We are so excited to welcome our students and families back to campus this Wednesday, August 26th. A strong start to the year relies on our wonderful community working together, and by practicing our core values of being kind, safe, and responsible we ensure every student feels supported from day one. Please take a few minutes to review the routines and guidelines in this newsletter so your family is ready for a smooth, successful first week. We can't wait to see everyone on Wednesday morning!

Starting Strong is about about creating healthy routines and habits that help students feel confident, building relationships that foster belonging, and establishing a community where every child feels safe, valued, and ready to learn. Strong beginnings create the momentum that carries us through the entire school year.

Staying Connected means strengthening the relationships that make Neshobe such a special place. We know that students thrive when families, staff, and our community work together to support learning and celebrate success. By listening to one another, communicating openly, and showing kindness and respect each day, we create a school where everyone feels they belong.

Keep Growing reminds us that learning is a journey. Every day brings opportunities to build new skills, deepen understanding, and learn from challenges. As we grow academically, socially, and emotionally, we celebrate progress, encourage perseverance, and help every student discover their strengths while becoming confident, compassionate members of our community.

Aug/Sept 2026

• Tues., 8/25 - PTO Popsicles on the Playground 2:00-3:00pm
• Tues., 8/25 - Kindergarten Classroom Visit (Registered Kindergarteners only) 3:00-3:30pm
• Wed., 8/26 - 1st day of school (K-6) - Grades 1-6, 8:30am - 2:30pm (learners may begin arriving at 7:35am) -- - Kindergarten 8:00am - 11:30am (Aug. 26-28)
• Fri., 8/28 -New Family Preschool Registration & Orientation
• Mon,, 8/31 - 1st day of PK 4 year olds (8:00am - 12:00pm)
• Tues., 9/1 - 1st day of PK 3 year olds (8:00am - 12:00pm)
• Thurs., 9/3 - Open House & Back to School Night 5:30 - 6:30pm
• Thurs., 9/3 - Annual Title 1 & Family Engagement Meeting - Neshobe Library, 6:30-7:00pm
• Mon., 9/7 - NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
• Wed., 9/9 - Neshobe PTO, 7pm
• Fri., 9/18 - Early release day, dismissal at 11:30, PreK dismissal at 11:00am
• Fri., 9/25 - Veggie Van Go, 10:00-11:00am @ OV

Essential Resources:

Neshobe Student & Family Handbook-Please see updates on:

• Arrival and Dismissal pg. 2

• Personal Belongings pg. 41

• Meals, Snacks, and Hydration pg.39

• Transportation and Bus safety pg.42

• Emergency Operations Procedures pg.21

• RNESU District Calendar

• Neshobe sends a weekly Friday newsletter via email. If you do not receive it by early September, please contact the front office.

• If your email changes, let us know so we can keep you informed.

• IEP, 504, and EST meetings can be held in person or virtually. Please share your preference when scheduling.

• If you do not have access to email, let the front office know so we can send home paper copies of important information.

• Follow us on social media:

As we launch into this new school year, know that our communication doesn't stop here. We are committed to staying in close touch, sharing timely updates, and working alongside you every step of the way.

Strong partnerships between home and school are what make Neshobe special. Together, we will make this a year where every student and family feels connected, supported, and proud to be a part of our school community. Here’s to a fantastic year of learning and growing together!

To help our youngest learners have a positive, smooth, and successful transition to school, Neshobe will implement a Slow Start during the first week.

First Week Schedule

• Wednesday, August 26 – Friday, August 28: Half-day sessions from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Monday, August 31: Full-day schedule begins for all Kindergarteners.

Kindergarten Arrival & Pick-Up Routines for the first 3 days:

• Morning Arrival: Kindergarteners arrive during the standard school drop-off window alongside our other students.

• 11:30 a.m. Dismissal Practice: We will use these half-days to practice our standard end-of-day dismissal routines for pick-up:

• Please drive around Neshobe Circle to the designated “Drop-Off and Pick-Up” zone and wait for your student(s) to exit the gym. We will bring students to your vehicles. We will move cars along as efficiently as possible. For the safety of our students.

There will be no bus transportation for Kindergarten dismissal the first three days of school. Please let your child’s teacher or the front office know if someone other than you will be picking up your child.

Bus Routes and Schedules will be posted on the RNESU Website. If you have questions or concerns regarding your student’s bus route and or pick up time, please reach out to our Administrative Assistants, Katie Lufkin(klufkin@rnesu.org) and Anne Jones (ajones@rnesu.org).

Student Drop Off and Pick Up: Neshobe Student & Family Handbook pp 27-29.

Arrival Procedures:

Grades K - 6 Drop Off

Children who are dropped off may not arrive at school earlier than 7:30, as supervision will not be provided before that time. All car traffic is to follow Neshobe Circle, the road that goes behind the Brick and main building, to the drop off space at the gym doors (indicated by the yellow arrows and red rectangle in the image). Please remain in your car. Several staff will be waiting to let your child out of the vehicle and get them safely across the road. Please have students seated on the passenger side and ready to go when an adult comes to the car as this will keep the traffic flowing. For the safety of our students, please do not pass any cars at any time.

Dismissal Procedures:

Buses:

Buses will begin lining up at or shortly after 2:00. The front parking lot will have limited/no access as the buses have priority and will be blocking portions of the front parking lot (see image below).

Beginning at 2:30, students who ride the buses will be dismissed to board their bus. Staff members will be at the buses to assist students.

K – 6 Dismissal:

Dismissal is at 2:30. If someone other than a parent is picking up a child, you must send a note to the classroom teacher or call the front office by 1:30 to indicate who your child will be picked up by. No child will be released to anyone other than a parent or guardian without prior communication.

Please be aware, however, that teaching, afternoon announcements, and last-minute instructions and organizational details are important. Therefore, we ask that you not arrive before 2:15 and wait patiently for all children to be dismissed at the appropriate time.

Riders and Walkers:

Students who are being picked up will be dismissed to the gym after buses have left. Please drive around Neshobe Circle to the designated “Drop-Off and Pick-Up” zone and wait for your student(s) to exit the gym. We will move cars along as efficiently as possible. For the safety of our students, please do not pass any vehicles at any time.

Walkers will be dismissed to the front of the Main buildings after buses have left. You may meet your student(s) there.

**Be aware that pedestrians and school buses have priority in leaving school grounds. Drive slowly and carefully when on school grounds to ensure the safety of all.

Prescription Medication: Please note that written orders from a physician must be received by the school nurse before the medication can be given at school. Medication must be provided in the pharmacy labeled container. A renewal of a long-term medication order is required each school year, In addition, written permission from the parent/guardian of the learner requisition that the school district comply with the physician's order must accompany the physician’s order.

Non Prescription Medication: The school nurse must be notified, in writing, by the caregiver/guardian if a non-prescription medication is to be used during school hours or activities.Medications must be brought to school in a container that is appropriately.