Dear Students and Families,
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year at Scott M. Ellis Elementary! While our community, region, and nation have endured a number of challenges during the past six months, our staff has used this time to adjust school processes and plan valuable experiences for our students. Now, we are ready to welcome our students to the exciting year that lies ahead!
Our priorities for 20-21 focus on safety and wellness, relationships, and excellent academic programs. These priorities, along with feedback from children, families, and staff, and results from our student learning data, help us to create building specific goals. We remain committed to encourage curiosity and creativity, help students learn at the highest levels possible, respect themselves and others, and be the best people they can be!
This summer, a great deal of work was completed to improve our beautiful school. Some examples include:
New playground equipment
New pavilion and picnic tables for student/teacher use
New fencing on the south end of our playground
A re-configured health office
Completion of the north parking lot, with extended sidewalks and crosswalks
In a typical year we would host two events prior to the opening of school: Kindergarten Open House and the “Ellis Hallway Walk.” Kindergarten Open House will be replaced with a Kindergarten Car Visit! Families (with their children) will drive to Ellis to meet their teacher, drop-off supply/clothing items, and receive a small treat from the teacher. A schedule of dates and times will be sent to Kindergarten families via email.
Since it's not possible to offer the “Ellis Hallway Walk,” we will provide additional support for students as they arrive during the opening days of school. Adult helpers will be positioned at entry doors and throughout the hallways so that all children have assistance in navigating their way to their classrooms.
Device Pick-up for All Remote Students, Grade 4, and Grade 5 (south parking lot)
Students assigned to daily remote instruction will pick-up devices and initial materials on Sept. 2, from 9 am-11:00 am
Students in grades 4-5 will pick up devices for two days of remote learning (9/11 & 9/14)
Pick up for students with last names beginning with A-L - Sept. 3, 8 am-10:00 am
Pick up for students with last names beginning with M-Z - Sept. 3, 10 am-12:00 pm
(Students in grades 2-3 have been mailed work materials to be completed on September 11)
The First Day of School
The opening of school will be staggered to allow children a comfortable and welcoming experience as we transition to new routines.
Kindergarten, Grade 1, Mrs. Gatto’s class, and all remote learners begin on Friday, Sept. 11
Grade 2, Grade 3, and Mrs. Scher’s class begin on Monday, Sept. 14 (K-3 attend)
Grade 4 and Grade 5 will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 15 (K-5 attend)
The doors at Scott M. Ellis will open at 7:40 am each day; students will not be able to enter the building prior to that time. Students who arrive between 7:40 am and 7:55 am will enter the building through the north doors and proceed to the gym to wait until the beginning of the school day. Any student who arrives during this time should have a book or backpack item to enjoy while they wait (social distancing will be required during this time).
We will be using new arrival routines as students exit school buses and when being dropped-off by parents. In order to assist children and families, we will share video messages that demonstrate how students can enter the school and begin their day in the safest manner possible. These videos will be posted to our website by September 9th.
This welcome letter will be followed by a number of important materials; we ask that you review these materials before school begins. Please review, sign, and return the Student/Parent Contact/Emergency Dismissal/Health Information forms to the Elementary Office as soon as possible. This safety information is updated annually to reflect the changing needs of our families.
The Elementary website is an important source of information about school programs both new and familiar procedures. Once school begins, an electronic “Letter from the Principal,” will be used to communicate about the exciting learning, special activities, and upcoming events at Scott M. Ellis. If you have not received electronic communications before, please call 518.966.5070 ext. 305 to sign up. If parents require a paper copy of the newsletter (or other documents), please contact the Elementary Office.
We hope the remaining days of summer are full of laughter, great books, and fun! All of us at Scott M. Ellis are looking forward to the opening days of school and hope you are too. We invite all students in grades K-12 to show their Spartan Spirit by wearing maroon and white on Friday, September 11 and Tuesday, September 15th!
Sincerely,
Peter Mahan Daniel Hash
Elementary Principal K-12 Principal /RTI Coordinator