GRAIS Sunday Message, September 4, 2022

Dear Intermediate School Families,

It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the 2022 - 2023 school year. Following a busy summer in the building with the extended school year program and the summer camp program, our school will soon be ready for the start of another wonderful year of learning, growth, and fun!

Below are some important points as we get started. Should you have questions on any of these points or anything else, I remain available to you by phone (508.923.3506 x3150) or email (esullivan@freelake.org).

SCHOOL HOURS:

Our times are 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

BUS ROUTES:

As of today, the bus routes are posted on our district's site. You may find them here: https://www.freelake.org/page/bus-routes-2022-2023

Questions regarding routes should be sent to Ken Rezendes at (508.763.9260/ kenneth.rezendes@firstgroup.com) at the bus company.

A NOTE FROM FOOD SERVICES:

We want to update you with exciting news about universal free school meals. The

Commonwealth of Massachusetts has decided to extend free school meals for all

students through the 2022-2023 school year! This means that breakfast and lunch will continue to be served at no cost at GRAIS. Please note that even though meals will be free for all, it is very important for families to still complete the household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2022-2023 school year. You can view and complete the application here:www.payschoolscentral.com.

We strongly encourage ALL families to submit this form, as it allows us to establish eligibility for P-EBT benefits, and serve families most effectively. In addition, please consider applying for SNAP, the federal nutrition program that provides eligible residents with monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries. More SNAP information can be found at gettingsnap.org or by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

The food and nutrition department at Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District thanks

you for your patience awaiting this news! As always, we are grateful for the opportunity

to provide nourishing and healthy meals to all Freetown-Lakeville Regional School

District students so please reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

1:1 DEVICE PROGRAM IN GRADES 4 - 12:

In 2020, the FLRSD made the wonderful decision to become a 1:1 district for grades 4 - 12, meaning each child in those grades is issued a district device to use for the year. Each year since, the technology department has made improvements to streamline the program, and now we are able to get school-issued devices into the hands of all GRAIS students as soon as some easy-to-complete forms are completed by parents/guardians.

Though we received a great response when I first sent out the link to the forms on August 17th, we still have several families that need to access and complete these very brief forms. It is my hope that we can pass out all the devices, chargers, and cases at our open house event on September 1st at 5:45 p.m. or on the first day of school on the 6th, as teachers will begin to use the devices in their classrooms right away, and all students will need a school-issued (not a personal) device. Here is the link to the forms: https://forms.gle/CNcnP7Co7ziBtxc38.

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP:

Please review the drop off and pick procedures here so we may ensure the safety of our students and maintain an orderly entry to and exit from the school and campus.

Morning Drop-off

The drop-off lane near the pool entrance, which is monitored by staff, allows for vehicles to pull to the curb to let out children from the right side. To keep everyone safe, please do NOT drop off children in the travel lane or in the upper walkway.
Students may be dropped off at the circle as early as 8:20 a.m., which is when staff will be present. Children cannot be released from vehicles until staff is present.
Staff will direct children to walk along on the sidewalk into the building, where more staff members will be stationed daily.
For the safety of our students, parents/guardians must escort their children into the building if the child is tardy. Anytime after 8:30 is considered tardy.
Students may enter the building beginning at 8:20 a.m., as the buses are unloading. If children require supervision earlier than this time, please contact Lisa Pacheco at 508.923.2000 x 1730 at the Fore & Aft Program.
Parking in front of the building is prohibited at all times, as this area is designated for buses. It is also a fire lane, so after buses clear, it is to remain clear. If you visit the school for any reason during the day, please do not park in the fire lane.
Please note the speed limit as you enter the road to the building. We have many walkers, as well as students from the two other campus schools on the grounds, so we must operate vehicles cautiously to keep them safe.

Afternoon Pick-up

Please park in the upper lot and walk to the cafeteria entrance, just beyond the main entrance. Children are not released to walk to the lot.
Walkers, pick-ups, and bus riders will be dismissed through the cafeteria daily.
Parents/Guardians will present a valid photo ID to a staff member when picking up children.
If a child typically rides the bus, but he/she is being picked up on a given day, he/she is to bring in a note to homeroom that morning.

Again, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any help at all. I hope we will see all of you on September 1st at 5:45 p.m. for our open house event when your children will have the opportunity to see their homeroom and meet their teachers, as well as to explore the building!

Dr. Sullivan

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Dr. Elizabeth Sullivan, Principal

508.923.3506 x3150

esullivan@freelake.org

Charlene Barboza, Secretary

508.923.3506 x3100

charboza@freelake.org

Maranda Pennini, Adjustment Counselor

508.923.3506 x3152

mpennini@freelake.org

Andrea Fay, Director of Food Services