JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) -- Over 100,000 Jefferson County Public Schools students head back to class on Tuesday. Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens joined us in studio to talk about the assignment plan and suggestions she has for a successful school year.
Concerning the assignment plan issue and when a decision from the Supreme Court is likely, Dr. Hargens said, "We do not know. And of course depending on when and what we hear we will act appropriately. Right now we're excited about Tuesday."
WDRB's Candyce Clifft asked how the school was affected by the economic downturn.
"I want to congratulate and commend parents for doing everything they need to do to get students ready," Hargens said. "We have more students who have needs and the community is stepping up. At the clothing assistance program we anticipate helping 10,00 students rather than 7,000."
On the topic of the administrative restructuring entering it's first full year, Dr. Hargens said, "Everything is about the center of the universe being the classroom. What we're trying to do is reduce spending at Central Services and put more into schools."
She also had this advice and information to share with parents and students:
The first day of school is Tuesday, Aug. 21 - Are you ready?
Have you registered your child or verified his or her school assignment? Call 485-6250 if you need to find out which school your child will attend or what documents you will need to register.
Have you talked about both safety issues and behavior expectations on the bus? If you sent transportation information to your child's school earlier this year, have there been any changes? If so, contact your child's school as soon as possible. If your child is walking or biking, have you discussed safety precautions regarding traffic and strangers
Have you confirmed your child's transportation arrangements? Do you know where your child's bus stop is? To find out, use the JCPS Bus Finder or call the Transportation Hotline at 485-RIDE (7433). JCPS staff members will be available at the following times to tell you your child's bus number and find the closest stops near your house.
Sun., Aug. 19 - 4 to 7 p.m.
Mon., Aug. 20 - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tues., Aug. 21 (first day of school) - 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 22 - 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Do you know what time school starts for your child? At most JCPS elementary schools, the hours are 9:05 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. At most middle and high schools, the hours are 7:40 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.
Do you know how much school meals cost? Lunch is $2.40 for elementary students and $2.50 for middle and high school students. It's $4.25 for adults. Breakfast (available at most schools) costs $1.75 for elementary students and $1.85 for middle and high school students. If your child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals under USDA guidelines, have you filled out an application? A new one is required each year. Call 485-3186 for more information.
- Have you checked with the school about the supplies your child will need?
- Does your child have a backpack? Call your child's school if you need help purchasing one.
- Do you know if your child's school has a dress code? Will your child need different clothes for physical education or art classes?
- Have you filled out health, emergency contact, and other forms that have been sent home?
- Has your child developed any health problems during the summer that will affect his or her school day? If so, have you notified school staff? If your child needs to take medication at school, have you made arrangements?
- Have you established an earlier bedtime to help your child get back on a school schedule?
FactLine 485-FACT
Transportation Hotline 485-RIDE
Parent Assistance Center/Student Assignment 485-6250
JCPS 2012-13 School calendar
Parent Tips to Ensure a Smooth First Day
- Don't wait until the last minute to get your questions answered. Go to Bus Finder at www.jcpsky.net http://www.jcpsky.net.
- If your child is a bus rider, please let him or her ride in both the morning and afternoon.
- Place the identification sticker provided on your kindergarten child's clothing the first day indicating his or her name and school.
- Make sure all transportation forms have been returned to your child's school.
- Make sure your child knows where he or she goes to school.
- Be patient! Buses will be running late the first few days of school as we take extra time to make sure each child is on the right bus and getting off at the right stop.
If your child is not home by 5:30 p.m., you, as a parent, have several options for getting additional information by calling any of the following: call 485-RIDE (transportation hotline); check with your bus compound or school.
NOTE FROM JCPS: Our goal is for buses to clear each elementary school by 4 p.m. The depot process, which normally takes 2 minutes on a regular school day, will take at least 30 to 45 minutes the first day. Children could be an hour or more late getting to their afternoon bus stop on the first day.
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