night. Purchase a Chromebook sleeve if possible.
Use an agenda/planner (optional) to keep track of your assignments and events. Check your school email often.
Keep your books and notebooks together for each subject in your locker so they are easier to grab and go.
Study how to open a locker combination during the summer here.
School supply lists will be emailed to families during the summer.
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.
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.
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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 Coach Richter at mrichter@laurelhall.com with any questions
Laurel Hall School New Parent Social.
Hosted by Laurel Hall School.
Please join us as we welcome you to Laurel Hall. Refreshments & drinks provided.
While we love our students, this event is for new parents & LHS staff only.
