Dear Glencoe Community,

Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year.  I am excited to be back for my 4^th year as Glencoe’s principal.  It is such an honor and joy to be part of Glencoe’s wonderful community.  Summer seems to have come and gone and our first day of school is literally right around the corner. Our annual Community Care Day is scheduled for this Saturday, August 25^th for any and all families and community members to help us spruce up the grounds before our students arrive on Monday.  We will be here from 9:00 – 2:00 and would love the help!

The Glencoe staff is dedicated to bringing their very best each and every day to meet the needs of all our students.  As we prepare for the school year, I am excited to announce the new members to our community and a few changes.  Amanda Shwetzer is our new, half-time School Secretary.  She will be working in the office from 7:45 – 11:45 daily.  Kari Harms will be our Teaching Librarian, here on Wednesday afternoons, Thursday and Friday.  Amy Lile, our PE teacher, will now be with us full-time and Millie Layman will be our second PE teacher scheduled here on Thursdays.  Sarah Schacker is our full time Learning Center Teacher and Amy Kasch is our full time Speech-Language Pathologist.  Moira Tofanelli is our School Psychologist and will be with us on Wednesday and Fridays.  Randy Webster is re-joining the 4^th Grade team and Paula Jeppesen is back to teaching straight 5^th grade.  In addition, we have a library assistant position posted, as the LA assigned to our building was reassigned to another school due to school scheduling conflicts.

Below is some additional information to help you and your child(ren) prepare for the new school year ahead:

• Arrival: We have a few changes to our arrival process this year.  Students may enter the building at 7:55 (unless arrangements have been made with a teacher).  Only students who are eating breakfast will be allowed to enter the building at 7:45 for breakfast.  We will no longer be opening the cafeteria early as a waiting space.  In the event of extreme weather, students will be allowed to wait in the cafeteria.  Staff will open ALL FRONT doors at 7:55 for students and families to enter.  We recommend that Kindergarten students enter through the main front doors.  PTA will continue to sell SCRIP inside/outside depending on weather. Families can still enter early to take part in those sales. 
• Late Arrivers: We are opening doors 5 minutes earlier for students to make their way to the classroom in the morning.  Students are tardy after 8:05 and must check into the office to SIGN THEMSELVES IN and receive an “office check-in” slip. 
• Office Hours/Support: The office is open from 7:45 – 4:00.  Although our students do not enter before 7:55 our office is open for business to families and students beginning at 7:45.  We will have two secretaries in the office in the mornings, until 11:45.  Our Health Assistant, Allie Doran will be in the office every day from 8:00 – 1:00.  We will have a School Nurse every Friday.
• All visitors/volunteers, even those who spend lots of time at Glencoe, must sign-in at the office and wear a visitor/volunteer sticker, printed for you at the sign in counter. In addition, if you plan to volunteer, in any capacity, you must complete a background check through PPS Security Office. 
• Dismissal: Students are dismissed by their teachers at 2:20. In order for dismissal to go smoothly it is important that your child’s teacher & child are aware of the after school plan.  All students will be walked outside by their teacher to a designated spot.  You can find the dismissal map on our website (or by contacting your child’s teacher).  Staff will verify students who are riding the bus as they board.  All students remaining at school after 2:27 will be brought to the office as there is no supervision outside after that time.  Remaining students will need to be signed out by a parent/family member listed on the registration form.
• Dismissal Plans: All families are expected to complete a Student Dismissal form for the first day of school.  These forms can be found on our school website.  It is very challenging for the office to deliver last minute changes to after-school plans. With a decrease in office staff, it will be even more difficult this year.  Known changes to a dismissal plan must be communicated to the teacher or office in writing first thing in the morning.  We know unexpected things happen that are out of your control.  We will do our best to get last minute changes to students. 
• After School Classes: PPS no longer uses Peach Jar or any other provider to advertise after school programs occurring in schools.  PPS policy is that schools may only advertise district-sponsored activities and events.  Glencoe school is NOT responsible for after school programs offered by external organizations.  Registration for after school classes are handled by individual companies, not the school office.  A list of all after school activities at Glencoe can be found at this afterschool activities link.
• Communication: We strive to keep our community informed in a timely manner.  You will receive a monthly e-newsletter from Glencoe and a Friday-News bulletin to share upcoming events/reminders.  You can also find information specific to each classroom on the teachers’ websites.

On behalf of the entire Glencoe Staff, I want to again welcome you to the 2018-19 school year.  This will be me 27^th year to have a “1^st day of School” as an educator.   The first day of school is always very special.  I am excited to see all of our 1^st – 5^th graders on Monday, August 27^th and our Kindergartners on the 30^th. 

Warm Regards,

Lori Clark

Glencoe Principal