Principal's Page

August 2026
 
Dear Sousa Families,
 
This summer offered me a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best experiences are the ones we didn't originally plan. When our family's plans to travel to Portugal didn't work out, we changed course and spent time together in Chicago instead. It was my first visit to the city, made even more special when my brother and sister-in-law joined us. What initially felt like a disappointment became a trip filled with new experiences, laughter, and wonderful memories.
 
It reminded me that when things don't go quite as planned, there can still be delight and surprise in what comes next. A new school year brings that same sense of possibility—the excitement of new beginnings, reconnecting with friends, and looking forward to the experiences and memories that lie ahead. 
 
As we prepare to welcome our students back to Sousa for the 2026–2027 school year, I am excited to share our theme for the year: Together. At Sousa, Together reflects the partnership among students, families, faculty, and staff that makes a strong school community possible. Each of us brings something important to that partnership, and each of us has a role in helping our students learn, grow, and thrive. As your principal, I know that I need your partnership, just as our students and teachers do. Our best work happens when we listen to one another, learn from one another, and work toward shared goals—together.
 
Throughout the year, we will build upon Sousa's core values of kindness, confidence, and compassion as we strengthen connections and deepen our sense of belonging. We will celebrate what each individual brings to our community while recognizing what becomes possible when we support one another, solve problems together, and share in both the work and the joy of learning.
 
As you prepare your child for the year ahead, please know that we are here to support you 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.
 
So much happens behind the scenes to prepare a school for opening day. I am especially grateful to our custodial and clerical staff for their tremendous work throughout a summer filled with building projects, ensuring that Sousa is ready to welcome our students and staff. My thanks as well to our teachers and staff as they prepare classrooms and learning spaces that will inspire our learners in the year ahead.
 
We can't wait for Wednesday, September 2nd to arrive and to begin all that this year will bring—together.
 
As you look ahead to the new school year, you can find a preview of upcoming events here and answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here.
 
Below is some important information to know before we begin the school year:

First Day of School for all students: Wednesday, September 2nd 

Academic Day:

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

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