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Back to School Checklist 2025-26

Welcome to a new school year at The Kessler School! This page is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know before the first day. From key dates and supply lists to exciting campus updates and new staff introductions, we’ve pulled it all together to help you and your student feel ready, informed, and energized for what’s ahead.
 

Campus Improvements

We’ve made several enhancements over the summer to create an even better environment for our students:

  • New Sunshades have been installed over both playground structures, providing much-needed protection from the sun during outdoor play.

  • Our newly remodeled kitchen, now equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, is ready to support an expanded meal program and enhance the lunch experience for all students.

New Lunch Service

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Friendly Catering to provide hot, healthy lunches Monday through Thursday—bringing fresh, nutritious meals to campus at a more affordable cost to families. And yes, our beloved Pizza Fridays are here to stay.

Lunch sign-up is live. Please place your lunch order by Friday August 8th!

Place Your August lunch order here!

Staffing Updates

We’re excited to welcome new faces and celebrate role changes within our talented faculty:

  • Carmen Snow (formerly Kindergarten) will now serve as our K–8 Spanish Teacher, reconnecting with past students and bringing a fresh language curriculum rooted in her South American heritage.

  • Danielle Dupuis will lead our new STEAM elective, offering weekly 30–45 minute lessons for all students, in addition to continuing her work in Library Studies.

  • Kimberly Buonaiuto joins our Kindergarten team, bringing a strong background in early childhood education and behavioral analysis.

  • Mollie Sloter and June Pepper join the Second Grade team, each bringing a passion for student-centered learning and classroom creativity.

  • Jason South joins our Middle School Math - Science STEAM, bringing curiosity, creativity, and a real-world approach to math and science, and he is excited to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with the students at TKS.

Meet the New Faculty 

Summer Reading Reminder

Students in Grades 2 and up are required to complete grade-specific summer reading before the first day of school. These selected texts reinforce literacy skills and help set the tone for academic success in the year ahead.

Access Summer Reading Lists

Back-to-School Events

Mark your calendars for these two important events:

Back-to-School Night (Parents Only)
Thursday, August 7
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Meet-the-Teacher and Open House
Friday, August 8
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

These events are designed to help families connect with teachers, get a feel for the classroom environment, and start the year off strong.

Clinic Reminders and Medication Drop-Off

If your child requires medication during the school day, has an as-needed prescription (such as for asthma or allergies), or is undergoing a short-term treatment like antibiotics or dressing changes, a Medication Consent Form must be completed and signed. Forms are available in the clinic and should be submitted along with the medication in a labeled ziplock bag.
 
Families are asked to submit all medications and required forms no later than Friday, August 8. With both Back-to-School Night (Thursday) and Meet-the-Teacher (Friday), there will be ample opportunity to drop them off in person.
 
Please also ensure that your child’s immunization records are up to date and entered into RenWeb.
Joan Peacock, TKS Clinic Coordinator, will be away during the first few weeks of school, so we ask that all forms and medications be submitted in advance to ensure a smooth start to the year.
 
If you have any questions, Joan will be available in the clinic during Back-to-School Night on August 7.

All families are required to sign an acknowledgment stating they have reviewed the Student Handbook and Technology Code of Conduct by the first day of school. Your involvement is essential in maintaining the high standards and enriched learning environment that define The Kessler School. Thank you for your attention to these important details, and we look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead!