News from Eli Terry
A Peek Inside the Week - Jan. 13th, 2023
Keeping Our Students Safe during Arrival/Dismissal
This week's note from Mr. Kenyon and I is incredibly important in keeping our school community safe during the busiest times at Eli Terry -- arrival and dismissal! We are writing this week's note to explain, remind, and clarify the process for those of you who drive your children to school in the morning and/or pick your children up in the afternoon. The process is pretty much the same exact thing for AM and PM, but in reverse.
For those families who drive their children to and from school, you have two options:
Option 1: PARK IN THE PARKING LOT:
You can park in the parking lot. Then, you may hold your child’s hand, and cross at the main crosswalk, where you see Mr. Kenyon or Mrs. Hammer standing. Children are NOT permitted to exit cars in the parking lot by themselves and walk across this crosswalk by themselves. You must be by their side at all times.
Option #1 is great for those families that would like to walk your child to the Main Entrance, squeeze in some last minute hugs, assist students with carrying items, speak to Mr. Kenyon or Mrs. Hammer, etc.)
Option 2: UTILIZE DROP-OFF LANE:
You may pull in the entrance and drive along the outer edge/curb/perimeter of the back parking lot. See the map below! That is reserved for our speciality buses and parents utilizing the parking option.
When you pull up to the front sidewalk, along the gym, you must stay in your car and keep your car running. Your child then gets out all by himself/ herself from the back seat, right-hand side of your car. This way, they are immediately up on the sidewalk when they exit your car. Your child then walks all by himself/herself to the Main Entrance. With this option, it is important that you immediately let your child out of the car, as soon as you are along the front sidewalk. Even if you are far back from the Main Entrance, please let your child out of the car, and he/she can walk to the front doors. We have several parents who are waiting until their car is in the very first position, closest to the building, and this is creating an unnecessary backup in the parking lot. Your child may have to walk a little longer, but the exercise and the crisp winter air will work beautifully in getting their brain cells activated!
Option #2 is designated for parents who are able to do a fairly quick drop-off, and then pull away. If you need much more time with your child at drop off, this is not the very best option for you. Option 1 would be the better choice.
In order for this to work we need parents to remain in their cars if they are in the car riders drop off lane. Your child should be ready in the car with their backpack on and all materials in hand when you pull up. If you plan to get out for hugs, you must park your car and walk your child to the crosswalk or the front entrance.
When dropping off/picking up your children from school, it is crucial that you are driving very slowly, not using your cell phone at all, and being observant of children/ parents/other cars moving about our parking lot and in the crosswalks. The safety and security of everyone during these crucial and busy times of our school day is a top priority for ALL of us.
In addition...parent drop is from 8:25-8:45 a.m. If you drop your child off after 8:45AM (once the front doors are closed and there is not an adult outside), please park your car and walk your child to the front entrance. You will need to physically sign your child in and your child will be marked tardy.
We thank you so much for your support and cooperation with this important matter! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback!
Mike & Jenn
Grade 5 Enrichment Opportunity
Please see the flyer linked below for more information and details about how to register. Space is limited in each session and sessions fill up quickly!
Preschool Outreach Program (POP)
Whole School Reading Event
Opportunity to Work in the South Windsor Public Schools
The South Windsor Public Schools has openings for caring, responsible, and reliable individuals to substitute in all of our schools. We need your help to find individuals interested in working in our amazing district with wonderful students and staff, while having a flexible schedule and earning $125 per day. Prior experience working with school-aged children or a bachelor’s degree is required. Our substitutes are an essential part of our schools. Please talk to your friends, neighbors, and relatives who may be looking for a flexible job opportunity, enjoy community involvement, or are interested in gaining experience working in the field of education.
For more information, please contact any of our school administrators or visit our website to apply for about these important positions:
https://www.southwindsorschools.org/departments/personnel_and_administration/substitutes
We need your shoutouts!
We are all caught up in sharing the shoutouts that have been submitted so far. In order to continue spreading joy and gratitude, we encourage your family to submit an appreciation for someone in our school community!
Share your gratitude for ANY member of our Eli Terry community using this quick Google Form! Your shoutout will be shared on our morning announcements, through a "shout out" card, and/or on the PTO Facebook page!
Mark Your Calendars!
- PTO Meeting - Wednesday, January 18th @ 7PM
- PTO Wolfpack Game - Friday, February 10th @ 7PM
- Full Day Wednesdays - Wednesday, January 4th - Wednesday, March 15th
Remember...any of the above events can be quickly added to your own Google Calendar just by clicking the blue hyperlink!