Staggered Start & Popsicle Party

It was wonderful meeting so many of our kindergarten families at Kindergarten Kickoff! If you missed it, we’ve included the key information below. We can’t wait to welcome you into the Fairfax family and officially take you into the fold. 💛🖤

See you soon!
The Kindergarten Team

A Special Beginning for Our Newest Fairfax Tigers!

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for children and families! To help make this transition comfortable, welcoming, and successful, the CH-UH school district uses a staggered start for our kindergarten students.

Instead of all kindergarten students attending at once, students come to school in smaller groups based on their last name. This gives our newest Tigers an opportunity to get to know their teacher, see their classroom, learn about school routines, and begin building relationships in a smaller, more comfortable setting.

Why Do We Have a Staggered Start?

Staggered start allows us to:

• 👋 Welcome students and families to Fairfax in a smaller setting.

• 🧑🏾‍🏫 Meet the kindergarten teacher and become familiar with the classroom.

• 🏫 Practice important school routines, such as entering the building and navigating the classroom.

• 📚 Complete beginning-of-year assessments and screenings that help teachers understand each child's individual needs.

• 💛 Begin building relationships between students, teachers, and families.

• ❓ Provide families with important kindergarten information and answer questions before the first full day.

Families Are an Important Part of Staggered Start!

Parents/guardians are expected to attend staggered start with their child and should plan to stay for approximately 45 minutes (the presentation from staff should conclude about 9:30 -9:45 AM).

During this time, families will receive important information about kindergarten, school routines, communication, transportation, attendance, and other ways to help your child have a successful start to the school year.

Your will also have an opportunity to meet the Kindergarten Team and begin establishing a positive relationship with your family.

📅 Kindergarten Staggered Start Schedule

Wednesday, August 19

• Students with last names A–I
• Students with last names S–Z — by appointment*

Thursday, August 20

• Students with last names J–R
• Students with last names S–Z — by appointment*

Friday, August 21

• No kindergarten students will attend school.

*By now all families of students with last names S–Z have received a phone call to schedule their staggered-start day. If you have not please call the school.

On Thursday evening, August 20, or Friday, August 21, all kindergarten families will receive a phone call from their child’s classroom teacher. During the call, teachers will introduce themselves and share their child’s classroom assignment.

This call will provide an opportunity for your child's teacher to introduce themselves and connect with your family before the first full day of kindergarten.

🎉 Monday, August 24 — Our First Full Day ALL Together!

Monday, August 24, 2026, will be the first full day of kindergarten for ALL kindergarten students.

We will celebrate this exciting milestone with our annual:

🐯 Kindergarten Clap-In!

8:45 AM | Fairfax Elementary Front Entrance

Families are invited to join us as we officially welcome our newest Fairfax Tigers into the school community!

We can't wait to begin this exciting journey with you and your child.

Welcome to Fairfax Kindergarten! 💛🖤

Warmly,

Dr. Walker

Welcome, Kindergarten families! Join us for a fun Popsicle Party as we kick off the school year and welcome our newest Fairfax Tigers! It’s a great opportunity to meet other kindergarten families, connect with our PTA, and enjoy a sweet treat together. We can’t wait to see you there! 💛🖤

Sunday, August 16

• Kindergarten Popsicle Party on the FFX Kinder Playground - 1:00 PM-2:00 PM

Monday, August 17

• Teacher Meet and Greet 2:30 PM -3:30 PM

Wednesday, August 19

• First Day of School

• Grades 1-5 - First Day of School - Clap-In on the Playground

• Staggered start for Kindergartners last names A-I and select last names S-Z

• Staggered Start for Kindergartners last names J-R and select last names S-Z

• No Kindergarten Students report (see the letter sent to families)

• All Kindergartners Start - Clap-In at the Front Door

Tuesday, August 25

• Curriculum Night 5:30-7:30 PM

• PTA Ice Cream Social 5:30-7:30 PM

• Homecoming Parade

• Sneaker Ball

• Picture Day

• Trunk or Treat