Family Guide

What time do I actually need to get my kid to school?

Drop-off is 7:15–7:50 AM, with outdoor recess from 7:15–7:30. Students need to be in their classrooms by 7:50 AM or they're considered tardy.

What time is pickup?

The school day ends at 2:20 PM. Parent pickup is from 2:20–2:35, and buses leave JES at 2:30.

What is PickUp Patrol?

PickUp Patrol is the app the school uses to manage daily dismissal. It's really easy to update and we highly recommend downloading it if you haven't already.

How does morning drop-off work?

Students can arrive starting at 7:15 AM for playground time. The building opens at 7:30 AM, and school starts promptly at 7:50 AM.

If you're driving, follow the traffic flow around the side of the school to the front entrance. Before 7:30, students head to the playground; after 7:30, staff will greet your child at the car and they'll head inside.

If your kid needs help unbuckling and getting out of the car, or if you suspect they'll need a few extra hugs, please park in a designated guest space (front of the building to the left) and walk them to the front entrance. This way the flow of traffic can continue, and you can support your child as needed.

How does afternoon pickup work?

Parent pickup runs from 2:20–2:35 PM. Stay in your car and follow the traffic flow around the school. At the checkpoint, tell staff who you're picking up. Your child will be called from their classroom and escorted to your car.

If your child needs extra support getting into your car, park in a designated guest space and meet them outside the front entrance.

What if my child rides the bus?

Staff greet students as they arrive by bus in the morning. At dismissal, students are called by bus number and board the buses at approximately 2:30 PM.

What if my child goes to Part 2 after school?

Students attending Part 2 are dismissed directly from their classrooms to the after-school program.

Can my child walk or bike to school?

Yes, with written permission from a parent or guardian. Students biking to school need to wear a helmet and lock their bike at one of the school's bike racks.

Our dismissal plans changed. 😳 What do I do?

Dismissal changes need to be submitted before 1:30 PM through PickUp Patrol or by contacting the school office.

How do I know my child's bus stop and pickup time?

Bus routes and schedules are published by the district before the start of the school year. Check the current schedule to find your child's bus, stop, and approximate pickup/drop-off time. Don't see your address? Contact the MMUUSD transportation department.

Does someone need to meet my kindergartener at the bus?

Yes! Kindergarten students must be accompanied by an adult at the bus stop for both pickup and drop-off. Make sure an adult is there to put your kindergartener on the bus in the morning and meet them when they get off in the afternoon.

What if I have a problem or question about the bus?

Contact the MMUUSD Transportation Department directly with questions or concerns about routes, stops, schedules, drivers, or other transportation issues. The JES Resource Officer is also a great contact. 

Is there a school supply list?

Nope! Basic supplies are provided. Your child's teacher may share an optional classroom wishlist.

Do they really go outside all winter?

Yep. JES prioritizes outdoor activity, including during snowy and cold weather. Send boots, snow pants, mittens/gloves, a hat, and a warm coat. Students stay inside in severe wind chill (below 0) or heavy rain.

Does my kid need sneakers?

Sneakers are required for Physical Education.

What's an Early Release Wednesday?

There are a few scheduled early-release Wednesdays each year, when dismissal is at 12:20 rather than 2:20. Those dates are on the school calendar. 

Can I send in birthday treats?

No. JES celebrates birthdays at school—kids are recognized during morning announcements, receive a birthday pencil, and teachers have their own classroom traditions—but families are asked not to send food treats.

Can my kid hand out birthday invitations at school?

Only if everyone in the class is invited. Otherwise, send invitations outside of school.

Do classrooms celebrate Valentine's Day?

Sometimes! Students may be encouraged to hand out "friendship notes" to their full class on a class-by-class basis. 

Do kids wear Halloween costumes to school?

No! 

Are teacher gifts a thing?

Some families choose to give teachers a small gift or note around the holidays or at the end of the year, but it's absolutely not expected. A card or drawing from your child is always a lovely way to say thank you. PACK also helps to put on special events during Staff Appreciation Week to show our staff our gratitude.

What's SnowMotion?

SnowMotion is a JES program through PE that gives students an opportunity to learn to ski and snowboard. It's free and happens during school hours. Parent volunteers are always needed! (Coming soon: We'll add more details about which grades participate, equipment, rentals, volunteering, and what families need to know.)

What's Bike Week?

Each spring, students get an opportunity to practice biking skills through PE. Parent volunteers are appreciated! We'll provide more details as we get closer.

What's the Spring Concert?

JES holds a spring concert, typically in April. We'll add details about participating grades, what kids should wear, timing, and other logistics as we get closer.

What's Field Day?

Field Day is an end-of-year school tradition filled with outdoor games and activities for JES students. It takes lots of helping hands to make the day happen, so PACK helps rally parent and caregiver volunteers. Keep an eye out for volunteer sign-ups in the spring!

What's the Farm to School Program & Fun Run?

JES's Farm to School program connects students with local food, healthy eating, and hands-on learning. Students get to learn and explore using some pretty cool resources right on the JES campus—including the vegetable gardens, bees, and wood-fired oven.

PACK supports Farm to School through fundraising and volunteer support, including the annual spring Fun Run and coordinating families to help care for the gardens over the summer.

What's the Artist in Residence program?

Every other year, PACK helps fund an Artist in Residence program at JES. A professional artist works with students on a special hands-on creative experience beyond their regular classroom and art curriculum.

What's Staff Appreciation Week?

Staff Appreciation Week is our chance to celebrate the teachers and staff who make JES such a special place for our kids. PACK coordinates appreciation efforts with JES families throughout the week—think treats, meals, notes of thanks, and other ways to show our staff some love. Watch for information from PACK in the spring about how your family can participate

Is school snack/lunch really free?

Yes! Breakfast (what kids may call "morning snack") and lunch are free. 

Can my kid bring snack/lunch from home?

Yes!

Where do I find the menus?

The MMUSD publishes the monthly menu for lunch and breakfast (what your kid may refer to as snack) each month.

Is JES nut-free?

JES is “nut-safe” and individual classrooms may have additional accommodations based on student allergies. Please contact the Health Office if you have concerns. 

What happens if they forget their lunch?

They can get school lunch! There are always several options to accommodate dietary needs and preferences. Most days, in addition to rotating hot lunch options, you child can choose from ham and cheese sandwich or a PB&J. 

Can I chaperone a field trip?

Yes, but chaperones need to complete the district volunteer form and a background check.

How do I volunteer in my classroom?

That's a question for your child's individual teacher. Some teachers will send out regular "calls for help" including classroom or field trip opportunities to help. 

How do I meet other JES parents?

Join the parent/caregiver Facebook group, attend a PACK meeting, join the family directory.

Is it weird to come to a PACK meeting if I don't know anyone?

No! That's how most of us started. 😉

Who do I ask when I have no idea who to ask?

If your question is about school policy, your child's classroom, attendance or academics? We'd recommend starting with the main office or your child's teacher.

If you're wondering about culture, events, volunteering, or "is this normal?" Send someone in PACK a note, pop into a meeting, or pull one of us aside if you see us at pickup. We're happy to help point you in the right direction.