2026 Summer Communications

On Thursday morning, September 3, from 10:15 to 11:00 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.

Morning Arrival Time
We encourage families to arrive by 8:20 am, so children have time to settle into the classroom before Morning Meeting and the day's activities begin.

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

Helping Your Child Say Goodbye
A predictable goodbye routine helps children transition successfully into the school day.

• If your child uses a screen during the commute (something we do not recommend), agree ahead of time that it will be turned off before arriving at school. Better yet, have a conversation, listen to music, or listen to a story for the drive to school.
• Keep your goodbye routine short, consistent, and positive—a hug, high-five, fist bump, or your own special tradition works well. Invite your child to help design the ritual by suggesting a special gesture, phrase, or tradition that can become part of your goodbye routine.
• Acknowledge your child’s feelings while remaining calm and confident. Children often take emotional cues from the adults around them.
• If you would like reassurance after leaving, your child’s teacher or Paul Lorenzo-Giguere is always happy to provide an update later that morning.

Carpool Drop-off
Please pull all the way to the top of the driveway near the church courtyard rather than stopping near the main entrance. If an older child is getting out of the car ahead of you, wait and pull as close to the church courtyard as you can.

Remain in your vehicle while a member of the St. Patrick’s staff helps your child out of the car. If you need to get out of the car, please use the East Lot or an available diagonal space on Whitehaven Parkway.
If you also have a child in Lower School, please have your older child walk down the driveway to their entrance rather than having your preschooler walk up from theirs.

Because you know your child better than anyone, we invite every family to attend a brief, in-person conference during the first two weeks of school. These meetings provide an opportunity for us to learn about your child’s interests, strengths, personality, and any goals or questions you may have for the year ahead. Conference schedules will be shared before school begins.

In addition to these introductory meetings, families will participate in conferences in November and March. A written progress summary will be shared at the end of the school year in June. Throughout the year, teachers will discuss your child’s development using classroom observations, documentation, and developmental inventories.

Thursday, September 24 –
PK Chapel Begins
Weekly PK3 and PK4 chapel services begin at 8:45 am in the Early Childhood Division Library. Families are welcome to attend any Thursday throughout the school year.

Please note that the Opening Chapel for Kindergarten through Grade 8 takes place on Friday, September 11, at 8:30 am.
PK students do not attend this service, although all parents are welcome to do so.

Thursday, October 8 –
PK Back-to-School Night
Back-to-School Night for PK3 and PK4 families will be held at 6:00 pm.

Lunch & Rest

A simple lunch that includes a protein, fruit or vegetables, and a carbohydrate provides a great foundation for the day. We recommend avoiding sugary drinks and snacks whenever possible. Too many or too much food can be overwhelming.

Before school begins, practice eating lunch at home using your child's lunchbox, containers, and water bottle. Becoming comfortable opening containers independently builds confidence at school. 

Rest time provides children with approximately 45 to 60 minutes to slow their bodies and recharge. Children are encouraged to rest quietly but are not expected to fall asleep. You may send one small comfort item, a lightweight blanket, and an optional travel-sized pillow. We encourage families to keep these items simple and easy for children to manage independently.

Clothing

One of our goals in Preschool is to help children become increasingly independent. Please dress your child in comfortable clothing they can manage on their own, such as elastic waistbands and Velcro shoes.

Because the playground is an extension of our classroom, we play outside every day unless weather conditions make it unsafe. Sneakers are required on Physical Education and Motor Room days and are recommended for everyday wear. For safety, please avoid Crocs, clogs, flip-flops, or moccasins.

Please label all clothing and send one complete change of clothes to be kept at school.

Seesaw

Each Preschool classroom uses Seesaw to share classroom photos, updates, and examples of your child’s learning. Families are encouraged to view, comment on, and celebrate these moments throughout the year. An invitation to join your child’s classroom will be sent during the opening weeks of school. SeeSaw has proven to be a great window into your child's classroom experience.

HoundsTruth

Each Sunday, families receive HoundsTruth, our weekly school newsletter. It includes school-wide announcements as well as information specific to the Early Childhood Division. Reading it each week is the best way to stay informed about upcoming events and reminders.

Playdates

Short playdates before or during the first few weeks of school can help children build friendships and ease the transition into a new classroom. Class lists will be shared before the school year begins. Note, our Primary School Playground is open on weekends and when the school is closed. You are welcome to use it!

Parent Directory & Handbook

At the beginning of the school year, families will receive the Parent Directory and Handbook. We encourage you to review the Early Childhood Division section carefully, as it contains important information about birthdays, health and safety procedures, school policies, and other helpful resources for the year ahead.