Dear Willard Wildcat Families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! As I think about the year ahead, I am filled with excitement for the opportunities we will have to learn, grow, and strengthen our school community together. Every year brings a new beginning, and with it comes the promise of helping our students discover their strengths, build meaningful relationships, and achieve their fullest potential.This year, our theme is "Heroes with Purpose. Voices with Power." At Willard, we believe that every child has the ability to lead, make a positive impact, and contribute something valuable to our community. Our goal is to help students find their voice, develop confidence in themselves, and learn how to use that voice to make a difference.
Throughout the year, teachers will create opportunities for students to engage in meaningful conversations, collaborate with their classmates, and build strong academic vocabulary. We want students sharing their ideas, explaining their thinking, asking questions, and learning from one another. Through discussion, discourse, and teamwork, students develop not only academic skills but also the confidence and leadership qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We want every Wildcat to know that their voice matters and that they have the power to contribute to their learning and to the world around them.
While our students are at the center of everything we do, we know that their success depends on the strong partnership between school and home. Parent involvement is not simply something we encourage; it is one of the most important factors in creating a thriving school community. When families are engaged, students feel supported, school programs become stronger, and schools are better able to meet the needs of all children.
We invite every family to become an active participant in the Willard community. Whether you join our PTO, serve on the School Site Council (SSC), participate in ELAC, or contribute to conversations surrounding our Community Schools Grant, your voice and perspective are valuable. These groups help shape decisions that directly impact our students, academic programs, and school culture. The ideas, experiences, and feedback of our families help make Willard a stronger and more responsive school for everyone.
We are also excited to continue offering Parent Education Classes throughout the year. These opportunities provide families with resources, information, and support as we work together to help every student succeed. We hope many of you will take advantage of these valuable learning experiences and connect with other Willard families.
We invite all families to join us for our Family and Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 18, at 2:00 p.m. This event is designed for both new and returning families and is a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with our campus, programs, procedures, and the many resources available at Willard.
The first day of school is always one of our favorite days of the year, and we plan to celebrate in a big way! On Thursday, August 20, we will roll out the red carpet for our Wildcats as they return to campus. We encourage all families to enter through the main front gates, where students will be greeted by all of our teachers lined up to welcome them back with smiles, cheers, music, and festive decorations. There is something truly special about seeing our school community come together after the summer, and we want every child to feel excited, valued, and celebrated from the moment they arrive. The first day of school is an exciting milestone for students, families, and staff alike, and we look forward to beginning the year together with energy, enthusiasm, and Wildcat pride.
The first bell rings at 8:15 a.m., and classes begin promptly at 8:20 a.m. Regular dismissal for students is 2:35 p.m. Wednesdays will continue to be our early dismissal day, with students dismissed at 1:35 p.m.
Families of students in Mrs. Molinar's, Mrs. Lopez's, and Mrs. Herrera's classes should note that these programs follow a slightly adjusted schedule to support the special needs of their students. For these classes, student drop-off begins at 8:00 a.m. and dismissal begins at 2:20 p.m.
We also look forward to seeing families at Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, August 26, at 5:30 p.m. This special evening provides an opportunity to meet teachers, learn about classroom expectations, and strengthen the home-school connection that is so important to student success.
This year, we are excited to introduce our new Heroes with Purpose. Voices with Power. school spirit shirt. Spirit shirts will be available for purchase for $10.00, and we would love to see every Wildcat proudly wearing their school spirit shirt each Friday as we celebrate our school pride and unity. Together, we can show what it means to be part of the Willard Wildcat family.
Please be sure to review the attached 2026-2027 Bell Schedule, which includes changes to recess and lunch times. We also encourage you to regularly visit our website at https://willard.garvey.k12.ca.us, where you can find our school calendar, links to school menus, important announcements, and many other resources for students and families. Stay connected with us throughout the year by following our Instagram account @willardrosemead.
The Willard Wildcat family is committed to building strong partnerships with our community because we cannot do the important work of educating our children without your support. When families, students, and staff work together, amazing things happen. Together, we will help our children develop the confidence to lead, the courage to speak up, and the skills to achieve their dreams. Together, we will nurture a school where every child is seen, valued, challenged, and empowered.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being an essential part of the Willard community. We look forward to an incredible year of learning, growth, and partnership as we develop Heroes with Purpose. Voices with Power.
With gratitude and excitement,
Rosette Holmes
Principal, Willard Elementary School
Willard Wildcats: Heroes with Purpose. Voices with Power. 🐾