FAQs: updated 7/9/2024
Morning:
Doors open and carpool begins at 7:30 AM.
First bell at 7:50. Students need to be IN THEIR CLASSROOM by 8:00 AM.
Afternoon:
School ends and carpool begins at 3:20 PM.
Tardiness:
Students arriving after 8:00 am will be considered tardy.
After three (3) tardies, a notice will be sent home to the parent for signature.
Absenteeism:
Absences need to be followed by an excuse note within three (3) days after
returning to school from the days the child missed. The note can be sent with your student to school or you can email Mr. Hernandez. Please include the date(s) of the absence, the reason for missing, and a parent's signature.
Extraordinary Circumstances:
Please notify Mr. Hernandez in advance (when
possible) 972.794.5009 or [email protected]
-If your child is going to be absent for religious reasons
-If your child has suffered illness or injury that will result in an absence greater
than three (3) days. He will work with the school nurse and counselor to help
address health and academic concerns.
District Issued Technology:
Please bring fully charged iPad/Chromebook, earbuds/earphones, and charger each day.
Refillable Water Bottle (NO GLASS):
Water fountains will not be functioning. The only source of drinking water will be the filtered water dispenser in the cafeteria. Students will need to be able to unscrew and fill their bottles independently.
Clear Backpack:
All students are required to have clear backpacks for the 2024-2025 school year.
As an additional option, mesh backpacks will be acceptable, however clear ones are preferred. Students may carry a small, nonclear pouch in their backpack to hold personal items, such as cellphones, money, and hygiene products. To support families, each student will be provided a durable clear backpack at no cost. Parents may also purchase the preferred clear backpack, or the acceptable mesh backpack, for their students.
Clear lunch bags/ boxes are NOT required.
What About school supplies?
The PTA paid for and provided school supplies for the 24-25 school year for all students at no cost.
Light Sweater or Jacket:
The building can be cold in the summer, so please send a light sweater or jacket for your child to keep in their locker. Can be any color.
PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING!
CHECK THE LOST & FOUND FOR ANY MISSING ITEMS
Breakfast and Lunch are provided to ALL students at NO COST. MealViewer is your school menu source for breakfast & lunch
You may also join your children for lunch at school. To ensure there is enough space for guests, there are a limited amount of spots daily per grade. Be on the lookout in the "What is Happening At Withers" weekly newsletter with directions of how to sign up to attend your student's lunch.
Standard Uniform:
Tops | White, navy blue, or purple collared shirt (polo type shirt)
Bottoms | Khaki or navy blue (pants, skirts, shorts)
Students wear uniforms every day; however, there are some days when another
option is allowed.
Mondays | College Spirit Day:
Students are allowed to wear a t-shirt from any college of their choice with uniform bottoms.
Wednesdays | House Spirit Day:
Students are allowed to wear a House shirt or House color (red, blue, green or black) with uniform bottoms.
Fridays | Withers Spirit Day:
Students are allowed to wear a Wither’s T-Shirt instead of a uniform shirt. This can be a shirt from Dad’s Club T-shirt sales or other Withers events with uniform bottoms.
1st Friday = Fashion Friday:
Fashion Friday will be the 1st Friday of every month. Students bring $1 and can wear a school-appropriate outfit of their choice.
Uniform Closet
Gently-used uniforms are available in the school uniform closet. Interested in learning more? And/or have outgrown uniforms to add to the closet? Email [email protected]
What is the House System?
The House system was created by nationally recognized teacher & author, Ron Clark, and has proven to be a dynamic and exciting way to create a positive climate and culture for staff and students
Why Implement the House System?
Students perform at higher levels when there is a sense of belonging. Some benefits include: school-wide community, character building, and increased academic rigor.
How Does It Work?
- At the beginning of each school year, new students will get sorted into a House at random
- Students will remain in this house throughout their time at Withers
- Students earn points based through behavior, academic achievement, and great character
- At the end of each year, the House with the most points earns the Championship
What Are The Houses?
- House of Revêur: House of Dreamers
- House of Altruismo: House of Givers
- House of Isibindi: House of Courage
- House of Amistad: House of Friendship
Withers offers on-campus, after-school care through Big Thought.
Additionally, there are many clubs offered after-school that your student can participate in.
School supplies for the 24-25 school year will be provided to each student at no cost. This is being paid for by the PTA. Supplies will be delivered directly to teachers so there is nothing to pick up during Meet the Teacher night.
The Lost and Found is located on the hallway entrance to the cafeteria. This is the first place to look for missing garments, book bags and lunch boxes. If you have lost something more valuable, please check in the main office.
Student items can look a lot like other students’ items. Take the time to label everything. Label sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters, lunch bags, and book bags with your child’s name and class. Example: "Willie Wildcat, 2B". If someone finds an item out on the playground or in the library, they can immediately return it to your child.
AM Pick-Up: Carpool starts at 7:30 ends at 8:00 AM
PM Pick-Up: Carpool starts at 3:20 ends at 3:35 PM
Bus Lane
Identified staff members will escort the bus riders and Walnut Hill Rec Center
participants to the appropriate loading area. DO NOT enter, stop, or park in the designated bus lane area in front of the school during AM or PM carpool.
Walkers
If your child is a TRUE walker, you MUST email their homeroom teacher and Principal Miller or Ms. McCann. No child will be allowed to leave the school by walking without emailed consent to the teacher and administration.
Transportation Changes
Please notify the office if your child is changing their method of transportation on a given day.