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Welcome Back to School!

Welcome Back to School 2025
James Parker

Dear Star Families!

On behalf of the faculty and our PTA, I’m thrilled to welcome you and your kiddo(s) back to school! Below is important information for our families to help kick off the 2025-26 school year.

First Day of School

Our first day of school is Tuesday, July 22

  • 8:15 a.m.  - PK-Kinder (AM) and 1st-8th Grade - Lunch Tables
  • 10 a.m. - PK-Kinder (PM) - Front of School

Reminder: Tuesday is a minimum day. Click here for the schedule. 

Annual Welcome Back Coffee: Parents and guardians are also welcome to join us for a casual meet-up coffee after you drop your student(s) off. 

What to Expect the First Day of School: 

  • All students in grades PK-5 report to their teacher’s exterior door (unless your teacher advises otherwise).
  • All students in grades 6-8 report to their advisement teacher’s exterior door for the first week of school to start the day.
  • Our bell schedule and calendar are on our website here.
Back-to-School Day

Our Back-to-School Day is Monday, July 21st. 

General Schedule: 

  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. - Middle School Registration - Multipurpose Room (MPR)
  • 1-1:30 p.m. - 1st-3rd Grade - Classrooms Open
  • 1:30-2 p.m. - PK/K and 4th-5th Grade - Classrooms Open
  • 2-2:30 p.m. - 6th-8th Grade - Classrooms Open

Additional Sessions:

Please attend with your child, and please limit your party as the school will be busy. Enter the classroom through the exterior door, just like when kids come to school every day. This is an opportunity for you to tour the campus, meet your child’s teacher, see the classrooms, and meet other kids and families in the class(es). We have a Back to School Day instead of a back-to-school night to help everyone soften any anxiety about starting school. This is also a great time to bring in school supplies!

Free Kona Ice is being offered to students after visiting the classroom, thanks to our PTA!

Helpful Tip: The parking lot will be full, so please walk or park on Warner or Paseo Westpark.

What Parents Need to Know
  • Data Confirmation needs to be completed before the first day of school in the parent portal. Directions are here. Please note this must be completed for each child. Emergency contact information is based on the data you provide.
  • Parent Conferences occur in August/September, so please reserve conversations with teacher(s) for that time, and/or please email your child’s teacher(s).
  • Parking is often not available on campus (600 families, 25 guest parking spots), so we suggest you walk when you come for Back-to-School Day and the First Day of School. Should you need to drive to campus, we have a variance with the city that allows you to park adjacent to the school/Plaza Park on Warner and Paseo Westpark on Monday and Tuesday only. A map of the variance is here. PLEASE do not park in staff spaces during school hours.
  • Teacher and class assignments are scheduled to post in the parent portal Monday at 11 AM- directions to access are here.
  • Classes are carefully selected for your child by the teacher teams, support personnel (counselors, school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, education specialist, etc.), the assistant principal, and myself. Priority is given to those criteria that ensure the best learning environment for all students. As you know, the number of students assigned to each classroom is limited. Students were assigned to classes with much deliberation and care based on a number of variables including but not limited to; balance between gender, equal number of students in each class, academic balance, individual student needs, relationships between students, and enrollment in specialized school programs (such as Gifted and Talented Education, English Language Learners, Special Education, etc.). Great consideration is given to class design so that each student can receive as much support from their teacher(s) as possible. Class(es) assignments are final, although changes in enrollment during the start of school may necessitate some shifting (this is atypical for elementary and occasional for 6th-8th). It has been my experience (along with the teaching staff) that a child’s attitude toward their teacher(s)/class(es) is influenced by their parents.
  • Resources for families are available here.

  • Everyday Reminders Include:

    -If your child is not sick, please send them to school every day
    -Arrive early on campus five minutes before the start of school 
    -Arrive on time to pick your kiddo(s) up
    -Send them with a water bottle
    -Ensure they are wearing appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes (6th-8th may wear sandals on non-PE days).
     

  • Sick children should be kept home. Please refer to this guide if your child is sick before sending them to school.
  • School meals - all students receive one free breakfast and/or lunch a day. Please click here for more details. You can apply confidentially to the federal program if you are eligible by clicking here. Eligibility provides additional school staffing and other possible benefits to your student (AP exam fee waivers in high school, college assistance, etc.).
  • New Plaza Vista staff are listed here, which provides more information about talented employees (and staff in new roles) who love working with kids!
  • Technology is available for students. Every elementary classroom will have 1 device per student and students will have the option to check out a device for use at home. Students in middle school will check out a device for school and home use. We recommend Chromebook insurance for checked-out devices.
  • Childcare information can be found online or by calling Catalyst Kids on our campus at 949 653-6405. Families eligible for ELOP will be notified.
  • After school classes are offered by the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF), including After School Enrichment Classes (ACE) on campus for grades 1-5. You can sign your child(ren) up here. Please note that only 15 spots are available per class.
  • Get involved and volunteer. You are welcome to support the mission in the classroom by volunteering (contact your child’s teacher) and joining our amazing PTA. You can get a head start on the volunteer clearance process here. You can reach PTA President Callen Shimomura infoplazavistapta@gmail.com and/or visit our PTA website here.
  • Social media offers updates and information about our school. Follow and like Plaza Vista on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
What else is new in 25-26?

Lots, this is just a sampling:

Still have questions?

Please contact our office at 949-936-6950. We are all here to help you and are happy to do so!  Plaza Vista’s office hours are 7:30 AM-3:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Sincerely,
James Parker, Principal 
Plaza Vista School