Van Buren Elementary
News & Updates - September 2, 2021
From the principal's office
The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time, and no one is more excited to begin the new year than our staff! We are especially thrilled to be together again as we welcome back our remote teachers and students because we are BETTER TOGETHER!
If you have been near our campus this summer, you may have noticed the significant renovation project to improve the nurse's office and add new safety features at the main entrance. The construction team is putting the finishing touches on the improved spaces to be ready when school re-opens on Wednesday, September 8th.
We have several new staff members this year to support students and learning. Please join me in welcoming:
- Brooke Fingland - School Counselor
- Jenna Carpenter - Student Engagement Specialist
- Patricia Lane - Special Education Teacher
- Sharon Hagadorn - Speech Teacher
- Geoff Alexander - Custodian
- Jamie O'Hara - Food Service
- Valerie Lucas - Lunch Monitor
- Morgan Jackson - Lunch Monitor
- Mindy Howard - Administrative Intern
- Stephanie Tortorelli, School Nurse
Other important information about the school year is included below, including drop off and pick up procedures. Please contact us if you any questions.
We will see you soon!
Warm Regards,
Cindy Cronin
Principal
Kinder Orientation
Calming Tool Boxes
Ready to play?
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
- Student Arrival 1 - 7:45-8:15 (first round of parent/guardian drop off)
- NO student drop off between 8:15 and 8:35 due to bus drop off
- Student Arrival 2 - 8:35-8:45 (second round of parent/guardian drop off)
- School Day Begins - 8:45
Afternoon Procedures
- Parent/Guardian Pick Up: 3:20-3:45
- YMCA program students released at 3:15
- Buses Depart - 3:30
- Walkers dismiss after the buses depart campus
The traffic pattern for afternoon pick up be just like last year. Enter Ford Street from Downer Street and enter campus at the primary parking lot. Proceed to the rear of the building and remain in your vehicle. Students will only be dismissed to a vehicle with the appropriate tag and an adult with valid ID who has been approved by a custodial parent for pick up.
Health & Safety Requirements
- All students and staff are required to wear a mask at all times regardless of vaccination status. Mask breaks will be planned throughout the school day. Students did a fantastic job with this last year! Consider sending a spare mask so that your child can put on a fresh one after lunch. Mask are not required outdoors.
- Maintain 3 foot distancing
- Hand washing/sanitizing regularly throughout the day
- We have discontinued the daily screening forms, However, please check your child for fever or other symptoms every morning. Any student who shows symptoms while at school will be sent home from the nurse's office.
- If anyone in your household shows symptoms, or if you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID case, please keep your child home until a diagnosis can be verified.
Our nurse, Mrs. Tortorelli, is available to answer any questions about your child's return to school following illness or quarantine at (315) 638-6123.
FROM OUR ATTENDANCE OFFICE
If your child will be tardy, absent, picked up early for an outside appointment, or if there is a change to end of day dismissal we now have a form for that!
Van Buren Elementary Student Note
And of course we always welcome paper notes if you prefer.
Mrs. Budd is your main point of contact for anything related to attendance and dismissal. She can be reached at kbudd@bville.org or (315) 638-6121.
Breakfast & Lunch
Snacks and ice cream will be available at an extra charge. Students may add funds to their account by bringing cash or a check to cafeteria. Myschoolbucks.com is the simplest way to add funds to your child's account for snack purchases.
Important Dates & Upcoming Events
September 16: PTA Meeting (virtual)
September 21-23: Scholastic Book Fair
September 23: Curriculum Night
September 22-23: School Pictures
October 7: Fall Fun Run (PTA fundraiser)
PTA News
The Van Buren PTA is a volunteer organization that supports students and staff through a wide range of fun activities (book fairs, seasonal events, classroom materials, etc.). PTA is a great way to be involved in your child's school and anyone can join!
You can access the PTA web page by clinking on the link. To view all of the detailed information, you need to sign up using the code HCXRGY for immediate access.
Check the attached newsletter and fall fundraiser flyers below.
Stay Connected!
Opt-In for School Messenger Test Messages
If the District has your cell phone number in the Parent Portal (School Tool), it is easy to opt-in. Just text the word YES to 68453 from your cell phone. You should receive an opt-in confirmation message.
Digital Connections
Many teachers post on Twitter and you can also follow Mrs. Cronin @CroninBee. The district website, the Van Buren school page and our Facebook page are other great resources.
Contact Us
Email: ccronin@bville.org
Website: https://www.bville.org/vanburen
Location: 20 Ford Street, Baldwinsville, NY, USA
Phone: 315-638-6121
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanBurenElementarySchool/
Twitter: @CroninBee