Important Reminders for Chamberlain

Check out this Back to School Message from Principal Berrie!

Dear Chamberlain Families,

I hope you and your family have had an enjoyable and restful summer! It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year at Chamberlain Elementary.

At Chamberlain, we believe every student can achieve at high levels. Through engaging, culturally responsive instruction, meaningful relationships, and a “find-a-way” mindset, we are committed to supporting each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. We will continue building upon the strong foundation of our school community by creating a positive learning environment where students feel valued, challenged, supported, and encouraged to make wise choices, demonstrate effort, build relationships, and take pride in being members of the Chamberlain Wolf Pack.

Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program will continue to reinforce our W.O.L.F. expectations:

W – Wise Choices
O – Outstanding Effort
L – Loyalty to the Pack
F – Friendly Attitude

Students will be recognized throughout the year for demonstrating these expectations during our monthly Community Meetings and Leader of the Pack celebrations.

Family partnerships remain an important part of the Chamberlain community. We encourage families to participate in school events, share feedback, and stay connected throughout the year. Your partnership plays an important role in student success.

SchoolMessenger will continue to serve as our primary source of communication for school announcements, reminders, newsletters, and important updates. Please make sure your contact information is up to date.

Important Reminders

First Day of School Arrival:
The first day of school is Monday, August 31, 2026. Doors will open at 8:45 a.m. Students should arrive at 8:45 a.m. sharp. It is important that students are on time each day so they are ready to begin learning promptly. On the first day of school, all students will line up on the playground located on the Sunrise Avenue side of the building to meet their teacher. Staff will be outside to support students and help ensure a smooth transition into the school day. Please do not drop students off at the Newington Avenue entrance, as this entrance is reserved for buses only.

Morning Drop-Off:
All parent drop-offs must take place on the Sunrise Avenue side of the building. The Newington Avenue entrance is reserved for buses only and will be closed to parent vehicles.

Dismissal:
Dismissal will begin at 3:30 p.m., with school ending at 3:35 p.m. On early dismissal days, dismissal will begin at 1:30 p.m., with school ending at 1:35 p.m.

All parent pick-ups and walkers will take place on the Sunrise Avenue side of the building. The Newington Avenue entrance will remain reserved for buses and closed to cars.

Students will be dismissed by grade level as follows:

• Kindergarten: Sunrise Avenue sidewalk outside of the playground
• Grade 1, Grade 4, and Grade 5: Sunrise Avenue playground area
• Grade 2: Sunrise Avenue main entrance

Early Pick-Up Procedures:
We understand that there may be times when an early dismissal is necessary; however, it is important that students are present for the entire school day whenever possible. When picking up your child, please bring a valid photo ID. Student safety is our top priority, and we must verify the identity of all individuals picking up students.

Please make sure your PowerSchool information is accurate and up to date. For safety reasons, we cannot release students to individuals who are not listed as authorized contacts in PowerSchool.

Breakfast:
Breakfast is served daily from 8:45–9:05 a.m. Students who wish to eat breakfast must arrive on time. Breakfast will not be served in classrooms after 9:05 a.m.

School Uniforms:
New Britain Public Schools is a uniform district. All Chamberlain students are expected to wear the approved school uniform each day.

Attendance Matters:
Every school day counts. Students who miss 10% or more of the school year are considered chronically absent. Regular, on-time attendance is essential for academic success. If your child will be absent, please contact the main office.

Summer Reading:
Students should bring their completed summer reading packet on the first day of school and submit it to their new teacher.

Please follow Chamberlain Elementary School on Facebook to stay connected with school news, celebrations, photos, and important updates throughout the year.

Encouraging Parent Engagement

Strong family-school partnerships are key to student success. Whether you are attending events, participating in school activities, joining the PTO, or staying informed through SchoolMessenger, your involvement makes a meaningful impact. We invite you to be an active part of the Chamberlain community as we work together to ensure all students grow, learn, and thrive.

We are excited to welcome our students back and begin another meaningful year of learning, growth, and community. If you have any questions or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out.

In collaboration,

Principal Berrie