Terrapin Times - Summer Edition

Dear Turtleback Families,

Welcome to the 2026–27 school year! Whether you're new to Turtleback or returning for another year, we are excited to partner with you.

At Turtleback Elementary, we empower one another to create, communicate, collaborate, and think critically in a community where character and leadership count.

As a Leader in Me school, we believe every child has unique strengths and the ability to lead. We help students discover their talents, take ownership of their learning, and make a positive impact through leadership and service. Throughout the year, your child will bring home information about Leader in Me and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People so you can celebrate and reinforce these leadership skills together at home.

School begins Thursday, August 13.

• 7:25 a.m. – Gates & Breakfast Open
• 7:40 a.m. – Line-Up Bell
• 7:45 a.m. – School Starts
• 1:45 p.m. – Dismissal (TK–5)

A few reminders:

• Students should not arrive before 7:25 a.m., as supervision is not available.
• Breakfast and lunch are free for all students.
• Bring a backpack, water bottle, snack, and pencil on the first day. Teachers will share any additional supply requests at Back-to-School Night.

We can't wait to welcome our Terrapins back to campus for another year filled with learning, leadership, friendship, and growth. Thank you for trusting us with your children—we're looking forward to an incredible year together!

If you ever have questions, suggestions, or simply want to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are partners in your child's success, and I look forward to getting to know each of you.

Warmly,

Lisa Maguire
Principal
lmaguire@powayusd.com

Lisa Maguire

lmaguire@powayusd.com

Principal

🍦 Friday, August 7 – Ice Cream Social & New Student Tours 4:00–5:00

🎒 Wednesday, August 12 – Primary Orientation Day & Teacher Assignments Released

TK Orientation – 9:00 a.m.

Kindergarten Orientation – 10:00 a.m.

1st Grade Orientation – 11:00 a.m.

🤩 All families will receive an email at 5:00 with their child's teacher for the 26–27 school year.

🎉 Thursday, August 13 – First Day of School!
School begins at 7:45 a.m. Families are welcome to walk students to their classrooms and meet their teachers.

🍎Tuesday, August 18 - Back to School Night (2nd - 5th grade)

Grades 2-3: 5:45-6:30

Grades 4-5: 6:45-7:30

🎨 Saturday, August 29 – Ball Wall Painting Fundraiser 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Come help us add some color to Turtleback!

All PUSD campuses will remain ‘closed campuses’ to ensure safety of our students and staff. On the first day of school only, parents/guardians will be able to walk their child(ren) to class or the field. Beginning Friday, August 14, all children will be dropped off and picked up at the gate on all PUSD campuses.

This year, the District is launching a coordinated ParentVUE Enrollment Confirmation campaign to encourage families to log in before the first day of school. The goal is to ensure student contact information is accurate, families receive required annual notifications, complete the Meal Benefits Application, review their school's Student & Family Handbook, and access class placements and schedules.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer at our school, please note our district requires a written TB clearance from a licensed health care provider. If you are due for your TB screening (once every four years), we are hoping this advance notification will give you ample time over the summer to complete this part of the process. We recommend getting this done before school starts to help speed up the volunteer clearance process when we return to school in August. Here is a link to the form.

At Turtleback Elementary, we empower one another to create, communicate, collaborate, and think critically in a community where character and leadership count.

Email: lmaguire@powayusd.com
Website: https://turtleback.powayusd.com/
Location: 15855 Turtleback Road, San Diego, CA 92127
Phone: 858-673-5514