Frequently Asked Questions
-
PLEASE CLICK ON THE QUESTION FOR THE ANSWER.
-
When is the first day of school?
The first day of school is August 12th, 2020.
-
What time does school begin and end?
School doors open at 7:20. Students should be in the classroom by 7:45. Dismissal begins at 2:50.
-
What time should my student arrive at school and eat breakfast?
We encourage all students to ride the bus. Carline begins at 7:20am. Some parents (especially those who have to be at work early or drop off children at other schools) line up as early as 6:45. However, students are not allowed to be dropped off until 7:20 unless a special event is scheduled with the teacher. There will be no one to supervise your child until 7:20. Students should be in their classroom by 7:45.
Students eating breakfast need to arrive by 7:20. Students should be in their classroom by 7:40.
-
How can I sign my student up to ride the bus?
Bus service is available to our JL Newton students. You can sign up at Meet the Teacher or come by the office for bus information.
-
My child is a car rider in the afternoon. How do I pick up?
We encourage all students to ride the bus. If your child is a car rider, you must go through the car line. Car line is on the right side in the horseshoe when facing the school. The entrance to car line is on the service road that begins close to Highway 181. You must get into the correct lane for pickup. Lanes 1 and 3 will turn left when exiting campus. Lanes 2 and 4 will turn right when exiting campus. CARS MUST HAVE CAR NUMBERS DISPLAYED. Anyone without a number may be asked to circle as we can not hold up car line waiting for someone to roll down the window or asking to repeat a number. When you arrive in the designated loading area, teachers will call your child’s number, and he/she will be allowed to load after all cars have stopped moving. Students must sit quietly and “look and listen”. He/She will look for the car to arrive and listen for the number to be called. Parents of students who do not load when called will have to circle back through carline again. We can not hold up car line to wait on a student.
-
Can my child walk home from school?
For safety purposes, only students living in the adjoining neighborhoods are allowed to walk home from school. These students will be given a special walking pass. Parents must meet students at the bridge if their child is a walker. If your child is not walking, then he/she should go through car line.
-
How can I change my child’s dismissal procedure?
Consistency in dismissal is very important. Emails, texts, or phone calls will not be accepted for changes in dismissal. If a change in dismissal is necessary, a written note must be sent to the front office for approval.
-
How can I contact my child’s teacher?
Communication between the teacher and parent is very valuable. You may send a note with your child in the student’s school agenda, send an email to the teacher, or call the front office to leave a message. Email or written note is the preferred method. Please give teachers 48 hours to respond. If there is an emergency situation, contact the front office.
-
How can I check my student’s grades?
Parents should check student grades on a regular basis through the Inow portal. You will receive your child’s login information at the beginning of the school year. You will also receive a progress report at mid-quarter and a report card at the end of the quarter. Weekly grades and papers will be sent home in the J. Larry Newton Pirate take home folder.
-
How can I find out more information about various events and/or topics?
Please visit our webpage at https://www.bcbe.org/newton and like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JLarryNewtonSchool/ . When registering please provide an email. We send emails frequently with information and reminders. In addition to the school website and Facebook, teachers will have their own page that includes classroom activities, photos, and other informative items.
-
Can I drop off snacks or other forgotten items?
Please plan ahead so that snacks and school items come to school with your child. In order to protect instructional time, please do not drop off items after 7:45.
-
Can I volunteer?
PLEASE VOLUNTEER! We love our parents! Schedule a volunteer time in advance with your child’s teacher. The teacher will notify the office when to expect you on campus. If you want to volunteer with various school activities, please join PTO or call the front office. Thank you!
-
Can I eat lunch with my child occasionally?
We are unable to have lunch visitors at this time. This may change in the near future.
-
How can I join PTO?
You may have joined PTO at Meet the Teacher. If not, please be sure to join this amazing group of parent leaders. Be on the lookout for flyers and emails sent home at the beginning of the year with more information. You can also email PTO at newtonpto@yahoo.com.
-
What is the uniform policy at JLN?
Students wear khaki, navy blue, or solid denim pants, shorts, or skirts. No overalls. No holes, slits or tears in jeans. Leggings are not allowed unless worn under uniform bottoms. Closed toe shoes are required. Please remember that students are not able to change shoes for PE, so tennis shoes are encouraged. Jackets must be solid colored. Newton shirts are available for sale and can be worn all week. **See chart below .
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Navy, White, or Light Blue Polo
Newton Pirate T-Shirt
JLN 19-20 PTO Shirt
Navy, White, or Light Blue Polo
Newton Pirate T-Shirt
Navy, White, or Light Blue Polo
Newton Pirate T-Shirt
Navy, White, or Light Blue Polo
Newton Pirate T-Shirt
Navy, White, or Light Blue Polo
Friday/ Field Trip T-Shirt
-
Do students have snack or a break?
Yes! Please send a healthy snack and drink daily with your child to school. Students have a 15-minute break to refuel with a snack, use the restroom, and have a brain break. Those with an early lunch, have an afternoon snack. Those with a late lunch will have a morning snack time. Educators are trained to pace their teaching and give students opportunities for engagement, movement, and brain breaks throughout the day during instruction. Physical Education allows students to engage in interactive play, release energy and develop social interactions through team challenges.
Special approved ice cream will be offered one day during the week. Ice cream and water will be sold for $1.00. Ask your child’s teacher for the day of the week of your child’s special snack.
Birthday Celebration ice cream packages are available for purchase. They are $25.00 each and will need to be ordered two weeks in advance. The birthday students will be able to share ice cream with his or her class during their snack time. Outside food items are discouraged and cannot be taken into the cafeteria. Please contact the office for more information.
-
Are students allowed vacation day absences during the school year?
Vacation days are scheduled and shown on the Baldwin County Public School System calendar. Please schedule vacation only during these days. Students are allowed nine absences during the school year to be excused by a parent note. Any absences (other than doctor notes) will be unexcused after this time. Any missed work during absences will be assigned once the student returns to school. Attendance procedures through the Baldwin county court system will be followed.