New Family Welcome Packet · 2026–2027

Welcome, New Tiger Families!

We are so excited to have your family join the Erie Elementary community. This guide answers the most common questions and helps you prepare for a wonderful school year.

A note from the PTCO Board

On behalf of the PTCO Board, welcome to our school community! We are excited to have your family join us at Erie Elementary. The PTCO is dedicated to supporting our students, teachers, and families through school events, Tiger Bite Nights, full funding of field trips, school programs, and community-building opportunities.

We encourage you to get involved in whatever way works best for your family, and we hope you'll join us throughout the year. We look forward to partnering with you and helping make your child's school year a wonderful experience.

Warmly, Alisha Sill, President & the PTCO Board

Daily Schedule

Bell schedule & times

Regular Day

  • Regular Day9:05 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.
  • Doors OpenBreakfast 8:40 a.m. · All students 8:45 a.m.
  • First Bell8:55 a.m.
  • Tardy Bell9:05 a.m.

Late Start Day

  • Late Start Day11:35 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.
  • Doors Open11:15 a.m.
  • First Bell11:25 a.m.
  • Tardy Bell11:30 a.m.

Late start is typically the first Wednesday of each month.

Important Contacts

Who to reach

PrincipalAmy Smythesmythe_amy@svvsd.org
Vice PrincipalShelly Neherneher_shelley@svvsd.org
Attendance Clerk & RegistrarRaquel Freedmanfreedman_raquel@svvsd.org
Health ClerkRachal Kozlowitzkozlowitz_rachal@svvsd.org
CounselorAlissa Chutechute_alissa@svvsd.org
Tigger TimeCheryl Labadielabadie_cheryl@svvsd.org
PTCO PresidentAlisha Sillpresident@eesptco.com
303-828-33954137 East County Line Road, Erie, CO 80516

What is PTCO?

Parent Teacher Community Organization

The EES PTCO is a group of parents who give their time, talents, and resources to make our school the best it can be for our students and staff. We provide full funding of field trips (including buses), school events, Tiger Bite Nights, programs, and community-building opportunities.

Get involved in whatever way works best for your family — meetings, volunteering, or donations all support our students, staff, and community. Our biggest fundraiser is the Jog-a-Thon on September 30th!

General Assembly meetings are bi-monthly from 6–7 p.m. in the Erie Elementary School Library. Childcare is offered to support families who want to be involved.

2026–2027 Meeting Dates

  • 15Sep
  • 10Nov
  • 12Jan
  • 9Mar
  • 11May
Get Involved

Before & After School

Tigger Time & extracurriculars

Tigger Time offers before- and after-school care, led by Program Manager Cheryl Labadie (Provider ID 1512218). Hours are 7 a.m.–6 p.m., closed on non-school days.

Registration Fee

Single child $50 · Family $75

Tuition

$16 per morning · $20 per afternoon

Drop-in (under 48 hrs notice): $32 morning · $40 afternoon

Late Start Days

$30 per occurrence, per child (any drop-off time)

The Community Schools program also offers enrichment classes, non-school day care throughout the district, and summer programming (Summer Camp and Project Launch). Watch for registration details from the Community School office.

Specials

Meet the specials teachers

Art

Mrs. Nicholson

Library

Mrs. Brantley

Music

Mrs. Schultz

PE

Mrs. Campbell

STEM

Mrs. Stem

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know

Arrival & Dismissal

How does morning drop-off work?

Students enter through the front doors and go directly to their classroom. The Kiss & Go lane in front of the school is for quick drop-off and pick-up — drivers stay in their vehicles, students exit from the passenger side, and cars pull forward as far as possible before stopping.

Can parents walk students into the classroom?

No. To help students build independence and maintain school security, parents may walk their child to the front entrance only. Staff members greet students each morning and help them get safely to their classrooms.

How does afternoon pick-up work?

Grades 1–5 parent pick-up and bike riders exit through the front doors, car pick-up exits on the south side of the building, and bus riders line up in the gym. The lane directly in front of the school is for buses only.

Who can pick up my child?

Anyone picking up your child must be listed as an approved emergency contact (managed in Infinite Campus). Please be prepared to show a valid photo ID if requested.

Transportation Changes & Early Dismissal

How do I change transportation plans?

Notify the front desk and your child's teacher as early as possible.

What if my child arrives late or needs to leave early?

If your child arrives after the 9:05 a.m. bell, ring the front door buzzer, scan the QR code, and complete the tardy form. For early pick-up, notify the teacher ahead of time when possible and complete the early dismissal form when you arrive — a staff member will bring your child to the front entrance.

How do I set up the bus?

Apply with the bus rider application on the St. Vrain Valley School District website, then use the Stopfinder app to track routes and set up GeoAlerts.

Meals & Recess

How do breakfast and lunch work?

Doors open for breakfast at 8:40 a.m. in the cafeteria. Students have 20 minutes for lunch followed by a 20-minute recess. Please make sure your student can open all parts of their lunch themselves — meals from home cannot be warmed up, so use a thermos. Carbonated drinks and glass containers are not permitted.

What if my child forgets their lunch?

Lunch can be dropped off at the front desk, and hot lunch is available to every student every day — including on late start days.

Can I visit my child during lunch?

Yes! Families are welcome to have lunch with their student. Please only bring outside food for the student you are visiting, not for friends and classmates.

What about allergies?

For allergy concerns, reach out to Rachal, our Health Clerk. She can work with your family to create the best plan to protect and meet your child's needs. Students get two recesses — one after lunch and another in the afternoon.

Technology & Specials

How are iPads used at school?

iPads support reading, STEM, and testing, and help with teacher instruction. Screen time varies by grade level.

What if an iPad is damaged?

Contact your child's teacher right away. It is highly recommended you sign up for the school technology insurance — it costs $25 (payable through Infinite Campus) and protects you from an expensive accident.

Traditions & Special Events

How are birthdays celebrated?

Classroom teachers have stickers and various classroom traditions to celebrate students. Erie Elementary does not celebrate with snacks from home, decorations, or gifts — please do not send or deliver items to school.

Can students pass out birthday invitations?

Invitations can be passed out only if the whole class is being invited. Teachers and staff cannot provide phone numbers, addresses, or emails for invitations, and cannot forward invitations by email.

Can my child bring toys or comfort items?

Toys should only be brought in with teacher permission for show and tell or special occasions. Otherwise, they'll be asked to keep it in their backpack. E-bikes, e-scooters, and other motorized transportation may not be ridden on campus during school hours.

Conferences & Communication

When are Parent-Teacher Conferences?

Conferences are held twice each school year — once in the fall and once in the spring — to discuss your child's academic progress and social development. Childcare is provided by the PTCO through Erie High School National Honor Society students.

What's the best way to contact my child's teacher?

Email is best. Kindergarten teachers send a weekly update email, and will reach out directly with any questions or concerns. If concerns arise at any point, don't wait for conference time — reach out and schedule a meeting.

Stay Connected

District communication platforms

Stopfinder

The district's official bus-tracking app — view bus locations in real time, track schedules, and set custom GeoAlerts for pickups and drop-offs.

Infinite Campus

The official Student Information System — securely access academic records, schedules, attendance, grades, and emergency contacts.

ParentSquare

The family engagement platform — receive district and school updates with automatic translation, two-way messaging, and customizable notifications.

RevTrak

The district's secure online store — pay student fees, manage childcare and programs, register for camps, and fund student meal accounts.

Volunteer with us

Sign up to be contacted when volunteers are needed. Field trips are funded by the PTCO through the Jog-a-Thon and other efforts — every bit of help makes our school community stronger.

Volunteer Sign-Up

Sign up for the Student Directory

The Student Directory is a wonderful way to connect with your peers. Families who opt in by September 30th will receive a free copy of the printed directory!

Join the Directory

Welcome to the Tiger Family!

We look forward to partnering with you this year. Please reach out anytime with questions, ideas, or to get involved — we would love to hear from you!

Get in Touch