2025-2026 Lower Campus Weekly Info

Welcome back, Lower Campus families! Over the summer I prepared for a bright new beginning—organizing resources, fine‑tuning start‑of‑year routines, and praying for a year of faith and flourishing for our students, faculty, and staff. Our teachers returned today, classrooms are once again buzzing, and our entire staff is eager to welcome our students next week!

Meet Our New Teachers & Staff

I am thrilled to announce heartfelt welcomes to our new staff members. Please see below for a bit about each of them!

Patrick Connolly — Physical Education

SJCA alumnus and former sub, Patrick is also our varsity Soccer Coach for both boys and girls. We are thrilled to have Patrick back in the gym!

Shannon Marshall — 2nd Grade

Former SJCA substitute and preschool teacher at HereWeGrow Academy, Shannon is currently working towards her Masters in Education at Concordia University, and thrilled to have hands-on, real life experience to pair with her studies.

Savannah Kroeger — Music

Savannah recently graduated from Carthage College, and is also a voice and piano teacher, with experience at both Kinder and Harmony Music. Savannah can't wait to introduce our students to the beats of life!

Ann LaPorte — Recess & Library Supervision

SJCA parent of Briella (2nd grade) and Kyson (Kindergarten), Ann also serves on the Lower Campus Parent Association executive board, and is thrilled to welcome our students back to the library.

Luisana "Lu" Hernandez — 5th Grade

SJCA parent of Christian (3rd Grade) and Giovanna (8th grade), Lu comes to us with over 5 years’ experience in KUSD and SJCA as a long‑term substitute. Lu is elated to join our 5th grade team!

Mr. Dan Conder — Lunchroom Supervisor

Part of the summer facilities team and Knights of Columbus member at St. Mary Parish, Mr. Conder is excited to bring faith and fun to the cafeteria.

School Day Information

• Start time will begin promptly at 7:45 AM. Please arrive on time.

• Drop‑off & pick‑up procedures remain the same for now and will be evaluated during the year for future efficiency improvements.

• Dismissal times: No staggered dismissal. All students dismiss at 2:45 PM on regular days and 2:00 PM on Wednesdays.

• First day reminder: Half‑day dismissal at 12:00 PM; no lunch on the first day. Students attending aftercare will need to bring a bag lunch.

Classroom Assignments

Classroom information will be emailed by Monday at the latest. We know this is much anticipated and appreciate your continued patience.

Supply Drop-Off - August 26th 12:00-2:00 PM

Please enter through the Main Office Door or Door #6 (double glass doors by the dumpster) off the back parking lot—signs will be posted to guide you in!

Help us step into the first day of school with ease by dropping off supplies early. This is also a great chance to grab those first-day photo ops—families will not be permitted inside the building on the first day, and therefore, we encourage you to take pictures during Supply Drop-Off instead. For everyone’s safety, we also kindly ask families to avoid stopping for photos at the front of the building on the first day of school, as it creates additional traffic congestion during morning drop-off. Grab those photos on your way in, drop your supplies, and then head to the cafeteria for the following info booths:

• Taher Lunch Program

• Parent Association

• Before & After Care

• Athletics

• Speech & Language Services through Simply Spoken Therapy (a representative will be present)

  
  

Lower Campus Parent Association - JOIN TODAY!

As the year kicks off, I encourage our families to consider joining the Lower Campus Parent Association (PA). The PA exists to enhance the elementary experience by supporting both the activities and the mission of the Lower Campus. It’s a great way to connect with other families while making a meaningful impact on our school community.

From Grandparents Day and Trunk or Treat, to St. Nick Day, the Ash Wednesday Fish Fry, Catholic Schools Week activities, the Scholastic Book Fair, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Field Day—these are just a few of the many events the Parent Association helps to make possible throughout the school year.

If you’re a volunteer superstar, there are even leadership roles available within the PA!

To learn more, stop by the PA table in the cafeteria during Supply Drop-Off on August 26th, or reach out directly at LCParentAssociation@sjcawi.org.

Save the Date: Back to School Night - September 9th!

Meet with the teachers from your child's grade level and learn about classroom expectations, field trips, homework, and so much more. More details to come!