• Robinson Community Welcome

    *This welcome information will also be accessible via the Robinson Elementary Web Page found at https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/welcomepacket

    Robinson Welcoming Committee

    Joining a new school is both an exciting AND overwhelming experience! The Robinson Welcoming Committee was started to support new families so the positive parts of starting a new school outweigh those stressors. You can email the Robinson Welcoming Committee at welcometorobinson@gmail.com at any time. We want to answer questions, connect with you at special events, and do whatever it takes to make Robinson feel like your school home. Along those same lines, we’ve created this ROBINSON WELCOME PACKET. Our hope is that this information will provide a snapshot of Robinson from a family lens and showcase ways you can connect to our Robinson Community.

    Grade Level Parent Guides

    What is a Parent Guide?

    Parent Guides are part of the Robinson PTO Welcoming Committee initiative. The goal of Parent Guides is to make sure all new families to Robinson have a grade specific point of contact to stay informed and connected to the community. Grade Level Parent Guides are here if you have questions, want to be connected to other kids/families in your child’s grade, or need a parent’s perspective on all things Robinson! This year’s Parent Guides are:

    Kindergarten: Megan Rahn (megan.rahn@att.net) & Annie Davis (anniedavis0309@gmail.com) First Grade: Shea Brasier (sheabrasier11@gmail.com) & Andrea Vinyard (amvinyard@gmail.com) Second Grade: Linsie Chiles (linsie83@yahoo.com) & Kelly Maher (kelly@graetz.cc)
    Third Grade: Bianca Guadagnoli (biancaguadagnoli@gmail.com) & Chrissy Denney (cleedenney@gmail.com)

    Fourth Grade: Ashley Rodemann (ashleyrodemann@hotmail.com) & Lynsee Marks (lynseemarks@gmail.com)
    Fifth Grade: Christa Chancellor (christachancellor@gmail.com)

    Informational Websites

    Robinson Elementary Website (https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/Domain/14)
    Robinson Elementary PTO and Robinson Cares (hhttps://www.kirkwoodschools.org/Page/429) Kirkwood School District (https://www.kirkwoodschools.org)

    The family resource tab is a great place to start for common family questions/needs. You can also use the search icon for a customized search.

    Connecting

    Social Media

    Robinson is never short of communication and connection opportunities. Here is a rundown of what’s available via Social Media:

    PTO Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/153740532100003
    This page includes PTO driven events, opportunities, and needs. Per their page, “This group is for Robinson Elementary parents and guardians who would like to stay informed, ask questions and have positive conversations regarding Robinson PTO events and happenings.”

    *Note: It may take up to 2 weeks from date of request to join the Robinson PTO Facebook page for parent/guardian verification.

    Parent Grade Level Facebook Pages - These pages include grade specific communications

    Kindergarten

    Admin: Laura Brady Swan
    Name of Group to search: Robinson Elementary Class of 2036 Direct Link:

    Grade 1

    Admin: Annie Murray Davis
    Name of Group to search: Robinson Elementary Class of 2035
    Direct Link:     https://www.facebook.com/groups/1138575153682458

    Grade 2

    Admins: Jamie Lynn Daughaday-Miller & Elizabeth Knutsen Mueller Name of Group to search: Robinson- Kirkwood c/o 2034!
    Direct Link:     https://www.facebook.com/groups/314889003663410/

    Grade 3

    Admin: Bianca Guadagnoli
    Name of Group to search: Robinson Class of 2033
    Direct Link:     https://www.facebook.com/groups/304289760927380/?ref=share

    Grade 4

    Admin: Kristi Smith Conroy
    Name of Group to search: Robinson Elementary Parent Group Class of 2032 (4th Grade) Direct Link:     https://www.facebook.com/groups/506724370135400/?ref=group_header

    Grade 5

    Admin: Shannon Ross
    Name of Group to search: Robinson Elementary Class of 2031 Parent Group
    Direct Link:     https://www.facebook.com/groups/456554728213743/?ref=group_header

    Official Teacher Pages (Instagram or Facebook) - Classroom and specialist teachers may communicate information and share class pictures via a classroom specific social media page. If doing so, privacy settings will be set up so that only those families with children in that class can view/comment. Teachers will share this information at the start of school if they are using this type of interface.

    Kirkwood School District App (KSD)
    We recommend you download the Kirkwood School District App, which creates a “one stop” link to all of the Kirkwood communication tools (Schoology, Infinite Campus, Lunch Menus, My School Bucks, etc.). You can access this app by searching KSD in your app store.

    Schoology: Online learning management tool to access assignments and grades especially in the virtual learning environment. NOTE!!! You will receive a district email with a child-specific Schoology code that allows you to add your child(ren) to the Schoology system and view information as a parent.

    Infinite Campus: For elementary school students, this application is used primarily for storing family census information including emergency contact information.
    Lunch Menu: Lists breakfast and lunch menus by day.
    My School Bucks: Online payment system for breakfast/lunch, iPad and insurance payments.

    Connecting via Special Events

    ***Please note that the listings below include a sample of events held in past years. They are subject to change. Robinson’s weekly e-newsletters are always the best place to watch for connecting events!!!

    July:

    New Family Tours: In-person tours are available - call the office if you are interested.
    Summer Reading Event: This month’s summer reading event will be held at Meacham Park on July 19th 4-6PM. This is a chance to connect with families, play and get a free book to take home. The Kona Ice Truck will be there.

    August:

    New Family Tours: In-person tours are available - call the office if you are interested.

    PTO Grade Level Popsicles on the Playground Hangouts: The PTO Welcoming Committee is planning grade level hangouts for August 8th. The goal for this event is to provide a low-key opportunity for new and former families to connect. Later events, organized by the school/district, provide opportunities to meet your teacher(s), drop off supplies, and see the building. This event is to encourage Robinson family connections!

    August 8th, times are:
    ➔ Kindergarten: 5-6pm
    ➔ 1st and 2nd Grades: 6-7pm
    ➔ 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades: 7-8pm

    Back to School Block Party: This year’s Block Party and Open House is on August 15th from 4:30-6:00. Grades 1-5 students will bring supplies to drop off in their classrooms and can move throughout the event regardless of last name initial. Kindergarteners will not bring supplies until they have received their official teacher/classroom placement for the year.

    For Kindergarten Families Only: We will follow the staggered schedule below. Teachers will be in the library to meet families instead of in the classroom since Kindergarteners are not dropping off supplies.

    Families with Last Name Beginning

    A-G:

    Meet teacher from 4:30-5:00 in library and visit classrooms, Information Tables in Cafe 5:00-5:30, Outdoor Fun 5:30-6:00
    H-N:
    Information at tables in Cafe 4:30-5:00, Meet teacher from 5:00-5:30 in library and visit classrooms, Outdoor fun 5:30-6:00

    O-T:

    Outdoor fun 4:30-5:00, Meet teacher 5:00-5:30 in library and visit classrooms, Information at Tables in Cafe 5:30-6:00
    U-Z:
    Outdoor fun 4:30-5:00, Information at Tables in Cafe 5:00-5:30, Meet teacher 5:30-6:00 in library and visit classrooms

    Welcome Back Family Breakfast: On the first day of school, parents/guardians are invited to gather in the Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) to socialize, have donuts and coffee, and share the array of emotions that come along with the first day of school.

    September

    Greentree Festival: This is a long time Kirkwood tradition with parade along Kirkwood Rd. and festival in Kirkwood Park. The festival begins on a Friday and runs through Sunday with the parade on Saturday morning (September 16, 2023). Each elementary and middle school in KSD hosts a float in the parade. Our float is traditionally created by Robinson families, and students are invited to ride/walk along with the float. Please reach out to Robinson PTO (robinsonpto@kirkwoodschools.org) if you’d like to help plan the float or walk during the parade.

    Bike Rodeo: Robinson students bring bikes and helmets to school as an opportunity to learn, practice and demonstrate bike riding skills all while learning some bike safety. And have a little fun! Students who are unable or choose not to bring their bikes, will still be able to participate. *Note: Sometimes the timing of the bike rodeo fluctuates year to year.

    October

    Robinson Book Fair: The book fair takes place at Robinson during the fall parent/teacher conferences! More information to come about the event and times. This is an opportunity for kids/families to purchase books while supporting Robinson’s library!

    Robinson Halloween Parade: Students and teachers dress up in costumes and walk from Robinson Elementary along Couch Rd. to Aberdeen Heights (an independent and assisted living facility right next door to Robinson).

    Trunk or Treat: The PTO Community Outreach Committee helps organize a Halloween Trunk or Treat experience at Aberdeen Heights.

    November

    Veteran’s Day Event: Students prepare and perform songs in tribute of Veterans on the observed Veterans holiday, typically in the afternoon. Robinson students are able to invite active or retired military family members to process into the event. There is a gathering for all invited guests and their student(s) immediately following the concert event in the cafeteria. Families are also invited to attend this very meaningful recognition of service to our country. Watch for details this fall.

    December

    Winter Sing-A-Long: Students, staff, and families all come together in this very informal gathering in the gym to sing winter, holiday songs. Parents/guardians are able to sit with their child(ren) and are encouraged to sing along!

    January/February

    One Book, One School: This night is an event to celebrate literacy at Robinson! From PTO’s Family Book Bingo and other activities that celebrate literacy, this is a night for family fun.

    Robinson Trivia Night: Could there be anything more fun? A bunch of parents...many dressed up in themed attire, having good food, enjoying good company and raising money for our Robinson kids and school! Examples of themes in the past are Saturday Night Live, Prom, and Camping. Families form tables of 8 and bring food/drink for their table. The Robinson PTO Trivia Committee does an amazing

    job of trying to connect families if you don’t have a full table but want to join! It’s an opportunity to have fun while raising money via the Silent Auction, raffles, and Heads or Tails. More information about this night comes out a couple months prior to the event!

    March/April

    Art Show and Book Fair: These events are often joined together on the same night to showcase the kids’ amazing artwork while creating an opportunity to purchase books for the kids and school.

    May

    Cardinal’s Night at the Ballpark: Robinson heads to the ballpark to enjoy a Cardinal’s game as a community!

    Spring Sing: This is a Spring concert for families to enjoy. In recent years, concerts have been conducted in two sections to accommodate the amount of students and families in the gym. 2022-23 date: May 18

    Field Day: A day of play, teamwork, and physical activity for students towards the end of the school year.

    Additional Special Events:

    Robinson University: Planned for a return in 2023-24 School Year! On early dismissal days, students engage in this learning opportunity where they make selections of skills or jobs they would like to learn more about. Their selections are then matched and final determination of topics are made by Dr. OH. Some past examples have been cooking/baking, design, swimming, veterinary science, STEM, and entrepreneurial opportunities/business development.

    Parent Teacher Conferences: Teachers and staff at Robinson are always willing to connect about your child, but there will also be specific opportunities in both semesters to meet with your child’s teacher to share information and hear about the things your child has been working on in the classroom. Fall conferences occur in October, and Spring conferences take place in March.

    Class Parties: Teachers in each grade tend to collaborate on what their classrooms will be doing for celebrations throughout the year. We do not have room parents at Robinson and all party coordination will be handled through your child’s teacher. Note that Robinson is a nut free environment, so all treats follow this allergy guideline.

    Connecting via PTO or Volunteering

    PTO/School Level Volunteering - Opportunities are abundant. Whether helping a PTO Committee or supporting teachers who coordinate school wide events (ex. Art Show, Book Fair), there are always opportunities to serve. To hear more about PTO opportunities, plan to attend a PTO Meeting where committees are introduced. These meetings and committees are a great way to get to know other families/parents! For more information about Robinson PTO, check out the PTO website (https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/domain/281) or the Robinson Elementary PTO facebook page. PTO monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

    Classroom Volunteering - Classroom opportunities are communicated by the classroom teacher. These range from clerical support to field trip chaperoning to classroom centers help. It really depends on the needs of the class! Watch district emails for volunteer background check requirements.

    Start of School

    Class List Announcements

    Class lists for grades 1-5 will be announced via email on August 1. Kindergarten placement is deferred for the first 2 weeks of school to allow the teachers time to get to know the children prior to final placements.

    Check out this video from Dr. OH on the class placement process:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fZfja33hebu-1We58X9ZFt7Lb43Q-yx8/view
    For Kindergarten Families: There is a Kindergarten Orientation on Robinson’s website

    (https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/Page/9294). Check it out!

    School Supplies

    School supply lists are already available by grade via the Robinson website (https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/domain/1651).

    If your family needs support securing school supplies, please email Indria Harris (school counselor) indria.harris@kirkwoodschools.org to ensure you have all the supplies needed for your child’s success.

    iPads

    All Kirkwood students receive an iPad as a tool for learning. K-2 students are provided an iPad with NO keyboard to be used only during the school day. Those in grades 3-5 are provided an iPad with a keyboard and may bring iPads home for specific assignments. Robinson will communicate necessary steps in regards to iPad use, insurance, and distribution processes.

    Lunches

    You will sign your child up for a school account via the “My School Bucks” app. This is where you can load lunch money into his/her account. Hint, hint! The KSD app houses a link to the My School Bucks app. And YES, students do eat at school on early dismissal days! If you need information on signing up for free and reduced lunch, please click here.

    Bus Transportation

    To see if your child is eligible for bus transportation and learn more about bus tracking, check out the KSD website https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/Page/131.

    How do I know my child(ren)’s teacher expectations and procedures for communication, classroom management, homework, etc? Teachers or grade levels have written helpful documents that will be shared by your classroom teacher via email at the start of school.

    How do I know what my child will study and learn about this year?

    For a big picture overview, families can visit the KSD website curriculum tab. More details will be shared by teachers at the start of school.

    Start of School Special Events - See the list under “Connecting via Special Events” up above!

    Special Needs Support - If your child has previously received special services (IEP, 504, Gifted Learning Plan, etc.) or if you believe your child may be in need of special services; you should contact your child’s classroom teacher, counselor, or principal for assistance. Your classroom teacher will be able to help give guidance on how the Robinson team can best work with you to support your child’s educational needs. You can learn more about KSD’s special education services on their website (https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/domain/88).

    Activities & Clubs

    Adventure Club

    Adventure Club is before and after school child care which is provided before school begins 7:00 am - 8:30 am at Robinson and after school dismissal until 6:00 pm. You must register for this service and can initiate the process online through the KECC website (https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/Page/316). On the registration page, steps for registering this year are provided. For other Adventure Club specifics, check out the above website!

    Rise and Shine Readers

    Rise and Shine Readers takes place in the library every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8-8:30 a.m. Students come ready with a book to read and spend a half hour enjoying some quiet time with their book in the library.

    REACH

    REACH is the Kirkwood Gifted Program for grades K-5. During first and third grade, all students will participate in a universal screening process. Students meeting criteria will be administered additional assessments to determine eligibility. These learners demonstrate the capacity to handle curricular content at a rapid pace and at advanced levels of abstraction, complexity, and independence.

    Athletics

    While Robinson does not have official school teams run by the school itself, many students participate in recreational sports together through the Kirkwood Community Center (soccer, basketball, etc.). This does require parent/family coordination and communication. There are also many competitive athletic leagues throughout the city and county that students can try out for. Watch digital/emailed flyers for opportunities.

    Performing Arts

    Instrumental - Kirkwood’s instrumental music programs begin in fourth and fifth grade, for orchestra and band respectively. Participating elementary students typically attend band or orchestra classes at our middle schools, twice a week before school. More information will come as plans are outlined for the 23-24 school year.

    Vocal - Watch for emails regarding the Robinson Choir (Grades 3-5), which traditionally starts later in the year in preparation for singing at a Saint Louis Cardinals game in May as well as the opportunity to sign-up for the Robinson musical! Like athletics, there are audition-based opportunities available throughout the area. For example, students in Grades 2-5 can audition for the Kirkwood Children’s Chorale. Watch emailed/digital flyers or visit https://kirkwoodchildrenschorale.org/ for information.

    Other Clubs/Activities

    Robinson offers a variety of other clubs throughout the school year. In the past, clubs have included everything from a Cup Stacking Club to Chess Club to Reading Club. Watch weekly e-newsletters for details. For more information about before and after school clubs/activities, check out the Robinson website (https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/domain/1644).

    Other Helpful Information

    School Pictures

    School Pictures tend to take place in late September/early October. Order forms are sent home with your student and made available online. Dr. OH’s weekly newsletter will share picture day & ordering information.

    Robinson Cares

    Robinson Cares is a PTO Committee which helps students and families in our Robinson community that are in need of food resources through the Robinson Food Pantry, emergency assistance, and school and seasonal essentials. For additional information about this program or for ways to contribute to Robinson Cares, email them at georgerobinsoncares@gmail.com.

    If you and your family have additional needs during this time, please reach out to Ms. Harris at indria.harris@kirkwoodschools.org or by phone at 314-643-9115.

    Robinson Main Phone Line: 314-213-6140