Call Back/Safe Arrival Program
If your child will be absent or late, you must notify the school by calling the Countryside Safe Arrival line, 617-559-9470, before the opening bell. If your child is not in school and you have not called, the school secretary will call your home. If the child cannot be located or accounted for, the school will contact the Newton Police immediately. If your child is late due to a medical appointment, please have the doctor’s office write a note.
No-School Announcements
When school sessions are cancelled or delayed, it is posted on the Newton Public Schools website. http://www.newton.k12.ma.us
Announcements are made over radio stations and WBUR 90.9FM, WBZ 1030AM, WILD 1090AM, WNTN 1550AM (6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), WRKO 680AM, and on TV. Please do not call the school, fire, or police department. Though schools may open on the following day, parents should use their own judgment in determining whether road conditions permit children to proceed safely to school. A parent’s judgment is a legitimate reason for a student’s absence.
Blue Zone
The Blue Zone is a city ordinance. Violations are enforceable by a fine. The Blue Zone is designated by a painted blue curb and is strictly for drop-off and pick-up. Parking is not permitted in the two Blue Zones 30 minutes before school starts (8:05-8:35 a.m.) and 60 minutes before school ends until 30 minutes after dismissal (M, W, Th, F 2:00-3:30 p.m.; Tues. 11:30-1:00 p.m.) Remember, you must stay in your car. Please continue to pull your car forward to maintain the traffic flow and keep our children safe.
Crossing Guards
Crossing guards are on duty at Dedham Street (M, W, Th, F 8:05-8:40 a.m. and 3:00-3:30 p.m.; Tues 8:05-8:40 a.m. and 12:00-1:00 p.m.)
Drop-off and Pick-up
Please use caution when dropping off or picking up children. Do not park in the bus lane, enter the driveway or staff parking lot, make U-turns, park in the blue zone, double park, or turn into or back out of driveways. These are dangerous practices because small children may not be visible behind your car.
Arrival
Doors will be locked until 8:10 a.m. at which time children may enter the building. Supervision is not provided before this time. Doors will be locked again at 8:20 a.m. To enter the school when doors are locked, press the buzzer by the front doors and go to the front office once admitted.
Buses
Children who travel to and from school by bus are expected to take the bus each day unless absent. For any other arrangements, please send a note with your child.
Parking Lot
The school parking lot is for staff use only. Parents and visitors should park on the street during school hours. Please do not enter the parking lot or use it as a cross through.
Dismissal
At dismissal time, please wait outside the building for your child. If your child must be dismissed early from school, please send a note. Parents should report to the office, and the school secretary will call for the child. A child will only be released for early dismissal with an authorized adult.
Countryside Elementary Main Office: 617-559-9450
Call Back/Safe Arrival: 617-559-9470
Principal: Beth Herlihy
Executive Assistant: Dolly Wallace
Health Room/School Nurse: Laura Murphy, 617-559-9454
Countryside Children’s Center (Aftercare): 617-964‐6958 (Countryside location) or 617-965‐6434 (Upper Falls location)
Countryside website: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/countryside
Newton Public Schools website: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Domain/4
School Lunch: Witsons