Starting middle school is an exciting milestone! To help your family settle in smoothly, we’ve put together answers to the most common questions about schedules, activities, and day-to-day life at Willard.
⏰ School Hours & Daily Schedule
- School Hours: 8:45 AM – 2:51 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
- Wednesday Early Dismissal: 2:00 PM
- Morning Drop-off: Students should arrive by 8:40 AM at the main entrance on Stuart Street (please drop off on the school side of the street for safety).
- Lunch: All California students can receive free school lunch daily, or bring lunch from home. Students eat outside in designated courtyard areas.
🗓️ How 6th Grade Schedules Work
Middle school starts a little differently for 6th graders to help everyone transition smoothly:
- First Week Placement: 6th graders do not receive class schedules prior to the start of school. During the first week, teachers take time to get to know students before finalizing class placements.
- Finding Class & Counselor Info: Final schedules, teacher assignments, and counselor info are available by the end of the first week of school in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal or handed directly to students.
🎶 Music & Electives
- 0-Period Music (Band & Orchestra): Meets daily at 7:45 AM in Building D. 6th graders are welcome to start on the very first day! Instruments are distributed during the first week of class.
- Jazz Band: Meets after school two days a week. Mon and Thur 2:55 – 4:25 pm
- How to Join: Simply “Sign Up by Showing Up” in Building D at 7:45 AM, or sign up during orientation events.
🏃♀️ Afterschool Program (LEARNS) & Athletics
- Berkeley LEARNS Afterschool Program: Offers academic support, grade-level Homework Centers, and enrichment activities. Enrollment is done online at the Berkeley Schools website or ask questions by contacting LEARNS Coordinator Kim Wright at
kimberlywright@berkeley.net. - Middle School Sports: Willard offers Fall, Winter, and Spring sports teams!
- Note: Students must be enrolled in LEARNS to participate in school sports.
- Learn about sports offerings, tryout dates, and required physical forms on the Willard Athletics Page.
🎒 What to Bring & Expect
- Class Supplies: Teachers review class syllabi and required materials directly with students during the first week. Announcements and updates are posted on ParentSquare. With 6th grade receiving theor schedules a week after school has started.
- PE Gear & Lockers: Willard does not have day-use academic lockers, so students carry their backpacks during the day. However, every student receives a PE locker in the gym. Please send your child with a combination lock (no key locks) and a change of clothes for PE. (Willard does not provide or sell PE uniforms)
- Cell Phone & Tech Policy: Phones, earbuds, and smartwatches must be turned off and stored away between 8:40 AM and dismissal.
❓ Need Help During the School Day?
- Appointments & Early Pick-up: If you need to pick up your child early for a medical appointment, please come to the office to sign them out and the office will call your student out of class.
- Contact the Main Office: Call 510-644-6330 for attendance or general inquiries.
- Stay Connected: Subscribe to the Willard Update Newsletter to get weekly announcements from Principal Clark and the PTA!