2026–27 Back to School Information
August 6, 2026
Dear Archie Williams Falcon Families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited to welcome students back on Wednesday, August 19th. Our staff is busy preparing for the start of school, and we are all looking forward to reconnecting with returning students and welcoming our new students and parents. We also encourage families to visit our website as much of this information and more exists there.
Our theme for Day One (the first day of school) is “Stay On Track.” On this day and throughout the year, we will continue our focus on relationships and providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for our students. We are fortunate to have the support and involvement of our parent community to help us with this event and others throughout the year. A special thanks to the Falcon Foundation for their contributions and continued support of our school community. As principal, it is an honor and a privilege to partner with the Foundation which raises the funds needed to enhance the experience for all of our students. You can find out more information about the Foundation here.
Please read and review all of the contents of this email carefully, all of which is important information to ensure a smooth start to the school year. Please refer to our school website throughout the year for updates and other important information.
Principal Introduction Letter
Hello Archie Williams Community,
My name is Dr. Jacob Gran and I’m the Principal of Archie Williams High School. It’s a privilege to serve this community alongside the incredible students and staff that make up our school. Over the past two years as Principal, I have come to appreciate the camaraderie and care that makes up this community. The involvement that I’ve witnessed from local businesses, generational families, multi-student households, and countless parent volunteers contribute to the incredible atmosphere of inclusion and opportunity for our students. I’m proud of the work that our students and staff accomplished thus far. In the past two years we’ve lowered chronic absenteeism by over 10%, improved our state CAASPP scores in English, Math, and Science, improved A-G UC/CSU College Readiness by 7%, dramatically reduced bathroom vaping incidents, and have made gains in areas of school culture around student engagement and safety (emotional and physical safety).
There are still areas we need to work on in relation to student tardiness, grappling with AI as it relates to academic integrity and considering its role in a high school setting, and aligning instructional practices as it relates to grading and assessment. At a time where we are nearly 5 years outside the COVID era, we are reestablishing routines and expectations to help our students develop the necessary skills and experiences that will prepare them for a job, navigate college independently, and effectively participate in our civic society. As principal, I’ve held spaces through our Coffee Chats or occasional Evening Zoom Sessions where families can dialogue and ask questions about the initiatives we are tackling and will continue to do that this year. I believe that a healthy education system means that families are aware about the successes, areas of improvement, and available supports that their school has to offer.
We’ve also seen work begin on key construction projects related to Measure B. Our football field is currently being replaced, with the track and baseball field following immediately after. During the summer of 2027, AWHS will be the first TUHSD school to get the roofs replaced and outfitted with much needed HVAC to support our classrooms during the hot periods of fall and spring. During the 2027-2028 year, we will begin renovating the Music and Theater arts building to modernize the equipment, space, and facade of the building. We are also in the process of working with architects to work on plans that will be removing the portables in back of the school, and replacing them with outdoor patios that will also serve as outdoor classrooms. Through the support of the community and passing Measure B, these projects will complete much needed renovations to modernize our buildings.
This school year will start off with a new policy banning the use of cellular devices during the entirety of the school day. This follows California’s Phone Free School Act Legislation and is in line with several school districts across the state. To assist with the implementation, TUHSD has adopted the use of NuKase devices that students will personally carry and keep their device locked inside for the instructional day. Most importantly, all students will need to obtain a NuKase device before the school year starts. Students will not receive their schedule until their device is picked up, which will first be available during orientation/ picture day on August 18th. Schedules will not be released digitally until school has begun. The adopted Board Policy details can be located at the District website. We look forward to a school year of increased focus and engagement in all classes and during school day activities.
Best,
Dr. Gran
Principal, Archie Williams High School
First Week of School Schedule (8/19-8/21)
MONDAY, 8/17 - Archie 101 Presentation - 6-8pm - Main Gym
- This presentation is for all new parents/caregivers of students attending Archie. Come get an overview about all things Archie Williams High School!
TUESDAY, 8/18* School Photos, NuKase & Schedule Pick Up, New Student Orientation
- *Before School Begins - School Photos for all 9th-11th graders - Small Gym
- Students are required to pick up their NuKase cell phone locking device prior to picking up their schedule. Digital schedules will not be available until the end of the first day of school on Wednesday, August 19th, at 4pm.
- Additional picture day information is available HERE.
- Please consider helping to check in our students to be photographed.
Sign up HERE if you are interested in volunteering.
- Any Senior that has not taken their Senior Portrait, please schedule a time to be photographed on Monday, August 10th and Tuesday, August 11th HERE.
- New Student Orientation - Tuesday, August 18 - 1:30 - 3:00pm - Student Center
- All new students to Archie Williams High School are invited to our orientation, during which you’ll meet leadership students who will guide you through your first day at AWHS. On this day, new students will also take their school photo, receive a school tour, get their schedule, pick up their NuKase and learn some tips for high school. Please make sure to RSVP here.
WEDNESDAY, 8/19: DAY ONE (1st day of School!)
“Day One” has been an ongoing tradition at Archie Williams High School and we are excited to be offering various activities, events and learning for all students on this day. There will be community-building activities, an all-school on-campus free lunch/bbq with live music, games, booths, arts and crafts,etc. and a school rally at the end of the day. Please note the schedule below.
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Theme of the Year: “Stay on Track”
*No Zero Period Week 1
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- Wednesday, August 19 (Day One) will include community building activities within each period, a long lunch with activities, music and free food and a rally at the end of the day
- Thursday/Friday is a normal Th/F schedule
AWHS 26-27 Bell Schedule - Here Please note that the times have stayed the same but the order of class periods has shifted.
AWHS 26-27 Calendars - Here
Day One - Welcome Lunch
Our amazing AWHS FALCON FOUNDATION will be providing lunch for all students and staff on DAY ONE. We need your help in setting up, serving and cleaning up for this fun activity! Please use this Sign Up to choose a time-slot and be a part of the excitement of DAY ONE! If you would like to contribute to Falcon Foundation to financially support Day 1 efforts, you can contribute here.
* Due to Day One festivities there will be limited parking in the parking lot, students and visitors are encouraged to use other modes of transportation on this day.
Falcon Spirit Packs
To kick off the new school year, our Archie Williams Student Leadership Team is selling Falcon Flight Packs! The packs this year will include a 2026/27 Yearbook at a highly discounted price, an AW Bumper Sticker, custom made String Backpack, a newly designed AW Nalgene Water Bottle, Falcon lanyard and a student ID card holder… all for $125. Spirit packs may be purchased on our web store or in person at the Budget Office with cash or check. Don’t forget to log in as a student on the online store. New students attending Orientation may also purchase and pick up their packs that day and all other students may pick their packs up on Day One in the office. Purchases made after the start of school will be picked up at the time of purchase. Go Falcons
Student Schedules
Students will be able to pick up their schedule during student orientation in the Small Gym on August 18th during the time listed above. Students are required to pick up their NuKase phone-locking device in order to pick up their schedule. For students that do not attend orientation, they will pick up their NuKase device at the beginning of the first day of school and then receive their schedule in the student center. Digital schedules will not be released prior to the start of school. If students require a medical exemption, that form must be completed in advance to receive their schedule.
Schedule Changes
Counselors are working hard to finalize student schedules to ensure that they are correct and ready for access on August 18th. All students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 classes and the only free periods allowed are during first, fourth or fifth periods.
Schedule changes will ONLY be allowed in the following situations:
- You are enrolled in less than 6 classes (6 classes are required by Board Policy).
- You are missing a graduation requirement.
- A course that you completed over the summer requires a schedule change.
- You have been misplaced in a class according to pre-requisites or teacher recommendation.
Schedule Change with Counselors: Please see your counselor in person on Tuesday, August 18th per the following schedule if you have one of the above issues (students only):
- 10th grade: 9:00 - 10:00 am
- 11th grade: 10:15 - 11:15 am
- 9th grade: 12:30 -1:30 pm
- 12th grade: 1:45 - 2:45 pm
- Priority will be given to in-person students. Emails will be answered as time permits.
E-Bike use on campus
The safety of our students remains a top priority, and this e-bike permit application process helps to ensure all students are equipped to ride safely. Students will not be allowed to park and lock an e-bike on the school's campus that are considered Class 3 E-Bikes. Additionally, riders must be 16 years or older to use throttle e-bikes (Class 2). Class 3 E-Bikes are considered motor vehicles and must be registered with the DMV.
Student’s Personal Devices
At TUHSD, students are expected to use school-issued devices connected to the secure student network for academic tasks. Access to the campus WiFi network for personal devices is strictly restricted. In rare cases, an accommodated Wifi network credential may be issued. These exceptions are not for convenience or preference but for clearly documented academic or medical needs and may be granted for essential assistive technology not found on district Chromebooks, need for continuous medical monitoring, documented mental health support for clinical interventions that may be not accessed through a school Chromebook or to support district-arranged transportation.
If your student requires the use of a personal laptop, you may pick up an accommodation request application in the Assistant Principals’ office. All students must reapply each year for this accommodation to determine if it is still necessary.
School resources will still be available to students from their personal devices when they are away from campus, providing them with seamless access to their school data and assignments via Canvas, StudentVUE, and other platforms. Meanwhile, during this summer break, the district’s wireless network has been modernized to provide better performance, and the in-classroom devices (such as Chromebook carts and computer labs) have been upgraded. Our goal is to provide students with improved access to learning resources while on campus, while also protecting the integrity of their data, such as assignments, grades, transcripts, and other personal information.
For students who are in need a Chromebook for home, please email help@tamdistrict.org
Hate Motivated Behavior
Parental Annual Notice 26/27
Hate-motivated behavior is defined as any act or attempted act to cause physical injury, emotional suffering, or property damage through intimidation, harassment, bigoted slurs or epithets, vandalism, force, or threat of force motivated in part or in whole by hostility toward the victim's real or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.
Acts of hate-motivated behavior include, but are not limited to, criminal acts that are statutory violations and posting or circulating demeaning jokes, leaflets, or caricatures; defacing, removing, or destroying posted materials, announcements, or memorials, and the like; distributing or posting hate-group literature and/or posters; using bigoted insults, taunts, or slurs; and possession of hate-group literature, caricatures, and the like.
How to Report Hate-Motivated Behavior:
● Reporting form submission
● Confidential tip line
■ Archie Williams: 415-458-3416
■ Redwood: 415.945.3693
■ San Andreas: 415-945-3775
■ Tamiscal: 415-945-3765
■ Tam High: 415-380-3507
● Speak directly with staff or admin
Response to Hate- Motivated Behavior
First Offense
● Suspension: 3-5 days depending on any previous disciplinary history
● Learning Module
● Restorative Processes
Second Offense
● Suspension: 5 days
● Learning Module
● Restorative Processes
Extreme Cases
● Recommendation for Expulsion
Attendance Procedures
The 2026-2027 Parent/ Student Handbook and Parent’ Annual Notices have been updated to clarify actions steps that will be taken for student Tardiness and Absences. Clarity has been given to address:
- Attendance Procedures and reporting absences. ( pg 3)
- Absent on Test Days with Excused Absence ( pg 5)
- Once a student has nine (9) excused absences (pg 6)
- Student with Chronic Health Conditions (pg 7)
- Unexcused Absences ( Full Day or Period)/Truancy ( pg 9)
- Tardy Policy, Detention, and Loss of School Privileges (pg 10)
Students are expected to attend school daily and on time. Consistent daily attendance is critical for a student’s academic success. The State of California considers ten (10) days of absences for one school year, for any reason, excessive.
Daily attendance is an important factor in student success. This year we are strongly emphasizing the importance of students arriving to each class, on-time daily. We strongly encourage you to create routines that promote students arriving at school on time and stress the importance of being on time to every class throughout the day in order to fully engage in the learning process. Punctuality is important for college and career readiness. Attendance procedures can be found on our website under the Parents Tab.
You may report absences to our attendance clerk Mark Machado by emailing him at awhsattendance@tamdistrict.org or calling and leaving a voicemail at 415-458-3418.
Once a student has nine (9) excused absences the parent will be notified that any further excused absences for illness will require a doctor's note. If a doctor’s note is not provided for an excused absence after the 9th absence, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. Students who accrue more than 9 excused absences will be referred to the district truancy process and may be referred to Marin County School Attendance Review Board (SARB).
TUHSD has determined that the TUHSD SARB process may begin with:
* 5 or more unexcused OR excused all-day absences
* 5 or more missing 30 minutes or more of school/period for an unexcused OR excused reason
* 5 or more period absences
Parking/Getting to School
We encourage our entire community of students, staff and families to use alternate modes of transportation to and from school. Our parking lot and street parking are both limited. Always follow parking laws and respect our neighbors. Illegally parked cars will be ticketed. Students may not park anywhere on Archie campus unless they have an assigned student parking space and permit.
Using Public Transit:
Registered Marin County students and youths ages 18 and under are eligible for the Marin Transit Youth Pass which allows unlimited rides on local transit routes in Marin County. To learn more, please visit the links below:
Marin Transit 2024-2025 Youth Pass Program - ENG
Route 68 Stage Schedules: https://marintransit.org/routes/68
For route planning, Marin Transit recommends viewing their routes available by school:
Marin Transit: School Bus Services & Interactive Map
Archie 101 Information Night
This event is for the parents of all 9th grade and transfer students. Please join us on Monday, August 17th at 6:00pm for this informational event. It will be held in the Main Gym which is located in the front of the school. At this event you will meet key people and learn important information about how to navigate and connect with the school.
Counseling Session for 9th grade parents
Please join our counseling team at "Frosh Night" for parents of incoming freshmen. This event will be held on Thursday, September 3rd at 5:15- 5:45 pm in the Student Center before Back to School night.
Back to School Night
Back to School Night is scheduled on Thursday, September 3rd at 6pm. Parents please mark your calendars. This is a great opportunity to meet your students’ teachers. More information about this event will be forthcoming.
Informational Documents
Informational documents and optional school forms regarding annual parent notices, our school district’s handbook, and more can be found below.
Parental Annual Notices 2026/27
Authorization to Administer Medicine - must be on file for students to receive medication at school.
Tamalpais Union High School District Parent/Student Handbook 2026/27
TUHSD Wellness Family Education
Please see our district calendar of Wellness Family Education for the 2026-2027 school year.
Student Nutrition Forms
Please see our district Student Nutrition Information and National School Lunch & School Breakfast Programs page to find out how the school lunch program will work for the 2026-27 school year.
Athletic Information
Sports registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. Click here to learn more about sports registration
We look forward to a successful and rewarding 2025-26 school year. Enjoy these last weeks of summer and see you soon!
Sincerely,
Dr. Jacob Gran
Principal