See you on September 8th at 8:20 am! (9:30am for Pre-K)

Dear Families,
We are so excited to welcome your children on Tuesday, September 8th! I wanted to share a few reminders: 

• Parent Square is our main form of communication:
  • Make sure your notifications are turned on!
• School Hours & Arrival: Doors open at 8:20. Please ensure students arrive on time so they can start their day ready to learn.
  • Pre K and Kindergarten enter through the Pine St. Breezeway.
  • Pre K - First grade students go directly to their classrooms.
  • Second Grade- Fourth Grade students will go to the cafeteria. 
  • All arrival doors close at 8:40 and students arriving late will enter through Hampton Rd. and be marked late. 
  • Please note repeated tardiness causes students to miss critical morning instruction, Encores, and foundational concepts, which can lead to gaps in academic progress and overall confidence. 
• Forms & Paperwork: Kindly complete all required emergency contact and medical forms in the portal if you have not already done so.
  • It is essential that you fill in as many Emergency Contacts as you are able to. In an emergency, we need to be able to contact someone. 
  • Be sure your voicemail is set up and that your mailbox is not full. 
• Drop-Off & Pick-Up: Do not enter the bus circle with your vehicle if there is a bus in the circle. 
  • Please do not bring any animals to arrival and dismissal as they are not permitted
• Supplies & Belongings: Remember to label your child’s backpack, water bottle, and outerwear with their first and last name.
• Dismissal: Walker dismissal begins at 3:20.
  

Safety Drills During the First Week

Creating a safe, secure environment is our highest priority. During the first week of school, we will practice two standard safety routines: a Fire Drill and a Lockdown Drill. We recognize that safety rehearsals can sometimes cause anxiety, particularly for younger students or those returning after a long break. Our teachers prepare students beforehand using calm, age-appropriate language, explaining that these drills are simply ways we practice keeping our school community safe.  Staff will offer gentle reassurance throughout the process, emphasizing that there is no active danger and that our adults are always here to protect them.

Supporting Your Child at Home
You can help your child feel confident by framing these drills positively:

• Keep it simple: Reassure them that drills are just practice routines so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
• Validate feelings: If your child feels nervous, acknowledge their feelings and remind them of the trusted adults at school who are there to help.
• Reach out: If your child needs extra emotional support, please contact your child’s teacher or our school counseling team.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to make this school year safe, welcoming, and successful for every child! 

Looking forward to a fabulous year!
Melissa Danowski