Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to
common questions of students and parents.
- What is the best way to contact you?
- Why do I have to wear a visitor badge?
- Why are students taken to the office at 3:05?
- My Favorite Question- What does an Assistant Principal Do?
- Where can we park?
- How can I help Fern Bluff?
- What is the cafeteria music all about?
- Can I have lunch with my child?
- Who should I talk to when I have concerns?
What is the best way to contact you?
I am easiest to reach by email.
My phone is 428-2108 or feel free to drop by the office.
Why do I have to wear a visitor badge?
The most important reason-safety!
The Raptor system helps us keep your kids safe. It searches
a database for predators and will prompt us to call
the authorities if needed. It also helps us know who is on
campus and how many hours parents volunteer. While we
know it takes a few extra minutes to stop by and get a badge-
it is not only a requirement, it is for a great cause.
Why are students taken to the office at 3:05?
Our teachers are on duty from 2:45 until 3:05. At
that time, it is our policy for all children who
are still waiting for a ride to come in the
office so our office staff can supervise them. We
want your children to be safe at all times
so we need to make sure an adult is supervising
them at all times. We ask that you sign
your student out if they are picked up
after 3:05
My Favorite Question- What does an Assistant Principal Do?
Anything! Really! I help Dr. Wilson lead the school which
requires a whole lot. I meet with and supervise teachers. I
handle discipline. I consult with staff members, parents, and
students. I coordinate safety drills. I handle state and local
testing. I am the 504 coordinator. I co-lead our monthly team
data meetings (SSTs). Basically, I do WHATEVER IT TAKES!
Where can we park?
We do have some visitor spaces in the front of the school. These
are usually taken early in the morning. There is parking on Park
Valley; but I highly recommend walking, biking, or car pooling
if at all possible- especially for our busy times.
How can I help Fern Bluff?
As a fellow parent, I know how much other volunteers do. Time is
always needed whether it is becoming a WATCH DOG, helping out at
Fern Bluff functions, or just reading to your child's class.
Another way to help is to join AND participate in our PTA. We
would love to have more people involved in the PTA decision
making. We can ALWAYS use money- while our district is actually
very generous compared to most, we would love to grow some of our
programs that are not funded. Finally, my suggestion is to ask
your child's teacher- they are often up here 50 hours a week
planning, copying, cutting out materials so they can teach their
wonderful lessons. They might have some easy jobs for you to
do.
What is the cafeteria music all about?
We have tried many strategies to help with the noise level
in the cafeteria over the years. We have found that our
students have more discipline issues and anxiety in our cafeteria
and playground. So, to help with that, we play music
(one song every 10-12 minutes). During the music, kids are to
refrain from talking (they can sing along). We tell them that
it is a great time to make sure they eat. Then when the music
stops, they can resume talking with their friends. While not
every student has loved the music, it has reduced our discipline
referrals and has helped our students with sensory needs feel a
little more comfortable.
Can I have lunch with my child?
Of course!!! We ask that if you have a kinder or 1st grader,
that you wait until after the first two weeks of school before
having lunch with your child. This gives our little ones an
opportunity to learn the rules and procedures used in the cafeteria.
After that, you are more than welcome to join your child for lunch.
We have a visitor's table or (if room) you can sit with your child
at their lunch table. Please refrain from sharing food with other
students.
We also ask that you limit your lunch visits so that your child can
develop their social skills and friendships without having a parent
facilitate. This is a very important time in their day to talk with
classmates. We often see students become upset when their parent
leaves the lunchroom which can make for a very hard afternoon.
Who should I talk to when I have concerns?
Ideally, the first person you would talk with would be your child's
teacher. If the concern is not addressed, we ask that you come to
either Dr. Wilson or myself. You can also talk with our school counselor
about social/emotional/behavioral concerns.
