School Hours
Classes begin at 8:40am and end at 2:50pm. Students should not arrive before 8:25 am. Supervision of children does not begin until 8:25am. Cedar Hill Kindergarten hours are 8:40am until 11:20am for the morning session, and 12:05pm until 2:50pm for the afternoon session.
Assembly time is not a recess and the playing of games is totally prohibited. Students must line up quietly and wait for the morning passing bells.
Tardiness
Any student arriving at school after 8:40 am is considered to be late (with the exception of a late school bus). A note from the Parent/Guardian is required stating the reason for the lateness. You must check into the office upon arrival at school, not directly to the classroom. Repeated tardiness may result in disciplinary measure by the Administration.
After School Hours
Children and parents are NOT allowed to return to the school after dismissal. This policy will be strictly enforced. Students participating in any after school programs must not leave designated areas of assignments. Leaders of these programs will be responsible for students in their charge to see that this rule is enforced. At the close of the school day, use of the playground is prohibited unless supervised by a parent. The school does not accept any responsibility for children’s safety after school hours.
Absences and Dismissals
School policy requires a written note for absences and dismissal. In addition, parents are asked to call the school every day of an absence between 8:00 and 9:00 am at 734-3535. If no call is received, the School Secretary will contact the home to verify the absence.
Dismissal
Parents are asked to wait outside of the building at the close of the school day. Various grade levels dismiss at different exit doors. Parents are asked to not congregate by the main office as it makes dismissal difficult for the bus students.
Early Dismissal Policy
Cedar Hill School recognizes its responsibility for trying to provide effective safeguards to insure the safety and well being of all pupils entrusted to its care. It is further realized that parents need to be apprised of this school’s procedures for early dismissal. It is the intent of this school to safeguard against unauthorized persons from retrieving students from this school. Children will be excused from school following these guidelines:
- Parents wishing to have their children dismissed from school must submit a written note specifying the date, time, and brief reason for the request. Late afternoon calls will not be accepted, except in the case of emergency matters.
- Immediately upon arrival at school, students are to submit the note to their teacher. In turn they will receive specified verbal instructions and the note will be forwarded to the office. Please do not request that your child come to the office to wait for a parent to get them. If the child does not identify the adult, the child will not be released to that person.
- In an emergency when a note has not been provided and parents have requested early dismissal via telephone, the Principal or Secretary will verify the call, and be provided with a brief reason for dismissal. In all situations, the parent must call for the child at the Main Office and sign that student out.
- Parents who are not able to personally call for their child should designate in the “excuse note” the person, by name, to whom the school may release the child. Positive identification will be required. Names placed on the school emergency cards by parents at the beginning of the school year would be helpful at this time. Parents may add or change names on these cards by coming into school.
- In cases of divorce or separation, the school will release the child only at the request of the legally entrusted guardian. Copies of most current legal documents should be on file in the Main Office.
- Providing the Main Office with current information, such as change of address, phone number, or place of employment, will be helpful with the early dismissal of children. Your continued support in helping us to ensure the safety of your child is greatly appreciated.
- In the event that a parent wished to modify established dismissal procedures regarding their child, a note must be sent to the Main Office for each and every change in routine. If a child changes from a bus student to a walker, or is to be picked up by a parent, they will be dismissed from their respective classroom doorways or exits. Students will not be able to wait for parents by the Main Office on the benches: this has caused too much confusion and congestion for the school staff during dismissal.
- Parents will no longer be able to take their children out of the bus lines. This rule must be strictly followed throughout the school year.
- It is strongly recommended that medical appointments be scheduled after school hours or during vacation periods. As Cedar Hill Elementary School is dedicated to the highest educational standards, this will help eliminate interruptions of the educational process.
Withdrawal of Students
If you are moving and withdrawing your child from this school, please call or contact the school a few days prior to moving. This will give ample time to complete the necessary paperwork.
Change of Address
Change of address and telephone numbers must be reported to the school immediately. This will assist the school in contacting parents during emergency situations.
Birthday Celebrations
In an effort to decrease the number of classroom interruptions, Cedar Hill School does not allow cupcake or treat celebrations for individual students. As to avoid hurt feelings between children, parents are not allowed to distribute private birthday invitations to students during the school day. This includes the before school time and after school time on the grounds of the school.