August 2026
Hello Cougar Families!
Welcome to an exciting new school year! Whether you are returning to our halls or joining the Cougar family for the very first time, we are thrilled to welcome you to what promises to be an extraordinary year of growth, learning, and connection.
Our school is a truly special place brought to life by our incredible, hard-working students, our passionate and dedicated staff, and a warm, supportive community that supports us every step of the way. Together, we create an environment where every child can thrive.
Our Theme: "Everyone Matters Everyday"
"Everyone Matters Everyday" is more than just a motto—it is the heartbeat of Charles Reed. It shapes how we greet one another in the hallways, how we design our classrooms, and how we build our culture. Every child brings unique strengths to our school, and we are committed to making sure every single student feels seen, valued, and empowered every single day.
What to Expect This Year
To keep our focus firmly on our students and maximize their growth, we are prioritizing a few key commitments:
Making Every Minute Count: We are dedicated to a vibrant, student-centered environment where learning is purposeful and engaging.
Emphasis on Oracy & Academic Language: If we expect our students to read and write at high levels, they must first practice speaking at high levels! This year, we are placing a strong emphasis on oracy—teaching our Cougars to express big ideas, collaborate, and use rich academic vocabulary during daily learning.
Mindful & Intentional Screen Time: To foster active dialogue and real-time collaboration, parents can anticipate less independent screen time at school. While technology remains a useful tool, our priority is dynamic, face-to-face interaction where students learn by talking, thinking, and problem-solving together.
Partnering for Success
We know that a child's success is a shared journey between home and school. Your partnership, energy, and encouragement mean the world to us, and we are so grateful for the community that surrounds Charles Reed.
Thank you for trusting us with your wonderful children. Let’s make this school year our best one yet!
With Gratitude, Positivity, and Cougar pride,
Kelly Lustrup - Principal
Tyler Bank - Assistant Principal
Margaret Turner - Special Education Administrator
IMPORTANT REMINDERS, DATES, and INFORMATION
Thursday, August 6th at 4:00pm Teacher names will be available in the Home Access Center. Teacher assignments will also be posted on the building (Door A). You will need to know your student’s ID number.
Wednesday, August 12th 12:00 - 1:30pm is the Charles Reed Meet and Greet. Families can come in, bring school supplies, meet the teacher and reconnect with friends and staff.
Thursday, August 13th: First day of school for all 1st - 5th Grade students and Kindergarteners with last names A-L.
Kindergarten A-L attend school 8/13 and 8/17. Then everyday starting 8/19.
Friday, August 14th: First day of school for Kindergarteners with last names M-Z.
Kindergarten M-Z attend school 8/14 & 8/18. Then everyday starting 8/19.
Arrival and Dismissal-
Arrival doors open at 8:50am. Students need to be in their seats by 9:05am.
Dismissal is at 3:40pm. Kindergarten will exit the building first.
It is very important to be as consistent as possible for arrival and dismissal with your students. Please review the arrival and dismissal procedures to ensure the highest level of safety for our students.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES:
Breakfast and Lunch-
Breakfast and Lunch are FREE for ALL STUDENTS! Breakfast is grab and go in the morning. Students eat in their classrooms. Lunch is FREE but students need to make a lunch choice in the morning. We highly encourage having students try different meals. Students may bring lunch from home AND choose a school lunch. They just need to order their lunch in the morning.
Check the website for day to day menus.
Curriculum Night and Community Resource Event-
Curriculum Night is Wednesday, August 26th. There are two repetitive sessions: 5:30-6:10pm and 6:20-7:00pm. This is a great opportunity for parents to hear about the curriculum and learning experiences from the teachers. It is highly recommended that students stay home while parents have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about what to expect in the upcoming school year.
The Community Resource Event organized by the Charles Reed PTA allows families to learn about several resources available in the community.
Charles Reed Information:
There are multiple sources to find Charles Reed information.
Charles Reed Website: https://cres.psd202.org/o/cres
Instagram follow @CR_Cougars
Charles Reed PTA Facebook: @ Charles Reed Elementary PTA
Calendar of Events:
August
3rd-7th: New Teacher Induction
10th: District Institute @ Charles Reed
11th: Building Institute @ Charles Reed
11th: PTA Chalk the Walk @Charles Reed 5:00-7:00pm
12th: Building Institute @ Charles Reed
12th: Meet and Greet 12:00-1:30
17th - Sep. 11th: i-Ready Window
26th: Curriculum Night 5:30-6:10; 6:20-7:00
26th: Community Night with food trucks/vendors
September
7th: Labor Day - No School
9th: PTA 6:00pm
11th: Patriot Day
17th: Picture Day
18th: Bike Bus - Bike to School (AM)
18th: School Dance
21st: SIP Day- No Student Attendance
25th: Popcorn Day
25th: Spirit Night @Plainfield South vs East football game. Blue Crew night
26th: PSD202 Homecoming Parade