Dear Eastern Elementary Families:
I am more excited than ever to start
another year at Eastern Elementary!
This is my 16th year in
education. 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 ended in the most unusual circumstances I have seen in my career. I am proud of the efforts our school, community, families, and students made during the months of March-May to get the school year finished. Our staff showed strength in the face of adversity and overcome many unknowns to provide, quality education work, meals, graduations, awards, and departing gifts for our students. I want to thank all of our staff for the flexibility they displayed and the commitment they showed to our children. Students, I want to thank you for the efforts you made to complete assignments and continue your education during those difficult months. Families, moving forward, there are still unknowns but please rest assured we have the best interest of your children at the forefront of each and every decision we make. We are here to work with you and your children to ensure they are receiving the quality public education they are entitled to during this difficult time.
There are many changes taking place in our school to keep everyone as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have not already read our district restart plan, please go to our school website @ www.ep.k12.oh.us
and you will be able to read about many of the changes we have made .We are
asking for your help families! Please be vigilant in checking the health of
your student each morning before getting them off to school. We will be
conducting health screenings before students step on the bus and get dropped
off each morning. If a student is exhibiting symptoms of
COVID-19 during this screening, they will be sent home.
I specifically want to mention changes
to our drop off and pick up procedures. All K-5 students will be dropped off at
door 23 by the elementary gym. No exceptions unless prior arrangements are
made. Students will be screened for COVID-19 before exiting the car. Pick up
will be conducted in “flights” at different times and locations. We are asking
parents remain in the car and create a line. This is different than what has
been done in the past. You and your child or children will have the same number
and it will be called when you are near the point of pickup so they will be
ready when you arrive. These changes are to ensure social distancing and safety
for students and families at pick up time. Pick up times and locations are as
follows:
Flight A: 2:20 pm Door 23 by
elementary gym (same as drop off) any Kindergarten Students who gets picked up
and any siblings they may have.
Flight B: 2:35 pm Side playground
gate on west side of elementary building. Any grade 1 student and siblings (not
kindergarten)
Flight C: 2:45-3:00 pm Door 23 by
elementary gym. Any 2-5 grade student who is not a sibling of a kindergarten or
first grade student.
We will be posting a video to the
school website soon to give a clear picture of how this will flow.
Eastern Elementary will be conducting
a phase in day on both Thursday August 20th and Friday August 21st. This will be in place of open house. Each
child will be able to bring one adult and meet with their child’s teacher to
complete paperwork and answer any questions they may have. Each meeting will be
20 minutes. More information will be
coming in the coming days from your child’s teacher so watch the mail!
I would also like to mention to families
that our k-5 staff will all be using the “Seesaw Learning Platform” this year
as a way to connect to families. This can be downloaded as an app or used from
a traditional computer. This will be used for communication, announcements and pictures
of daily work student may be completing. In the event of a school closure it
can also be used to assign and grade work.
Lastly, There are three words I have been telling staff and I am going to mention to families as well. This is a fluid situation so please be patient, understanding, and flexible.
Students please remember our motto as we will once again be reciting this each and every day.
At Eastern Elementary, we do our “BEST,”
Be caring toward others,
Excel in all school activities,
Show respect toward others, even if they are not like myself,
Take responsibility for my own learning.
By doing these things I will fulfill my potential and help Eastern Elementary soar to new heights!
Please remember, "Today is a great day to be an Eastern Eagle!"
Sincerely,
Matthew E. Hines
Eastern Elementary Principal
(740) 226-6402 ext. 11005