LAWTON ELEMENTARY, a Seattle public school

On the first day of school, each child comes home with what we refer to as “The First-Day Packet.”  The packet is full of information and forms to be filled out.  Please return all these completed forms to your child’s teacher as quickly as possible.

What are “First-Day Packets?”

What supplies will my child need?

Lawton provides many supplies for your child.  In late August, however, you will receive a list of extra supplies your child may need.  This varies from grade to grade, and in some cases, class to class.  You should wait to receive this list before purchasing any supplies.

Where do I get information about transportation?

Transportation information will be sent to families in late August.  Questions regarding school buses can be directed to the Transportation Department at 252-0900 or to an automated line at 252-0213.

For families who dropoff and pickup students by car, please adhere to the safety instructions below:

· Obey all traffic signs and signals (20 mph in a school zone)

· Yellow bus zones must be clear of all traffic (during bus drop-off/pick-up

· 26th Avenue West is commonly used as a ONE WAY during dropoff/pickup times

· Do not leave your car unattended in an undesignated parking spot

· Double-check whenever backing up (especially for our younger students)

· The front of our school (27th Avenue West) has a bus zone and circular area where parking is NOT allowed, nor can you leave your car unattended.  You may park on the city street where appropriate.  Please obey our Safety Patrol at all times.

· 26th Avenue West (in back of school) is used for dropping off and picking up.  During these times, traffic is ONE WAY going Southbound (up the hill).  Please be courteous and do not block traffic and DRIVE SLOWLY.  Parking is NOT allowed in the designated dropoff/pickup area which has blue painted curbs. 

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated for the safety of our children.

What are school drop-off procedures?

Your child should be dropped off no earlier than 8:40 a.m.  The playground is not supervised before this time.  In the morning, children should wait on the playground for the bell to ring and to line up.  The first bell rings at 9:05 a.m.  Your child will be escorted into the building every morning by his or her teacher.  School starts promptly at 9:10 a.m.  On the first day of school, your child’s teacher will have a sign indicating where their class should line up.  This will be your line-up spot for the entire year.  Please have your child stand in line with his or her classmates.

 

 

What are school pick-up procedures?

The dismissal bell rings at 3:10 p.m.  Children who ride the bus home will be escorted to the lunchroom to wait until their bus arrives.  Children who go to the Boys & Girls Club will be escorted there as well.  Families picking their children up are asked to wait on the playground until the teacher brings the children out.  Many times there are alternate plans during the week (after-school activities, playdate, etc.).  Please make sure your child and your child’s teacher are aware of the dismissal plan for the day.  Please send a note with your child should there be a change in plans.

When and how will parents be able to help in the classroom?

Each teacher uses volunteers in the classrooms differently.  At Curriculum Night (in September), teachers will explain volunteer opportunities.  Generally, each classroom will need a room parent (or two) who can help with parties, recruit volunteers, and organize special events.  In addition, some teachers may request help on specific days with activities including tutoring, reading circles, or field trips.  If you plan to volunteer at Lawton, you need to fill out a Volunteer Background Check (included in First Day Packet) prior to working in class.  Whenever you do come to school, please be sure to sign in at the front office and pick up a visitor’s badge.

 

How do children buy lunch and/or milk?  To whom are the checks written?

Milk is 50 cents.  Lunch is $1.75.  If you think your family may qualify for the free and/or reduced lunch program, please click here for additional information.  Checks for your child’s individual account should be made out to Child Nutrition Services—please be sure to clearly mark your child’s name and room number on the check.  You may send this to school with your child or go to the lunchroom yourself to make the deposit.  Additionally, you can deposit lunch money online at https://paypams.com.  Please be sure there is always a positive balance in your child’s school lunch account.  We are not allowed to extend credit.  Parents are always welcome to join their child for lunch—the kids love it!

How do I sign up for before– or after-school care at the Lawton Boys & Girls Club?

Lawton’s Boys & Girls Club is located on-premises.  They can be reached at (206) 283-4361 or lawton@positiveplace.org.  Signing up in the spring before school starts is helpful.  If you wait until the fall to sign-up, there may not be room.

 

 

What is the best way to get information about Lawton and its activities?

In an effort to reduce our paper usage, we prefer to electronically distribute information.  If you do not have regular access to the Internet, arrangements can be made in the school office.  To sign up for electronic distribution of information, please click here.  Our weekly joint PTA/school newsletter called LAWTON NEWS is e-mailed each Wednesday and is posted on our website.  This includes information on important calendar items, a principal’s column, volunteer opportunities, school happenings, legislative updates, and more.  This website, www.lawtonschool.org, is another good source.  Your child’s teacher is a great source of knowledge and an excellent resource for you.  Be sure to become a member of Lawton’s PTA.  Volunteer and get involved! 

Welcome to Lawton!

In late August/early September, class lists for all classes will be posted on the front doors of Lawton.  Additionally, you may receive a welcome letter from your child’s teacher at this time.

Tuition for the full-day program is $225 per month with the exception of those who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program, and special education students whose IEPs (individual education plans) require that they receive specifically designed instruction in excess of a half day.  Payments should be made to Lawton Elementary School and directed to Laura Thomas in the front office by the 5th of each month.  Tuition for the entire year is $2,250.

Frequently Asked Questions

The first bell rings at 9:05 a.m. and classes begin at 9:10 a.m.  If you arrive after this time, please check in at the front office for a tardy slip.  Children are dismissed at 3:10 p.m. daily, except on early release days when the school day ends at 1:10 p.m. or, 2:10 p.m.

Half-day kindergarten ends at 11:30 a.m. each day.  Students stay for lunch only if they are enrolled in the full-day program.  If your child is enrolled in the half-day program and you decide to change to full-day, please make arrangements with the front office. 

What are the regular school hours?

What is the cost for Pay-for-K?

Who will be my child’s teacher?

During the summer, there are a number of playdates on the playground scheduled by the PTA to provide “get acquainted” opportunities.  Your family will receive notification of these dates.  By mid-October, each family will receive a school directory.  The directory includes information on class lists, parents’ names, and phone numbers.  If you wish to be included in the directory, please fill out the form provided in your “First-Day Packet.”

How can we contact and get together with other children in our class?