August 12, 2024
Dear Poquonock Family,
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year. We have been busy this summer preparing for a new school year. Hopefully, you took some time this summer to relax and rejuvenate in the summer sun. We are excited to welcome both our new and returning students to our Poquonock family. Included in this mailing is key information to starting the school year smoothly.
Windsor Public Schools 2024-2025 Calendar is included at the end of this welcome letter for your reference.
Before the School Year Starts
Update your child’s contact information through the parent portal in PowerSchool via the district’s website at www.windsor ct.org.
To preview the step-by-step directions, please visit https://5il.co/1tp0b
To start the process, please click the link to our PowerSchool page to access the Parent Portal https://windsorct.sites.thrillshare.com/page/powerschool-parent-student-portal
Prior to the first day of school, families will be receiving a welcome letter by email from your child’s teacher.
Join us at Windsor Public Schools 3rd Annual Back to School Block Party on Thursday, 8/22 from 4:00-7:00pm - This will be at 25 Sage Park Rd.
Check WPS website for bus information and assignments: https://windsorct.sites.thrillshare.com/page/transportation
If bus transportation is available for your child, it is highly encouraged that families take advantage of this.
Traversa Ride 360: To Find Bus Route you will need a 6 digit Power School ID (contact the main office of your child's school for this information) as well as your Child's birthdate. For additional information see: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2381/Windsor/2489915/_WPS_Traversa_Ride_360_User_Guides_Flyer.pdf
Important Notice - All students in PreK, Kindergarten, and/or those who utilize specialized transportation must have an adult present for pick up and drop off.
Important Notice for All Bus Students
All students are required to be at their bus stops at least 10 minutes prior to the estimated pick-up time.2024-25 Transportation Timeline Information This timeline is put in place as a district wide procedure to provide the utmost safety for all students.
All new registrations and daycare stop changes that are received by Friday, August 9th by 4 pm will be assigned a bus route and will be transported on the first day of school (August 26).
All new registrations and daycare stop changes that come in between Monday, August 12th through Wednesday, August 21st will be assigned a bus route to start transporting on Monday, September 9th. New registrations and daycare changes that come in between Thursday, August 22nd through Tuesday, September 3rd, will not have bus transportation until Monday, September 9th.
Any new registrations and/or changes (including special transportation) AFTER September 9th will have a 3-5 working day waiting period before transportation will start.
Food Services Information: https://www.windsorct.org/page/food-services
We encourage families who are in need of financial assistance and who have not done so already, to complete and submit the confidential Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application to ensure meal benefits are available for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
If your child is approved for free and reduced-price meals, eligibility will be carried over for the first 30 operating days of the 2024-2025 school year.
Signed original applications should be returned to the main office at your child's school, or sent directly to Patricia Patton, 601 Matianuck Ave, Windsor, CT 06095 or email a scanned copy to ppatton@windsorct.org.
Applications Available: https://www.windsorct.org/page/food-services
Breakfast and Lunch are available on the first day of school. You may send in cash or a check made out to Windsor Food Service in a sealed envelope with your child’s name on it. Students may purchase a full breakfast for $2.00 and/or lunch for $3.00 or they may purchase milk only for $0.75. Online deposits into your child’s account can be set up at linqconnect.com
Review the Linq Connect letter: It contains all the necessary information about Linq Connect.
Visit the Food Services website: Detailed instructions and support are available to help you set up your account on Linq Connect.
Free & Reduced Meal Application is now ONLINE. (Click to see if you qualify)
Tree House- Before and After School Program. Enrollment is open. Information at: https://windsorct.sites.thrillshare.com/page/tree-house-before-after-care-program PLEASE NOTE: Registration is on a first come, first serve basis and as space is available. Throughout the year registration is on a ROLLING ENROLLMENT.
Every Child Needs
Backpack
Snack - some classrooms will be peanut free, please refrain from sending in peanut products until you have been notified by the classroom teacher as to whether or not the room is a peanut free room.
Change of clothes in a bag labeled with the child’s first and last name to be kept in their locker.
Optional Purchases
Personal headphones labeled with your child’s name. You may want headphones that have a microphone.
Towel or small blanket for your child to use when going outside
First Day of School
August 26th- (K-2) Doors open at 8:30am and school begins at 8:40am. Students who arrive after 8:40am are considered tardy. Student dismissal begins at 3:25 p.m
PreK Drop-off and Pick-up
AM PreK Drop off 8:40/Pick up 11:35
PM PreK Drop off 12:30/Pick-up 3:25
Full Day PreK Drop off 9:00/Pick-up 3:00
Our Poquonock Family loves family visits and we will have many opportunities for volunteering and getting involved throughout the school year starting after the first four weeks of school. Until then we ask that you allow your child to learn their school routine and leave them with our amazing staff at the school door if you are dropping off. Our caring staff is here to help your child feel comfortable and welcome.
Parent Drop-off and Pick-up
Please note, if bus transportation is available for your child, it is highly encouraged that families take advantage of this.
Drop off & Pick up will be a valet service. You will need to assist your child with getting in and out of the car.
PreK team members will be at drop off outside of the main entrance and walk students down to their classrooms.
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders will be supported by staff in the hallway to assist them in reporting directly to their classrooms on the first day.
Additional Important Information
No School on Monday, 9/2/24, for Labor Day
Early Dismissal Tuesday, 9/17/24, for Teacher Professional Development
Picture Day- Friday, 8/30/24, Retakes on Friday, 10/11/24.
Poquonock Open House- Monday, 9/30/24, 6:00-7:00 at Poquonock School
Bus tags will be attached to your child’s backpack on the first day by the classroom teacher.
Please ensure that any changes in your child’s after school plans are always made in writing or by calling the main office at 860-687-2080 ext. 0 by 2:00pm.
Please join the PTO Facebook group by searching Poquonock PTO.
Follow me on X(formerly Twitter) @theprincipalpoq.
Sincerely,
Jay Mihalko
Principal
