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Joel Weekly News Blast

Posted Date: 08/28/26 (06:00 PM)


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August 28, 2026

                     

Message From Principal Teresa Gingrave

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! Here at Joel, our students are hard at work learning the daily routines and getting used to their schedule. Our school hallways are filled with laughter and joy!

I am thrilled to announce a fantastic new addition to our administrative team. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Aaron Reich as our new Assistant Principal for the upcoming school year!

Mr. Reich brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a deep dedication to student success. In his previous experiences, he has built a reputation for fostering positive school cultures and supporting diverse student needs.

Over the coming weeks, Mr. Reich will be actively involved in our daily school routines, morning arrivals, and upcoming community events. He is eager to connect with our students, staff, and families.

Opportunities to Connect:

  • Joel Open House: You will have a chance to introduce yourself during our upcoming open house. 

  • Direct Contact: Also, feel free to reach out via email at areich@clintonpublic.net

We are exceptionally fortunate to have Mr. Reich join our Joel Elementary family. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to make this a wonderful school year for our students!

WORD OF THE WEEK
K-2 - EXPLORE
3 & 4 - DETERMNE
 
 

IDIOM OF THE WEEK
ON THE FENCE


 
Here are a few reminders

School Dismissal Manager (SDM): Please be sure to set your dismissal defaults. This is a  one time entry. 

1- All students must have a main default assigned. For example, if your child is a PARENT PICK UP every day, put that as your main default. Nothing else needs to be done.

2- If your child is a PARENT PICK UP 4 times per week, for example, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, set Parent Pick Up as the main default. Next, go to "Weekday defaults" and on Friday choose, for example, bus 18. This tells us that every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, your child is always PARENT PICK UP, and on Fridays, your

child is always on Bus 18. Remember to have your PIN ready at parent pick up.  You can find it on your homescreen below the calendar.

3-Another example: If your child goes to the YMCA Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday set that as your main default and then go to "Weekday Defaults" and on Monday and Friday select for example, bus 8. This tells us that every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, your child always attends the YMCA, and that on Mondays and Fridays, your child takes Bus 8.

Exceptions: The only time you need to create an exception is if your child will do something different from your "Main Default" or "Weekday Default." For example, if you have your child going home every day on bus 18, but for example on September 18th you would like a PARENT PICK UP, go ahead and find the date on the calendar on your dashboard and indicate your exception. This tells us that on September 18th there is a change in dismissal and we will send the child to PARENT PICK UP. Note: All exceptions must be entered in advance and no later than 1:45 of the day affected by the change in dismissal. If an emergency arises after 1:45, do not email the teacher as they are busy teaching and may not see it. Instead, because it is an emergency call the office.

Feel free to call us or come into our school if you need any assistance.

Arrival: Please do not pass other cars in the parent drop-off loop. Wait until the car in front of you moves and then follow. Please PULL ALL THE WAY UP to the end of the basketball courts where the first staff member is standing. Do not stop and drop off by the door. If you need or prefer to help your child get out of the car, please park in the lower lot (not in the drop off loop) and walk your child up the sidewalk. Crossing in front of cars is dangerous, and pulling in and out of those spots prohibits an efficient drop-off system. Please try and drop off your child by 8:40. This will give your child ample time to walk to their homerooms and put their belongings away before school starts at 8:45


STAY CONNECTED!
 
 

This year Clinton Public Schools is utilizing three primary applications to help keep families up to date and informed.  PowerSchool for tracking grades, schedules, and attendance; ParentSquare for news, announcements, and alerts; and FinalForms for registrations, athletic clearances, and student information updates.  Download the PowerSchool and ParentSquare apps on your mobile device, and log into your FinalForms account to ensure your information is up to date for the school year. Contact info@clintonpublic.net with any questions.

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Report From Our Classrooms

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The first weeks of school are grounded on routines and rituals.  Students start their day in the classroom with a launch activity and at 8:55 we do a whole school morning meeting with announcements over the PA.  At 9:00 classrooms circle up for their morning meeting. Our fabulous teachers are building strong classroom communities.  This week we are focusing on the words P-A-C-K (Pride, Attitude, Community and Kindness). Students are learning how these words impact them in all of our school spaces. Please reinforce the PACK expectations with your child especially the bus, recess and lunch expectations.



Upcoming Events

9/7 – No School - Labor Day
9/17 – Early Dismissal - Professional Day
9/22 – Picture Day
9/24 – Open House
10/12 – No School – Columbus Day
10/22 – Early Dismissal – Professional Day
11/19 – Early Dismissal – Professional Day
11/25 – 11/27 – No School – Thanksgiving Break


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IMPORTANT LINKS



Teresa Gingrave, Principal
Aaron Reich, Assistant Principal

137 Glenwood Road
Clinton, CT 06413
joeles@clintonpublic.net
(860) 664-6501