June 30, 2025

Dear Hermosa Drive Families,

It is with great excitement and heartfelt gratitude that I welcome you to a new school year! My name is Mrs. Julianne Ettinger, and I’m honored to begin this journey with you as the proud principal of Hermosa Drive Elementary. Whether you're a returning family or joining us for the first time, I want you to know how thrilled I am to partner with you in supporting your child’s growth and success.

At Hermosa Drive, we believe that schools thrive when relationships come first. Our vision is to be the most inclusive, family-friendly community school, one where high academic standards and kindness are at the core, and every child’s social and emotional needs are supported.

Our mission is centered on the whole child. Through strong connections, engaging instruction, and a shared commitment to equity and excellence, we aim to create a learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

I’m looking forward to an incredible year together. Thank you for trusting us with your children. We’re ready to learn, grow, and soar as Hermosa Hawks!

Here is some important information as you prepare for the new school year:

● Our office is open starting Wednesday, July 30th. Summer hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

● Class placements will be emailed to parents on Friday, August 8th, by 4:00 PM with a completed/updated Annual Information Review (AIR) for each student. An email from registrar_hermosadrive@myfsd.org will be sent to you to complete this review (please check your junk mail). If you did not receive this email, please call our office at 714-447-7720. Class lists will NOT be posted on the office windows this year. Due to fluctuating enrollment, no class changes will take place during the first two weeks of school. Class changes will be considered on a case-by-case basis starting on Monday, August 25th.

● TK / Kindergarten Preview on Friday, August 8th, from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM. All incoming Transitional Kindergarteners and Kindergartners (along with parents/ guardians) are encouraged to come and meet their teacher and explore their classroom!

● School begins on Monday, August 11th, at 8:00 AM for ALL GRADES: 1st-6th grade students will be dismissed at the regular time of 2:20 PM, and TK and Kindergarten will be dismissed at 11:30 AM. There will be lots of traffic, so please plan to leave early to give yourself plenty of time to get here safely.

 ● TK/Kindergarten Early Dismissal August 11th at 11:30 am: We are easing our littles into the school year by having early dismissal for the first two days of school. All TK and Kindergarten will be dismissed at 11:30 am for the first two days of school.

● Our regular school schedule for 2025-2026 will be as follows: M, Tu, Th, and F: 8:00 AM to 2:20 PM (1st-6th grades); 8:00 AM to 2:10 PM (TK and Kindergarten); Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 12:50 PM (TK-6th grades). Our campus opens a Kindergarten); Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 12:50 PM (TK-6th grades). Our campus opens at 7:30 AM for breakfast and 7:45 AM for drop-off. Please do NOT leave your child unattended before 7:30 AM. Breakfast is served beginning at 7:30 AM each morning in the multipurpose room, with eating outside when weather permits.

● Our fantastic PTA is hosting our annual Ice Cream Social for all families on Friday, August 15th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Ice cream scooped by our very own Hermosa Drive Dads. All family members are welcome to participate.

● Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, August 21st. We hope that you will join us from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. You will have a chance to visit your child’s classroom and meet with our phenomenal teachers. I look forward to welcoming you all back on Monday, August 11th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or the front office at 714-447-7720.