5 tips for parents as JCPS starts school Wednesday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One-hundred-thousand JCPS students are headed back to class Wednesday for the first day of school, and teachers across the district are getting ready.

Stephanie Trautwein is excited for the new year to start for her third grade class at Rangeland Elementary School, where students will notice something a little different.

Rangeland Elementary School received a $50,000 grant to implement deeper learning strategies. Students used that money and helped develop flexible seating like bean bag chairs, low seating and high seating.

"We're moving toward what we call personalized learning.," Principal Mashelle Kiggins said. "So the different sized seating and the flexibility allow kids to move at their own pace as well. That whole mindset of leaving the traditional way to come into this new-and-improved way."

School officials say there are things parents can do to make sure the first day of school goes smoothly. Here are five tips:

1. Normal Form of Transportation

Students need to use their normal form of transportation on the first day so it's not confusing for staff and the student. The bus finder tool on the JCPS website has all the bus information.

2. Quick Drop-Offs

If you drop off at school, make it quick.

"We let them say their goodbyes and hugs, and we advise them to go away quickly so the transition can be quick, and they can get acclimated as soon as possible," Kiggins said.

3. Sign up for School Messenger

There's the new phone, email and messaging system for school cancellations and safety alerts. To sign up, text the letter "Y" to 67587.

4. Review All Documents

Review all of the documents that are mailed, emailed or sent home with your child.

5. Be Patient

Buses may be running late the first few days of school as school officials take extra time to make sure that each child is on the right bus and getting off at the right stop.

JCPS listed the school supply list on its website. The district said wish-list items should not be requested from families. Those items are supposed to be submitted to the principal for any needs that aren't on the school supply list.

Any questions can be directed to the JCPS customer service line at 313-HELP. The line is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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