What is the cost of breakfast and lunch this year?

There is no cost for breakfast or lunch. It will be served at all elementary schools this year free of charge.

Do I need to buy school supplies to bring to school?

This year, we are providing general supplies that students need in school. We do, however, suggest that you set up a learning space at home for any homework.

Will my child have access to a Chromebook at school and at home?

We will be assigning a dedicated school Chromebook to each student to use in school. Students in grade 2-5 will also be able to bring their chromebooks home. Students in grade K and 1 will have access to iPads.

Will visitors and volunteers be allowed into the building?

Visitors and volunteers will be allowed in school this year. All volunteers must make sure to have a current CORI on file.

Can I drop off forgotten items at school?

Yes, items may be dropped off at the main entrance. Office staff will get items delivered to the students.

What is the plan for the before school care and afterschool program this year?

Please check with the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club for the most current information on their Program offerings page.

What are the school hours?

GWS will be a late start school for the 2023-2024 school year. The school day will begin at 8:50AM and dismissal is at 3:30PM (1:15PM on Wednesdays).

Do I have to notify the school if my child is going to be absent from or late to school?

Yes, please call the school before 9:00AM if your child is going to be absent or late to school. If we do not receive a call, we will try to reach a parent or guardian with the Connect Ed System to account for your child (Safe to School Program).

Please note that a telephone call does not eliminate the requirement for a written absence note when your child returns to school. A physician’s note should be provided whenever applicable. Refer to the MPSD Daily Attendance policy in the Elementary School Handbook, page 12.

What is the earliest time I can drop my child off at school?

There is no adult supervision prior to 8:40AM. Please do NOT drop your child off before this time.

Where do I drop my child off in the morning?

Student drop off by car should begin to line up at the bike rack and drop off on the sidewalk. Access to this area should be gained by circling the teacher parking spaces in a counter clockwise manner and by parking parallel to the sidewalk heading out of the parking lot.

What if my child is late for school?

The school day begins at 8:50AM. All students reporting late to school are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian to the office to check in before going to his/her classroom. For student safety, be advised that there is no GWS staff stationed outside of the building after 8:50AM.

What if I need to dismiss my child during the school day?

If your child is to be dismissed early from school, please notify the school via the dismissal application PickUp Patrol. Parents or guardians need to come into the office to sign their child out in the dismissal book. Be sure to let the school know if someone other than a parent/guardian will be picking up your child. Proper identification may be requested. Your child will be called to the office when you arrive.

What if I need to change my child’s dismissal plan?

Governor Winslow School uses the web based application PickUp Patrol (PUP) to manage dismissal time and for parents to communicate changes to their child’s regular dismissal plans. Changes can be entered from a smartphone or computer in advance, and at any time up until 2:15 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (12:00 PM Wednesday) on the day of the change. If a late change has to be made please call the school.

All children will go home on their assigned school bus unless the office receives a PUP notification that your child will be picked up in the car line.

Bus changes are approved on a permanent basis only and the request must be received in writing a minimum of five days in advance. Once a permanent bus change has been approved, students may not switch back to their home bus on days that they are scheduled to go elsewhere. If there is a change, students must be picked up in the car line.

If there is a family emergency, or medical situation, parents should notify the school principal and other transportation arrangements may be made.

All families should be familiar with the complete Transportation Policy which is available on the district website under School Committee- Polices or in the Elementary School Handbook, page 28.

Can a friend pick my child up from school?

Please notify the school if someone other than a parent/guardian is going to pick up your child. Proper identification may be required. Please note also that names listed on your child’s Emergency Contact Sheet are used for emergencies only. This form does not authorize these contacts to pick up your child at any other time without parental notification.

Can my child take the bus to a friend’s house?

Students may not change buses or bus stops. Parents may not ask the bus driver to adjust their child’s stop. Please arrange to have the children picked up in the car line.

What if I need to make a dismissal change after the Pickup Patrol daily time deadline?

Please call the school as soon as possible if a change is necessary. The teacher will be notified so that he/she can plan accordingly. Please make every effort to review any changes to your child’s dismissal plans with him/her before school and send a note to your child’s homeroom teacher. Phone calls during the school day interrupt learning in the classroom and may cause confusion.

How do parents stay informed about what is happening at GWS?

• Be sure that the school has a current email address. Email notices are sent to families as new information is added to the school website.

• Read the weekly school notice.

• Check the GWS website regularly.

• Sign up for the GWS PTO email database and family directory. Please note that this is an opt-in program. Families must sign up each year. The school does not provide family contact information to the PTO.

• To conserve resources, GWS uses a “mail carrier” system when paper notices are sent home. The oldest child in each family will receive notices.

May I send in a treat for my child's birthday?

Our staff prefers to conduct "healthy celebrations" that need not involve food, just fun. Please refer to the "Birthdays and Other Celebrations" guidelines on our website. Due to the current nutritional guidelines and a number of food allergies, you must speak to your child's homeroom teacher and the school nurse for approval before planning any celebrations.

How do I contact my child’s teacher?

Please leave a message with the front office. Staff will make every effort to return your call promptly. It is up to each teacher’s discretion whether to communicate via email.