The summer of 2026 is quickly passing, and the first day of school at Plains Elementary School will be here before we know it. We are looking forward to seeing all returning students and parents again, as well as greeting all incoming students and parents. Each student is a valued part of Plains Elementary School, and we look forward to assisting you in achieving your academic and personal goals.

Parents, we welcome you to the Plains school family and invite your ideas and suggestions. We hope the following information will be helpful to you and your child in preparing for the new school year:

• Teacher Placement – Families should anticipate welcome and introductory information from their child's teacher prior to our Open House on August 17th.
• School Supplies – A school supply list is available on the school website.
• Open House Evening – We plan to have a Plains Elementary "Open House Evening" for ALL GRADES, PK-5 on Monday, August 17 from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Please stop by to meet your child's teacher and visit the classrooms. Resource teachers and the school nurse will also be available for visits and questions you may have. The Cafeteria Manager, Dylan Stills, will also be here to answer any questions.
• The First Day of School and Student Drop-Off Times – The first day of school for children in grades PreK-5 will be Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. Teachers/Staff begin morning duty at 8:00 a.m., and students should not be dropped off prior to this time. Students will unload from the buses and at parent drop-off at 8:00 a.m. The final dismissal will be around 2:50 p.m.
  
  For security/safety reasons, our school doors will not be unlocked this year until 8:00 a.m. each morning. This means that you should NOT drop any students off before 8:00, because they will not be able to enter the building.
• The Boys and Girls Club opens at 7:00 a.m. each morning for any parent who needs to drop their child off before the doors are unlocked. If you need to register your child for the Boys and Girls Club, please contact them here at the school.
  
  Please do not plan to drop your child/children off before 8:00 a.m., unless you have made arrangements with the Boys and Girls Club. Their phone number is 540-896-3310.
• The First Day and Week of School – On the first day and week of school there will be teachers who will help students get to their proper classrooms. We do this so you know your children will be well cared for at Plains Elementary. It is in your child's best interest if you do not visit during the first 10 days of school. This helps your child better adjust to school.
• Lunch/Breakfast Schedule – There will be a fee for breakfast ($2.00) and lunch ($3.25) for ALL students this year, unless you qualify for free/reduced meal prices. If you want to be considered for this, a free/reduced-price lunch form will need to be completed for each family. Forms will be available at the Open House or can be completed by clicking on this link for the online form. Breakfast will be served on the first day of school. Lunch will begin on the first day as well. Family members are always encouraged to join your child for lunch during the school day.
• Student Attendance – Good attendance at school is of the utmost importance. The school opens its doors at 8:00 a.m. School begins at 8:15 A.M, and dismisses around 2:50 P.M. Being on time each day enables your child to receive instructions pertinent to the day's schedule. Your child is expected to attend school each day, unless he/she is ill. Please keep your child home if he/she is sick, especially with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea in the previous 24-hour period. CALL THE SCHOOL BEFORE 10:00 if your child will not be attending school. Our attendance policy currently requires that notes be sent to the school immediately after every student's absence. Notes can be sent in with the student OR emailed directly to us at pesattendance@rockingham.k12.va.us.
• Transportation Changes – A parental note from home is required when a child is to leave school in any manner other than his/her normal method. This includes your child riding a different bus, getting off at a different stop, or going home with a friend, or having a friend come home with him or her. Please note that the school office must have notification of any changes to your child's dismissal procedures by 2:00 pm. Dismissal changes made after this time will be directed to administration.
• Bus Safety – Please talk with your children about safety habits of walking to the bus stop and getting on and off the bus. In order for the bus trip to be safe, the driver must keep their mind and eyes on the road. Please urge your children to never (a) damage the bus, (b) fight on the bus, (c) scream, shout, or talk loudly, or (d) "play" at the bus stop.
• Money Sent To School With Children – Money sent to school with children should be placed in a sealed envelope and labeled with the child's name, teacher, and purpose of the money. A check made payable to PLAINS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL for the exact amount is safer than carrying large amounts of money.
• School Pictures and Fundraisers – The school plans to conduct several fundraising programs during the school year. More information will be sent home regarding specific programs as the year progresses.

We look forward to an exciting year, full of new challenges and adventures. If you have any questions about the opening of school or any other matter, please call me at 540-896-8956.

Sincerely,
Alisa Sims
Principal, Plains Elementary School