Walnut Ridge School

August 20, 2025

Dear Walnut Ridge Preschool parents and guardians, 

As September draws near, I am thrilled to welcome all  of our Walnut Ridge Preschool families to the 2025-2026 school year! We can't wait to open our doors and see all our students on Thursday, September 4, 2025.  Please read on for important information and reminders for a successful start of the new school year.

Walnut Ridge will hold an Open House on Tuesday, August 26 from 10:00am until 12:00pm and Wednesday, August 27 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm.   Please bring your child, walk the hallways, locate the classroom, and visit the playground.  We will also be holding a bus orientation for students taking the bus to/from school.  This will include bus safety information, seatbelt practice, and a short bus ride as well.  I will also be available to say hello and meet you and your child.  Please note teachers will not be present at this time. 

The School and Community Association (SCA) will also be at the Open House to meet our new families. Our first SCA meeting of the year will take place on Wednesday, September 10 at 5:30pm. Come meet other SCA parents and our new officers to learn how the SCA enhances every student’s experience and how you can get involved in your child’s school. Our meetings are generally held on the second Wednesday of the month at Walnut in the all purpose room and via Zoom.   Look for more information to follow.

The Genesis Parent Portal is now open.   You will see your child’s teacher, your child’s bus number, bus stop, and time of morning pick up. If you need to change your child’s bus stop please fill out the form at https://www.vtsd.com/o/vtsd/page/bus-stop-change-request. If you feel the bus stop or bus number is incorrect, please contact Mrs. Marisa Broesder, Transportation Coordinator, at 973-764-4344.    If you are having difficulty getting into your Genesis portal, please contact Jennifer Shirhall at jshirhall@vtsd.com.  

I would like to take a moment to address a topic that has come up several times over the past few weeks in regard to age.  If your child’s third birthday is after the first day of school, yet on or before October 1, 2025, as required by the program, your child can start school on September 4.  

Back to School Night will be held on Tuesday, September 2.  This event is for BOTH parents AND preschool students.  This will be a time for you and your child to meet the teacher and fellow classmates.  You can also bring your child’s supplies--click here for the supply list.  In addition to receiving important information, please be sure to confirm your child’s transportation to/from school and take your child’s color-coded class tag before leaving the classroom.  The evening will conclude with a visit to the all-purpose room where we will have more resources and information to share with you.  The schedule will be as follows:  

Session 1:  4:00pm - 4:45pm

Session 2:  5:00pm-5:45pm

INFORMATION ON PARKING AND DROP OFF AT WALNUT RIDGE PRESCHOOL
Walnut Ridge Preschool’s drop off/pick up procedure: Parents that drop off and pick up their child(ren) will be required to park in an available spot in the Walnut Ridge parking lot which is at the end of the building next to the playgrounds.  Please escort your child to the waiting area outside of the All-Purpose room doors.  A line will form along the building.  Please be aware Walnut Ridge Preschool does not have the personnel to supervise students who are dropped off early; therefore, students will only be permitted to enter the building at 9:25 AM when the All-Purpose room doors open and students are dismissed from the bus with aide supervision. If you are picking up your child at the end of the school day, students will be dismissed from the All-Purpose room at 3:25 pm, yet calling of names may begin at 3:20pm.  You must present proper ID to the office staff who will bring your child(ren) to you.  Starting at 3:10, our door monitor will be outside ready to greet you, check identification, and sign your child out.  Thank you in advance for your patience as we get to know new students and families.  Expect additional time for arrival and dismissal during the first few days of school.  

Our district will continue to use the Raptor Visitor Management System for those parents, guardians, or other family members who are entering the building. All guests will be required to sign in and show his or her driver’s license upon entering the building at the welcome window where they will be greeted by our friendly office staff.  Every visitor will be issued a visitor’s pass, will be requested to wear the pass in a visible place on clothing, and will be required to turn in the pass before leaving the building. 

Please visit Walnut Ridge website for other important school information and the monthly Principal’s Blog.  Be on the lookout for weekly Friday updates via text and/or email as well.  Please contact the main office if you do not receive these announcements at 973-764-2801.  

I am looking forward to a wonderful year with your child and your family!

Sincerely,

Suzanne MacDougall

Suzanne MacDougall

Principal