Central Elementary School

Welcome Back Central Stars!

We are excited to see our students as we get ready for a brand new year filled with endless possibilities and exciting adventures.

The staff and I want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your support and dedication to your child's education. Together, we can create a nurturing and thriving learning environment where every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Open communication is important to us. Please maintain an open dialogue with your child's teacher and the school office. We are here to listen, support, and work together to ensure your child's success. This year I will be hosting a series of opportunities for parents to discuss hot topics, ask questions, and learn more about education.

Again, welcome back to Central Elementary School! We are confident that this academic year will be filled with growth, cherished memories, and accomplishments.

With warm regards,

Matt Saunders

Principal, Central Elementary School

Please help us welcome our new staff members...

Kristy Churchill - Special Education

Kari Bernard - Special Education

Start of School Information

Doors open for students at 8:00 am. School starts at 8:10 am. Kindergarten and first grade students are to be dropped off at our front entrance on State Street. Second through fifth grade students will utilize our Grove Street entrance. If you have a kindergartener and/or first grade student IN ADDITION TO a second through fifth grade student, you are welcome to drop off and pick up on State Street. Parents will say goodbye at the door and students will go straight to their lockers to put their things away before coming into the classroom. Staff members will be inside to greet and assist students at both entrances, as well as at the bus loop. Please review our attendance policy (below) for important information.

Dismissal Information

Central Elementary has a staggered dismissal;

Kindergarten - 2:55 pm

First grade - 3:00 pm

Second through fifth grade - 3:05 pm

Please note that parents are not allowed in the school during dismissal. If you need to meet with your child's teacher or school administration, please reach out to them individually to schedule a meeting.

Parent Volunteers

The Central PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is a wonderful way to get involved with fun activities for the school. There will also be opportunities to volunteer in your child's classroom working with small groups or stations, helping with classroom parties, and more. Please know that it is up to the teacher to establish volunteer needs per classroom.

Student Medication

If your child needs medication (daily and/or as needed) while at school, it must be signed into the office. Please contact the office for forms and procedure. Thank you.

It is the parent’s responsibility to report each and every absence. Please contact the office by calling (231) 348-2110 to report your child’s absence before 8:00 am. Your call will be directed to voicemail or handled directly by office personnel. In addition, if your child will need to leave during the school day for an appointment or other matter, please notify the office ahead of time. Last minute arrangements are difficult during our busy day and we can’t guarantee that your child will be ready and waiting unless we have ample notice. In order to obtain the best possible education, it is important that students attend class on a daily basis and arrive on time. School starts at 8:10 am. Please do your best to have students here before that time. Regular classroom participation is necessary to achieve the best possible learning situation for every student. This policy statement has been developed to encourage good attendance and to discourage tardiness. Our goal is to maximize every student’s opportunity to learn.

Tuesday, August 29th - Begindergarten

Wednesday, August 30th - OPEN HOUSE 4-5:30 pm

Tuesday, September 5th - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (FULL DAY)

Friday, September 22nd - Picture Day

Tuesday, October 10th - Picture Retake Day

Location: 410 State Street, Petoskey, MI, USA
Phone: 231-348-2110