First Day of School Reminders

Hello, Jaguar Family!

We look forward to welcoming both returning and new Jags to campus tomorrow. We understand that the first day of school can bring some nervousness for students and parents, especially for those who are new to our school. Please be assured that we will have sufficient staff available to support students as they adjust to the new school year. We will also extend grace to our students in regard to tardies as they navigate a new building/ new schedule.

This message includes essential information to help navigate the first day and week of school. As a reminder, the slideshow from last week's parent meeting contains more detailed information about campus logistics. The next edition of Jaguar Tales will feature information about clubs, tutoring, and our newest staff members—we look forward to introducing them to you.

We'll see everyone tomorrow! Go Jags!

Traffic Flow.wmv

Traffic Flow Video

With over 1,200 students and 120 staff members, the amount of traffic at arrival and dismissal times is heavy. Please help us keep everyone safe by being patient and adhering to these reminders:

Morning Drop Off

• Only on the Racine Trail side of the building (by the cafeteria).

• Please remember: Right Turn = Right Lane and Left Turn = Left Lane

• Students may be dropped off curb-side or in the lane that runs through the parking lot.

• If dropped off in the lane that goes through the parking lot, students should go down to the crosswalk near the gym entrance to be assisted across the driveway.

• The Cornerwood Dr. side of the building is reserved for buses and for students requiring special assistance.

• Please view the video diagram above for the morning drop off traffic flow.

Afternoon Pick Up

• Only on the Racine Trail side of the building, in the lane that runs through the parking lot. Curb-side is for buses only.

• The Cornerwood Dr. side of the building is reserved for students requiring special assistance.

Additional Safety Tips:

• Please avoid dropping off or picking up in the areas designated as "no parking" along the street. This limits visibility of other drivers.

• If you are dropping off or picking up in the neighborhood, please ensure your child uses the crosswalks to get to the school. Students should NEVER walk in front of moving cars without the assistance of our wonderful crossing guards.

Checking Students Out for Appointments, Etc.

• If you need to check our student out of school for any reason before the regular dismissal time, please do so by 3:00 p.m. This helps with dismissal routine and traffic flow.

Arrival:

• Students will enter the building independently. If your child requires assistance, our staff is happy to help in any way.

• Our doors open to students at 7:45am. Upon arrival on the first day of school, students will enter through their grade level entrance and proceed to their designated waiting area. There will be signs and staff available to guide students.

• 6th grade - enter through the Nurse's hallway door (door #3) and proceed to 6th grade hallway waiting area.

• 7th grade - enter through the Lecture Hall side door (door #2) and proceed up the stairs to the 7th grade hallway waiting area upstairs

• 8th grade - enter through the cafeteria doors and find a seat in the designated waiting area.

Breakfast:

• Any student needing to eat breakfast will enter through the cafeteria regardless of grade level, get breakfast, and eat it at the breakfast tables. No electronics are to be used at the breakfast tables. Students are expected to eat and proceed to their designated waiting areas.

• No food leaves the cafeteria (lunch boxes are the exception).

Heading to 1st period (on the first day):

• 8:09 am - Students are reminded to put away electronic devices

• 8:10 am - All students are released to 1st period

1st period:

For students who were not able to pick up their schedule last week and were not able to locate it in HAC, no need to worry. There will be lists posted in the hallways so that students can check their first period class. There will also be adults in the hallways with the printed lists to help students.

Once in 1st period, all students will get a new printed copy of their schedule. Students should follow the newly printed schedule, as sometimes there can be changes.

What to bring:

Teachers will be telling students what supplies they will need for each class. For the first day of school, students can bring a writing utensil and a something to write on (notebook or folder with paper). They may also receive some handouts on the first day, so a folder is recommended.

We know our Jags are eagerly anticipating the first day of school. Here are some pointers to ease some nervous feelings and wonderings.

Lunch - The first week of school is a bit of an adjustment period in many ways. Adjusting to new lunch procedures often takes practicing and getting to use to before we get things running smoothly. With that said, we highly encourage students to pack their lunch for the first week of school if they are able to. This will help ensure that all students have sufficient time to eat.

Band and Orchestra - Students do not need to bring instruments on the first day. The band and orchestra directors will go over instrument expectations the first day and will tell students when to bring instruments.

P.E. and Dance - Students do not need to bring PE and Dance clothes on the first day. They will not be dressing out. The instructors will provide guidance on changing out on the first day.

We will have plenty of staff on hand to help students navigate the halls and their schedule the first few days of school. Our staff is understanding that learning a new schedule and a new building takes time.

Backpacks with wheels are prohibited on campus, unless there is a documented medical need. With crowded hallways, this type of backpack can present a trip hazard. Medical documentation can be provided to the campus nurse if your student needs to use this type of backpack. The nurse will share necessary information to teachers and staff.