Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year

Dear Sousa Families,

It is my hope that this summer allowed you the opportunity to connect with those you love, play with your children, and recharge your batteries for the coming school year. Last year, we “Made some Noise!” and ensured there were many opportunities to have fun together as a community. As we prepare for the coming year, collectively we will continue to highlight, identify and improve the many ways in which Sousa is “Awe”some! With the school year fast approaching, we are looking forward to welcoming your children on their first day of school and making memories with each of you at our special events, celebrations and time honored traditions. For more information about what is planned for the coming year, click here. For answers to some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) click here

As you prepare your child for the school year, it is important to know that we will be eagerly awaiting their arrival at the bus circle or at drop off . We are ready and willing to support and guide your child (and you!) each step of the way.  Our custodians and clerical staff have been hard at work ensuring that our building is cleaned, our supplies are plentiful and we are ready for the first day of school. Our teachers are preparing the learning environments to foster incredible learning opportunities for each and every child. We can’t wait for  Tuesday, September 5th to arrive!

Below are some important items to know before we begin the school year:

First Day of School for all students: Tuesday, September 5th

Academic Day: begins promptly at 8:45 am  and ends at 2:50 pm

Kindergarten Bus Orientation:

  • Thursday, August 17th beginning at 11:30 am in the Sousa Cafeteria

Arrival and Dismissal (click here for more information)

  • Drop-off is from 8:15 am to 8:45 am. The academic day begins promptly at 8:45 am.
  • Dismissal begins at 2:50 pm.
  • Last minute changes to your child’s dismissal plan MUST be called to the main office NO LATER than 11:00 am.
  • Students will be supervised by paraprofessionals during the arrival & dismissal process.
  • Parents are not permitted to walk children to their classrooms.

Breakfast/ Lunch/ Snack

  • Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase. Click here to learn more. 
  • Students will eat snack in their classrooms or outdoors when weather permits
  • Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria. 
    • Lunch bags/ bottles should be labeled with your child’s name
      • Please remember to send utensils when packing lunches
    • Snacks are available for purchase during lunch.
    • The lunch schedule is as follows:

Time

Cafeteria

11:20- 11:50

K

11:50- 12:20

1/2

12:30- 1:00

5

1:00- 1:30

3/4

  • There are assigned allergy tables for students with food allergies. 

Recess

  • Barring inclement weather, recess will be outdoors.
  • Paraprofessionals will be present to supervise and support students.

Supply Lists

  • Click here to view the supply list on our HSA (Home and School Association) website

iPads and Chromebooks

  • Students who attended Sousa last year need to prepare their iPad or Chromebook for the first day of school by locating the device, locating the charger and fully charging the device for school.
  • If your child is new to Sousa, they will receive their device when they arrive.
  • Your child’s iPad or Chromebook should be fully charged and brought  to school on the first day.

Parking

  • Visitors are asked to park in the parking lot closest to the Sousa playground
  • Parking in not permitted in front of the school building

Visitors

  • The safety of our school community is of utmost importance to us. 
  • Please park prior to entering the front entrance of the school in the playground parking lot.
  • All visitors MUST report to the main entrance and be cleared by our security aide.
  • A photo ID card is required for entry into the building.

Open House

  • We are looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday, September 5th beginning at 6 pm.
  • More information to come! 

On behalf of the entire Sousa Elementary School staff, thank you for your partnership and trust as we embark on the coming school year together!

We are Kind
We are Confident
We are Compassionate
WE ARE SOUSA STRONG!