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Frequently Asked Questions St. Michael School
This document is intended to answer some of the more immediate “day to day” questions that may arise in your first weeks as a St. Michael School parent. It has been designed to complement the more detailed student handbook which can be accessed through the school website under School Information/ Student Information.
What type of book bag or backpack should I buy for my child? Any type of backpack or book bag style is acceptable, including backpacks with wheels.
Do I need to buy school supplies for my child? Each grade level has a list of necessary school supplies which is posted on the school website and included in the new family packet. School supplies may be delivered to the classroom at the Ice Cream Social, or your child may carry them on the first school day.
How do I get the school uniform? What do most of the kids wear? Uniform information, including how to purchase items, requirements concerning shoes, socks, jewelry, and makeup, may be found in the school handbook.
For new families trying to sort through the uniform pieces, a trip to Educational Outfitters (250 Nottingham Drive, Cary) may be advisable to help you determine sizes. However, please be aware that there are some slight differences between the uniforms provided by Educational Outfitters and those ordered from Schoolbelles (www.schoolbelles.com), such as pleated vs. flat front pants/shorts, and materials used (polyester or a blend). Each company can provide you with more information. Also, at this time the girls banded tops are only available by order with Schoolbelles. Sweatshirts/jackets are currently for purchase through the school office.
Used uniforms are available for sale in the school. You may go into the school to browse through these items during normal school hours. They may be paid for in the front office.
As far as what most of the kids wear, the following generalities may be made: * Students get more use out of short sleeved tops than those with long sleeves. * Boys and girls in all grades tend to wear the school sweatjacket more than other types of school sweaters. * Many girls wear PE/athletic shorts underneath the skirt or jumper. * In the PK-4th grades, the jumper is usually the most popular uniform option for the girls. The skort is new for the 2006-07 school year. * In grades 5-8, boys prefer the white shirts with the St.MS insignia over the khaki shirt choice. Girls prefer the khaki or navy skirts. The culotte is a new option this year. * Older girls prefer loafer type slip-on shoes. * The number of uniform separates you should buy really depends on your child and your laundry schedule.
Is there a different PE uniform? Your child will have PE twice each week—the schedule for your class will be provided by your teacher or room parent. On these days, your child should bring the PE bag and uniform. Please consult the handbook for specific information about this uniform. Athletic shoes with Velcro or other types of lacing are allowed.
What do I need to know about carpool? Detailed information about carpool, including drop-off/pick-up times and procedures, are included in the school handbook. A carpool demonstration video is available at the school office.
Teachers, administrators, and older students (safety patrol volunteers) are always present to help facilitate carpool. Pre-K and Kindergarten students may be escorted to their classroom by parents for the first day of school only, unless a special circumstance warrants having an exception made. PLEASE exercise great caution when walking through the parking lot during carpool times!!!
The time at which cars begin to line up for afternoon pick-up will vary, but the first cars have generally arrived by 2:30. Please be aware that the time spent in carpool may differ from day to day, especially early in the year.
If for any reason you or one of your passengers must get out of the car during afternoon carpool (to buckle in a child, to pick something up, etc.) please pull over into the parking lot so that you do not disrupt the flow of traffic.
If you must make a last minute change affecting your afternoon pick-up, please notify the front office as soon as possible by calling 468-6150.
What do most children do for lunch? Is there lunch provided by the school? Hot lunch service will begin on Tuesday, September 5th. Detailed information about hot lunch and the lunch debit card is included in the student handbook and Back to School packets. A monthly hot lunch menu can be found by following the “school information” link on the school website. Lunch orders are counted by teachers on a daily basis.
Most children who bring lunch carry a soft lunchbox of their choice. Please see the handbook for lunch food guidelines.
Milk, juice, and water are available for purchase at the start of each semester through the sign-up form in the Back to School packet, to be returned the first week of school. If you decide to purchase a beverage it will be brought to your child’s homeroom each day for the entire semester, beginning on Tuesday, September 5th. Some children bring juice boxes or water bottles for their beverage. This year, polycarbonate bottles with the St. Michael School insignia may be purchased in the school office.
How will I know about what is happening at school? Every Wednesday, each child will bring a folder home with his/her schoolwork of the past week, along with any other forms from the school. Dr. Wannemuehler writes a letter to parents each Wednesday, sent via email. The school website is an invaluable source of information and should be checked regularly. Room parents and most teachers use email as their primary means of communicating classroom information. Finally, we hope that you will attend the meetings of our newly formed parent organization!
How do I get involved as a volunteer at school? All families are asked to complete a volunteer form, available on the school website. Descriptions of volunteer positions may be viewed in the volunteer handbook on the school website. If you would like to run for a position on the parent organization, elections will be held in the spring.
I’ve heard other parents talk about lunch duty. What is involved? All parents (with the exception of 8th grade parents) are expected to periodically help with lunch for each child’s class. When you enter the school for lunch duty, please sign in at the front desk in the office and obtain a volunteer badge. Depending on the grade and structure of the classroom, lunch duty volunteers may be asked to help students open food containers, read to the class, sanitize desks, play games, and assist with recess supervision.
Lunch duty sign-ups take place at the Ice Cream Social, so please bring your calendars to this function! If you have been unable to sign up for lunch duty or need to change your schedule, contact one of your class room parents as soon as possible.
I need more information. What should I do? Prior to the start of school you will be contacted by a member of the New Family Host Committee who has been matched with your family. This volunteer, along with the school office, your room parents and teachers, and the board members of the parent organization are all available to answer your questions. Please do not hesitate to call on these resources throughout the year—we are all here to help!
Welcome to the St. Michael School community!
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