Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regular school hours?
Regular school hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 3:25 p.m. The school doors open at 8:40 a.m. Breakfast is served at 8:40 a.m. The first bell rings at 8:50 a.m. Students are welcomed into the classrooms at that time. The late bell rings at 9:00 a.m., and the morning announcements begin promptly. The bell rings at 3:25 p.m. for dismissal.
What are the hours when it is an early release day?
12:55 p.m. for Kindergarten through Fifth Grades.
What do I do if my child is absent from school?
Please call the school at 240-740-1300 before 8:45 a.m. to report your child's name, teacher, and the reason for the absence. An answering machine is available to accept calls before school hours. You may also email your child's teacher and Mrs. Upsher, the Attendance Secretary.
If I know my child will be absent in advance, what should I do?
Please send a note to your child's teacher the day before the planned absence.
When my child returns to school after an absence, what do I do?
When a child returns to school after an absence, they must bring a signed note from a parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence. The note must include the date(s) of the absence and be given to the child's teacher.
A note is required for every day of absence. If a note is not provided, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.
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 in the binder. Your child will be called out of class to leave.
What do I do if my child is late for school?
The child is late if he/she arrives after 9:00 a.m. The parent is to bring the child(ren) 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 or guardian must be sent to the homeroom teacher in the morning regarding any change to a child's regular dismissal routine, such as riding a different bus, going home with another student, or staying after school for a supervised activity.
For playdates, both students must provide a note from their parent or guardian.
Please do not contact the school office with last-minute transportation changes unless there is an emergency. Such changes are disruptive to classroom instruction and can create confusion for students about their dismissal plans.
What time is breakfast served and how much does it cost?
Breakfast is served from 8:40-8:55 a.m. and costs $1.60.
What time is lunch served?
Grade 5: 10:45 a.m.
Grade 4: 11:20 a.m.
Kindergarten: 11:58 a.m.
Grade 3: 12:33 p.m.
Grade 1: 1:10 p.m.
Grade 2: 1:45 p.m.
How much does lunch cost?
$2.85 for lunch including milk.
If my child forgets his/her lunch, what do I do?
You can bring their lunch into the office, and it will be sent to your child OR your child will be given a cheese sandwich with milk. No money is loaned for lunches.
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 “Ashburton ES Cafeteria" 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. There is a small fee for using this service.
Can I write one check for all my children for lunch?
Yes. Write your child’s full name (first and last) on the check. We also strongly recommend including their student ID number. For more information regarding meals, please click here.
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 240-740-6580. Also, please call the school to tell them the bus is late and the number of the bus. 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 240-740-6580.
How can I volunteer at the school?
For volunteering opportunities at Ashburton, please reach out directly to your child's teacher.
How do I contact my child's teacher if I have a question?
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for each student during the first semester. To request an additional conference by phone or in person, please email the teacher directly or call the school office at 240-740-1300. All conferences must be scheduled in advance. Teacher email addresses can be found under the Staff Directory on the Ashburton website.
