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Parent Info and FAQ's

Recommendations for the first few weeks of school:

Parents are allowed to walk students to class without a visitor pass for a few days at the beginning of the year to help them become comfortable with their new surroundings.  Beginning the first full week of school, we will begin limiting this to Kindergarten and PreK. After August 31st, all visitors need to stop in the office for a visitor pass.  Francis Case Staff are happy to assist students in learning routines and navigating the building while they develop a sense of independence.

Review this School Map. Please note the traffic flow for drop-off and pick-up areas.

 

 

FAQ's

Q: If I transport my child to and from school, where do I drop off/pick up my child? 

A: Francis Case students can be dropped off in the drop-off loop in the east parking lot of Francis Case off of Tower Road. Please have your child ready to exit the vehicle when you reach the drop-off point to keep traffic flowing. For student safety, please do not drop off students anywhere other than the locations approved for drop-off unless you plan to park and walk them to the entrance. Parents can also park in an available spot and walk their child to the front door using the designated crosswalks.

**Do not park or drop off in the BUS LANE along Don Williams Drive.**
After the first few weeks of school, PARENTS/GUARDIANS OR ANY OTHER VISITOR WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE HALLWAYS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT A VISITOR PASS FROM THE OFFICE unless otherwise stated during special events.     
 

Q: What time can my child be dropped off at school?
A: Dependent upon whether your child will be eating breakfast served by Douglas School District.  Breakfast is available from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM at a cost of $2.50 unless you have qualified for free or reduced pricing.

  • Children not having breakfast at school can be dropped off after 7:40 AM.
    Supervision is not provided, and they cannot enter the building before this time. 
  • Children having breakfast in the school cafeteria:
    Can enter the building at 7:30 AM and must be dropped off at the cafeteria entrance (C) on Don Williams Drive. This is the only door unlocked at this time.  

 

Q: What does my child do before the bell rings at 8:00 am?

A: Students may go to breakfast if they need to eat. Breakfast is served from 7:30–8:00 a.m. Students who do not need breakfast, or who finish eating before the bell rings, will go to the playground for supervised recess until the bell rings.
Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for all types of weather, as students are expected to be outside before school. In the event of inclement weather, all students will remain indoors. Please refer to the Red Flag section of the Student Handbook for additional information.
If your child needs to remain indoors for medical reasons, please visit the office and provide a doctor’s note. For safety and fairness, if you prefer that your child does not participate in outdoor recess before school, please do not drop them off until 8:00 a.m.

Q: What do I do if my child will be late or absent?
A: Please call the Francis Case office at 605-923-0070 to report your child’s absence or tardy before 8:30 AM.

  • If your child arrives after 8:05 AM, you will need to escort them into the building and sign them in at the office before they go to class. You will need to be buzzed into the building.
  • If your child will be absent for more than five consecutive school days for a reason other than a medical situation, please contact the principal to discuss your circumstances and review the district’s attendance policies.
  • A doctor’s note is not required for every illness-related absence but is highly recommended when an absence lasts more than two days, or your child is frequently absent due to illness. Please also provide documentation for medical appointments that regularly require your child to arrive late, leave early, or miss school.
 

Q: Where do I pick up my child?
A: Francis Case students can be picked up from the front of the building. Please check with your child’s teacher to find out if they have a preferred meeting point.

 

Students should be picked up by 3:05 p.m. Any changes to your child’s after-school plans must be communicated to the teacher by note or message, or by calling the office. If a message to the teacher has not been acknowledged, please call the office by 2:00 p.m. to allow time for staff to make the necessary adjustments.

If you need to pick up your child early, please go to the office first to sign them out. A photo ID is required.

 

Q: How do I put money on my child’s lunch account?
A: There are several ways to add money to your child’s meal account. Please remember that each child has their own meal account. If you have multiple children, you may submit one payment for the family. Clearly indicate how much should be credited to each child.

  1. Send money with your child
    Place the money in an envelope labeled with your child’s full name, teacher’s name or room number, and “Lunch Money.” Remind your child to give the envelope to their teacher as soon as they arrive in the morning.
  2. Use your Parent Portal account
    You can add money to your child’s meal account through Parent Portal. A small fee is charged each time money is added through Parent Portal. You can also use Parent Portal to:
      • Monitor your child’s meal account activity
      • Set up low-balance alerts
      • Apply for Free/Reduced Meal Benefits on the Food Services webpage. 


If you are a new family and did not receive your activation code, have forgotten your login information, or have been locked out of your Parent Portal account, please get in touch with the Francis Case office for assistance. Photo ID or identifying information will be required.

 

Q: Where can I find the Francis Case Student Handbook? 
A:  Student Handbooks will be posted on the district website on the Student Handbook link
A printed copy is available from the Francis Case office upon request. It is a parent/guardian’s responsibility to familiarize themselves and their children with Student Handbook information. 

 

If you have other questions regarding policy or procedure, please review the Elementary Student Handbook.