What if I want to wait with my child in the morning until the bell rings?
Parents are welcome to remain with their child in the cafeteria, as long as they first come in through the main entrance, sign in and get a visitor’s badge. Parents are always welcome to have breakfast or lunch with their child, provided they check in at the main office first and wear a visitor’s badge.
Why aren’t parents allowed on the playground?
Simply to ensure student safety. We must know exactly who is on the playground at all times. For this reason, parents and volunteers are not allowed on the playground. Knowing that no adult (other than staff) is allowed on the playground, we can diligently monitor and guard student safety. With all parents following this safety rule, we know anyone on campus who should not be, and we take immediate actions. On infrequent occasions (i.e. during special events like 5th grade Play Day or the All-School BBQ), parents are allowed on the playground – provided they are cleared volunteers and have signed in at the office first. W.A.T.C.H. Dogs are also allowed on the playground. In order to become a cleared volunteer please fill out the appropriate background check form, available in our main office. You will be asked to show a driver’s license or other identification. Volunteers are cleared by The Washington/Oregon State Patrol.
Can students play tag on the playground during recess?
Yes, as long as they are on the grass area and play nice.
Why do we ask that parents not drop their children off at school before 8:30?
Once again, safety is our concern. There is no supervision prior to 8:30.
May I bring a dog to school when I drop off or pick up my child?
Vancouver Public Schools policy prohibits dogs on campus, with the exception of service dogs. This includes puppies and dogs on leashes. While we have had very few instances of children being injured from animals, we nevertheless are obligated to enforce District Policy.
What if my child normally rides a bus home from school but I want them to go home with a friend or I want them to go home a different way, i.e. a relative is going to pick them up from school?
Students who ride the bus home are expected to ride the bus home each and every day. The only exception allowed is when we have a written note, or email, from the parent or legal guardian indicating that the child will have a change in the routine that day. This expectation is strictly enforced and once again assures that parents and school are on the same page when it comes to student routines involving safety.
Must I always sign in at the office and get a Visitor Pass when I come into the school?
Yes – to ensure student safety. The requirement of checking in enables us to enforce parenting plans and restraining orders that have been provided to our office. It also helps us to verify that those entering have reason to be here. We teach our students that any adult on campus wearing a visitor’s badge has checked in with the office and has good reason to be at school.
Yes – to ensure YOUR safety. During emergency drills, or in the event of an actual emergency, we account for everyone in the building, including our visitors and volunteers. During an emergency drill, parents and other adults are asked to meet with a staff member in the front of the school. Please follow their directions.
Yes – to protect valuable instructional time. Instructional time is a precious commodity. You wouldn’t want your child’s learning interrupted by visitors dropping by to ask questions, engage the teacher in conversations etc …
Yes – to maximize the teacher’s limited time before and after school. Teachers only have 30 minutes on-duty before and after school. During this time, they make parent phone calls, conduct team meetings, attend staff meetings, have pre-arranged conferences with parents, and do last-minute preparations for lessons. The requirement of “checking-in” helps us make sure these activities are not interrupted.
What is the process regarding “checking-in” with the office?
- When you arrive, we will greet you warmly and ask how we can help.
- Sometimes, like when you bring forgotten homework or birthday cupcakes, we will call the classroom and simply have your child pick up the item from the office when it is most convenient for the teacher, or we will deliver the item for you. Again, we want to minimize classroom disruptions and maximize learning time.
- Other times, like when you have a scheduled appointment with the teacher or pre-arranged volunteer time, we will call the classroom to make sure the teacher is available.
- Once the teacher has been called, you will be asked to sign-in and will be given a visitor’s badge to wear while you are in the school. Staff has been asked to escort to the office any non-staff member on campus who is not wearing a visitor’s badge.
Why must I stop by the office after I’ve met with the teacher or finished volunteering?
By signing out, we will know you are no longer in the building (in the event of a drill or emergency, or if you should receive a phone call from someone you’ve told you would be here at school). We will ask that the visitor’s badge be returned or taken off before you leave. Returning to the office also gives us an opportunity to thank you and say goodbye!
Why must I show ID when I pick up my child during the school day?
Safety is our primary concern. You know who you are – and your child knows who you are – but until we know without a doubt who you are, we will not release any student to you. We ask that you be patient with us while we learn to recognize all of our parents and once again, we will err on the side of safety when it comes to verifying who parents are by asking for proper identification before we release students to adults. Please be in the habit of always bringing your identification as sometimes we have substitutes or new staff who may not know you as well as we do.
Are students expected to use crosswalks even if they are with their parents?
Yes – it is important not only for immediate safety, but also to model for all students appropriate safety behaviors.
Is my child’s school prepared for emergency situations?
Every Vancouver Public School develops a comprehensive plan that addresses numerous potential emergency situations, i.e. tornados, intruders, fires, earthquakes, etc …
Our systems are well-practiced and all staff has been fully trained. These plans have been developed and approved by The District Safety Office personnel and local law enforcement agencies. They are updated and reviewed annually.
What do I do if I have a safety question or concern?
We welcome these conversations. It is by questioning our systems that we assess their effectiveness and determine if there is a need to modify them. If you ever have questions, or if you notice anything that you feel might be a safety concern, please do not hesitate to bring this to the attention of the principal or front office staff.
How does my school handle bullying situations?
Like all other Vancouver public Schools, we take bullying very seriously. When we become aware of a bullying situation, we will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to make it stop. Bullying behavior is unacceptable in all Vancouver Public Schools. If you feel your child is being bullied, please do not hesitate to talk with a building administrator. We also have an anonymous bullying/harassment incident reporting form on our district website.
When my child is tardy, may I drop them off and have them come into the school on their own?
We ask that parents walk their students into the office when they are tardy. We do this for the following reasons: 1) We need a parent/guardian to excuse their tardy by giving us a reason they are late 2) We want to make sure parents/guardians are aware their children are coming late to school that day 3) There is always the chance a parent/guardian drops a student off but they never make it into the school. We understand this can be inconvenient for the parent/guardian, but once again, it is the safest way to operate.