School Hours
8:25AM - 2:25PM
Classrooms
are open at 8:10AM. Students arriving before 8:10AM are asked to wait
quietly in the cafeteria before going to their classrooms.
Late Policy
It
is very important that each student arrive in his/her classroom, ready
to begin school, by 8:25AM. We ask that all students be in their
classrooms at 8:10AM. A student who arrives after 8:25AM should go to
the office with his/her parent(s) to get a late slip before going to the
classroom.
Absence
When
a child will be absent, a parent is requested to call the school and
give the date(s), and anticipated length of absence. Parents may leave a
message on the answering machine after or before school hours. The
School Department Policy requires that families send a note explaining
the circumstances of the absence to the teacher upon their child's
return to school in order for an absence to be considered an excused
absence.
Recess
Each class will go outside almost every day. Please make sure children are dressed for cold weather when it arrives.
Co-Curricular Classes
Each class will have physical education twice a week. Children should wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes on the days when there is a physical education class. Each class JK-4 has music once a week, while students in 5th grade choose an instrument and have instrumental music class twice a week. All students have art class once a week. All students in JK-2 have an opportunity to visit the library each week, while in 3rd-5th grade this period alternates between library and work in the computer lab.
Changes in Afternoon Plans
Changes
in students' schedules that require bus changes need to be made in
writing to the classroom teacher in the morning. Afternoon changes cause
confusion for students, families and staff and can compromise student
safety.
Conferences and Reports
The teachers will schedule conferences with parents in the fall and in
the spring, or as necessary to share information with parents about a
child's experiences in school. We see these conferences as a way to
learn from parents about their children and the goals parents have for
their children's education, as well as a chance for teachers to share
the child's learning at school. Learn more about Parent Conferences >>
Communication
The school staff would like to be responsive to family questions and
concerns. Specific concerns about classroom issues should always be
discussed first with the child's teacher. Concerns about special
education needs may be discussed with the teacher and school
psychologist. Concerns about school-wide issues should be addressed to
the family liaison, assistant principal, or the principal. The School Council
is an advisory body, which plays a strong role in developing school
policy. Members of the School Council are also available to answer
questions.