Back-to-school
August 18, 2026
Welcome Back Whirlwinds!
Dear Whirlwind Families,
As we count down the final three weeks until the first day of school, our team is getting everything ready to welcome your students back. We are so excited to kick off the 2026-2027 school year! In an effort to help you prepare for the upcoming year, please review the important information regarding completing back to school registration, our open house, kindergarten welcome week and our famous welcome back night!
As we transition from summer fun to school routines here are three quick focus areas for all of us in the coming weeks:
Adjust Bedtimes Early: Shift sleep schedules back toward school-year hours by 10 to 15 minutes each night starting now. A rested student arrives ready to learn and play.
Talk Through School Routines: Revisit daily basics like lining up, carrying lunch trays, and asking for help. Reading a picture book about starting school is a great conversation starter for younger learners.
Build Independence at Home: Encourage your child to practice opening lunchbox containers, tying shoes, and zipping coats independently over the next few weeks.
We are so excited for a fantastic school year ahead. Enjoy these final weeks of summer, and we will see you very soon!
đź“‹ Important Information Below
Please be sure to read the sections below for key updates:
Open House Details
Kindergarten Welcome Week
School Supply Lists
Welcome Back Night
Complete Back to School Forms Online
Join the Wilson PTCO
New App for Families
Sincerely,
Nicki Magaard
Principal, Wilson Elementary
Open House (Grades 1-5): Wednesday, September 2
We are thrilled to bring back our 1:1 Open House format this year! Based on your glowing feedback from last fall, we are prioritizing dedicated, personal time between you, your child, and their teacher over the hustle and bustle of a traditional open house.
đź“… When: Wednesday, September 2
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Reserved 1:1 Conferences
Sign up for a dedicated 10-minute slot with your child's teacher (see directions below)
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Drop-In Open House
Open to any families unable to secure a 1:1 appointment.
Note for Kindergarten Families: You have a special welcome schedule! Please see the Kindergarten section below for your specific dates and sign-up details.
đź”— How to Sign Up
Log into ParentVUE to find your child’s assigned classroom teacher (available August 17).
Visit www.myconferencetime.com/anokawilson to reserve your 10-minute time slot.
Kindergarten Welcome Week: September 8-11
Starting Kindergarten is a big milestone! Our Welcome Week is designed to give your child a gentle, smooth, and personalized transition into school so they feel confident and cared for from Day 1.
By starting with 1:1 visits and hosting "staggered" first days with smaller class sizes, our teachers can give every new Whirlwind the extra attention and reassurance they deserve.
đź“… Schedule at a Glance
Tuesday, Sept 8 & Wednesday, Sept 9 | Family 1:1 Conferences
Meet 1:1 with your child's teacher to tour the classroom and share about your child!
Action Required: Sign up for your dedicated 10-minute appointment using the link below.
Thursday, September 10 | First Day of School (Last Names A–M)
Only students with last names starting with A–M attend school today.
Friday, September 11 | First Day of School (Last Names N–Z)
Only students with last names starting with N–Z attend school today.
Monday, September 14 | ALL Kindergarteners Attend Together!
đź”— How to Sign Up for Your 1:1 Conference
Log into ParentVUE to find your child’s assigned Kindergarten teacher (available August 17).
Visit www.myconferencetime.com/anokawilson to reserve your 10-minute time slot for Sept 8 or Sept 9.
Back To School Information
Picture Day will be on Wednesday, September 2 during Open House from 1:00-6:00pm in the Wilson gym.
To order online, go to mylifetouch.com and enter the code:
We will have an alternate picture day on Thursday, October 1.
There will be no additional picture days this fall, only the September 2nd and October 1st dates.
Wilson Welcome Back Night
Who: All Wilson Families
What: Dinner, Dancing (DJ) and Connecting with our Community!
What to Bring: Blanket or lawn chair
When: Thursday, September 17 from 5:00-7:00
Where: Wilson Playground Area
Why: To kick off the year celebrating our amazing community! There will also be reading and math resources, by grade level, that will support your students having a strong start to the year.
Complete Back to School Forms Online
Complete back to school forms online, now
It’s time to get ready for the upcoming school year! Families may complete back-to-school forms online:
Visit ahschools.us
Select “login” from the menu.
Select “family login.”
Proceed to complete back-to-school forms for the 2026-27 school year.
Why it matters: It’s important that each family completes the verification process and the online back-to-school forms before the first day of school. Verification ensures that each student’s school has confirmed emergency contact information and releases for the safety of each student.
What’s in it for you: Even if families’ contact information has not changed, it’s important to log in to access a variety of other student information in the coming weeks, including:
Class schedules and teacher assignments.
Transportation information, if relevant.
Receive additional educational benefits, discounts and reduced fees.
High school students will not be able to enroll in fall activities until the back to school verification process is complete.
Anywhere, on-the-go: Families may complete the verification on their own time, whenever it’s convenient. If you prefer to utilize the ParentVUE mobile app to access your student’s information, please note that the app has been updated. Read more about downloading the updated version of ParentVUE.
Questions? Contact your child’s school for assistance.
New App for Families
Download new ParentVUE app to access your students’ information for upcoming school year
Families must take action to access their student’s information in preparation for the upcoming school year. Downloading the new versions of the mobile app will enable parents and guardians to:
Get teacher assignments and class schedules.
Monitor academic progress, assignments and tests.
Submit student absences.
Pay fees for meals and/or activities.
View your student’s grades and report card.
Find transportation information, if applicable.
The updated versions of the app are available to use and access now. Some families may no longer be able to login using the current or discontinued legacy version of the apps.
ParentVUE app for families: Apple App Store | Google Play store.
This e-newsletter is published by Wilson Elementary School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.