Hello NCES Families,
I hope this message finds you well and that you're enjoying a wonderful summer! All of us at NCES are excited to welcome back our new and returning students for the 2025–2026 school year. The first day of school for all Pre-K through 6th grade students will be Tuesday, September 2nd.
Our school day will begin promptly at 7:50 AM and end at 2:30 PM.
- Morning Parent drop-off: 7:30–7:48 AM
- If your child will be eating breakfast, please drop them off by 7:40 AM so they have time to eat before the cafeteria closes.
- Drop-off location: Entrance to the intermediate wing (same as last year)
- Afternoon Parent pick-up: 2:30–2:40 PM
- Pick-up location: Front loop (also same as last year)
Teacher Assignments
Teacher assignment letters will be sent out tomorrow, Friday, August 8th. If you do not receive your child's assignment by Wednesday, August 13th, please contact Melanie Schroeder at (716) 337-0166, ext. 2151.
Transportation
The Transportation Department will begin to email bus pick-up and drop-off times on August 20th. If you do not receive your child's transportation information by the end of the day on August 25th, please call 716-337-0166, ext. 2200. If your child will not be riding the bus this year, please notify the transportation office as soon as possible.
Free Meals Program
The Community Eligibility Program (CEP) will continue to provide all students with free meals (both breakfast and lunch) for the 2025–26 school year.
For second meals and à la carte items (see prices at northcollins.com), our cafeterias will be mostly cashless. Funds can be added through MySchoolBucks.com. For questions, please contact our Business Office at (716) 337-0101, ext. 1308.
School Supplies
School supply lists are available on the main page of our website: northcollins.com.
Welcome to Our New Staff!
We are excited to introduce and welcome the following new staff members to NCES:
- Mrs. Hannah McNamara, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. McNamara grew up in Angola and graduated from Lake Shore High School in 2012. After earning a bachelor’s degree in public relations from SUNY Oswego and working in technology, she followed her passion for education. She earned her master’s in Early Childhood/Childhood Education from Buffalo State College and has spent the past five years teaching at Tapestry Charter School. She has experience in both kindergarten and 1st grade and says, “Working with the youngest learners and creating a fun learning experience for them brings me so much joy.” Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, camping with her dog Otis, and spending time at the beach.
- Miss Rachel Kehr, 3rd Grade Teacher
Miss Kehr is a proud North Collins alumna and graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a degree in Childhood Inclusive Education and a math extension. She is currently completing her master’s in literacy. She has experience as a teacher’s aide in special education and recently served as a long-term substitute in 3rd grade at Eden Central Schools. She looks forward to building strong relationships with her students and watching them grow socially and academically. In her free time, she enjoys line dancing, working out, and supporting her siblings at the Erie County Fair.
Save the Date – Open House
Please mark your calendars for our Open House on Thursday, September 25. More information will be shared soon!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We’re looking forward to a fantastic school year ahead!
Sincerely,
Kerry Buell
Elementary Principal