Cherokee Elementary families heading back for the 2026–2027 school year will need to check their last name before heading to the building on Tuesday, August 11. The school is splitting its annual Back-to-School Open House into two sessions to keep hallways and the parking lot from getting jammed.
Students with last names A through L are asked to arrive between 6 and 6:45 p.m. Those with last names M through Z follow from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m.
The school posted the announcement Monday, July 13, saying the staggered format will "ease parking and building congestion" and give every family time to meet their child's teacher, tour the classroom, and walk through the building.
Cherokee Elementary, led by Principal Valerie Montgomery, serves students in grades 3 through 6 at 5345 Kyles Station Road in Liberty Township. The school is part of Lakota Local Schools, which covers both West Chester and Liberty townships.
The open house falls two days before the first day of classes. Lakota students return Thursday, August 13, according to the district calendar.
New-family fair comes first
Families new to the district have a separate event on the calendar. Lakota Local Schools is hosting its first Back-to-School Fair on Friday, August 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at VanGorden Elementary School, 6475 LeSourdsville-West Chester Road. No registration is required, and all new Lakota families are encouraged to attend.
That fair is geared toward helping newcomers navigate the district, while the Cherokee open house on August 11 is for all returning Cherokee families and their students.
The district's online Back-to-School Hub at lakotaonline.com was updated Wednesday, July 1, with supply lists, transportation routes, and enrollment information for the coming year.
Upcoming back-to-school dates
- Friday, August 7 — Lakota Back-to-School Fair for new families, VanGorden Elementary, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 11 — Cherokee Elementary Back-to-School Open House, 5345 Kyles Station Rd., Liberty Twp. (A–L: 6–6:45 p.m.; M–Z: 6:45–7:30 p.m.)
- Thursday, August 13 — First day of school, Lakota Local Schools
