Preparing for the Upcoming School Year!
School Year: 2026-2027
Principal: Jenniffer Kauffeld
Dear Buckeye Woods Families,
We’re already preparing for the 2026-2027 school year! My name is Jenniffer Kauffeld, and I’m excited to serve as your child’s principal this year. I hope this newsletter helps make your back-to-school transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
This isn’t a “must-do” list—just helpful information to guide you as you get ready for the year ahead. We’re thrilled to welcome our students and families back in August!
Also, check the district website the beginning of July for important information that may not be covered in this newsletter,
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Buckeye Woods Website & Newsletters: www.bwes.swcsd.us
Free & Reduced-Price Meal Applications: Link will be updated when available
Parent Portal: portal.swcsd.us
VERY IMPORTANT: Please create or update your Parent Portal account. You’ll need your unique key (included in your child’s transportation letter) to set up access on a desktop or laptop.
IMPROTANT DATES
After July 24, 2026: Contact Miss Robin or Miss Sally in the office for transportation changes. Building access begins on July 27..
Open House – Monday, August 17
Kindergarten: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Grades 1–4: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Come meet your child’s teacher and explore the school!
FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL
Parents may walk their child to the front door. Our staff will guide them to their classroom. For safety and student focus, parents are not permitted to walk students to class.
Staggered Start (Grades K–3):
Wednesday, August 19: Last names A–G
Thursday, August 20: Last names H–O
Friday, August 21: Last names P–Z
Monday, August 24: All students (K–4) attend
Grade 4: Begins Wednesday, August 19, and attends daily.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL
Building Opens: 8:00 AM — No early drop-offs
Tardy Bell: 8:20 AM — Students must be in class by this time
Dismissal Begins: 2:30 PM
Arrival Doors:
Bus Riders: Front doors
Car Riders: Side doors (by the parking lot)
Walkers: Back doors (playground side)
Kindergarten Bus Riders: Designated classroom entrance
Dismissal Pick-Up:
Parents must wait outside their vehicles in the grassy area.
If you have students in multiple grades, please pick up younger siblings first.
Car riders will exit through designated grade-level lanes on the east side of the building.
TRANSPORTATION NOTES
Staff will assist with car drop-off until 8:20 AM. After that time, please walk your child into the office to sign them in.
If you need to change your child’s transportation (e.g., bus to car), please send a written note or visit the office in person.
Phone changes cannot be accepted.
MEALS
A new Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application must be submitted each year. Link will be updated when available.
Breakfast and lunch prices will be posted before school starts.
Note: Due to space limitations, we cannot accommodate lunch visitors.
GENERAL REMINDERS
Recess: Students rotate through playground zones for safety and inclusivity. Each class is supervised by their teacher and support staff.
Classroom Celebrations: In line with SWCSD policy, no party foods, balloons, or large arrangements are allowed during school hours. Items too large for a backpack must be picked up from the office.
Forgotten Items: Please drop off items at the office—we’ll make sure your child receives them.
VOLUNTEERS & PTA
Classroom volunteers are welcome at the teacher’s discretion. Please reach out directly if you’re interested.
PTA: Get involved or stay connected! Stop by the PTA table at Open House or join online at https://bwes.ptboard.com
❤️ A MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL
Every decision we make at Buckeye Woods is rooted in the safety, growth, and well-being of our students. If you ever have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me, your child’s teacher, or our main office.
We can’t wait to begin another fantastic school year with your family!
Warm regards,
Jenniffer Kauffeld
Principal, Buckeye Woods Elementary
jenniffer.kauffeld@swcsd.us