East Elementary

Welcome to a New School Year at East Elementary!

Dear East Elementary Families,

We are thrilled to begin another year filled with learning, growth, and community building! We extend a warm welcome to all of our new students and families. We look forward to continuing to build our school community and strengthening the relationships that make East Elementary such a special place.

Important Reminders

Field Trips & Background Checks:

If you plan to volunteer or join us on any field trips this year, please remember that background checks are required. This is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of all our students. We appreciate your support in maintaining a secure environment for everyone. Click here for more information about Volunteering at East and to complete a background check.

Snack and Treat Guidelines:

Our snack guidelines have changed! Please see this link for acceptable classwide snacks at school. As a reminder, no homemade treats, candy, soda, or cakes/cupcakes (even for birthdays!).

Electronic policy:

Wisconsin Act 42 is a state law that requires all public school districts to adopt local policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices during instructional time. The Baraboo School District created a policy in accordance with this law. You can find a graphic in the newsletter that details the policy and procedures.

A Focus on Safety:

Safety is always our top priority at East Elementary. In addition to our snack guidelines and background checks for volunteers, we will be conducting regular safety drills throughout the year. These drills include fire, tornado, and lockdown drills, ensuring that our students and staff are well-prepared for any situation. Click here for more information about our safety protocols.

Dates to Remember:

• School Picture Day: Friday, September 11th, 8:00am-11:00am

• Picture Day ID: EVTFHX8RB

• Link to Order School Pictures

• Culver’s Share Night: Join us on Tuesday, Sept. 22 for our Culver’s Share night! A portion of all sales will go to our Parent Support Group to fund school activities.

Communication is Key:

We believe that open communication between home and school is essential for student success. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in Infinite Campus so that you receive important updates throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or the front office with any questions or concerns.

Join the East School Parent Group:

Our Parent Support Group (ESPG) plays a vital role in our school community. We encourage all families to get involved, whether through volunteering, attending meetings, or supporting events. Together, we can make a big difference! Join the next meeting on Tuesday, September 8th, 6pm-7pm in the school library.

We look forward to seeing students on Tuesday, September 1st! Remember doors open at 7:35 a.m. for breakfast and no supervision is provided before that time.

Thank you!

Jori Ruff, Principal - East Elementary

All East Families should read through this presentation before the first day of school. Click Here!

The school website is a great resource! Here you will find:

Lunch Menu

Panther Press Newsletter

Volunteer Information

Full School Calendar

Staff Directory

School Safety Info

Upcoming Events

Download our App for your phone:

Apple and Google Play

Tuesday, September 1 First Day of School Kindergarten - 5th Grade

Wednesday, September 2 Full Day of School

Friday, September 4 First Day of School 4K

Monday, September 7 No School or KidStop - Labor Day

Friday, September 11 East School Picture Day

Wednesday, September 23 Full Day of School

Friday, September 25 Two Hour Early Release - Homecoming

Wednesday, September 30 No School or KidStop - Staff Professional Development Day

Wednesday, October 21 Full Day of School

Thursday, October 22 Two Hour Early Release - Parent/Teacher Conferences

Friday, October 23 No School or KidStop

Friday, October 30 East School Picture Retakes

Attendance Letter from Mrs. Ruff

Please remember that it is important to report an absence or if your student will be late to school or leave early.

Andrea Schroeder, Administrative Assistant

Email: aschroeder@barabooschools.net

Text: (608) 621-2248

Voicemail: (608) 355-3920

✈️ Planned Absences & Family Vacations

We understand that family time is important. If you plan an extended absence for a family vacation or other reason:

• Action Required: For absences of three or more days, such as a family vacation, please notify the office a week in advance.

Thank you!

Please register online for Sauk County’s award-winning oral health program by October 12 for East’s program. Click here to sign up. https://sealasmile.wisconsin.gov/Consent/Home/About

This free program is designed to build a strong foundation of positive oral health experiences and knowledge for ALL students—whether your student regularly visits a dentist or has yet to have their first dental visit.

Together Seal-A-Smile partners with families and their dentists to strengthen oral health wherever your learner may be through education, skill-building, decay-preventing fluoride and sealant treatments, as needed. Every child goes home with an after-visit letter and oral health kit to inspire their brushing and flossing routine.

Contact Seal-A-Smile Coordinator Katie if you have questions katie.homar@saukcountywi.gov or (608) 963-9251. Seal-A-Smile will be visiting East in late October.

What is ESPG? The East School Parent Group is a community of parents and family members dedicated to enhancing our children’s education. By getting involved, you help improve student performance, provide vital resources for our teachers, and fund the "extra" fun—like field trips and school programs—that makes East School so special.

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars

• When: Tuesday, September 8th

• Where: East School Library

• Who: Everyone is welcome! Childcare is provided in the school gym.

🤒 When to Keep Your Child Home (Too Sick for School)

Please keep your child home if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms. They should remain home until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

• Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F or higher.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Keep your child home if they have had two or more episodes in the previous 24 hours.

🤧 When They Can Still Come (Mild Symptoms)

A simple runny nose, mild congestion, or an occasional cough are usually fine for school, provided your child is fever-free, without medication. We ask that you teach them good hygiene habits like coughing into their elbow and regular handwashing to prevent the spread of germs.

If you have questions regarding current illness guidelines or have a positive test to report, please email or call the East Health Office.

rchristensen@barabooschools.net

bhelton@barabooschools.net

Direct Line to the East Health Office: (608) 893-6262

Nurse Fax: (608) 355-3975

Enrollment for Fall 26/27 programs are now open. Information and registration forms are available on the District website or paper copies are available at all elementary school offices and the East, GLW and West Kid Stop sites. Completed enrollment forms may be submitted by scanning to the Kid Stop Coordinator’s email address at pgavin@barabooschools.net or dropping your form off at the Gordon L. Willson Elementary School office during business or Kid Stop hours. Please know that there is no online registration option for the Kid Stop program. Any questions, please contact Pat Gavin at the above email address.

We do not have a waitlist at any of our Kid Stop sites at this time, so spread the word that we are still accepting enrollments.

EAST Kid Stop

• During the school day: 355-3920 ext. 4132
• After School: 608-393-6924

GLW Kid Stop

• During the school day: 355-3925 ext. 7150 or cell 608-393-6872
• After School: 608-393-6872

Kid Stop Coordinator

Pat Gavin - pgavin@barabooschools.net (Best way to communicate via email)

GLW Kid Stop Cell - 608-393-6872

Kid Stop Director

Jori Ruff, Kid Stop Director and East School Principal - jlruff@barabooschools.net

Phone - 608-355-3920, ext. 4010

Students should have their bus pass everyday. The Boys and Girls Club shuttle bus students must have their pass or they will not be able to ride. If your student didn't receive their bus pass at open house, they will get it from their driver on their first day riding.

If they need a replacement pass, a new one can be purchased for $5.00 through the school store located in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you need assistance ordering a replacement or getting logged in, please contact our Tech Department at (608)355-3940 Option #3.

Download the MyRide K12 bus app to see your student's location once they have scanned onto the bus.