Greystone Elementary News

Email: krfagan@wcasd.net
Website: https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/6353
Location: 1195 Aram Ave, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 484-266-2601
Twitter: @GreystoneES

I plan to keep it updated with information for our school community. I'll email our families on a weekly basis and then include those emails here, along with other information. Things will be arranged chronologically, in case you need to look for communications based on when they were originally sent.

Kevin Fagan

GES Principal

Good morning GES Families!

I anticipate this being my final family email, as I prepare to wrap up here at Greystone. As you can imagine, leaving GES is difficult. I love this place and the people. Though my path is taking me in a different direction now, that doesn't change my affinity for this school and the community, or impact my interest in seeing both flourish. I have a very vested interest in seeing our school continue to succeed and I have great confidence in this staff, students, and families. Thank you for your ongoing support over the years.

Aside from saying goodbye once more, I also wanted to provide some information about the opening of school:

1. School supplies: Again this year, our PTO is sponsoring School Toolbox, an easy, one-stop shopping experience that not only meets the needs of our students but benefits our school. I'd highly recommend bringing student school supplies with you to Open House so that the kids don't have to worry about it on the first day of school.

2. Open House: Remember that our format for Open House is different this year. Students are encouraged to come with parents.

• Open House for Grades 3-5 will be August 20 between 4:00 and 5:00.
• Open House for Grades K-2 will be August 21 between 4:00 and 5:00. Each day, families can join us to meet the teachers and see classrooms. At 5:00 families are welcome to check out the playground, where the GES PTO will host cold treats.
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3. First Day of School: August 26 is the first student day. Most of you are pros at this by now. Buses will pull up to the front entrance, where students will be greeted by staff. For those parents planning to drop off, you'll come up the driveway, make a sharp left into the drop-off circle. We have to keep things moving that day, and this is more of a "drop and go." We'll have staff out there to assist with doors etc., but mom and dad, we can use your help with keeping things moving along! Drop off begins at 8:30 AM. The building is not open till then. I've been asked about a good time for "first day pics." I'd recommending coming up the school on Sunday, August 18 and taking pics in front of the school, as August 19 does not lend itself well to that.

4. Snack and Lunch: Every class will have snack time, so please send a snack with your child each day. Students can either bring or buy lunch. If you need to set up a lunch account for your child, here's the link.

5. What happens when students enter the building on the first day? Out Kindergartners will be guided to the library, where they will be greeted by our K staff and escorted to the classroom. Students in grades 1-5 will report to the gym, where our staff will be waiting for them. We'll follow this format for at least a few days.

6. What if there are some tears on the first day (or first week!)? For mom and dad or for the kids?! This is normal for all parties! Don't worry. All will be well. Everyone needs to acclimate to school again, and this might take a week or two.

7. What if I have questions about the classroom or school? Your first stop is your child's teacher, who will reach out to you on August 19 and then meet you during Open House.

8. GES events for September and October. I'm sharing this link and most of you are accustomed to seeing it. Please note that it's a draft for now, but it should be pretty for those first two months. For now, I would not count on anything listed beyond October/November.

9. End of day pick up: Parents planning to pick up should not proceed up the driveway till 3:20 or later. We need to keep the driveway clear as long as possible. You'll pull all the way around the driveway to the front of the building. Please have a sign in your car window, clearly showing your child's first and last name. We will begin to call students out at 3:30. Follow the instructions of our staff, watch the traffic around you. If we work together, this process goes very smoothly!

I think that's it for now. I look forward to being here in the fall as a parent and seeing everyone. Till then, enjoy these last few weeks of summer and please say "Hi" to the kids for me.

Always a Grizzly,

Kevin Fagan

Design Lab and Flexible Library Updates for the 2024 - 2025 School Year!

As a reminder to our families, starting next school year elementary students will have a new special area called Design Lab. In Design Lab, students will explore Design Thinking strategies and experiences, which means they will spend time collaboratively tackling problems, developing creative solutions, and thoughtfully approaching important ideas.

Remember we're also changing our library time. Instead of having a fixed schedule for library classes, we're making it more flexible. Students will still learn how to research ideas properly, work on projects, find good sources, and explore wonderful books, but on a less fixed timeframe. Our library program will keep teaching important skills and making sure all students have access to books.

June 25, 2024

Dear GES Families,

This is a challenging email to write, especially during the summertime when I don’t have the opportunity to deliver this message in person, which would have been my preference. I need to let you know that pending approval at a Board meeting tonight, I will be appointed as the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning for the Marple Newtown School District. My transition date is TBD, but likely sometime this summer.

Serving as the Principal of Greystone Elementary has been the honor of my career. From the time we’ve opened till just a couple weeks ago when we celebrated our third graduating class, my time there has been more than I could have asked for. The staff has been super, and I cherish the relationships I have with our students and families. I’m so proud of the community we have built together. So why am I leaving? Because I am feeling the need to learn and grow and opportunities like this do not come up often. I am excited to work with Marple Newtown, but leaving Greystone is very difficult. Those of you who know me well know how much I love our school, its students, families, and staff. My departure marks a new beginning for Greystone. I will still be very present as a parent and supporting our school in all ways. Thank you for the trust you showed me, for your patience these past three years, and for continuing to support our school.

Always a Grizzly,

Kevin Fagan

Good evening Greystone Families,

Well … we are almost at that time. It’s been another great year at Greystone ES! Your children have grown and learned a lot, made new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Before we sign off for this year, I wanted to let you know about some staffing changes for the fall. Staffing assignments can continue to change over the summer, but here's where things stand for now ...

• Ms. Dzielawa (second grade) will assume the role of Design Lab teacher here at GES. She is very excited about this opportunity.
• Mrs. Bushnell (fifth grade) is going to Hillsdale ES to be the Design Lab teacher there. We will miss Mrs. Bushnell but congratulate her on this move and wish her all the best!
• Mrs. Van Wyk (fifth grade) is moving to East Bradford ES to serve as the English Language Learner teacher. Working with this group of students is a passion for Mrs. Van Wyk and these openings don’t come up often. She’ll be great!
• Ms. Huber (our wonderful para and friend to all the morning drop-off dogs) is retiring. Trish has served many years for our district, and we wish her nothing but the best! Trish is looking forward to spending as much as possible in her garden; she’s earned it!
• Mrs. Ortiz (our caseworker) has resigned to take on a role with another district. Veronica has been a terrific resource for us at GES and she’ll be missed.

Change can be difficult, especially when it comes to people we know and have come to care for. I have a strong connection with each of the people here and will miss having them around, but these folks are pursuing their passions, and I support them fully in their new endeavors. Please join me in wishing them well!

Reminder that tomorrow through Thursday are half days for students, with a 12:00 dismissal. There is no staff here Friday.

Sincerely,

Kevin Fagan

Good morning GES Families,

In the theme of "It's way to early for this ..." I wanted to follow up on the email you received recently from Dr. Missett (Director of Elementary Education) about the new Open House Format for the coming school year and to forecast our dates and times for you.

Open House for Grades 3-5 will be Tuesday, August 20 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.

Open House for Grades K-2 will be Wednesday, August 21 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.

Open House this year is a family event and students should attend with parents!

As the date draws nearer, I'll have more information to share.

Sincerely,

Kevin Fagan