Dear LMES Families,

The weather has created more than a few interesting challenges for us as a school community this winter.  Although we do our best to plan accordingly, predicting the weather is not an easy task.  We always do our best.  Sometimes we hit a home run and sometimes we strike out.  But as I have said in the past, we learn.

I think it is safe to say we could very well expect more delayed openings and/or early dismissals this season.  All families need to have a plan in place and make sure students know the plan.  I hope the following information is helpful to you in developing your family’s plan:

·         90-Minute Delay: School opens at 10:30 a.m.  Students are NOT to be dropped off before 10:10 a.m. as there is NO supervision, and in most cases, doors are not even unlocked.  Morning Kindergarten and Pre-School come in at 10:30 a.m. and leaves at their regular time.  Afternoon Kindergarten and Pre-School is not affected.  Our main office is staffed after 9:45 a.m.

·        Early Dismissal:  Morning Kindergarten is dismissed at 10:45 a.m.  There is NO afternoon Kindergarten.  The rest of the school dismisses at 1:00 p.m.  All permanent pick-up notes are voided and unless we hear from a parent, or have an emergency dismissal form in the office to the contrary, all students are put on the bus.  Pick-ups occur in the cafeteria at 1:00 p.m. and NOT in the main office.

·         No AM Kindergarten/Pre-School:  Occasionally there may be a morning where a 90-Minute Delay is combined with No AM Kindergarten.  If this is the case, then there is also No AM Pre-School as they follow the same schedule as kindergarten.  This is rare, but obviously has happened.  Please check the TV/radio stations carefully.

·         Website/Phone Message:  Our website and phone message are as current as possible.  All delays and early dismissals are on the scrolling bar and main office phone message as soon as we have information to share.  I encourage you not to call the school with questions that can easily be answered in the handbook or on the website.  Calling the school ties up phone lines but, more importantly, takes staff away from performing their responsibilities.  On these types of days, we have all hands on deck making sure that children are safe, that they know what to do, are where they need to be, and are not nervous or worried.

All of our lives are busy and chaotic.  Most people work.  Students can not be at school before the day officially starts or after staff has left for the day.  It is best to know what needs to be done, have a plan in place well before it is needed, and make sure your child knows the plan.

                                                                                                                                        Chris Moretti