Dear ISD Parents,

Please remember that new security measures have been implemented upon our return from winter break.  This includes the mandate that all exterior doors remain locked at all times. The locked doors present more of a challenge in the morning for arrivals than the afternoon activities. This is due to the variety of activities scheduled before school starting at different times.  That is to be expected as everyone adjusts to the new rules.  Special activity teachers whose programs start before 8:00 need to meet their students either at the front door or at their designated door.  If your child is late, they will have to wait until 8:00 when the school office opens, before they will be allowed in.  Please try to have your child arrive on time so they can participate fully in their chosen activities.  

Students without a designated before-school commitment should arrive after 8:15, as that is when they will be allowed to come in and wait in the hallway where they will be supervised. This may present an inconvenience to some parents but we are trying to work within these newly established procedures.  Students arriving after 8:45 in the morning will be let in and directed to go to the office to receive a late pass.  There continues to be a large group of students consistently arriving late.  Please try to have students arrive on time as it benefits everyone.

These procedures do not impact dismissal and afternoon activities as much.  However, if a student forgets something and returns to school after 4:00 to retrieve it, they may find they will not be able to come in.  Although Ms. Finnegan and I are here generally much later, we are often in meetings in other parts of the building and will not be able to open doors.  Staff personnel in our school's Child Care Program have been instructed to not allow anyone in, so please do not interrupt their program. 

Next week, we are celebrating the retirement and birthday of our former crossing guard, Mrs. Santora.  Thursday, Feb. 28th has been designated as her day at ISD.  A staff celebration, along with a whole school assembly, have been planned.  She retired in June and had been an important person in our school community for many years.  She is celebrating her 95th birthday that day so it is a special occasion.  I am requesting students to take some time this weekend to make a birthday card for her and return it to school early next week.  All the cards will be presented to her during our assembly.  Knowing Lee, she will be so touched upon receiving the cards so I am hoping every student will participate.  

Looking ahead to the first week of March, students in grades three, four and five will begin taking the state-mandated Connecticut Mastery Tests.  The first test is scheduled for Tues., March 5th. Please look for the entire schedule on our website in the days to come.  In addition, parents will receive a letter from Ms. Finnegan, Assistant Principal, outlining details of the testing period.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,

Terry Ricci