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Loyola Elementary School

Make Kindness Normal

Loyola Roar, August 3, 2026

Posted Date: 08/03/26 (10:49 AM)
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August 3, 2026

 

A Letter from the Principal

Dear Loyola Families,                                        
I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer filled with time to relax, recharge, and make special memories with family and friends. As August approaches, there is a growing sense of excitement across campus as we prepare to welcome our students back for another incredible year of learning. We look forward to seeing our Lions on the first day of school, Wednesday, August 12th!

It is a privilege to serve as Principal of Loyola Elementary. Each year I am reminded how fortunate we are to be part of a community that values connection, kindness, and a shared commitment to helping children thrive. I am excited to welcome both returning and new families and to continue building the strong partnerships that make Loyola such a special place.

Even during the summer months, our campus has been busy. Teachers and staff have been planning engaging learning experiences, preparing classrooms, and collaborating to ensure a strong start to the year. Our office team has been supporting enrollment and student transitions, while our custodial staff has worked tirelessly to prepare our beautiful campus for students' return. In addition, our dedicated PTA has been hard at work organizing events and opportunities that help strengthen our school community.

This year, we will continue our focus on creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Together, we will nurture confident, compassionate learners while ensuring every child is challenged, supported, and celebrated for their unique strengths. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I am looking forward to a year filled with learning, growth, connection, and joy. 

I hope to see you all at the Loyola’s Back To School Picnic on Friday August 14th 5:00-7:00 , LASD’s Family Social at Almond on Saturday, August 15th 5:30-7:30 and at Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 25th. More information to come on both of these events. 
 
 Here are some items of importance as we approach the new school year…

  • Class assignments will be sent out via email on Friday, August 7th. As we approach the new school year, I know students eagerly anticipate who their teacher is going to be. It is important for you to know that a great deal of time, effort and thought has gone into the process of student placement for the 2026-2027 school year. We have done our very best to ensure classrooms are balanced academically and socially. Our class lists are structured to provide equitable class sizes at each grade level to best serve all of our students. Moving students is difficult without causing imbalances and inequities. Therefore, please understand that I will not be moving or reassigning students.
  • Full Class lists will also be posted on the Loyola Office windows after 4:00 on Friday the 7th. 
  • Student Supplies are provided to all students by the LAEF/PTA, so no need to go out and buy Back to School supplies. 
  • Please be sure to fill out InfoSnap, this will come in an email from the district. This finalizes your registration process for this year, all families, new and returning, for the new year. 
  • The parking lot will be closed during arrival and dismissal, with the exception of those who need the handicap parking spaces,  to ensure the safety of our students and their families.
  • Morning Arrival: Upon arrival, students grades 1-6 must report directly to their respective blacktop areas, gr. 1-3 lower blacktop and gr. 4-6 upper blacktop. There they will gather by their designated teacher sign. Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students will arrive near the Kindergarten area, just outside the gate. 
  • Afternoon Dismissal: Students grades TK-6 will be dismissed at their respective bell times.
  • For grades 1-6: if you are picking up your child, I highly recommend using the car pick-up zone. If you do not wish to use the car pick-up zone, you are permitted to wait for your child in the lower blacktop area/lunch area, or in front of the office. All students must be picked up at their dismissal time and remain with and be supervised by parents at all times. Students are not permitted to use the play structures/blacktop or courts once dismissed. 
  • TK and Kinder parents will pick up in the Kinder area.  
  • All students are expected to practice Safety, Responsibility, Respect and Kindness, our school rules, at all times while on campus, including before and after school.
Universal Meal Program
LASD participates in the California universal meals program along with all school districts in the state. We will be providing breakfast and lunch daily and there is no charge for meals. Each month, we will provide a menu of meals, with two or more options for breakfast and lunch. Students may bring their own lunch to school, however, no outside vendors - fast food brought by parents - will be allowed on campus, including deliveries from outside vendors (i.e. DoorDash or similar service or parent drop off of local food vendors). The monthly menus can be found on both the District Website and Loyola Website. Breakfast will be served from 8:10-8:25 am at the Loyola Servery. Please note: It will be extremely helpful if you would discuss the menu with your child. Thank you.
 
Please keep your eyes open for communication regarding our NEW Back to School Packet. It is important that you fill out the packet within the first two weeks of school. Thank you!!
 
Finally, I would like to share with you two articles from the Child Mind Institute that may help with some Back to School Do’s and Don’ts and Help getting back into the School Routine. Though many of the ‘tips’ seem obvious, they are good reminders about sleep, how to make the first day easier, safety tips for getting to and from school, building good homework habits and how to support your child throughout the school year. 

I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet and greet students and families as we begin our new journey. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me, my door is always open for you. 
LASD Back to School Steps:

Step 1: Donate to LAEF.
Step 2: Join and support the PTA for each school your children attend.

Important Upcoming Dates:
Aug 12 - 1st day of school, BTS Coffee in Multi 8:30-9:30-Learn about After School Classes and volunteer opportunities!
Aug 14 - Loyola PTA presents our Annual Back To School BBQ 5:00-7:00 - for all Loyola families!
Aug 15 - Los Altos School District Social: 5:30-7:00 at Almond for all LASD families together
Aug 25 (Tuesday)- Back to School Night

  • 6:00-6:35: TK-3rd and Upper SDC
  • 6:40-7:00: All parents and staff gather on the lower blacktop - Welcome and Introductions
  • 7:00-7:35: 4th-6th and Lower SDC
  • 7:00-9:00 PTA hosted Parents Night Out at Redwood Grill
Sept 4 - Minimum Day - 12:15 dismissal for All students
Sept 7 - Labor Day, No School
 
Sincerely, 

Mrs. Kelly Rafferty
Principal, Loyola Elementary
krafferty@lasdschools.org
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Make Kindness Normal

Loyola Elementary School

770 Berry Ave., Los Altos, CA 94024 650-254-2400 https://www.loyolaschool.org/