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West Babylon UFSD

Soar Like An Eagle

JFK Welcome Back Letter

JFK Welcome Back Letter

August 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Happy New Year! I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our new families and incoming Kindergarten families. Welcome back to all of our returning students! The first day of school for all JFK students will be on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. In collaboration with Dr. Farrelly, Central Administration, the Board of Education, teachers, our clerical staff and custodians, we have been working hard to prepare for the safe arrival of our students in the coming days.

Morning Arrival

  • School Hours: The school day begins at 9:00 a.m. Staff members will be available to assist students into the building safely.
  • Car Drop-Off: Please remain in your vehicle and ensure students do not arrive before 9:00 a.m. Note that the drop-off lane closest to the building is reserved exclusively for school buses.
  • Lateness: Students arriving after 9:15 a.m. are marked late. Morning announcements begin at approximately 9:15 a.m. Late students must be accompanied to the main entrance by an adult to sign in with our security guard, Mr. Mark, and provide a reason for lateness.
  • Visitors & Item Drop-Off: Visitors entering for essential school business must schedule an appointment prior to arrival. Any items dropped off for a student must be clearly labeled with the student's name and teacher, and left with Mr. Mark.

Outdoor Learning

  • Please send in a towel stored in a labeled Ziploc bag. This allows teachers the flexibility to take classes outside for instruction when weather permits.

Afternoon Dismissal

  • Official End of Day: The school day ends at 3:25 p.m., with the last period ending at 3:20 p.m.
  • Early Dismissal / Dismissal Changes: A signed "Note from Home" must be submitted the morning of any dismissal change. Email requests for dismissal changes are NOT accepted.
  • Bus Transportation: Reserved exclusively for home bus stops or approved childcare locations. Students may not change buses to ride home with a friend.
  • Grades 1–5 Walkers: Dismissed from the main entrance starting at 3:25 p.m. Parents/guardians must come to the main entrance door and present photo identification.
  • Kindergarten Walkers: Dismissed directly from exterior classroom doors. Photo identification is required.
  • Pickup Authorization: Anyone picking up a student must bring a photo ID and be listed as an authorized individual on the Parent Portal.
  • Cutoff Policy: Students may NOT be signed out between 2:55 p.m. and bus dismissal without valid reason and prior approval from the principal.

Lunch & Recess Schedule

  • Grades 2 & 4: 11:28 a.m. – 12:17 p.m.
  • Grades K & 5: 12:17 p.m. – 1:06 p.m.
  • Grades 1 & 3: 1:06 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.

Health & Safety Notes:

  • Complete and submit the Free/Reduced Lunch application if your family qualifies (all submissions are confidential).
  • Contact school nurse Mrs. Daly if your child has a severe food allergy to set up a health and safety plan.
  • Please send your child with a refillable water bottle daily to use at school water filling stations.

Important Upcoming Dates

  • Late August 2026: 2026–2027 classroom teacher assignments posted on the Parent Portal.
  • Wednesday, September 2, 2026: First Day of School.
  • Wednesday, September 24, 2026: Open School Night.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Denisha Van Liew

Principal