QE Weekly Update
8.22.21
Dear QE Families,
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! I hope you had a relaxing summer. I am looking forward to working with you and your child(ren) this school year. At QE we are committed to providing your child(ren) with rich learning experiences. I personally believe in, and take pride in always doing what is best for students. I will continue to use this guiding principle when making decisions about our school.
This year, QE is beginning the year with 268 students. We continue to have new families moving in, including 44 FDK students who will begin their careers at QE, and we welcome these new students to our school on Monday, August 23 for Kindergarten Orientation. I look forward to meeting all of you so please don't be shy in introducing yourself. Included in this letter is my contact information. Feel free to contact me anytime via phone or email. We can also set up scheduled times to meet, if needed throughout the year. For now, here is some important information I would like to convey to you regarding the 2021-2022 school year. Please keep this information for your reference!
A Little Bit About Me! (Previous Introductory Letter Sent to All Families)
My name is Gregory Lesher and I am honored to join the staff at QE! I began my career in education twenty years ago with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP). I have since served as a teacher, instructional coach, supervisor/director of curriculum (mathematics and S.T.E.M.), supervisor of instructional coaches, interim principal, and assistant principal within the SDP, Mastery Charter Schools of Philadelphia/Camden, and here in QCSD. Throughout my years of service, I have always had the pleasure of serving in both large and small schools (and districts), with a strong emphasis on supporting the whole child. It is my goal to continue this tradition.
As the parent of three children, ages 8 (Lily), 10 (Wyatt), and 12 (Emersyn), I recognize the importance of a strong home-school connection. Parents are every child’s first teacher and I believe that by working together, we can make sure we collaboratively create a school culture that supports students’ social-emotional as well as academic development. Accepting the challenge of being principal means carrying on my commitment to serve as a role model for my students and demonstrating to them that one’s character and intellect are reflected in the choices we make. I firmly believe that the commitment one makes when entering this great profession is to do what is best for children and their future, and I hold myself and staff accountable for upholding that promise.
As we prepare our children for middle school and beyond, our students need a great deal of social-emotional support as they deal with the impact of the pandemic and recent events while also striving to meet the rigorous expectations of our curricula. I look forward to partnering with all of you to provide that guidance and support. I am excited to know that I am joining a school community of teachers, support staff, and parents that are already equipped with great systems and structures for this most important work and it is my goal to continue to improve and strive for excellence. In addition to the staff at QE, I will be working closely with district office personnel to guarantee that all of our students are intellectually challenged at their level and have access to social and emotional support critical to students during the elementary years.
This, of course, is the first of many opportunities for me to communicate with you and I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve your families in this role. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas that you would like to share.
With QE P.R.I.D.E,
Dr. Gregory Lesher
Principal, Quakertown Elementary School
Important Information
School Times
School Times:
Doors Open: 8:55 AM
School Starts: 9:10 AM
School Dismissal: 3:40 PM
The school office is open from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM.
Mrs. Detweiler’s email address: jdetweiler@qcsd.org
*Please do not drop off students prior to 8:55 AM because there will be no adult supervision at this time!
Grade Level Supply Lists and Grade Level Schedule
Here’s a link to a grade level schedule. Please note that these are subject to change!
Morning Routine/Drop-off and Dismissal Procedures
In our effort to ensure student and staff safety, student arrival and dismissal at Quakertown Elementary School will resemble the same procedures utilized last school year, 20-21. Please see this link for our student arrival and dismissal guidelines.
It is our goal with student arrival, as with all other day-to-day aspects of school, to mitigate, minimize, and eliminate all potential safety concerns. With your help, support, and adherence to these measures, we will be able to safely and quickly have all QE students entered into the building ready to learn, and students safely on their way home.
Please note that this system may change based on other factors and circumstances. As these changes come up, we will communicate them to you.
Attendance, Safe Arrival APP, and Family Trips
Tardiness:
School starts at 9:10 AM. Any student arriving after this time is considered tardy. If any student arrives late, he/she must stop at the office before going to class to get a tardy slip.
Absenteeism:
To report an absence, use the School Messenger / Safe Arrival process. DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE. Please CLICK HERE for detailed instructions on how to report your child’s absence.
Family Trips – Vacation Form
If you are taking a family trip, please fill out THIS FORM and submit it to the QE office at least 10 days in advance of the trip. Trips are limited to 5 school days. See the form for more details.Breakfast and Lunch
Health and Safety Plan
The next Board meeting is set for this Thursday, August 26 where the Health and Safety Plan will be discussed again as a result of new recommendations coming from the Bucks County Department of Health.
Kindergarten I-Pad Distribution
The QCSD Tech Team will be distributing iPads for Kindergarten students on Tuesday, August 24th at the District Office located at 100 Commerce Dr., Quakertown, PA 18951. Please click here to sign up for an AM or PM time slot on Tuesday.
- The sign up sheet will close on Monday afternoon, so please be sure to sign up early. Please write your student's first and last name on a piece of paper and bring it with you to expedite the distribution process.
- If you choose to pay $25 for Accidental Damage Protection by Cash or Check, please bring payment with you. Exact cash only. Checks can be made payable to Quakertown Community School District and include student's legal name in the memo line.
- Distribution will be a drive-up service. Please do not exit your vehicle. You will be directed where to go when you arrive.
- If you are unable to attend this distribution, more information will be provided at a later date on how to receive your Kindergartener's iPad.
- We will not be able to distribute Chromebooks to students in other grades on this date. If you were unable to pick up your Chromebook, more information will be provided at a later date.
- Only parents/guardians/family members may pick up a student's iPad. We are unable to issue iPads to friends or neighbors.
Entry Plan
Upcoming Important Dates
Tuesday, August 24 - Kindergarten I-Pad Distribution at District Office
Wednesday, August 25 (8:00-3:00) - Opening Day for Teachers
Wednesday, August 25 (3:30-4:30) - Ice Cream Social
Monday, August 30 - First Day for Students!
Friday, September 3 - PBIS Kick-Off
Monday, September 6 - Labor Day - No School
Tuesday, September 7 - Non-Instructional Day (untracked) - No School
Friday, September 17 - Spirit Day
Wednesday, September 22 - Back to School Night (6:00-7:30)
Monday, September 27 - PIE Meeting (7:00-8:30)
About Us
The children are our most cherished possessions. Please know that we will do everything in our power to make sure your child feels respected, safe, happy, and successful at Quakertown Elementary School. When we are working together; parents, teachers, staff, and students, we will come together to help each child reach their fullest learning potential.
Email: glesher@qcsd.org
Website: https://qes.qcsd.org/
Location: Quakertown Elementary School, South 7th Street, Quakertown, PA, USA
Phone: 215-529-2412
Facebook: facebook.com/NA
Twitter: @QEPride