Dear Eastern Elementary Families:

The start of the school year is here!

This is my 17th year in education and 6th year as Elementary Principal here at Eastern. Prior to becoming a principal here at Eastern, I spent 5 years as a classroom teacher in grades 4, 6, and 8. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to work in this wonderful community and with our awesome children on a daily basis.

Last school year started full of uncertainty and required everyone to think outside of the box to make our school run successfully. With the collective efforts of staff, families, and students we were able to keep our school open for in-person learning throughout the year. Even though a typical school day for our students looked different than before, we were able to successfully do what many other schools would not, stay open for in-person learning. 

I want to take this time to thank all parties. Families: thank you for the flexibility, patience, and willingness to trust in our school throughout uncertain times. Students: thank you for the always smiling faces we may not have been able to see, positive attitudes, and ability to adapt to the ever changing school day. Staff: your willingness to go the extra mile, take the extra time, endure the difficult schedules, and embrace the constant flow of students to and from remote learning.  All of these things together allowed for our students to successfully complete the year with in-person learning. 

Students in grades 3-5 were given the Ohio State Assessments in April and May of 2021. Eastern Elementary had the top score in Pike County in six out of seven tested areas and placed second in the county in the seventh area. Additionally we scored above the state average five out of seven areas. These excellent scores are a true reflection of the aforementioned efforts of everyone last school year. 

Our school district has developed a comprehensive plan to keep your child as safe as possible during this on-going pandemic. This plan can be found on our school website (click HERE). Changes could be made to this plan throughout the school year based on the number of cases locally or mandates we are required to follow.

All K-5 students will be dropped off at door 23 by the elementary gym. No exceptions unless prior arrangements are made. Pick up will be conducted in “flights” at different times like last year. We ask that all parents stay in their car and create a line just like we did last school year. This process was found to be safer, quicker, and overall more efficient than what we previously did. 

I would like to encourage all families to connect to the Seesaw Learning program that our school will once again be using. This “app” provides a way for your child’s teacher to communicate with you as well as post pictures of activities taking place throughout the school year. I will also be using this program to send school wide messages when information needs to be distributed to families. This program is super easy to use, can be a way for you to help monitor your child's progress, and see many of the great things taking place at Eastern Elementary. 

Lastly, our District is going to be offering an after school learning program beginning later in the fall. This program will be used to help students who may need extra support to master their grade level reading and mathematics expectations. More information will be given about this program in the coming weeks. 

Sincerely,

Matthew E. Hines

Eastern Elementary Principal