Witty Wildcat Update
PreK-5 Elementary Newsletter September 2026
Welcome Back Picnic Bash
The two elementary schools joined together the evening before school started to welcome back students and families to the new school year. Families played games, enjoyed the playground, ate ice cream and prepared for the school year. We are grateful to each and every person that was able to attend.
First Days of School
The first few days of school have been incredibly successful. We are thankful to all of our students, staff and families for their efforts to ensure a seamless opening to both buildings. Some photos from the first few days are included for you to enjoy. Make sure you ask your child(ren) about school each evening. They should have a lot of information to share with families :)
Transportation Updates
In an effort to encourage students to Ride Right and safely, we teach students the explicit expectations below and ask that all families help to encourage these when child(ren) are riding the school buses:
Students are expected to be kind and courteous to each other and all adults on the school bus.
Students are expected to sit safely while riding the school bus. They should not be standing.
The aisles need to be open and free of any personal items at all times in the event of an emergency.
While this is a social time, student voices should remain low so that the drivers can communicate and hear important information.
No personal items should be out and in use while riding the bus.
No items can be used that spray or create a scent as allergy exposures can occur.
Students are not permitted to eat or chew gum while riding the bus.
Open House Information
McAlister Open House is on Tuesday, September 15th at 6 pm. McAlister School will welcome all families AND students for an Information Night. Students will be able to show families their homerooms, lockers and you will all hear important information about the upcoming school year in terms of academics and school wide expectations.
Spaulding Open House is on Thursday, September 17th at 6 pm. At Spaulding this is a parent-only event and an opportunity to meet your child's teachers and hear about our curriculum and expectations.
Suffield Girl Scouts
Suffield Girl Scouts are recruiting the next generation of Daisy Scouts as well as troop leaders. Click below to learn more!
Place Based Learning at Spaulding
Spaulding's Reading All-Stars
Please click HERE to read about our exciting school-wide reading incentive program!
McAlister Updates And Reminders
McAlister staff and students have the opportunity to enjoy a new Pavilion outside in our playground area that houses several picnic tables for staff and students to enjoy. Through a donation from the Willcutts Family, an ADA compliant picnic table which completed our outdoor learning and seating area.
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to McAlister Monday, September 14th - Friday, September 18th. Set up your e-wallet today.
We want to remind families that smart watches and cell phones are not permitted in school. Any watch with a screen and cell phones should be turned off and remain in student backpacks while both at school and while riding school buses. If families need to contact their child(ren) please go through the main office.
Hats are not permitted to be worn in the school building and throughout the school day. We will have many opportunities for school spirit days where students can enjoy wearing hats but on a daily basis, this is not permitted. Students are allowed to wear hats while outside at recess.
Interested in joining the PTO for the 2026-2027 school year?
Please submit the following volunteer form to get started! https://forms.gle/HKEG2XufzUGwUUYB6