AFES News and Updates from Ms. Yunker

Hello AFES Families,

It is hard to believe we are already in mid-November. The year is truly flying by! Thank you to our wonderful PTA for hosting a very successful Book Fair. Events like these take a tremendous amount of time and behind-the-scenes preparation, and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication and support.

Lost and Found

With chilly mornings and warm afternoons, our Lost and Found is filling up quickly. If your child is missing a jacket, hoodie, lunchbox, or any other item, please encourage them to check the Lost and Found this week.
All unclaimed items will be donated to Note in the Pocket if they are not claimed by Friday.

Excused Absence Requests

As we move into the winter season, we are receiving an increased number of requests for excused absences. Please note:

• Travel does not meet the criteria for an excused absence.
  While we hope you enjoy any planned family trips, these absences must be recorded as unexcused.

• Automated calls from WCPSS cannot be turned off.
  Even if you have notified us of your child’s absence, you may still receive the standard attendance call. If you’ve already communicated with us, you may disregard it.

Attendance Expectations:
WCPSS and Apex Friendship Elementary aim for 95% attendance from 95% of students annually. This means students should miss fewer than 9 school days per year.
Missing more than 20 days, whether excused or unexcused, is considered excessive and will be reviewed by our school attendance team.

Educational Leave:
Educational leave may be approved only for experiences that:

• Cannot be scheduled during any school break (holidays, teacher workdays, or extended breaks)

• Are explicitly and exclusively educational in intent

Each request for educational leave is reviewed individually.

Late Buses

Construction in our area led to several late buses last week. Please be aware that Here Comes the Bus is not always accurate when Transportation assigns a substitute bus to support a delayed route.
For the most up-to-date information, we post real-time departure updates on X (formerly Twitter): @AfesBuses.

Upcoming Dates

• November 21: Tie Dye Day (Fun Friday!)

• November 26–28: No School – Thanksgiving Break

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are grateful for our Apex Friendship families and wish you a wonderful November!

Thank you,

Tara Yunker, Principal