Dear Manzanita Families,
We hope you're enjoying a wonderful summer break! As we approach the start of our new academic year, we're thrilled to welcome your family into the Manzanita community. This summer update contains essential information to help you prepare for the upcoming school year.
I'm honored to continue serving as Principal of Manzanita Elementary. Having spent two decades in the CFSD community as an educator, administrator, and parent, I deeply value the opportunity to lead this exceptional school.
Our devoted team at Manzanita Elementary remains committed to providing a caring atmosphere where each child is cherished and encouraged, promoting both academic achievement and character development. Through our dedication to strengthening community bonds and honoring every student's individual strengths, we maintain our reputation as an extraordinary environment where children flourish and cultivate a lasting passion for learning.
Please review the key dates and deadlines listed below. Between July 23-25, you'll receive additional comprehensive information through ParentSquare notifications. These messages will contain crucial details, so please read each one carefully.
Key Dates & Deadlines
July Activities
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July 23-25: Beginning-of-the-year communications sent to families via ParentSquare
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July 30: Teacher assignments available in ParentSquare
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July 30: New Family Ice Cream Social, 6:30-7:30 PM
August Activities
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August 1: Open House Event
- Families A-M: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Families N-Z: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Transportation: Bus shuttle available from Firebirds at La Encantada (street parking unavailable)
- Activities: Meet your child's teacher, tour classrooms, deliver school supplies
- Resources: FFO and Community Schools staff will be in the MPR for questions and after-school program enrollment
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August 4:First Day of Classes
- Kindergarten Coffee & Kleenex: 8:15 AM in the library
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August 8: FFO Coffee Kickoff: 8:15 AM in the library
Daily Schedule
Standard School Hours
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Half Day Kindergarten: 8:00-11:00 AM
- Kindergarten Plus through 5th Grade: 8:00-3:00 PM
Early Release Days (Most Wednesdays)
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Half Day Kindergarten: 8:00-10:15 AM
- Kindergarten Plus through 5th Grade: 8:00-1:30 PM
Half Days (Select days for teacher planning/parent conferences)
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Half Day Kindergarten: 8:00-9:30 AM
- Kindergarten Plus through 5th Grade: 8:00-11:30 AM
ParentSquare Communication System
CFSD continues utilizing ParentSquare as our primary communication tool. You may receive updates through the mobile app or the ParentSquare website. Download the app from your device's app store or activate your account online. For additional guidance, view this helpful video:
https://tinyurl.com/aj3aymb2School Supplies & EduKits
Families who purchased EduKits will receive home delivery before our Open House event. All school supplies can be brought to your child's classroom during Open House on Friday, August 1. Supply lists are available on the Manzanita website under the "For Families" section:
https://cfsd2.smartsiteshost.com/New Family Ice Cream Social
Families new to Manzanita are warmly invited to our annual New Family Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, July 30 from 6:30-7:30 PM! This enjoyable family gathering offers new families the chance to meet one another, connect with our staff, and interact with our student ambassadors. We'll provide ice cream and student-guided school tours! Please
RSVP by Monday, July 28.
Teacher Assignments
By July 30, all families can view their child's homeroom teacher assignment in ParentSquare. Please note that we do not make changes to teacher assignments as class lists have been carefully created to meet the needs of our students.
InTouch Portal
The district's InTouch Portal becomes available on July 29. After this date, parents can access our
school website and select the InTouch Payment option to add funds to their child's lunch account. Your login credentials are: username (your student's ID number without letters) and password (your student's last name with only the first letter capitalized).
School Communications
During the school year, our weekly newsletter, the Mustang Memo, will be shared on ParentSquare and our website every Friday. Additionally, our FFO Sunday Spotlight will be posted on ParentSquare each Sunday. Please review these weekly updates thoroughly, as they contain vital information for our school families.
Contact InformationWe're delighted to welcome your family to the Manzanita community and anticipate a fantastic 2025-26 school year!
Warm regards,

Rob Henikman
Principal
Manzanita Elementary