Meet our Principal
August 5, 2023
Dear CDA Community,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! We are thrilled to have your child join us at Coeur D’Alene Avenue Elementary School, where we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for all students. As we embark on this new academic journey together, we want to share some important information to ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year.
The first day of school is Monday, August 14, 2023. We eagerly look forward to welcoming our students back to our campus. On this day, students will have the opportunity to meet their teachers and reconnect with old friends while gearing up for an incredible year of learning.
The school day begins at 8:30 AM. Dismissal is at 2:55 PM, except on Tuesdays when students are dismissed at 1:55 PM for staff professional development. Minimum Day will dismiss at 1:03 PM this year.
Every day, teachers will meet students on the playground lined up on room numbers. Our warning bell rings at 8:25 AM. Please arrive on campus by 8:20 AM. Please do not park in our parking lot to ensure student safety, and do not stop at the front of the school to drop students off. Students can be dropped off on Garfield St. at the back gate.
For safety reasons, the school’s gates will be locked at 8:20 AM without exception every day. Latecomers will need to enter the school through the Main Office. All students arriving after 8:20 AM must collect a tardy slip to present to their teacher. Please help your children form good habits by being on time every day. Late students miss valuable instruction and interrupt lessons for other students.
The first day of school is exciting for all community members. Please support our teachers and staff as they get to know their students, establish expectations, and acquaint students with their learning spaces by handing students off to teachers at 8:25 AM. Parents and caretakers are invited to the auditorium at 8:30 AM for refreshments. Booster club board members will be available to answer questions for parents. Please remember to sign up for booster emails (very important!) here.
We are thrilled to welcome and congratulate and welcome several new staff members to our team:
Ms. Limas was promoted to Senior Secretary at Region West
Ms. Colli married and moved to San Diego with her family where she will serve as a math coach
Mr. Harvin transferred to serve at Walgrove Elementary
Mr. Rothschild transferred to teach 4th grade closer to home to 7th Street Arts Integration Magnet
Ms. Perez is teaching elementary students at a private school
Ms. Mayra Diaz joins us as our School Administrative Assistant
Mr. Michael Nicholes joins us as our Plant Manager
Ms. Nadia Hernandez is joining us as a Teacher Assistant in the upper grades
Mr. Bell will join us as an Instructional Aide
Mr. Keith Martin joins us in Fall 2023 as our Itinerant Theater Teacher
Ms. Robin Branch joins us in Spring 2024 as our Itinerant Dance Teacher
Your child’s teacher assignment will be available on the Parent Portal. Students can also log into Schoology and see their class assignments. Students’ teacher assignments will also be posted in front of the Main Office on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Teachers carefully consider each student’s needs and learning styles when assigning teachers to create an optimal learning environment. Class assignments are final. Our teachers will share their curriculum and vital information about their class with you at Back to School Night (date/time TBA shortly).
Dismissal Procedures:
Ensuring the safety of our students during dismissal is of utmost importance to us. Dismissal on the first day of school is at 1:03 PM. Please follow the designated dismissal procedures to maintain an organized and secure process:
Parents, caretakers, babysitters, etc. MUST be listed on the student’s emergency contact form to pick up students from school.
Students who walk home must have a parent or guardian note on file that explicitly states they may walk home by themselves with a wet signature.
If there are any changes to dismissal arrangements, please inform the school office in writing or through a phone call. This will help us ensure your child’s safety and avoid confusion during dismissal.
The gates will be unlocked five minutes before dismissal. Families may enter campus and meet their child outside the classroom during the first week of school. Teachers will escort the remaining students to the designated gate. Please communicate with your child where you will meet them.
TK/K Gates – On Coeur D’Alene next to TK/K playground
Grades 1-2 – Coeur D’Alene Ave Gate
Grades 3-5 – Garfield St. Gate
Students attending after-school programs in grades TK-1 will be picked up by after-school staff. Students in grades 2 and up will meet their program leader(s) at the designated area for attendance and snack. Parents and caregivers must complete the appropriate application to participate in an after-school program.
Your child’s teacher will reach out to families to introduce themselves and provide information on requested student supplies. While supplies may be recommended and not mandatory, your efforts to purchase them for your child will help us direct school monies to instructional enrichment supplies. Please do not purchase items until the class list has been provided by teachers.
A welcome packet will be sent home on the first day of school. Additional information regarding school policies and procedures, safety guidelines, important dates and events, updated emergency card, etc., will be included. Please complete and return all requested forms in the Welcome Packet by Friday, August 18.
The New Family Orientation and TK/Kindergarten/Language Programs Options meeting will be held for all new families Friday, August 11 from 11:00-12:00 in the auditorium. A lemonade social will take place afterward for the CDA community.
We are excited to partner with you in your child’s educational journey and look forward to a fantastic year of growth and learning! Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Main Office at 310-821-7813. Together, we will create a positive and enriching environment for all students to thrive.
Sincerely,
Ms. Danielle Grasso
Principal
PS – Please complete the More than a Meal Application here. The application determines our school funding for the next four years and we need 100% participation.
Looking forward:
