School Welcome Family Guide
Welcome to Our School Family
Guide for Multilingual Newcomer Families • Visual Handbook
School Year 2026–2027 We are so glad you are here!
School Name: ___________________________
Main Phone: ___________________________
Bilingual Liaison: ___________________________
1. Daily Arrival & Dismissal
Morning Arrival
Doors open at 7:45 AM. Class begins promptly at 8:10 AM.
⚠️ Students arriving after 8:15 AM must check in at the front office.
Dismissal Time
School ends at 3:00 PM (Fridays early dismissal at 1:30 PM).
Always bring photo ID when picking up your child from school.
How We Travel
- • Yellow Bus: Meet at your assigned stop 10 min early.
- • Car Pick-Up: Follow lane signs; stay in car.
- • Walkers: Use marked safety crosswalks.
2. Breakfast & Lunch at School
Meals Are Free
All students receive free, warm breakfast and healthy lunch every day. No money needed at school.
Special Diets & Allergies
Vegetarian, Halal-friendly, and pork-free choices available. Tell the nurse if your child has food allergies.
Home Lunch Option
Students may also bring food from home in a lunchbox labeled with their name. Bring a reusable water bottle daily.
3. Daily Backpack & Clothing Guide
Every Day Inside the Backpack:
- ☑ Take-Home Folder: Check every afternoon for teacher notices.
- ☑ Refillable Water Bottle: Clearly labeled with student name.
- ☑ Jacket / Sweater: Classrooms can feel cool in spring and fall.
- ☑ Emergency Clothing: One spare shirt/pants in a plastic bag.
What to Wear:
- ☑ Comfortable Sneakers: Required for physical education (P.E.) and playground recess.
- ☑ Weather-Ready Clothing: Children play outside every day unless heavy rain or freezing ice occurs.
- ☑ Leave Toys at Home: Keep electronic games and jewelry safely at home.
Every child belongs here. We celebrate all languages and cultures!
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Attendance, Health & Communication
How to notify the school and stay closely connected with teachers
Free Translation Available
When Should My Child Stay Home?
⛔ STAY HOME IF: Fever of 100°F (38°C) or higher, vomiting, contagious rash, or active flu. Must be fever-free for 24 hours without medicine before returning.
✅ COME TO SCHOOL IF: Mild runny nose, slight cough with no fever, or feeling tired/shy. Daily attendance helps your child learn English faster!
Call the attendance office by 8:30 AM if your child will be absent.
Your Legal Right to an Interpreter
By federal law, public schools provide free interpreters for meetings, conferences, IEPs, and phone calls. You never need to bring a child or neighbor to translate.
Show this card at the school front desk:
"Hello, I am a school parent. I do not speak fluent English. I request an interpreter in:"
Language / Idioma: ___________________________
Student Name: _________________ Room: ________
Ready-To-Cut Notes to the Teacher
Cut along the dotted line and put in your child's folder
SLIP A: Absence Explanation / Explicación de Ausencia Date: ______________
Dear Teacher, my child ___________________________ was absent on ______ / ______ / 20___ because of:
[ ] Fever / Sickness [ ] Doctor Appointment [ ] Family Emergency [ ] Other: ______________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________ Phone: _______________________
SLIP B: Change in Dismissal / Cambio de Salida Today's Date: ______________
Dear Teacher, TODAY my child ___________________________ will go home by:
[ ] Bus # ____________
[ ] Walking Home
[ ] Picked up by: ________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________ Emergency Contact #: _______________________
SLIP C: Request a Call or Meeting / Solicitud de Reunión Date: ______________
Dear Teacher, I have a question about my child ___________________________. Please contact me:
I prefer: [ ] Phone Call [ ] In-Person Meeting • Best time: [ ] Morning [ ] Afternoon
Language I speak: ___________________________ My Phone Number: ________________________________
Keep this guide near your front door or refrigerator for easy reference. Page 2 of 2
Home Learning Activity Pack
Learning Together at Home
Fun, Simple Family Activities • No Special Supplies Needed
Student: ___________________ Date: ___________________
A Message for Families: You do not need to speak fluent English to help your child thrive. Talking, telling stories, and counting in your home language builds deep thinking skills that directly help your child learn English!
1. The 10-Minute "Picture Walk" (Any Language!)
Try daily before bedtime
1
Look at the Cover
Look at the pictures together. Ask: "What do you think will happen in this book?"
2
Point & Name
Point to objects. Say the word in your family's language, then say it in English together.
3
Tell the Story
You don't have to read every word! Tell the story through the characters' faces and actions.
4
Make a Connection
Ask: "Does this remind you of our family, our home, or something you did today?"
2. Kitchen & Living Room Math (Zero Prep)
Laundry Sort & Match
Have your child sort socks by color, match pairs, and count by 2s: 2, 4, 6, 8 socks!
Builds: Sorting & counting
Table Setting helper
Ask: "There are 4 people eating tonight. How many plates, forks, and cups do we need altogether?"
Builds: 1-to-1 correspondence
Shape Detective
Find 3 rectangles (doors, windows, books), 2 circles (clocks, plates), and 1 triangle around the room.
Builds: Geometry awareness
3. Five Friendly Questions to Ask After School
-
"What game or activity did you play at recess today?"
-
"Who is a friend or classmate you smiled or sat with?"
-
"Teach me one new English word you heard today."
-
"Did anything make you laugh or feel proud today?"
Tip: If your child is quiet or tired, start by sharing one detail about your day first!
Turn the page for the Home Scavenger Hunt & Family Tradition drawing page! Page 1 of 2
Home Scavenger Hunt & Family Story
Explore your home together, then share a piece of your family culture
Bring Back to School
Part 1: Find & Check Off at Home (Busca y Marca en Casa) Check each box [ ✓ ] as you find it together
