School Calendar
Classes generally begin for all grades (Pre-K-8th) on the first weekday following Labor Day. By the first week of school, a calendar of holidays and major events for the upcoming year will be available for distribution and on the Web.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday: 7:45 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Friday: 7:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration
Registration for the upcoming school year officially begins on March 1st of the preceding school year. “Early-bird” registration discounts may be available for students registering for the upcoming school year between the dates of March 1 and June 15. Such discounts will be offered at the discretion of the WPS school board and treasury.
Transportation
Parents/guardians must apply directly to their local school district for bus transportation. The district will have information about submission deadlines and other restrictions.
Please note that most districts require families to apply for bus service no later than April 1st.
Meals
WPS has arranged to provide hot lunch five days per week, Monday through Thursday, and Pizza Friday at a nominal cost. These meal programs are optional and are not included in the cost of tuition. For further details, please contact the Main Office.
Students may bring lunch from home, although access to microwave ovens is limited. We kindly request that those who provide their own lunches make every effort to adhere to Seventh-day Adventist dietary standards (i.e., refrain from bringing any pork or animal products). In accordance with general health principles, sugary, artificially- colored beverages and sodas are strongly discouraged.
Students may not chew gum inside the school building.
School Visits and Meetings with Staff
Individuals who wish to visit the school building or grounds must contact the office to arrange an appointment. Parents or guardians wishing to meet with the principal, or a teacher must contact the office in advance to schedule a mutually convenient time. To contact the school, please call the Main Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Fridays.
Telephone Calls to Students
Students may accept only phone calls of an urgent nature during school hours. Students otherwise will not be called from classes to receive phone calls. Students are not allowed to send or receive cell phone calls during school hours.
Messages may be left for students at anytime during the day. In order to leave a message for a student while classes are in session, please call the Main Office at (516) 997-5177.
Accidents and Illness
The parent, guardian, or other authorized person will be notified if a child is injured or considered not sufficiently well to remain in school. In this event, it will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian or other authorized person to arrange for the child to be taken from school. Such person must see the classroom teacher or principal to sign a release form.
If a child has received a physical injury requiring medical attention, the school will complete an incident report which must be signed and returned by the parent or guardian.
Any student with an infectious or contagious disease should remain at home until (s)he has been medically cleared to return to school. Please have documentation of such clearance available upon request.
Teachers are not permitted to administer over-the-counter medication of any kind to students, including aspirin or other painkillers, cough drops, or cold medicine. Any student who needs to take such medication should bring it with him/her to school, along with a note informing the teachers of such.
If your child requires the use of an inhaler, EpiPen®, or other assistive device, be certain to include all necessary information on his/her health forms. Additionally, take the time to communicate any special instructions to your child’s teacher(s) -- verbally as well as in writing -- in order to ensure that your child receives the best care possible should the need arise.
Please note that it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school promptly of any change in emergency or home contact information.
Insurance
Each student is covered for accidents that occur during school hours or on school trips. Such insurance covers bodily injury only. It does not cover personal property loss. The school assumes no responsibility for school supplies, clothing, money, electronic devices, or other personal property left on school grounds or lost while on a school trip.
Emergency School Closing
Should a weather emergency make it necessary to close the school, this will be announced via the school website (www.whisperingpinesschool.org). Please note that WPS’s weather emergency school closing schedule generally follows that of the Westbury School District (http://www.westburyschools.org). If there is any question regarding emergency school closure, please call 516-997-5177.