Hive Happenings!
September 2021
A Message from Principal Meneses
Ellison Families,
We are just days away from the first day of school, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome our students and families to the 2021-22 school year!
We know that our students have been eagerly waiting to see their classrooms, meet their teachers, and make new friends. Please be sure to mark your calendar for our annual Meet the Teacher event. (See details in the flyer below.)
As principal, but more importantly, as a parent, I understand that many families may be apprehensive about students returning to campus. Keeping our students safe has been, and will always be our number one priority. Please know that I am fully committed to taking every possible measure that is within my control to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff.
Safety is still a top priority, so we are taking the following steps to continue safety protocols. First, masks will be available to all students, staff, and campus visitors. In addition to mask safety, students and staff will social distance to the extent possible while maintaining the integrity of a nurturing and collaborative learning environment. Furthermore, protocols and procedures will continue to be implemented to ensure rigorous cleaning routines and to help prevent overcrowding in general settings such as the student restrooms and cafeteria.
With that being said, parents and guardians are welcome in the building during arrival time on the first week of school. However, beginning the second week of school, the building will remain a student and staff only zone during the hours of 7:05 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. Last year, we observed that we were able to firmly control access during the busiest time of the day. Naturally, this controlled access maximized campus security. In addition, students demonstrated higher levels of independence, which is a skill that we want to develop in all students. Not only did students become more confident in their independence, but instructional time was also protected. More than ever, instructional time is precious. We ask all families to use the Express Lane during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal. Please see the parent handbook below for more details about these procedures.
Once again, please know that our children's health and safety are at the forefront of our decision-making. At Ellison, families and the community will be updated through various forms of communication including our campus newsletters, social media, and our district website. To obtain the latest NISD safety guidelines and updates please visit the link below:
https://www.nisd.net/news/reunited-safely
At Ellison, our daily mission is to put students first! Our vision is that every day, every student will grow as compassionate, innovative leaders! #TogetherWeSwarm
On behalf of our entire faculty, thank you for the privilege of allowing us to serve your family. We look forward to the year ahead!
Sincerely,
Principal Meneses
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IMPORTANT DATES
Look out for a special phone call/ email from your teacher!- 8/17
Meet the Teacher- 8/19
First Day of School- 8/23
Labor Day Student/Staff Holiday- 9/6
PTA Meeting/ Parent Orientation- 9/14
Hispanic Heritage Begins- 9/15
Ellison Essentials Assembly- 9/17 (student assembly)
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Parent/Student Campus Handbook
In the interest of student and staff health and safety, the Northside ISD Board of Trustees voted to implement a temporary facemask mandate for all students, staff, and visitors while indoors at district facilities and on school buses. This mandate goes into effect Monday, Aug. 23.
Trustees authorized the district’s superintendent to adjust this temporary mask mandate as appropriate given local health metrics and circumstances. The health and well-being of students and staff remains our priority.
- Routine and frequent cleaning and disinfecting will continue at all district facilities including on school buses.
- Frequent handwashing will be encouraged. Hand sanitizer will be made available for all students and staff.
- Staff, students, and visitors are encouraged to practice physical distancing when possible.
- COVID-19 testing will continue to be offered at NISD campuses for symptomatic individuals with parent consent.
- Contact tracing will occur as necessary at all district campuses and buildings. Students and staff will likely not be required to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated or, potentially, were wearing a mask when the close contact occurred.
- In the event of a positive COVID-19 case, communication will be provided to families in a manner deemed appropriate by the campus principal and/or the Director of Health Services while protecting the confidentiality of individuals and their healthcare information. At the elementary level, notification will likely be provided to class or grade level groups. At the secondary level where contact tracing will potentially be more difficult, notification will be made to individuals with a known exposure.
- NISD is working with various vaccine providers to schedule voluntary vaccination clinics to provide the COVID-19 and other vaccines to students, employees, and community members who elect to receive them. Many campuses will be hosting vaccine providers at their back-to-school events.
- Remote/Virtual learning will be provided only to qualifying elementary students who completed the application process in the spring. This option is not available to secondary students nor is it available for any additional elementary students. Families with students who cannot physically attend in-person due to a medical condition, including a precautionary quarantine, are encouraged to apply for homebound and/or other support services.
NISD is committed to addressing the health, safety, and instructional needs of all our students. We will be responsive to the social and emotional needs of students, staff, and families by providing access to personnel such as professional school counselors.
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Time is Honey!
MEET YOUR TEACHER!
Let the good times Roll! We can't wait for the 1st week of school!
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Support our PTA!
Click below to visit our wonderful PTA site. With a click of a button, you'll be able to purchase spirit gear, which students are encouraged to use on the first day of school and every Friday of the year!
Bonnie Ellison Elementary School
Ellison is the place to “bee”- Growing, learning, and building our hive together!
Email: Julie.Meneses@nisd.net
Website: https://www.nisd.net/ellison
Location: 7132 Oak Drive, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-398-1850
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllisonElementary
Twitter: @NISDEllison