The Little Judges Ledger
August 10-14, 2026
Dear Virginia Avenue Families,
💙 School Starts Tuesday!
It’s finally here! We were so excited to see so many of our students and families at Open House on Thursday. Our teachers have been working hard to prepare their classrooms, and we can’t wait to fill our school with Little Judges on Tuesday!
We are looking forward to a wonderful year filled with learning, growth, new friendships, and plenty of fun.
As you prepare for the first day of school, here are a few important things to know:
⏰ Start the Day on Time
🚪 Doors open at 7:25 a.m.
🔔 Classes begin promptly at 7:50 a.m.
Please plan to arrive with enough time for your child to enter the building, get settled, and be ready to learn when class begins. Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. are considered late and must check in with an adult in the front office before going to class.
🍎 Free Breakfast & Lunch for All Students
Breakfast and lunch are provided FREE to all students every school day!
🥞 Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria before school. If your child plans to eat breakfast at school, please plan to arrive closer to 7:25 a.m. so they have plenty of time to eat before classes begin at 7:50.
🍎 Lunch is also provided free of charge to every student each day. Students are always welcome to bring a packed lunch from home if they prefer.
There is no need to send money for your child's regular school breakfast or lunch.
👋 First-Day Goodbyes
We know that the first day of school is a big milestone—especially for our Pre-K and Kindergarten families! There may be excitement, nerves, a few tears, or a little bit of everything.
On Tuesday morning, we kindly ask families to say their goodbyes at the front steps. Parents and guardians will not be able to walk students to their classrooms.
We know that can be difficult! Please know that we will have plenty of staff members ready to greet our Little Judges, help them find their classrooms, carry a backpack if needed, and make sure they feel safe and welcomed.
A short, confident goodbye helps children begin learning their new school routine and reminds them that you know they can do this! We'll take it from there. 💙
🚗 Help Us Keep the Car Rider Line Moving
The first few days of arrival and dismissal require a little extra patience as everyone learns the routine. Safety will always be our top priority, even when that means the line takes a few extra minutes.
You can help us keep things moving by:
- 🎒 Having backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, and other belongings ready to go before reaching the front of the line.
- 👋 Starting hugs and goodbyes before it's time to unload.
- 🚙 Having students exit from the passenger side of the vehicle whenever possible.
- ➡️ Pulling all the way forward and following staff directions before unloading.
- 🚘 Remaining in your vehicle while in the car rider line.
- ⏰ Giving yourself a little extra time during the first week.
It will get faster! Once students, families, and staff settle into the routine, arrival and dismissal will become much more efficient.
🚌 Know Your Bus!
Please practice your child's bus number and bus stop with them before Tuesday.
The more students who know their transportation information, the faster and smoother we can make dismissal!
Important: An adult must be present at the bus stop to receive all Pre-K and Kindergarten students.
💡 Tip for younger students: Consider placing a small card inside your child's backpack with their name, teacher, bus number, and bus stop.
🚶 A Note for Our Walkers
Students in 1st–4th grade are permitted to walk home independently at dismissal.
If your child should NOT walk home independently and must wait for you or another designated adult to meet them, please make sure we know.
If you did not complete a walker form at Open House, please contact the school office to let us know that your child must wait for an adult before leaving school each day.
Please also talk with your child before Tuesday so they know exactly what their dismissal plan is.
🏠 How Am I Getting Home?
Before your child comes to school Tuesday morning, please make sure they know:
🚌 Bus | 🚗 Car | 🚶 Walker
Having a clear dismissal plan is one of the best ways families can help us ensure a safe and efficient dismissal.
If you need to make an unexpected change to your child's dismissal plan, please contact the school office as early in the day as possible.
✅ Annual Verification
Still need to complete your child's Annual Verification Forms in PowerSchool? Please complete them as soon as possible.
Having accurate phone numbers, emergency contacts, addresses, and other student information is especially important as we begin the new school year.
🎒 School Supplies
Remember, school supplies should never be a barrier to learning.
Families are not required to purchase school supplies. Supplies can be provided for students who need them.
Our school supply list also includes recommended items and optional classroom donations. Donations are always appreciated but never required.
Let’s Get This Year Started!
Our teachers are ready, our classrooms are ready, and now we just need our Little Judges!
Thank you in advance for your patience and partnership during these first few days as everyone learns new routines.
We’ll see you Tuesday morning! 💙
Alli Di Giovanni
Principal
Important Dates:
August 11- First day of school!
September 4- No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
September 7- No School (Labor Day)
September 29- Picture Day
WPS Division News
Check out division updates, community events, and more on the WPS News & Highlights website.