Principal's Welcome Letter

Dear Evergreen Mustang Families,
As the proud and fortunate principal of Evergreen Elementary School, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year! Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, please know that you are a valued part of our Mustang community.
Our mantra is simple yet powerful: Engage. Empower. Encourage!
We strive to engage students in their learning, parents in their children’s school experiences, and families as valued partners in education. We also want to empower every student—from our youngest learners to our fifth graders—to take ownership of their school experience, enjoy learning, and make the most of being an Evergreen Mustang.
You can count on our staff to provide encouragement and support along the way. We also invite the trusted adults at home to encourage kindness, respect, and learning; support our shared efforts; and ask questions whenever they arise.
At Evergreen, we believe school is about more than academics. It is a place where curiosity is sparked, confidence is built, and lifelong skills are developed. You can explore our complete mission, vision, and promise at evergreen.mead354.org.
We are proud of the rich diversity within our school, with students and families representing many cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Our teachers are passionate professionals who use data-informed instruction and proven practices to create meaningful learning experiences that help students grow, achieve, and thrive.
As a Title I school, we value the additional resources and staffing that help us support all of our 400-plus students. These supports include our Resource Rooms, Developmental Learning Center, LAP services, and a wide range of programs and tools designed to meet the unique needs of our learners.
Key Dates and Details
- First Day of School for Grades 1–5: Wednesday, August 26
- First Day of Kindergarten: Monday, August 31
- School Hours: 9:00 a.m.–3:20 p.m.
- Breakfast Begins: 8:45 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
- Late-Start Wednesday Breakfast: 9:25 a.m.
- Late-Start Wednesdays: Classes begin at 9:40 a.m. to allow time for teacher collaboration. Our first late-start Wednesday will be September 9.
We are also incredibly grateful for our Evergreen PTO, whose efforts and events strengthen our sense of community. We would love to have you join us! Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the school library.
As we begin this new school year, our commitment to student safety, staff well-being, and high-quality learning remains stronger than ever. We look forward to an exciting year filled with learning, connection, and Mustang pride!
With appreciation,
Michael Danford
Principal, Evergreen Elementary School
