Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regular school hours?
Regular school hours are from 9:25 a.m. until 3:50 p.m. The school doors open at 9:10 a.m. Students are welcomed into the classrooms at that time. The late bell rings at 9:25 and the morning announcements begin promptly. The bell rings at 3:50 for dismissal.
What are the hours when it is an early release day?
School is dismissed at 1:20 p.m. on an early release day.
What do I do if my child will be absent for the school day?
Our preference is that you visit the Wayside website to report an absence. You may also call the office at 240-740-0240.
If I know my child will be absent in advance, what do I do?
You can report the absence on the website, notify the teacher and/or call the school office at 240-740-0240.
When my child returns to school after an absence, what do I do?
Your child must return with a note explaining the absence. The dates and your signature are required. The note is to be given to the teacher. A note must explain every day of absence or your child will be marked with an unexcused absence.
How do I take my child out of school early?
Send a note with your child to state that you will pick them up early. When the time arrives, please report to the office and sign your child out. Your child will be called out of class to leave. Please note that emails sent directly to teachers may be missed as teachers may not have an opportunity during the school day to check their messages.
What do I do if my child is late for school?
Your child is late if he/she arrives after 9:25 a.m. Parents must bring children into the office and sign them in.
What do I do if my child wants to go home with a friend after school?
A note from the parent must be sent to the homeroom teacher in the morning concerning any change in the child's routine, such as taking a different bus home or staying after school for supervised activities. Both friends participating in the playdate should have notes from their parents. Any changes to routines decided during the school day must be reported directly to the office. Please note that emails sent directly to teachers may be missed as teachers may not have an opportunity during the school day to check their messages. Please do not contact the office with last minute transportation changes unless there is an emergency. These are disruptive to classroom instruction and often confuse the student about the appropriate way to get home.
What time is breakfast served and how much does it cost?
Breakfast is served from 9:10 – 9:25 and costs $1.25. Reduced breakfast costs $.30.
What time is lunch served?
Kindergarten: 12:00 p.m.
First Grade: 12:30 p.m.
Second Grade: 12:30 a.m.
Third Grade: 1:00 p.m.
Fourth Grade: 1:00 p.m.
Fifth Grade: 12:30 p.m.
How much does lunch cost?
$2.55 for lunch including milk, milk alone is $.60. Reduced lunch is $.40.
If my child forgets his/her lunch, what do I do?
You can bring the lunch into the office and it will be sent to your child. Your child always has the option to order from the cafeteria if they have money in their account OR if no money is available, your child will be given a cheese sandwich with milk.
Can I pay for lunch in advance?
Yes. The cafeteria has a computerized cash register system. You can pay in advance by sending a check made out to “Wayside ES" with the child's full name on the check. The cost of the meal is deducted automatically from the computer. A notice will be sent home when your child’s account runs low and it is time to add more money to the account. You may also use myLunchMoney.com to add money to your child’s account electronically.
Can I write one check for all my children for lunch?
Yes. Write the complete (first and last) names on the check you send. It is always a good idea to include your child’s ID number on the check as well.
What do I do if the bus doesn't come to pick up my child?
Any problems with the bus, the bus stop or the driver should be reported to the Division of Transportation, Bethesda Bus Depot at 301-469-1070. Please note that the bus depot does not know the “color” names of our buses, so have the bus route number handy.
If my child's bus is routinely late, who should I call?
Call the Division of Transportation, Bethesda Bus Depot at 301-469-1070.
How can I volunteer at the school?
Please contact your child's teacher directly. You may also contact the PTA volunteer coordinators.
How do I contact my child's teacher if I have a question?
Email addresses can be accessed on the Wayside website under Staff Directory. Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled for each child during the first semester. At any other time, a parent can write a note to the teacher or call the school office (240-740-0240) to set up a conference on the phone or in person. The conference needs to be set up in advance with the teacher. Email addresses can be accessed on the Wayside website under Staff Directory.