Welcome Back Pelham Families!
From Interim Principal Darling's Desk
Welcome Back Letter
On a personal note, I am looking forward to the return of staff and students. I have spent the summer learning, listening, reading, walking, visiting with family and friends, and a little traveling. I especially enjoyed spending time with my husband and three teenage boys!
Please join us at the BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC, AUGUST 26TH AT 5:00 pm.
First Day of School: August 30th (1-6) & Wednesday, September 1st for Kindergarten.
COVID - Health and Safety
Kindergarten
Click here for the link to the Kindergarten Screening Letter.
Pelham Outdoors!
Outdoor Learning Spaces will be utilized whenever possible. Six feet of distance should still be maintained and students are not required to wear masks. Masks will be optional outside. To see a map of our campus, click on Outdoor Learning Map.
Recess: Students do not need to wear masks while outside during recess. Our Playground can be used by one cohort (class) at a time; reminder for students and staff to wash/sanitize hands upon exit and entry to building.
Arrival & Dismissal
Arrival: 8:10-8:20 AM
Arrival by Car
8:10-8:15 AM - Last Names A-K
8:15-8:20 AM - Last Names L-Z
Dismissal by Car
2:40-2:45 PM - Last Names A-K
2:45-2:50 PM - Last Names L-Z
Families/caregivers will drive to the end of the parking lot and loop around next to the sidewalk. Click here for map of Parking lot.
A staff member will help the student out of the car.
Families/caregivers should not get out of the car (except for week one).
Families are not permitted to enter the school building.
We are hoping these timelines will work. Please be patient with the staff as we try to make Arrival/Dismissal as smooth as possible.
If you miss your drop off window but arrive before 8:10 AM, please park in the lower lot and walk your children to the front of the school.
If you arrive after 8:15 AM, please buzz in at the front office to sign students in.
If you need to make a dismissal change during the day, please contact the office at (413) 362-1101 or darlingb@arps.org.
Families/caregivers will drive to the end of the parking lot and loop around next to the sidewalk.
Staff will walk students outside and wait for their caregivers’ car.
Family/caregivers will not get out of the car.
If you have someone picking your child up who is not a primary caregiver (babysitter, friend), please email your child’s teacher and/or the office to let them know.
Bus - Schedule
Arrival 8:10 AM
Dismissal 2:45 PM
All students should wear masks on the bus.
The bus will drop students in the front circle.
Students who ride the bus will be met in front of the school by a staff member and walked to their class’ entrance door (above).
Dismissal - Students will be walked by a staff member to the bus.
Late Arrival
Students should enter the main entrance and check in at the front office. Families may not accompany them into the building.
Breakfast & Lunch
Meals will be eaten outdoors, when possible, or in the classroom with social distancing.
For District Menu click here.
School Breakfast/Lunch Forms:
Kindergarten - https://forms.gle/yMYiRnLP3r7YikiZA
Grade 1 - https://forms.gle/3CVWVo67MifpMpzf9
Grade 2 - https://forms.gle/uXCfBo4w2HP6JCtcA
Grade 3 - https://forms.gle/NL5XoEXVPjQc6LHRA
Grade 4 - https://forms.gle/rneRazeVpXSkfK9H6
Grade 5 & 6 will be doing ordering in their classrooms
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Bathrooms will be unisex and shared by classes (K-1, 2, 3-4, 5-6). Two students allowed in at a time. Students should wear masks in the bathroom.
Pelham Before Care and After School Programs: These programs will be available to families this school year. Please click on the links below to sign up your student or for more information.
Pelham School is a NUT FREE School. Please do not send in any nut products with your student. When sending in treats for the class, please reach out to the school nurse, Katy Guisti at guistic@arps.org.
Important Dates
For Full District Calendar: click here.
August 26th: Back to School Picnic 5:00
August 30th: 1st day 1-6 (Early Release 12:30 pm dismissal)
August 30th & 31st: Kindergarten Screenings
September 1st: 1st Day for Kindergarten
September 6th: Labor Day (No School)
September 16th: Early Release (12:30 dismissal)
Upcoming Dates:
October 11th: Indigenous Peoples Day (No School)
October 20th: Early Release (12:30 dismissal)
October 21st & 22nd: Elementary Early Release - Parent Conferences
October 22nd: School Pictures
November 2nd: Curriculum Day (No School)
November 11th: Veterans Day (No School)
November 24-26th: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
PTO Corner
Join us in our efforts to spread kindness and build community!
The Pelham PTO is looking forward to living our mission this school year by encouraging participation in the life of the school; creating a sense of community among parents, teachers, and the town; and creating happy memories for Pelham Elementary students. Join us!
2021-2022 Pelham PTO Meeting Schedule
All Members of the Pelham Elementary Community are welcome to join our monthly meetings.
Unless otherwise noted, meetings are the 2nd Thursday of the month, 6:30-8pm in the staff room.
Our next meeting is Thursday, September 9th.
Coming Up
Keep an eye out for an opportunity to volunteer as a 2021-2022 Room Parent
Be on the lookout for more information on how to support the Pelham PTO with our First Friday Fundraiser
Stay in touch! You’ll receive information on how to opt into future PTO communications. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram @pelhampto.
2021/2022 PTO Members
President: Kristin Famighette (parent of 2nd and 3rd grader)
Treasurer: Liz Handel (parent of 1st and 3rd grader)
Secretary: The PTO is seeking a volunteer for the position of Secretary for the 2021/2022 school year. If interested, please email us at pelham.ma.pto@gmail.com
Principal Micki Darling
Teacher Representative: Giselle Gonzalez
School Committee Representative: Sarahbess Kenney
Spreading kindness? Building community? Sign Me Up! Your Name Here
Pelham Elementary School
Email: darlingb@arps.org
Website: https://www.arps.org/pe
Location: 45 Amherst Road, Pelham, MA, USA
Phone: 413-362-1100