Preschool - Sixth

Back-to-School 2025

Dear FPDS Families, 

Summer is in full swing, but the start of a new school year is just around the corner—and we can’t wait to welcome your family “to” or “ back to” FPDS! Our faculty and staff have been preparing and praying for your children and are eager to begin another year of academic growth and spiritual formation.

This year’s schoolwide theme is:

Household of God:  Through the Parables of Jesus
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 3:11

Please read carefully below for important Back-to-School information to help you and your student start the year smoothly.  The 2025|2026 Student Handbook can be found by clicking here or at FPDS.org under the Parents section.  Also, please make sure that you are following us on social media for easy updates, information, etc.

Update Your Student’s Information - Due August 7th

You will soon receive an email from FPDS asking you to confirm and update your student’s information, acknowledge the 25/26 Parent-Student Handbook, and sign off on all school policies. This process is completed through your FACTS account and is required for each student prior to the first day of school.  This update is only for returning families as new student families have submitted their information more recently.

We know this may feel repetitive, but it’s essential that we have the most accurate and up-to-date records. Thank you in advance for your attention to this!

Parents, if you are interested in volunteering, there is a place to let us know and select how you would be interested in serving.  Thank you in advance for helping make FPDS a wonderful school for our children.

Mark Your Calendars:

Be sure to note the following important dates:

  • August 1 – Meet Your Teacher Email Sent

  • August 2 – Campus Prayer Walk (Details below)

  • August 5 – Back-to-School Night (Parents Only: EC–5th Grade)

  • August 5 - Crusader Clothing Co. Open (5:00 pm - 7:30 pm)

  • August 6 – Meet the Teacher (Details below)

  • August 6 – Crusader Clothing Co. Open (8 am –Noon)

  • August 6 – Uniform Swap Shop Open (Miller Hall, 8 AM–Noon)

  • August 7 – 6th Grade Orientation (Miller Hall, 8:15 am)

  • August 7 – First Full Day of School

  • August 23 – Crusader Party (Details below)

General Information &  “Must Knows”:

All of this information is located in the 2025|2026 Student Handbook.  Parents are required to read this information.  Highlights are located below.  

Carpool Numbers:
Returning families should keep their same carpool hang tags. New families will receive their tags in the classroom at Back-to-School Night.

Carpool Procedures:
All carpool procedures can be found in the 2025|2026 Student Handbook linked above.  We encourage parents to read the procedures carefully as there may be some minor changes from years past.  

After-School Care (Company):
FPDS is excited to welcome Olivia Hamilton as our new Director of After-School and Summer Care! Olivia will be available in the cafeteria during Back-to-School Night to meet parents and answer questions about after-school programming and extracurricular opportunities. If you have any questions ahead of time, feel free to reach out to her at ohamilton@fpds.org.

If your child will participate in our after-school care program called Company, click here for more information and to complete the registration form. This year, we ask that parents commit to a consistent number of days your student will be in Company for each semester. This will allow us to better plan activities for students and have appropriate staff on hand. Please complete one form per individual student. Registration for Company will be open now through September 1st. 

K3 & K4 students will need a small, washable nap mat (approx. 22"x52"). Due to storage limitations, please follow size guidelines and label the mat with your child’s name.

After-School Extracurricular Activities:
A complete list of all after-school extracurricular activities offered at FPDS will be made available on our website. Registration for extracurriculars will be open from August 1st - September 1st, through the form on the Extracurricular Activities page of the website. If your student will be staying after school for an extracurricular activity, they need to be registered for after-school care (Company) for that day. We will have booths and information available in person on Back To School Night. 

School Supplies:

  • K3–Kindergarten: Supplies were purchased in bulk and will be charged to your FACTS account on August 1st.  New students in these grades will be charged on that same day.

  • 1st–6th Grade: Returning students had the option to opt out and purchase their own supplies. New families must purchase their own.  Click here and scroll down to view supply lists. Supplies should be brought to Meet the Teacher.

Summer Reading:
Click here for summer reading requirements by grade.  

Uniforms & Dress Code:
Please review the FPDS uniform and dress code in the 2025|2026 Student Handbook.  Land’s End is our uniform provider (School Code: 900185422). Click Here to create an account and view grade-specific items.
Fridays are Spirit Wear days—FPDS shirts and jeans/uniform bottoms are allowed.  Spirit Wear days are perfect for donning those items purchased from The Crusader Clothing Co.

Uniform Swap Shop – August 6: 
Located in Miller Hall from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Gently used, laundered uniforms (K3–6th only) and items from The Crusader Clothing Co. may be returned for store credit or purchased using store credit, cash, or check only.  Please note that FACTS accounts will not be used for Swap Shop purchases.

The Crusader Clothing Co.:
Stop by the new Crusader Clothing Co. location—now conveniently situated near the school office and across from the gym! Be sure to follow FPDS on social media and check the weekly parent newsletter for store hours, sale announcements, and new arrivals. The store will be open during Back-to-School Night and Meet the Teacher (see hours listed above), so be sure to swing by and stock up on spirit wear! 

2025–2026 School Calendar:
Click Here to view the general calendar and check back often as additional important dates are added throughout the year.  

School Lunch / New Lunch Payment System:
Attention new and returning FPDS families:  We’re excited to announce that our lunch payment system is transitioning to MySchoolBucks for the upcoming school year. All families will need to create an account in this new system. Any existing balances will be transferred once registration is complete. Detailed setup instructions will be emailed to you closer to the start of school. For your convenience, Joseph Bonner, our Food Service Director,  will be available at Back-to-School Night.

Campus Prayer Walk - August 2

All FPDS families are invited to begin the school year in prayer together. Please meet in Patterson Hall (located just down from the school office) at 9:30 AM as we gather to pray over our students, teachers, administrators, and parents. After this time of group prayer, you are encouraged to visit your child’s classroom(s) for individual prayer.

We hope you will join us for this meaningful time of fellowship.

Back-to-School Night - August 5

This evening is designed just for parents of students in Early Childhood through 5th grade. (Note: Sixth grade students and parents will have a special orientation on the first day of school—details to come by email.)

Back-to-School Night is a valuable opportunity to meet your child’s teacher; learn about classroom expectations, routines, and curriculum; and explore ways to stay involved and informed

Schedule of Events:

5:30 – 6:00 PM | Early Childhood – 1st Grade: Visit your child’s classroom

6:15 – 6:45 PM | Schoolwide Parent Meeting in the Sanctuary

7:00 – 7:30 PM | 2nd – 5th Grade: Visit your child’s classroom

Before or after the Parent Meeting, be sure to stop by:

  • Extracurricular Activities Fair (Cafeteria): Learn more about before- and after-school offerings. Tables will be set up with sign-up info for clubs, sports, and more!

  • The Crusader Clothing Co.: Stock up on FPDS gear your children love—open across from the gym near the school office.

  • Special Subjects Meet & Greet: Visit the Library, Art, Music, Science, and Technology spaces to learn what your child will experience in these enriching classes and meet their teachers.

Parking Notes:  Parents of Early Childhood through 1st grade, please park on the Pinehurst side for ease of accessibility and proximity to classrooms and enter via the ramp.  

Meet the Teacher - August 6

Stop by your classroom, meet your teacher, and drop off school supplies (if applicable). Time slots are by last name:

  • 8:30 – 9:00: A–C

  • 9:00 – 9:30: D–G

  • 9:30 – 10:00: H–K

  • 10:00 – 10:30: L–N

  • 10:30 – 11:00: O–S

  • 11:00 – 11:30: T–Z

Crusader Party - August 23

Mark your calendars for our annual Crusader Party on Saturday, August 23rd, from 7:00-9:00 pm at the home of Christopher and Amanda Johnston. This parents-only party includes live music, a live auction, and an opportunity for fellowship and fun. Keep an eye out for an email with more details on how you can purchase tickets and support this event as we kick off the Holiday Potpourri season!

If you have any questions, we are always here to help. Thank you for partnering with us for another great year at FPDS. Let’s make 25/26 one to remember!

Prayers for a wonderful year,
FPDS Administration

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

I Corinthians 3:11