PTSA Frequently Asked Questions

What if my child needs to take medicine at school?

Students may not carry medicine on their person while at school.  No medications may be administered at school without the written prescription from a doctor or licensed nurse practitioner.  This is Washington state law.  This law applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medication.  If it is necessary for a student to receive a dose of medicine during school you must come in and sign a permission form--in most cases the form also needs a signature from a doctor.  (Prescriptions requiring 3 doses per day can be given before school, immediately after school, and at bedtime.)  We keep all medicines locked up for the safety of all students.  If you must bring medicine to school for your child, it must:

  • be in the original container
  • be labeled with the student's name and dose
  • be accompanied by a measuring device

It is the responsibility of the student to remember to come to the office for his/her medicine.  It cannot be given during class time.  Usually students come by right before or after lunch.  If you are afraid your child will forget, please call the office at 252-6080 a few minutes before the dose time to remind us to remind your child.

If your child carries an inhaler, we need to know that and we must have the form signed by a parent and doctor.

If you have any concerns or questions about your child's health during school, please discuss them with the nurse.  She will make every effort to coordinate care.

What's the best way to drop off or pick up my child by car?

Please use 5th Ave. NE (the street parallel to the freeway) for the drop off and pick up of your children if you must drive them to school.  This is the only load zone for students.  We will have adults on bus duty on 4th NE only.  The parking lot is reserved for staff.  Do not use it for access to the school.  We lack parking spaces and ask you to have your child come and go by school bus if possible.

What do I do if my child can't come to school?

If your child is not coming to school, please call (252-6080) before 9:00AM and let us know.  Regular attendance is important to your child's success at school.  However, children should not be sent to school when ill.  If your child has been ill during the night, he/she should have a normal temperature for 24 hours before returning to school.  Excused reasons for absence or late arrival include illness, dental/doctor appointments, or emergencies.  Traffic, being needed at home, sleeping in, etc. are not excused.

What if my child is late to school?

Any students arriving late must sign in in the office before going to class.  Late students must have a note if the parent does not come into the office with them.  Please be aware that 3 unexcused late arrivals will count as an unexcused absence.

What if I need to get a message to my child?

We will attempt to deliver messages to students in an emergency.  Please be sure your student knows the plan for going home every day.  Sometimes we cannot get those messages to your student in time.  If you have a message for your student, you must call the school before 2:00pm.  At the end of the day, we are often too busy to try to track down students.

What if my child needs to make a phone call at school?

Students are not allowed to use phones at school unless it is a serious emergency.  For instance, they are not allowed to call home to make plans to go home with a friend.  Please let your child know he/she can go to the office in an emergency.

What if I want my child to go on a different bus or have a change to his/her means of going home?

Any change in your child's usual method of going home requires a note.  If you want your child to go home on a bus that is not the one he/she usuallly rides -- or he/she usually walks home -- you must send a signed, dated note giving your permission, the number of the bus, and the name of the student with whom they are to get off the bus.  If this is to be a weekly occurence, call Transportation at 252-0900 and ask for an "as needed" assignment, or send a note that says,

"My child (name)has my permission to ride bus # (X)___ every (x)___day."

If your student normally rides a bus, but plans to walk home or ride in a car home with a friend, they will also need a note.

What do I do if I want my child to have internet access?

JSIS offers students access to the internet.  Through the internet, students have access to hundreds of databases, libraries, and computer services from all over the world.  If you wish for your student to have internet access, you must sign and return the Seattle School District Student Internet Access Agreement.  You can fill out the form online, print it out, sign it, and send it back to school with your child.  This form was also included as part of your First Day Packets.

I want to allow pictures of my child on this web site. What do I do?

JSIS has a very simple form you can fill out to allow pictures of your child on the school's web site.  You can fill out the form online, print it, sign it, and send it back to school with your child.

Is there a school resource if my child needs help with math homework?

The Seattle School Distric offers a math homework hotline staffed by teachers.  It is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.  The number to contact is 729-3333.

Is there a school resource if my child needs help with social skills?

Social Skills Group are available at JSIS.  If you think your student could benefit from groups designed to increase self-esteem, anger management, self-expression, friendship building, etc., please contact Valerie Vogel, Student Assistant Specialist at 252-6110 or visit her in Room 315.

Where do I go to learn about playground rules?

Recess should be safe and fun for everyone.  You can help your child by reviewing the Recess Expectations.  It includes rules for popular games such as tetherball and four square.

What do I do if it snows?

In case of bad weather before the school day (7:30 AM or sooner) you can check the Public Schools Emergency Communications System site, or listen to the major radio stations, i.e. KIRO or KUOW, for status of schools.

Can I visit my child at school?

John Stanford International School encourages you to visit your children in school during the year. Follow these suggestions to make your visit beneficial for you and your child:
1. To ensure our children's safety, we must require you to sign in at the office when you arrive at school.
2. If possible, make advance arrangements with your child's teacher, especially if you want to see a particular kind of activity.
3. When visiting, quietly open the door and walk into the room. Please remember that the teacher is busy with the class and would be happy to schedule a separate meeting with you to discuss questions or concerns.
4. Please do not bring other children with you when you visit.

How many hours can I volunteer?

As many as you want.