Principal's Page
August 2025
Dear Sousa Families,
I hope this summer brought you time to rest, reconnect, and create beautiful memories with those you love. As we prepare to open our doors for the 2025–2026 school year, I’m excited to share our theme: “We Are…”—a reflection and celebration of who we are as individuals and as a united school community. This year, we will build upon our core values of kindness, confidence, and compassion to deepen connections, strengthen our sense of belonging, and nurture our school community.
Throughout the year, we will explore what it means to be part of the Sousa community by reflecting on the people, values, and traditions that make our school so special. As we deepen our shared identity, we will also take time to discover and celebrate the unique qualities each individual brings to our learning community. Through stories, celebrations, and shared experiences, we will learn with and about one another—fostering a sense of belonging, honoring our diversity, and strengthening who “We are” at Sousa.
With the school year just around the corner, we are looking forward to welcoming your children and connecting with you at the many special events, celebrations, and time-honored traditions that are a part of who “We are” at Sousa. For a preview of what's planned click here. For answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), click here.
As you prepare your child for the year ahead, please know that we are here to support every step of the way. Whether arriving at the bus circle or car drop-off, your child will be welcomed with warmth, care, and enthusiasm.
A giant “thank you!” to our custodial, facilities and clerical staff that have been hard at work preparing our building this summer. And to our teachers who are creating engaging, inclusive learning environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
We can’t wait for Wednesday, September 3rd to arrive!
Below is some important information to know before we begin the school year:
First Day of School for all students: Wednesday, September 3rd
Academic Day:
- begins promptly at 8:45 am
- dismissal begins at 2:50 pm
Kindergarten Bus Orientation:
- Tuesday, August 19th beginning at 11:30 am in the Sousa Auditorium
Arrival and Dismissal (click here for more information)
- Car Drop-off is from 8:20 am to 8:40 am
- Dismissal begins at 2:50 pm.
- Last minute changes to your child’s dismissal plan MUST be emailed to [email protected] NO LATER than 11:00 am. Exceptions will not be honored in the coming year.
- Students will be supervised by paraprofessionals during the arrival & dismissal process.
- Parents/ guardians are not permitted to walk children to their classrooms.
Late Arrival/ Early pick-up
- Late arrivals/ early dismissals are highly discouraged due to the impact on your child’s access to the curriculum.
- If a late arrival/ early dismissal MUST occur, park your vehicle in the lot near the playground and walk to the front entrance of the school.
- Students must be signed into/ out of school by an adult.
- A valid license/ photo identification card is required to pick a student up from the building.
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Snack
- School Meals from Aramark- no cost
-
- One (1) breakfast and one (1) lunch are available for all students at no cost. Click here to learn more.
- If a student eats breakfast at home, then they may take the one (1) free breakfast as a shelf stable snack for class snack time.
- Ala carte, additional meals, and snack will still be available for purchase.
- There are assigned allergy tables in the cafeteria for students with food allergies during lunch.
-
- Lunch from home
- Label lunch bags/ bottles with your child’s name and teacher.
- Don’t forget utensils when packing lunches.
- There are assigned allergy tables in the cafeteria for students with food allergies during lunch.
- The lunch schedule is as follows:
- Snack-
- Snack (lunch time)- available for purchase in the cafeteria
- Snack (class time)
- Brought to school from home OR if a student eats breakfast at home, then they may take the one (1) free breakfast as a shelf stable snack for class snack time.
- Eaten in the classroom or outdoors when weather permits.
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
- Returning students- Prepare your child’s iPad or Chromebook for the first day of school by locating the device, locating the charger and fully charging the device.
- Bring the device, fully charged, to school on the first day.
- New students- Your child will receive their device within the first two weeks of school.
Parking
- Visitors should park in the parking lot closest to the Sousa playground.
- Parking/ Idling is not permitted in the front circle of the school building.
Visitors
- The safety of our school community is of utmost importance to us.
- Please park in the playground parking lot.
- Visitors MUST report to the main entrance.
- A valid license/ photo identification card is required for entry into the building.
Open House
- We are looking forward to seeing you on Thursday, September 4th beginning at 6 pm.
- More information to come!
On behalf of the entire Sousa Elementary School staff, thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we build on our core values of being
kind, confident, and compassionate—celebrating all that “we are.”
We are Sousa Strong!