FAQ
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When does school begin and end?
- Students start arriving at 7:50 a.m.
- Students in grades K-2 go directly to the cafeteria and line up by class. Their teacher will escort them as a group to the classroom when the 8:00 am bell rings.
- Students in grades 3-5 wait on the covered playground until the 8:00 am bell rings.
- First bell rings at 8:00 am a.m., and the school day begins at 8:05 a.m. The school day ends at 2:15 p.m.
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Can my child eat breakfast at school?
Yes, breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m. Students eating breakfast should try to arrive no later than 7:50 a.m. so that they can get to class on time.
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What if my student arrives late to school?
Please come to the office and sign in. The secretaries will give your child a late slip to take to the teacher. Failure to check in the office may result in your child being marked absent for the entire day, and generate an automated absence call to parents.
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Can I deliver a forgotten lunch, instrument, homework, jacket, etc?
Yes, please drop items off all items in the school office, parents are not to take items to the classrooms. 3rd -5th grade students are expected to check the office for left at home items, rather the office calling the classrooms, this minimizes classroom disruptions and teaches them personal responsibility.
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What if my child is sick or otherwise absent?
Please call 503-916-6292 or email bridlemile-office@pps.net, the office before 9:00 a.m. to report an absence. In addition, you may also wish to email your child’s teacher as a courtesy.
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When should I keep my child home from school?
If your child exhibits any of the following, please keep him or her home from school until your child has been symptom free for 24 hours. If your child develops these symptoms while at school, your child will be sent home:
- Vomiting and /or Diarrhea
- Fever of 100 or higher
- Colored (yellow/green) drainage from nose, eyes, or ears
- Rash or unusual skin color, with or without fever
- Skin lesions or sores that are weepy or pus-filled
- Cough: deep, barking, congested , or productive of colored mucus
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Can I request homework for my child during an absence?
Yes, you may call the school or email your child’s teacher with your request. Please note that teachers have 24 hours to put together a homework packet, which will be left in the school office for pick-up.
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Can I eat lunch with my child?
Yes! Simply sign in the office and wear a Visitor Badge to the cafeteria.
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What if my child needs medication at school?
All medication, including over the counter, must be secured in the school office and distributed by the office staff. Parents must bring all medications to the office and complete a medication form For safety reasons, children may not carry medications of any kind (including cough drops) in their pockets or backpacks. Additionally, students are not permitted to carry meds to and from school themselves; all medications must be delivered to and from the school by a parent or guardian.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
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How do I add money to my child’s lunch account?
Our cafeteria works on a debit card system; every child has a card that can be loaded with money either by bringing a check directly to the cafeteria (preferred method), or via our online account management at www.schoolcafe.com; Please see the Calendar Menu provided by Nutrition Services for the latest meal prices. Your student’s ID number is required.
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What if my child is going home with another child or is deviating from the usual after-school plan in some way?
Please send your child with a note to the office, where we will sign it. If your child is riding a friend’s school bus, your child will need the signed note in hand to board. Unless it is an emergency, please have all changes to the office by 11 am. If you child has an appointment during the school day we will call him/her to the office when parents sign them out.
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What if my child has an unexpected change in after-school plans?
We ask that parents make every effort to organize after-school plans before school, and that you review these plans with your child. However, we do recognize that last minute changes and emergencies arise. In these situations, please contact the school office as early in the school day as possible and we will do our best to deliver a message.
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What is the best way to keep informed about events at school?
The school maintains an email listserv, which is our primary method of communication regarding school events. If a family does not have access to email, paper copies are available by request for families. Teachers will also periodically send home newsletters specific to their classroom.
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Can I volunteer in the school?
Of course! We welcome all volunteers, and there are numerous ways to get involved. Contact the PTA or your child’s room parents to sign up for lunch duty, classroom help, various committee work, etc. All Portland Public School volunteers are required to fill out a Volunteer Background Check at volunteer.pps.net
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Can I bring treats for my child’s birthday?
Many teachers allow for birthday treats of some kind. Please contact your child’s teacher for specific details. Please note it is the district policy that any treats served to the students must be store-bought.
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What if school is delayed or closed due to inclement weather?
Information regarding school closures is broadcast through the School Messenger service and on radio, TV. Families are often alerted by the PPS Rapid Broadcast (autodialer) of late openings and closures. Another good source is www.pdxinfo.net.
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Is childcare available?
Yes, Champions offers aftercare at Bridlemile, from 2:15-6:00 PM Monday –Friday. If interested, please contact them directly at 1-800-246-2154 or ChampionsHelp@KC-Education.com.
