Timings of the First Day of School
Arrival
To help Pre-K and Kindergarten students transition smoothly into their new classroom, they are invited to arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 2, the first day of school.
Some teachers may choose to stagger student arrivals on that day, offering two time slots: 8:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. If that is the case for your child’s class, you will be notified by the class teacher on Wednesday, August 27.
Parents may spend a few minutes in the classroom to ease the transition. Once your child seems ready, we will gently encourage you to say goodbye and allow us to take over. Each child responds differently on their first day, and we adapt accordingly to make them feel safe and supported.
We kindly ask that once you leave the classroom, you do not return, so that all children have the chance to settle in calmly.
If you need to drop your child off earlier than 8:30 a.m., early drop-off begins on Wednesday, September 3. Parents or caregivers may bring their child to the 5th floor from 8:15 a.m., where they will be supervised until classrooms open at 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal
The school day ends at 3:25 p.m., with dismissal taking place at the classroom door.
Only parents and caregivers listed as Pick-Up Contacts in the Focus portal may collect children. Please ensure your child’s Emergency and Pick-Up Contacts Form is complete and up to date.
- Kindergarten students who take the school bus will be escorted to the Elementary & Middle School Building at 3:20 p.m. by a School Life Assistant.
- Pre-K families are invited to celebrate the first days of school at an informal goûter / after-school snack on Thursday, September 4 from 3:30 p.m. in Madison Square Park.
- Kindergarten families are invited to celebrate the first days of school at an informal goûter / after-school snack on Wednesday, September 3 from 3:30 p.m. in Madison Square Park.
- Pre-K and Kindergarten students enrolled in After-School activities (beginning Monday, September 8) will be accompanied to the meeting point by a member of our school staff.