What should I expect on Willard Registration Day?

This is for 7th and 8th graders and their families only.

Willard’s Registration Day is on Friday, August 7th; 9 – 11 8th graders  and 12 – 2 7th graders.

This is a day for turning in important forms and registering for activities like 0 period Music and the Afterschool Program. On Registration Day, families/students can: 

• Complete a meal eligibility form (or, complete online at ezmealapp.com, just bring in your phone or a hard copy to show the application submission email with the confirmation number) 
• Turn in an Emergency Card (if you haven’t done so for 2026/27 yet)
• Receive your student’s schedule (7th and 8th only)

These forms will be available at Willard’s Registration Day if you have misplaced or did not receive them. 

You will also have the chance to join the PTA and learn more about its activities.  As a reminder, to remain a member of the PTA, parents/caregivers need to sign-up for PTA membership every school year. 

Do 6th Graders and their families attend registration day?

6th Grade Families do not need to attend this day. All 6th graders will experience a 3 day orientation beginning on the first week of school and families are encouraged to attend the 6th grade Family Welcome on Thursday August 6 from 3:30 – 5:00pm.

What about 6thgraders, when do they get their schedules?

6th graders will not receive their schedules until the end of the first week of school. During the first week of school, the 6th grade teacher team spends time getting to know the 6th graders and then makes class placements at the end of the week. On the first day of school, all 6th graders meet at 8:45 AM (school start time) in the Willard Multi Use room. Staff and student leaders will be out and about to show you where to go when the first bell rings. 

I am unable to attend on Registration Day

If you are unable to attend Registration Day, please email the Emergency Card to willardregistration@berkeley.net. You may also drop it off at the Willard office between 1:00–3:00 PM on August 12, or during school hours once school begins. Please also complete the EZ Meal Application.  Families of 7th and 8th graders may stop by during that same August 12 time window (1:00–3:00 PM) to pick up student schedules and submit updated emergency cards (or complete one in person). If you cannot make it, don’t worry—student schedules will be available for pickup in the main courtyard on the first day of school. In addition, 7th and 8th grade schedules will be viewable electronically in Infinite Campus on Monday, August 10.

My student is new to Willard. When can we meet some families?

Start the new school year with the Welcome Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, August 22, 9-11am on campus! We look forward to seeing you there. 

What time does school start and end?

School begins at 8:45 AM. Students should be in their first class by 8:45 so they are not marked late. For the first day, 6th graders should be in the Multi-Use Room by 8:45 AM. School is dismissed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 2:51 PM. On Wednesdays (early release day), students are dismissed at 2:00 PM.  

Do I just drop my child off on the first day of school?

Yes, you do just drop your child off. There will be a welcome coffee hosted by the PTA on Friday August 15th at 8:45 AM. Look for signs for location. Come meet other Willard families!

How do I sign my child up for Music activities (band, orchestra, jazz band)?

On Willard’s Registration Day there will be a registration table for music activities where you can meet the teachers, ask questions, and sign your child up. These activities meet at 7:45 AM on school days. Jazz band meets two days a week after school and you can also “Sign Up by Showing Up” on the first day of school at 7:45 AM.

Is there Music on the first day of school?

Yes! Even 6th graders start Music on the first day of school during 0 period. Students should come to the appropriate room in Building D at 7:45 AM. Instruments will be given out to students during that first week of school.  

What after school activities are available and how do I sign up for them?

The Berkeley LEARNS Afterschool program at Willard offers students academic as well as enrichment opportunities after school. Grade level Homework Centers will be in place to assist students with academic success. Students may also take advantage of enrichment activities. Information about the afterschool program will be available on Willard’s Registration Day, and parents/caregivers can also always contact Willard’s LEARNS coordinator Kim Wright @ kimberlywright@berkeley.net with questions.  To find more information and a link to the LEARNS registration, go to https://www.willardmiddleschool.org/student-life/sports/.

Students must be enrolled in the LEARNS Afterschool program to participate in after school sports. During the sport season, you will receive information about how to enroll/pay for the season.

When do after school sports start and which sports are offered?

Below is an example schedule for Willard sports (subject to change based on availability of coaches, etc.). Specific tryouts details for all sports will be promoted via the Willard Update as soon as it becomes available. To sign up for PTA updates, go to https://www.willardmiddleschool.org/newsletter/. Tryouts will be promoted via flyers in the gym and locker room areas as well. More information about sports, the tryout process, and required forms, including a form to be completed by a physician certifying your child for group sports, can be found at https://www.willardmiddleschool.org/student-life/sports/. This information is updated frequently throughout the year so be sure to check for changes.

Where should I drop off my child in the mornings?

The suggested drop off area is at the main entrance on Stuart Street. For safety reasons, students should only be dropped off on the school side of the street. 

Will my child have a locker at school?

Willard does not have day-use lockers; students will keep their books and belongings with them throughout the day. However, all students are assigned a PE locker in the Willard gym where they can leave their PE clothes/shoes during the week. Students will need to bring their own locks (combination, not key–adults are encouraged to have students practice using a combination lock). 

Will my child need PE clothes or a PE uniform?

Yes, your child will need a change of clothes for PE, however there is no required PE uniform. During the first week of school the PE staff will provide guidance on what your child should bring for class. 

How does lunch work, how do I pay for school lunch?

Students will eat lunch outside and may either bring their own lunch or get school lunch. According to new California policy, all California students will now have the opportunity to eat for free; however we ask that all families complete the lunch application form as the data collected about our families opens up access to additional monies from the State to the school directly. EZ Meal Application. The school lunch menu calendar is available on the district website.

What is the cellphone/earbud/smartwatch policy?

The cell phone/airpod/smartwatch policy is that they need to be turned off and put away between 8:40 and dismissal.  The school has seen challenges with notifications and messages distracting students from being engaged in their learning and with their peers.  Usually students will get a warning to put their device away but if those are not heeded then the device will be taken by the staff member and the student can retrieve it at the end of the school day.  If you need to reach your student urgently during the school day, please call the office.

How do I sign up for email information from the school?

The Willard Update is Willard’s email newsletter (or etree) system and is run by PTA parent/caregiver volunteers. This email newsletter is used by the Principal, staff and PTA to communicate all school related activities and announcements so it’s very important to be signed up. Go to https://www.willardmiddleschool.org/newsletter/right now to sign up!

How can I support the Willard PTA?

Great question! 

1. Please join the PTA online 
2. Consider making your annual contribution online to the Willard Fund now
3. The PTA needs volunteers for many events and there will be a parent/caregiver survey going out in early September to solicit for skills and interests in supporting PTA and school sponsored events.  
4. Attend our upcoming PTA events:
   • Friday, August 14th 8:45 am: Welcome Coffee come meet new and returning parents/caregivers.
   • Saturday, August 22nd 9-11 am: Pancake Breakfast for new families