First page of Principal Newsletter

Following information was contained in "Note From the Principal Newsletter" pictured above.

I was able to share with parents that attend Kindergarten Orientation that we are modernizing our procedures.  We have been using an antiquated practice by allowing our campus to be wide-open during student arrival times and it is time we ensure more safe practice.

The first two weeks of school each year, we will continue to invite parents on campus to drop off their students in the classrooms.  This ensures a smooth start for our Kindergarteners and first graders. 

Beginning after Labor Day, we then move to a closed campus.  This affects drop off procedures in the morning. 

Arrival Time: Arrival time is from 8:00-8:20  Staff will meet you at those entrances. Before 8:00 and after 8:20  you will need to bring your child to the CHESTNUT STREET ENTRANCE.  MAKE IT PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE FOR A FEE STARTING at 6:00a.m.

Montgomery Street Entrance / Kindergarten End –  You need to be traveling south on Montgomery street if you plan to drop off your child and allow them direct access to the building. There will be two parking  spots left marked open with cones to allow parents to pull up parallel to the spot and have their child exit the car with limited assistance.  Parents should not remain parked in this drop-off area for any extended length of time.   Your child will then walk up to the door and will be met by a teacher who will direct them into the building.  Parents are also welcome to park along the street as in the past.  Double parking behind other vehicles could result in a parking citation by local law enforcement.  **NOTE** Teachers / staff cannot leave the entrance and come to the car to assist you with your child. 

Chestnut Street Entrance / First Grade End   We will have a teacher stationed at the door to greet your child and direct them into the building.   You are welcome to walk up and hand off your child. If your child is able to operate seatbelts and car door, you may also pull up in the drop-off and direct your child to the teacher at the door. **NOTE** Teachers / staff cannot leave the entrance and come to the car to assist you with your child. 

What if I need to see a teacher or drop something Off?  We always encourage you to call ahead and set up an appointment. If it is an immediate need, please park along  Chestnut street and report to the office. The secretary will direct you further.

Morning Playground for Closed Campus  Due to safety concerns that are very specific to the needs of our students at Madison Park, we ask that parents remain off of the playgrounds in the morning during arrival time once we move to the closed campus.  We have students that have very specific supervision needs and we need to ensure clear line of site and secure doors and gates.  This procedure also ensures students don’t have interactions with unknown adults during a busy time of the day.

Dining Room Procedures for Closed Campus

As part of a USDA regulated cafeteria with specific regulations  and with the implementation of a safe closed campus, we are asking parents to set a limit to “dine in” or “pick up and dine out” with students.  You are welcome to dine with your child occasionally, but we ask that you set reasonable limits to this activity and consider doing so for special occasions.  This makes  it a “treat” for your child and not an expectation. Touch base with your child’s teacher in advance of coming in to eat and check in at the office when you arrive. Allowing your child to dine without you in the cafeteria encourages independence and allows time to socialize with friends.  It will also make those occasions you do dine in special occasions.

This is a new procedure for YOU as parents and for us as a building.  Your child’s safety is important to us.    Staff does not have the latitude to change these procedures on any given morning and will redirect parents to the office if they have questions.  There will be bumps in the road as we implement this and we appreciate your support and patience.  Please direct any questions you have to me.  My phone number and email address appear at the start of this newsletter.