ESA Elementary Family Update

2026 marks 100 years of Black history commemorations, rooted in the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the founders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). What began as Negro History Week in 1926 evolved into Black History Month, becoming a vital part of American and global culture.

Black communities have long documented and celebrated their history as a means of empowerment, identity, and resistance—from commemorating emancipation and Juneteenth to honoring leaders such as Frederick Douglass. Woodson institutionalized these efforts, using scholarship and public observance to reshape how Black people viewed themselves and how the world viewed them.

Over time, Black History Month gained national recognition, including presidential acknowledgment in 1976 and congressional designation in 1986. Today, it is observed across schools, cultural institutions, and communities nationwide.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, examining the role of Black History Month is more critical than ever—especially amid efforts to limit access to Black history. Its true value lies not merely in its inclusion in mainstream narratives, but in its enduring resonance within the lives and experiences of Black people.

At ESA, we are focusing on Doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching for the month of February. This means choosing kindness, honesty, and responsibility because it’s the right choice; not because we want praise or fear consequences. It’s about making good decisions in the classroom, on the playground, at home, and in our community, even when an adult isn’t nearby.

For students, this can look like:

• Telling the truth, even when it’s hard

• Including others and standing up for a classmate

• Following school rules

• Taking care of materials and shared spaces

• Helping someone who needs support without being asked

For families, this message reinforces the importance of character and integrity. When children learn to do the right thing on their own, they build trust, confidence, and a strong sense of who they are. These everyday choices help students grow into responsible, respectful individuals who contribute positively to their school and community.

Together, school and home can encourage children to make choices they can feel proud of—because doing the right thing matters, even when no one is watching.

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!

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.