Dear Patriots,
Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! We are excited to have our hallways and classrooms filled with joy, smiles, and fun!
I wanted to take a moment to share a few reminders and updates for this year.
We will welcome all of our Patriots tomorrow, Tuesday, August 19, 2025. We have already had a memorable morning welcoming our youngest Patriots to Hugh Mercer!
Buses: Please be patient with pick-up and drop-off times. The first week of school is usually hectic and pick-up and drop-off times may vary. We are working diligently to make sure every student gets on the correct bus safely.
Car Rider Line: All parents must remain in their cars at all times. Staff will assist your child in and out of the vehicle. Families may not park along the fire lane or entrance to walk their child to the front door. The car rider line begins at 8:10 AM, and the tardy bell will ring at 8:30 AM. If you arrive after 8:30 AM, please park and walk your child to the front office to check them in.
Transportation Change Requests: All transportation changes will be made until 2:30 PM to ensure students and staff receive their passes and accurate information. Unless it is an emergency, parents will not be allowed to check out their child after 2:30 PM. Families will be asked to stay in the car rider line or wait for their child at their bus stop. Our staff needs to be able to minimize distractions and prepare for dismissal to ensure the safety and secure of all.
Building Entry: Please have your photo ID ready any time you need to enter the building. IDs will be checked at the doorbell every time. If you do not have your ID, you will be asked to retrieve it before being admitted. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe.
Lunch Visits: Families will be able to join students for lunch beginning mid-September. We want to give our students time to learn and adjust to school routines and expectations.
Birthday Treats: We do not allow food celebrations in the cafeteria. If you'd like to send store-bought treats (with ingredients clearly labeled), please coordinate with your child's teacher and check for allergies in the classroom. Parents/families will not be allowed to participate in birthday celebrations in the classroom.
PATRIOTS Core Values: We are committed to teaching and modeling the PATRIOTS Core Values on daily basis. PATRIOTS show perserverance, achievement, tenacity, respect, integrity, optimism, teamwork, and safety. Our students will participate in schoolwide behavior assemblies this week to learn more about these core values.
Attendance Matters
Let's work together to establish healthy routines of coming to school every day and on time. Please contact your child's teacher and Mrs. Tate to inform them of your child's absence. To the extent possible, please provide the school with a doctor's note. All absences regardless of nature count as an absence. Therefore, let's focus on being at school every day.
Looking Ahead
Beginning in September, students in grades K through 5 will participate in the VALLSS assessment. The VALLSS assessment is a literacy-based assessment designed to identify students in need of additional support and interventions. Students may take this assessment up to three times a year (fall, mid-year, and spring). More information will be shared closer to date.
I am excited to work alongside you this year to make sure our Patriots have a successful year!
Today and every day, let's Go Patriots!
Dr. Russ