Dear Pinecrest Families,
The safety and security of our students and staff remains a top priority. Each day, we work to ensure our school is a safe, welcoming place where children can learn, grow, and thrive. To support this commitment, we continue to follow the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation. This nationally recognized approach provides consistent language and actions for responding to various situations, from weather events to emergencies. Students and staff practice these responses throughout the year so that everyone knows what to do and feels prepared. Please see the summary page of this protocol below.
As we begin this new school year, we will also be implementing some updated safety procedures. These changes are designed to strengthen our overall security while keeping the daily school experience warm and positive. You may notice adjustments in areas such as visitor check-in, building access, and drill routines. While some procedures may feel different at first, please know they are in place with one goal in mind, protecting your children.
One change that will be implemented immediately is our process for picking students up early and dropping off items. If you are dropping off an item, we ask that it is left on the table in the vestibule. There will be paper and pen to label the item. We will then get the item to your child.
If you need to pick up your child early for an appointment or from the nurse’s office, we ask that you follow the process below:
Please contact the front office if you're planning to pick up early.
When you arrive and have parked your car, please call the office at 651-480-7280. We will then contact the classroom and have your child walk to the office.
Then, we ask that you enter the first set of doors, ring the doorbell to let us know that you've arrived, show your driver's license to the camera, and wait in the vestibule. Thank you in advance for your patience as you wait for your child.
When your child arrives at the office, we will send them out to meet you in the vestibule.
In order to make this process more seamless, it's important that we have your driver's license on file in our security system. If you've never picked up early from school, please stop by the office during Raider Set Go! conferences so we can add you.
In the past, we have been a little relaxed about how parents enter and exit the building during our morning routine. As we plan our morning drop-off moving forward, please say your goodbyes outside the building (take those first day of school photos next to our sign) and direct students to enter the building through Door #1. We will have ample staff ready to greet students with warm smiles, positive greetings, and energetic high-fives. Staff will also be able to assist students in getting to their classroom.
Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. We look forward to a safe, successful school year ahead. Please do not hesitate to connect with us if you have any questions regarding these new procedures or about our Standard Response Protocol.
With gratitude,
Paul Bakker
Principal
Pinecrest Elementary
