JoAnna Connell Elementary School
Gavin Roddy, Executive Principal | 8:00am-2:30pm | (814) 874-6785
Your Voice Matters!
Every family brings a unique perspective on what school life is really like. The School Climate Survey is your chance to share how welcome, supported, and connected you feel as a partner in your child’s education. The survey is completely anonymous, so please share openly and honestly.
Your feedback directly shapes our work to strengthen school-family partnerships and advance Priority 3 of our District Strategic Plan: Well-Being & Safety, with a focus on well-being, safety, belonging, and learning.
Together, we can build school communities where every student and family feels welcomed, valued, and supported. Thank you for helping us grow!
Please complete the Families School Climate Survey through ParentSquare by Friday, October 23.
#buildingexcellencetogether2
Every family brings a unique perspective on what school life is really like. The School Climate Survey is your chance to share how welcome, supported, and connected you feel as a partner in your child’s education. The survey is completely anonymous, so please share openly and honestly.
Your feedback directly shapes our work to strengthen school-family partnerships and advance Priority 3 of our District Strategic Plan: Well-Being & Safety, with a focus on well-being, safety, belonging, and learning.
Together, we can build school communities where every student and family feels welcomed, valued, and supported. Thank you for helping us grow!
Please complete the Families School Climate Survey through ParentSquare by Friday, October 23.
#buildingexcellencetogether2
Hi Connell!
This Thursday is our Trunk of Treats from 6-8 p.m.
Know before you go:
- Bring a bag for each student to collect candy and goodies
- All children must be accompanied by an adult
- Park in the side lot off of Staton
- Check in at table around the front of the building
- Optional to buy hot dog meal for $5
Please RSVP by 10/14 at 6 p.m.
https://forms.gle/rRDYj7n5DV1tg9TL6
This Thursday is our Trunk of Treats from 6-8 p.m.
Know before you go:
- Bring a bag for each student to collect candy and goodies
- All children must be accompanied by an adult
- Park in the side lot off of Staton
- Check in at table around the front of the building
- Optional to buy hot dog meal for $5
Please RSVP by 10/14 at 6 p.m.
https://forms.gle/rRDYj7n5DV1tg9TL6
🍕 Did someone say FREE PIZZA?! 🍕
That’s right! Join us for Dabbling with DIBELS on October 22nd at 5:00 PM, where we’re serving up delicious pizza and tons of great tips to help your young reader shine!
Here’s what’s in store for the night:
Pizza Feast: Grab a slice (or two!) and fuel up.
At-Home Literacy Tips: Learn super fun and easy ways to boost reading skills right from your living room!
1-on-1 Score Decoding: Chat directly with your child's teachers to learn what their DIBELS scores mean and how you can supercharge their growth!
Teachers are sending out personalized invitations, but you don't have to wait—we’ve extended the registration deadline!
Don't miss out on the food, fun, and learning. RSVP and grab your spot here: https://forms.gle/D7B1xTPLYyCppUqn7
We can't wait to see you there!
That’s right! Join us for Dabbling with DIBELS on October 22nd at 5:00 PM, where we’re serving up delicious pizza and tons of great tips to help your young reader shine!
Here’s what’s in store for the night:
Pizza Feast: Grab a slice (or two!) and fuel up.
At-Home Literacy Tips: Learn super fun and easy ways to boost reading skills right from your living room!
1-on-1 Score Decoding: Chat directly with your child's teachers to learn what their DIBELS scores mean and how you can supercharge their growth!
Teachers are sending out personalized invitations, but you don't have to wait—we’ve extended the registration deadline!
Don't miss out on the food, fun, and learning. RSVP and grab your spot here: https://forms.gle/D7B1xTPLYyCppUqn7
We can't wait to see you there!
📸 Picture Day is coming up on Monday, October 26!
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTBDDSNX. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer
with cash or check on Picture Day.
Orders after Picture Day must be placed online on mylifetouch.com
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTBDDSNX. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer
with cash or check on Picture Day.
Orders after Picture Day must be placed online on mylifetouch.com
Join Erie's Public Schools for a fun-filled community celebration of connection, fun, and empowerment of the young girls in our district on Sunday, October 11, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Biletnikoff Field!🎉
This event is part of our district’s Building Excellence Together Weekend, held in partnership with the Jefferson Educational Society's Global Summit XVIII. While our students are busy with service projects on Saturday and a select group attends a conversation with Michelle Obama on Monday, Sunday is all about bringing our families together!
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, October 11
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Empowerment Walk begins at 3:15 PM)
Location: Biletnikoff Field (finishing at the EPS Admin Building, 1910 Sassafras St., via an accessible route)
Admission & Activities: 100% Free for all EPS families!
What’s in Store:
- Fun family photo booth & bounce house
- Balloon headbands and wristlets provided by The Brown Clowns
- Music, refreshments, and community resource tables
- Inspiring remarks from local female leaders
An Empowerment Walk celebrating girl power, health, and wellness at 3:15 PM
Bring the whole family out to show support for our girls and the bright future we are building together. We can't wait to see you there! 💜
Mrs Evanoff’s class went out to the playground today to investigate what happens when wind blows on the land for the science unit! 🌬️🌱🍃
You can make a difference.
This September, during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Erie's Public Schools is reminding our whole community: a mental health crisis deserves the same response as any other emergency. You don't need to be a therapist — you just need to notice, reach out, and get help.
A.C.T. if you're worried about someone:
Ask — Start the conversation. Be direct, and listen without judgment.
Care — Show you care. Stay close and keep them connected.
Tell — Bring in a trusted adult or trained professional.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available: 📞 Call or text 988 — free, confidential, 24/7 📱 Safe2Say Something: 1-844-SAF2SAY ☎️ Erie Crisis Line: 814-456-2014 🏫 Talk to a school counselor, mental health specialist, or any trusted staff member
In immediate danger? Call 911.
Every student, every day. We're in this together. #SuicidePreventionMonth #EriesPublicSchools
This September, during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Erie's Public Schools is reminding our whole community: a mental health crisis deserves the same response as any other emergency. You don't need to be a therapist — you just need to notice, reach out, and get help.
A.C.T. if you're worried about someone:
Ask — Start the conversation. Be direct, and listen without judgment.
Care — Show you care. Stay close and keep them connected.
Tell — Bring in a trusted adult or trained professional.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available: 📞 Call or text 988 — free, confidential, 24/7 📱 Safe2Say Something: 1-844-SAF2SAY ☎️ Erie Crisis Line: 814-456-2014 🏫 Talk to a school counselor, mental health specialist, or any trusted staff member
In immediate danger? Call 911.
Every student, every day. We're in this together. #SuicidePreventionMonth #EriesPublicSchools
Hello Cougar families!
Thank you for an amazing first few days of school. As you are aware, JoAnna Connell Elementary has transitioned to only allowing Smart Snacks to be sent in for classroom celebrations. Attached are documents that can help identify what would qualify.
As a reminder, if you wish to send in classroom snacks, please email the teacher in advance to ensure that the snack you intend to send is acceptable.
https://canva.link/huq218a09k9et8x - this has general information as well as ideas for birthdays and each holiday!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TlHvPswsPKHy9uN4zaVxh5d1_t42qGBamwvTC7W0FxY/edit?tab=t.0 -l
Thank you for an amazing first few days of school. As you are aware, JoAnna Connell Elementary has transitioned to only allowing Smart Snacks to be sent in for classroom celebrations. Attached are documents that can help identify what would qualify.
As a reminder, if you wish to send in classroom snacks, please email the teacher in advance to ensure that the snack you intend to send is acceptable.
https://canva.link/huq218a09k9et8x - this has general information as well as ideas for birthdays and each holiday!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TlHvPswsPKHy9uN4zaVxh5d1_t42qGBamwvTC7W0FxY/edit?tab=t.0 -l
Family Information Guide
Our Family Information Guide 2026-27 is available at eriesd.org/familyguide. The guide includes helpful information about school bell times, transportation, health policies, and more. Take a few minutes to read to help ensure that you and your children kick off the 2026-27 school year right!
Right to Know
Click the link below for your educational rights as a parent. You can also have this translated by viewing it on Parent Square or the Connell web site under Parents.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JdO3PdgckjsGrMMijO4Q9QkaYrf3QbWbkA4xJF7B01s/edit?usp=sharing
Our Family Information Guide 2026-27 is available at eriesd.org/familyguide. The guide includes helpful information about school bell times, transportation, health policies, and more. Take a few minutes to read to help ensure that you and your children kick off the 2026-27 school year right!
Right to Know
Click the link below for your educational rights as a parent. You can also have this translated by viewing it on Parent Square or the Connell web site under Parents.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JdO3PdgckjsGrMMijO4Q9QkaYrf3QbWbkA4xJF7B01s/edit?usp=sharing
Dear Connell Families,
Thank you to everyone who helped make our morning drop-off a success today! Starting tomorrow, we will officially transition to our updated drop-off process.
To ensure a smooth and safe arrival for all students, please take note of the following procedures:
Building Entry: Students who are on time may enter through either main door regardless of grade level. Staff will be inside to help guide them to their classrooms. If arriving after 8:20, students will need to enter through the main doors.
Drop-Off Zone: A traffic cone will mark the designated stop point. Staff members will be stationed along the sidewalk to assist students out of vehicles.
Stay in the Vehicle: For safety and traffic flow, drivers must remain inside the vehicle at all times. If you need to exit your vehicle to give hugs, kisses, or goodbyes, please park in a designated parking spot before walking your student to the sidewalk.
Single-Lane Unloading: Students may only exit vehicles from the designated drop-off lane directly adjacent to the sidewalk. For safety reasons, students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the middle or far-left lanes. To make this process even safer, we are asking students to exit from the right side of their vehicle.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and our morning line moving efficiently! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our morning drop-off a success today! Starting tomorrow, we will officially transition to our updated drop-off process.
To ensure a smooth and safe arrival for all students, please take note of the following procedures:
Building Entry: Students who are on time may enter through either main door regardless of grade level. Staff will be inside to help guide them to their classrooms. If arriving after 8:20, students will need to enter through the main doors.
Drop-Off Zone: A traffic cone will mark the designated stop point. Staff members will be stationed along the sidewalk to assist students out of vehicles.
Stay in the Vehicle: For safety and traffic flow, drivers must remain inside the vehicle at all times. If you need to exit your vehicle to give hugs, kisses, or goodbyes, please park in a designated parking spot before walking your student to the sidewalk.
Single-Lane Unloading: Students may only exit vehicles from the designated drop-off lane directly adjacent to the sidewalk. For safety reasons, students will not be permitted to exit vehicles from the middle or far-left lanes. To make this process even safer, we are asking students to exit from the right side of their vehicle.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and our morning line moving efficiently! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Stronger Together 🤞🏼 Connecting Home & School for Student Success!
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE Annual Title 1 Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 15th
WHERE: Connell Library
TIME: 2:40
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
RSVP By Sept. 9th
bit.ly/4h4kKV0
Click link above to sign up!
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE Annual Title 1 Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 15th
WHERE: Connell Library
TIME: 2:40
🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
RSVP By Sept. 9th
bit.ly/4h4kKV0
Click link above to sign up!
EPS families,
Throughout the year, a number of school events, programs, and classroom lessons take place that are of interest to both school district media (cable channel, website, school newsletters, etc.) and regional print and broadcast media (newspapers, television, radio, etc.) During these activities, students and staff may be photographed or interviewed to increase public awareness of our school and/or individual student accomplishments. If you DO NOT want your children to be photographed, videotaped or interviewed, please complete and return the 2026-2027 Media Opt-Out Form available at your child’s school.
You can also find and print the form, available in English and other languages, at https://www.eriesd.org/page/optout
Than k you!
Throughout the year, a number of school events, programs, and classroom lessons take place that are of interest to both school district media (cable channel, website, school newsletters, etc.) and regional print and broadcast media (newspapers, television, radio, etc.) During these activities, students and staff may be photographed or interviewed to increase public awareness of our school and/or individual student accomplishments. If you DO NOT want your children to be photographed, videotaped or interviewed, please complete and return the 2026-2027 Media Opt-Out Form available at your child’s school.
You can also find and print the form, available in English and other languages, at https://www.eriesd.org/page/optout
Than k you!
HOT OFF THE PRESSES: Our Family Information Guide is now available at eriesd.org/familyguide. The guide includes helpful information about school bell times, transportation, health policies and more. Take a few minutes to read to help ensure that you and your children kick off the 2026-27 school year right!
🥰🤍 There is still time to register your student if they willing be entering Kindergarten in the fall for our SCHOOL READINESS CAMP!
See fliers below for details or click this link to sign up.
https://forms.gle/vDqcEzL5uPzkEAhk7
See fliers below for details or click this link to sign up.
https://forms.gle/vDqcEzL5uPzkEAhk7
☀️🐾 CONNELL SUMMER SWPBIS BINGO CHALLENGE! 🐾☀️
Our SWPBIS Team is excited to announce our Summer SWPBIS Bingo Challenge! 🤩🎉
At Connell, our students know the three school-wide expectations:
💙 Be Respectful
💛 Be Responsible
💙 Be Safe
We encourage students and their families to continue practicing these important skills all summer long! Students can complete activities on the Summer PBIS Bingo Board that promote kindness, responsibility, and safety at home and in the community.
✅ Complete a BINGO (or challenge yourself to complete the entire board!)
✅ Have a parent/guardian sign the board
✅ Return it during the first week of school
🎁 Students who turn in their completed Bingo Board will earn PBIS Points to use in our school store!
The Summer Edition of our SWPBIS Newsletter is attached and includes ideas for practicing our school expectations throughout the summer, along with the Bingo Board challenge.
We can't wait to see all the ways our Connell Cougars continue to be respectful, responsible, and safe during summer break!
Have fun, make great choices, and enjoy your summer! ☀️😎🐾
#ConnellCougars #SWPBIS #BeRespectful #BeResponsible #BeSafe #SummerBingoChallenge #PBISPoints #ConnellPride
🤗 Any questions please reach out to Ms. Lachica at clachica@eriesd.org
Our SWPBIS Team is excited to announce our Summer SWPBIS Bingo Challenge! 🤩🎉
At Connell, our students know the three school-wide expectations:
💙 Be Respectful
💛 Be Responsible
💙 Be Safe
We encourage students and their families to continue practicing these important skills all summer long! Students can complete activities on the Summer PBIS Bingo Board that promote kindness, responsibility, and safety at home and in the community.
✅ Complete a BINGO (or challenge yourself to complete the entire board!)
✅ Have a parent/guardian sign the board
✅ Return it during the first week of school
🎁 Students who turn in their completed Bingo Board will earn PBIS Points to use in our school store!
The Summer Edition of our SWPBIS Newsletter is attached and includes ideas for practicing our school expectations throughout the summer, along with the Bingo Board challenge.
We can't wait to see all the ways our Connell Cougars continue to be respectful, responsible, and safe during summer break!
Have fun, make great choices, and enjoy your summer! ☀️😎🐾
#ConnellCougars #SWPBIS #BeRespectful #BeResponsible #BeSafe #SummerBingoChallenge #PBISPoints #ConnellPride
🤗 Any questions please reach out to Ms. Lachica at clachica@eriesd.org
🏆 Principal 100 Club Winners for the Week!
#berespectful #beresponsible #besafe
#berespectful #beresponsible #besafe
Our Committed Cougars are officially ready to take over the 5th grade student leadership roles after participating in the United Way Annual Leadership Retreat at Penn State Behrend. These students enjoyed a day of motivational speakers and team building activities while meeting student leaders from all 17 of the United Way of Erie County community schools! A huge thank you to Mrs. Sestak and Mrs. Fromyer for being such great role models for our Committed Cougars! 💙💛🦁
Last week, our school welcomed some furry visitors — therapy dogs Summer Hope & Ellie! 🐾💙
Therapy dogs can have such a positive impact in self-contained classrooms, supporting students with special needs, behavioral challenges, and developmental differences through comfort, connection, and engagement.
Students in Miss Lachica, Miss Nietupski, Mrs. Savoia, and Mr. Breski’s classrooms spent part of their afternoon learning about the important services therapy dogs provide and enjoying time with the dogs themselves. Special thanks to Therapy Dogs United, Ellie & Summer Hope and their handlers for this special afternoon🐶
Therapy Dogs United
Therapy dogs can have such a positive impact in self-contained classrooms, supporting students with special needs, behavioral challenges, and developmental differences through comfort, connection, and engagement.
Students in Miss Lachica, Miss Nietupski, Mrs. Savoia, and Mr. Breski’s classrooms spent part of their afternoon learning about the important services therapy dogs provide and enjoying time with the dogs themselves. Special thanks to Therapy Dogs United, Ellie & Summer Hope and their handlers for this special afternoon🐶
Therapy Dogs United
Hi Connell Families!
As we prepare for our first annual award ceremony on June 2nd, please review the letters that were previously sent home (if you need another copy, please ask your students teacher).
We also ask that you take a few minutes to watch the video explaining our procedures and expectations.
https://canva.link/e71fzlcnebobzp1
If you have any questions, please contact the office at 814-874-6785.
Thank you,
Ms. Rossi & Ms. Polakowski
As we prepare for our first annual award ceremony on June 2nd, please review the letters that were previously sent home (if you need another copy, please ask your students teacher).
We also ask that you take a few minutes to watch the video explaining our procedures and expectations.
https://canva.link/e71fzlcnebobzp1
If you have any questions, please contact the office at 814-874-6785.
Thank you,
Ms. Rossi & Ms. Polakowski
Important Dates —
6/1 Field Day
☀️ Please put sunscreen on your student before coming to school
👟 Have your student wear sneakers
6/2 End of the Year Awards in the Gym
🏆 11:20 to 11:35 - Kindergarten & AS & K-1 Lifeskills
🏆 11:40 to 11:55 - 1st Grade & K-1 ES
🏆 12:00 to 12:15 - 2nd Grade & 2-3 Lifeskills
🏆 12:25 to 12:40 - 3rd Grade & 2-3 ES
🏆 12:45 to 1:00 - 4th Grade & 4-5 Lifeskills
🏆 1:05 to 1:20 - 5th Grade & 4-5 ES
💛 EPS clear bag policy will be enforced. ALL bags must be clear or left inside of your car.
💙 No balloons, flowers or gifts.
🙂 These are all approximate times.
🙂We ask that all attending enter through the doors facing Tops (Door 5).
🙂Once in the gym please find a seat on the bleachers.
📸Once the grade level is done you will be asked to go outside to the selfie station area for pictures if you would like.
🙂Once you leave you will have to go back through SECURITY to enter if you have other STUDENTS being recognized.
6/2 5th Grade Clap Out
👏 This will start around 1:25. All families are welcome to attend!
6/2 Cougar Carnival
🎟️ 4:30-5:00 will be Sensory Friendly and only for our Autistic Support and Life Skills classrooms and their families. You must bring the slip that was sent home with your student to enter at 4:30!
🎪 5:00-7:00 will be for the rest of our students.
💵 $5 for a family of 5, $1 additional per member after the 5.
🤩 If you had perfect attendance for the year or missed one or less days of school in Q4, your family gets into the carnival for free.
🙂 Games, bounce houses, face painting and tattoos, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn, hot dog cart (pork free options too), and more!
6/3 Last Day of School for Students
6/1 Field Day
☀️ Please put sunscreen on your student before coming to school
👟 Have your student wear sneakers
6/2 End of the Year Awards in the Gym
🏆 11:20 to 11:35 - Kindergarten & AS & K-1 Lifeskills
🏆 11:40 to 11:55 - 1st Grade & K-1 ES
🏆 12:00 to 12:15 - 2nd Grade & 2-3 Lifeskills
🏆 12:25 to 12:40 - 3rd Grade & 2-3 ES
🏆 12:45 to 1:00 - 4th Grade & 4-5 Lifeskills
🏆 1:05 to 1:20 - 5th Grade & 4-5 ES
💛 EPS clear bag policy will be enforced. ALL bags must be clear or left inside of your car.
💙 No balloons, flowers or gifts.
🙂 These are all approximate times.
🙂We ask that all attending enter through the doors facing Tops (Door 5).
🙂Once in the gym please find a seat on the bleachers.
📸Once the grade level is done you will be asked to go outside to the selfie station area for pictures if you would like.
🙂Once you leave you will have to go back through SECURITY to enter if you have other STUDENTS being recognized.
6/2 5th Grade Clap Out
👏 This will start around 1:25. All families are welcome to attend!
6/2 Cougar Carnival
🎟️ 4:30-5:00 will be Sensory Friendly and only for our Autistic Support and Life Skills classrooms and their families. You must bring the slip that was sent home with your student to enter at 4:30!
🎪 5:00-7:00 will be for the rest of our students.
💵 $5 for a family of 5, $1 additional per member after the 5.
🤩 If you had perfect attendance for the year or missed one or less days of school in Q4, your family gets into the carnival for free.
🙂 Games, bounce houses, face painting and tattoos, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn, hot dog cart (pork free options too), and more!
6/3 Last Day of School for Students