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Eli Terry School

Dream. Achieve. Inspire.

11/6 News from Eli Terry

Posted Date: 11/06/26 (04:02 PM)

November 6, 2026

Dear Eli Terry Families,
November is off to a wonderful start at Eli Terry! As we continue to focus on our Portrait of a Terrier attribute, Empowered, we are encouraging students to believe in themselves, take responsibility for their learning, and approach new challenges with confidence. Every day, we see our students growing as learners, friends, and leaders!
Thank you for your continued partnership and for all you do to make Eli Terry such a special community. Wishing all of our families a wonderful weekend!
Mike & Kelley
 
A festive Diwali greeting card features glowing oil lamps and strings of fairy lights against a purple background.

Happy Diwali!

We wish a very Happy Diwali to all of our Eli Terry families who celebrate! Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a special holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. Families celebrate by lighting lamps, decorating their homes, sharing delicious food, and spending time with loved ones.
At Eli Terry, we are proud of the many cultures and traditions that make our school community so special. May this Diwali bring joy, peace, and happiness to all who celebrate! Happy Diwali!
A patriotic graphic featuring a heart-shaped American flag design, dog tag, and text reading Celebrating Veterans Day Honoring All Who Served.

This Coming Wednesday: Veterans Day Assembly

Eli Terry Elementary School will hold our annual Veterans Day Assembly on Wednesday, November 11th, at 9:15 a.m. This special event is an opportunity for our school community to come together to honor and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. If you or a family member is a Veteran and plans to attend our assembly on November 11th, please complete the form below.  If you have any questions, contact our music teacher, Susan Leach, at sleach@southwindsorschools.org.
Please complete the form by Friday, November 6th.

A chalkboard with the message "THANK YOU VETERANS" sits next to an American flag against a wooden background.

From the South Windsor Patriotic Commission:

The SW Patriotic Commission is inviting any military parent or relative attending ET’s Veterans Day program to visit South Windsor High School afterward, if available, to share their military experiences with a high school classroom. Each classroom visit would last approximately 20 minutes or less.
Additionally, the SW Patriotic Commission supports the Home of the Brave CT military banner program, which honors South Windsor residents, past and present, who have served in the military, whether living or deceased.
To learn more about the program, visit Home of the Brave CT. To nominate someone to be honored with a military banner, please visit Take Action – Nominate an Honoree.
A black Scottish Terrier wearing a green shirt with 'ELI TERRY' on it sits in the center of a Venn diagram.

Empowered: Stepping Up with Confidence!

Next week, our students will continue exploring what it means to be empowered by focusing on courage and self-advocacy! Being empowered means believing in ourselves and having the confidence to try new things, take risks, and speak up for ourselves. We want our students to understand that making mistakes is part of learning and growing. Empowered students know that even when something feels challenging, they have the courage to give it a try!
Our Challenge for Next Week:
  • Grades K–3: Try something new! Whether it's a new activity, book, or challenging problem, approach it with confidence and a positive attitude.
  • Grades 4–5: Find an opportunity to speak up! Share an idea, ask a question, or take a chance answering something challenging.
Let's encourage our students to step outside their comfort zones, believe in their abilities, and discover what they can accomplish!
A cartoon cardboard box filled with various canned goods and jars, labeled "FOOD DRIVE".

Student Ambassador Food Drive

Student Ambassadors are collecting food donations to create holiday meal boxes and baskets. To ensure we have a balanced variety of items, each grade level is being asked to contribute specific non-perishable goods:
  • Kindergarten: Stuffing mix & instant potatoes   
  • 1st Grade: Soup/soup mix & pie crust/pie filling dessert mix   
  • 2nd Grade: Gravy mix & canned fruit/fruit cocktail   
  • 3rd Grade: Applesauce & canned vegetables   
  • 4th Grade: Peanut butter & evaporated milk   
  • 5th Grade: Jelly & bread mix   
Collection Dates: Monday, October 26 – Friday, November 20 

Save the Date: Family STEM and Math Night

A promotional flyer for a Family STEM and Math Night at Eli Terry Elementary School on Thursday, November 19, 2026.

Change in Dismissal Plans Reminder

As a reminder, families MUST contact the school office before 2:00 PM with any changes to their child's dismissal plans. Our school office becomes extremely busy at the end of the day, and this deadline allows our office staff sufficient time to communicate changes to classroom teachers and ensure that students are dismissed safely and efficiently.
We appreciate your cooperation in following this important procedure as we work together to ensure a safe and organized dismissal for all students and staff. Thank you for your understanding and support!
A colorful cartoon illustration of five children standing together on top of a spinning globe, waving under a blue starry sky with a shooting star.

2027-28 Peer Role Model Application for Preschool Outreach Program (POP)

South Windsor Public Schools is now accepting applications for community peer role models in the preschool outreach program (POP) for the 2027-2028 school year. If you are interested in this opportunity for your child, please complete the Preschool Outreach Program (POP) Inquiry Form. Peer role model screenings will begin in January 2027. You can learn more about POP by accessing our school district's website.
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.

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
 
Example calendar with dates pinned

Upcoming Events

Monday, November 9-  Crazy 8s Club (Grades 1 & 2) 3:30-4:30 PM
Tuesday, November 10- MOEMS (Grades 4 & 5) 7:30-8:25 AM; Imagi-Coding Club (Grades 4 & 5) 7:30-8:25 AM
Wednesday, November 11- Science Olympiad Club (Grades 2 & 3) 7:30-8:25 AM; Veterans Day Assembly 9:15-10:00 AM; Early Dismissal, Dismissal at 12:45 PM, PTO Virtual Meeting 7:00 PM
Thursday, November 12- Crazy 8s Club (Grades 3-5) 3:30-4:30 PM
Friday, November 13- 
 

Quick Links

2026-27 SWPS District Calendar
2026 Open House Presentations
Peace at Home Parent Newsletter
Food Service October Newsletter
Volunteer Registration
ET "Favorite Things"
 

PTO

PTO Meeting: This Wednesday, 11/11

A colorful flyer for the Eli Terry PTO Virtual Meeting, decorated with pumpkins, autumn leaves, and a friendly black dog.

PTO Meeting Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/rsd-vjif-iya

Terriers on the Town

A promotional flyer for a Lava Island fundraiser event for Eli Terry Elementary School PTO, featuring a friendly teal mascot.
A promotional flyer for the Max Fitness & Wellness Center Community Challenge, featuring school logos and discounts.

The Student Directory is Here!

Thank you to all of the families who signed up for the 2026-27 Student Directory.  Please click on the link below to access the student directory:

The BJ's logo featuring white text on a tilted dark pink rectangular background with a checkmark.

BJ's Fundraiser

The PTO has partnered with BJ's for a fundraiser that goes until 11/30/2026. BJ's donates $10 directly back to the PTO for every new Club and new Club+ signup opened with your custom link or code. 

BJ's Club Membership: New members join for just $10 (regularly $60) for 1 year with BJ's Easy Renewal.
BJ's Club+ Membership: New members join for $50 (regularly $120) for 1 year with BJ's Easy Renewal. This level earns 2% back in rewards, 5¢ off per gallon at BJ's Gas, includes free curbside pickup and two free same-day deliveries. 
Existing Members: Current members can renew their Club Membership for $50 or their Club+ Membership for $100. 
A promotional advertisement for a BJ's Wholesale Club membership fundraiser for Eli Terry PTO, costing $10.
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/

Eli Terry Spirit Wear

Promotional graphic for Eli Terry Elementary online store update, featuring gray hoodies, green plaid pajama pants, beanies, and a QR code to scan and shop.
Eli Terry Elementary Fall PTO Events calendar from August to December with illustrations.
 

Events in the Larger Community

Bobcat Wrestling Registration
Peace of Mind November 2026
SWLL Spring Registration
Screenagers Generation AI - 11/9