Arrival

Students should not plan to arrive at school earlier than 8:45 a.m., unless they are enrolled in the Early Morning Care Program or scheduled school activities. The school day begins at 8:45 a.m. when students enter the building and must go directly to the cafeteria or their classroom, where preparation for the day and schoolwork is begun at this time. Another bell at 9:15 a.m., signals that the formal school day has begun. A child is considered tardy if he/she is not in the classroom by 9:15 am.

Dismissal

The end of the school day is at 3:45 p.m. when children are dismissed to go to carpool, van, or bus areas. Students must be picked up promptly at dismissal unless they are in the after-school YMCA program. School staff cannot assume responsibility for students waiting to be picked up beyond 3:45 p.m.

Absences

Please write a note to your child's classroom teacher indicating the reason for your child's absence upon his/her return. When a student arrives late, you are asked to sign him/her in at the front office. Your son/daughter who has reported to the office will be give a "ticket" to give to the classroom teacher.

Parents are encouraged to call the school between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. if the child is to be out that day or will be arriving later, or send such information in writing by a brother or sister to turn in to the office. If your student is absent from school, you will receive an automated phone call from WCPSS.

Inclement Weather

When inclement weather appears to threaten the safety of transporting students, a decision may be made to close school, to delay the school opening time, or to release students from classes earlier than usual. When such conditions appear, tune to a local radio or television station. Telephone lines must be kept open for receiving calls giving special instructions or up-to-date weather information.

Medications

Teachers and other school personnel are prohibited by law from giving prescribed medication to students without the completion of "Form 1706" which must be signed by the child's doctor (exception: short-term antibiotic series). All prescription medication must be in the container dispensed by the pharmacy with the student's name, name of medication, and directions clearly marked on the container. Over-the-counter products should not be sent with students (Unless the are accompanied by a note from the doctor written on his prescription pad). These steps are necessary to assure parents that precautions are being taken to protect children's health.