News from Eli Terry
Week of September 8th, 2023
A Note from Your Principals
Dear Eli Terry Families,
Welcome back to another exciting school year! It brings us great joy to welcome our 488 students and their families back to our vibrant school community.
The start of a new school year is always filled with anticipation and hope, and this year is no exception. Our dedicated team of educators has been working tirelessly to prepare for a year filled with meaningful learning experiences, personal growth, and joyful moments. We are committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
As we embark on the 2024-25 school year, we want to extend our warmest wishes to each of you. Together, let’s create a positive and productive year, where our students feel empowered to explore, discover, and reach their full potential.
We look forward to partnering with you to make this school year one to remember.
Welcome back—let’s make it the best one yet!
Mike & Jenn
Our First Fire Drill
Keeping our students, staff, and visitors safe is of the utmost importance. In order to do so, it is necessary to have procedures in place and practice them throughout the year. As you may know, schools are mandated by state law to practice emergency drills each month, which include fire drills, evacuations, and lockdown procedures.
This morning we conducted our first fire drill. This was a planned and announced drill. Students and staff were not in danger, and all students and staff were briefed before and after the drill occurred.
If your child comes home and expresses fear or anxiety about this drill, or our first lockdown drill (occurring next week), please talk with him/her about the importance of practicing these procedures. They are only intended to keep everyone in our school safe!
Ask Your Child(ren) About...
We know it can sometimes be a challenge to talk with your child(ren) about their school day.
Often when asked, "How was your day? What did you learn?", you'll get the answers, "Good" and "I don't know."
In an effort to encourage conversations that strengthen the school-to-home partnership, each week we'll include something specific from our week that you can not only ask your child about, but that they can take ownership for teaching YOU about!
This week, we're highlighting...
PAWS cards!
Some guiding questions to help you learn more about one of Eli Terry's strategies for reinforcing positive/expected behavior:
- What does PAWS stand for?
- Who gives out PAWS cards?
- How do you get/earn a PAWS card?
- What do you do with a PAWS card?
- What raffle prize(s) are you hoping to win with your PAWS cards?
- Did you earn any PAWS cards this week? For what?
Therapy Dogs at Eli Terry
Eli Terry is incredibly lucky to have certified therapy dogs visit our school on a regular basis. Students have the opportunity to spend time with them as part of our PAWS raffles, special classroom visits, and other experiences throughout the school day.
This year we'd like to expand the "reach" of these visits and would like to ensure that each student has parental permission to interact with the dogs. We certainly want to be cognizant of any allergies and/or animal anxiety.
All dogs that would be invited to visit are certified through The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog Inc. program. If you're interested in learning more about this program, you can visit their website at: https://golden-dogs.org/.
If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Hammer!
Please complete the Google Form below to indicate your child's participation. If you have multiple children at ET, a separate form will need to be completed for each child. In addition, to ensure our student's health and wellness, in the absence of a response, your child(ren) will be automatically opted out.
Volunteer Registration
Throughout the year there will be many opportunities for parents and family members to volunteer both in the school building/classrooms, and as chaperones, when classes and grade-levels take field trips.
Regardless of volunteer opportunity, all interested individuals must complete the South Windsor Public Schools Volunteer Registration form (linked below). This form must be completed annually, as approvals do not roll over from year to year; so even if you completed it last year, it must be resubmitted for the 2024-25 school year!
The district has identified two classifications of volunteers based on the activities in which the volunteer will participate. Descriptions and examples are listed below. If you are unsure of your classification, please contact Mr. Kenyon or Mrs. Hammer.
Eli Terry's Main Office will have a "live" list of approved volunteers should you have any questions about your status.
Thank you in advance for volunteering to serve in a support role for our students and teachers!
PTO News & Events
Spirit Wear Sale
Mad Science on Early Release Wednesdays
Please see the flyer below for more information on the PTO organized Mad Science program. This is a great option for early release Wednesdays which will begin on September 11th.
Register at: https://westnewengland.madscience.org
PTO Movie Night
The Eli Terry PTO would like to welcome you to Movie Night on Friday, September 27th at 7:00 pm!
This event is NOT a drop off event. We welcome the whole family to stay and watch Elemental! The PTO will provide popcorn.
If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please check out the Sign-Up Genius linked below. There are a variety of opportunities and roles you can volunteer in!
Sign Up Link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4CAEA723A0FD0-50919192-movie
Reach out to Heather Kittle, event chair, with any questions: sweliterrypto@gmail.com.
Not Part of the PTO Facebook Group?! Join Now!
A Peek Inside Our Week
Grade 2 students in Mrs. Glasser's class explore the math tools and manipulatives that will help them be successful mathematicians this year!
Mr. Kenyon and the Caless brothers after the Kindergarten bus ride!
Kindergartners practice spelling their names with Play-doh!
In the words of Mrs. Conyers, "Just some 4th graders absolutely crushing their first day!"
Our mascot Eli and SRO Kolcharno helped welcome students back on the first day!
The PTO hosted the perfect kick-off to the school year at Monday night's "Back to School" picnic. Would you believe they served 600 slices of pizza?!
The PTO also hosted a well attended "BooHoo" breakfast for Kindergarten families on Wednesday. Some families were boo-hooing and others were yahooing!
Mark Your Calendars!
NO SCHOOL - Labor Day - Monday, September 2nd
Early Release Wednesdays Begin - Wednesday, September 11th (continue through winter break)
Open House - Thursday, September 19th, 6:30-8PM
PTO Meeting (virtual and in-person) - Wednesday, September 25th, 7-8PM
PTO Movie Night - Friday, September 27th, 7-9PM
Please note: All events can easily be added to your own Google Calendars by clicking the blue hyperlink above! We don't want you to miss a thing!
Want Access to a Previous Newsletter?
Welcome Back to School (sent August 9th)
If you would like access to ALL previous newsletters you can find them here!