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News from Eli Terry

Week of September 1st, 2023

News from Eli TerryWeek of September 1st, 2023

A Note from Your Principals

We were SO excited to welcome back our 491 students this week. While we sadly said, "Goodbye" to 6 families over the summer, we welcomed 9 new families - not including our 75 new Kindergarten students!


The energy in our halls, classrooms, cafeteria, playground, and instructional spaces was contagious. So many excited and enthusiastic learners. Judging by the last 3 days, I think it's safe to say this is going to be a productive and successful school year.


And because student voice is the most important, I have to share this glowing review of our first week back-to-school...


Student: "I am so excited to be back!"

Mrs. Hammer: "I'm excited to have you back. Did you have a great summer? Did you go any place fun?"

Student: "Yes, I went to Brazil."

Mrs. Hammer: "Wow, that must have been AMAZING!"

Student: "Not as amazing as coming back to school!"


Let's work together to bring that excitement, energy, and love for school to the next 182 days!

This morning we held our first announced fire drill. All of our students and staff did a wonderful job of following our expectations and completing the drill in a safe and orderly fashion. We will continue to practice our emergency drills throughout the year. In the coming weeks, we'll hold an announced modified lockdown and lockdown drill.

News from the Nurses

As a school we are working on ways to ensure our entire community feels supported, valued, connected, included and trusted, regardless of role.


In order to bring those feelings to life we have introduced a "Staff Spotlight". These "spotlights" are similar to our "Featured Student" program with the goal being that each staff member has an opportunity to highlight their individual strengths, passions, and things that bring them joy; while simultaneously being able to make connections across our 100+ staff members. Feeling connected promotes a positive school culture, which ultimately leads to student success!


Beginning with this week's newsletter, there will be a dedicated section to sharing a few of these spotlights each week. This will give our community a chance to honor the amazing people working in the building and give everyone a chance to learn a little bit more about the people who spend their days with your children!

Student Ambassadors at Pleasant Valley's Ribbon Cutting

This past Saturday, Pleasant Valley School held its ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open its brand new building. This was a momentous occasion as it marks the culmination of Dr. Carter's 10-year facilities plan -- the successful completion of 4 brand-new, state-of-the-art elementary schools!


To celebrate the day, Eli Terry had 3 student ambassadors attend - Jonathan Auguste (Grade 1), Mason Holmes (Grade 3), and Daksha Mali (Grade 5). These students truly represented the kindness, joy in learning, and inclusivity that Eli Terry embodies. Daksha even presented Dr. Carter with a bouquet of flowers to show her family's gratitude -- all her own idea!


We are so happy for the Pleasant Valley community as they've waited a long time for this moment!

Looking for an Early Release Wednesday Option?

Mad Science is an after school enrichment program brought in as a secondary option for after school care on 1/2 day Wednesdays. There are many options and different classes offered to help enrich the after school experience. Classes run from dismissal until 3:20. Parents are responsible to promptly pickup from school at 3:20pm.


Here is the link to explore program offerings and register:

https://westnewengland.madscience.org/parents-register-a.aspx?action=search&org=28878#ctn-activitylist

PTO Communications

Recent PTO Events

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It was a perfect night for the PTO's Welcome Back Picnic! Based on the number of tickets turned in at the ice cream truck, we had about 345 attendees!
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Students loved the contests run by DJ Doug. From hula hooping to jump roping, students competed hard to win prizes. There were some impressive skills on display!
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The PTO made it easy to have a picnic dinner on the lawn by arranging to have the Wooster Street Pizza truck, Ice Cream Dream truck, and selling bottled water.
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The PTO treated the entire ET staff to a DELISH lunch from Buckland Grill. Staff thought it was so nice to have a HOT lunch as opposed to the sandwiches they'll be likely packing for the next 182 school days! :0)
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Staff feasted on chicken parmigiana, eggplant parmigiana, chicken alfredo, sausage and peppers, garlic bread, salad, and plenty of desserts!


A HUGE thank you to Kathryn Army who started planning for this luncheon in early July!

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On Wednesday the PTO hosted a "BooHoo Breakfast" for parents with a Kindergarten. This event allowed families to connect over the shared experience of "the first day of school....ever!"


A BIG thank you to Katlyn Baker for planning this event!


Remember...any of the above events can be quickly added to your own Google Calendar just by clicking the blue hyperlink!

Events in the Larger South Windsor Community

Want Access to a Previous Newsletter?

Throughout the year, you may miss something and want to easily access a previous week's newsletter. Thanks to YOUR feedback, we've made that easy. You'll be able to just click the links below! We've included the last few weeks of newsletters here:


August 25th, 2023


PTO Newsletter - September


If you would like access to ALL previous newsletters you can find them here!