August 2021
Dear Portola Parents,
Hello and welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! I hope this message finds you and your family well. I also hope you were able to enjoy the summer with your family and loved ones.
Unfortunately we are faced with a spike in COVID-19 cases all across the country. Like you, I thought we would be in a much better place this time of the year in our battle against this virus. Please continue to take any and all precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe.
We are looking forward to beginning the year in a close to normal school experience for our students. At the present time, we are restricted from hosting large in person events, limiting campus access to VUSD employees and students, and all persons on campus wearing masks indoors. We will communicate updates with safety expectations as they arise.
Portola’s tradition of success is only possible because of the amazing support we receive from our parents. Unfortunately, the parent experience has not been the same since the start of the pandemic without access to our campus. However, we must continue with committees to help us make decisions that are best for our Portola community. Our Portola Families and Faculty Organization (PFFO) has done an amazing job during the pandemic to help us build community and fundraise. Please join me in welcoming our new president, Jerilyn Morneau. Jerilyn is eager to begin the important work ahead and will need some help. There are board positions available. Please reach out to her at Portolaffo@gmail.com or to me if you are interested in a board position. Please consider joining our board to help Portola move forward successfully.
As the school year begins, please be conscious about our before and after school traffic. We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are in a “school zone” where children are present. With that being said, it is imperative that we follow all traffic safety rules. Please exercise patience so our campus and surrounding areas are safe for our students and their families.
This year “Back to School Night” will be virtual again. Please join us on Wednesday, September 1st at 6 p.m. You will receive the necessary Zoom links for our general meeting and classroom presentation at a later date. You will have an opportunity to familiarize yourself with classroom procedures, expectations, curriculum and other important aspects of your child’s learning environment.
Please remember to send the following mandatory items with your child on Thursday, August 26, 2021:
1) Emergency Card 2) Annual Notice 3) Library Contract 4) AR Recognition Permission 5) Income Verification Form 6) Residency Questionnaire.
All our children are eligible for free breakfast and lunch this year. Please visit our Portola website for any school related information.
Sincerely,
Robert Ruiz
Principal, Portola Elementaryl
805-289-1734x1012, Robert.ruiz@venturausd.org