News From The Grizzlies' Den

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Happy November, everyone! As we enter this new month, the crisp autumn air brings with it a season of gratitude and togetherness. November is a time to reflect on the joys of learning, the strength of our community, and the excitement of the upcoming holiday season. Here at Greystone, we are thankful for our amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive families who help make our school such a wonderful place to learn and grow. Let’s continue working together to ensure a fun, engaging, and enriching month for all!

It's a great day to be a Grizzly!

Erin

If you have any money in your SCHOLASTIC e-wallet from previous book fairs, it is not lost! It can be used online to make purchases on the SCHOLASTIC website. https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/parent-store.html

11/1: No School Diwali

11/5: No School Teacher In-service

11/7: November PBIS Assembly

11/11: Last Day to Order Art to Remember (see below)

11/12: Book Fair Family Night 5-7pm

11/11-11/15 Book Fair

11/20: Picture Retakes

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

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.

Greystone is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child's art. There are over 60 products and many are less than $20. These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school. Click on the link below and enter the online order code shown on your child's order form or to search for your child's artwork. Then, have fun shopping!

https://arttoremember.com/school/W4W87A

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?

Most Creative: The Greystone Zoo, by the Bryant Family

Spookiest: Game Night in the Graveyard by the Altland Family

Best Costumes: Toy Story by the Sabatino Family

Funniest: Halloween at the Beach by the Buckler Family

Grizzly GOAT: Inside Out by the Stokes Family

• 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

Volunteers: https://www.greystonepto.com/volunteer/137337

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/

Dr. Erin Stephen

Principal

Email: EStephen@wcasd.net

Phone: 484-266-2300

Address: 1195 Aram Ave, West Chester, Pa 19380

Instagram: @GreystoneGrizzilies