The countdown to the first day of school is on and The Hardy PTO has many opportunities for you to get involved, support our students, and connect with one another. Here are a few ways to start the year off strong:

• Subscribe to the Hardy PTO Calendar – Stay up to date on events, activities and volunteer opportunities.

• Take the Caregiver & Classroom Coordinator Survey – Your input helps shape how we support our classrooms and community.

• September PTO Meeting: Tuesday, Sept 17 at 6:30pm - Join us in the Hardy Library or join us on Zoom for a group discussion on upcoming events, fundraising, staff updates and more.

We look forward to seeing you and working together to make this year a wonderful one for our students!

Warmly,
The Hardy PTO

Class assignments and teachers' welcome letters were emailed out on August 15 (in the same email) and the assignments can be found in PowerSchool.

Once you receive your assignment you can add or update your child's information in the Hardy PTO Directory and start connecting with your future classmates.

Hardy's Staff directory can be found here, and the PTO maintains an unofficial directory here.

First Day: The first day of school for grades 1-5 is Tuesday, September 2. Kindergarten first days begin with half the class. Students with last names beginning with A-L will be on Tuesday, September 2 (and will not attend on September 3). Students with last names beginning with M-Z will attend on Wednesday, September 3 (and not on September 2).

Breakfast: Students are welcome to arrive daily at 7:30am at the main entrance for free breakfast which is staffed by Hardy teaching assistants and food service employees. Students who attend breakfast will go directly to class at 7:55. Younger students and new students will be guided to their classrooms. 

Arrival & Dismissal: School arrival is 7:55 am. Doors will open at 7:55 and remain open until 8:00. Dismissal is at 2:30 pm, and students will exit through the same doors as arrival.  

Click here for a map of school entrances.

• Kindergarten students enter through door #4 on the Lake St. Playground
• First grade students enter through door #2 on the Lake St. Playground. 
• Second & third grades enter through door #5 at the back of the Chandler St. Playground and near the fence where the two playgrounds meet. 
• Fourth grade students enter through door #9 on the Chandler St. playground. 
• Fifth grade students enter through door #7 on the Chandler St. playground. 

Late Arrivals: Should be escorted by an adult at the main entrance to the office. Please sign your student in on the pink tardy/dismissal log. 

Absence: If your student is going to be absent, call the Absence Line 781-316-3780 or email hardysafearrival@arlington.k12.ma.us.

Students will receive a flyer about picture day from their teachers, but please mark your calendars for picture day - Monday, September 8th!

If you'd like to volunteer to help that day, please email president@hardypto.com.

The Hardy PTO has ordered more than $8,000 worth of school supplies to help reduce back-to-school supply costs for families. Supplies will be delivered directly to teachers. This is funded by YOUR direct donations each fall - so thank you in advance!

Some students may receive additional supply lists from teachers, such as: corded headphones, pencil box and notebooks. 

Families will still need to provide a backpack, lunch box if your student plans to bring lunch, daily snacks, and a water bottle.

If you need labels for your students’ items, consider purchasing from Mabel’s Labels, where 20% of your purchase price is donated to the PTO. Visit the site and search for “Hardy Elementary Arlington” to select our program, then shop for products.

Donations: Teachers and specialists love to receive tissues, paper towels, and wipes (Wet Ones, Clorox, baby wipes), so always feel free to send those in!

Other donations highly appreciated by school are headphones for families who may not be able to afford them. Feel free to drop off a pair with Mrs. Bellerose in the front office. Link to an example of headphones typically used at Hardy.

• Popsicles with the Principal: For incoming Kindergarten students and new to Hardy students on Wednesday, August from 4-5 pm on the Lake St. playground.  
• Caregiver Coffee: Join fellow Hardy caregivers for a cup of coffee on Friday September 5 after drop off on the Lake St. Playground.
• Back-to-School Bring-Your-Own Picnic Featuring FREE Kona Ice: Friday, September 12 at 6:15pm on the Hardy playground.
• Wicked Bagel Lexington Fundraiser: Saturday, September 13 from 7am – 2pm 50% of your purchase of a dozen bagels goes to the Hardy PTO!  Mention "HardyPTO1" with online orders and "Hardy PTO" for in person orders.
• September PTO Meeting: Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30pm in the Hardy Library or via Zoom.

Part of what makes Hardy strong is its warm, welcoming community. You can help ensure a smooth transition for incoming and existing Hardy families that need guidance by signing up to be a Buddy Family.  

This program is open to anyone, particularly families that:

• Have students starting in classes other than Kindergarten, when it can sometimes feel more challenging for both kids and caregivers to break into established friendship groups.
• Are starting partway through the school year.
• Have just moved to the Hardy School area.
• Currently attend Hardy but would benefit from a mentor family matched specifically for their needs.

Our goal is to pair these families with existing Hardy families to act as a personal point of contact for any questions regarding Hardy School. Please email buddyfamilyprogram@hardypto.com if you'd like to volunteer or have an incoming family that might benefit from this program.

The Arlington Public Schools also have a welcome center, which families new to the area may benefit from. Learn more here.

Have a school-related or community announcement that would be of interest to the Hardy community? Please contact newsletter@hardypto.com.

Hardy Elementary School

52 Lake Street

Arlington, MA, 02474

Hardy PTO Website