School administration releases reminders about new 'Chaug

Date: 8/21/2012

WILBRAHAM — As the new school year at the new Minnechaug Regional High School approaches, the administration wishes to forward some reminders to students and parents.

Class orientations are scheduled for Aug. 20 to 24. Students and parents are asked to refer to the schedule publshed in the Minnechaug August/September newsleter. If anyone cannot make any of the above orientations, they should be aware that faculty will be out and about directing students where to go on the first day of school.

Bus drop off, student drop off and student parking are all in the back of the school. As vehicles enter from Tinkham Road, they should take the first left and follow that road all the way around to the building.

As vehicles get to the back of the building, there are three lanes: one for buses only, one for car drop offs only, and a third lane that leads to student parking for those students with a parking permit. All motorists are asked to be patient and plan for additional time.

In the afternoons, all student traffic and pick-ups will be halted until the buses are releases first.

Student parking permits will be limited to 300 permits this year. As the district has said in numerous other communications, seniors get the first chance at purchasing these and the normal rules about having your license and a car at the time of buying a permit do not apply. Seniors may buy a permit to secure a spot before they have a car or license.

After the seniors have a chance, juniors will come next. The reduction in permits sold is due to the East parking lot not being installed yet. At some point, when that parking lot becomes available, the school can issue more permits for purchase.

The fall open house is set for Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. The school is working on plans to accommodate the number of vehicles that need to park. With 388 parking spots and about 100 staff and faculty, the school will be offering alternative sites to park in order to accommodate this event. It would be very helpful if families could carpool.

Minnechaug will have tour opportunities on Aug. 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. These are self-guided tours with staff members around to assist with questions and maps provided.

Additionally, Sept. 8 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. will also be another opportunity for the public to come in and tour the new facilities.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 10 am.

Parking for athletic events will be in the student parking lot behind the school and there are pathways to the various fields.

Only referees, visiting team buses, and handicapped spectators will be allowed to park by the district maintenance building next to the football field.

Student IDs will have many more functions at this school Students will be able to tardy in with their IDs, purchase lunch with their IDs, and access resources in our Information & Research Commons (library) with their student IDs. Student IDs come to us after school picture day in the early Fall.

The cafeteria is finally transitioning to a Point of Sale system (POS) just like all of the students' previous schools. Students can put money on their account and everyone was mailed an account code this summer and can set this account up at any time and put a starting balance for your children.

Communicating with your children will take on a new face this year. Students will be allowed to use their cell phones in the cafeteria to text or make phone calls. Phones are not allowed in the academic areas and must continue to be turned off unless the teacher authorizes their use for an academic purpose.

Please feel free to text your children during their lunch block if there is information you need to get to them.

Student schedules are being mailed out soon. If there is a problem or you have an incomplete schedule please contact your guidance counselor. Guidance counselors return to work on Aug. 20, but appointments may be made in advance by contacting Mrs. Lavoie in the Guidance Office at 596-9011 Ext. 3812.

Mrs. Lavoie's summer hours are as follows:

August 14: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.;

August 16: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.;

August 17 to 27, she will be in 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.