Clinton Weekly Update

Dear Clinton Primary Families,

Our classrooms are buzzing with energy and active learning! It has been wonderful watching our students navigate their days with growing independence—from navigating hallways and specials to organizing their materials and building strong friendships. We are so proud of the positive environment our students and staff continue to foster together every day.

To help families plan ahead for physical education classes, music, art, and library, please remember that our school operates on a 5-Day Cycle Schedule (Days 1–5) rather than standard days of the week. This ensures students never miss a special when school is closed on a Monday or Friday!

Our Clinton Primary community is enriched by the diverse backgrounds, languages, and family traditions of each student. If you haven't done so already, please take a moment to complete our short family survey so we can highlight and celebrate your family's unique heritage throughout our school year!

Punctuality helps our primary students start their day feeling calm, confident, and fully prepared for instruction. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a consistent schedule:

• Doors Open: 8:45 AM

• Tardy Bell: 9:05 AM (Arriving before 9:05 AM gives students time to store backpacks, complete morning routines, and settle in without feeling rushed.)

• Parent Pick-Up Line Opens: 3:00 PM (Dismissal begins early to ease line lengths and allow our buses to depart on time.)

• Official End of School Day: 3:15 PM (start of bus dismissal)

📝 Planning an Early Pick-Up?

If you need to pick up your child prior to the end of the school day, please send a written note in with your child for their teacher that morning. Advance notice allows us to have your child packed and ready without disrupting instruction.

**Please keep in mind that if you arrive unannounced (especially during parent car-tag pick-up or bus dismissal) you will need to wait patiently while our staff carries out dismissal routines. During these peak transition times, our absolute priority must remain the safe, orderly exit of all students from the building.

With 23 buses entering and exiting our lot daily, following established traffic protocols protects our students and keeps vehicles moving efficiently along Clinton Street.

Crucial Traffic Pattern:

• 🚫 NO LEFT TURNS INTO THE LOT: Left turns into the school parking lot are strictly prohibited during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal. Please route your travel to approach the school from the direction that allows a right-hand turn into the drive. Turning left cuts across the single-file line along the shoulder and creates unsafe conditions.

• 🛣️ PULL ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER: When queuing along Clinton Street, please pull all the way over onto the right shoulder to keep through-traffic moving safely.

Key Safety Reminders:

• 🚘 Stay Inside Your Vehicle: Please remain in your car at both drop-off and pick-up. Our outdoor staff will assist your child directly.

• 📍 Active Loading Zone Only: Children should enter or exit vehicles only when completely stopped in the designated loading area. Please do not drop off in passing lanes.

• 🛑 Drive Cautiously: Keep speed to a minimum, stay alert at crosswalks, and refrain from using mobile phones while driving anywhere on school grounds.

• 🦺 Follow Staff Signals: Please follow the instructions of our crosswalk guards and duty staff at all times.

This week, our students are practicing the skill of Asking for Help whenever they feel stuck, confused, or overwhelmed. Knowing when and how to ask for assistance is a powerful tool for young learners!

Tips for Parents to Share with Children at Home:

• 🙋 Raise Your Hand or Say Excuse Me: Teach your child to politely gain an adult's attention before asking a question.

• 🗣️ Use Clear Words: Encourage kids to name what they need (e.g., "I don't understand this problem" or "Can you help me tie my shoe?").

• ⏳ Wait Patiently: Practice waiting calmly for a moment while the adult finishes speaking or helping another student.

Ways to Practice at Home:

• Role-Play Scenarios: Act out simple situations together, such as asking a teacher for a new pencil, asking a lunch monitor to open a juice pouch, or asking a peer to share a toy.

• Encourage Self-Advocacy: When your child encounters a minor challenge during homework or play, pause before stepping in and prompt them: "How can you ask me for help with this?"

• Normalize Making Mistakes: Remind your child that everyone needs help sometimes and that asking questions is a key part of learning!

Thank you for your continued partnership and support,

Kimberly M. McCartan

Principal, Clinton Primary School

October 1 - PTA Meeting

October 1-16 - PTA Fall Fundraiser

October 2- 15 Minute Emergency Drill

October 2 - Chuck E. Cheese Spirit Night

October 8 - Bookfair and Trunk or Treat at Clinton Primary

October 12 - Indigenous People's Day - No School

October 13-16 - Character Counts Week

October 19 - Tully's Spirit Night