Harding Elementary Welcomes Students Back Sept. 8

Harding Elementary School in Kenilworth opens for the 2026–2027 school year on Tuesday, September 8. Principal Ronald Bubnowski is asking students to plan their arrival between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m. and to head straight to their homeroom. Drop-off runs from 8:30 a.m. until doors close at 8:45 a.m., when academics begin. Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. There is no supervision before 8:30 a.m.

Four drop-off doors are available: Door #3 (Front Playground Area near Book Machine), Door #5 (18th Street near Kindergarten Classrooms), Door #16 (The Loop near Gymnasium), and Door #17 (to the left of the Main Office).

The Kenilworth Police Department will be present during arrival and dismissal and will enforce motor vehicle rules. Parents must stay in their cars and use a drop off and go method, letting students out on the sidewalk side only. Double parking in the loop, stopping on the left hand side, parking in a fire zone (yellow curb), and using a cell phone while dropping off or picking up are all prohibited.

Classroom assignments are set and final. The school's placement process considers class size, gender balance, academic levels, and specialist schedules. Harding does not accommodate requests for specific teachers. Parents can view teacher assignments through the Genesis Parent Portal and should update contact and emergency information there as well.

Families can now apply for Free and Reduced Price School Meals for the 2026–2027 school year. Applications can be submitted by returning a completed paper form to the main office, emailing it to tara_capra@kenilworthschools.com, or applying through the Genesis Parent Portal. Benefits carried over from 2025–2026 expire after the first 30 operating days of the new school year, approximately October 21, 2026, unless a new application is submitted.

Medication Drop-Off Days are September 2 and 3. Medication forms must be filled out completely before drop-off. School Nurse Mrs. Collin Bishop can be reached at Collin_Bishop@kenilworthschools.com or extension 1530.

Incoming 5th graders who kept their school issued Chromebooks over the summer should bring them back in September.

September 11 marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Harding will observe the day with a focus on Everyday Heroes — police officers, firefighters, first responders, and other community helpers. Students will take part in a Day of Good Deeds. Students are encouraged to wear patriotic red, white, and blue.

Key September dates include PreK and Kindergarten Meet and Greet on September 2; Back to School Night on September 24; school closed September 21 for Yom Kippur. The last day to order from the Pretzel Sale is September 23.

Harding's Little Free Library, located in the main office vestibule, is open during school hours, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Follow the school on Instagram at @HardingHawksSoar.

Union County Life covers Kenilworth schools and community information. Find more Kenilworth events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: MELISSA ABRANTES

FAQ

Q: When does Harding Elementary School open?
A: Harding Elementary School opens on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Q: What time should students arrive?
A: Students should plan arrival between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m. Drop-off runs from 8:30 a.m. until doors close at 8:45 a.m. There is no supervision before 8:30 a.m.

Q: What time does school end?
A: Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m.

Q: Where can I drop off my student?
A: Four drop-off doors are available: Door #3 (Front Playground Area near Book Machine), Door #5 (18th Street near Kindergarten Classrooms), Door #16 (The Loop near Gymnasium), and Door #17 (to the left of the Main Office).

Q: Are there rules for drop-off?
A: Yes. Parents must stay in their cars and use a drop off and go method. Let students out on the sidewalk side only. Double parking in the loop, stopping on the left hand side, parking in a fire zone, and using a cell phone while dropping off or picking up are prohibited. The Kenilworth Police Department will enforce these rules.

Q: Can I request a specific teacher?
A: No. Classroom assignments are set and final. The school's placement process considers class size, gender balance, academic levels, and specialist schedules but does not accommodate teacher requests.

Q: How can I view my student's teacher assignment?
A: Parents can view teacher assignments through the Genesis Parent Portal. Update contact and emergency information there as well.

Q: How do I apply for free and reduced price meals?
A: Applications can be submitted by returning a completed paper form to the main office, emailing it to tara_capra@kenilworthschools.com, or applying through the Genesis Parent Portal.

Q: When do meal benefits expire?
A: Benefits carried over from last year expire after the first 30 operating days of the new school year, approximately October 21, 2026, unless a new application is submitted.

Q: When are medication drop-off days?
A: Medication Drop-Off Days are September 2 and 3. Medication forms must be filled out completely before drop-off.

Q: How do I contact the school nurse?
A: School Nurse Mrs. Collin Bishop can be reached at Collin_Bishop@kenilworthschools.com or extension 1530.

Q: What are key dates in September?
A: PreK and Kindergarten Meet and Greet: September 2. Back to School Night: September 24. School closed: September 21 (Yom Kippur). Last day for Pretzel Sale orders: September 23.

Q: Will Harding observe September 11?
A: Yes. September 11 marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Harding will observe with a focus on Everyday Heroes and students will participate in a Day of Good Deeds. Students are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue.

Q: How do I follow the school?
A: Follow Harding Elementary on Instagram at @HardingHawksSoar. The school's Little Free Library is located in the main office vestibule, open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during school hours.