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New VCS families

5th grade culmination

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New Family FAQs – Valley Charter Elementary School1st day of school smiling girls

 

What Do I Need to Buy?

School Supplies

You don’t need to purchase a summer supply list for VCES students. Thanks to school fundraising, supplies are covered for all families.

What Should My Child Bring on the First Day?

  • A refillable water bottle
  • A snack from home (VCES provides a breakfast and lunch daily)
  • A lunch box if they are not eating the school lunch
 

Meals at VCES

All students receive free breakfast and lunch daily.

  • Menus are posted monthly on the VCES Meal Menus page and sent home in student folders.

  • Students may bring a home lunch instead, if preferred.

  • A daily snack time takes place between the start of the day and lunch. Please send a small snack each day in your child’s backpack.

 

Summer Playdates

Summer playdates are a great way for new families to connect and help students recognize a few familiar faces before school starts. These are optional and not required for enrollment.


Making friends at a summer playdate

Playdate Information by Grade (2025–26 school year):

 

Important Dates

Meet the Teachers

August 14, 2023 | 3:30–5:00pm in the VCES courtyard

  • Receive your child’s teacher and classroom assignment

  • Meet VCES teachers

  • Learn about upcoming school events and opportunities to get involved

If you’re unable to attend, stop by the office on August 15 or 16 (8:00am–4:00pm) to pick up your student’s classroom assignment.

 

First Day of School

Date: August 17, 2023

TK & Kindergarten

  • Drop-off: 8:05am

  • Parents are invited to briefly visit classrooms and then join staff in the courtyard for coffee.

  • Early pick-up: 10:00am

  • Regular school schedule resumes on Friday, August 18 (drop-off at 8:05am, pick-up at 2:40pm)

 

Grades 1–5

  • Drop-off: 8:05am

  • Pick-up: 1:00pm (Thursdays are shortened days at VCES)

 

Need Help or Have Questions?

Contact Rebecca Avery at any time this summer or call the school office at (818) 810-6713.

Please note: The school office will be closed July 3–7.

 

 

New Family FAQs – Valley Charter Middle School


Summer Hangouts

These optional summer hangouts are a great way for incoming students to meet peers and for families to start connecting with the VCMS community. Attendance is not required for enrollment.

Summer Hangouts by Grade (2023–24 school year):

  • Rising 6th Grade: [Date and info here]

  • Rising 7th Grade: [Date and info here]

  • Rising 8th Grade: [Date and info here]

 
valley charter new families pic 6

School Year Info (for the planners!)

This section is here for families looking ahead. All of this information will be sent out again in early August.

 

Meals at VCMS

All students are offered a free breakfast, snack, and hot lunch each day.

  • Monthly menus are posted on the VCMS Meal Menus page.

  • Printed menus are also sent home in student folders at the end of each month.

  • Students are welcome to bring their own snacks and lunch from home if preferred.

What to Bring on the First Day

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Lunch/snack if not eating school meals

Lockers1st day of school at valley charter middle school

  • All students will receive a locker assignment during the first week of school.

  • Students will be given time to practice using their lockers and are welcome to decorate them.

Supplies

  • VCMS provides all required school supplies.

  • Students may bring their own specialty pens or markers if they choose, but nothing is required.

Important Dates

Student & Parent Orientation

August 15, 2023 | Van Nuys Campus (6952 Van Nuys Blvd)

Please try to attend this important event. Families will meet VCMS teachers and staff and receive valuable information about the school year.

  • 6th Grade Orientation: 9:00–10:00am

  • 7th Grade Orientation: 11:00am–12:00pm

  • 8th Grade Orientation: 2:00–3:00pm

 

First Day of School

August 17, 2023

Please note: the first day of school is a Thursday, and all Thursdays at VCMS are early dismissal days.

  • 6th Grade (Sherman Way campus)
    Drop-off: 8:00–8:35am
    Pick-up: 1:20pm

  • 7th & 8th Grade (Van Nuys Blvd campus)
    Drop-off: 8:00–8:30am
    Pick-up: 1:25pm

 

Questions?

Reach out to Rebecca Avery any time this summer, or contact the school office at 818-988-9128.

Please note: The office will be closed July 3–7.

Click here to see the school calendar.