Welcome Back Letter from the Principal

  • Dear Parent or Guardian,

    I hope you are enjoying the warm weather and have had an opportunity for rest and relaxation this summer. The faculty and staff at John F. Kennedy Elementary School have been diligently preparing for the arrival of your child and the new school year. We are looking forward to welcoming our incoming third grade students. In addition, we are excited to continue to work with our fourth and fifth grade children to provide all students with educational experiences that are both meaningful and engaging.

    I thank you for the support you have provided in the past and encourage you to continue to work closely with us in the following ways:

    • Check the East Islip School District’s Website and Parent Square for important information and updates.
    • Encourage reading in your home. Consider signing up for the East Islip Public Library’s multiple programs throughout the year. It is essential that together we promote the concept one must “read to achieve.”
    • Monitor your child’s daily schoolwork and homework assignments. It is important that the children know you are aware of their assigned work.
    • Keep the lines of communication open between your home and our school. Children benefit from knowing that their teachers and parents collaborate.
    • Work closely with your child’s classroom teacher throughout the year and keep active in the John F. Kennedy Elementary School’s PTA.
    • Please visit our Twitter page @jfkeipride.

    The First Day of School for students is Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Our school hours are from 9:12 a.m.-3:12 p.m. “Meet the Teacher Night” is Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

    For the safety and welfare of all students, the East Islip School District has clear guidelines outlined in the Board of Education’s Wellness and Allergy Policies relating to food items that are brought into the schools. The Allergy Policy states, “Parents and students will not be permitted to bring any food(s) into school for birthday celebrations. Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ baked goods and other foods prepared at home are only to be used for individual consumption. No goody bags or items are to be brought in for the class.” Students’ individual snacks brought from home will continue to be only for their own consumption. The district has adopted a non-food based policy for birthday celebrations, therefore please do not send in any food items for your child’s birthday. We will not be distributing any goody bags or items from home during the school year. In addition, we are a latex safe school, and no latex balloons will be allowed in the building.

    You will receive your child’s class assignment for the upcoming school year on the beginning Monday, August 28, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. This placement is a result of considerable thought and attention. Each decision was based on careful reflection and deliberation regarding class combinations, and the best placement of each child. If you do not have a parent portal account or are having trouble logging in, please email parentportal@eischools.org

    Grade Level Supply Lists are posted on the Website (Academics) for your convenience. Also, please note the following additional items to be viewed on the Website (Resources).

    To ensure the safety and welfare of all students, please remember to take special care at arrival and dismissal times. The circular driveway is reserved for school buses only. For security purposes, parents are reminded to wait outside the building for their children. If an older child is responsible for picking up a younger child, please plan for a prearranged meeting area in front of the building. All bicycles must be locked to the racks in front of the building and students who ride a bicycle to school must wear a helmet. Please note, the side parking lot cannot be used for drop-offs and pick-ups.

    The Allergy Letter (sent home to individual students) and School/Parent Compact requires a parent or guardian's signature. Please sign these forms and send them in with your child on the first day of school.

    In addition, please send back the enclosed blue dismissal form.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at dsmith@eischools.org or call 631-224-2003.

    On behalf of the entire staff at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, we hope that you enjoy the remaining days of summer, and we look forward to seeing you in September!

    Sincerely,

    Deborah Y. Smith, Ed.D.

    Principal