Loup City Elementary School
“Find Your Joy”
Principal’s Message to Parents & Guardians
September 4th, 2026
LCES Families,
At Loup City Elementary, we believe that every student deserves to feel safe, supported, connected, and ready to learn. As we continue our yearly theme, “Find Your Joy,” we are encouraging our students to discover the people, activities, relationships, and experiences that make school a joyful place to be. At the same time, our district motto, “Empowering Continual Success,” reminds us that success is built through consistent expectations, responsible choices, and a strong partnership between school and home.
With that in mind, please take a moment to review the following important information with your child.
For many of our students, riding the bus is an important part of the school day. A safe and respectful bus ride helps everyone begin and end their day positively—and allows students to find their joy in connecting with friends, preparing for learning, and getting home safely.
Please remember that riding school vehicles is a privilege, not a right. Bus drivers have the same authority as teachers while transporting students. Students must follow the driver's directions, all school conduct rules, and the student code of conduct while riding school vehicles. Also, parents/guardians should be made aware that Loup City Public Schools will be altering the dismissal time for buses from 3:45pm to 3:50pm. This will give students a better opportunity to get onto the buses after school is dismissed at 3:40pm.
Obey the driver promptly.
Wait for the bus in a safe location, away from traffic and clear of where the vehicle will stop.
Refrain from fighting, bullying, harassment, horseplay, or other unsafe behavior.
Enter the bus calmly and go directly to their assigned seats.
Remain seated with aisles and exits clear while the vehicle is moving.
Never throw or pass objects on, from, or into the vehicle.
Use appropriate language and gestures and never possess or use tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances.
Never bring weapons, look-alike weapons, hazardous materials, nuisance items, or animals onto the vehicle.
Keep conversations at an appropriate volume and avoid talking to the driver while the bus is moving. Students must be absolutely quiet at railroad crossings and whenever the driver calls for quiet.
Open windows only with the driver's permission and never place arms, legs, backpacks, or other items outside the windows.
Secure belongings that could break or cause injury if they were tossed around during an accident.
Respect the rights, personal space, and safety of others at all times.
Help keep the bus clean, sanitary, and orderly by taking all personal belongings and trash when exiting.
Board or leave the vehicle only at assigned home or school stops unless prior approval has been given by the superintendent or designee.
Understand that video cameras may be placed on buses at random to monitor student behavior.
These expectations are about more than following rules—they are about empowering continual success. Each safe, respectful choice a student makes contributes to a positive experience for everyone on the bus.
Bus drivers are responsible for maintaining a safe environment and will promptly report student misconduct to administration. Reports may be oral or written. Students who violate bus conduct expectations may be referred to the building principal for disciplinary action.
A note or communication home to parents/guardians
Suspension of bus-riding privileges
Exclusion from extracurricular activities
In-school suspension
Short-term or long-term suspension from school
Expulsion
These consequences are not necessarily progressive. School officials have discretion to determine the appropriate consequence based on the circumstances and in accordance with state and federal law and board policy.
If misconduct is recurring, a student may lose the privilege of riding the bus.
We ask families to talk with their children about these expectations. When students understand that their choices affect the safety and joy of those around them, they are practicing the responsibility and respect that help empower continual success.
One of the greatest sources of joy in a child's life is the opportunity to spend time with the people who love, encourage, and support them.
We are excited to welcome grandparents and special guests to Loup City Elementary School for Grandparents Day next Friday, September 11th, from 2:00–3:00 p.m.
This special afternoon gives our students an opportunity to celebrate important people in their lives and share a little piece of their school experience with them. We look forward to creating joyful memories together and strengthening the connections that help our students feel supported and empowered.
Grandparents Day Sign-Up Grandparents Day RSVP
If a grandparent or special guest plans to attend, please use the Grandparents Day sign-up link provided by the school to help us prepare for the event.
We are grateful for the families and community members who continually encourage our students. Your involvement helps create a school community where children can find their joy and feel empowered to experience continual success.
Thank you for your continued involvement and support. Together, we are making Loup City Elementary a place where students thrive, grow, and succeed every day! If you ever need to contact me, don’t hesitate to do so at paul.barker@lcpublic.org or through the main office at 308-745-0603.
Warm regards,
Mr. Paul Barker, M.Ed
Principal, Loup City Elementary School
“Find Your Joy”