Pomperaug Elementary School

PES Newsletter 11/8/24

MESSAGE FROM MRS. FURMAN

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the PTO for providing snacks during conference week. Your support means so much to us and helps make these days even more enjoyable. It’s been another fantastic week here at PES!

Last week, we celebrated our October STAR students at an assembly, honoring those who have shown exceptional kindness. To build on this theme, every student added a leaf to our “Kindness and Responsibility Tree” in Advisory, each one representing acts of kindness and responsibility. This tree now stands as a beautiful reminder of our shared values and commitment to kindness.

We also concluded our Socktober drive with a remarkable collection of over 600 pairs of socks, which were donated to St. Vincent’s. Thank you to everyone who contributed—your generosity will make a meaningful difference in the lives of others!

As we move into November, we’re focusing on Acting Responsibly. I’m excited to continue making “Caught Being Kind” calls to recognize and celebrate students’ positive actions.

Thank you to all the parents and guardians who attended conferences this week. Your involvement and partnership in your child's education are invaluable, and we’re grateful for your ongoing support.

Lastly, if you haven’t done so already, please log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal to update your demographic information and emergency contacts. Simply click the “Annual Student Information Form” icon on the left side. If you need help with login, please reach out to us at PESoffice@region15.org.

Thank you for all you do to support our PES community!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Furman

Principal

sfurman@region15.org

IMPORTANT DATES

November 14 - Picture retake day

November 27, 28, 29 - Thanksgiving Recess - No School

December 4 - Professional Development Day - 1pm dismissal

December 23 - 31 Winter Recess - No School

January 1 - New Years Day - No School

REGION 15 Calendar 2024-25 Calendar

Week in Review

October STAR Student Assembly

Kindness and Responsibility Tree

Kindness and Responsibility Tree created from the leaves students made in Advisory. Thank you Karen Fimmano for bringing our tree to life. It looks beautiful! And thank you to fourth grade for giving up their bulletin board.

Croc Spirit Day

Veterans Day

We would like to invite veterans who are connected to PES families

(grandparents, uncles, aunts, mothers, fathers, family friends etc.)

to participate in our celebration assembly.

Veterans can choose to participate by attending the whole school tribute to Veterans held at our school on Monday, November 11th, 2024 at 9:30 A.M., with the option of visiting classrooms and speaking to students about their service, or both.

Monday, November 11, 2024

9:00 Welcome reception in Library

9:30- 10:15 Assembly in Gymnasium

10:30-11:00 Visit Classrooms

Please complete our online registration form to register a Veteran you know who would like to be included in this important educational opportunity.

Registration should be completed by Monday, November 4th. Register at tinyurl.com/PES2024VeteransDay
Pictures for our Wall of Honor may be submitted to Linnea Bronson at Lbronson@region15.org until Tuesday, November 5th.

(if you have submitted pictures in the past - we still have them!)

School Dismissal Manager

The district will continue to use "School Dismissal Manager" for all elementary schools. This app will give you the ability to enter your child’s dismissal information. If your child is only taking the bus, you do not need to do anything although it is a good idea to start an account for your student(s) in the event that you need to access it.

If you are picking your student(s) up from school please make a sign for your front windshield with their first and last name(s).

Please make sure you enter this information by 2:00pm of the day of the pick-up.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

● Student drop-off will start at 8:50 AM. Students will be marked tardy if they are dropped off later than 9:05. We will make exceptions for late buses.

● Parent pick-up will start at 3:30 PM.

The following information will help ensure a safe and efficient process for student arrival and dismissal.

Arrival of Bus Riders - Bus drop off begins at 8:50 AM. Staff members will be waiting to greet your child(ren) as they exit the bus in the front of the school.
Arrival of Car Riders - Car rider drop-off begins at 8:50 AM.

Please do not enter the Bus Line at any time.
Staff members will be waiting to greet your child(ren) as they exit the car.
The parent drop-off/ pick-up lane is on the side of the building. Parents should enter through the main driveway.
The drop-off/pick-up lane can accommodate up to four cars at a time.
Students should exit and enter from the right/passenger side of the vehicle. Parents should not get out of the car except if necessary to assist their child(ren).
Students who are dropped off will enter the school building through the cafeteria doors.
DO NOT pull around a car in the drop-off/ pick-up line, wait for the cars in front of you to pull away.

Dismissal of students for parent pick-up begins at 3:30PM.

Please do not enter the Bus Line at any time.

Check-in with fastlane. Needs to be done when you reach the sign
Please make a sign with your student(s)' first and last name on dashboard.
Stay in line
No parking and walking over
Please confirm on SDM
DO NOT pull around a car in the drop-off/ pick-up line, wait for the cars in front of you to pull away.
Students who are being picked-up will exit through the cafeteria doors.

With patience, courtesy, and by following the procedures, all students can be dropped off and picked up safely and efficiently. Remember to allow yourself some extra time, especially during the first few weeks of school. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

BUS ROUTES

As Superintendent Smith said in his email, due to some streets being impassable, certain bus routes have been adjusted. You can find the updated bus route information for students at the following link and on our Region 15 Website: 2024-25 Start of School Year Bus Route Information.

As always, families have the option to self-transport their children or keep them home if they feel that conditions are too difficult to reach the bus stop or have any concerns. We encourage all students to ride the bus if possible. This will help PES arrival and dismissal to run smoothly and efficiently!

SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY

We continue to follow the guidance of local and state health officials with respect to keeping our school community safe. Be on the lookout for detailed updates from Superintendent Smith.