Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regular school hours?
Regular school hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 3:25 p.m. The school doors open at 8:40 a.m. Breakfast is served at 8:40 a.m. The first bell rings at 8:50 a.m.. Students are welcomed into the classrooms at that time. The late bell rings at 9:00 a.m. and the morning announcements begin promptly. The bell rings at 3:25 p.m. for dismissal.
What are the hours when it is an early release day?
12:55 p.m. for Kindergarten through Fifth Grades.
What do I do if my child is absent for the school day?
Call the school (240-740-1300) before 8:45 a.m. to report the child's name, teacher and reason for the absence. We have an answering machine to accept your call before school hours. You may also email the teacher and Mrs. Upsher the attendance secretary.
If I know my child will be absent in advance, what do I do?
Write the teacher a note the day before the absence.
When my child returns to school after an absence, what do I do?
The child must return with a note explaining the absence. The dates and your signature are required. The note is to be given to the teacher. A note must explain every day of absence or the child will be marked with an unexcused absence.
How do I take my child out of school early?
Send a note with your child to state that you will pick them up early. When the time arrives, please report to the office and sign your child out in the binder. Your child will be called out of class to leave.
What do I do if my child is late for school?
The child is late if he/she arrives after 9:00 a.m. The parent is to bring the child(ren) into the office and sign them in.
What do I do if my child wants to go home with a friend after school?
A note from the parent must be sent to the homeroom teacher in the morning concerning any change in the child's routine, such as taking a different bus home or staying after school for supervised activities. Both friends participating in the playdate need to have notes from their parents. Please do not contact the office with last minute transportation changes unless there is an emergency. These are disruptive to classroom instruction and often confuse the student about the appropriate way to get home.
What time is breakfast served and how much does it cost?
Breakfast is served from 8:40-8:55 a.m. and costs $1.30.
What time is lunch served?
Grade 3: 10:45 a.m.
Grade 4: 11:20 a.m.
Kindergarten: 11:55 a.m.
Grade 1: 12:30 p.m.
Grade 5: 1:10 p.m.
Grade 2: 1:45 p.m.
How much does lunch cost?
$2.55 for lunch including milk, milk alone is $.40.
If my child forgets his/her lunch, what do I do?
You can bring his/her lunch into the office and it will be sent to your child OR your child will be given a cheese sandwich with milk. No money is loaned for lunches.
Can I pay for lunch in advance?
Yes. The cafeteria has a computerized cash register system. You can pay in advance by sending a check made out to “Ashburton ES Cafeteria" with the child's full name on the check. The cost of the meal is deducted automatically from the computer. A notice will be sent home when your child’s account runs low and it is time to add more money to the account. You may also use myLunchMoney.com to add money to your child’s account electronically. There is a small fee for using this service.
Can I write one check for all my children for lunch?
Yes. Write the complete (first and last) name on the check you send. It is always a good idea to include your child’s ID number on the check as well.
What do I do if the bus doesn't come to pick up my child?
Any problems with the bus, the bus stop or the driver should be reported to the Division of Transportation, Bethesda Bus Depot at 301-469-1070. Also, please call the school to tell them the bus is late and the number of the bus. Please note that the bus depot does not know the “color” names of our buses, so have the bus route number handy.
If my child's bus is routinely late, who should I call?
Call the Division of Transportation, Bethesda Bus Depot at 301-469-1070.
How can I volunteer at the school?
Please contact your child's teacher directly. You may also contact the PTA volunteer coordinators at Ashburton.
How do I contact my child's teacher if I have a question?
Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled for each child during the first semester. At any other time, a parent can write a note to the teacher or call the school office (240-740-1300) to set up a conference on the phone or in person. The conference needs to be set up in advance with the teacher. Email addresses can be accessed on the Ashburton website under Staff Directory.
