Principal's Message
Dear Van Buren Families,
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy a restful summer break and I am looking forward to the start of a great school year! It is a pleasure to be joining the Van Buren team. As you may remember from my introductory letter, I have been a part of this community since my children started Kindergarten. All three of my boys have gone through Van Buren, Kraemer, and Valencia High School, with my youngest being a sophomore in September. So in many ways, I feel at home as I come to Van Buren to start the new school year.
I care deeply for the students and families that I serve. I look forward to getting to know each of you and your children this year. In addition, the Staff at Van Buren is committed to helping each of your students grow and achieve great things. Our goal is to help them foster a love for learning. I hope to make a positive impact on your child as I interact with each of them throughout the year.
As you know, you are a vital part of your child’s education. My hope is that we can work together to make this a fantastic experience for you and your child. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions, comments, or concerns. I will be happy to discuss your child with you and hope that we can work together to make this a wonderful learning environment for everyone.
As a reminder, Van Buren serves breakfast and lunch to our students at no charge. Our school campus opens at 7:15 to serve breakfast. Meal options are available on our district’s Nutritional Services Website.
Our PTA continues to provide us with funding for activities that enrich our students. They are always in need of volunteers to assist them with fundraising and other activities. If you would like to get more involved, please contact our PTA through the front office. The biggest way you can make a difference is by becoming a PTA member!
Please remember that prior to the start of the 2022-23 school year on Tuesday, August 30, all parents/guardians should have logged into their Aeries Parent Portal account and completed Online Data Confirmation www.pylusd.org/dataconfirmation/. Upon accessing the Aeries Parent Portal, find the Student Info tab (top left) then click Data Confirmation to begin. Send all signed documents with your child on the first day of school to be given to his/her teacher. Throughout the year, parents/guardians will also be able to view school attendance records, update emergency contact information and more through the Aeries Parent Portal https://portal.pylusd.org
If you need assistance in accessing the Aeries Parent Portal or completing Online Data Confirmation please do not call the school office. Instead, you should contact the PYLUSD Technology Help Desk at (714) 985-8733 during regular business hours.
As in the past, class assignments for the 2022-23 school year will be sent to each family via an email, a phone call, and/or a text message from the PYLUSD technology department on Monday, August 29th. If families are unable to access this information prior to the start of school on Tuesday, August 30th, please come to the Van Buren office and this information will be provided to you on the first day of school.
As we start the new year, we invite parents to walk their child to class on the first three days of school, August 30th through September 1st. This will allow parents to see where their child’s classroom is located as well as help students become familiar with the path needed to get there. Starting Tuesday, September 6th, parents will give hugs and goodbyes either in the car at the valet drop off or at the entrance gate. Please know that your child’s safety and comfort is our first priority. The Van Buren staff will always be available to assist your child to class if needed.
Please see the list below of upcoming events in the beginning weeks of school. Be sure to join us for Back to School Night on Thursday, September 1. This is an in-person event and an important opportunity for parents to meet their child’s teacher and hear about all that is planned for the coming year. Back to School to Night is intended for parents only. If possible, please make arrangements for child care at home. If students do attend, they should remain with their parents at all times as supervision is not provided.
Welcome back to all of you! I look forward to working with you this year as we continue to make Van Buren a great place to learn.
Best wishes,
David Cammarato
Principal
Van Buren Elementary
Looking ahead:
- Tuesday, August 30th – First Day of School
- Principal’s Meet and Greet in the MPR 8:00-9:00 AM
- Thursday, September 1st - PTA Meeting/Back to School Night - MPR
- PTA Meeting 5:30 - 6:30 - Teacher/Staff Introductions
- Back to School Night 6:30 - 7:30
- Friday, September 2nd – No school
- Monday, September 5th – Labor Day – No school
- Friday, September 9th – Patriot Day
- Wear Red, White and Blue
- Saturday, September 10th - Welcome Back Pancake Breakfast
- 8:00 - 11:00 at the school lunch tables