It's Back To School Time!!!

PICK UP/DROP OFF LINE: The drop off/pickup area at CES is located at the K door (second door in the front of the building). Parents/caregiver, please park at the Federated Church of Charlton which is next to the school. As stated above, it is imperative that you limit your time at drop off. Everyone will need to understand that the first day is a big transition day and will require more time, especially our kindergarten students (first day is September 3rd). We promise to give your child the love and comfort as they get used to their new learning environment. The sooner we can drop/pickup students, the better it will be. When it is time for you to leave, say your “good-byes” ~ even if your child is crying and upset, once you are gone, they WILL calm down and they WILL have fun. I can promise you... it might take some time, but it does stop! I can promise you that we will give them the love, hugs, and attention that they will need as they begin their new journey in a new environment.

Riding the big, yellow bus is often a very exiting experience for students. This is a place that they are able to be independent and social. Riding the school bus is a privilege provided by the School Committee for the purpose of an equal and maximum opportunity to all children in the district to obtain their education. There are quite a few rules students will be required to follow with SAFETY being the number one priority especially while boarding, disembarking, or being transported on the buses.

STUDENTS SHOULD EXHIBIT BEHAVIOR ON THE SCHOOL BUS WHICH RESPECTS THE RIGHTS OF OTHER STUDENTS AND THE BUS PROPERTY. ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:

1. Remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion. Wait until the bus stops before leaving your seat.

2. Show due respect for the driver and bus equipment, including proper removal of waste paper and debris.

3. Refrain from smoking on any school bus. (State Law)

4. Board buses in an orderly, quiet and courteous manner_.

5. Refrain from any excessive noise that might distract the driver.

6. Never hang arms, clothing, or other objects from bus windows.

7. Never walk between buses.

8. Never walk in back of a bus. Students leaving a bus are to walk in an orderly manner in front of the bus to cross to the other side of the street. The bus will remain stationary with lights flashing until you have crossed safely.

9. Leave the bus only at the regular stop. Do no ask to be left at special places.

NOTICE TO FAMILIES: The school district uses a form entitled NOTICE TO FAMILIES CONCERNING BUS BEHAVIOR (aka bus card) as a vehicle by which infractions of above rules are brought to the attention of the Families. This form, properly filled out by the driver, is given to the school principal for consideration of disciplinary action. Families are urged to direct any questions regarding their child’s behavior on the bus to the building principal and not to individual drivers.

FAILURE OF STUDENTS TO EXHIBIT PROPER BUS BEHAVIOR MAY RESULT IN THE LOSS OF BUS TRANSPORTATION PRIVILEGES.

Feel free to visit the District Transportation Website for any questions pertaining to transportation. Don't forget! There is a Parent First View app that allows you to track the bus!! Download the Parent First View Set Up guide. It is pretty spectacular!

In the very near future, staff and students of CES will participate in a fire drill and a lockdown drill. All teachers will be preparing students on the necessary steps to take in such an event. The lockdown drill is always a "soft" drill and not meant to stress students out or cause anxiety. ALL FAMILIES will be notified prior to and after our lockdown drill. Families are not notified of fire drills that take place. There is an expectation that these drills will take place 3 times throughout this school year. Again, ALL FAMILIES will be notified of any lockdown drills.

Each year, Charlton Elementary (along with all schools) establishes a School Council to consist of parents/caregivers, teachers, support staff, etc.

What are the main areas of responsibility for school councils?

The law outlines four major areas of responsibility for councils. School councils are to assist principals in:

1. Adopting educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies and statewide student performance standards

2. Identifying the educational needs of students attending the school

3. Reviewing the annual school building budget

4. Formulating a school improvement plan

If you are interested in being on our school council, please complete the form. Interest Survey by September 27, 2024. From there, I will see how much interest we have. If there is a great deal of interest, a voting form will be sent out to all families. The goal this year is to obtain 3 parents/caregivers.

The student handbook is available on-line (click on the picture on the right) and contains important information about school policies, procedures, and expectations for student conduct. It is reviewed annually by the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District School Committee and placed on file with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students and parent(s)/caregiver(s) are encouraged to take the time to review the handbook and become familiar with its contents. If you prefer a hard copy of the student handbook, please notify the main office at (508) 943-4312 and we will be sure to send one home.

It is important to note that forms have been sent home for your consent so that the school has permission to have your child's photograph taken. If we do not receive a form back from you, we will assume we have your permission. Any photographs taken are only shared through classrooms , via monthly newsletters and/or on the DCRSD website. They are not posted on social media in any form.

I would like for our newsletters, district website and Facebook page to include pictures of students here at CES so that all families can see the positive energy and fun that is taking place throughout the school day. Permission to have your child's picture taken and shared is required. If we do not receive a response from you, it will be assumed that we have your permission.

Thank you!

Students will be provided with a snack break as part of the school day. Depending on their lunch time, students could enjoy a snack in the morning or in the afternoon. They are allowed to bring in personal water bottles. Please have your child's bottle labeled with their name. Any liquids from home must either be in a juice box that can be thrown away or clear liquid if in a water bottle. Charlton Elementary School has three hydration stations that students can refill their bottles as necessary.

CES is not a peanut free school but we do have peanut free classrooms. We strongly encourage that students bring a peanut free snack to school especially since they are eaten in the classrooms.

* The lunchroom is not peanut free but necessary arrangements are made for those who are allergic. For lunch, pack as you wish and know that your child will enjoy!

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