Download a copy of the 2024/2025 Welcome Back Letter and Drop Off & Pick Up Locations (English | Español)

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I hope this letter finds you and your family well and rejuvenated after a wonderful summer break. As we embark on the new school year, I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to all our returning students and families, as well as to those who are new to our school community.

This year promises to be filled with engaging learning opportunities, inspiring challenges, and countless chances for our students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our dedicated team of educators have been working diligently over the summer to prepare a dynamic curriculum that will ignite curiosity and foster a love of learning in every student. 

We are committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where each student feels valued, supported, and loved. Our focus remains on academic excellence, character development, and providing a safe and positive school culture. 

Important Dates and Information

• TK Meet & Greet: All incoming TK students and parents/guardians are welcome to attend this fun event on August 14th at 10:00am in Room 19. Your child will get to meet their teacher, see their classroom and meet new classmates, so that the first day of school is a great experience.

  
  

• Kindergarten Round Up: All incoming kindergarteners and parents/guardians are invited to join us on August 14th at 12:00pm, at our outdoor lunch tables. You will receive information about the first week of school, meet our teachers, and help your child feel confident about starting kindergarten.

  
  

• Kindergarten Camp: Our first two days of school (August 15th & 16th) are Kindergarten Camp. All kindergarten students will report to the Multi-Purpose Room by 8:45am. They will spend time with each of the teachers and begin to build that kindergarten team spirit while they get to know each other. Official kindergarten class assignments for kindergarten will be posted in Aeries on Friday, August 16th, after 5:00pm, along with phone calls home.

  
  

• The first day of school is Thursday, August 15th. School starts at 8:50am.
  Classroom assignments for students in 1st through 5th grade will be available in the Aeries parent portal after Thursday, August 8th at 5:00pm. Upon completion of the data confirmation, parents will be able to see the teacher their student is assigned to. Please contact the school office at (530) 622-0814 for assistance setting up your Aeries parent portal if needed.
  

• Back to School Night is Thursday, August 22nd. This is an important event that you should plan to attend. You will receive information about what you and your child can expect during the school year. Your child’s teacher(s) will be outlining the grade level program, academic standards, and classroom expectations. Students will be provided with all the necessary learning materials, but if you would like to purchase items or make classroom donations, please wait to hear from your teacher. 

  • Parents/Guardians should meet in the Multi-Purpose Room at the following times:

    • TK-2nd grade students at 6:00pm 

    • 3rd-5th grade students at 7:00pm

• Arrival and Departure at Sierra can be very difficult due to parking. We encourage you to use the student drop-off at the District Office (just below Sierra) that is a continuous flow of cars moving through the parking lot, supervised by Sierra staff both before and after school, to ensure safe passage for your children. If you choose to park and walk up to campus, you may park in the lot behind the District Office. This lot is accessed from Fowler Way and is for parking only-not drop and go. Buses use the front of the school for arrival and departure; therefore there is NO parking or drop off/pick up in front of the school. Please keep in mind that the safety of all children is our first priority and the reason for the above expectations. *Click here to download map for more information - Page 3*
  

• Attendance: Sierra School expects prompt and regular attendance. The only excused tardy or absence is for medical, dental, illness, or bereavement reasons. Please remember to call the school attendance line at 530-622-0814 to communicate any absence. 
  

• Breakfast & Lunch are FREE for all students. We ask that each family complete an income verification questionnaire through Aeries, as part of the data confirmation process, to help ensure funding for additional programs.
  

• Before school supervision begins at 8:20am. If you need to have your child to school prior to 8:20am, or after the 3:00pm dismissal time, they will need to be enrolled in our Extended Day program, run through the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE). You may contact them at (530) 295-2298.
  

• Volunteers: The policy of the Placerville Union School District is that all volunteers must be fingerprinted. This is  a necessary step for student safety. If you have not been fingerprinted with the district, there will be an opportunity at Back to School Night.
  

• Mondays: Each Monday is an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed at 1:50pm. Extended Day and the Boys and Girls Club accommodate this schedule.
  

• Riding the bus?

  Applications are available by visiting: https://www.pusdk8.us/page/information or by visiting our Transportation Department, at 2877 Schnell School Road beginning August 1st.

  
  

As we look ahead, we recognize that the partnership between home and school is vital to the success of our students. We encourage you to be involved in your child’s education, attend school events, and communicate with our teachers and staff. Together, we will create a supportive and collaborative environment for our students. 

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We are honored to be a part of their journey and look forward to a fantastic year ahead. If you have any questions, or need further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at (530)622-0814.

Sincerely, 

Reagan Phillips
Principal, Sierra Elementary School