Tyler FAQs
Q: How old does my child have to be to enter Preschool at Tyler (for 2012-2013)?
A: Your child must turn 3 years old by September 30, 2012 to enter Preschool.
Q: How many students are in each class?
A: Preschool classes have a maximum of 16 students, with one teacher and one aide. Pre-K
and Kindergarten classes have a maximum of 21 students, with one teacher and one aide. First
and second grade classes have a maximum of 25 students with one teacher. Special Education self-contained classes have a maximum of 8 students, with one teacher and three aides.
Q: How long is the school day?
A: The school day begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. for all ages and grades.
Q: Does Tyler offer Before Care or After Care?
A: Before Care is not available through DCPS, but the Tyler PTA has contracted with Polite Piggies for the 2011-2012 academic year. Before Care is provided for a minimal fee on a first come, first served basis. Polite Piggies provides care from 7 a.m. and escorts students to their classroom for Breakfast. After Care, sponsored by DCPS, operates from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (also for a minimal fee).
Q: What is the Drop-off/Pick-up Procedure?
A: Unless a child is enrolled in Before Care, students are not permitted into the building until 8:35 a.m. When the building opens, students can proceed to their classrooms. Younger students should be escorted to their classrooms by a parent or caregiver. Students arriving at or after 8:45 a.m. must pick up a tardy slip from the main office. At the end of the day, students are picked up from the playground (in back of school) at 3:15 p.m. On days with inclement weather, students are picked up from the auditorium or from their classrooms.
Q: Do students wear uniforms?
A: Tyler’s uniform consists of a light yellow top and navy blue bottom. Tops can be a collared shirt or blouse or a Tyler T-shirt (yellow or blue). Acceptable navy bottoms include pants, skirts, or shorts of appropriate length. Navy blue jumpers are also acceptable. Sneakers are required for student on days when they have Physical Education. On all other days, close-toed shoes are required to ensure safety.
Q: What is Tyler’s policy regarding toilet training?
A: No. Per DC Public Schools policies, families are strongly encouraged to toilet train children prior to beginning the preschool or pre-kindergarten program. DCPS will not exclude children who are not yet toilet trained, though most children of this age are ready. Teachers and parents will work in a communicative partnership to encourage the process at school and at home.
Q: Does Tyler serve breakfast? Lunch?
A: Tyler offers breakfast to all students free of charge. Breakfast is served in the classrooms at 8:45 a.m. Lunch is served each school day. Some students may be eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches (based on completion of the Free and Reduced Lunch form included in your enrollment packet); otherwise lunch is $1.25 a day. Revolution Foods provides food service to Tyler Elementary. Revolution Foods began with team who believed that all students should have access to healthy, fresh food on a daily basis.
Q: What if my child has allergies or needs medication during the school day?
A: Please notify your child’s classroom teacher as well as Tyler’s nurse, and appropriate actions will be taken to assure your student receives their necessary medication(s).
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Tyler will be hosting open houses on December 8, 2011, January 10, 2012, February 10, 2012, and March 15, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. These will include a brief presentation, school tour, and Q&A session. Please contact Kathy Goldschmidt (kgoldschmidt@gmail.com) with any questions or to RSVP.
