08/09/2026
Hello Palma Sola Families,
This is Mrs. Grimes, and on behalf of the entire Palma Sola staff, I want to welcome you back to school! This school year is especially meaningful as we open the doors to our beautiful new school building, and while some things may have changed, our commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment remains stronger than ever. We are thrilled to begin this new chapter together and cannot wait for our students to experience all that our new campus has to offer.
As we prepare for the first day of school tomorrow, Monday, August 10th, I have some important information for everyone. Because we are settling in a new building, we ask for your patience during the first few weeks. Traffic patterns and routines may take some time to establish as everyone becomes familiar with our campus.
Our campus opens at 7:45am each day and all students will need to report to the cafeteria upon arrival to campus. Breakfast is free for all students every day. Our school day officially begins at 8:20am and students are considered tardy if they are not in their seats in their classrooms by 8:25am.
We will have adults stationed around campus to help all students get to their correct first day of school location. If you are coming by car, please plan to use the car rider drop-off line as there is not an option for families to park and walk into campus. Walkers and bike riders will enter the campus at the end of the sidewalk on the southwest corner of the campus off 71st St NW by the crossing guard. Again, as student safety is our top priority, adults will not be able to walk their child to their classrooms or onto the campus in the mornings.
Lunch is $3.50 per day or $17.50 a week, and you can find information about applying for reduced-price or free lunch on the Food Service website. https://www.manateeschools.net/o/sdmc/page/food-nutrition-services
Dismissal will begin at 3:15pm each day. Please make sure your child knows how they are getting home! Students will be escorted to their dismissal areas by school staff to ensure that each child gets home as quickly and safely as possible. Students will be given colored bands for their backpack as a visual reminder to staff - so please do not remove the band from your child's backpack.
School bus assignments are posted in FOCUS under the Transportation tab. Allow a minimum of 72 hours for new assignments to be posted once you have registered. https://www.manateeschools.net/o/sdmc/page/focus-parent-portal
If you are coming to our campus in a car, you will need to use our car rider pick up line. It's a cool system and is the safest way to ensure that your child gets loaded directly into your car. If you have your tag from last year, you are still registered and should begin using it tomorrow. If you have not registered for a CarRiderPro tag, and plan to use the car line tomorrow, you must register for a tag now, so you can pick it up before dismissal begins tomorrow. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/q7CYpYrZdN Plan to be patient with us for the first few days as we work to get everyone home safely!
If your child is going to be a walker or biker, you'll need to be sure to complete the Walker Registration Form. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/p0AqAnDDKw
Bike riders MUST have a helmet to wear. Please also note that Palma Sola students will not be permitted to ride any type of e-bike or e-scooter to school.
You should begin receiving messages with information directly from your child's teacher through the ClassDojo app very soon. If you aren't, please email me at [email protected] and let me know so we can get that taken care of! If you take any “First Day of School” pictures, please tag and for a chance to be featured on our official social media pages!
Please remember:
-Follow all posted signs and staff directions.
-Use only designated drop-off and pick-up locations.
-Allow extra travel time, especially during the first several days.
-Be prepared for longer wait times as we work together to ensure the safety of all students.
School Bus transportation information is available through Register to Ride on the school district website and on your Focus Parent Portal. https://www.manateeschools.net/o/sdmc/page/register-to-ride
--Anytime your child's transportation plans change, please notify the front office as early as possible.
A new school building represents much more than new classrooms and hallways. It represents new opportunities, new memories, and a shared investment in the future of our neighborhood students. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our families, staff, and community members who have helped make this dream a reality.
As we open this new chapter together, we remain focused on what matters most: creating an environment where every student feels welcomed, valued, challenged, and inspired to succeed.
Thank you for your partnership and trust. We are honored to serve your children and look forward to an amazing year of learning, growth, and celebration.
We can't wait to welcome everyone to our new home tomorrow!!!!
See you soon 💛🐾🩵
Mrs. Grimes & Mr. Mendoza
