ESA Elementary Family Update

Families, it is essential that students attend school daily, arrive on time, and remain for the full school day. When students arrive late, valuable instructional time is lost. Teachers begin lessons promptly at 9:00 AM each day. Thank you for your support in ensuring all students are present and ready to learn on time!

This years theme honors the women who have reimagined and rebuilt systems to ensure long-term sustainability; environmental, economic, educational, and societal. This theme recognizes the powerful leadership of women in shaping a future rooted in equity, justice, and opportunity for all.

From environmental advocacy to financial reform, from community organizing to policy innovation, women continue to stand at the forefront of transformative, holistic change. Their leadership not only addresses today’s most pressing challenges but also lays the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tomorrow.

At ESA, our focus for the month of March is Leading the Change. Students, parents, and families play a key role in shaping a child’s education.

Students should take charge of their learning by setting goals, staying organized, asking questions, and participating in activities that build skills and confidence.Parents and families should stay connected with teachers, attend school events, monitor homework and grades, and encourage curiosity and effort.

By working together with the school, students and families can support learning, build confidence, solve problems, and engage in school and community activities. When everyone works as a team, children are set up to succeed and grow both in school and beyond.

If you need to pick up your child for an early dismissal, please arrive at the school no later than 2:45pm. For the safety and efficiency of our dismissal process, we cannot accommodate early dismissal requests made over the phone or arrivals after this deadline. Dismissal for all students begins at 3:45pm, and we must ensure a smooth and orderly process. Please plan accordingly if an early pickup is necessary.

Parents, we're encouraging every child to read at least 15 minutes a night independently or to a family member. Reading instills confidence in your child as well as develops comprehension skills. We have books at ESA that students are welcome to take home with them. Thank you in advance for your partnership in this endeavor.

Arrival

• Pre-K: Students must be signed in by an adult starting at 8:45am at the gym doors.

• K–5: Students may enter through the gym doors or cafeteria doors beginning at 8:30am.

• Late Arrivals: Any student arriving after 9:00am must enter through the main doors and be signed in by an adult.

Dismissal

To ensure a safe and efficient dismissal, students are organized into the following groups:

• Walk-Up Pickup: If you park or walk up to the building, you will pick up your child at the gym doors.
• Car Line Pickup: The car line forms along the 1400–1500 block of Esrey Street (Adjacent to the Palmer House). Parents must remain in their vehicles; students will be called out to you.
• Bus Riders: Students riding a school bus or van will wait in their assigned bus room.
• Daycare/Learning Center: Students that will be picked up by a daycare/learning center will wait in their assigned room.

Important Reminders

• If your child’s dismissal plan changes, please notify the school no later than 12:00pm.

• Students will only be released to individuals listed on their emergency contact form.

• Dismissal will not occur from the main doors—all students will exit through either the gym doors or the cafeteria doors.