Westropp News
August 2026 Parent Update
Welcome Back to an Amazing 2026-2027 School Year!
Dear Clara E. Westropp Families,
Welcome back, Wildcats! We hope you had a summer filled with fun, relaxation, and special moments with family and friends. As we prepare to begin the 2026-2027 school year, we are excited to welcome everyone back to Clara E. Westropp and officially kick off another amazing year together!
Last year was truly one to celebrate. Together, we achieved great things, celebrated student successes, strengthened our Wildcat community, and created lasting memories through learning, leadership opportunities, House Team events, and school celebrations. None of this would have been possible without the partnership and support of our students, families, and staff. Thank you for being such an important part of what makes Clara Westropp special.
This year, we're ready to build on that success and make 2026-2027 our best year yet! Whether your family has been with us for years or you are joining the Wildcat Family for the first time, please know that you belong here. We are thrilled to welcome our newest students, families, and staff members and can't wait for you to experience the caring, supportive, and joyful culture that makes our school feel like home.
There is so much to look forward to this year. From engaging classroom learning and exciting House Team activities to family events, celebrations, and opportunities for students to grow as leaders, we are committed to making every day meaningful for our children. Our goal remains the same: to create a school where every student feels valued, supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed.
At Clara Westropp, we truly believe that when schools and families work together, amazing things happen. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for partnering with us in their educational journey. We are honored to serve your family and look forward to making wonderful memories together throughout the year.
Here's to a year filled with learning, growth, laughter, friendship, and plenty of Wildcat Pride! We can't wait to welcome our students back into the building and begin what is sure to be an incredible school year.
With gratitude and excitement,
Mrs. Bing
As a reminder, classes at Westropp begin at 7:35am, with the school doors opening at 7:15am for students who would like breakfast. Dismissal is at 2:05pm.
At Clara E. Westropp, we believe that a strong school community starts with amazing people. As we kick off a new school year, we are excited to welcome several new staff members to our Wildcat family! Their passion, dedication, and unique talents will help us build upon the strong traditions, relationships, and learning experiences that make Clara E. Westropp such a special place for students and families.
We are thrilled to have them join our team and look forward to the positive impact they will make throughout our school community. Please join us in giving them a warm Wildcat welcome!
Meet Our Newest Team Members:
Ms. Smith, Mr. Harris, Ms. Mellinger, Ms. Andrade, Ms. Szeltner, Ms. Christel, Ms. Hubert, Ms. Sarazin, Ms. Wallack, Ms. Bonezzi, Ms. Barran, Ms. Wrabel, Ms. Barksdale, Ms. Culpepper, Ms. Craig, Ms. Torres, and Ms. Downs.
We can't wait for our students and families to get to know them and are looking forward to another fantastic year of learning, growth, and success together!
Back to School Kick Off: August 20th 2:05-4:05
First Day of School for Grades 1-8: August 24th
First Day of School for Kindergarten: August 28th
First Day of School for PreK: September 8th
As you prepare for the first day of school, please be sure to review your child's grade-level supply list and gather the necessary materials before school begins.
View School Supply Lists:
Click Here to Access the 2026-2027 Supply Lists
Important Reminder: All students should bring one pair of corded headphones to use throughout the school year.
Please note that school supplies are community-based and may be shared among students within the classroom to support learning for all scholars.
Thank you for helping us ensure a successful start to the school year!
We are thrilled to welcome our newest Wildcats and their families to the Clara E. Westropp community!
Kindergarten Signing Day is a special event celebrating the beginning of your child's elementary school journey. During this exciting milestone, our incoming kindergarten scholars will have the opportunity to "sign" their commitment to learning, growing, and shining as members of the Westropp family.
Our kindergarten teachers will be reaching out soon to schedule a visit on one of the following dates:
August 25th, 26th, or 27th
We look forward to meeting our newest scholars, connecting with families, and making lasting first memories together. Get ready for smiles, photos, and a warm Westropp welcome as we kick off an amazing year ahead!
Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat!
- All students will be directed to the cafeteria to their assigned classroom table where they will have breakfast. Staff will be in the cafeteria to help assist all students to the correct table. Teachers will meet students in the cafeteria and take them to their assigned classrooms at 7:35 AM. This procedure will remain the same for the rest of the school year.
- If your child is not sure what class they are assigned to, there will be staff outside of the building and within the building to help them as they make their way to the cafeteria.
As we begin a new school year, we ask for your partnership in helping us maintain a safe and secure learning environment. During morning arrival, parents and guardians will not be permitted to enter the building or accompany students to their classrooms. We understand this may be difficult, especially for our youngest Wildcats, but please know that our staff will be stationed throughout the building to warmly welcome, guide, and support students as they start their day. Thank you for your cooperation and trust as we work together to ensure a smooth and successful start for all students.
Drop Off:
- Parents will drop off using the front using the grass line to the left, this lane is drop off ONLY.
- YOU DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS LINE for any reason!
- If you need to park please use the spots available to the right.
- All student must enter through the front doors. K-4 will line up on the right of the main doors and 5-8 will line up on the left of the main doors.
- Cell phones will be collected for ALL students per the Board of Education as they enter the building.
Morning Arrival Reminder: To help ensure a safe and efficient arrival process, please follow the directions of staff members and pull your vehicle all the way forward before allowing your child to exit the vehicle. Students should remain in their vehicles until a staff member signals that it is safe for them to get out of the car. Following these procedures helps keep the line moving smoothly and minimizes traffic congestion on Puritas Avenue.
Pick up:
- Dismissal will begin at 1:57pm.
- Walkers will be dismissed from the far right of the front of the building (Same as last year), in front of the gym.
- Car riders will be picked up ONLY from the back using the car line. NO student will be released through the front for car pick up in grades 1-8.
Kindergarten/PreK Families: Parents/guardians should wait outside the main entrance at dismissal time, and teachers will dismiss each student individually to their approved adult.
Car Pick-Up Reminder: To help ensure a smooth and efficient dismissal process, all families must remain in their vehicles and follow the designated car line when picking up students. Staff will only release students through the car line and will not dismiss students to parents who park and walk to the gym doors or other dismissal areas. Consistent use of the car line helps us keep dismissal running smoothly and on time for everyone.
Parents/guardians will not be permitted to walk students into the building or classrooms, nor will they be allowed to enter the building at dismissal. This procedure is in place to ensure the safety and security of our students, staff, and school community. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
One of the best ways to help your child have a successful school year is to make sure they are at school every day and on time. We know mornings can be busy, but every school day provides important learning opportunities, classroom discussions, and connections with teachers and classmates that cannot be replaced when students are absent or late.
When students attend school consistently, they build strong routines, stay engaged in their learning, and are better prepared to meet their academic goals. Even missing just a few days throughout the year can add up and impact student progress.
At Clara E. Westropp, we believe that every day counts and every minute matters. We ask for your partnership in making attendance a priority from the very first day of school. Together, we can help our students build positive habits, stay on track, and make the most of every opportunity to learn and grow. We are excited to see our Wildcats in school, on time, and ready to learn each day!
As we continue our commitment to maintaining a focused, safe, and distraction-free learning environment, Clara E. Westropp will continue to implement our Cell Phone-Free Policy for the 2026-2027 school year.
As in previous years, all student cell phones must be turned in upon arrival and will be collected at the door. Devices will be securely stored in grade-level locked boxes throughout the school day and returned during the last period. This practice aligns with CMSD Board Policy and supports student engagement, learning, and a positive school climate.
Please note that disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the CMSD Student Code of Conduct, including:
- Written notification to parents/guardians by a building administrator
- Confiscation of the device until the end of the school day or until picked up by a parent/guardian
- Refusal to surrender a device may result in a Level 2I offense
- Repeated violations may be considered a Level 2Q offense
- In rare cases of chronic noncompliance, a device may be held until the end of the academic year.
By working together, we can minimize distractions and maximize opportunities for learning, growth, and success for all students.
At Clara E. Westropp, the safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. To help us stay connected and ensure we can reach you when needed, please make sure the school has your most current contact information on file.
If you have a new phone number, email address, home address, emergency contact, or any changes to custody information, please notify the main office as soon as possible. Having accurate information allows us to keep you informed about school events, important announcements, attendance concerns, and your child's progress. Most importantly, it helps us contact you quickly in the event of an emergency or if your child becomes ill during the school day.
If your address has changed, please contact Mrs. Doss in the main office. Please note that proof of address is required for all address changes. Acceptable documents include mortgage or lease agreements, recent utility bills, payroll documents or recent tax statements.
In the first few days of school, students will bring home emergency contact forms. Please complete and return these forms as soon as possible. It is essential that we have current phone numbers and emergency contacts on file so we can reach a parent, guardian, or authorized adult when needed.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our records current and our students safe. We appreciate your support and look forward to a wonderful school year together!
