Welcome back, Watson Wildcats!
We can't wait to learn, grow, and make unforgettable memories together. Let's make it a fantastic year!
Watson Open House -- Tuesday, August 11, 2026 -- 5:00 PM -- 6:00 PM
Watch your mailbox! Your Back-to-School packet will be arriving soon.
Please complete the packet and bring it with you to Open House on August 11.
Important Information for Wildcats
1. The Open House/Title 1 Meeting will take place on August 11 from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Please bring all supplies to your student's classroom.
2. The first day of school is Thursday. August 13. Students will be dismissed at 3:20 pm. Please make arrangements for your student to be picked up on time. The school day begins at 8:10 am and ends at 3:20 pm. On Wednesdays, students are dismissed at 2:30 pm.
3. Students are counted tardy if they come to school after 8:10 am. Tardy days and absences from school are added up. Students cannot miss more than 10 days per semester. The school sends letters home to notify parents of the number of days absent. Parents, it is your responsibility to notify the school about your child's absence or tardiness. Please call the school office or enter the reason for your child's absence in ParentVUE.
4. Kindergarten students will be divided into two groups. One group will attend school on August 13 and August 17. The other group will attend on August 14 and August 18. All kindergarten students will attend classes together starting on August 19.
5. Morning and After-School Routines: We ask that you bring your child to school on time. Every morning students line up at their "paws* on the playground. Staff members will begin morning supervision at 7:50 am. Please do not bring your students directly into the building. We want to emphasize the importance of picking your student up from school on time. Classes end at 3:20 pm. After school supervision is available until 3:40 pm. Please ensure that your child is picked up from school by that time. Every Wednesday students will be dismissed at 2:30 pm. Please make arrangements to have students picked up on time, as teachers will be participating in collaborative meetings.
6. A student handbook is available online (district website) or can be printed. Parents may request a paper copy. It is important to review this handbook with your child, so he/she is aware of school policies. Parents and students will sign the acknowledgement receipt that is located in the packet with this letter. Please complete the enclosed packet and return to school on August 11 during the Open House.
7. Breakfast starts at 7:30 am to 7:55 am. Students should enter the building through door number 7. Student breakfast costs $2.35, and lunch costs $3.60. We request that you fill out free and reduced lunch forms, as your child might qualify for free or reduced meals. The form was mailed to families by the district office. If you need a new form, please call or stop by our office. Our phone number is 402-461-7584.
8. Teachers will communicate with parents via a communication app called ParentSquare. Principal's emails will be sent to parents once a week through Synergy. If you would like to receive important updates from school, please add your email to ParentVUE. The school newsletter is sent once a month. Our website will also help you stay informed about important events and information at Longfellow Elementary and Hastings Public Schools.
Any legal documents concerning students must be promptly shared with the school to ensure appropriate support and compliance.
