Dear Partners in Learning,

Another school year is just around the corner for families and students of Harris Elementary.  I trust that you and your family have had a break packed with fun and relaxation.  Many of the staff members of Harris Elementary spent a portion of their summer break preparing for the 2011-2012 school year.  I eagerly anticipate meeting the new families and students that will be joining us this year and getting reacquainted with our returning families and students.  To help families prepare for the new school year, please review the following information.

Parent orientation will be held August 16, 2011.  Orientation is from 5:30-6:30 P.M.  During this time you will have an opportunity to meet staff members, get an overview of operations and procedures, pick up car rider tags, and get information on lunches.  Although classrooms will be locked, knowing where your child’s classroom is located will result in less confusion on the first days of school.

The first day of school is Monday, August 22, 2011.  This will be a regular school day for students. Kindergarten through fourth grade car riders and walking students should arrive no earlier than 7:15 A.M.  Please adhere to the instructions given by school personnel when dropping students off.  The safety of our students is of utmost importance.  Dismissal will begin at 3:05 P.M.  If your child is a car rider, please remain in your car with your car tag displayed on your rear view mirror. Car tags may be picked up from the office from 8:00-4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Your patience and willingness to comply with our procedures will result in a speedier dismissal and increased safety for our students. 

Meals will be served the first day of instruction.  Breakfast at No Cost will continue to be available to all students.  Students must arrive prior to 7:45 if they are eating in the cafeteria. The 2011-2012 cost for lunch remains at $1.35 and the reduced cost is $.40.  Beginning this year, parents may have lunch with their child on Fridays only.

If you must alter your child’s transportation arrangements for any reason, please notify the front office and your child’s teacher by 2:00 P.M. If possible, a written note is preferable.  Failure to adhere to this request may result in unnecessary stress for you, school personnel, and most of all to your child.

Finally, our campus strongly encourages standardized dress Monday through Thursday: red polo style shirts and blue or khaki bottoms.  Plain blue jeans are acceptable. Although Friday is designated as “school spirit day”, district dress-code standards will be enforced. 

We welcome your input and value your commitment to your child’s school.  Be sure to complete a comment card (located in the front office) any time you visit the campus.

Best regards,

Kathy Bacy, Principal