Dear University Park Families,

I am thrilled to introduce myself as Matthew Harris, your principal at University Park Elementary. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to all of our students and families. I am excited to partner with you to make this year a successful and positive experience for everyone.

Our school year begins on Thursday, August 8, and we will start with a minimum day schedule. Dismissal times will be as follows: TK-K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades will be dismissed at 2:05 PM, and our upper grades will be dismissed at 2:15 PM. Please plan accordingly for early pickups.

The school will open for students at 7:50 AM, and we kindly ask that you do not drop off your child any earlier than this time, as we want to ensure proper supervision and a safe environment for all.

For the safety of all students and families, please note that all students are to use the main gate located at the front of the school for both arrival and dismissal. Due to updated campus safety guidance, driving onto the basketball courts and playground area will no longer be permitted, as was allowed in the past. We kindly ask for your cooperation in planning morning arrivals and pickups to help your child get off to the best start each day.

This year, we are placing a strong focus on reducing absenteeism. We believe that with everyone working together, we can make each student’s learning experience at University Park a positive and enriching one.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you and your child throughout the school year.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to meeting each of you as we embark on this exciting new school year.

Warm regards,

Matthew Harris