2 Hour Delay Policy

Today the Topsfield Public Schools will open on a 2 hour delay schedule.  Our preschool classes are closed, however, our extended day program will open at 11 am. Below is our handbook's policy regarding cancellations.

Announcements regarding the delay or closing of school due to snow or inclement weather will be made on local television stations.  Parents who sign up for the Connect-Ed parent notification system will also receive a phone call and/or e-mail with this information.  The preschool will be closed when the Topsfield Public Schools are closed. If there is a one hour delayed opening, the morning preschool program (including morning extended day) will run from 10-12 pm.  If there is a two hour delayed opening, the morning preschool sessions will be cancelled, and the extended day program will open at 11am. There will be no early morning drop off for the extended day program when there is a delayed opening.  Should school be dismissed early due to unsafe weather conditions we will also cancel the Preschool Extended Day Program.  Parents will receive a call through the Black-Board Connect/ Connect Ed phone system notifying them of any such cancellations.  

UPDATE: Drop Off Procedure Here is an update to clarify some questions:   1.  It is best if everyone stays in their car so we can move the cars through the circle when the teachers arrive.  When you get closer to the front of the building, you can certainly assist your child to get out of the car.  2.  Please still feel free to walk towards the school to get your child at dismissal.  This seems to be working well.   3.  Cars can be in the circle starting at 8:50 (this was designed to assist families with children in grades K-3 as well).  HOWEVER, teachers will not be outside to take children until 9:00. 4.  Please do not drop your child off with a staff member on duty who does not work in preschool.  They are outside until 8:45 to assist families in grades K-3.  Please be patient as we pilot this new system! Thank you for your continued support! Michelle Costa, Principal Katie Lyons, Preschool Director

New Drop Off Procedure

New Drop Off Procedure

As of Monday, October 15, the preschool drop off for ALL preschool students will occur in the front circle.   Please follow the instructions below:
1.  Pull up as far as possible so we can fit several cars in the circle.
2.  Car idling can not exceed five minutes. 
3.  Drop off as quickly as possible.
4.  Please do not arrive before 8:50 as we have drop off for all other grades preceding the preschool.  
5.  Unbuckle your child and unload as quickly as possible so cars can exit the circle.

6.  Please refrain from cell phone use during this time. 
7.  If a staff member does not come close to your car to get your child, please walk him/her from the car until your child is safely with a staff member. 

Please be patient as we pilot this new system!

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Thank you for your continued support!

Michelle Costa, Principal

Katie Lyons, Preschool Director   

Keeping Our Students Safe!

As part of our emergancy prepardeness plan, the Steward School will be conducting a lockdown drill tomorrow (Friday) morning.  Fire drills and lockdown practice drills are held periodically during the school year. The purpose of these drills is to prepare children for emergency situations. Fire and lockdown drills are conducted in conjunction with the Town of Topsfield Fire and Police Departments.

The lockdown procedure is used when an intruder or dangerous scenario impacts the safety of the students. During a lockdown teachers have students go to a designated section of the room on the floor, lock classroom doors, turn off lights,  and take attendance. Teachers and staff look to make sure all students are away from doors and windows.  Once the classroom is secure, teachers will be reading a book to the preschoolers. 

We have had a successful fire drill in our preschool this year, and are confident that the lockdown drill will be successful as well.  All of our preschoolers are learning about how the point of a lockdown drill is really just the opposite of an evacuation drill.  An evacuation drill happens when something unsafe is going on in the building and a lockdown is when there is something unsafe going on outside of the building or outside of their classrooms.  For example, if there was a fire at a neighbor’s house or there was someone that we didn’t recognize in our school it would be a reason to have a lockdown.

Steward Preschool LOVES the new playground!

Students from Miss Lisa's classes and the Extended Day programs have been enjoying our new Steward School playground!