FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- School starts within the next several weeks for Fort Rucker and Wiregrass area children, and parents should be prudent in making sure their Families are prepared for another school year, officials said.
"Be positive and talk about what a great adventure this (new school year) will be," said Vicki Gilmer, Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, Fort Rucker Elementary School principal.
The following information can help make the transition between summer and the classroom seamless.
Fort Rucker schedules
School begins Aug. 6 for kindergarten through sixth grade students.
Fort Rucker Primary School hours are 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesday classes are from 8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Fort Rucker Elementary School classes are from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesday classes are from 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., said Debbie Deas, Ph.D. in education administration, Fort Rucker Primary School principal.
Pre-kindergarteners start classes Aug. 23, as teachers conduct home visits with parents and 4-year-olds as part of a new program this year, she said.
"It makes for a smoother transition from the home environment to school," Deas said.
Pre-kindergarten classes run from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, according to John Jennings, school liaison officer. Wednesday classes are from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Off-post schedules
Ozark city schools start Aug. 6, Daleville schools Aug. 9 and Enterprise schools Aug. 23, Jennings said.
For schedules, visit city schools' Web sites at www.ozarkcityschools.net/public, www.daleville.k12.al.us and www.enterpriseschools.net.
Transportation
Bus schedules vary, and parents should contact appropriate schools or Jennings at 255-9812 to find out pertinent transportation information.
In general, he advises off-post students to arrive at bus stops by 6:45 a.m. the first week of school. Fort Rucker Elementary School students should be ready to go by 6:55 a.m., primary school students by 7:35 a.m. and children enrolled in pre-kindergarten by 7:45 a.m. Times adjust as the school year progresses, Jennings said.
Open Houses
Installation schools' staffs host open houses Aug. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the primary school and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the elementary school, Gilmer said. Educators encourage parents to attend and familiarize themselves with school facilities.
"It gives them the opportunity to walk with students to classrooms and meet teachers," Deas said.
Immunizations
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and children attending schools are required to have certain vaccinations.
Department of Defense schools require diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps and rubella, chicken pox, hepatitis A and B, meningitis and haemophilus influenzae type B immunizations, according to Carolyn Peterson, Lyster Army Health Clinic allergy and immunization nurse/licensed practical nurse.
Off-post schools require the same vaccinations, excluding meningitis and hepatitis A.
There is one change in regulations for on-post schools, however.
"This year, the difference is they have to have two documented chicken pox vaccines, (instead of just one)," Peterson said.
Children usually receive chicken pox vaccines at ages 1 and 4. Sometimes, though, children are not given the second one, she said. If that's the case, parents must ensure this is taken care of before school starts.
Off-post schools don't currently require the double documentation, but will by 2013, Peterson said.
Allergy and Immunization Clinic staff offers free immunizations to anyone who is Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System eligible.
The clinic is open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are on a walk-in basis. For more information, call the clinic at 255-7754.
Dress codes
Fort Rucker parent handbooks, distributed at the beginning of the school year, outline important dress code information. Guidance is also located at www.am.dodea.edu/rucker/CO/index.htm.
Consult individual off-post schools for specific regulations.
Meal assistance
Both Fort Rucker schools offer free and reduced price lunch programs, according to Deas. Parents must fill out applications annually to receive assistance. Forms are available at open house events next week.
Study skills
Jennings offers free classes on study skills and children staying at home alone. Classes are held the last Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. and topics alternate monthly.
Parents may register at Parent Central Services, in Bldg. 5700, Rm. 130.
For more information, call Jennings at 255-9812.
Safety
Children and parents should plan out transportation routes together to ensure safe traveling to and from school, said Peggy Contreras, Community Police supervisor. Plans should cover any transportation method used - walking, bicycling, riding buses or being dropped off and picked up by parents or other adults.
Bicyclists should not ride in streets and should be aware of vehicles and obey all traffic rules. Individuals of any age must wear helmets while riding on post, she said.
Community Police are present at Fort Rucker Elementary School crosswalks at the beginning and ending of each school day to guide children and direct traffic.
Personal safety is also important for youth, Contreras noted. Backpacks should not weigh too much for children to carry. Book bags on wheels are an ideal alternative for heavy loads. Children should also never stop for or talk to strangers.
For more school information, contact Fort Rucker Primary and Elementary schools staff at 598-4473 and 598-4408.
Social Sharing