Welcome Letter 2023-2024

Hello Seward Elementary Families,

We hope your summer break was filled with fun, rest and a lifetime of memories. The faculty and staff of Seward Elementary would like to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year! If you are a returning family – welcome back! If you are new to the Seward Elementary family – we are so glad you will be joining us. We believe this year will be the absolute best year for your student.

I have just a few housekeeping items to bring to your attention:

• SCHOOLWIDE OPEN HOUSE – Tuesday August 22nd 4:30-5:30. You are welcome to come to the school, say hi to the teacher and let your student show off their classroom. Kindergarten through 2nd grade will have an informal Meet and Greet Monday, August 14 from 4:00-5:00.

• The start/stop time has changed this school year. The school day will start at 8:00 and end at 2:30. Please see the morning and afternoon procedures below for changes to the routine.

• From Aug 15th-18th, you may drop your student off at the classroom. We ask for quick “good-byes” so teachers can begin the day with their students. Beginning Aug 20th, if you would like to walk your child to the building, you must drop them off at the front doors.

• For the safety of our staff and students, all exterior doors are locked during the school day.

• Please fill out the Free and Reduced lunch application, even if you are not sure if you meet the requirements. These forms/applications help us obtain Title 1 status, which would allow us to potentially have a preschool program, or additional academic support for our students, etc…The forms can be located on the KPBSD website or contact the school office.

• If you have any bus related questions, please contact our bus coordinator at 907-224-3559.

• The school and district is still hiring for multiple positions, if you are interested in employment, please check out the KPBSD website.

Morning and afternoon routines:
The change in start/stop times of school have caused us to redo the normal procedures before and after school. Below are the procedures:

* Before school:
Breakfast will be served between 7:40 and 7:50. If your student will eat breakfast at school, please make sure they are here in time.

If your student is not eating breakfast and arrives between 7:40-7:55, they will go outside for morning recess. Please have your student geared up and ready to head outside.

If a student arrives between 7:55 and 8:00 they will go directly to their class

* After school:

Bus riders – Students will be walked to the bus

Pick up – Please park and walk to the sidewalk to pick up your student from their teacher.

School starts at 8:00. We ask that you please do everything possible to have your student to school on time. When students are late, they miss out on quality instruction. Additionally, arriving late causes distractions to the other students and teachers that are already engaged in learning. Thank you for your support with this!

As the Seward Elementary team, we want to express our eagerness to work with and get to know the families and students of Seward. We understand that each and every child that walks through our doors is special; our goal is to provide each of them with the highest quality educational experiences in the safest environment possible.

We want to thank you on the front end for your support of the staff at Seward Elementary. We know that a successful school and successful students are a direct result of teamwork between the school staff and parents.

Finally, just a brief introduction; I have the privilege to be principal at Seward Elementary. My wife, Mickey, and I just recently relocated from Arkansas. This will be my 19th year in public education; 12th year as a principal. I have either taught, or been a principal, in elementary school, middle school and high school. Mickey and I are both beyond excited to be part of the Seward community and look forward to meeting you.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 907-224-3356.

We look forward to seeing you on the 15th!

Matt Cook and the Seward Elementary team