Welcome Back, Teachers, and Back to School Information

🎵 Welcome Back, Parkside Families! 🎵

We hope your summer was filled with opportunities to rest, recharge, and spend time with those who matter most. We are so excited to begin another school year with each of you because we truly believe this year is going to ROCK!

Music has an incredible way of bringing people together. Every great song is made up of different voices, instruments and parts that work together to create something meaningful. It’s the harmony between those parts that creates something great. Each of us brings unique talents, experiences, and strengths to our school. Together we create an environment where every student (STARS) can learn, grow and discover their own potential.

At Parkside, our mission remains:
 Every Student. Every Opportunity. Every Day.

Together, we are committed to helping every child grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are creating STARS.

🎶 Creating Harmony Between Home and School

Strong partnerships help students thrive. We need your active participation to make this year a success. Here are specific ways to get involved:

● Join the Conversation: Introduce yourself, ask questions, and share anything that will help your child succeed.

● Attend a School Event: Come to Back-to-School Night, family nights, or classroom events. Your presence shows your child that school matters and that you are part of their learning team.

● Set a Weekly Check-In Routine: Sit with your child, review what they are learning, and celebrate their progress and effort.

● Read Together Every Day: Spend at least 10–15 minutes reading with your child in any language. This simple habit builds confidence, vocabulary, and a love of learning.

● JOIN the PARENT PACT.

● Support Daily Attendance: Make school attendance a priority. Every day your child is present is a day of growth, connection, and opportunity.

We truly value your voice and partnership. When families and schools work closely together, students feel supported, motivated, and ready to succeed.

🎤 Building Strong Voices

During academic learning time, we encourage students to practice using English so they can strengthen the vocabulary and communication skills that open doors to future opportunities.

🎸 We All Have a Part to Play

Every student (STARS), every family (FAN CLUB), and every staff member (TRACK PRODUCERS) helps make Parkside an incredible place to learn. When we work together, support one another and celebrate our unique strengths, we create a school where every learner belongs, every voice matters and every child can shine.

🎶 A Final Note

Thank you for believing in the Parkside community and for the important role you play in your child’s success. We are honored to serve alongside you and truly believe this will be a NUMBER 1 HIT of a school year!

Let’s find our rhythm, lift one another up and make this the best year yet. Let’s ROCK the 2026–2027 school year together!

We are proud to be part of the Parkside Production—where every child is a STAR and every family helps the music come alive. 🎵

Heather Nicholas, Principal (CONDUCTOR)

Merissa Graves, Assistant Principal (TOUR MANAGER)

Teachers (TRACK PRODUCERS) and Grade Specific Information:

First Day of School 1st-6th Grades: Monday August 17th

First Day of School for Kindergarten: Thursday August 20th

Kindergarten- All students are assigned to the Principal Ms. Nicholas for now. Once they are tested, they will be organized into classes. Our kinder teachers are Mrs. Ballou, Mrs. Allred, and Mrs. Granzin. At back to school night, students can meet all three teachers. 

1st Grade- Ms. Cox, Mrs. Palmers, and Mrs. Marchant. 

2nd Grade- Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Collins, and Ms. Lundy

3rd Grade- Mrs. Macchiarola, Mrs. Porter, and Mrs. Ward

4th Grade- Mrs. Askew, Ms. Lund, and Ms. Sanchez. Fourth grade will be moving to content subject specific, so be sure to meet all teachers at Back to School Night!

5th/6th Team- Due to two grades moving to the junior high together next year, we are doing some blending with our 5th and 6th graders. They will also be content subject specific and learning from all teachers. Your 5th or 6th grader has been assigned a mixed grade advisory. They will have breakfast, connection building, and specials with this blended group to build bonds and community. They will also be placed in grade level cohorts for academic subjects such as math, reading, science, and writing. Be sure to meet the whole team of Mrs. Crowell, Mrs. Meyer, Mrs. Tapia, Ms. Walls, and Mr. Marstella (Ms. Wright) at Back to School Night!