Back-to-School
2026–2027
Everything your family needs before the first day — in one place.
Dear Lower School Parents and Families,
Warm summer greetings from the Lower School office! A special welcome to our new Lion families and students joining us this fall — you’ll soon discover that Providence Academy is a wonderfully welcoming environment for students and parents alike.
I hope all families, returning and new, are enjoying days of relaxation and fun with your children. While there are still many summer days ahead, we’re excitedly preparing for the new school year. Below you’ll find everything you need to know as we begin the year in the Lower School.
Blessings,
Mrs. Kelly Harrington
Lower School Director
Quick Links
What’s Inside
Upcoming Events
Used Uniform Sale
It’s almost time for our used uniform sale! We have a wonderful selection of gently used uniforms and accessories available for students at every grade level. Join us on any of these three dates:
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Whether you’re preparing for the year, replacing a few items, or stocking up on extras, it’s a great chance to find what you need while supporting our school community. For requirements on shoes, accessories, and other items, the PA Uniform Guidelines are here.
Before the First Day
Class Assignments
Lower School classes are finalized. Watch your mailbox for class assignments during the week of August 16. If you haven’t received a teacher letter by Monday, August 24, please email . Requests will not be taken prior to this date.
Getting Started
Lower School Orientations
Monday, August 31 · Kindergarten–5th Grade
4:00–5:00 PM — last names A–L
5:00–6:00 PM — last names M–Z
Wednesday, September 2 · Pre-K
8:30–10:00 AM
Orientations are relaxed, drop-in times for students to meet their teachers and see their classrooms, and parents stay with their children. The staggered times help teachers spend quality time with each family. Uniforms are not worn for K–5th grade — dress is casual. Pre-K students may wear either uniforms or play clothes; many are excited to wear their uniforms, but it’s not required.
Please bring your student at the time noted above to find their classroom, meet their teacher, organize their desk or locker, and reunite with friends (and meet new ones!). Siblings are welcome. We do ask that students not visit previous teachers during orientation so everyone can stay focused on their new class — there will be plenty of time to catch up once school begins.
Mark the Day
First Days of School
Kindergarten – Grade 12
Pre-Kindergarten
Daily Schedule
School Day Times
8:20 AM – 2:50 PM
8:20 AM – 3:00 PM
8:20 AM – 3:15 PM
Mornings
Before-School Options
Early Morning Care
- Lower School students may arrive as early as 7:30 AM for supervised care. No students are allowed in the building before that time.
- No registration and no fee — but behavior expectations must be followed.
- Students should drop their backpacks at their locker and proceed immediately to the morning care room.
Breakfast
- A variety of breakfast options is offered each day from 7:30–8:10 AM.
- Pre-K and Kindergarten students must have a parent with them for breakfast. Students in grades 1–5 may get breakfast on their own, with supervision provided.
- Students use their ID cards (kept in lockers) to charge breakfast to their account. Parents are welcome to purchase a breakfast on their student’s account, too.
- All food and drink must be consumed and disposed of in the Great Room. LS students may not bring outside breakfast or coffee drinks to school (e.g., Starbucks, Caribou).
Stay Tuned
Changes to Afternoon Dismissal
Details coming soon.
After School
Extended Day Programs
Our extended day programs offer full-time, part-time, and drop-in care, with students grouped by age for a welcoming, age-appropriate experience.
M–F · 2:50–6:00 PM
For our Pre-Kindergarten friends. Includes a daily snack, recess, free play, and organized activity times.
M–F · 3:00–6:00 PM
Kindergarten through 5th grade, grouped by age. Each day includes snack time, homework help, recess, free play, and organized activities.
M–Th · 3:00–4:30 PM
For 2nd–5th grade students who want a quiet space to focus. Includes a snack and quiet work time with light support from adult leaders and Upper School helpers.
Welcome & Congratulations
Staffing News
New to Our Faculty
- Mr. Jaylaan Wimbush — Assistant Lower School Director
- Mrs. Betsy Hickert — Pre-K Teacher
- Mrs. Emma Shukle — LS Music, Grades 4 & 5
New Grade-Level Assignments
- Mrs. Patty Morawczynski (previously Ms. O’Brien) — Grade 4
- Mrs. Caitlin Burckhard — Kindergarten
- Mrs. Tina Ludlow — LS Learning Support
Come Prepared
School Supplies
Providence Academy purchases most of the supplies your child will need, so please don’t buy additional items — we obtain the specific materials teachers would like the children to use at school. A fee for these materials, along with special project supplies and field trip fees, is charged to each child’s account at the beginning of the year. The materials parents should provide are listed on the Supply List here.
Keep Reading
Summer Reading
Please encourage your child to keep reading this summer! Explore the 2026 Lower School Summer Reading List.
Looking Ahead
Mark Your Calendar
Labor Day — no school
LS Back to School Night (parents only)
6:00–6:30 PM Pre-K · 6:30–7:00 PM all-parents meeting (Great Room) · 7:00–8:00 PM K–5 (two sessions)
LS Picture Day (in uniform)
LS Grandparents’ Day
MEA — no school
LS Fall Fun Fair
Parent-Teacher Conferences — no school
Photography
Picture Day with Slow Road PhotoThursday, September 10 · Grades Pre-K–8
- All students should be in full uniform for their pictures.
- No pre-ordering or pre-paying.
- You’ll receive an email directly from Slow Road with a link to your student’s gallery, where you can choose the images and products you’d like to order.
- Add to your contacts so you receive all communications and ordering information.
- Helpful resources, including a Welcome Message and Parents’ Guide, are available on the Slow Road website.
Questions about Picture Day or ordering? Contact Slow Road Photo directly at or 612-293-6327.
Action Required
2026–2027 District Funding Forms
Each school year, we ask parents to complete forms that allow Providence Academy to receive funds supported by your tax dollars — funds otherwise directed toward public schools. PA uses these funds to purchase textbooks and to support the Health Services department for the benefit of our students.
Again this year, we’ve simplified the process: just click below to complete the three-question form electronically. We appreciate your prompt attention.
Student Wellness
Health Office
The Providence Academy Health Office is staffed full time by a licensed school nurse. In addition to assessing the needs of students who become ill or need first aid while at school, Health Office staff administer medications, maintain required health records, and coordinate care for students with ongoing injuries or health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or food allergies.
A Cherished Tradition
Grandparents’ & Special Persons’ DayFriday, October 2, 2026
One of Providence Academy’s most cherished traditions, Grandparents’ & Special Persons’ Day welcomes grandparents and other special adults to spend time with their student(s) and take part in classroom activities.
Get Involved
Providence Academy Parent Association
The chief purpose of the Providence Academy Parent Association (PAPA) is to support, organize, and develop events and activities, coordinate parent volunteerism, facilitate communication between the school and parents, and assist in fundraising activities in conjunction with the Development Office. Every Providence Academy parent is a member. The PAPA Executive Board consists of eight parents and one faculty/staff member, appointed by the Headmaster.
Plymouth, Minnesota · Established 2001
Faith, Knowledge & Virtue