News From The Grizzlies' Den

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support from our parent volunteers. Your dedication and willingness to contribute your time and energy have made an immeasurable difference in our school community. Most recently the book fair but also in assisting in classrooms, organizing events, chaperoning field trips and helping with school initiatives, your efforts enrich the educational experience for every student.

We see the positive impact of your participation in the smiles of our students and the success of our school programs.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We are truly fortunate to have such a committed and generous group of parents.

It's a great day to be a Grizzly!

Erin

11/20: Picture Retakes

11/22: Wear Red- Homeless and Hungry Week (see below)

11/25-11/27: Fall Conferences (see schedule below)

11/25 & 11/26: Half day for Students

11/27 & 11/28 & 11/29: No School for Students

12/3: December PBIS Assembly

12/10: Winter Concert 6pm

12/12: Nutcracker @ HHS - 1st Grade

12/20: Winter Parties

12/23-1/3: Winter Break

1/31: Bingo Night @ GES (more information to come)

In case your child was absent on picture day!

Any questions regarding ordering pictures please call Barksdale at 1-800-220-7667.

Paper order forms are available the day of pictures with cash or check.

We have some important updates to share regarding attendance and communication:

1. Note Submission Options: Caregivers can now submit parent notes for absences through Pickup Patrol and Talking Points messages. We will continue to accept emails and handwritten notes. We hope this makes it easier for you to keep us informed!

2. Automated Phone Calls: Automated phone calls will be sent to caregivers of students with unexcused (LAW) absences at 10:00 AM each morning. This will help keep you updated on your child's attendance. If this automated call ever feels inaccurate, please contact our main office.

3. New Email for Parent Notes: We have established a new email address for submitting parent notes: GESattendance@wcasd.k12.pa.us. Our school secretaries will receive emails to this address which will ensure a smooth communication process.

4. Early Dismissal and Tardiness Change: Eight (8) unlawful lateness and/or early dismissals will considered one (1) unlawful absence in grades K-5

5. Nurse Exclusion Policy: We’ve added a new policy for nurse exclusions (NN). If the school nurse advises a student to stay home the following day, this will now be considered an excused absence.

Thank you for your cooperation as we implement these changes to enhance our attendance processes.

Our number one concern during pick up and drop off is safety! We want to make sure all students are safe. While these procedures are not new, this is a new school year and it is always good to review. Please remember that we are a school zone and we should be patient and kind as drivers.

Student Drop-Off

Student drop-off will take in the smaller loop outside the gym. Students being driven to school will be dropped off along the sidewalk.

■ When dropping off, drivers should pull all the way along the sidewalk.

■ Please have your child exit on the passenger side of the car for their safety.

■ A staff member will be at the door to usher students inside.

■ Students may be dropped off between 8:30 am and 9:00 am.

■ After 9:05, students will need to be signed in at our main office.

■ Parents should remain in their cars throughout this process.

■ If you child need extra time or assistance getting out of the car please park in one of the parking spots to help them.

Student Pick-Up

We will do our best to make this process fast and smooth. Please remain in your cars, keep moving, and follow directions given by the staff members on duty.

■ Dismissal begins at 3:30. Please do not enter the car loop until 3:20

■ When picking-up, drivers should enter the large loop by the main entrance.

■ If your child needs help getting buckled or getting into the car we ask that you park to give yourself and your child the additional time.

■ A staff member will be outside to track the students’ names.

■ Students will be dismissed and exit the gym doors, and walk directly to their cars.

■ Staff members will guide students to their cars.

■ Once students are safely in the cars, parents should safely exit the car loop.

■ Please wait patiently for the car in front of you to move. We should never pass on the left for student safety.

■ Parents should remain in their cars throughout this process.

If you did not remember to change pick up patrol to parent pick-up ahead of time, please park and go to the office and your student will be called to meet you. The school MUST know by 2pm if you are changing your pick up plans and are planning to pick up in carline.

Our school uses Pickup Patrol for parents to report absences and communicate dismissal plan changes. All Change must be made by 2pm for the teacher to get notification

Notes, emails or phone calls are not accepted for changes, except in emergencies.

RETURNING PARENTS: If you have not done so already please enter and confirm your students default plan. For a safe dismissal, it’s essential that we know your student’s regular daily dismissal plans.

NEW PARENTS: Please reach out to the main office if you have not received a registration email. The PUP web app is free for parents, and you can use it from your smartphone or computer. Instructions for how to add the app to your phone are included in the registration email.

Thank you for using PickUp Patrol to make safety a priority and to ensure our dismissal process is efficient for all our students. If you have any questions, please check the PUP Parent Guide. If you still need help, contact the office.

Hello Greystone Families!

My name is Liz H. Ball, and I am the Home and School Visitor at Greystone! My priority in this role is to be a resource for your students to be successful in the learning environment by addressing any barriers that may arise. Those barriers can include attendance, residency, and financial concerns that impact academic success. I can provide support applying for medical assistance and the NSLP. I can coordinate referrals for a variety of social services agencies and collaborate locating material needs by way of school, community, and government programs.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. My phone number is 484.883.1048 and my email address is Eball@wcasd.net

Have you heard about Flat Grizz and his amazing adventures?

We will also be collecting extra Halloween Candy for the staff for an additional treat as well!

• Yearbook - We need your photos (Class Parties, Trunk or Treat, Field Trips, etc)! Upload them here: https://web.treering.com/school/249729/2024/school-content/school-photos

• Box Tops - Did you know GES is a Box Top School? Download the Box Top App HERE and help GES earn more funds. No more "Box Tops" to clip, just scan your receipt! Search for Greystone Elementary School

November Sign up: https://www.greystonepto.com/volunteer/137337

December Sign up: https://www.greystonepto.com/volunteer/137366.

If you are scheduled for recess volunteer and we need to call indoor recess we will need to reschedule parent help!

https://greystoneelementary.itemorder.com/shop/home/

WEST CHESTER NATION Holiday SKILLS & DRILLS

Dr. Erin Stephen

Principal

Email: EStephen@wcasd.net

Phone: 484-266-2300

Address: 1195 Aram Ave, West Chester, Pa 19380

Instagram: @GreystoneGrizzilies