Policies
Dear Parents/Guardians
It is with great pleasure and pride that I say welcome to the 2022-2023 school year. I wanted to express how excited I am to be the principal of the Stephen Girard Elementary School. I look forward to getting to know and working with all of our families and students. You are an important part of your child’s education.
This year at Girard we will focus on improving academics, attendance, and reinforcing positive student behaviors. Ask your child about points earned in Class Dojo and Classroom As they earn for raffle prizes!
To help prepare you for the school year, I’ve listed some reminders and updates:
Our school hours are 8:15 A.M. to 2:54P.M., students are considered late if they are not in line with their class in the morning. Please meet teachers in the yard at 8:15 A.M. and do not escort students directly to class. Do not drop students off at Dorrance Street doors.
o The doors on Dorrance Street do not open to students until 8:30 A.M. At 8:30 students should stop and get a late slip before going to class.
o All visitor’s must sign in at the front desk and then go to the main office. Please go to the main office before trying to go to any other part of the building. We MUST know who is in the building at all times to keep your child(ren) safe.
All students are encouraged to participate in our breakfast program. Breakfast is free and is served each morning from 7:45 A.M. – 8:10 A.M. in the cafeteria.
o Our schoolyard is monitored in the morning by staff beginning at 7:45 A.M. There is no one to supervise your child before 7:45 A.M.
o In good weather, all children will line up in the yard. In inclement weather, children will meet inside the cafeteria – but not before 7:45 A.M. No parents are to enter the cafeteria in the morning.
o No early dismissals after 2:30 P.M. This is School District of Philadelphia policy.
o Please note the significant changes to the School District’s Attendance Policy: When students arrive in school after 10:00 am or leave before 1:00 pm, they will be marked half a day absent. The half-day unexcused absences will accrue to full days.
o The trigger for a truancy referral is three (3) unexcused days. The second change is that after eight (8) total absences for illness, the parent must secure a doctor’s note for any future absences for illness.
o Uniforms are mandatory. Girard’s school uniform is:
· Khaki skirt or pants (no jeans)
· Maroon polo type shirt (collar with 2-3 buttons)
· Girard T-shirt and Maroon Sweat Pants (Gym Days Only)
o Each month a calendar will be sent home with your child informing you of any upcoming events. Below are listed some important events for the next few weeks.
o Important documents will be sent home in a Wednesday Folder beginning in late September/early October.
I invite all parents to join us as partners in their child’s education. I know that we will have a very successful school year. Please feel free to contact me on behalf of your child. Your suggestions and concerns are of importance to me and I look forward to working with you.
Respectfully yours,
Leah Coleman, Principal