Torringford Tigers
September 2026
Dear Torringford Families,
Our halls are full of laughter, smiles, and excitement! It has been wonderful to see our Tigers settling into their classrooms, making new friends, learning new things, and enjoying being together again.
Our One Word journey is underway! As we read One Word for Kids together, students are thinking about one special word they can use to guide them throughout the year. Their word might be Brave, Kind, Grow, Believe, or Persevere—or a word that is meaningful and special to them.
We’re encouraging students to look inside to understand themselves, look up toward their hopes and goals, and look out for ways they can care for and make a difference in the lives of others.
Families are an important part of this journey, too! You can support your child by:
- Connecting with their teacher and staying involved in their learning.
- Encouraging learning at home through reading, talking, playing, and exploring together.
- Celebrating effort, perseverance, and growth.
- Being part of our Torringford community and PTO.
- Talking about your child’s One Word and finding ways to put it into action each day.
Together, we can help our Tigers discover their strengths, believe in themselves, and grow into kind, confident, and caring members of our community.
Thank you for being such an important part of our Torringford family. We are excited for a year filled with learning, laughter, kindness, growth, and connection.
Let’s make 2026–2027 our best year yet!
With Tiger Pride,
Kelly Galullo (Principal) & Georgia Austin (Assistant Principal)
We’re here to help make sure every day runs smoothly for our Tigers! Please take a quick moment to review these important office procedures.
Office Contact
- Need to get in touch? Reach out to Melissa Smith or Julie Vold at 860-489-2300, and we’ll direct your call to the right person.
Dismissal Changes & Early Sign-Out
- Please send a written note with your child if they are leaving early or changing their regular home routine. To keep dismissal safe and organized, office dismissals end promptly at 3:00 PM (1:00 PM on early release days).
Visitor Policy
- All visitors must have a pre-scheduled appointment. Upon arrival, please present a photo ID, check in at the Main Office, and wear your visitor badge while in the building. Please remember to sign out before leaving.
Absences & Verification
- If your child is staying home, please call the main office at 860-489-2300 (option 1) to let us know. A written note from a parent or doctor is required upon their return to excuse the absence.
DELIVERING ITEMS TO STUDENTS
- Occasionally students may forget their lunch or other important items. To minimize classroom disruptions, please bring these items to the front door and a staff member will happily deliver the item to the classroom.
Reaching Teachers
- Teachers are focused on instruction during school hours and cannot answer calls mid-class. You are welcome to leave a phone message or send an email, and they will follow up as soon as they are free.
LOST & FOUND
- Clothing and other items are picked up daily from the playground and the cafeteria and deposited in the bins/rack outside the cafeteria/gymnasium. If your child has lost an article of clothing, please remind him/her to check the Lost & Found.
- Lost eyeglasses are on display in the main office.
- Please label your child's belongings with their full name!
- All unclaimed items are donated to a charitable organization.
Questions or need a little help? Melissa Smith or Julie Vold are always happy to assist.
Is Your Child Too Sick for School? Attendance Guidelines for Illness
To keep our Tiger community healthy and safe, please keep your student home if they have experienced any of the following symptoms within the past 24 hours:
Fever: 100.0°F or higher
Respiratory: Acute cold, sore throat, or persistent cough
Stomach: Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, or repeated diarrhea
Eye/Nose: Discharge (other than clear) or red, inflamed eyes
Skin/Contagious: Rashes, weeping lesions, head lice, or suspected contagious conditions (e.g., scabies, impetigo)
Important Reminders
Absences: Report absences by calling 860-489-2300 (Option 1) before 9:00 AM.
Questions? Contact Nurse Denise or Nurse Alli via the main office.
Please do not send your child to school with instructions for the school nurse to determine if they are sick or injured. As a parent, you are the best judge of your own child's wellness and medical needs. You know your children best. If they don't seem well, they probably aren't. If necessary, keep them home and consult a health care professional.
We truly enjoy having all our students in school. Regular attendance is essential for your child's learning and success, and it is mandated by Connecticut law.
All students received an Attendance Tracker to ecord each day they are absent—our goal is to have no more than ten absences throughout the school year.
We prioritize having students attend as much as possible while ensuring their health and safety. At the end of the academic year, students with 18 or more absences are classified as chronically absent.
Good attendance is a vital part of the educational process and is closely related to successful performance in school.
If you have an attendance concern, please reach out to Georgia Austin (Assistant Principal) or Deb Mordecai (Social Worker).
October 12: Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day; NO school
October 14: Picture Day
October 15: Early Dismissal (1:45); Teacher Professional Learning Community (PLC)
October 16: Storybook Character Day
October 17: Ruwet Farm Fall Festival - Save the Date ~ More Information Coming Soon!
Torringford Elementary School
Torringford School is a safe and welcoming community where we take care of people and foster positive relationships. Our team spirit supports and acknowledges everyone. Optimists persist to meet challenges with the flexibility and empathy to create healthy, enthusiastic, life-long learners.
Educate. Explore. Inspire.
Email: gaustin@torrington.org
Website: http://torringtontorringford.ss16.sharpschool.com
Location: 800 Charles Street, Torrington, CT, USA
Phone: (860)489-2300
Facebook: facebook.com/TorringfordTigers