The Family Bulldog Blitz
Oak Hill Elementary, 100 Years Strong
Back to School 2026-2027
Our vision at Oak Hill Elementary is to optimize learning opportunities, honor our community, engage all students, and strive for excellence.
Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing atmosphere where academics, family, and community values are respected, and students are empowered to become lifelong learners.
WELCOME BACK, BULLDOG FAMILIES!
The start of another wonderful school year is quickly approaching, and we cannot wait to welcome our Bulldogs back to Oak Hill!
Our theme for the 2026–27 school year is Bulldogs United: One Nation, One School, One Pack. Throughout the year, we will celebrate our Bulldog community while also recognizing the 250th anniversary of our nation. We have many exciting activities planned and look forward to making this a memorable year for our students and families!
As we prepare for the first day of school, please review the important information below.
🐾 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
If you have a child who will attend kindergarten and have not completed registration, please do so as soon as possible. Incomplete applications cannot be processed, which could prevent your child from being enrolled in time to begin school the week of August 24.
If you need assistance completing your child's application, please contact Melanie Hildebran at 828-433-1533.
💻 DEVICE FEES & PARENT PORTAL
Device fees may be paid online before Open House by logging in to MySchoolBucks using the link provided below.
Families should also log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal Self-Service application before school begins. The Parent Portal allows you to update important information, including:
Address and demographic information
Parent/guardian contact information
Emergency contacts
Required annual forms and documents
Keeping this information current is especially important because the school uses the contact information on file for school communications, emergencies, closings, and delays.
Parent Portal instructions are linked below.
🚌 BUS TRANSPORTATION — ACTION REQUIRED
All students who plan to ride a school bus during the 2026–27 school year must complete the transportation form—even if they rode the bus last year.
Please complete the form using the link below as soon as possible so transportation staff can accurately plan bus routes.
Students who have not registered for bus transportation before August 24 may not be able to ride the bus home on the first day of school.
🏫 OPEN HOUSE
Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
We are looking forward to welcoming our Bulldog families back to campus! Open House is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child's teacher, visit the classroom, and make sure everything is ready for a successful first day.
⏰ SCHOOL HOURS & MORNING ARRIVAL
The school building opens for students at 7:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m. — Students may enter the building
7:55 a.m. — First bell
8:00 a.m. — Tardy bell; students should be in their classrooms and seated
After 7:55 a.m., a parent/guardian must accompany the student to the office to check in.
Families using morning car rider should remain in the car rider lane and allow staff members on duty to assist students.
🚗 AFTERNOON DISMISSAL & CHANGES
Student safety is always our first priority.
Bus riders are dismissed at 2:40 p.m.
Car riders and daycare students are dismissed at 2:45 p.m.
All car riders must be picked up by 3:10 p.m.
If someone other than a parent/guardian will pick up your child, that individual must be listed with the school or written permission must be provided according to school procedures.
Dismissal changes cannot be accepted over the phone and must be made before 2:00 p.m.
Please avoid checking students out after 2:00 p.m. unless necessary for a documented medical appointment.
📚 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
The first day of school for students in grades 1–5 is Monday, August 24. Students may enter the building beginning at 7:30 a.m., and instruction begins at 8:00 a.m.
Kindergarten Families
Kindergarten families will participate in mandatory conferences beginning August 24. Please watch your mail for information about your child's conference and staggered-entry schedule.
Kindergarten staggered entry begins Wednesday, August 26.
All Kindergarten Students Attend Together: Friday, August 28, 2026
📝 ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Regular and punctual attendance is essential to student success.
Please send a written note with your child following every absence. Without written documentation, an absence will be recorded as unexcused. Medical and dental appointments require documentation from the provider.
Family trips are not considered excused absences, although we appreciate advance notice when a student will be absent for an extended period.
🍎 BREAKFAST & LUNCH
We are pleased that breakfast and lunch are complimentary for all Burke County Public Schools students again this year.
Adult meals are available à la carte.
Family members are welcome to eat lunch with their child once the school year is underway. Visitors must check in through the front office and receive a visitor badge. Guests sit with their child only in designated cafeteria seating areas.
🎂 BIRTHDAYS & CLASSROOM TREATS
Because of student allergies, any food brought to school for birthdays or classroom treats must be store-bought and have an ingredient label that can be checked.
Please coordinate birthday snacks with your child's teacher in advance.
🏫 VISITORS & VOLUNTEERS
We love having families involved at Oak Hill!
For the safety of our students, all visitors must check in through the front office and receive a visitor badge before entering permitted areas of the school.
Parents interested in volunteering must complete the required BCPS volunteer application and sign in and wear a badge while volunteering.
❤️ JOIN OUR PTO!
Our Parent Teacher Organization plays an important role in supporting our students, teachers, and school community. We would love to have you involved!
Nominations for PTO Officers: Click here to nominate
PTO Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month 5:30 p.m. in the Oak Hill Media Center. Questions about PTO may be emailed to ohbulldogs.pto@gmail.com.
🐾 ONE PACK. ONE GREAT YEAR.
We hope this information helps your family prepare for a smooth and successful start to the 2026–27 school year. Please take time to review the Oak Hill Elementary Student Handbook for additional information about attendance, transportation, student behavior, dress code, visitors, medications, field trips, and other school procedures.
Thank you for partnering with us to make Oak Hill a safe, welcoming place where every Bulldog can learn and thrive.
We are excited to see our students and families and cannot wait to begin another fantastic year together!
Bulldogs United: One Nation, One School, One Pack!
Respectfully,
Dr. Tara Tucker
Principal
Oak Hill Elementary School
