Frequently Asked Questions

What time does school begin?

Children are dropped off in the horseshoe drive on Hardy Road and gather on the playground (or the Kindergarten hallway during inclement weather) with monitoring by school staff after 8:15. Our school day begins when the bell rings at 8:30. Children line up by class on the basketball court and are escorted into the building. Students entering the classroom after arrival time are marked tardy.

*On the first day of school kindergarten parents should bring their child to the classroom between 8:15-8:30. This is the one and only time that escorting your child to the classroom is encouraged! For the first week of school kindergarten teachers meet their class on the basketball court and walk them to the classroom to support the new routine.

What should my child bring to school?

• A backpack large enough to fit our KB Communication Folder, snack bag and lunch bag (Please label and pack your child’s snack in a separate small bag from his/her lunch as they are stored in separate bins)
• A healthy snack including a drink and necessary utensils
• Sneakers or shoes appropriate for running and climbing
• Appropriate outdoor gear as we go outside almost everyday

What are the best ways to communicate with the teacher?

• Send an email to berkowitzc@wellesleyps.org
• Send a note in your child's communication folder
• Leave a message in the office, especially for changes to

dismissal plans (781-446-6270)

Are there bathrooms in the classroom?

There is a boy’s room and girl’s room shared between two classrooms. There is a system in place, one child at a time. Children must knock before entering.

How are birthdays celebrated?

The class will sing Happy Birthday and the birthday child will receive a birthday certificate, sticker and a Compliment Poster created by classmates.

How does dismissal work?

If you plan to pick up your child by car you will line up in the horseshoe drive on Hardy Road. The Hardy office has made an identification card to rest on your dashboard. The card will have the name(s) of student(s) you are driving home. Car children are dismissed at the Hardy Road door. School personnel will assist your child to your vehicle. If your child plans to walk home, you will meet your child on the grassy area outside the gym. Walker children are dismissed at the Hardy Road door and walk up the stairs to the grassy area. Children who ride the bus must be registered. School personnel will assist your child to the bus through the gym door. Children who attend WCCC (after school program) must be registered. WCCC personnel will meet your child at the gym.

What if I need to change my child’s dismissal plans?

If you need to change your child’s dismissal plan for any given day, you must write a note. If there is a last minute change, please contact Janet Rixon at 781-446-6270 so your child will have dismissal information before the end of the day as I am not always available to check my email during the day.

How does lunch work?

Your child has several options for lunch. S/he can bring lunch and a beverage from home; bring a lunch from home and purchase milk; or purchase a hot or cold lunch (milk included) from school. A school menu is posted on the Hardy website each month to help your family make these decisions. School lunches work on a prepaid debit system found under Food Services on the Wellesley Public School website. Please be sure your child knows what s/he is doing for lunch each day. Lunches are ordered by 9:00 a.m.

When can I come into the classroom?

There will be several volunteer opportunities for KB. The volunteer sign-up sheets will be available at Back to School Night. You will be notified of special classroom events through the classroom newsletter.

How will I get information about my child’s progress?

There are two parent conferences scheduled: one in October/November and another in March/April. In addition, there are two written progress reports: one in January and one in June. I am always happy to schedule a mutually convenient time for us to talk whether it be a phone conversation or face to face. I also plan on calling every family around the second or third week of school to check in. Please feel free to call and/or email me with any concerns, questions, or comments.

How will I get information about what is happening during the day?

Be sure to read the weekly KB newsletters that will be emailed to you each week informing you about our curriculum and special events.

How can I help my child get ready for kindergarten?

• Introduce an earlier bedtime several weeks before school starts.
• Practice the morning routine of dressing and eating breakfast.
• Review several times with your child how he or she will get to and from school.
• Visit the Hardy School playground
• Model how to problem solve. Talk out loud while you think of solutions to your own challenges.
• Give your child opportunities to make choices
• Provide lots of opportunities for free play, letting your child use his/her imagination
• Read to your child daily. Read everything from books to the cereal box.
• Point out letters and numbers when you see them in books and around town.