Principal's Update

Dear Coupeville Elementary Families,

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful winter break filled with rest, family time, and perhaps a few extra treats. Happy New Year to each of you! I'm excited to kick off the second half of the school year together and can't wait to see our Wolf Pups back in action, Monday, January 5th.

New Door Entry System:

Mrs. Courtney Simpson-Pilgrim and I have been working through the logistics of our new security system, and we are hopeful for a smooth rollout. However, as with anything new, we anticipate some challenges may arise, and we want to thank you in advance for your patience and support as we navigate this important safety upgrade together.

Here's how the new system will work:

• Main entrance doors will now remain unlocked during the school day
• Morning visitors, during drop-off, must still sign in at the appropriate location
• Once student drop-off is complete, interior doors leading into the building will be closed and locked
• Visitors and volunteers will use our camera/speaker system (think Ring Doorbell) to communicate with main office staff
• Please bring your ID - we will be checking identification for all visitors and volunteers
• Jan. 5-9: we will open the main doors at 8:40 am for visitor/volunteer sign-in, in the lobby area. Students will still enter at 8:55 am.

This update to our entry system puts student and staff safety at the forefront. When you scan your ID, the system will run an instant check for violent crimes and crimes against children. Should the system flag an issue, you will be directed to speak with administration.

For families with students at the middle and high school: This is the same system used at those buildings; however, they are not linked, so you will still need to follow the check-in process here at CES.

Please review the detailed PDF below that outlines all procedures. Again, we are thankful for this increased safety and security, and we greatly appreciate your patience as we implement this process with our very busy main office.

Getting Back to Routine:

As students return this week, we will be reviewing our PAWS Promise expectations throughout the building. Your support is appreciated in reinforcing our school-wide expectations as we ease back into routine and—at least for my house—get back to a bedtime! :-)

PAWS Promise Reminder:

• Polite
• Act Responsibly
• Work Together
• Safe

Your support and partnership is greatly appreciated. In this school, we swim together, and I know together we'll make this second semester amazing!

Warm regards,

Principal Erica McColl
Coupeville Elementary School

As we begin the new year, we're excited to continue our Monthly Character Trait Recognition Program with January's focus on a quality that helps our students grow into confident and principled individuals.

January's Character Trait: Courage

To choose what is good, right, and kind even when it is hard or scary!

This month, we're celebrating the powerful trait of courage. Students will be recognized for:

• Standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult

• Trying new things despite feeling nervous

• Speaking up when they see someone being treated unkindly

• Admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for their actions

• Asking for help when they need it

• Being themselves, even when it feels easier to follow the crowd

How It Works

• Teachers will observe and note instances of students displaying genuine courage throughout the month

• Two students from each grade level will be selected for demonstrating exceptional courage

• Recipients will receive a special certificate and recognition during our monthly assembly

• Their certificates will be displayed on our "Wall of Courage" in the main hallway

How Families Can Help

• Share stories of times when you showed courage in your own life

• Celebrate your child's efforts to try new things

• Discuss the difference between being reckless and being courageously responsible

• Help identify small acts of everyday courage

• Acknowledge when your child makes brave choices to do what's right

The January character trait awards will be presented during our monthly awards assembly. Through developing courage, our students learn that being brave doesn't mean not feeling scared—it means choosing to do what's right despite our fears.

Warmly, Coupeville Elementary Leadership Team

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" - Mary Anne Radmacher