August 2026
Dear Encino Charter Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year, beginning Wednesday, August 12, 2026! We’re excited to begin another year filled with meaningful learning, joyful connections, and opportunities for every child to grow. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, we are so happy to have you as part of our school community.
We believe that your support is essential. As partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and ask that you guide your child’s learning by ensuring that they:
- Attend school daily and arrive to school on time, ready to learn
- Complete all classwork and homework and give 100% effort
- Create, promote, and maintain positive relationships throughout the school year
- Communicate directly with their teacher for any academic, social or behavioral concerns
IMPORTANT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR DATES TO MARK IN YOUR CALENDAR:
- Tuesday, August 11th
- 8:30 a.m. TK, K, and New Family Orientation (ECES Auditorium)
- Wednesday, August 12th - First Day of School
- 8:03 a.m. Welcome Back Spirit Assembly (Big Yard)
- 8:30 a.m. Returning Family Orientation (ECESAuditorium)
- Tuesday, August 25th
- 5:00 p.m. Back to School Night (Classrooms)
PARENT PORTAL: Parent Portal is LAUSD’s online system that connects parents and guardians to their child’s information. All parents are encouraged to connect to Parent Portal https://parentportalapp.lausd.net/parentaccess/ During our New and Returning Family Orientations, school staff will be on hand to help with Parent Portal registration
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS: Finalized classroom assignments will be available in Parent Portal on Tuesday, August 11th. You will also receive your child’s assignment by email and phone call. Each classroom assignment is made with great care, considering what will best support your child’s learning and growth. Changes will only be made in rare circumstances. We appreciate your partnership by building a positive connection with your child's teacher and staying engaged in the classroom community.
COMPLETE ANNUAL FORMS: Returning students/current families can now complete and submit ANNUAL FORMS online at: enroll.lausd.net Be sure to scroll down and click “Complete Annual Forms.”
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Wednesday, August 12th from 8:03 a.m. - 2:31 p.m.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES: Please join us on the “Big Yard” for a special Welcome Back Spirit Assembly! The Addison Gate will open at 7:40 a.m. allowing time to locate your child’s Classroom Line and greet your child’s teacher. The Spirit Assembly will begin at 8:03 a.m. During the assembly we kindly ask all parents to step to the back of the Classroom Line and keep conversations to a minimum so that our students may see and hear. After the Spirit Assembly, our teachers will escort their class to the classroom, and parents will be asked to exit campus through the Addison Gate. Parents are invited to join us for the Returning Family Orientation in the ECES Auditorium at 8:30 a.m.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES: Our school day will end at 2:31 p.m. Teachers will escort their class to their designated gate* and supervise dismissal:
- TK dismisses at the TK Gate on Genesta Avenue
- Kindergarten dismisses at the Kindergarten Gate on Addison Street
- Grade 1 dismisses at the Addison (Main) Gate
- Grades 2 and 3 dismiss at the Otsego Street Gate
- Grades 4 and 5 dismiss at the Genesta Avenue Gate
*All gates will be locked 10 minutes after the Dismissal Bell rings.
During dismissal, all students are accompanied and supervised by their teacher. For our TK, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 students, release is only to a parent or another adult listed on the Emergency Card. Teachers will bring late pickups to the front office. Grade 2 - 5 parents who pick students up after the 10 minutes will need to pick their child up from the Beyond the Bell After School Program (Purple Gate).
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Encino Charter Elementary offers several after school programs. Please reach out to the program directly to inquire and register:
Beyond the Bell/LAs Best (Grades TK - 5) https://lasbest.org/
Soaring Eagles (Grades TK - 5) www.Soaringeaglesccc.com
- Private; tuition based
Encino Presbyterian Children’s Center (EPCC) (Grades TK - 5) http://www.epcckids.info/afterschool
- Private; tuition based
COMMUNICATION AND SCHOOL UPDATES: Each Sunday at 5:00 p.m., you will receive a phone call and email with our Sunday Message, highlighting important events and reminders for the week ahead. We also encourage you to regularly check our school marquee and school website at https://encinoces.lausd.org for news about upcoming events, procedures, and resources. Both are updated weekly and are great ways to stay connected and informed.
Attached is our Encino Charter Parent and Student Handbook. Please take a moment to review it, as it contains important information and policies to help guide a smooth and successful year.
I look forward to a year filled with learning, kindness, and community spirit. Thank you for your continued partnership in making Encino Charter Elementary a place where every student can thrive.
Kind regards,
Dr. Besser