Back-to-School Information

Dear Union Ridge Families, 

I am thrilled to welcome you back to Union Ridge School for the 2026-27 school year! We are looking forward to hearing about your summer experiences, getting caught up with returning families, and meeting our newest Huskies.  

This summer, our school underwent significant construction, resulting in an exciting new addition that enhances our facilities. The newly built space features modern classrooms and collaborative areas designed to foster creativity and innovation among students. In addition to the new structure, existing spaces have been refreshed with updated windows, floor, lightning, and paint, creating an inviting atmosphere for learning and community engagement. These improvements not only reflect our commitment to providing a top-notch educational environment but also aim to inspire and motivate all who enter these revitalized spaces.

All signs point to another incredible and productive school year. Our skilled and devoted staff is already planning and preparing for your child(ren). Our enthusiastic office team is registering new families, ordering needed materials and updating student files. Our hard working and conscientious custodians have spent the entire summer thoroughly cleaning the facility. And, our much-appreciated PTA is gearing up to welcome families, provide volunteer opportunities, and offer other exciting events and programs. We are indeed a joyous and caring community with the common goals of nurturing responsible, caring students and promoting high-level learning.

Please be sure to check your child’s backpack as well as the Union Ridge School’s website, http://www.urs86.org, and ParentSquare for updates and calendar information. This will serve as a resource tool for all upcoming events, the student/parent handbook, and important reminders. We will continue to use our email blasts for reminders of upcoming events and you can also check our monthly calendar which is also on the website.

Thank you to all who are helping prepare for the new school year. Your commitment to ensuring that Union Ridge remains a celebrated and successful school is awe-inspiring. I eagerly look forward to greeting students and families again. It remains an honor and privilege to serve as your principal. Please stop by and say hello! We have an open door policy, and welcome any opportunity to meet with you. Together, I know we will make this school year one of growth and achievement for all children.

Remember, school starts on Thursday, August 20th!

This will be a FANTASTIC year!

Warm Regards,

Julie Borner, Principal

Dan Chambers, Assistant Principal

Early Childhood

AM class - 9:00am-11:30am, PM class - 1:00pm-3:30pm

Kindergarten

9:00am-12:00pm

Grades 1-4

9:00am-2:00pm

Grades 5-8

8:25am-2:00pm

Class lists for students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade will be posted on the windows next to the NEW main entrance after 5:00pm on Monday, August 17th.  There will be NO class lists posted for preschool or middle school.  Please know that teachers, administrators, specialists, and social workers have taken a lot of time placing your student in a classroom based on their unique needs. All our staff at Union Ridge are exceptional and very excited to educate all our Huskies!

The PTA will be kicking off the new school year with their park playday on Monday, August 17th from 5:00-6:30pm.  Come find out your teacher for the next school year, grab a sweet treat, and be among the first to play with your friends at the new playground!

Traffic Safety

No Parking Areas

Parking or waiting is prohibited along Cassata Lane and Oak Park Avenue, as specified by signs. Street parking is available west of the school building on Cassata Lane or along New England Ave. Police will be enforcing posted regulations from the start of the school year. The main parking lot at Cassata Lane and New England is for visitor parking throughout the day, there is no parking in this lot during drop-off or pick-up. The south parking lot behind the building on Oak Park Avenue is reserved for staff members only.

 

Student Drop-Off Lane

Students may be dropped off or picked up in the lane directly in front of the school building. To access the drop-off lane turn right into the main parking lot and stay to the right. The entrance to this lot is off of Cassata Lane between Newcastle and New England. Vehicles will be permitted to stop only to drop off students or pick them up in this lane and immediately move on. The exit to the parking lot is on New England and is a right turn only.

Crossing Cassata Lane

Crossing guards will be stationed along Cassata Lane at both New England and Newcastle. School personnel and crossing guards will not permit children to cross in the middle of the street.

Please see below:

Ribbon Cutting - Wednesday, August 19th, 4:00pm - Join us in welcoming back our families to another school year in our new building!

Open House/Curriculum Night (EC - gr. 3) - Thursday, September 10th, 6:00pm 

Open House/Curriculum Night (Gr. 4-8) - Thursday, September 24th, 6:00pm

Union Ridge School offers a wide variety of extracurricular programming to meet the needs of our students. All students are encouraged to participate in clubs and sports. We believe participation in extracurricular activities enhances students' experience at Union Ridge School.

Sports Physicals are valid for 395 days from the exam date. If the physical expires during a sports season your student is participating in, a new physical must be filed with the Nurse's office. We may accept a current 6th grade physical as a sports physical, depending on the exam date. If your child is in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, they will require a sports physical. Please check with the school nurse if you are unsure of the last exam date we have on file for your child.

Union Ridge School participates in the Leyden-Norwood Athletic Conference.

**Reminder that all incoming new students, Kindergarteners and  sixth graders must have an up-to-date physical with immunizations on file with the school nurse, BEFORE the start of school.

If your child is home sick, please contact the attendance line at 708-867-5822 to inform us of your child’s absence. Please remember that there is no substitute for your child being in school and being on time daily is important for your child’s education. Vacations are considered unexcused absences.