Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!

Dear Kent Elementary Families, 

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! Whether you are returning to Kent Elementary or joining our school family for the first time, we are excited to welcome you. Our staff has been busy preparing classrooms, planning engaging learning experiences, and getting ready for another year of learning, growth, and connection. We can't wait to welcome our students back! Below is some important information for the upcoming school year. 

Important Dates 

• Wednesday, September 2: First day of school for students in Grades 1–4.
• Kindergarten: Our kindergarten students will have a shortened day on September 2nd. Along with their parents, they will participate in an orientation session from 9:30 – 10:45am (There is no school bus transportation for kindergarten on this day). The first full day of school for kindergarten students will be September 3rd.

Arrival & Dismissal 
School begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and dismisses at 3:35 p.m. Student drop-off begins at 8:50 a.m. in the front parking lot. Dismissal begins at 3:25 p.m. through the cafeteria. Please bring a photo ID for pickup and ensure anyone picking up your child is listed as an approved contact. 
Early dismissals should be reserved for emergencies. No early pickups will be permitted between 2:50 p.m. and 3:25 p.m. except in emergency situations. 

Stay Connected 
Communication between home and school is essential to student success.

• ParentSquare is our primary communication platform. You'll receive weekly newsletters from me, and teachers may also communicate with families through ParentSquare.
• ParentVUE provides access to classroom placements, transportation information, attendance, report cards, and other district updates. Class placements will be available on Friday, August 21, 2026. For more information, please visit the Carmel Central School District ParentVUE/StudentVUE webpage.
• Follow us on Instagram @KentElementarySchool to see the amazing learning and celebrations happening throughout the year.
• Visit the Kent Elementary webpage on the Carmel Central School District website for calendars, resources, and school information.
• School Dismissal Manager Kent Elementary uses School Dismissal Manager (SDM) for all dismissal plans and transportation changes. The purpose of the School Dismissal Manager app is to for you to have easy access to change your child’s dismissal. The School Dismissal Manager digital system is the most efficient and accurate way to track dismissal requests; its purpose is to make things easier and less prone to confusion. In the coming days, you will receive an email to set up your child's SDM account if you did not have an account during the previous school year (2024-2025). Through SDM, families can:
  • Report absences and late arrivals
  • Schedule early pick-ups
  • Make transportation changes until 2:15 p.m.
  • If you do not receive it, please check your spam folder, use the Forgot Username feature, or contact the main office.

Family-Teacher Partnership 
At Kent Elementary School, we strongly believe in the power of collaboration between families and teachers. Open communication is key to your child's success, and we encourage you to stay engaged in your child's education. Throughout the year, there will be opportunities to meet with teachers, attend conferences, and participate in school events. 

Social-Emotional Learning 
I'm excited to share that, starting the 2026-2027 school year, the three elementary schools will implement a shared monthly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) theme. Each monthly theme will explicitly align with the Carmel Central School District's Six Cs (Critical Thinking, Citizenship, Compassion, Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication) and include a common read-aloud, schoolwide activity, classroom connections, and family engagement component.   

Get Involved 
Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) plays a vital role in enhancing the school experience for our students. We encourage you to join the PTO and participate in its activities and initiatives. Family involvement strengthens our school community and supports our shared mission of providing the best possible educational experience for every child. 

As the first day of school approaches, we know there may be a mix of excitement and a few butterflies. Please know that we are just as excited to welcome your children through our doors! Thank you for your partnership and for entrusting us with your children each day. Together, we'll make the 2026–2027 school year one of learning, kindness, growth, and belonging. 

On behalf of the entire Kent Elementary staff, welcome back! We can't wait to fill our hallways with smiling faces and begin another wonderful year together. 
 
Warmly, 
Kerry Weltman 
Principal 
Kent Elementary School