Note to the Community

July 15, 2025

Dear Mary Fay Families,

Welcome to the 2024–25 school year! We are excited to reconnect with returning families and extend a warm welcome to those joining our community for the first time. This letter includes important information regarding drop-off and pick-up procedures, as well as a few upcoming dates to keep in mind.

Drop-Off and Arrival

Student arrival begins at 7:20 a.m. Please do not drop students off before this time, as campus gates remain locked and supervision is not available until 7:20 a.m. Ensuring student safety is our top priority.

Pick-Up

Dismissal times vary by grade level, based on our staggered bell schedule. If you have children with different dismissal times, each child must be picked up within 10 minutes of their school day ending. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide after-school supervision.

If after-school care is needed, you may inquire about options through the School Age Care program on base or Mary Fay Pendleton’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) program. Please note: the ELO program is currently full and is maintaining a waitlist.

Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

All drop-off and pick-up will take place along the sidewalk in the drop-off loop ( see the attached map). Students may exit the vehicle once they are adjacent to the highlighted sidewalk. For families with younger children, you may choose to drop off closer to the stairs.

To help maintain a smooth and safe traffic flow:

• Ensure your child is ready to exit or enter the vehicle promptly.
• Do not exit your vehicle to unload your children as this causes traffic delays.
• Drive slowly and cautiously through the loop, as pedestrians may be walking to and from vehicles.
• Follow all signage and staff directions.

Bus Transportation

Buses will operate in the morning and afternoon for families who qualify based on distance. To use bus services, please complete the transportation application. Bus drop-off and pick-up occurs behind the campus gates, and we ask families to be cautious and allow space for buses to maneuver safely through the lane to and from the gates.

Bicycles

Students who are old enough to bike to school may use the bike rack located at the front sidewalk.

First Days of School

Parents will be allowed to accompany their children on campus during the first two days of school. Starting on the third day, we ask that you say goodbye at the gate. Staff will be present at the gate to assist students and ensure their safety.

• Kindergarten and TK students will line up in the kindergarten yard by their classroom.

• First through sixth grade students will go to the basketball courts to locate their teacher’s line-up area.

• Seventh and eighth grade students will wait under the shade structure by the big field on the turf steps until school begins.

Meet and Greet

Our annual Meet and Greet will be held on Friday, August 8, at 2:00 p.m. Class rosters will be posted at the school entrance. Families will have the opportunity to meet their teacher(s) and visit the classroom(s). Please see the Meet and Greet 25–26 Flyer for additional details.

We are looking forward to a fantastic year together. Thank you for your partnership and support as we work together to make this a safe, engaging, and successful school year for all our students.

Upcoming Events:

• Friday, August 8 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm – Meet and Greet – meet your child’s teacher and see the classroom
• Monday, August 11 – First day of Instruction – Bell Schedule
• Thursday, August  28 – Back to School Night – from 5:00 – 6:30 pm
• Monday, September 1 – Labor Day – Holiday, no school
• Friday, September 5 – Synergy Assembly at 8:20 am – parents welcome to attend
• September 16th – Student Portrait Day (all grades)

Join our PTSA. Cost is $13 – click the link

Warm regards,

Brian Frost, Principal

Mary Fay Pendleton School