The Crocodilian

Welcome Back, HEC Families!

I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy a fun, restful, and memorable summer with your loved ones! As we step into our 35th year at H.E. Corley Elementary, I’m filled with excitement and gratitude for all we’ve accomplished—and all that’s still ahead.

This year, we are celebrating connection—connecting our past to our present and future, connecting with our students, our families, and our community. We are also focused on building strong academic connections that inspire our Classy Crocs to love learning and grow into confident, compassionate leaders.

We’re also thrilled to continue supporting our families by providing all school supplies for every student, helping to ensure a smooth and stress-free start for everyone.

Our team has been working hard to create an engaging, nurturing environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired. We can’t wait to partner with you to make this school year the best one yet!

Let’s celebrate 35 years of excellence—and the bright future we’re building together.

With excitement,
Melanie Harris
Principal

*4K students will receive an email from their teachers with their specific staggered start schedule.

*All students will need a car tag if they are an afterschool car rider at any point in the school year.*

Good News! We will use the same car tags from last year, so if you still have yours you don't have to do anything else! Please only complete the form below if you are new or if you need a replacement.

*If you are a NEW student or NEW car rider - you will receive 2 tags.

*If you are a returning student and need a replacement - you will receive one replacement per year for free.

*Any additional or replacement tags during the school year will be $1.00 each.

Complete this form only once per family. List all of the children/student's on this form.

Forms completed prior to Friday, August 1st at 5pm will be available at Crocodile Countdown on Tuesday, August 5th. Any requests after Friday, August 1st will be sent home with the student on the first day of school. Any requests after the first day of school will be sent home with the student 24-48 hours after the request is entered.

We know that bringing your child to school on their first day is an important occasion for your family. We welcome parents/guardians to walk their child to class on the first day if you choose. Please be aware of some safety protocols that will be in place if you choose to walk your child to class. The doors open at 7:05 AM and we ask you to exit before the instructional day begins at 7:35 AM.

• Our school buses arrive in our Front Loop each morning. We ask that you not block the buses or the student exiting the buses. Students will enter first and then we will allow families to enter.
• All visitors must park their car and enter through the Front Entrance.
• All visitors must go through our Open Gate metal detection system to enter the school and walk their child to class. It is recommended to only bring your car keys, phone and any school supplies.

Each of these measures is being taken to ensure the safety of your child. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that H. E. Corley Elementary School is a safe school for all.

Afternoon Dismissal Procedures

Car Line Procedures:

• 4K, Primary Montessori, 1st grade, and only their siblings will be picked up in the Teacher Parking lot car line (Station 2).

• 5K, Lower & Upper Elementary Montessori, 2nd-5th Grades will be picked up in the Cafeteria Car line (Station 1).

• Your HEC Car Tag must be visibly displayed from your rearview mirror in order to pick up students. If you do not have a car tag, you will have to go to the front office and provide identification to pick up the student.

At H. E. Corley Elementary School nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and teachers. To strengthen our building security and ensure a safer campus for all, we have recently installed a new vestibule entry system at the front office. We appreciate your support as we adopt these newly district updated procedures.

Please review the following step-by-step instructions carefully. These procedures will be strictly followed for all visitor entries:

Front Office Entry Protocol

• Approach the main entrance and press the silver metal button at the intercom (to the right).
• A receptionist will respond. State your name and the reason for your visit.
• Once verified, the receptionist will buzz open the right-hand door.
• Only the right-hand door will unlock.
• Do not hold the door open for anyone else behind you.
• Proceed directly to the open-gate metal detector. All visitors must walk through the open gate.
• Students accompanying an adult may stand to the side.
• Bags, keys, and phones may remain with you but must be minimal.

For efficiency and safety, we strongly recommend bringing only your phone and car keys when entering the building.

Please also note:

• Students may not enter the front office without an adult.
• All visitors must follow this process—no exceptions.

We thank you for your patience, cooperation, and continued commitment to keeping our school a safe place for every child. A brief delay at the door is a meaningful step toward peace of mind inside.

Need after school care for your 5K-5th grader? Check out our after school CHAMPS Academy!

Another thing checked off the list - grade level school supplies are provided! Please note that there are some items listed that the classroom teachers are still in need of.

HEC Has been awarded the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2025-26 school year. This means all students are eligible to receive FREE breakfast and lunch at school!🧇🍇🥪🥕🌮🍎

Please call the Front Office at 803-476-4001