Principal Newsletter // January 23rd, 2024

Jan 22

Dear Appleton Community…

A Better Parking Lot

Over the years, I have taken many concerns about the traffic volume at Appleton. One thing I continue to share with folks is that for the most part, our arrival and dismissal processes last for 10-15 minutes at their peak. This hasn't changed over my 14 years at Appleton even though we’ve grown from about 340 students to 460. If we all are looking out for the welfare of our children and have patience in those 10-15 minutes, then everyone will get to and from school safely.

Here are some easy ways you can help with parking and H Road safety:

Slow down. Multiple times per year we’ve had vehicles pulled over by law enforcement on H Road. In the morning and in the afternoon. Security is making a concerted effort to slow people down.
Never drop students off in the driving lane. No matter how convenient this seems, you are endangering your child. Way too many close calls.
When dropping off in the morning, do not leave your car unattended against the curb. It’s ok to get out and give a quick hug and kiss but please do not leave your car to walk your child inside the building. The curb is a quick drop off and go section in the morning. If you need to walk your child inside, park in the lot spaces.
Never stop in the striped sections. Don’t wait in the striped section for a spot against the curb to open up. Pull forward and find an opening further down the lane or use a parking spot.
Don’t use the handicapped spaces unless you have a placard or license plate designation. This includes the striped areas next to them for wheelchair lifts. These spots may seem like they don’t get used much but I have had numerous times a person with a disabled designation has been unable to use a spot because an able bodied person took this convenience away from who it was intended.

Turn right out of the parking lot. Many of you have figured out the secret hack to getting out of the parking lot fast. Turning right even if you need to go left. Just 10 seconds west on H road and you can turn left down 23 ½ road and then left on the I-70 Frontage road. It is a faster alternative and doesn’t hold up traffic. Give it a try.
Stay out of the bus loop. Please don’t cut through the bus loop to avoid the H road line.

By following these ideas, you will help us continue to provide a safe and convenient drop off and dismissal process for our kids.

Thank you for your support and attention on this.

Safety is Taken Seriously at Appleton

Appleton Elementary takes part in over a dozen safety drills each year. These include: Fire/Evacuation Drills, Shelter in Place Drills, Lock Down Drills, and Reunification Drills. We have long been the safety standard bearer for the elementary schools in D51 and over the years a friendly competition has developed between schools for how high we can be scored/rated according to the Safety and Security officers that administer the Lock Down drills. Recently, Appleton received many accolades from the Safety and Security officers in attendance at a lockdown drill. Kudos to the students who follow their teacher’s directions during drills and to their teachers and staff members who take safety so seriously.

4th Grade Music Program - February 29 at 6:00pm

Please be aware that the South Gym is NOT handicapped accessible. This historical 1938 gym provides the best viewing for audiences because it has a sound system, stage, bleachers, and a large gym for dances. Please let us know well in advance if there will be a member of your family or a friend who may need help getting up the stairs and we will be ready to help. Our other option is to hold the concert in the North Gym. Due to decorations, props, and moving heavy PA equipment, please give us plenty of notice if we need to move the concert to the North Gym, which is handicapped accessible. We will be happy to accommodate. Thanks so much!

Spell-A-Thon Incentives!!!

Students who earned $250 or more will receive a pizza party with Mr. Hafey on January 25! Participating students will receive reminders as we get closer to the date.

White Iced Tickets on Sale Now

The White Iced Celebration for the D51 Foundation is Saturday, Feb. 3 at the CMU Ballroom. Check out this link to this D51 Foundation sponsored event.

PTA Meeting in January

Start planning now to attend out PTA meeting in January. PTA is such a crucial part of the student success here at Appleton, and we need YOU to be involved! Plan on joining for about an hour in the library on January 25th, starting right after school (4:15). It takes all of us working together to keep Appleton a strong and growing place for kids to learn and thrive.