Get the FAQs

Got kids? Then you’ve got questions. We’ve compiled the answers to the questions we hear most frequently. And of course, we’re always happy to help.

What time does school begin and end?

We open and supervise the campus starting at 7:45 a.m. For the safety of our students, we do not permit children to arrive before this time. Our facility is closed and the gates locked during school hours.

Warning bell: 8:13 a.m.
School begins: 8:15 a.m.
Regular day dismissal: 2:45 p.m.
Minimum day dismissal: 1:00 p.m.

Visit our Daily Schedule page for bell times and more.

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What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures?

For dismissal, please remain at the front gate. Our teachers will bring their classes as a group to the departure area. Please pick up your child promptly, as we do not permit students to linger on campus after school.

Maintaining a safe environment is everyone’s responsibility. The parking lot can get congested during pick-up and drop-off times. Always follow the flow of traffic to avoid traffic hazards, drive slowly, do not park in the handicap zones, do not leave your vehicle unattended, and watch out for students crossing the parking lot.

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What do I need to do when my child is absent from school?

Please notify the school office right away at (559) 784-1064 so that we know your child is safe. 

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How do I check my child out of school early?

Please come to the front office to sign your child out of school, and wait for your child to meet you in the office. Students should only be checked out early for emergency situations or unavoidable medical/dental appointments. We encourage you to schedule appointments after the school day whenever possible.

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Where is my child’s bus stop? And what do I need to do if my son or daughter wishes to ride the bus home with a friend?

For information regarding bus stop locations, times, and rules, please visit our Transportation page.

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My child is unable to participate in physical education. What do I need to do?

Please provide a written note for a temporary exclusion from P.E. If a student must miss more than three consecutive days, we will require a physician’s note. Students missing P.E. must make those days up.

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How old does my child need to be to enroll in kindergarten or TK?

Your child must be five years old on or before September 1 of the current school term to enroll in public school. Children who turn five years old between September 2 and December 2 of the current school term may enroll in transitional kindergarten (TK). Visit our Registration page for immunization requirements and all the information you need to know about enrolling your child at our school.

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Can my child bring a mobile phone or other electronic device to school?

We do allow students to bring electronic devices; however, we require these devices to remain turned off and out of sight upon arrival to the school campus and not activated until after school has been dismissed for the day. These devices are personal property, and it is not our responsibility to replace or track them down if lost, stolen, or damaged. 

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How will I know if the bus or school is delayed due to extremely foggy weather conditions?

School always starts on time at 8:15 a.m. If we must delay bus service, we will notify our school families via a ConnectEd message, or you may check our local TV station channels: 24, 30, or 47 after 7:00 a.m.

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My child must take medication during the school day. What do I need to do?

In situations where students must take prescribed medications or be allowed to carry and self-administer prescription auto-injectable epinephrine and/or asthmatic inhalers during school hours, please provide the following information each school year:

  • A written statement from your child’s medical professional detailing the name of the medication, administration method, dosage, and time schedule for taking the medication
  • Written parent or guardian approval permitting the school district to dispense the medication as directed
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What is the dress code?

Hope Elementary School District believes that students should wear clothing to school that is conducive to the learning process and reflects respect for oneself and the school. Our general guidelines follow.

  • Attire that protects the health and safety of students:
    • Students should wear shoes that are appropriate for school activities. We do not permit shoes with cleats, spikes, or high heels. Shoes must have a back strap.
    • We do not allow attire that may be used as a weapon such as a chain, wallet chain, or items with spikes or studs.
  • Attire that does not interfere with the educational process:
    • Students may bring hats for outdoor sun protection but may not wear hats indoors. We do not allow hats and/or hair apparel that can be attributed to or denote gang or group affiliation. 
    • We permit students to wear sunglasses outside only.
    • We do not permit tank tops with straps less than two inches wide or tops that expose cleavage (mesh shirts, low-cut blouses, or sun dresses). We require students to wear clothing that fully covers their undergarments.
    • Students’ shorts must be mid-thigh length (about a four-inch inseam) or longer. Skirts and dresses should extend to a minimum of four inches from the top of the knee.
  • We do not allow attire that advocates, advertises, denotes, or is recognized as gang affiliation or that has crude or vulgar printing, slogans, symbols, designs, or pictures depicting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence, graffiti, sexual suggestions, or unlawful activity.  
  • We do not allow students to wear jewelry or accessories that are disruptive or might cause a health or safety hazard.  
  • The principal has the discretion to limit any attire if it distracts from the learning process. In addition, the principal may also make exceptions for special events.
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