2025 Summer Communications

On Thursday morning, August 28, from 10:00 to 10:45 am, we invite all PK3 and PK4 children to attend an Open House with their classmates and teachers.

At the Open House, you and your children will meet with the classroom teachers outside at a designated spot on the Primary Grades Playground. After completing an activity there, you and your children can walk inside the Early Childhood Division with your child’s teachers.

Arrival Time
The school day begins at 8:30 am. To allow for a calm and successful transition into the day, please drop off your child by 8:20 am. This gives your child time to settle in before Morning Meeting or other classroom activities begin.

If you arrive after 8:20 am, please park at the top of the driveway and escort your child through the front entrance and up to their classroom.

Saying Goodbye (Transitions)

• If your child is using a screen or playing a video game during the commute (something we do not recommend), establish an agreement to turn it off before arriving at school.
• Take time to create a short, predictable goodbye routine with your child (e.g., high-five, hug, fist bump, or your special super secret combination).
• Acknowledge your child’s feelings, but maintain a confident and calm tone. If you’re feeling unsure, your child will likely sense it. Ask your child’s teacher or Mr. Lorenzo-Giguere for a follow-up message later in the morning if reassurance is helpful. If your child thinks you are worried, they will be worried.

Carpool Drop-off Notes

• Do not drop off your PK child at the bottom of the driveway near the main entrance. Instead, keep moving up to the top of the driveway near the church courtyard and hand your child off to an adult.
• Please, remain in the car and let a member of the St. Patrick’s staff assist your child out of the car.
• If you have an older sibling in Lower School, please have the older sibling walk down the driveway to their entrance rather than having your preschooler walk up from their entrance.
   

Recognizing that you are your child’s first and most important teacher, we invite you to attend a brief, in-person Parent-Teacher Conference during the afternoons of the first two weeks of school. These meetings allow us to learn from you about your child’s strengths, interests, goals, and any concerns you may have for the year ahead. Your conference day and time will be posted in this portal.

In addition to these introductory conferences, we will hold three more conferences in November, March, and May. You will also receive a written progress summary at the end of the school year. During each conference, your child’s teacher will share detailed developmental observations and inventories.

Thursday, September 25 – PK Chapel Begins

Weekly PK3 and PK4 chapel services begin on Thursday, September 25, at 8:45 a.m. in the Early Childhood Division Library. Families are welcome to attend any Thursday throughout the year.

Please note: On Friday, September 5, there is an Opening Chapel for Kindergarten–Grade 8 at 8:30 a.m. PK students do not attend this chapel, but parents are welcome to join if they’d like.

Monday, September 29 – Back-to-School Night

• Back-to-School Night for PK3 and PK4 families will be held on Monday, September 29, at 6:00 p.m.

Tips & Reminders for a Smooth Start
Lunch & Rest: Less is More
A simple lunch with a protein, a fruit or vegetable, and a carbohydrate is a great foundation. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks. Eat a couple of lunches at home using your child’s lunchbox. Practice using your child’s lunchbox, containers, and water bottle at home to build independence and comfort with their daily routine.

Rest is a time for children to slow down and relax their bodies for 45 minutes to an hour. While they are not expected to fall asleep, a small comfort item (e.g., a stuffed animal or soft toy) is encouraged. You may also send one small blanket (soft but not bulky) and a travel-sized pillow, though these are optional. As with lunch, we aim to keep items light and manageable.

School Clothing
One important goal of PK3 and PK4 is fostering independence. Please select clothing your child can manage independently—think Velcro sneakers and elastic waistbands. Clothes should be comfortable and appropriate for active play.

The playground is an extension of the classroom, and we go outside daily, regardless of the weather. Sneakers are required on days with physical education or motor class and are recommended for daily wear. Please avoid Crocs, clogs, flip-flops, or moccasins, which are unsafe for playground and motor activities.

Label all clothing to ensure it can be returned if misplaced. 

SeeSaw
Each PK classroom uses SeeSaw to share photos, classroom updates, and your child’s work. Parents can view, comment, and stay connected with the classroom experience. You’ll receive an invitation to join your child’s SeeSaw page.

HoundsTruth Weekly Newsletter
Every Sunday, you’ll receive HoundsTruth, our school-wide weekly email newsletter. It includes important reminders, school-wide updates, and a section specific to the Early Childhood Division. Please read it weekly to stay informed. Visit the school website as well for additional resources and updates.

Playdates
We encourage you to arrange short playdates—at a park or the Primary Grades Playground—so your child can meet classmates before or soon after school begins. Familiar faces help ease transitions.

Parent Directory & Handbook
As the year begins, you’ll receive the Parent Directory and Handbook. Please take a moment to review the Early Childhood Division section, which includes policies on birthdays, out-of-school events, health and safety, and more. Your cooperation with these guidelines helps ensure a safe and joyful experience for all children.