2026 Santapogue Welcome Letter

August 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Happy New School Year! I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our new families and incoming Kindergarten families and welcome back all of our students! I am so happy to say that the first day of school for all Santapogue students will be on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

In collaboration with Dr. Farrelly, the Board of Education, our administration team, teachers, clerical staff, and custodians, we welcome you to the 26-27 school year. We have been working hard to prepare for the safe arrival of our students in the coming days and have been busy preparing our classrooms and facilities.

Please visit the Santapogue website at Santapogue Website for important information and reference. Attached are some additional documents for your review.

Important Deadline & Forms

It is of the utmost importance that the following forms be returned to your child's classroom by September 11, 2026:

• Free / Reduced Lunch Application (if applicable)
• AIDS Letter
• Photo/Media Release Opt Out Letter
• Emergency Contact Information Form

Helpful Names and Phone Numbers

School Procedures & Guidelines

• Supplies: Please label your child's belongings (jacket, lunch bag, backpack) with a permanent marker.
• Arrival:

• All non-bused students enter through 2 entrances each morning. Driving parents should enter the driveway from 12th Avenue, exiting students curbside onto the sidewalk.
• K–5 Entrance: Enter through the Main Doors. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 8:45 a.m. Please stay in your vehicle during drop-off and do not arrive before 8:30 a.m. Do not park in front of the school (fire zone).
• Staff members will escort Kindergarten classes to their classrooms for the first 4 days. Please keep the colored tag on your child's backpack.
• Lateness: Children arriving after 8:45 a.m. are marked late. Late students must be accompanied to the main entrance by an adult to sign in. Drop-off items must be clearly labeled with the student's name and class number and left on the cart in the vestibule.

• Dismissal:

• Dismissal begins promptly at 2:50 p.m. (Kindergarten and 1st grade begin at 2:45 p.m.).
• Bus Riders: Bus info is available on the Parent Portal.
• Walkers ("Blue Gym Dismissal"): Dismissed from the brown doors / back courtyard. Access via 12th Avenue side gate or 11th Avenue gate.
• Early Sign-Out Policy: Students will NOT be allowed to be signed out between 2:30 p.m. and bus dismissal without prior principal approval.

• Lunch & Recess Schedule:

• Grade 1: 10:58 a.m. – 11:22 a.m.
• Grade 2: 11:23 a.m. – 11:47 a.m.
• Grade 4: 11:47 a.m. – 12:11 p.m.
• Grade 3: 12:12 p.m. – 12:36 p.m.
• Grade K & 5: 12:36 p.m. – 1:01 p.m.
• Note: Contact the school nurse if your child has severe food allergies. Please send a reusable water bottle with your child daily.

• Absences & Homework:

• Notify the school before 8:45 a.m. if your child will be absent.
• Homework requests must be made prior to 10:00 a.m.

Important: Class placements for 2026–2027 will be posted on the Parent Portal in late August. You will receive a robocall and email when they are available.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jennifer Carere

Principal