Dear Greystone Families,

We are thrilled to kick off February with the return of one of our most exciting schoolwide events—our second annual Culture Day! On Tuesday, February 11th, our Grizzlies will embark on a global adventure filled with music, storytelling, and hands-on learning. From an interactive assembly led by Three Ashka, an Indian performing arts group, to hallway displays showcasing Flat Grizz’s world travels and flags representing our diverse school community, students will immerse themselves in the beauty of global cultures. Our upper elementary students will also take on the role of world travelers, leading their younger buddies on a journey of cultural discovery.

As we celebrate the richness of global experiences, I am especially excited to share stories from my time living and teaching in Brasília, Brasil! I can't wait to bring my own experiences into our conversations about the beauty of global citizenship. This special day reminds us all of the connections we share across the world, and I look forward to seeing our students’ passports fill up with new knowledge and appreciation for cultures near and far.

It's a great day to be a Grizzy!

Erin

2/11: Culture Day (2/20 Snow Date)

2/14: Half Day

2/17: No School

2/18-2/21: Guess the Teacher's Spirit Day. SHHHH it's a surprise!!!

2/28: 5th Grade Glow Social

3/5-3/7: Spring Conferences (more information to come)

3/4 and 3/18: Guest Author Visits

3/26: Stop, Drop, and Read

3/28: Dress up like your favorite book character

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.

Culture Day

The second annual Culture Day is coming up on February 11th! We cannot wait to celebrate all of the international cultures represented within our GES community.

So that we can be sure to include all of the countries our students and families originate from and/or have spent time being culturally-immersed in, parents and guardians please take a moment to fill out this quick survey.

Join Flat Grizz on his many adventures: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v3pR34KwmVBHRCINr_7FMu9BP2V6Q8ay/view?usp=sharing

Our 2nd annual GES Bingo night was a huge success! It was a great evening with nearly 400 Grizzly community members in attendance between the 2 sessions including 2 celebrity staff Bingo callers - Mrs Waters & Miss Dannehower. Thank you to all who supported this fun event!

The Beautification Committee is looking for volunteers—whether you have an artistic touch or just a willingness to lend a hand, there’s a place for everyone! If you are interested, please email greystoneptopresident@gmail.com.

Join us on Monday, February 17th 1:45 - 3:15PM for the GES Ice Skating Event at PowerPlay Rinks in Exton. The cost is $9/skater and includes skates and walkers (if needed). Come out and enjoy the day off with friends all while supporting your school!

February Recess Volunteers https://www.greystonepto.com/volunteer/141500

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

Save the Dates

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.

Dr. Erin Stephen

Principal

Email: EStephen@wcasd.net

Phone: 484-266-2300

Address: 1195 Aram Ave, West Chester, Pa 19380

Instagram: @GreystoneGrizzilies