Principal's Message
Dear Homer Brink Families,
I hope this letter finds you well and that you have enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating summer. As we prepare to welcome both new and returning families for the 2024-2025 school year, I am thrilled to introduce myself and our new associate principal.
My name is Kara Mallery, and I am honored to serve as your Elementary Principal. This marks my fourth year at Maine-Endwell as a school administrator and my 20th year in education. Prior to this role, I taught for 16 years as a special education teacher. I am deeply committed to fostering our students' learning and growth, and I highly value open communication with parents and guardians.
Joining me in administration is our new associate principal, Stacey Hanna. With 21 years of experience in education at Maine-Endwell, Stacey has a rich background that includes roles as a special education math teacher, science teacher and most recently an Instructional Coach for the district. She is eager to get to know our students and families and encourages you to reach out at any time.
In our efforts to be environmentally conscious, we are increasing the availability of information online and reducing the amount of paper sent home. Consequently, we will only provide a physical copy of the handbook to families who cannot access it online. The handbook can be accessed on our website at me.stier.org. If your phone number or email has changed, please contact Ms. Mary O’Neill at (607) 754-1400 (press 1) or registration@me.stier.org to update your contact information. My monthly newsletter will also be available online.
Safety is our top priority. All visitors must enter through the main entrance and present a photo ID. If your child is a walker or pick-up, please send a blue note indicating the pick-up person. Given the volume of students being dropped off or picked up, please prioritize safety when pulling up to the curb and exiting your vehicle. For those meeting children on Pruyne Street, you may park in the upper lot and walk to meet your child. The Royal Road entrance is designated for walkers only. Students must be in the building by 8:55 AM; otherwise, you must sign them in at the main office.
We continue to offer free breakfast and lunch for all students, with breakfast served in classrooms starting at 8:40 AM. Students should arrive between 8:40 and 8:55 AM; after 8:55 AM, they must be signed in at the main office. BOCES will sell snacks during lunch, which students can purchase with cash or money on their accounts. Milk will continue to cost $0.75 when bought separately from a meal. Please refer to the student handbook for healthy snack guidelines if you plan to send birthday treats.
I encourage you to join the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which greatly supports our students. To volunteer in the classroom or with the PTA, please complete the M-E volunteer form available on our website. Click on “I want to” in the top right corner of the main page, then “Volunteer at Maine-Endwell.” If you completed the form last year, it remains valid as long as your child attends Maine-Endwell.
On behalf of the Homer Brink staff, we eagerly anticipate welcoming your child(ren) on September 5th. Orientation for early kindergarten and kindergarten will take place on the 5th, with their first full day of school on the 6th. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sincerely,
Kara Mallery, Principal
Stacey Hanna, Associate Principal