08/23/2026
We are very excited to welcome everyone back to a new school year! The first day of school is tomorrow, Monday, August 24. We wanted to share a few important reminders about the first day.
If your child will be a bus rider, remember that if they do not ride in the morning, they will not be able to ride in the afternoon. This is in effect for the first 3 days of school.
If you’ll be bringing your child to school, doors open at 7:15AM. It can be busy, especially the first day of school, so plan to be patient and practice courtesy to other drivers and parents.
Parent Drop-Off
- Parent drop-off will take place in the front of the school, using the loop off Forest Street.
- To keep the line moving, please have your student ready to exit the vehicle as soon as you pull up to the doors. Please say your goodbyes before pulling up to the doors as a courtesy to other families waiting in line.
- For safety and to keep traffic moving, parents should remain in their vehicles.
Student Walk-Ups
- Students walking to school from Highland Street should cross the street and follow the sidewalk to enter through the bus doors.
School starts promptly at 7:45AM so students arriving after that time will need to be signed in as tardy in the office.
School dismisses at 2:55PM. Again, the first few days always move more slowly and take longer as everyone gets used to the procedures again but we will get faster as we go. Plan to allow extra time so you’re not frustrated.
Bus riders will only be allowed on the bus if they rode during the morning route the first 3 days. Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and first grade students must be met at the stop by a parent or be escorted by a fourth or fifth grade sibling or they will not be permitted to exit the bus.
For parent pick-up, please have your Kid-Account card or ID ready.
Staff will direct traffic at the pick-up doors to ensure student safety. Respect their directions and be patient.
If your child needs help buckling, please let us know and we are happy to help. We ask that you stay in the car to help keep the line moving.
Parent Walk-Up
- Parent walk-up students will be dismissed at the gate on the west side of the building, near Highland Street.
- This year, we will hold walking students at the gate until all buses have cleared Highland Street. This procedure helps ensure that buses have a safe and clear route to leave the school and keeps our walking students safe. Please be patient during the first few days, as it may take a little longer than usual to load and dismiss the buses.
- If you do not live within walking distance of the school, we ask that you please use the parent pick-up loop rather than walking up to the Highland Street gate. This will help reduce congestion on Highland Street and allow buses to leave safely.
The first few days may be a little slower as everyone gets used to the new procedures. With everyone being patient, courteous, and following the procedures, we can get your students to you as quickly and safely as possible!
Thank you for your patience and cooperation. We are so excited to see everyone back!
Mrs. Frakes & the McKinley Staff
