Columbus Connections
Columbus Connections
Septemebr 8, 2023
Welcome to our weekly newsletter for Columbus Elementary families! Every Friday we will share good news, important information, and of course our STAR STUDENTS with you.
Week in Review
Although it felt like summer this week, the first week of school was filled with excitement, new beginnings and fun! Children had the opportunity to meet their teachers and make new friends and catch up with friends from last year. Each week we will share information about curriculum and upcoming events and activates around Columbus. Please see below for important information.
Important Dates
Monday, September 11th - Red, White and Blue Day
Thursday, September 14th
Back to School Night
- Grade 3 - 6:30 p.m.
- Grade 4 - 7:00 p.m.
- Grade 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Special Area Teachers and Support Services
- 6:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Star Students
⭐ Coming Soon ⭐
Check back next week!
Around Columbus
Snack Time with Friends
Recess Fun
District Information Links
Bus Arrival
Buses will begin arriving at Columbus between 7:55 and 8:00 a.m. All students will enter the building using the main entrance. Your child’s bus stop information is available in the Parent Portal.
Early Morning Drop Off -CES Library
Students may be dropped off beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the CES Library entrance. Please proceed through the parking lot car lane and turn right up the driveway toward the library. A staff member will be available for supervision. If you arrive at 7:55 or later, please follow the regular drop-off procedure below.
If you are driving your child to school, the regular arrival time begins at approximately 8:05 a.m. in front of Columbus. Please do not enter the parking lot until directed by a staff member.
Please follow the procedures below for drop-off:
You are strongly encouraged to access Columbus using the northbound lanes of Columbus Avenue to enter the campus. Making a right turn into the campus will help with the traffic flow.
Pull all the way up to the front of the building using the bus lane.
Please make sure your child is prepared to exit your vehicle when you approach the front entrance.
Bus Dismissal
Bus dismissal will begin at 3:00 The buses will leave the campus no later than 3:05. Bus passes will not be permitted again this year.
Student Pick Up
Please proceed to any available parking space in the main lot or lower lot and park your car. Students will be in the library for pick-up this year. Please access the library pick-up area by walking along the field to the entrance. A staff member will greet parents and ask for the child’s name and class to dismiss the child. As previously communicated we will be using School Dismissal Manager this year at Columbus. If you have not already done so, please make sure your child’s dismissal plan is up to date for the first day of school.
Lunch and Snack
Hot and cold lunch options are available for students to purchase along with breakfast. Please see the food service link above for additional information and the menu.
Columbus is a Nut Free school. Please do not send your child to school with any products containing nuts. Also, we will not be sharing snacks of any kind. There will be no food for birthday celebrations at school to start the year. Thank you for your cooperation.
Student Attendance
If your child is going to be absent, please use School Dismissal Manager to report their absence. As always if you have any health-related questions you can call the Nurse's Office, at 769-8537.
Visiting the Building
Please be prepared to show your photo ID whenever you visit the building. You will not be able to enter without it. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation.
Cell Phones and Wearable Smart Devices
Please be advised Columbus students should not have personal communication devices with them during the school day. If they choose to bring a device to school, it should remain in their backpack. They are responsible for the device. If a child is wearing a GPS tracking device for safety purposes, we ask that it be placed on the teacher's desk during instructional time. They will be allowed to wear it during lunch and recess.
Such devices include, but are not limited to:
Cell phones
Wearable devices/smart wearables/tablets that are capable of recording/viewing audio, photographic, or video content
Wearable devices/smartwatches/tablets that are capable of sending/receiving text, audio, or video messages
Elementary PTA Corner
Hello Parents,
Welcome new and returning parents to the 2023-2024 school year. We hope you enjoyed the summer break.
The PTA has many great fundraisers and events planned this year. As you may already be aware, PTA is a group of parent volunteers who are dedicated to ensure the children’s education is enriched with activities and programs that the schools budget cannot provide. We invite you to volunteer, attend our meetings, and share ideas. We cannot do this without your help!
Please be sure to create an account on the PTA website to stay connected with the PTA community for volunteer opportunities, meetings, events, and updates throughout the year.
Have a great year and we hope to see you soon!
Best,
Rae Riccobono and Denise Lembo
Co-Presidents
580 Columbus Avenue
ThornwoodNY10594
(914) 769-8538
Daily School Hours 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.