Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members:

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I introduce myself as the new elementary principal.  After serving as Assistant Principal, I feel truly honored to take on this new role in a school known for its academic excellence, committed staff, and close-knit community.

This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to see our students actively engaged in a variety of programs, including Summer Recreation, Summer School, the Summer Science Academy, Super Stage, and the Hand in Hand program.  It was inspiring to see the joy of learning and connection in action.

As an educator, I believe in building strong connections with students, setting high expectations, and creating a safe, welcoming environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.  My goal is to partner with you to ensure that all students grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a space where they are inspired to reach their full potential. 

Our mission is to empower all students with future-ready skills, preparing them for personal success and meaningful impact in their communities.  Each day, we bring this mission to life through purposeful teaching, caring relationships, and a shared belief in what our students can achieve.

I look forward to seeing many of you at school events or at arrival and dismissal.  My door is always open.  I welcome your ideas, your questions, and your partnership as we work together to create a joyful, engaging, and inclusive learning experience for all.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Respectfully,

Andrea J. Hanselman
Elementary Principal

2025-2026 Elementary Student School Hours

The elementary office hours are from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. each day. The elementary school is in session from 8:35 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. each day.  Children are counted tardy if they arrive after 8:35 a.m. Students who walk are requested not to arrive before 8:15 a.m.   Elementary bus students are dismissed from their buses at 8:20 a.m. each morning.  Elementary students are the first to be dismissed from school to board the buses before students in grades 6-12 are dismissed.  Students who walk should leave the school grounds at dismissal.  Students should not be unsupervised in the school building or on school grounds.  Students must leave campus at dismissal, and not go to the playground unattended. We ask that you communicate with your child each morning where they should be going at the end of the day.  

Elementary Back-To-School Night

The Elementary Faculty will sponsor the annual “Back to School Night” on Thursday, September 11 at Lowville Elementary School.  Classrooms in grades PreK-5 will be open from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. for parents to visit and meet teachers.  Your attendance will help make the year ahead a great one for your child.  We hope you will take a few moments to stop by and say hello.

Title I Parent Information Meeting

Parents of all elementary school students are invited to attend a meeting to learn about the district’s Title I program.  Join us to learn what Title I is, how Title I money is used, how students get Title I help, and how parents can help their child be successful.  The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. prior to the start of Elementary Back to School Night.  We invite you to join us for this informational session and appreciate you partnering with us to support student achievement.  You will hear about our MTSSi program and WIN period. 

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Todd Galarneau at 315-376-9147 or  tgalarneau@lowvilleacademy.org.

Secure Building

Lowville Elementary is committed to the security and safety of our students and staff.  All entrance doors to the school will be secured after student drop-off in the morning and will remain locked. Please come to the elementary entrance and use the call button located to the left of the exterior door during school hours.  Access to the building during school hours will only be for emergency situations or for scheduled appointments. If you need to meet with a teacher, please communicate with the teacher to schedule an appointment. 

School Bus Changes

Students will be allowed one primary drop-off location and one alternate (secondary) drop-off location again this year.  Both destinations will be kept on file.  Please send in a note each day your child is to go to their alternate (secondary) location.  Notes requesting changes to locations other than the two listed on the information sheet will not be allowed.  Phone calls or emails will not be accepted to change the afternoon drop-off location.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide transportation for non-school activities.  

~ Sarah Clemons and Jill Ortlieb 

School Psychologists

Lewis County Fair Spelling Bee

In addition to enjoying the food, circus, and rodeo at the Lewis County Fair in July, some of our students had an opportunity to compete in the annual Lewis County Fair Spelling Bee, sponsored by the Lewis County Agricultural Society and Jefferson-Lewis BOCES.

In May, grades 1-5 held a spelling bee to identify those students who would represent Lowville Elementary School at the fair.  In the Middle School, participants were selected based on the Middle School Spelling Bee held in February.  

The following students competed on July 18 in the LeRoy Nichols Youth Building: Grades 1 & 2 – Zane Eaves, Theo Krop, Zaya Zehr Grades 3 & 4 – Adrien Essenlohr, John McCauley, Heidi Rush Grades 5 & 6 –Bryson Eaves, Radley Vance Grade 7 – Adele Andrews

• Congratulations to Theo Krop for placing 1^st in the Grades 1 & 2 Spelling Bee!
• Congratulations to John McCauley for placing 1^st in the Grades 3 & 4 Spelling Bee