Welcome to Big Picture

Posted Date: 09/02/26 (06:49 PM)

Dear Big Picture Families:

Welcome to the start of a new school year! We are thrilled to welcome your student back to campus. Our ultimate goal this year is to create an inspiring, supportive community where every student feels a sense of belonging, discovers their passions, and builds a powerful network for a bright future. Together, we can build our ideal school environment, but an education revolution requires active participation. This year, our request of students is simple: Own the Learning. Spark Your Revolution. Together, we will build a culture where students take the driver's seat in their education, mastering how to learn and where students thrive both academically and personally. To help us kick off the year, please review the information below.

The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8, starting at 7:50 am.

To set our students up for maximum success, all students need to be at school for 1st period, which begins promptly at 7:50 AM. We are protecting this time to ensure every student builds the independent living and workforce skills they need to succeed. Here is how 1st period will look for different grade levels:

9th and 10th Graders: Students will spend 1st period focusing on developing strong school and career skills, social/emotional learning, check-ins, and study hall. This time is designed to teach vital life skills, build strong peer relationships, and provide extra academic support to ensure educational success.

11th and 12th Graders: Older students will be excused from 1st period only after they have their official internships organized and approved. Until those internships are set, students must attend 1st period and all classes until their excused hours are determined and approved.

A Note on Wednesdays: All students should plan to attend their classes on Wednesday unless individual arrangements have been made on a per-student basis with the principal.

Attendance Matters: Being in class every day is one of the most powerful ways students can stay connected and succeed. When students are here, our whole community is stronger. This year, we are placing a major emphasis on consistent attendance. Our school goal is for every student to maintain an attendance rate of at least 80% throughout the year. We want to be entirely transparent with you. Because we care about your child and fiercely believe in their potential, we refuse to let them slide by or settle for less than their best. Showing up matters—in school, in careers, and in life. We are fully committed to working alongside you to overcome any obstacles that might keep your student from coming to school.

Finally, I am excited to share that in addition to all of our staff from the 2025-26 school year returning, we are welcoming Ms. Jacobs to the Big Picture team as our school Internship Coordinator. She will work to support all students with career goals and career-related projects, but a majority of her time will be working with 11th and 12th grade students. She will be helping students get into the community and work at an internship to connect them in career learning and building a network of supporters for future opportunities. I am excited to have her with us and look forward to having each of you meet her.

Thank you for your continued partnership and your trust in us to be a part of your student’s life. We cannot wait to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Haley Naboychik

Important Dates and Information

Tuesday, September 8

First Day, 7:50 am

Wednesday, September 9

Full day of school (no early dismissal)

Thursday, September 10

Picture Day, 5th and 6th periods