Most questions that are frequently asked by parents can easily be answered by using the Ruth Chaffee School Handbook and Calendar.  We encourage you to use the handbook as an easy reference guide.  For your convenience listed below are some of the more frequently asked questions that parents raise from time to time. 

 

How will I know school is cancelled or delayed?                  Top of Page

 

Should it be necessary to cancel school because of inclement weather or an emergency, parents should listen to their radios for announcements. Every effort is made to cancel school as soon as conditions warrant.  The announcement is made between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. A special telephone number - 665-8665 - has been established as a School Cancellation/Delay Hotline.   An updated recorded message will be on this line whenever there is a change of schedule due to adverse weather or other emergency conditions. In addition, you may listen to these local/radio television stations:

 

 

 

How will I know if there is an emergency school closing after the beginning of the school day?                                                                                                                                                      Top of Page

 

If it becomes necessary to close schools early after the school day has begun due to adverse weather conditions or other emergencies, the Superintendent will make the decision and it will be broadcast over all participating radio stations and the "School Cancellation Hotline" as early as possible.  Children should be instructed as to what to do if they arrive at home and an adult is not there.  Parents may call the School Cancellation/Delay Hotline or keep tuned to their radio or television.  The PTA also implements their Emergency Hotline where early closing information is relayed to parents through a calling chain.  Please note: The Emergency Hotline should only be used as a backup system for information.

 

What should my child do if they are late for school?   Top of Page    

 

A child arriving at school after 8:45 a.m. is expected to go to the office for a LATE PASS before reporting to the classroom. Tardiness is considered an interruption of the learning process, not only to the child who is late, but also to the other students in the classroom. Students should understand the importance of being on time.  Each tardy is recorded on the student’s attendance record. Chronic tardiness will be investigated.  After a total of five incidences of tardiness, a letter from the principal will be sent home.  After ten incidences, the principal will telephone the parent or guardian.

 

When is indoor recess called?                   Top of Page

 

Indoor recess is called during inclement weather when either the temperature is below 20 degrees (with the wind chill being factored in) or when the playground conditions are not suitable for outdoor use.  Safety is always the consideration.

 

My child wants to stay after school for an organized activity, what do I do?             Top of Page

 

Students who are attending after-school programs such as CCD, brownies, boy scouts, etc. will be dismissed to the designated area, the cafeteria or the gym.  Their instructor will meet them in this area and walk them to the classroom. Any change in a child’s regular dismissal procedure requires prior written notification from the parent or guardian. In case of an emergency, the school office should be contacted.  Without notification, the child will follow his/her regular dismissal procedure.

 

Arrival and Dismissal Safety Guidelines   Top of Page

 

Arrival

 

The safety of your child is a top priority at Ruth Chaffee. We have established procedures for a safe arrival and dismissal system. We need your cooperation by following the procedures outlined below:

 

• Students who are not transported to school by bus should arrive no earlier than 8:35 a.m. unless given specific permission by a staff member. For the safety of your child, it is imperative that this guideline be followed.
• If a student is being dropped off or picked up, he/she must walk on the sidewalks and cross using the designated crosswalk areas. No one should walk in between the buses.
• Please do not drive into the front driveway between 8:15 - 8:45 a.m. and 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.  on school days. The front driveway area is reserved for buses during these times.

Daily Dismissal Procedure

 

Each student is designated by the Newington School District guidelines as a walker or a bus rider. The daily dismissal procedure is as follows:

 

 

 

May I visit my child's classroom?   Top of Page

 

All visitors and volunteers are to report to the office first, sign the visitor’s logbook, and obtain a visitors badge. Parents are invited to visit the school and observe their children at work..  However, it is appreciated that advanced notice be given to the teacher for scheduling purposes.

 

If my child has been sick and needs to take medication at school, what do I do?    Top of Page

                                                                                                                                   

Medication, including "over-the-counter" (i.e. non-aspirin preparations) is given only with written authorization of the parent and physician, physician’s assistant, or dentist on a designated form. Certified staff may legally dispense medications if the nurse is not available. Medication must be delivered and dispensed from the original container clearly labeled with the name of the student, physician, and medication, with directions for dosage and date of original prescription.  All medication must be delivered to the school nurse by the parent or other designated adult.  Students are never allowed to carry medications without written medical authorization.

 

What can I expect concerning the amount of homework my child should receive?        Top of Page

 

 

The elementary schools believe that homework should be introduced in the elementary school years to encourage responsibility, develop good habits and study skills, and teach students effective management of time.  At the elementary level, homework should reinforce and give added practice for concepts learned in the classroom as well as develop and encourage creative activities in children. The following are recommended homework activities and time guidelines:

 

 

 

 

My child has been absent from school, how do I get their work?         Top of Page

 

In general, only those students absent two or more consecutive days will be eligible to receive schoolwork at home.  Students absent less than two days will be provided appropriate time and guidance to complete the necessary schoolwork upon their return.

 

Requests for makeup work should come directly from the parent/guardian either by sending a note to the teacher or by calling the office.  Appropriate make up work should then be ready in the office after student dismissal that day.  Make up work consists of material that has already been assigned to the class.