New Families - Almaden Country Day School

New Families - Almaden Country Day School New Families Welcome to ACDS! We are so excited that you are joining the Cougar family! Our new family microsite is designed to help you prepare for school and put useful resources for our parents and students at your fingertips. This will be your first stop to get acquainted with ACDS. Of course, Parent Corner and our 2026-27 Back to School page is full of useful resources as well so please explore! If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (see Important Contacts below) or your grade level room parent. You're Accepted! What's Next? Shortly after your child is accepted into our program, you will receive an email from the Admissions Office with detailed information which will include some of the information accessible below. In addition by mid-August , you will receive an email with your activation credentials (username and password) to access your Veracross Parent Portal If you do not receive your login details by mid-August , please email the ACDS Helpdesk . In the meantime, you can find lots of information on Parent Corner, as noted below. Again, welcome to ACDS! Before You Start at ACDS Checklist Be sure to complete the following tasks before the stated deadlines (expand panels below for full details): All new students: Review your child's medical and immunization records on Magnus Health (access via Magnus Health button on Veracross Parent Portal ) - By August 14 Update your Profile in the Veracross Parent Portal - By September 1 Family Information Please make sure your cell phone is current and in the right format 000-000-0000. This will ensure you receive emergency texts or communications sent via SMS. Household Contacts Please ensure all family members that reside with you are added to your Household Contacts. Pick-Up Authorization You should have at least one other person besides yourself authorized to pick up your child. Review Directory Preferences You can choose how much information is shown in the directory. Download the new ACDS Parent App - by September 1 Complete Summer Reading - By September 1 Obtain School Uniforms Updated guidelines coming soon ) - By September 1 Incoming Grade 5-8 students only, order PE Uniforms - Now - September 1 Review Hot Lunch Program - By September 1 Review Class Supply Lists - By September 1 Register your child for the August Roxaboxen Camp - Now - August 7 - a great way to get ready for school with full supervision during the two weeks before classes begin. Attend one of the ACDS System Training Events (Training dates will be posted soon.) For Middle School students and parents only, select electives - more information will be coming by June/July If you have any questions, please contact us via the ACDS Helpdesk Detailed ACDS Checklist Review your child's medical and immunization records on Magnus Health Please update your child's health records (including immunization records, allergies and other health information) in Magnus Health (access the Magnus Health button in your Veracross Parent Portal ) by completing all required forms before August 14 Update your Profile in the Veracross Parent Portal Please review the following in your Veracross Parent Portal before Tuesday, September 1 Family Information Please make sure your cell phone is current and in the right format 000-000-0000. This will ensure you receive emergency texts or communications sent via SMS. Household Contacts Please ensure all family members that reside with you are added to your Household Contacts. Pick-Up Authorization You should have at least one other person besides yourself authorized to pick up your child. Review Directory Preferences You can choose how much information is shown in the directory. ACDS Parent App Download the ACDS Parent App to stay connected and informed. The ACDS Parent App is designed to make your life easier. With just a few taps, you can: Submit attendance notes for absences or tardies View your child’s classes and assignments Access household, school, and athletics calendars—all in one place Browse directories Receive timely push notifications about school events, updates, and reminders To get started, search Almaden Country Day School in the Apple App Store or Google Play, and look for our logo. Summer Reading Reading is one of the best ways to prevent the "summer slide." In the context of relaxation and summer adventures, a moderate amount of summer reading is important for children to maintain their literacy skills. For students entering Grades 5 - 8, there is required reading to be completed before the start of school. Our required (Grades 5 - 8 only) and recommended reading lists compiled by our librarian and classroom teachers can be found by clicking the link below. Summer Reading Lists Coming Soon! School Uniforms Updated guidelines coming soon The intent of our school uniform policy is to contribute to an environment that encourages learning without distractions, provides a structure that respects individualism, and promotes a sense of community and togetherness. Lands' End is our official provider for most school logo gear (Uniforms: 900164773). The ACDS Uniform Exchange on campus is full of donated, gently worn uniforms that are free for parents to take as needed as well. The Uniform Exchange is accessible on school days from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and during teacher inservice (weekdays the two weeks prior to the first day of school) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Please go to the office to sign in as a visitor prior to visiting the Uniform Exchange in the Speech and Music Building. SCHOOL UNIFORMS PE Uniforms PE uniforms are required for students entering grades 5-8. The PE top and shorts can be purchased directly from the school. The PE shirt and shorts are in-stock on campus and orders can be picked up from the front office between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PE sweats and sweatshirts are optional. You can also browse through our Uniform Exchange for lightly-used items. The PE uniform must be worn to all PE classes. Hot Lunch Program ACDS is pleased to offer a hot lunch program through The Pasta Market. Ordering opens the week before school starts. To learn how to register for a new account or how to update your existing one, please visit our Hot Lunch page below. HOT LUNCH PROGRAM Class Supply Lists (by grade) ACDS will provide the majority of classroom supplies. In addition, each grade has a list of supplies that need to be provided including a medication and/or comfort kit which will be kept on campus. Like the shortened supply lists, most of the emergency supplies will be provided by ACDS. Families must provide any required medication in case of emergency. For Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students, families may also choose to provide an item that will comfort the child. Class Supply Lists (by grade) and Medication Kits Pre-Kindergarten Fourth Grade Kindergarten Fifth Grade First Grade Sixth Grade Second Grade Seventh Grade Third Grade Eighth Grade The Learning Center (TLC) Join ACDS August Roxaboxen Camp Week 1: August 17 - 21, 2026; Week 2: August 24 - 28, 2026 Before the school bells ring this August, join us for a week of magic, community, and sun-soaked adventure! Inspired by the classic children’s book by Alice McLerran, our Roxaboxen August Camp invites students (Grades K–6) to build a world of their own from the ground up. It takes everyone to create a working village of houses and shops where we can pretend anything we want. We invite our campers to help create our “Roxaboxen” town through role playing, negotiating, and working together. Your camper won't just be playing; they’ll be entrepreneurs, mayors, artists, and explorers. Come build a world where the only limit is your imagination. We’ll see you in August at the Roxaboxen Camp! Learn More & Register Starting May 1 ACDS System Training Sessions Between August 17 - 28, we will host a few Zoom sessions to help you navigate the various school system tools you'll use throughout the year including the Veracross Parent Portal, Magnus Health, and Parent Corner. Training dates, times, and links to the sessions will be coming soon. You may also contact us at helpdesk@almadencountryday.org with any questions. 2026-27 Back to School Events Calendar RSS Feeds Sep 2026 G1-5: Park Meet-n-Greet 30 AM 10 00 AM Greystone Park Parents must accompany their children. Please note there is no school on this day. Students can wear Free Dress for this Back to School event. This informal gathering for all new and returning Grade 1-5 families is held at Greystone Park adjacent to the school and offers students and parents a chance to reconnect with familiar friends and meet new ones while enjoying popsicles. Elementary teachers are on hand to greet parents and students, as well as answer any questions. Sep 2026 PreK: Lemonade Party 00 AM 10 30 AM Pre-K Classrooms and Play Yard This is an opportunity for new and returning Pre-K families to meet their children's teachers, see their new classrooms, and enjoy lemonade and cookies. Children and parents are encouraged to explore the classrooms and chat briefly with the teachers. The Lemonade Party interactions help children overcome their "jitters" before classes begin, making the first day of school more relaxed, fun and productive. Students can wear Free Dress for this Back to School event. Sep 2026 G6-8: Middle School Parent Mingle 00 AM 10 30 AM Duvall Courtyard Parents can drop their children off. Please note there is no school on this day. Meet other middle school parents after dropping your child off at the Ice Cream Social or feel free to attend the Grade 1-5 Meet-n-Greet if you have elementary-age children. Sep 2026 G6-8: Middle School Back to School Event (Students only) 00 AM 10 30 AM Middle School Quad The Middle School Welcome Event is a fun kickoff event to welcome students to the new school year. Students will meet their teachers, welcome our new students, and reconnect with old friends, all while enjoying a sweet treat. Sep 2026 K: Lemonade Party 30 AM 10 30 AM Kindergarten Classrooms and Play Yard This is an opportunity for new and returning and Kindergarten families to meet their children's teachers, see their new classrooms, and enjoy lemonade and cookies. Children and parents are encouraged to explore the classrooms and chat briefly with the teachers. The Lemonade Party interactions help children overcome their "jitters" before classes begin, making the first day of school more relaxed, fun and productive. Students can wear Free Dress for this Back to School event. Sep 2026 Welcome Back Parents Social 10 AM 40 AM Ravel Courtyard For all new and returning ACDS parents: A time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones on the first morning of school. Sep 2026 New Family Orientation 40 AM 30 AM Fisher Event Center Auditorium For New Families: There is a brief presentation where administrators and Parent Service Auxiliary (PSA) board members address FAQs and parents enjoy refreshments, meet and mingle with other parents, and sign-up for a variety of volunteer opportunities. Additional Information School Hours Classrooms open at 7:50 am for all grades. A complimentary before-school program is offered for Kindergarten to 8th Grade students. Pre-K 1/2 Day: 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pre-K Full Day: 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kindergarten: 8 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (2 to 3:00 p.m. is optional supervised, child-directed play) 1st - 8th Grade: 8 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. The Orchard: Extended Day Program is offered for Pre-K to 8th Grade students for a fee. School Calendar Our school calendar is full of fun and exciting events throughout the year. Click below to also view and download our Major Calendar events throughout the year. School Calendar Drop-off and Pick-up For the safety of our students, staff and community, we ask all parents to follow our drop-off and pick-up procedures. Drop-off and Pick-up The Orchard: Extended Day Program We offer a complimentary before-school program for students in Kindergarten to 8th Grade, and The Orchard: Extended Day Program for Pre-K to 8th Grade for a fee. Registration for the before-school program is not required, but we ask all parents to follow the drop-off procedures using the Brightwheel app. Learn More and Register Athletics We are proud to offer an after-school sports program for students in Grades 5 - 8 and Cougar Sports Clinics for students in Grades 1 - 6. For more information on how to sign-up for the sports teams, click below. Sports Information and Registration Clubs & Activities Our campus is host to a variety of after-school activities that extend the interests and talents of our students. Click here to view our current offering of clubs and activities. Our Student Life Coordinator will also send out information to all families about the clubs and activities available throughout the year and how to sign-up. Order your ACDS Swag Now that you're part of the Cougar family, show your school spirit with some ACDS swag! ACDS Spirit Store Birthday Book Do you want a special book delivered to your child on their birthday or other occasion? Give the gift of a Birthday Book to you child. Birthday Books are delivered to students on their special day for the children to read and then donate their Birthday Books back to the library. Birthday Book Club Allergy and Health & Wellness Guidelines Learn more about our allergy guidelines and when to keep your child home from school. Health & Safety Register for ACDS Summer Camps We are excited to offer 5 weeks of full-day themed camps, and specialty camps in the morning and afternoon from Monday, June 15 through Friday, July 24, 2026! Whether your child loves arts, sports, science, or outdoor adventure, we have something for everyone! Take a look at our Summer Camp Catalog and find the perfect camp for your child—don't miss out on a summer of fun and learning! ACDS Summer Camps catalog and registration Get Connected Once you receive your login details from ACDS, click below to follow the steps to stay connected to important ACDS news and information throughout the year. Get Connected Parent Service Auxiliary (PSA) Our amazing Parent Service Auxiliary (PSA), organized by parents, helps foster community life at ACDS. Get to know more about our PSA, the wonderful events and activities they organize throughout the year, and how you can volunteer and get involved. Parent Service Auxiliary New Family Connections As part of our Family Connections Program, you will be hearing from a current family in the same grade as your child. This program was designed to help pave the way for a smooth transition to ACDS. Current families are a great resource for most questions you may have while serving as a connection to the school community.  If you haven't heard from your Grade Level Room Parent within the first couple weeks of your child starting classes at ACDS, please email Admissions iVolunteer As a member of the parent community, every parent is encouraged to attend events on campus and to volunteer to help support these events throughout the school year. Volunteer opportunities are available exclusively online on iVolunteer Per a new directive from our insurance company, and in order to maximize student, employee, and volunteer safety, as of January 1, 2024, ACDS will require LiveScan fingerprinting for all ACDS volunteers 18 years and older. Please click here for information and instructions on how to meet the fingerprinting requirement. iVolunteer opens in early September. iVolunteer Supporting ACDS Families support ACDS not only through volunteering but also through participation in the Annual Giving Campaign (AGC) and the Annual Dinner Auction. Our fall AGC is the largest and most important fundraising effort that helps bridge the tuition gap - the variance between what families pay in tuition per child and the actual cost of educating each ACDS student. The AGC is the largest and most important fundraising effort for our school. The Annual Dinner Auction supports the ongoing needs of our non-profit school and funds essential programs that facilitate learning for both students and faculty. Annual Giving Program Field Trips Throughout the year, classes will go on pre-planned field trips. At times, we need parent drivers to help take students to/from the field trip location. If you would like to volunteer to be a parent driver, please complete the MVR form and turn it into the front office. Admissions School Divisions Registrar and Front Desk Marketing & Technology Student Life Do you have any questions about completing the Admissions process? Please don't hesitate to contact Mary Jo Heindel or Susan Hector who can assist you. Mary Jo Heindel Director of Admissions, Enrollment and Outreach Susan Hector Admissions Associate Our school division leaders can assist you with any questions you may have about the academic program at ACDS. Jane Murphy Head of Early Childhood and Elementary Education Jeremy Adams Head Of Middle School Cecilia Robb Head of The Learning Center Our Director of Student Information Systems and Registrar is available to answer any questions you may have about submitting health records via Magnus, school records or immunization forms as well as accessing Veracross for school records. Kristen Osorio, our Receptionist, is available for any general questions such as school hours, school lunch, driving directions and more. Holly O'Boyle Director of Student Information Systems and Registrar Kirsten Osorio Receptionist Cecilia Vasquez Office Manager Are you having trouble accessing Parent's Corner or is there information you would like to see in the Apple Seed or website? Please feel free to contact our Director of Marketing Communications, Cathy Shin. For any questions about the use of technology at ACDS, our Director of Technology, Buck Crockett, is always available to help. Cathy Shin Director of Marketing & Communications Buck Crockett Director of Technology Lisa Walsh Director of Business Information & Marketing Systems Student Life at ACDS is rich and filled with many curricular and extracurricular opportunities, inside and outside of school hours, including interest-based activities, clubs, sports, mentoring, visiting speakers and authors, and field trips. Sara Sobkoviak Director of Auxiliary Programs Meghan Anderson Elementary & Middle School PE Teacher / Student Life Coordinator Derek McIntyre Athletic Director / Elementary & Middle School PE Teacher Back to Parent Corner