2025-26 pre-K welcome letter

A welcome-back message for Harry Hoag Elementary School prekindergarten families from Principal Amy Bartholomew:

Welcome to our prekindergarten family!

We are so excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to get to know both you and your child. I’m Mrs. Bartholomew, Principal of Harry Hoag Elementary. Fort Plain has always been home to me, and I’ve been part of our district for 19 years—as both a teacher and now as principal. I feel so lucky to work alongside such caring families, dedicated staff, and bright, curious students each day.

Our Prekindergarten program is a very special place. It’s where your child will make their first school friends, learn new routines, explore through play, and discover just how fun learning can be. Our teachers create warm, welcoming classrooms where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

View and download a copy of the 2025-26 Prekindergarten Handbook.

Preparing your child for a successful start to school

•  Establish a consistent bedtime routine during the last week of August.
• Talk to your child about what to expect at school to help ease the separation process.
• Develop a habit of checking backpacks daily for notes, papers, and communications from school.

Important Dates

First Day of School for Prekindergarten: Thursday, Sept. 4. Please note: K-6 students begin one day earlier on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Prekindergarten Visitation Day: Wednesday, Sept. 3

This casual visit lasts about 15 minutes. Children can drop off supplies, see their classroom, and meet their teacher.

• Students with last names beginning with the letters A-K are invited to visit anytime between 9 – 9:30 a.m.
• Students with last names beginning with the letters L-Z are invited to visit anytime from 9:30-10 a.m.

School schedule

7:30-7:40 a.m — Bus rider drop-off .

7:30 – 7:50 a.m. — Parent drop-off.  PreK students will wait in the library before school.

7:50 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Instructional day.

2:30 p.m. — Bus  rider dismissal.

2:35 p.m. — Parent pick-up begins.

For morning arrival, you are welcome to park in the parking lot to walk your child into the building. You are also able to drive through the parent drop off line to drop your child off. To drop off and pick up in the parent car line, please remain in your car. A staff member will be out in the parking lot to guide traffic and to let your child know when it is safe to cross. If you are early for Parent Pick Up, please park along the road to Wiles Park. If you pick up your child on foot, please also report to the Main Entry.

Transportation to and from school will be provided by the school bus for any students who are 4 years of age. If your child begins the school year as a 3 year old, he/she must be transported by an adult until he/she comes of age to be eligible to ride the bus per NYS Law.

Supply List

Please label clothes, blanket and backpack with your child’s name.

• Backpack large enough to hold a folder.
• Blanket for naptime.
• Labeled baggie with 2 sets of clothes (one set for warm weather and one set for colder weather.)
• Optional items to donate to the classroom: tissues, paper towels, glue sticks, dry-erase markers.

I know the first day of school can bring a mix of excitement and nerves—for both children and parents. Please know that our entire staff is here to make your child’s transition into school a happy and positive one. They will have the best time with the most loving teachers! We look forward to seeing your little one’s smile in the hallways very soon!

See you soon!

Mrs. Bartholomew, Principal

Harry Hoag Elementary