School Hours for Students are 7:45 a.m. to 1:55 p.m.
School Office Hours are 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Changes in School Hours
When schools are closed early or all day, all field trips and evening activities are cancelled and school buildings are not available for after-school activities by other public or private organizations.
Delayed Openings
One-hour delay: All buses run one hour later than normal. School begins one hour later, at 8:45 a.m. Student drop-off time 8:20 a.m.
Two-hour delay: All buses run two hours later than normal. School begins two hours later, at 9:45 a.m. Student drop-off time 9:20 a.m.
Early Closing
Early closing decisions are made by the superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools. It is most imperative that you make plans in advance for your child’s care in case schools are dismissed early. You could possibly be away from your home at the time an emergency occurs. Make decisions now, before the emergency, so that your child will know where to go when you are not home. Child Care providers should be made aware of any changes as well. If your emergency/early dismissal plan for your child changes, please be certain to notify the school of the change immediately.
Early Release/Half Day
At times during the school year, the students may have a half day of school. At Mount Rainier, this means that dismissal will begin at 10:50 a.m. Parents are expected to make appropriate arrangements for children as no provision exists for children to be cared for at school.
Arrival
No student should report to school prior to 7:20 a.m. as there is no supervision for
his or her safety until after that time. Students who eat breakfast may enter the building at 7:20 a.m. It is very important for all students to come to school on time every day. Students should be in their seats and ready to learn before or at 7:45 a.m. Parents are encouraged to let children enter the school building independently.
Instructions for Car Rider Drop Off:
Parents should not drop off his or her children before 7:20 a.m. There is no supervision before 7:20 a.m. 32nd Street will be blocked off until our school buses have arrived and dropped off students. Afterwards, we will open 32nd Street to car riders. Parents should follow the following procedures when dropping off his or her child(ren):
1. Cones will be placed on the sidewalk indicating the area in which students can exit the car.
2. Students should not exit the vehicle on the street side. All students are asked to exit the vehicle on the school side.
3. Parents should follow the direction of the Patrols and staff members in pulling up to the drop off area.
4. Parents should not exit their vehicle. Patrols and staff members will open car doors for students.
5. Parents should wait to be directed to move forward and/or pull out onto 32nd Street after your child has exited the car.
6. There will be no idling and/or parking in the drop off area. If you need to enter the school with your child(ren), please park on the street or in the church parking lot on the corner of 32nd and Shepherd Street.
Please DO NOT block resident driveways, park in the FIRE LANE and park in the staff parking lot.
Dismissal
32nd Street between Bunker Hill Road and Shepherd Street will be closed to all traffic in the afternoon between 1:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. This procedure is in place for the SAFETY of all children. It is impossible for buses to see and stop for children who exit or walk between parked cars. We appreciate your cooperation.
Please be aware that the Mt. Rainier Police Department assists in the enforcement of this procedure.
Afternoon announcements begin at 1:55 p.m., when dismissal begins.
1. After Care students (Students are dismissed to the multipurpose room)
2. Car Riders/Walkers (Students who walk home or are picked up by car)
3. Bus Riders (Bus riders are dismissed to the multipurpose room to line up according to his or her bus number)
Children that are picked up by an after-care service will be dismissed once the provider has arrived. Students may not return to class for items or materials after dismissal.
No child may be picked up by Uber, Lyft, or Taxi.
If a child is to be dismissed to a different location, parents must send a note indicating the date and the change to take place. A child may not visit another child’s home after school or be transported by a person not in your family without prior written parent approval. This rule is for all children’s safety. If a student does not bring a note to school, we will insist that he/she follow the normal dismissal routine. Verbal permission will not be accepted. Once a student has boarded the bus, the student will not be removed from the bus. If you do not wish for your child to ride the bus on a particular day, a note must be received by 1:00 p.m.
Reminders to students for dismissal:
● Remember the items and materials which must be taken home, and have them ready. You may not return to the room after dismissal.
● Walk quietly in the hallway during dismissal. Do not run, yell, or cause a disruption as you proceed to your dismissal area (bus rider, after care, walker).
● Go directly home—You may not remain on school property unless you are involved in a supervised activity.
Early Dismissal
Occasionally, you may have to check your child out of school to go to the doctor or dentist. If you must do this, the child must be signed out of the Main Office before 1:30 p.m. There are to be no early departures between 1:30 p.m. and 1:55 p.m. This is one of the most important times of the day, and classes cannot be interrupted. During the conclusion of the day, teachers are reviewing work covered, making certain that students understand the homework assignment, and that students get all materials in their book bags. Parents are not to enter classrooms at this time, and under no circumstances are they to leave with a child during this time.
REMEMBER, ALL VISITORS MUST SIGN-IN IN THE MAIN OFFICE. THIS IS FOR THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF ALL OF OUR CHILDREN.
Parents are asked to send a note to the child’s teacher. The note will be given to the school office for verification. When arriving to pick up children for early dismissal, parents must report to the main office. Every adult that wishes to pick up a child from school must show a valid, government issued picture ID. There will be no exceptions. Office staff will notify the teacher that you have arrived and your child will meet you in the office. If a child is being picked up by an adult outside the family, that person must be designated on the child’s Student Information Sheet, or have a note from the parent or guardian on record, and they must show a valid, government issued picture ID. This precaution is in the interest of maintaining your child’s safety. Early dismissals are only permitted prior to 1:30 p.m. After that time, you will have to wait for normal dismissal times/procedures. This helps ensure a safe and smooth dismissal for all.
Unless the office has been notified in writing, no changes will be made to a student’s regular dismissal routine. When possible, if you alter your child’s dismissal routine, please discuss the changes with your child in advance.
