Q: Where do I find information about busing for my child?
A: Edina Schools Transportation publishes a back-to-school newsletter in August with information on the bus routine. You will also receive a letter indicating which bus your child will take to and from school. This letter includes pick-up and drop-off times. You can contact the transportation department at (952) 848-4979. There will be an opportunity for kindergarten children to ride the school bus during the back to school welcome event in fall.

 

Q: I am going to drive my child to school. Where do I drop him/her off on the first day?
A: For children who are driven to school, drop off is on the east side of the building by doors 2 and 3.

Q: Where do I pick up at the end of the school day?
A: You can pick your child up in the same location as drop off (the east side of the building by doors 2 and 3). If your child is in half day kindergarten in the morning, students can be picked up at the front of school outside door 1. Please park in one of the designated parking lots. The lanes at the front of the school are only for buses.

Q: Should I walk my child in to the school building if I drop my child off in the morning?
A: It is not necessary to walk your child into the school building, but some parents do walk their child in. If children arrive at school prior to the 1st bell (before 9:10 am), they are instructed to line up at the doors between the office and the gym. It is important that kindergarteners do not enter the classroom prior to the ringing of the first bell.

Q: If I need to go into the school, where do I park?
A: Parking is available in front of the school in the north lot. The lanes at the front of the school are only for buses. Parking is also available in the east lot. If those two lots are filled, parking is available along Benton Avenue. There is no parking on Tracy Avenue, just loading and unloading. There is parking on Stuart.

Q: What doors should I enter/exit if I am walking my child into school or if I am volunteering in the classroom?
A: You should enter and exit the school through the main door (door 1). All other doors are locked after the 2nd bell rings (9:20 am).

Q: Do I need to sign my child in/out of school if he/she has a doctor’s appointment? Should I sign in/out of school if I come into the building to volunteer?
A: Yes. You do need to sign your child into school if your child is entering the classroom after 9:20 am. This can be done at the front office. You must also sign in and out of the school if you are visiting the school building (i.e. volunteering in the classroom or attending a meeting).

Q: How do I notify the school if my child is going to be absent?
A: If you know that your child is going to be absent from school, please call the school’s attendance line: (952) 848-4702. If you know of absences in advance, please communicate this to your child’s teacher and the office staff.

 

Q: When will my child meet her/his  teacher?
A: Your child will meet his or her new teacher at the end of August prior to the beginning of the school year.

Q: When will conferences occur for my child?
A: You will have three conferences with your teacher for the 2008-2009 school year: Back to School conference, November conference, and February conference. You can also reach your child’s teacher through email and voice mail as needed throughout the school year. Kindergarten teachers may also be involved in the office hours model. More information on this program will come from your child’s teacher in the fall.

Q: Is there a website I can access to find out more about Countryside Elementary and the kindergarten classrooms and teachers?
A: You can access the Countryside Elementary website at www.countrysideelementary.com .  Teachers use e-mail to send out classroom newsletters, reminders, and updates. You can also access district-wide information for Edina Public Schools at www.edina.k12.mn.us .

Q: I am interested in volunteering in the classroom and being a chaperone on field trips. Where and when do I sign up to volunteer?
A: You can sign up for volunteer opportunities at the Back to School Event at the end of August and teachers are always sending requests throughout the year for additional opportunities.

Q: I am interested in participating in the PTO. Who do I communicate my interest and availability to?
A: You can reach any of the PTO board members. The 2008-2009 PTO president is Michelle Lohrding (Telephone 952.285.1313, E-mail m.lohrding@earthlink.net ).

Q: I am interested in becoming a Room Parent. Who do I communicate my interest and availability to?
A: You can sign up on the volunteer registration form that is in your packet. You can drop this form off at school by June 3rd or return at the back to school event.

Q: I have heard about Site Council. What is Site Council? How is it different than PTO? How do I participate?
A: The mission of the Site Council is to provide a shared decision-making process and actions, resulting in high quality education for our children.
The council consists of many Countryside staff members and parent volunteers. Site council sponsored events are separate from the PTO. The events are service-oriented and are not fund raisers for the school.

Q: When will I receive the class assignment for my student?
A: You will receive your child’s classroom/teacher assignment at the later part of the summer.

 

Q: Do the students have a snack during the day if they are in kindergarten (half day) or K Plus? What snacks would the teachers prefer?
A: Countryside follows the direction of the Edina District Wellness Policy and District Food Services Committee in promoting healthy snacks. Based on the policy, healthy snacks fall into one of the following categories: fruit, vegetables, cheese or yogurt. Granola bars, crackers, goldfish, etc. are not considered healthy snacks.
Half day am kindergarten is a short day so there is no snack time.

Q: I have questions about Edina Kids Club. Who should I direct my questions to?
A: You can contact Dede Skold for questions regarding Kids Club at Countryside Elementary ( dedskold@edina.k12.mn.us , telephone (952) 848-4775.