The Crocodilian

Dear HEC Families,

The countdown is on, and our team couldn't be more excited! In just a few short weeks, we'll welcome our Classy Crocs back for another amazing year at H. E. Corley Elementary School.

Although summer has provided time for fun and relaxation, it's been a busy season here at HEC. Our staff has been preparing classrooms, planning engaging learning experiences, welcoming new team members, and making sure everything is ready for a successful start to the school year. This year, we're proud to introduce our 2026–2027 theme:

✈️ Cleared for Take Off: Ready to Lead. Ready to Learn. Ready to Soar. ✈️

This theme reflects our commitment to helping every child grow academically, develop as a leader, and reach new heights throughout the year. Our Flight Crew is ready to inspire, encourage, and support each student as we begin this exciting journey together.

One of the greatest strengths of HEC is the partnership we share with our families. When home and school work together, amazing things happen for children. Thank you for trusting us with your child's education and for being such an important part of our school family. We truly are better together.

As you prepare for the first day of school, be sure to read through this newsletter for important updates and reminders. If you haven't already, please complete any remaining registration tasks so your child is ready for takeoff! The runway is ready, our Flight Crew is excited, and now all that's missing is our amazing Classy Crocs. We can't wait to welcome you back and make this our best year yet!

With gratitude and excitement,

Melanie C. Harris
Principal

Thursday, August 6th - "Crocodile Countdown" Meet the teacher, drop in between 4:30-6pm

Tuesday, August 11th - 1st Day of School for all 1st - 5th graders!

- Staggered start for 4K, 5K, SPED Intensive, Primary Montessori, and half day Preschool *please see graphic below*

Wednesday, August 12th - Staggered start for 4K, 5K, SPED Intensive, Primary Montessori, and half day Preschool *please see graphic below*

Thursday, August 13th - ALL students attend

4K & 4K preschool - Your child's teacher will notify you the week of August 3rd as to which day your child will attend.

It truly takes a village, and our HEC community never disappoints.

Throughout the school year, our teachers and staff spend many hours in professional learning—before school, after school, and throughout the day—always working to become even better for our students.

If you'd like to bless our faculty and staff with a few snacks or drinks, we'd love your help! Every donation, big or small, reminds our team how appreciated they are by this amazing community.

Thank you for always loving on HEC. Your kindness means more than you know.

All students will need a car tag if they are an afternoon car rider.

Good News! We will use the same car tags from last year, so if you still have yours you don't have to do anything else! Please only complete the form below if you are new or if you need a replacement.

*If you are a NEW student or NEW car rider - you will receive 2 tags.

*If you are a returning student and need a replacement - you will receive 1 free replacement per year.

*Any additional or replacement tags during the school year will be $1.00 each.

Complete this form only once per family. List all of the children/student's on this form.

Forms completed prior to Monday August 3rd at 5pm will be available at Crocodile Countdown on Thursday, August 6th. Any requests after Monday August 3rd will be sent home with the student on the first day of school. Any requests after the first day of school will be sent home with the student 24-48 hours after the request is entered.

Drop off School Supplies at our Meet the Teacher Crocodile Countdown!

HEC has been awarded the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2026-27 school year. This means all students are eligible to receive FREE breakfast and lunch at school!🧇🍇🥪🥕🌮🍎

**Please be sure your student arrived for breakfast prior to 7:30 in order to receive breakfast**

We know that bringing your child to school on their first day is an important occasion for your family. We welcome parents/guardians to walk their child to class on the first day if you choose. Please be aware of some safety protocols that will be in place if you choose to walk your child to class. The doors open at 7:10 AM and we ask you to exit before the instructional day begins at 7:40 AM.

• Our school buses arrive in our front loop each morning. We ask that you not block the buses or the student exiting the buses. Students will enter first and then we will allow families to enter.
• All visitors must park their car and enter through the front entrance.
• All visitors must go through our Open Gate metal detection system to enter the school and walk their child to class. It is recommended to only bring your car keys, phone and any school supplies.

Each of these measures is being taken to ensure the safety of your child. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that H. E. Corley Elementary School is a safe school for all.

Morning Car line Drop Off Procedures:

• PM Preschool, 4K, Primary Montessori, Mrs. Koen & Mrs. DiCicco-Sanford's classes, and their siblings should be dropped off in the Teacher Parking lot car line (Carline 1).

• Lower & Upper Elementary Montessori, Kindergarten through 5th Grade should be dropped off in the Cafeteria Car line (Carline 2).

• Please have students gather their belongings and be ready to exit the car when arriving at the sidewalk.

• Car line is open from 7:10am - 7:35pm. Students must arrive before 7:30 to be served breakfast.

Afternoon Car line Dismissal Procedures:

• PM Preschool, 4K, Primary Montessori, Mrs. Koen & Mrs. DiCicco-Sanford's classes, and their siblings will be picked up in the Teacher Parking lot car line (Carline 1).

• Lower & Upper Elementary Montessori, Kindergarten through 5th Grade will be picked up in the Cafeteria Car line (Carline 2).

• Your HEC Car Tag must be visibly displayed from your rearview mirror in order to pick up students. If you do not have a car tag displayed, you will be directed to go to the front office and provide identification to pick up the student.

• The Carline will open at 2:30pm and end promptly at 2:55pm. Students not picked up by that time will wait in the front office to await pickup from a parent or guardian.

At H. E. Corley Elementary School nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and teachers. As a reminder, there is a vestibule entry system at the front office. Please review the following step-by-step instructions carefully. These procedures will be strictly followed for all visitor entries:

Front Office Entry Protocol

• Approach the main entrance and press the silver metal button at the intercom (to the right).
• A staff member will respond and buzz the door open. Only the right-hand door will unlock.
• Do not hold the door open for anyone else behind you.
• Proceed directly to the open-gate metal detector. All visitors must walk through the Security Pillars.
• Students accompanying an adult may stand to the side.
• Bags, keys, and phones may remain with you if they do not set off the detector.

For efficiency and safety, we strongly recommend bringing only your phone, ID, and car keys when entering the building.

We thank you for your patience, cooperation, and continued commitment to keeping our school a safe place for every child. A brief delay at the door is a meaningful step toward peace of mind inside.

To enter the school, have lunch with a student, or pick up students, you must present a valid, current Driver's License or state-issued ID. You must present the physical ID in order for it to be scanned; digital pictures will not be accepted.

Thank you for helping us keep our school safe.

Need after school care for your 5K-5th grader? Check out our after school CHAMPS Academy!

Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm, Office opens at 7:10am

Front Office: 803-476-4001 , Fax: 803-476-4020

School Counselor: 803-476-4005

School Nurse: 803-476-4009

Follow us on social media: Facebook & Instagram: @hecorleyelem

School Website: https://heces.lexrich5.org/