Providence Academy · Pre-Kindergarten

Back-to-School
2026–2027

Everything your family needs before the first day — in one place.


Dear Pre-K 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.

Blessings,

Mrs. Kelly Harrington

Lower School Director

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:

Tue, Aug 11
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wed, Aug 12
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thu, Aug 13
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.

Please note: accessories and supplies, including backpacks and lunch bags, must be free of any slogans or “pop culture” references.

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

Pre-K Orientation

Wednesday, September 2 · Pre-K

8:30–10:00 AM

Orientation is a relaxed, drop-in time for students to meet their teacher and see their classroom, and parents stay with their children. For Pre-K, either uniforms or play clothes may be worn — many students are excited to wear their uniforms, but it’s not required.

Please bring your student during the window 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.

Students may bring in locker shelves and a basket of snacks if they’d like.

Mark the Day

First Days of School

Wed, Sept 2
Kindergarten – Grade 12
Thu, Sept 3
Pre-Kindergarten

Daily Schedule

School Day Times

Pre-Kindergarten
8:20 AM – 2:50 PM
Kindergarten – 5th Grade
8:20 AM – 3:00 PM
Middle & Upper School
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

Our extended day programs offer full-time, part-time, and drop-in care, with students grouped by age for a welcoming, age-appropriate experience. For our Pre-Kindergarten friends, that’s Little Pals.

Little Pals
M–F · 2:50–6:00 PM

Designed for our Pre-Kindergarten friends. Includes a daily snack, recess, free play, and organized activity times.

Register Online →

Questions? Contact Mrs. Aimee Simdorn at .

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.

Looking Ahead

Mark Your Calendar

Sep 7
Labor Day — no school
Sep 10
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)
Sep 10
LS Picture Day (in uniform)
Oct 2
LS Grandparents’ Day
Oct 15–16
MEA — no school
Nov 7
LS Fall Fun Fair
Nov 12–13
Parent-Teacher Conferences — no school

Photography

Picture Day with Slow Road PhotoThursday, September 10 · Grades Pre-K–8

Questions about Picture Day or ordering? Contact Slow Road Photo directly at or 612-293-6327.

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.


Read Mrs. Kukuljan’s Message →

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.


Register Your Guests →

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.


Read Mrs. O’Neil’s Message →

Providence Academy

Plymouth, Minnesota · Established 2001
Faith, Knowledge & Virtue

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