Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do I find out who my child's teacher is?

A: Teacher postcards have all been sent! If you have not received yours, please be on the lookout for it this week. Teacher Meet & Greets for Grades 1-5 are Friday, August 14, 2026. You may choose from one of three sessions which begin at either 4:00, 4:45, or 5:30 PM. Teacher Meet & Greets for Pre-K & Kindergarten are Monday, August 17, 2026 at either 4:00 or 5:00 PM. 

Q: What time does school start?

A: Drop off begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 8:45 AM. School begins at 8:45 AM. Any student arriving after 8:45 AM must be checked in with the office and will be marked tardy.

Q: What time does the school day end?

A: The school day ends at 3:30 PM. If your child needs to leave school early, please be sure to pick them up prior to 3:00 PM to avoid any conflict with regular dismissal.

Q: What time does my child's bus arrive/drop off?

A: Bus routes are provided by the Transportation Department and can be found here.

Q: Where do I drop off my child/pick them up if they are a car rider?

A: Please reference the car rider map here. There will be staff and parent volunteers to guide you if you are new to Ridgedale or the drop off/pick up process. More information can be found on the map as well.

Q: Where do I find early dismissals, days off, and holiday breaks?

A: The yearly calendar for MCS can be found here.

Q: What supplies does my child need?

A: Teachers will each create their own wish lists or recommended supplies for their classroom. These lists will be communicated by your child's teacher at the Meet & Greet. You can also find some of this information, and more, under "Information" on this website. Classroom supplies will be provided to any student who is in need.

Q: Does my child get free breakfast and lunch?

A: Yes! All children in Monongalia County Schools receive free breakfast and lunch. Students at Ridgedale must arrive before 8:45 AM to receive breakfast. Students will also receive a free lunch daily, or may pack a lunch if they prefer. Lunch menus will be sent out by the school. Your child's lunch time will be provided by their teacher in their daily schedule at the Meet & Greet. 

Q: Does Ridgedale provide before & after school care?

A: Before and after school care is provided at Ridgedale by The Shack. Drop off begins at 7:00 AM. Your child must be picked up by 5:30 PM. The Shack does not operate at Ridgedale if school is closed. The Shack does not operate in the morning if there is a 2-hour delay. Pick up time is 5:00 on early release days. Find more info here.

Q: How does the school communicate with parents/guardians?

A: Monongalia County Schools are using a new app this year that will house county wide and school specific information, as well as communications from your child(ren)'s teacher(s). Please search "Monongalia County School" in your App Store. We will post instructions on how to register/log in once they are communicated to us.

Q: My child lost an item at school. How can we get it back?

A: If your student loses an item at school, the lost & found is located in the cafeteria. They may simply claim the item at any time. The PTO will also post all lost & found items on our Facebook page on a monthly basis. If you see an item that is your child's, please comment on the post with which item is yours, your child's name, and their teacher's name and we will do our best to get it back to them. 

Q: I'd like to be involved in the PTO. Where do I sign up?

A: You will receive a form with a QR code at the Meet & Greet. Either scan the QR code and fill out the online form, or fill out the paper form and return it to school with your child. PTO meetings will be announced via Facebook. Anyone is welcome to attend meetings and volunteer. However, in order to vote, you must be a member. Member dues are $2 per year. 

Q: Do I need to do anything else to be able to volunteer?

A: If you would like to volunteer at Ridgedale, you must complete the Volunteer Training which can be found here. You must also sign into the office each time you arrive to the school to volunteer. Ridgedale uses Raptor to verify the identity of anyone entering the building. You can download the Raptor app to save time when you are entering the building. Search "Raptor Safe" in your app store. You can also use your driver's license if you do not have the Raptor app. Please use the Raptor kiosk to sign out of the building when you are leaving.