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Eli Terry School

Dream. Achieve. Inspire.

8/28 News from Eli Terry

Posted Date: 08/28/26 (04:18 PM)


August 28, 2026

Dear Eli Terry Families,
We are so excited to welcome our students and families back to Eli Terry for another great school year! There was wonderful energy throughout the building as students reconnected with friends, met their teachers, and settled into their new classrooms.
We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, new experiences, and plenty of opportunities for our students to shine. Thank you to our families for your continued partnership and support. We are excited for all that is ahead and grateful to have our Eli Terry community back together again!
Here’s to a fantastic 2026–2027 school year!
Mike & Kelley
 

206-27 Eli Terry Staff Picture

A large group of adults stands together in front of the Eli Terry School building.
A black Scottish Terrier wearing a green shirt with 'ELI TERRY' on it sits in the center of a Venn diagram.

Introducing Portrait of a Terrier

This year, we are excited to introduce our Portrait of a Terrier, a shared vision for the skills and qualities we want every Eli Terry student to develop throughout their elementary school experience.
Our Portrait of a Terrier focuses on four important attributes:
ENGAGED – We are curious, focused, and ready to learn.
EMPOWERED – We use our voice, make responsible choices, and take ownership of our learning.
SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS – We care about others, show empathy and kindness, and help make our community a better place.
RESILIENT – We keep going when things are challenging, learn from mistakes, and try new strategies.
Throughout the year, students will learn what it means to think, learn, and act like a Terrier as we bring these four attributes to life in our classrooms and throughout our school community.
Families can help reinforce our Portrait of a Terrier at home by continuing the conversation with their children. A simple question to ask at the end of the day is, “Which Portrait of a Terrier attribute did you show today? Tell me about it!” This is a great way for students to reflect on how they are demonstrating these attributes both at school and beyond.
More information will be shared as we progress through the school year. We look forward to partnering with families as we help our students grow into Engaged, Empowered, Socially Conscious, and Resilient Terriers!

*For all of our returning Eli Terry families, Portrait of a Terrier will take the place of PAWS and aligns with our district’s Portrait of a Graduate framework.
A red fire drill bell with yellow text 'FIRE DRILL' rings on a blue background.

Successful Fire Drill Today!

Today, we held our first fire drill of the school year, and our students did a fantastic job! Since this was our first drill, we first announced over the loudspeaker that a fire drill would be taking place so students knew what to expect. We then completed the drill, and students followed all of our safety expectations, exiting the building in a calm, safe, and orderly manner.
Practicing safety procedures is an important part of keeping everyone at Eli Terry prepared and safe. We are very proud of how well our Terriers listened, followed directions, and took the drill seriously.

Three red exclamation marks are scattered on a white background.

Dismissal Reminder

If your child is not an everyday pick-up, please be sure to contact Jody Giroux in the main office by 2:00 p.m. to let us know about your pick-up plans.
Our main office becomes especially busy as we approach dismissal, so providing this information by 2:00 p.m. helps our office staff communicate changes to teachers and ensures a safe, smooth, and organized dismissal for all students.
Thank you for your cooperation and support!

CHET Dream Big! Scholarship Opportunity

Connecticut students in grades K–12 are invited to enter the CHET Dream Big! Competition for a chance to win up to $20,000 toward their future education!
Students can share their dreams or ideas for helping their community through a drawing or painting, essay, or video. More than 250 students across Connecticut will receive awards ranging from $500 to $20,000.
Deadline: November 6 at 11:59 p.m.
Cost: Free to enter
Learn more and enter: www.chetdreambig.com
Infographic detailing when to stay home from school due to illness, with icons for fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, head lice, eye infection, and hospital visits.
 
Example calendar with dates pinned

Upcoming Events

Monday, August 31-
Tuesday, September 1-
Wednesday, September 2-
Full Day of School, Dismissal at 3:20 PM
Thursday, September 3-
Friday, September 4- Happy Labor Day Weekend!
 

Quick Links

2026-27 SWPS District Calendar
Food Service Back to School
Volunteer Registration
ET "Favorite Things"
 

PTO

Join our Eli Terry PTO Facebook Page with a QR code and Facebook logo.

Click the following link to join the Eli Terry PTO Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HRojEnXdL/

Meet your PTO Board Members for the 2026-2027 School Year, featuring President Melissa Peracchio and Vice President Katlyn Baker.
Eli Terry Elementary Fall PTO Events calendar from August to December with illustrations.

Mad Science Registration

Looking for something for your child to do on Early Release Wednesdays? The PTO organizes a Mad Science program from 12:45-3:20 on these days. Sign up fills up fast so secure your spot today!

Chere here for the registration link.
A young boy looks intently at a science experiment kit, with the "Mad Science" logo and program details visible.
 

Events in the Larger Community

2026 Cub Recruitment Flier