Welcome Greenwich Elementary

Happy New Year and Welcome Back! 🎉

We hope your family enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday break. As we step into the second trimester, let’s continue working together to support our students in persevering, staying engaged, and embracing challenges with courage.

Your involvement at home plays a huge role in your child’s success. Here are a few simple ways to stay connected:

• Ask about their school day. Questions like, “What was something new you learned today?” or “What was your favorite part of class?” can spark meaningful conversations.
• Encourage perseverance. Remind your child that it’s okay to make mistakes and that effort and persistence help us grow.
• Celebrate small wins. Whether it’s mastering a new math concept, finishing a challenging book, or showing kindness to a classmate, every success deserves recognition.
• Create a routine. Set aside regular time for reading, homework, or quiet focus time. Consistency builds confidence.
  
  

We want every family to feel supported when questions or concerns arise. Here’s the best way to start:

1️⃣ Your Child’s Classroom Teacher: Start by reaching out to your child’s teacher with any academic, social, or classroom-specific concerns. They know your child best in the school setting and can provide valuable insight.

2️⃣ School Counselor or Support Staff: If additional support is needed, the counselor or other support staff can assist with social-emotional concerns or academic resources.

3️⃣ Building Principal: If concerns remain unresolved after speaking with the teacher and counselor, please reach out to one of the principals for further support.

Open and consistent communication helps us work together effectively to ensure every child feels supported and successful at school.

We’re Here to Help

If your family is facing any challenges—whether it’s attendance, academic concerns, or social-emotional needs—please start by reaching out to your child’s teacher. From there, we’ll work together to ensure your child feels supported every step of the way.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to your child’s success. Let’s make this trimester one filled with growth, courage, and celebration!

We are thrilled to announce that enrollment for our 2025-2026 Pre-K Program is now open! Our Pre-K program offers a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can grow, learn, and build a strong foundation for future success.

Below, you'll find all the details to help guide you through the enrollment process. We can't wait to welcome your little one to our school family!

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Eligible children must be 4 years old by December 1, 2024.

Step 2: Contact the Primary Office

• Call Tracy Dennis in the Primary Office at 518-692-9542 ext. 6100 to notify us of your interest and ask any initial questions.

Step 3: Complete Pre-Registration

• Visit the district website's 'Pre-registration' page to enroll your child.

Step 4: Await Confirmation and Additional Information

• Once pre-registration is complete, additional information will be sent to you.

Step 5: Program Details

• Full Day Session: 8:08 am - 2:20 pm
• Meals and Transportation: Breakfast, lunch, and transportation are provided.
• Class Size: Maximum of 20 students per class, with two classes available.

Step 6: Lottery Process (If Necessary)

• If more than 40 in-district students are registered by May 22, 2024, a lottery will be held to determine placement.

Step 7: Follow Up with Questions

• For any further inquiries, please contact the Primary Office at 518-692-9542 ext. 6100.

We look forward to welcoming your child to our Pre-K program!

📢 New York State BMI Survey Notification

As part of required school health exams, student height and weight are measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). If our school is selected for a New York State Department of Health survey, only summary data (no individual student information) will be shared.

Parents may opt out of having their child’s data included in the survey.

👉 [Click here to read the full letter and opt-out details.]

Opt-out forms are due by January 21, 2025.

This month, we’re focusing on Courage—a quality that helps us face challenges, stand up for what’s right, and keep trying, even when things are difficult.

What is Courage?
Courage means:

• Trying something new or challenging, even if it feels scary or hard.
• Standing up for yourself or others when something feels unfair.
• Asking for help when you need it.
• Continuing to move forward, even when things get tough.

But courage doesn’t mean doing it alone—it's okay to ask for support from friends, family, or trusted adults.

How Families Can Support Courage at Home:

• Model Courage: Share a time when you had to be brave and how you overcame your fear.
• Encourage New Experiences: Support your child in trying something new—whether it’s a hobby, speaking up in class, or making a new friend.
• Celebrate Effort, Not Just Success: Praise your child for trying their best, even if the outcome isn’t perfect.
• Talk About Courage in Stories: Read books or watch movies where characters show courage, and talk about their brave actions.
• Be a Safe Space: Let your child know it’s okay to share their fears and ask for help when they need it.

Let’s work together to help our students build confidence, resilience, and the courage to face life’s challenges head-on.

Thank you for your continued support!

Chronic absence or tardiness is defined as missing or being tardy just 10% of the school year? That’s only 6 days per trimester!

Why Attendance Matters:

• Regular attendance helps your child build strong academic habits.
• Being present ensures they don’t miss important lessons or activities.
• Consistent attendance supports social connections and a sense of belonging.

Important Update:
Families whose child(ren) missed 6 or more days in the first trimester or were tardy 6 or more days will receive an attendance letter. This is an opportunity for us to partner together to support consistent attendance moving forward.

Facing Challenges with Attendance or Punctuality?
We understand that every family faces unique challenges, and we’re here to partner with you to find solutions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to:

• Your child’s classroom teacher
• School counselor
• Building principals

Together, we can ensure your child has every opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive this school year.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

Monday, January 6th

Classes Resume

Monday, January 13

BOE Meeting @ 6PM JHSH Media Center

Monday, January 20

Martin Luther King Day-No Classes

Wednesday, January 22

NYS Grade 3-6 Simulation

Monday, January 27

BOE Budget Meeting @ 6PM JHSH Media Center

Wednesday, January 29

Asian Lunar New Year- No Classes

During this season, we are enlisting families' help to ensure children are dressed appropriately for the weather. Hats, gloves or mittens, and boots are essential to keeping them safe and warm during the winter months. This is especially important for MG students who may not always want to dress for the elements. Thank you for your support!