08/17/2026
Prichard Family Community – Back-to-School Message
Good Evening, Prichard families!
This is your principal, Derrick Jordan, with a few reminders and messages as we prepare to begin the 26–27 school year on Wednesday, August 19th. We cannot wait to see everyone's smiling faces on the first day. This is why we're here!
1. Transportation/bus notes:
Please make sure your child’s teacher knows transportation info by Wednesday. Also, if there is any change to your child's normal transportation, please send a written bus note with your child in the morning. Many of our students do best with routine, so having everyone informed ahead of time helps ensure a smooth dismissal. It can be very difficult to make transportation changes by phone once dismissal begins.
2. Bus Routes:
Please expect buses to run later than usual during the first few days of school. New routes, more pick-ups, and students doing new things often create delays as everyone adjusts. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school's transportation department or the school office.
3. Car Rider Procedures:
If you plan to drop off or pick up your child, please follow all parking lot and traffic procedures. These guidelines are in place for the safety of our students. Always pull forward to the next available cone and have your child ready to exit the vehicle when it's safe to do so. At dismissal, Pull up to the next cone while we bring your child to you.
4. Afternoon Pick-Up:
We understand that pick-up can be stressful, especially if it takes a little longer than expected. We ask for your patience and kindness as our staff works to safely dismiss more than 600 students each afternoon. While we're always open to suggestions, please remember that Prichard was originally designed primarily for bus transportation—not today's volume of car riders. We believe our current plan provides the safest and most efficient way to move traffic while keeping students safe.
5 Helping Students Get Settled:
We promise we won't throw your babies to the wolves! We have plenty of staff members ready to welcome students and help them get where they need to be. Team members will be stationed outside, in the gymnasium, and throughout the hallways to es**rt students to their classrooms.
6. Communication Matters:
The CCSD Connect app is the primary source of communication for our district. Please make sure that you have downloaded and signed into the app with the phone number used to register your child.
Throughout the school year, if you have questions or concerns, please contact us directly rather than posting frustrations on social media. Open communication is the best way to resolve concerns, and many situations are simply misunderstandings that can be quickly addressed through a conversation. We are always willing to listen and work together.
7. Visitors check in: Visitors who need to enter our school will need to present a valid, official photo ID (Drivers license, etc.).
As we begin another exciting school year, let's partner together to make this the best year yet! We love your children and are committed to carrying out our vision to Prepare, Encourage, and Support your child every step of the way!
Here's to an amazing 2026 - 2027 school year!
