Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What are phase-in days?
2. When is my child considered tardy?
3. Which absences are excused and which are unexcused?
4. What do I need to do if my child is tardy or absent?
5. What is the best way to contact you?
6. What if my child will be going home differently than usual?
7. When are parent conferences?
8. May I bring birthday treats for my child?
9. May I bring my younger children to class parties or field trips?
10. Is it alright for me to walk my child to class each day?

What are phase-in days?

Phase-in days are the first three days of the kindergarten school year.
One-third of the class comes each day.  Therefore, your child will come only 
one of the three phase-in days.  It is easier for the children to adjust in 
a 
smaller group.  It is also easier for the teacher to cover all the important 
first day material with a smaller group!

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When is my child considered tardy?

Students are tardy after 8:15 a.m.  
To prevent tardiness I suggest that students arrive at 8:00 a.m. when the 
classroom doors open.  It also gives students more time on their morning 
work.
For the convenience of our working parents, students can report to the 
cafeteria (only if eating breakfast) or gym at 7:30 a.m.

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Which absences are excused and which are unexcused?

Excused absences include: personal illness, illness in the immediate family, 
death in the family, school-sponsored trips authorized by Board policy, or 
special religious holidays observerd by persons of that faith. 
ANY OTHER ABSENCE IS UNEXCUSED!

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What do I need to do if my child is tardy or absent?

If a student is absent, he/she should bring a note from his/her parents or 
legal guardian explaining the reason and give it to his/her teacher. Such 
parent notes will be accepted for a maximum number of 10 days during a 
school 
year. Absences beyond this number will be excused by a doctor's note or will 
be considered unexcused. A STUDENT MUST BE AT SCHOOL MORE THAN ONE-HALF DAY 
TO BE CONSIDERED PRESENT.

If your child is tardy, you must come into the office with him/her.  Even if 
it is 8:16 a.m., please pull around to the front and come into the office.

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What is the best way to contact you?

E-mail is the best- cmelton@clevelandschools.org.  I check it multiple times 
a day Monday-Friday.
You can also reach me by phone at 476-8246.  PLEASE ONLY CALL THIS 
NUMBER BEFORE 8:15 A.M. OR DURING MY PLANNING TIME, otherwise I will have to 
take a message and call you back.

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What if my child will be going home differently than usual?

You must send a note on the day that your child's dismissal will differ.  
Please sign and date the note.  It is also helpful that if your child will 
be 
riding with someone I have not met, to tell me the person's name and the 
type 
of car they will be driving.  FOR YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY, I WILL NOT ACCEPT A 
VERBAL MESSAGE FROM HIM/HER.

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When are parent conferences?

Parent conferences occur in the fall of each school year.  Click the 
calendar 
icon on the home page to see this year's date.  If you feel you need any 
additional conference at anytime, please contact me via e-mail.

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May I bring birthday treats for my child?

Yes, we will happily accept birthday treats.  There are however a few 
guidelines.  
- I need at least two days notice of the planned treats.
- Treats should be limited to one cupcake or cookie for each student.  Juice 
boxes are also acceptable.  More than this is too much sugar for our 
students.  
- Also, balloons and flowers are not allowed by school policy!

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May I bring my younger children to class parties or field trips?

No.  Please leave younger children at home when you are attending parties or 
field trips.  These are special days for your kindergartener and the 
attention should be on them!

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Is it alright for me to walk my child to class each day?

It is ok for you to walk your child to class for the first week or two.  
After that, your child should feel comfortable enough to make the trip on 
their own.  We try to encourage independence as much as possible!

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