Back to School Resources: Arbor

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!  Please have your calendar on hand to mark important dates as you read this letter, and take note of First Day requirements as well. 

We are looking forward to a year of growth and learning with a fabulous class of students. For our new families, we are excited to nurture your student’s increased independence and deepening social bonds. The Arbor experience is full of curiosity, exploration, and self-discovery, and we feel very fortunate to help guide that journey.

Looking ahead to September, please save the date for Back-to-School Night, an important opportunity to learn more about the classroom and connect with Arbor families. All new and returning families should plan to attend. 

Summer & Fall Welcome Events

Please note the following key dates for September. The full school calendar can be found on the Parent Portal.

Back to School Night is an important opportunity to learn about the Arbor, and all new and returning families should plan to attend. 

Back-to-School Night

Thursday, September 18, 5:30-7:00 PM
(Childcare: $5 per child on the Blacktop)

The First Day of School is Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Backpacks are required. Please purchase your child’s backpack before school begins, and make sure they wear it on the first day. The backpacks should be very sturdy, with strong shoulder straps and large enough to hold a standard 2 inch ring binder. 

Lunchboxes are required. We encourage sturdy, reusable lunchboxes in order to reduce waste.  Lunchboxes should not be larger than 8 x 10 x 5 inches.  Reusable cutlery is also recommended as we will often eat lunch outside.

Water bottles are required and should be brought in on the first day. In order to fit on the shelf, we recommend a 16-oz. (or similar) water bottle; sturdy plastic or glass work well.  For an idea of suggested size and type, please see this item. (For field trip hikes, a water bottle with a strap is very helpful!) 

Indoor shoes are required. Please purchase a pair of rubber sole slippers/indoor shoes with a closed toe and covered heel (here is a suggested style). In order to keep our classroom clean and tidy, and because we spend so much time on the floor, students change into their indoor shoes upon arrival to the classroom.

Technology – The Arbor environment is low-tech by design.  In keeping with that spirit, we kindly ask that no electronic devices be sent in with your student (i.e. smart watches with calling, texting, or camera capabilities). Traditional watches and step counters are welcome.

Please note that all other school supplies (pencils, crayons, folders, etc.) are shared communally and do not need to be purchased.

Echo Hill Fee (Third Year Families Only)

We look forward to our third year camping trip to the Echo Hill Outdoor School each spring.  We will notify you of the cost for this trip once we make arrangements with Echo Hill Outdoor School in January, and we will hold a parent meeting in March to explain all aspects of the trip in more detail.

Maintaining a Peaceful Environment:

In order to create and maintain a positive and inclusive atmosphere, and in keeping with the Oneness-Family commitment to a peaceful environment, we respectfully request that you purchase backpacks, lunch boxes, slippers, and clothing that do not reflect violence or commercial images, and to be as environmentally conscious as possible. We look forward to a wonderful year!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Kelly, Shelby & Robin