Charles Upson Newsletter

I am hopeful everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable summer! We are excited to have our students back in session beginning Tuesday, September 6, 2022. As a reminder, dismissal will be at 11:50AM on this day.

Below are a few reminders that should provide a smooth transition into the first few days of school! We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as this plan is fluid and may change throughout the year.

Masks: At this point in time, the wearing of masks is optional for all students and adults. If you prefer your child wears one throughout the day, please discuss this expectation with him/her and inform your child’s teacher.

Bus Riders: Students who ride large buses will enter/exit through the main foyer doors, while students who are on small buses or vans will enter/exit through the doors on Harding Avenue. Questions regarding transportation services can be directed to STA/Ridge Road Express at (716) 246-4265 or Kevin Love at (716) 478-4837. STOPFinder: STA/Ridge Road Express will be working with the STOPFINDER mobile app this year. This app allows parents/legal guardians to track their child's bus to/from school. Parents/Legal Guardians can watch a short video by visiting STOPFINDER.COM. There is an explanation of the app and what data the parent/legal guardian can see. As a reminder, parent/legal guardian must have a valid email address on file with the school district to access their child’s route.

Parent/Legal Guardian Transports: Students should use the Church Parking Lot as their drop off/pick-up location. Please use the North entrance when entering their parking lot and only park in the back of the building. As a reminder, parents/legal guardians will not be allowed to walk their child into the school. The students will enter/exit through the Music door near the Church (Blue Door #6). PLEASE NOTE: PARKING IS NOT AVAILABLE ON HARDING AVENUE BETWEEN THE EXIT OF THE MAIN PARKING LOT TO THE STOP SIGN ON BEATTIE AVENUE. Also, students will

no longer be allowed to arrive and/or be dismissed at the Cafeteria doors. We will keep the gates closed to enter the playground parking area. This is a change from last year. If you prefer to drop off/pick up your child at a different location, please be sure to discuss possible options with his/her classroom teacher.

Meals: All students will have the opportunity to receive a free school breakfast and lunch. While breakfast is a set meal, teachers will ask students to select their lunches for the week. Menus are sent home monthly, however, you can also visit the district and/or building website to view them as well. After lunch, all students will participate in outdoor recess, weather permitting. In the event the weather does not cooperate, students will have indoor recess within their classroom.

My School Bucks – Parents/Legal Guardians may want to consider adding money to their child’s school account for snacks such as chips or ice cream during their lunch time as these items are not included in the free lunch program provided through the district. Questions pertaining to meals can be directed to Tom Heagerty or Patty Noonan at Aramark Food Service at (716) 478-4804.

Consider Getting Involved: Parents/Legal Guardians can join the CU PTA and become involved in the decision-making process of our leaning community. Please contact the CU PTA President, Maria Dool, at maria.dool@yahoo.com with any questions. If you are interested in being part of the building level School Climate Team, School Improvement Team or School Safety Team for the 2022-2023 school year, please contact me at jgilson@lockportschools.net or (716) 478-4401. Additionally, the CU PTA will have memberships available for $5 per person. Each membership purchased at this event will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

Any student who is new to Charles Upson Elementary School and would like to schedule a tour, please call (716) 478-4403.

Once again, we are looking forward to the start of a GREAT school year! As always, feel free to reach out to the Main Office at (716) 478-4402 or (716) 478-4403 with any questions you may have throughout the school year.

Sept 01 – Superintendent’s Conference Day – No Students

Sept 01 – Kindergarten Orientation/Open House – 4:30-5:30PM

Sept 01 – Grades 1-4 Open House – 5PM-6PM

Sept 02 – Superintendent’s Conference Day – No Students

Sept 05 – Labor Day – NO SCHOOL

Sept 06 – Opening Day; Early Dismissal 11:50AM

Sept 20 – School Climate Team Meeting 8:30AM

Sept 21 - PTA Meeting 6:30PM; BOE Meeting 7PM

Sept 22 – 1st Day of Autumn

Sept 28 – Picture Day