Frequently Asked Questions
How early may I drop my child off at school?
Please drop your child off at school between 8:20 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. Supervision starts at 8:20 a.m. We have a Discovery Club that offers a wonderful program before and after school for your convenience.
Can my child stay on campus to wait for me after school?
For the safety of your child, please pick him/her up on time after school, unless he/she is involved in a supervised, school-sponsored activity. For specific drop-off and pick-up instructions, please see our Parent Student Handbook which is linked above under the Parents tab.
What day is early release day, and what time does school get out?
Every Monday is early release day. On most Mondays, we dismiss the students at 2:10 p.m.
Do you allow visitors on the school campus?
Visitors must sign in at the office and pick up passes in the office. Due to health and safety protocols, we will not be allowing any visitors on campus unless it is an emergency or you have made prior arrangements. This is for the safety of all our children and staff. Please do not bring other students who do not attend Palmcroft to visit our school, as this is a liability.
May I volunteer in my child's classroom?
Volunteering is greatly appreciated and we love having the help, but due to health and safety protocols we cannot have parent volunteers at this time. If you feel the need to volunteer, please schedule that with the teacher so we can follow correct protocol. Once we return to our traditional schedule—clear of any health and safety restrictions—we will gladly welcome volunteers. Your participation as a volunteer supports our instructional program and school goals.
Is it alright for my child to ride his/her bike to school?
Only third, fourth, and fifth graders may ride their bikes to school. Students must lock their bikes in the bike racks and keep them there during the entire school day. Students must walk their bikes on the school grounds. The school cannot be responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen bicycles.
Does Palmcroft School provide bus service for students?
Yes, our students do have the privilege of riding a school bus to and from school. We have some basic rules that we expect everybody to obey:
- Students riding the bus MUST go home on the bus unless the parent comes for the student and checks him/her out or sends written permission that they wish the child to go elsewhere.
- Please give the office at least 30 minutes notice if you plan to pick up your child rather than have him/her ride the bus.
- Bus students are under the authority of the bus driver.
- We expect our students to behave on the bus and follow the same rules they have at school.
- We will deny bus riding privileges to students who do not follow the bus drivers’ rules.
Is it alright for my child to take a cell phone to school?
Students should not bring cell phones, toys, large sums of money, or other valuables to school. The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items. We do not allow students to have electronic devices at school that may distract or cause an interruption to the school environment. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones and Game Boys.
Is there a Lost and Found at school?
Yes. You or your child can check for lost belongings in the Lost and Found box outside of the office. To keep lost items to a minimum, we recommend that you print your child’s name in coats, jackets, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc.
Does Palmcroft School have a dress code?
Yes, Palmcroft has a specific dress code. You can find the specific information and examples on the home page linked to the paw labeled School Uniform Policy.
Tops include:
- Polo shirt – This is a collared shirt in royal blue, yellow, or white
- Palmcroft Spirit T-Shirt – This is our school approved t-shirt with Panther logo.
Bottoms include:
- shorts, capris, pants, or skirt in black, khaki, or denim.
What should I do if my child will be absent from school?
Please telephone the school at 502-8000 or send a note the next day explaining the reason for your child?s absence.
What should I do if my child will be absent for an extended period of time?
When your child has been absent from school for at least two days, you may call the school office in the morning so that we can notify the teacher on time for him/her to gather your child’s work by the end of the day. We will also send home the necessary books. You can pick up your child’s assignments in the office at the end of the school day, or we can send them home with another child, if you’d like.
What do I need to do if my child is living in an area outside of Palmcroft's attendance area but wants to attend Palmcroft School next year?
Students must return an application by February for continued attendance if they are living in another attendance area. We will accept out of attendance area students only with these conditions:
- The school or classroom is not over capacity.
- Transportation is not a concern. Students do not arrive early or stay late and expect the school to provide supervision.
- Attendance is good. There are not frequent absences or a pattern of absences and/or tardies.
- Discipline is not a concern.
How often can I expect to have a parent/teacher conference or receive a report card?
After the first nine weeks of school we require a parent to attend the first parent/teacher conference. Your child?s teacher will contact you to arrange for a conference. Our goal is 100% participation by parent/guardian and teacher at the end of the first nine weeks. After the first grading period, either the parent or the teacher can request a conference. We will schedule several early dismissal days to accommodate parent/teacher conferences in October and March. We will send home report cards after the second nine-week period in January and again after the fourth nine-week period in May.
Is there a school health aide in case my child gets sick or needs to receive medication?
A health aide is on duty during the school day. The health aide handles emergency situations and illnesses that occur during the school day. Additionally, the health aide provides educational, preventive, and consultation services. A student must have permission from the health aide before leaving school because of illness.
If your child requires medication during the school day, please use the following guidelines:
- You must send in a written order from the physician (licensed in the United States) stating the name of the medicine, the dosage, and the time it is to be given.
- You must send in written permission from the parent to allow the school or the student to administer the medicine. The appropriate forms are available from the school office.
- You must bring the medicine to the school office in the prescription container or, if it is over-the counter medication, in the original container with all warnings and directions intact.
- The school health aide will document each time she, or the student, administers the medication, making a record of the student having received the medication.
- The health aide will keep all medicines in their original containers in a locked medicine cabinet.
What meals does the cafeteria serve, and what is the cost?
Our cafeteria provides well balanced meals every day. Students are encouraged to participate in school breakfast and lunch. School lunch and breakfasts are free. Additional milk is $0.25.
Does Palmcroft have a library where my child can check out books?
Yes. We believe that having the opportunity to visit and use the Palmcroft Library Media Center is an important part of our school program. We have filled it with many wonderful books and magazines especially for young children. With your permission, your child will be able to bring home the books he/she selects during library visits to share and enjoy with you. We ask that you help your child remember the library skills we have taught him/her by helping him/her to take good care of the books that are brought home and return them on time. We will not allow students with any overdue books to check out additional books.