WELCOME BACK, TIGERS!
FIRST DAY FOR STUDENTS—TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2026
| | Welcome back to another exciting school year at McKnight Elementary! As many of you know, our school experienced several leadership changes over the summer. While we are certainly sad to see both Mr. Gillis and Dr. Shute begin new chapters in their careers, we are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact they made on our McKnight community. I am truly honored and excited to be returning to McKnight as principal, and I am equally excited to welcome Mr. Walters to both McKnight Elementary and the North Allegheny School District. Together, we look forward to building on the strong traditions that make McKnight such a special place. | | One tradition we are thrilled to continue is beginning the year with a book that inspires our work together. This year, we have chosen When You Dream Big by Peter H. Reynolds. At McKnight, we know we are a big school with an even bigger heart, and we want every student to know that no dream is too big. Throughout their journey here, we hope our students discover their unique strengths, embrace new opportunities, and realize that with hard work, perseverance, and the support of a caring community, dreams really can become reality. | | | |
We can't wait to welcome everyone back and look forward to meeting our new and returning students and families in the coming weeks!
If you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to a great year filled with learning and smiles!
| | McKNIGHT ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK | | |
The McKnight Elementary Handbook is designed to provide you with the information you need about our school’s procedures, programs, and activities. Please use this handbook for guidance and reference throughout the academic year. Once you read through the information, please contact the school’s office if you have any specific questions.
A handbook and code of conduct sign-off form will be available the week of August 3 in PowerSchool. Please sign off that you have reviewed and understand the handbook and NASD Code of Conduct. Completing this PowerSchool form will ensure that you have access to PowerSchool to view schedules on the release date.
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Thursday, August 6, 2026
10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
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We are so excited to meet the new members of our Tiger family!
An additional email will be sent to all Kindergarten families with specific information about Orientation.
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Friday, August 7, 2026
10:00 AM
| | McKnight Elementary is hosting a New Student Orientation for grades 1–5 on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. These families will also receive an email with further information. This event is designed for students in grades 1-5 who did not attend McKnight last year. | | McKNIGHT ELEMENTARY OPEN HOUSE | |
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 11, for all students in grades K-5. As we did last year, all family members are invited to attend this event.
- 5:30-6:00 pm ~ Families in our English Language Development Program
- 6:00-6:45 pm ~ Families of students with last names A-M
- 7:00-7:45 pm ~ Families of students with last names N-Z
More information will be sent from the District.
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Friday, August 14, 2026
4:00 - 6:00 PM
| | Families are invited to find their child’s classroom on Friday, August 15, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. This event allows families to find their classrooms and take a self-guided tour of the building. Mrs. Hudson and Mr. Walters will be in the building. Be sure to stop by and share your dreams or your plans for the school year with them. Teachers are not scheduled to be in the building at this time, and classrooms will be locked. This event is a great way to familiarize yourself with the building. | | Wednesday, August 17, 2026 | | The McKnight PFA is hosting its annual Chalk the Walk event on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Families are invited to bring their own sidewalk chalk and help decorate the walkways around the building to create a warm, cheerful welcome for students on the first day of school. | | STUDENT HOMEROOMS & SCHEDULES | | CLASSROOM & SCHOOL SUPPLIES | | The McKnight Grade-Level School Supply Lists are now available for the upcoming school year. All students are asked to bring a refillable water bottle for use throughout the day. Our water fountains are equipped with bottle fillers, and each classroom sink can also fill bottles. Students will be able to keep these water bottles in the classroom. More specific details will be shared by your homeroom teacher. We are always in need of tissues, wipes, and hand sanitizer, and appreciate your generosity. | | ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL AT McKNIGHT ELEMENTARY | | |
For the safety of our students, staff, and car riders, our school has specific procedures during arrival and dismissal.
Arrival begins at 8:50 AM. Students taking the bus will be dismissed into the main entrance. Those students being dropped off will use the loop at the west end of the building towards NAI. Students should not be left unattended until staff reports at 8:50 AM. Cars will be directed to exit towards NAI so as not to disrupt the buses leaving campus.
| | Dismissal will begin at 3:25 PM. Students will be called from their homeroom to their bus over the intercom system. We will have extra staff in place to ensure that all students, especially our youngest, get on the correct bus. Bus tags will be sent prior to the first day. Please fill these out and place them on your child’s backpack. AM Kindergarten students should list their morning bus on these cards and not their pick-up numbers, which will be discussed at Orientation. | | |
Our Transportation Department looks forward to seeing your students return for the 2026-27 school year!
BUS ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN PowerSchool
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Student bus assignments will be available in PowerSchool on August 6, 2026, by approximately 6:00 PM.
- To locate your student’s bus assignment, log into PowerSchool, locate the navigation menu, and select the Transportation Info button (which features a yellow school bus icon). From there, you’ll be presented with your student’s transportation information, including times and address intersections.
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- Drivers are testing routes at the end of July/early August, which may result in a change to your student's bus assignment.
- If your student's transportation is provided by a non-NASD transportation company, you will be contacted separately with the bus assignment.
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You can submit a ticket to:
- Report on-time bus issues
- Request changes to your student's bus stop
- Report lost items left on the bus
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Access Application for Alternate Bus Stop; Bus Stop Change Request Form; Shared Custody Form
If you have questions about bus assignments, visit the NA Transportation Department website, and be sure to review the School Bus Safety Tips with your student.
| | Parents are a vital part of the McKnight community! We encourage you to join our team by visiting the McKnight PFA Official Website for registration and membership details. | | |
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Stay connected with NA on social media!
#NASDlearns
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