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As we continue on our journey through this school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of growing together as a united team. Our school is more than just a place for learning—it’s a community where parents, teachers, and students come together to support one another, share ideas, and work toward common goals.

Each of us plays a vital role in shaping the experiences of our students and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. Teachers provide guidance and knowledge, parents offer support and encouragement, and students contribute with their enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication. When we work together, we create a positive, collaborative space where growth happens for all involved.

Let’s continue to build on our shared commitment to the success and well-being of every student. By nurturing open communication, showing understanding, and providing encouragement, we set the foundation for growth—both academically and personally.

Together, we can achieve great things. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and unwavering support.

Ms. Claudia Garza, Principal

• Instruction begins at 8:00 a.m., tardy slips will be given to any student arriving after 8:05 a.m.
• Tardy and attendance notification letters will be sent out as of next week to parents/guardians.
• Excused and unexcused absences: For any absence, please notify the front office. Send a written excuse or doctor's note upon returning to school. Students have three days after returning to school to submit a written excuse, otherwise the absence is unexcused.

• Our campus opens its doors at 7: 00 am.
• The most congested time for drop off is from 7:40 am to 8:00 am.
• We ask parents not to get down on the drop off lane because it backs up traffic.
• If you foresee your child not being ready for drop off, please proceed to the very front of the line to allow traffic to continue through.

Visitors: Legal identification is required for campus entry screening during the school day. Students will not be released to anyone without a proper ID or if individual is not on the pickup list.

Drop-off Items: We ask no items be dropped off during school hours.

Guard Shack: Please be ready to show legal form of identification when stopping at our guard shack. The guard will raptor all incoming traffic starting at 8:05 a.m. on a daily basis. ****The guard shack will be closed off in case there is a drill being conducted on campus.

• Breakfast in the classroom will be served from 7:45 a.m.-8:00 a.m. only.
• Lunch: Cafeteria meals are available to all students at no cost. Students are also allowed to bring their own lunch. Please be advised that no items, including meals, are allowed to be dropped off throughout the day.
• Link to Menu: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=2803131626585483&page=menus

Please make arrangements in advance with your child’s teacher or with front office as we will only schedule a limited number of birthdays per day. Birthdays are at 2:45 pm in the cafeteria. We will allow store bought cupcakes or individually wrapped items, pouches of juice, or water bottles. Parents are encouraged to clean up the birthday area after the event. There will be a limit of two adult guests for celebration.

In these challenging times, California needs our support more than ever. If you’re interested in helping and making a difference, we invite you to join us in contributing to relief efforts. Whether through donations or spreading the word, every bit of help counts. Together, we can support those in need and show the strength of our community.

Please see attached flyer for more information.

Thursday, January 30th is our CKH Ceremony, where we will celebrate students who have consistently demonstrated responsibility. We look forward to honoring their positive contributions to our community!

Get ready to celebrate 100 days of school! Join us for a fun parade on Friday, January 31st, starting at 1:15 PM. We’ll be celebrating all the amazing accomplishments of our students so far this year and showing exciting and creative outfits we have yet to see. Don’t miss out on the excitement!

Chinese New Year in 2025 is on Wednesday, January 29th. It is the year of the Wood Snake, which symbolizes intuition, wisdom and mystery.

Order your yearbook now for lifelong memories! Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase your HARRY SHIMOTSU ELEMENTARY yearbook in FULL COLOR and packed full of the memories you never want to forget. Order now, before it is too late! All yearbooks will ship to the school at the end of May 2025.

Regular Price: Jan. 8, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2025: $45.00

Last Chance Price: Mar. 1, 2025 - Apr. 4, 2025: $50.00

https://www.buytheyearbook.com/en/yearbook

Respect is at the heart of everything we do, and it plays a vital role in building a positive, supportive community. At our school, we believe that respect fosters understanding, kindness, and collaboration. It's a core value embedded in our foundation through the CKH (Capturing Kids' Hearts) program, which encourages students and staff to treat each other with dignity and consideration. By embracing respect, we create an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to succeed. Let's continue to lead with respect, building strong relationships and a stronger community together.

This month, we celebrate our dedicated school board members who work tirelessly to ensure the success and growth of our school community. Their leadership, vision, and commitment make a lasting impact on the future of our students. We are grateful for their hard work and support, and we thank them for all they do to help guide our school toward excellence. Let’s take a moment to appreciate and recognize their invaluable contributions!