Back to school
It is once again that time of the year. School will officially begin for Weston County School District No. 1 on Aug. 21, although sixth-grade students and freshmen will have their jump-start days on Aug. 20.
Registration for all schools can be found at wcsd1.org in the “Online Registration” section at the top of the page. New students will need to visit the office at the school they will be attending to pick up paper registration forms.
Newcastle Elementary School
Students at NES should receive their letters with back-to-school information, including their new teacher’s name, according to Principal Brandy Holmes.
Before the first day of school, students can meet school staff, visit their classrooms and drop off necessary items during the open house on Aug. 20 from 6-7 p.m., she said.
“Supplies will be provided for all students. Students will need a backpack and (physical education) shoes,” Holmes said. “A list of possible donated items is available.”
Similar to previous years, drop-off and pickup will use a no-parking system, with parents remaining in the drop-off or pickup lines to collect their students in front of the school.
“The parking lot is designed to keep a flow …,” according to information provided by Holmes. “After dropping students off or picking them up, please continue around the parking lot while keeping in (the) line of other vehicles. Do not pass.”
Doors at the school will unlock at 8 a.m.. and Holmes noted that supervision will not be available before that time. Students should be prepared to exit vehicles in a prompt manner, and parents should move forward as soon as their child has safely exited the vehicle.
“Out-of-vehicle pickup is not allowed in this area during dismissal,” the information says. “There will not be a designated area to wait for your student after parking in the lot. It is important for everyone to remain in their vehicles and follow the traffic flow.”
It notes that if a parent walks to pick up their students, they should arrange a place to meet the students at an alternate location. It will not be available in these areas.
While the pickup procedure has not changed from previous years, Holmes told the News Letter Journal that dismissal times have changed. Third, fourth and fifth grades will be dismissed at 3:10 p.m., followed by kindergarten, first and second at 3:15 p.m.
Newcastle Middle School
Kick-off activities at NMS will be the start of fall sports practice on Aug. 19. Principal Tyler Bartlett stressed that athletes must have their physicals completed before they can begin sports practice. A parent meeting for sports is scheduled for Aug. 21.
On Aug. 20, sixth-grade students will attend their first day of middle school, beginning at 8:10 a.m. While regular meals will not be served, students will have doughnuts and juice available for them before school, and Don Steveson will again be grilling burgers and hot dogs for everyone during a picnic-style lunch, Bartlett said.
As for drop-off and pickup, information provided by Bartlett says that students and staff should continue to use the high school parking lot by the Dogie Dome/Commons. This area should also be used for after-school activities.
“School doors open at 7:30 each morning, but remain locked during school hours, so if picking up or dropping off your child between 8:10 (a.m.) and 3:30 (p.m.), please use the main middle school office entrance,” the information states.
Fees for students this year include $20 for laptop maintenance and usage and $20 for each PE uniform purchase.
Newcastle High School
Much like Newcastle Middle School, fall sports practices kick-off at NHS on Aug. 19, and physicals must be completed in order to practice.
The following day, incoming freshmen will have their jump-start day from 8:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., according to information provided by Principal Bryce Hoffman.
“Parents are welcome to attend from 8:10-8:40 when we cover graduation requirements, EWC information and Hathaway requirement,” the parent letter states.
It notes that lunch will be provided by NHS.
Fees for NHS students for the year include $25 for laptop, $20 per PE uniform, $25 for metal fabrication and $20 for culinary arts.