News from Eli Terry
Back to School Special Edition - August 25th, 2023
Summer Letter from the Principals
Transportation Information
Bus transportation information (bus number, pickup/drop off location, and time) is now available in the web-based Power School Parent Portal!
While it has historically also been posted to the district website, this year it will only be available in Power School.
You can access this information by:
Logging into your Parent Portal account (linked above)
From the "landing page" and from the menu on the left-hand side, select "Forms"
Select "General Forms" from the tab at the top
Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page
From the "Transportation" options, select "Bus Information"
Please do not hesitate to contact the Main Office if you have any difficulty accessing this important information. However, for questions regarding specific transportation logistics, please contact Marlene Pouliot at 860-291-1252 or mpouliot@swindsor.k12.ct.us.
Absence/Attendance Reporting
Car Rider Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
Car rider arrival and dismissal procedures are incredibly important in keeping our school community safe during the busiest times at Eli Terry. Below you'll find explanations, reminders, and clarification on the process for those of you who drive your children to school in the morning and/or pick your children up in the afternoon. The process is pretty much the same exact thing for AM and PM, but in reverse.
For those families who drive their children to and from school, you have two options:
Option 1: PARK IN THE PARKING LOT:
You can park in the parking lot. Then, you may hold your child’s hand, and cross at the main crosswalk, where you see Mr. Kenyon or Mrs. Hammer standing. Children are NOT permitted to exit cars in the parking lot by themselves and walk across this crosswalk by themselves. You must be by their side at all times.
Option #1 is great for those families that would like to walk your child to the Main Entrance, squeeze in some last minute hugs, assist students with carrying items, speak to Mr. Kenyon or Mrs. Hammer, etc.)
Option 2: UTILIZE DROP-OFF LANE:
You may pull in the entrance and drive along the outer edge/curb/perimeter of the back parking lot. See the map below! You should not be utilizing the middle lane. That is reserved for our speciality buses and parents utilizing the parking option.
When you pull up to the front sidewalk, along the gym, you must stay in your car and keep your car running. Your child then gets out all by himself/ herself from the back seat, right-hand side of your car. This way, they are immediately up on the sidewalk when they exit your car. Your child then walks all by himself/herself to the Main Entrance. With this option, it is important that you immediately let your child out of the car, as soon as you are along the front sidewalk. Even if you are far back from the Main Entrance, please let your child out of the car, and he/she can walk to the front doors. We sometimes have parents who wait until their car is in the very first position, closest to the building, and this is creating an unnecessary backup in the parking lot. Your child may have to walk a little longer, but the exercise and fresh air will work beautifully in getting their brain cells activated!
Option #2 is designated for parents who are able to do a fairly quick drop-off, and then pull away. If you need much more time with your child at drop off, this is not the very best option for you. Option 1 would be the better choice.
In order for this to work we need parents to remain in their cars if they are in the car riders drop off lane. Your child should be ready in the car with their backpack on and all materials in hand when you pull up. If you plan to get out for hugs, you must park your car and walk your child to the crosswalk or the front entrance.
When dropping off/picking up your children from school, it is crucial that you are driving very slowly, not using your cell phone at all, and being observant of children/ parents/other cars moving about our parking lot and in the crosswalks. The safety and security of everyone during these crucial and busy times of our school day is a top priority for ALL of us.
In addition...parent drop is from 8:25-8:45 a.m. If you drop your child off after 8:45AM (once the front doors are closed and there is not an adult outside), please park your car and walk your child to the front entrance. You will need to physically sign your child in and your child will be marked tardy.
We thank you so much for your support and cooperation with this important matter! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback!
"Event" Parking at Eli Terry
For large school events (ie. Meet & Greet, Open House, STEM Night, etc.) once the parking lot is full, please park on the back field on the grass. Do not park near the infield of baseball field or in the 3 spaces in front of the exit ramp.
Please see the map below for entrance and exit directions.
Breakfast and Lunch at School
Lunch is returning to being paid; with the pricing for elementary students being $3.00. As a result, we'd like to remind our families that free and reduced-price school meal benefits are available to eligible families through the Free and Reduced Price Meal Application.
The 2023-24 application is linked here. Additionally, a physical copy will be sent home with each student the first week of school and is linked on the district website. The instructions for filling out and submitting the application to the Food Service Department are included.
It is important to note that each family only needs to submit one application, however a new application MUST be submitted each school year. While it is recommended to submit applications at the beginning of the school year, they can be submitted at any point due to changes in household income. Families who qualified in the previous year will retain their eligibility at the start of the year, allowing them time to submit a new application.
Families determined eligible for reduced priced meals will receive additional information related to lunch meal pricing. Please watch for an email from the Food Service Department.
For any questions related to Free and Reduced Meals or Food Services in general, please contact Food Service Specialist Lisa Clayton at 860-474-1499 or lclayton@swindsor.k12.ct.us.
Additional Food Services Information
Important Beginning of the Year Events:
- Kindergarten Bus Ride - Monday, August 28th, 5-5:30PM
- PTO Welcome Back Picnic - Monday, August 28th 6-7:30PM (more information below!)
- Meet and Greet - Tuesday, August 29th (8:15-8:45 A-L, 9:15-9:45 M-Z)
- First Day of School - Wednesday, August 30th (full day of school)
- PTO "Boo Hoo Breakfast" for Kindergarten Families - Wednesday, August 30th, 8:45-9:15AM
- NO SCHOOL - Labor Day - Monday, September 4th
- Early Release Wednesdays - 12:45 dismissal (begin 9/13 and continue through 12/22)
- Open House - Wednesday, September 13th, 6:30-8PM
Remember...any of the above events can be quickly added to your own Google Calendar just by clicking the blue hyperlink!
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