Vanderlyn PTA


 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the school start time changing?
No. Instruction begins at 7:45 a.m. this Fall. Students should be prepared to enter their classrooms at 7:30 a.m. This is in line with all other DeKalb County elementary schools. Also, with less time between bus arrival and classroom admission, we hope more children will ride the bus and reduce the traffic around the school in the morning.

Where does my child go if they arrive earlier than 7:30?
Between 7:00 and 7:30 students are monitored in the cafeteria grades (K and 1) or in the gym (grades 2 & 3).

What is the traffic pattern for carpool drop off and walking children into school?

• When dropping off or picking up, use ONLY the carpool lane closest to Dunwoody High School.
• The loop on the other side of the school is for BUSES ONLY.
• Do NOT double park in front of the school and drop off your child. It is both dangerous and discourteous.
• Please do NOT park at Dunwoody High School. These spaces are for the high school students ONLY.
• Obey directional turning signs as you exit the driveways in the morning.
• Slow down. Remember, children are difficult to see between cars.

Where should I park if I want to walk my child into the school?
You should always park on the Vanderlyn side of the street between Vermack Road (Dunwoody High School) and Hensley Drive (the three way stop). This will allow traffic patterns to move and avoids having students cross the street illegally. In addition, it will keep cars from blocking our neighbor’s driveways and houses across the street.

How will the bus schedule be impacted by the addition of Dunwoody Elementary?
The bus schedules will remain fairly similar to last year.

How do I determine my child’s bus route?
Bus schedules will be available at registration and in the front office. Routes may also be found at: http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/~transportation/schools.asp

How do I check my child in after 7:45 a.m.?
You must bring your child to the front office. Please do not take them to the classroom. Instruction has already begun and this causes a disruption to the day. Sign his/her name on the “check in/check out” folder along with the time and the reason for late arrival. A front office staff member will issue your child a pass for class.

What are the dismissal policies?
All early check outs should occur before 2:00 p.m. Parents and visitors should not enter the building between 2:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. This helps minimize disruptions to the dismissal procedure. Bus riders exit from the 2nd grade hall on the East side of the building when called. Carpool students exit via the kindergarten hall on the West side o f the building (the high school side). Cars should proceed to this lot to pick children up. All walkers must exit from the front doors of the main building. If you are meeting your walker, please wait on the sidewalks in front of the school for your child to be dismissed.

What school supplies does my child need?
Your child’s school supply list may be found by grade level on the Vanderlyn School website, www.vanderlyn.com. Each student is responsible for purchasing his/her own school supplies. Second and third grade students will need to purchase school agendas and plastic homework folders on Open House Day, Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

What happens at Open House?
Open House is Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Everyone should plan to attend. You will be required to verify residence in the Vanderlyn attendance area at this time. We will also be available to take care of all registration updates and provide any information about the school you may need.

In addition to the registration process, you will have the opportunity to learn about upcoming school activities and events. The PTA will be on hand to answer questions and help you find the right volunteer opportunity for you. You will be able to join the PTA, sign up for a yearbook, and purchase new spirit wear. Many committee chairs will be available to share with you the various programs the PTA sponsors. Please remember we cannot accept credit cards on registration day.

What if I cannot attend Open House?
If you are unable to attend this open house and wish to have your child enrolled, please contact the school, 678-874-9002, and make an appointment to bring in proof of residence and update all records.

How do I pay for school lunches?
The most convenient option is to pay through myLunchMoney.com. An information flyer is available at Open House or in the front office. You may also access the mylunchmoney website through the Vanderlyn School website, www.vanderlyn.com or www.dekalb.k12.ga.us. It will link directly to myLunchMoney.com.

In addition, lunch money can be sent in to your child’s homeroom teacher. Checks need to be made payable to Vanderlyn Cafeteria and include the student’s name and class on the envelope.

How does my child purchase ice cream in the cafeteria?
Ice cream is available on Fridays for $0.50. Your child must bring money to purchase ice cream. They cannot use their lunch money account to purchase ice cream.

How does Vanderlyn compare with other elementary schools in the State?
Recently, Vanderlyn was listed as one of the top performing schools in the State of Georgia. While we are proud of our ranking, we are more proud of the effort made every year by our teachers and staff educating our students at the highest level. We recognize that Vanderlyn’s ranking has a direct correlation to efforts of our teachers and parents working together to create a learning community where students thrive. We value our school as a place where we build the foundation for all of our children to become successful, critical thinkers and to encourage a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

Does Vanderlyn Elementary School have a required student uniform?
No, Vanderlyn does not have a required student uniform. However, all students must follow the DeKalb County Schools and Vanderlyn Student Dress Code. The dress code is as follows:
• The wearing of clothing, insignia, symbols, or adornments worn or carried on or about a student which promote gangs, the use of controlled substances, drugs, alcohol or tobacco is prohibited.
• The wearing of clothing which shows offensive and/or vulgar words, pictures, diagrams, drawings, or includes words or phrases of a violent nature, a disruptive nature, a sexual nature, or words or phrases that are derogatory regarding a person’s ethnic background, color, race, national origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, or disability is prohibited.
• The wearing of pants below the waistline, bare midriffs, halter tops/tank tops, tops/blouses revealing cleavage, short shorts, net/see through garments, flip-flops, between-the-toe shoes without heels, bedroom shoes, or other footwear that interferes with freedom of movement and dresses, pants, or skirts with high splits is prohibited. Note: Students/Parents are urged to review local school handbooks for any additional requirements related to student dress.

You can find the Vanderlyn Student Handbook on the Vanderlyn School website, www.vanderlyn.com.

How do I find out current events happening at Vanderlyn?
Please consult the Vanderlyn School website, www.vanderlyn.com, and the Vanderlyn PTA website, www.vanderlynpta.com. In addition, the PTA sends out a weekly e-newsletter, Viking Views. If you are not currently receiving the Viking Views, please email vikingviews@yahoo.com to be placed on the distribution list.

How do I give money to support programs at Vanderlyn?
Vanderlyn is one of the country’s premier elementary schools thanks to the financial generosity of Vanderlyn parents. Donations to the Vanderlyn PTA provide students and teachers with tools needed to excel in the classroom. PTA pays for equipment, programs, and services not provided by DeKalb County and local school taxes. A few items the PTA provides are listed below:

• Interactive Promethean whiteboards for classrooms
• Accelerated Reader program
• Field trips
• Fall Fun Day & Spring Field Day
• Medical supplies for the Clinic
• Outdoor Classroom and Outdoor Gardens
• Instructional supplies for each classroom
• Books for the Vanderlyn Library

Every child at Vanderlyn benefits academically and personally from these programs. Therefore, the Vanderlyn PTA encourages every family, to the best of their ability, to make a financial contribution, to help the PTA continue to offer programs that enhance the school’s award-winning learning environment. Donations to the Vanderlyn PTA are tax-deductible.

Why should I join the PTA?
PTA is the #1 voice for parent involvement. The PTA supports education through active participation and advocacy. By joining the PTA, you help create the perfect environment for our children to succeed. When families, schools and communities work together we improve the minds and the well being of our children.

How do I get involved at Vanderlyn?
There are many opportunities for parents to get involved at Vanderlyn. We invite your involvement and we welcome your thoughts and ideas. During the Open House, August 5th, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. you will have a chance to speak with many of the committee chairpersons. In addition, you may choose to sign up to be a room parent for your child’s class. Please feel free to contact the PTA Co-Presidents, Christine Houk, houk8703@comcast.net and Melissa Humphries, irma68@comcast.net with any questions you may have.

What does my child need if I am packing a lunch for them?
Children who pack a lunch should bring a fork, spoon, or straw if needed and a napkin.  If they are not purchasing a drink, please pack one as children are not allowed to get up and get water from the water fountain.