Facts at a Glance
Wahlstrom Early Childhood Academy FACTS AT A GLANCE
School Hours
What are the hours for school?
School start time varies by grade:
Kindergarten students can be brought to the cafeteria in the morning starting at 7:30 AM for breakfast. Students proceed to their classrooms at 8:00 AM to be ready to begin their instructional day at 8:10.
Pre-K students are brought directly to their classrooms in the morning by their parent/caregiver starting at 8:10 AM for breakfast. The Pre-K instructional day begins at 8:30.
Students are dismissed PROMPTLY at 2:30PM - without exception. (Bus students (kindergarten only) are picked up by the bus and returned to their neighborhood school in time for a 2:40 PM pick-up at their neighborhood school).
What if I can’t make it to school to pick up my child?
It is the parent/caregiver’s responsibility to pick their child up at the scheduled dismissal time. In the event of an emergency the parent can make arrangements with one of the people whom they have identified on their Emergency Contact Form to pick their child up by the 2:40PM dismissal time.
If parent/caregiver arranges for someone NOT on the Emergency Contact form, they will need to call the Front Office and notify them of any special arrangement in advance or we will be unable to release your child.
Do you offer Before Care or Aftercare?
No.
There are many private aftercare programs available in the area, however it is the responsibility of the student’s family to contract directly with the Aftercare facility as well as make the transportation arrangements to have their child picked up from Wahlstrom by
2:40PM and brought to the contracted aftercare center.
PLEASE NOTE: Parent/guardian needs to notify our school facilitator, Vanessa Moore at 973-395-1210, and arrange to complete an Aftercare Van service authorization form at least 24 hours prior to the start of their child attending an aftercare program.
Please be prepared to provide the Name of the Aftercare provider as well as the phone number and contact information.
Without your prior written authorization we cannot place your child on any aftercare van.
How do I find out if the school will be closed for inclement weather?
School closings will be posted on the district website at www.eastorange.k12.nj.us
School start time varies by grade:
Kindergarten students can be brought to the cafeteria in the morning starting at 7:30 AM for breakfast. Students proceed to their classrooms at 8:00 AM to be ready to begin their instructional day at 8:10.
Pre-K students are brought directly to their classrooms in the morning by their parent/caregiver starting at 8:10 AM for breakfast. The Pre-K instructional day begins at 8:30.
Students are dismissed PROMPTLY at 2:30PM - without exception. (Bus students (kindergarten only) are picked up by the bus and returned to their neighborhood school in time for a 2:40 PM pick-up at their neighborhood school).
What if I can’t make it to school to pick up my child?
It is the parent/caregiver’s responsibility to pick their child up at the scheduled dismissal time. In the event of an emergency the parent can make arrangements with one of the people whom they have identified on their Emergency Contact Form to pick their child up by the 2:40PM dismissal time.
If parent/caregiver arranges for someone NOT on the Emergency Contact form, they will need to call the Front Office and notify them of any special arrangement in advance or we will be unable to release your child.
Do you offer Before Care or Aftercare?
No.
There are many private aftercare programs available in the area, however it is the responsibility of the student’s family to contract directly with the Aftercare facility as well as make the transportation arrangements to have their child picked up from Wahlstrom by
2:40PM and brought to the contracted aftercare center.
PLEASE NOTE: Parent/guardian needs to notify our school facilitator, Vanessa Moore at 973-395-1210, and arrange to complete an Aftercare Van service authorization form at least 24 hours prior to the start of their child attending an aftercare program.
Please be prepared to provide the Name of the Aftercare provider as well as the phone number and contact information.
Without your prior written authorization we cannot place your child on any aftercare van.
In the event of a school early dismissal day, it is the parent/ guardian’s responsibility to insure that the Aftercare Provider will pick up their child OR make arrangements to have an authorized person (whom they have identified on their Emergency Contact Form) pick up their child at the designated early dismissal time.
How do I find out if the school will be closed for inclement weather?
School closings will be posted on the district website at www.eastorange.k12.nj.us
You can also find out about school closings:
| On the radio | WINS 1010 AM | WOR 710 AM | WABC 77 AM |
| TV stations | WABC 7 | WNYX-FOX 5 | |
| Cable stations | NEWS12 NJ | WRNN-TV |
Attendance
Children are expected to be in attendance at school ON TIME each and every day.
I know my child is expected to be in school each day, but what if they are sick?
From time to time children do become ill. In the event your child is ill please keep them home and notify the school that day between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM at 973-395-1210. Please be prepared to provide the following information:
Child’s name, grade and teacher’s name
The reason for the absence
Expected date for child’s return to school
Please call back and notify the school if the expected return date changes.
Do I need to present a doctor’s note when my child returns to school after an absence?
If your child has been absent for an illness lasting 3 or more days - Yes a doctor’s note is needed.
If your child has been absent as a result of a contagious condition (ringworm,” pink eye”, etc.) - Yes a doctor’s note is needed.
If in doubt, please contact our school Health Office on 973-395-1210, ext. 204 for more information.
I know my child is expected to be in school by 8:10 AM each day, but what if there is an emergency and we are late?
Please make every effort to get your child to school on time. Arriving late makes it difficult your child to catch-up and get back on pace with the daily classroom routine.
In the event that a late arrival is unavoidable, please notify the school immediately 973-395-1210. Please be prepared to provide the following information:
Child’s name, grade and teacher’s name
The reason for the lateness
Expected time for child’s arrival
Please be aware, multiple late arrivals are accumulated and will be viewed as an absence.
I know my child is expected to be in school each day, but what if they are sick?
From time to time children do become ill. In the event your child is ill please keep them home and notify the school that day between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM at 973-395-1210. Please be prepared to provide the following information:
Child’s name, grade and teacher’s name
The reason for the absence
Expected date for child’s return to school
Please call back and notify the school if the expected return date changes.
Do I need to present a doctor’s note when my child returns to school after an absence?
If your child has been absent for an illness lasting 3 or more days - Yes a doctor’s note is needed.
If your child has been absent as a result of a contagious condition (ringworm,” pink eye”, etc.) - Yes a doctor’s note is needed.
If in doubt, please contact our school Health Office on 973-395-1210, ext. 204 for more information.
I know my child is expected to be in school by 8:10 AM each day, but what if there is an emergency and we are late?
Please make every effort to get your child to school on time. Arriving late makes it difficult your child to catch-up and get back on pace with the daily classroom routine.
In the event that a late arrival is unavoidable, please notify the school immediately 973-395-1210. Please be prepared to provide the following information:
Child’s name, grade and teacher’s name
The reason for the lateness
Expected time for child’s arrival
Please be aware, multiple late arrivals are accumulated and will be viewed as an absence.
Transportation
Is transportation To/from School provided?
Transportation is NOT provided for preschool students.
There is busing available for kindergarten students BUT it is based upon your child’s home address. Please contact our school facilitator, Mrs. Vanessa Moore on 973-395-1210 for more information.
If my kindergarten child does qualify for transportation what do I do?
You will need to contact our school facilitator, Mrs. Vanessa Moore on (973) 395-1210 and arrange to meet with her to complete a bus authorization form. Without your written authorization we cannot place your child on any bus.
What if I no longer want my kindergarten child to ride the bus?
The parent/guardian will need to provide a written and signed letter to our school facilitator, Mrs. Vanessa Moore, at least 24 hours BEFORE the change in busing is to occur. Without your written authorization we cannot change your child’s transportation arrangements.
What if “something comes up” and I need to stop my kindergarten child’s bus transportation?
If you need to suspend transportation for any length of time, the parent/guardian will need to provide a written and signed letter to our school facilitator, Mrs. Vanessa Moore at least 24 hours BEFORE the change in busing is to occur. Without your written authorization we cannot change your child’s transportation arrangements.
In the event it is a “last minute emergency” and 24 hour advanced written notice cannot be provided, the parent/guardian will need to make arrangements to have an authorized person, identified on their Emergency Contact Form, pick up their child No Later Than 2:10PM - before students are dismissed to their buses. If the child is not picked up by 2:10 PM they will be placed on the bus as per the written authorization on file.
If parent/guardian arranges for someone NOT on the Emergency Contact form to pick up their child, they will need to call the Front Office and notify them of any special arrangement in advance or we will be unable to release your child.
Transportation is NOT provided for preschool students.
There is busing available for kindergarten students BUT it is based upon your child’s home address. Please contact our school facilitator, Mrs. Vanessa Moore on 973-395-1210 for more information.
If my kindergarten child does qualify for transportation what do I do?
You will need to contact our school facilitator, Mrs. Vanessa Moore on (973) 395-1210 and arrange to meet with her to complete a bus authorization form. Without your written authorization we cannot place your child on any bus.
What if I no longer want my kindergarten child to ride the bus?
The parent/guardian will need to provide a written and signed letter to our school facilitator, Mrs. Vanessa Moore, at least 24 hours BEFORE the change in busing is to occur. Without your written authorization we cannot change your child’s transportation arrangements.
What if “something comes up” and I need to stop my kindergarten child’s bus transportation?
If you need to suspend transportation for any length of time, the parent/guardian will need to provide a written and signed letter to our school facilitator, Mrs. Vanessa Moore at least 24 hours BEFORE the change in busing is to occur. Without your written authorization we cannot change your child’s transportation arrangements.
In the event it is a “last minute emergency” and 24 hour advanced written notice cannot be provided, the parent/guardian will need to make arrangements to have an authorized person, identified on their Emergency Contact Form, pick up their child No Later Than 2:10PM - before students are dismissed to their buses. If the child is not picked up by 2:10 PM they will be placed on the bus as per the written authorization on file.
If parent/guardian arranges for someone NOT on the Emergency Contact form to pick up their child, they will need to call the Front Office and notify them of any special arrangement in advance or we will be unable to release your child.
MEALS
Can my child get breakfast at school?
Yes, breakfast is served each day. Kindergarten students should arrive between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM to be served a breakfast in the cafeteria at Wahlstrom’s “Breakfast Club”. Students have a choice between a hot or cold meal.
Pre-K students will be provided the same breakfast options in their classroom starting at 8:10 AM.
What is the cost for breakfast?
Breakfast is provided FREE of charge for all students.
What options are available for lunch?
The cafeteria serves a balanced hot meal each day as well as a cold lunch - sandwich, fruit, and beverage.
Students can also bring their own “bagged” lunch from home. Bagged lunches should be healthy (no candy or soda) and “ready to eat.” Staff members are not permitted to heat student’s bagged lunch items.
What is the cost for lunch?
Lunch is offered at a cost of $1.00 per day.
Upon the District’s review of the completed “ New Jersey Lunch Applications”, families will be notified if they qualify for free or reduced fee lunch.
How will I know what breakfast or lunch meal is being served?
The cafeteria provides a menu at the start of each month showing the breakfast and lunch which will be offered on each day of that month.
In addition to the hot meals offered daily, students may also select cereal for breakfast or a sandwich plate for lunch.
What about snacks?
A snack time is provided daily - please consult with your child’s classroom teacher.
Parents are responsible for providing snacks - please consult with your child’s classroom teacher regarding his or her specific snack routine.
Yes, breakfast is served each day. Kindergarten students should arrive between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM to be served a breakfast in the cafeteria at Wahlstrom’s “Breakfast Club”. Students have a choice between a hot or cold meal.
Pre-K students will be provided the same breakfast options in their classroom starting at 8:10 AM.
What is the cost for breakfast?
Breakfast is provided FREE of charge for all students.
All students are encouraged to participate in the free breakfast program.
What options are available for lunch?
The cafeteria serves a balanced hot meal each day as well as a cold lunch - sandwich, fruit, and beverage.
Students can also bring their own “bagged” lunch from home. Bagged lunches should be healthy (no candy or soda) and “ready to eat.” Staff members are not permitted to heat student’s bagged lunch items.
What is the cost for lunch?
Lunch is offered at a cost of $1.00 per day.
Upon the District’s review of the completed “ New Jersey Lunch Applications”, families will be notified if they qualify for free or reduced fee lunch.
How will I know what breakfast or lunch meal is being served?
The cafeteria provides a menu at the start of each month showing the breakfast and lunch which will be offered on each day of that month.
In addition to the hot meals offered daily, students may also select cereal for breakfast or a sandwich plate for lunch.
What about snacks?
A snack time is provided daily - please consult with your child’s classroom teacher.
Parents are responsible for providing snacks - please consult with your child’s classroom teacher regarding his or her specific snack routine.
School Dress
Is there a dress code?
YES. Wahlstrom is a “Uniform School”.
Girls: Navy Jumper or navy pants with Light Blue Long or Short Sleeve Shirt.
Boys: Navy Pants with Light Blue Long or Short Sleeve Shirt.
In warmer weather students may substitute navy uniform shorts for the jumper or long pants.
Uniforms can be purchased at: Youth World at 538 Central Avenue in East Orange, NJ.
For your child’s safety, shoes should be sturdy with a rubber sole. NO flip flops, high heels, open toe, or open back shoes are allowed.
On gym days, students need to wear sneakers and the school tee shirt or sweat shirt and navy shorts or sweatpants.
YES. Wahlstrom is a “Uniform School”.
Girls: Navy Jumper or navy pants with Light Blue Long or Short Sleeve Shirt.
Boys: Navy Pants with Light Blue Long or Short Sleeve Shirt.
In warmer weather students may substitute navy uniform shorts for the jumper or long pants.
Uniforms can be purchased at: Youth World at 538 Central Avenue in East Orange, NJ.
For your child’s safety, shoes should be sturdy with a rubber sole. NO flip flops, high heels, open toe, or open back shoes are allowed.
On gym days, students need to wear sneakers and the school tee shirt or sweat shirt and navy shorts or sweatpants.