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July 15 Newsletter: Upcoming Events, Updates & Reminders

Hello Empower Academy Parents!

We are delighted to have you join us for the first year of Empower Academy! We appreciate your decision to join our community. As we prepare for an extraordinary school year, our Empower team is excited about the upcoming news and events.

Upcoming Events

We’re excited to announce a meet-up on Saturday, July 20 at Paul Johns Neighborhood Park (Rock Springs)! It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet Empower Academy parents and staff, and get excited about the upcoming school year.

We’ll have water and light snacks. Bring your blankets, frisbees, and your best picnic gear.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or just want to let us know you’re coming. Can’t wait to see you there!

  • 📅 Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024
  • 🕒 Time: 3:00-5:00 pm CST
  • 📍 Location: Paul Johns Neighborhood Park (Rock Springs),  2900 Iona Dr, Smyrna, TN 37167

Food Service Announcement 

We are pleased to announce that food services will be available at the Empower Academy. The application for free and reduced meals is here for you to download and complete. You can send applications back to us once completed.

We are setting up our MealTime account now, where parents will be able to login, fill out the form electronically, and manage your child’s meal account. Additionally, parents are welcome to pack a non-refrigerated lunch for their children if they prefer.  

Registration in Skyward:

For parents already registered in Skyward, please log into your account to confirm your student has been successfully transferred over to the Empower Academy.

New Students with Siblings Already in Skyward:
If your child is new to the Empower Academy, but has a sibling already at a Rutherford County School, please enroll using your existing Skyward account. Navigate to the Skyward Family Access area, and select the tab for New Student Online Enrollment. If enrolling two students into the Empower Academy, but already have a Skyward login, please use the same login information for both students in your profile.
 
 
New students to Rutherford County 
Families who are new to RCS will need to use the link below for New Student Online Enrollment to create a Skyward account and then complete the enrollment process.
 
Only a custodial parent or legal guardian may register the child. Please prepare the following documents:
  • Birth certificate
  • Immunization records
  • Two proofs of residency
  • Last physical (for incoming kindergarten students, within the last year of school start date)
  • Any other student related documents the Empower Academy will need to start the year
The following law took effect for all kindergartners beginning in August 2013. Tennessee Code Annotated, 49-6-3001(b)3: Children entering kindergarten shall be (5) years of age on or before August 15. 
 
For families unable to furnish the required residency documentation because they may be living with someone else who owns or rents the property, below are the documents and instructions provided by the district. Please note that this process involves notarization.

 

Academic Calendar 

We have provided the Rutherford County and Board-approved calendar for our parents. Please click here to see for your copy of the Empower Academy academic calendar.

Registration/Orientation Day
  • Date: August 9th
  • Time: 7:15 AM – 9:15 AM
  • Location: Boys and Girls Club of Smyrna, 198 Culbertson St, Smyrna, TN 37129

This is a great opportunity for parents and students to see the facility, meet teachers, drop off supplies, and introduce everyone to our little community.

First Day of School 

  • First full day: August 12th
  • School hours: 7:15 AM – 2:15 PM
  • Aftercare: Available from the Boys and Girls Club (registration opened July 1)

Boys and Girls Club Aftercare 

For those planning to use aftercare services with the Boys and Girls Club, we encourage you to download the EZ Child Tracking app to facilitate efficient sign-up. Questions regarding the Boys and Girls Club can be addressed to Chelsea Kindred at chelsea.meyer@bgcrc.net. More information can be found on their website. Empower Academy parents receive a discounted rate of $30 for registration and $35/week.

Uniform Update 

The Empower Academy has a uniform policy, which is available on our uniform page. Our colors are forest green (dark green) and white. Students can purchase plain polos from their preferred stores. Students must wear bottoms that are khaki, dark navy (jeans) or black in color. The bottoms may not be frayed or have rips or tears in them. Cargo pants and leggings are not permitted. Skirts, dresses, or shorts must be at least mid-thigh in length–no mini skirts or spandex shorts are permitted. Here are some Amazon polo options for your convenience:

Our uniform store is OPEN, offering embroidered polos, cardigans, sweaters, performance shirts, plaid dresses, skirts, and accessories. 

Grade-Level Supply Lists 

Here are the supply lists by grade level:

Please review the supplies needed for your child’s grade. Note that teachers may request additional supplies as needed before or during the school year. 

Grade-Level Friendly Competition

Each class will aim to donate enough reams of copy paper to match the height of Mr. Wickwire, who stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches. It’s a challenging goal, but with everyone’s participation, we believe we can reach it! Let’s work together and see which class can stack up the highest!

Translation services are available. If needed, contact the ESL Center at (615) 890-5728.
 
Los servicios de traduccion estan disponibles. Si es necesario, comuniquese con el Centro de ESL al (615) 890-5728.
 
We are so excited to start this journey with you, and we look forward to seeing what our students will achieve. Here’s to a successful and inspiring year at the Empower Academy!