Weekly Update 10/16/26

Dear Clinton Primary Families,

As the leaves begin to turn, our school day is filled with steady routines and focused learning. Our students are fully settling into the structure of the school day, making this a wonderful time to build momentum both in the classroom and at home!

Primary students thrive when they take ownership of small everyday tasks. You can foster independence at home by practicing simple routines that mirror our classroom day: encourage your child to hang their coat on a low hook, open their own lunch containers, zip up their jacket, and pack their folder into their backpack before bed. Giving them the time and space to complete these tasks builds confidence, self-reliance, and pride while making their school morning transitions seamless!

Also, please remember that arriving on time each morning gives your child a calm, predictable start to their day alongside their classmates.

⏰ School Hours and Early Pick-Ups

Doors Open: 8:45 AM

School Start: 9:05 AM (Arriving before 9:05 AM lets kids unpack and start their morning calmly!)

Parent Pick-Up Line Opens: 3:00 PM

Bus Dismissal: 3:15 PM

📝 Planning an Early Pick-Up?

Please send a written note with your child in the morning. If you arrive unannounced—especially during 3:00 PM car-tag pick-up or 3:15 PM bus dismissal—you will experience wait times. During these busy transition times, our team's main focus is safely getting every student where they need to go!

🚗 Arrival, Dismissal, and Parking Lot Safety

Thank you for your patience in our car line! Students are so excited to see you at the end of the day, and staying in your vehicle until you reach the active loading area keeps everyone safe.

No Left Turns: Left turns into the parking lot are strictly prohibited during drop-off and pick-up. Please approach so you can make a right turn into the drive.

Pull Over: Queue along the right shoulder of Clinton Street so traffic keeps moving.

Stay in Your Car: Our friendly duty staff will assist your child in and out of the vehicle.

Drive Slowly & Alertly: Low speeds, no phone use, and watching crosswalks keeps our little ones safe!

📅 Looking Ahead: November & PTA Events

🌟 Skill of the Week: Personal Space

This week, we are practicing keeping our hands, feet, and bodies in our own space so everyone feels safe and comfortable!

Tips & Fun Ways to Practice at Home:

🎈 The "Personal Space Bubble": Have your child stretch their arms wide and spin gently to feel their invisible space bubble. Remind them to keep a friendly distance in line!

🖐️ Arm's Length Rule: Show your child how extending one arm forward is a great guide for giving friends room while standing in line or sitting on the rug.

🤝 Ask First: Practice asking politely before entering someone's space: "May I give you a hug?" or "Can I sit next to you?"

Thank you for your warm partnership and continued support in making Clinton Primary such a special place to learn and grow!

Kimberly M. McCartan

Principal, Clinton Primary School

PTA News

Become a member of our PTA for only $10!

These funds help our PTA continue to provide incredible family fun nights, teacher appreciation surprises, field trips, books, classroom essentials and SO MUCH MORE!

We also have membership incentives throughout the school year to say THANK YOU for your support.

Click the link below to join!

https://www.givebacks.com/causes/clinton-st-elem/shop