News From the Nest
January 8, 2024
January 15, 2024
Drop Off and Pick Up Reminders When Buses are Canceled
Thank you everyone for your patience and cooperation last week on Thursday and Friday when the buses were cancelled. As there it is likely that the buses will be cancel again yet this winter, we wanted to remind you of a few logistics on days when buses are canceled during drop off and pick up times to help with getting your children into school or vehicles ASAP so they stay safe and warm.
- Morning: The school doors do not open until 8:20 AM. Please do not drop off your child before then as we do not have supervision in place until that time. When buses are canceled, you are free to use the bus lane in front of the school to drop your child off.
- Afternoons:
- If you would like to meet your child at the door: Please park to the east of the school along Main Blvd or one of the other neighborhood streets.
- If you would prefer for your child to meet you at your vehicle: Please use the bus lane in front of the school. When in the bus lane, please remain in your vehicle and have your child come to you so this lane can be used as a "pick up and go" area to keep traffic flowing. If needed, school staff can radio inside to have your child sent out.
- Any students who do not have a ride shortly after dismissal will be brought back into school so they stay warm and safe until a ride arrives.
- The bus lane should only be used during drop off and pick up times when buses are canceled. Otherwise this lane is reserved for buses only.
Our office is here to help during these busy days. If you have any questions about drop off or pick up please give us a call
Library Volunteers Needed
School Council is organizing caregiver and parent volunteers to help in the Mills Haven library on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9-10 am. This will enhance the library experience for all MHV students.
Duties may include:
- Checking in books
- Putting away books
- Organizing shelves
Both shifts require up to 3 volunteers. Use the link below to sign up.
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/5080F44AEAF2DA1FC1-45014625-library
Kindergarten Registration Starts Soon!
Is your child turning five on or before Dec. 31, 2024? If so, it’s almost time to register for kindergarten.
Kindergarten registration opens for the 2024-25 school year at 9 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2024.
To help families prepare, Elk Island Public Schools has put together an online EIPS Kindergarten Tool kit to make the transition as smooth as possible. The kit includes information on registration, important dates, programming options, what to expect, eligibility, how to find your designated school, transportation and more.
Additional information regarding Mills Haven Elementary’s kindergarten program is available at www.millshaven.ca
Returning Student Registration for 2024-25
Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) will once again conduct an online returning student registration process to confirm student registrations for the 2024-25 school year. Families of all current students—with the exception of graduating Grade 12 students—must complete the process to confirm the school their child plans to attend in the 2024-25 school year or advise the Division of their plans not to return to EIPS. Additionally, students who want to attend a non-designated school need to make that request through the returning student registration process—acceptance is based on available space. The 2024-25 returning student registration takes place Feb. 8-21, 2024.
One contact for each current PALS to Grade 11 student will receive the Returning Student Registration Form link through Permission Click on February 8. The recipient is based on which contact has been identified as the one to receive forms as listed on the most recent registration form, Correction and Verification Form or Student Information Update submitted to the Division. To review the contacts listed for each student, refer to the Student Information Update available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Only one contact can be selected to receive forms.
For more information, contact the school office at 780-467-5556.
Inclement Weather
With the winter season well underway, we want to remind families to dress children appropriately for the weather when getting ready for school or the bus. The weather often changes unexpectedly throughout the day, so please select suitable outerwear and ensure your child is prepared for changing conditions.
If inclement weather conditions occur, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) will advise families of any bus cancellations or changes to school operations using various communications tools—automated-telephone messages, email, SMS, alerts posted on www.eips.ca and school websites, Twitter, Facebook, local radio stations and notification through both the Bus Status and the Ride 360 apps. Morning bus cancellations are posted on www.eips.ca by 6:30 a.m.
Decisions regarding bus cancellations or changes to school operations are guided by EIPS’ Administrative Procedure 131: Inclement Weather, which states: “school bus service may be suspended … when there is a forecast or current temperature of -40 C including wind chill, in one or more regions.” Other reasons for suspending or delaying school bus services or school-related activities include adverse weather and poor road conditions.
When school bus services are suspended, schools remain open to students. EIPS believes families have the right and responsibility to make choices for their children based on what they feel is safest during times of inclement weather.
For more information, contact EIPS Student Transportation at 780-417-8151.