08/19/2026
Welcome Letter and Important Middle School Updates
Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year
Dear Renaissance Academy Middle School Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
My name is KENNARD BRANCH, AND I AM EXCITED TO JOIN THE RENAISSANCE
ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY AS YOUR NEW PRINCIPAL. I am looking
forward to meeting our students, getting to know our families, and
working alongside our teachers and staff to make this a successful
school year.
I have spent much of my career working in education and believe that
middle school is an especially important time for students. Our
students are becoming more independent, figuring out who they are,
discovering their interests, and preparing for the next chapter of
their education. They need adults who will support them, challenge
them, listen to them, and hold them accountable.
That is the kind of school community I want us to build together.
I also believe strongly that schools are most successful when families
and schools work together. I encourage you to communicate with us, ask
questions, share your ideas, and let us know when there are things we
can do better. My door will be open, and I look forward to getting to
know many of you throughout the year.
As we get ready for the first day of school, I want to make sure
families are aware of several important expectations and changes for
this school year.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
Beginning this school year, students in GRADES 5–12 WILL TURN IN
THEIR ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING HOMEROOM EACH DAY. Devices will be
collected and stored during the school day and returned at dismissal.
Students who arrive late will turn in their devices at the designated
central location.
We will have procedures in place for students who participate in
athletics or need to leave school early. Students with Senior
Privileges who are leaving campus during the day will also be
permitted to retrieve their phones for travel.
Our goal is to reduce distractions during the school day and help
students stay focused on their learning and their interactions with
classmates and teachers.
UNIFORM POLICY
Students in GRADES 5–8 ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN UNIFORM THROUGHOUT THE
SCHOOL DAY.
The Academy colors are:
* INTERMEDIATE ACADEMY (GRADES 5–6): LIGHT BLUE
* JUNIOR ACADEMY (GRADES 7–8): NAVY BLUE
Uniform tops must be appropriately sized. Extra-long, baggy, or tight
tops are not permitted, and shirts should not be tied in the front or
back.
All tops must have the appropriate RENAISSANCE ACADEMY LOGO
EMBROIDERED IN KHAKI OR WHITE and must match the approved color
swatches available through Land’s End or other approved vendors.
PERMITTED TOPS INCLUDE:
* Long or short-sleeved polo shirts
* Hooded sweatshirts (HOODS MAY NOT BE WORN INSIDE THE BUILDING OR
DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
* Vests
* Fleece jackets
* Sweaters
All uniform tops must have the embroidered Renaissance Academy emblem.
HOODS MAY NOT BE WORN INSIDE THE BUILDING OR DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
ADDITIONAL UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS INCLUDE:
* Low-cut shirts or tops are not permitted.
* School athletic apparel is not considered uniform attire except on
the game day of the specific sport in season.
* Shirts worn underneath uniform items should be solid-colored and
free of logos or designs.
* Pants must be khaki/chino-style or joggers in black or tan.
* Shorts must be solid black or tan and at least Bermuda/knee-length.
Biker, spandex, and mesh shorts are not permitted.
* Shoes must be closed-toe and have a sole.
* Students must have a pair of NON-SCUFFING SNEAKERS for gym days.
We ask families to review these expectations with their children
before the school year begins so that everyone is clear about what is
expected.
STUDENT IDS AND LANYARDS
Students in GRADES 5–8 MUST WEAR THEIR RENAISSANCE ACADEMY ID BADGE
AND LANYARD AROUND THEIR NECK THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SCHOOL DAY.
The ID and lanyard are an important part of our school safety
procedures and are also part of the uniform expectations.
The initial ID card and lanyard are provided free of charge. If an ID
card is lost or damaged, a $7 REPLACEMENT FEE will apply.
Please remember:
* Students may not have multiple house-colored lanyards.
* Students may not wear multiple lanyards of the same color.
* Lanyards may not be kept in pockets.
* Lanyards must be worn around the neck for the entire school day.
* Students who do not meet these expectations will receive a uniform
violation.
We will work with students to help make wearing their ID a consistent
daily habit.
SPANISH CLASS
There is also a change to Spanish instruction this year.
Beginning this school year, students will NO LONGER BE PLACED IN
SEPARATE ON-LEVEL OR ADVANCED SPANISH CLASSES. All students will learn
together in the same Spanish classroom, with teachers differentiating
instruction, activities, and support based on individual student
needs.
Students will also receive Spanish instruction 2 OUT OF EVERY 6 LETTER
DAYS, rather than 4 out of 6 letter days. This change will allow us to
create a more balanced schedule while continuing to provide students
with meaningful opportunities to develop their Spanish language
skills.
LOOKING AHEAD
There is a lot to look forward to this year, and I am excited to be
part of the Renaissance Academy community.
You will see me throughout the building, visiting classrooms, talking
with students, working with staff, and attending school events. I
believe that being present and accessible matters, and I want our
students and families to know who I am and know that I am here to
support them.
I also know that a successful school year does not happen because of
one person. It takes students, families, teachers, staff, and
administrators working together and holding one another to high
expectations.
Thank you for welcoming me to Renaissance Academy. I look forward to
meeting you and your children and to the work we will do together this
year.
Here's to a great school year!
Respectfully,
KENNARD BRANCH, MSL, M.ED., M.S.
Principal
Renaissance Academy Middle School
