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Principal's Page

August 2024

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 highlighted and identified the many ways in which Sousa is Awesome by finding moments of “awe” in both small and big moments. As we prepare for the coming year, we are looking forward to Growing Together! 

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 car 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  Wednesday,  September 4th to arrive!

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

First Day of School for all students: Wednesday, September 4th

Academic Day:

  • begins promptly at 8:45 am 
  • dismissal begins  at 2:50 pm

Kindergarten Bus Orientation:

  • Thursday, August 15th beginning at 11:30 am in the Sousa Auditorium

Arrival and Dismissal (click here for more information)

  • Drop-off is from 8:15 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.
  • 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

  • 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 need to be labeled with your child’s name
      • Please remember to send utensils when packing lunches
    • Snacks are available for purchase after lunch has been purchased.
    • The lunch schedule is as follows:

Time

Cafeteria

11:30- 12:00

K

12:00- 12:30

1/2

12:30- 1:00

3/4

1:00- 1:30

5
  • 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 within the first two weeks of school.
  • 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/ Idling is 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 front desk aide for entry.
  • A valid license/ photo identification card is required for entry into the building.

Open House

  • We are looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 4th 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 “Grow Together” in the coming school year!
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