Pioneer News

Keeping Elyria's parents, staff and students in the know.

Dear Families,

Dear Families,

We're just one week away from the first day of school, Sept. 7.


I hope you share our excitement in returning to in-person learning.


As we look ahead, we're optimistic about the year to come, even with the uncertainties of COVID-19.


We've learned a lot about flexibility and the importance of having a "Plan B" since the pandemic began.


Our curriculum and school procedures must be fluid and adaptable to the developing circumstances of COVID.


A couple of weeks ago you received this newsletter and it was filled with important "back to school" information. Topping the list of announcements at that time was that masks were "strongly recommended."


That recommendation stands throughout the district but we're adding a layer to the plan that directly impacts preschool through sixth grade.


PK-6 students will be required to wear masks while at school beginning Tuesday, Sept. 7.


Students in grades seven through 12 are strongly advised to wear masks at school and during school activities but they are not mandated at this time.


The district will continue to monitor the situation with COVID and revise its guidelines as necessary.


This change to the mask guidelines directly correlates to the rising number of cases of COVID-19 in Elyria and Lorain County.


Students under the age of 12 are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine, thus the new guidelines for universal masking of that age group.


Students wearing masks will be given breaks from their masks throughout the day, including during lunch, recess and physical activities.


Please be assured we will continue working closely with Lorain County Public Health and we will amend plans as necessary.


I understand this new information might cause upset but I also know its unavoidable during these unpredictable times.


We are inching our way back to what we know as "typical" for schools but we're still dealing with the realities of the pandemic.


We have other mitigation strategies in place in the schools, as well, such as cleaning and sanitizing and an emphasis on hand washing.


Also we can't emphasize enough the importance of staying home when sick. Please conduct daily wellness checks at home and do not send students to school with symptoms of illness.


We appreciate the feedback we've received from parents as important decisions are made.


We encourage you to stay connected with us. You can email us at ask@elyriaschools.org throughout the school year or speak directly with your school principal.


Wishing you and your student a wonderful start to school.


Sincerely,


Ann Schloss

Superintendent

Dear Families,
Big picture

Back-to-School Essentials


Tuesday, Sept. 7, is the first day of school for Elyria City School District.


Here are a few helpful links:





School day hours by grade level


  • Preschool at Hamilton Elementary: 9:10 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.
  • Preschool at the Elyria Early Childhood Center: AM Class: 9:10 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.;
    PM Class: 12:40 to 3:10 p.m.
  • Elementary school grades K-4: 9:10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
  • Middle school, grades 5-8: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
  • Elyria High school, grades 9-12: 7:50 a.m. to 2:39 p.m.


Eastern Heights Campus Update:

The Eastern Heights Campus will open its doors to students on Sept. 7 but some areas of the exterior campus will still be under construction.


Crews are completing their paving work on parking areas and sidewalks.


As this work continues through September, students and families are asked to use caution when entering and exiting the facility. No visitor parking (with the exception of designated spaces for handicap parking) will be available at the start of the school year. This construction work is expected to wrap up in October.


Parents are urged to allow extra time for dropping off and picking up students, and to use neighboring side streets for temporary parking. Car pooling is recommended if possible.


When dropping students off or picking them up on campus, cars and buses will follow a specific one-way path in and out of the facility to ensure safety and to keep traffic flowing.


Please use patience and allow for hiccups as families navigate the paths in and out of the campus for the first few times.


As always, please be aware of students who are walking and riding their bikes to school and use extreme caution when approaching crosswalks and parking and walking areas in and around the campus.


The maps below illustrate the in/out pattern for car riders, busses and walkers when school resumes on September 7.

New Eastern Heights Comings and Goings

No charge for school meals

This year, like last, all students are eligible for complimentary breakfast and lunch at school.


Despite this we ask all parents to complete the free and reduced lunch form.


The application process for free and reduced meal prices helps improve a school district's eligibility for state and federal funding; funding that directly impacts students.


Thank you for taking time to review this material and remember, all students are eligible for complimentary meals this year.

Elyria City School District

Elyria City School District

Elyria City School District

42101 Griswold Road, Elyria, OH, USA ask@elyriaschools.org 440-284-8000 elyriaschools.org