Kindergarten - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens when my child arrives at school? 
   Children must arrive on campus no earlier than 8:20 and no later than 8:45. Each child is expected to be on time for school each day. Upon arrival, Kindergarten students go to the Kindergarten hallway and sit outside their classrooms until invited in by their teachers. Adults will supervise them in the hallway.  
   
   
2. What do I do if my child is late to school or needs to go home early?
    
   If your child is late to school, he/she must go to the office before coming to class. Students who are late must show tardy slips to the teacher when they enter the classroom. If you need to sign your child out of school early, you MUST go directly to the office. The office staff will assist you in signing your child out, and then call over the intercom to your child’s classroom to request that your child be sent to the office to go home. Your child will be sent from the classroom with a set of messengers. Please do not go to your child’s classroom, as teachers are not allowed to let your child leave unless the office has called for him/her. 
    
3. Where does my child go at the end of the school day? 
   
   In the afternoon, the children are split into groups for dismissal. Kindergarten and First Grade teachers will escort walkers and bike riders, car riders, bus riders, and children who participate in Extended Day to the proper areas. From these holding areas, they will be escorted to the gates, car loop, or Extended Day by teachers. For safety reasons, please do not wait outside of your child’s classroom. It is of VITAL importance that your child’s teacher knows exactly how your child is to go home each day. Please also share this information with your child. Your child should know what method of transportation and the specifics of it (i.e. which bus to ride, who will meet him/her to walk home, etc.) before the first day of school.
    
   
4. What do I do if I want to change my child’s method of departure?
   If you ever need to change your child’s method of departure, please send a note to your child’s teacher. In your note, please specify what the change will be and whether it is just for today or a permanent change. If you need to change it at the last minute, do not leave a message on your teacher’s voice mail. Teachers may not have a chance to check it before it is time to go home. Instead, please talk to someone in the office and have them call down to your teacher’s room and inform her/him of the change.
   
   
5. What is the school policy when there is severe weather?
    
   If there is a threat of severe weather during dismissal, the school will follow the rainy day procedure for walkers and bike riders. This is for the safety of your child. If your child is a walker or bike rider, please make sure that your teacher knows what your child should do in the event of severe weather. 
   
   
6. What do I need to do to volunteer at the school?
    
   Whether you are a new or returning volunteer and whether you plan to volunteer at school every day or for just a few hours, you MUST register as an ADDitions volunteer. Please visit https://volunteer.ocps.net and fill out the online application. Once you are registered you must enter the school through the front door and sign in as a Volunteer at the volunteer computer at the front desk. This will enable you to print out a nametag which identifies you as a registered volunteer. This is for the safety of our students and staff, and provides you coverage under the school board’s Comprehensive General Liability Policy. When you sign out, the computer will automatically calculate the amount of time you have spent volunteering. 
   
   
7. Can I bring my younger child to the school for events and volunteering? 
   
   For the safety of all children, Orange County Public Schools prohibit us from allowing siblings to accompany you to Windy Ridge when you are volunteering. Siblings are welcome to attend school events, such as plays, musicals, sporting events, etc. If you have any questions about a specific event, the front office will be able to clarify for you. 
   
   
8. What is the best way to communicate with my child’s teacher?
    
   Most teachers prefer e-mail, as it is the most accessible during the day. Please be sure to give teachers enough time to respond to your e-mail as it may not always be possible during the day. Another option would be voice mail. Your child’s teacher will normally return calls within 24 hours, but may not always be able to check for messages during the day. You may also send a note in your child’s folder. If you need to make a change to your child’s transportation, it is best to send a note with your child.
   
   
9. How can I set my child up to receive meals at school?
   You can go to www.mylunchmoney.com to set up and prepay your child’s meals using a MasterCard or Visa. Parents without Internet access can call toll free 1-800-479-3531, to receive an application to pay by phone or fax. You can also replenish your child's MYLUNCHMONEY account by sending cash or check in an envelope with your child's first and last name, teacher's name, the amount and purpose of the money. Checks for the cafeteria should be made payable to "Windy Ridge School Food Services." If you do not care to use this service, you can send lunch money in an envelope with your child’s first and last name, teachers name, a description of what’s inside, and the amount.
   
   
10. What is the procedure if my child will be absent?
    
    State law requires that a written excuse stating the nature of the student’s absence be submitted when the student returns to school. All excuses are to include the date, reason for the absence, and must be signed by the parent or guardian. In certain instances, a doctor’s release may be required for re-admittance to school. You may also call 407-296-5100, ext 2265 and leave the information requested above but this must be followed up with a written note upon the return of the student to the class. E-mail notes will not be accepted.
    
    
11. Do I have an opportunity to conference with my child’s teacher?
     
    Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled in October and March. These conferences are mandatory. Every effort will be made to accommodate both your schedule and your child’s teacher. Sign-up sheets will come home in the beginning of each conference month and you will need to return it to your child’s teacher indicating your preferred time. At times, you or your child’s teacher may feel it necessary to schedule other conferences for academic or behavioral reasons. These will be scheduled with you and your child’s teacher, if needed. 
    
    
12. Can I celebrate my child’s Birthday at school?
     
    Birthdays are very important events, especially for our Kindergarteners. In the classroom, your child’s teacher will recognize each child’s birthday by singing Happy Birthday and the child will be given a sticker and crown to wear all day. Please do not send cakes, cupcakes or other sweet treats on your child’s Birthday, as our school has a Healthy School philosophy. 
    
    
13. What is the dress code?
     
    A complete list of all dress code requirements is listed in the Code of Student Conduct booklet you received in the beginning of the school year. It is important that your child wear appropriate shoes, such as sneakers, especially on PE days. Thong sandals, cleated shoes, backless shoes and heeleys are not acceptable.
     
14. Can I have lunch with my child?
    You are welcome to have lunch with your child any time during the school year. Sign in as a visitor on the computer at the front desk and take your child to the outside patio to eat. Please remember to sign out as you leave. If you sign in as an ADDitions Volunteer you may sit with your child at their class table. Please move to the patio if there is not enough room at the class table.