Learning & Daily Life at South

Breakfast

• The building opens at 8:30 a.m. for students eating breakfast.
• Breakfast is served in the cafeteria before the school day begins.

Student Arrival

• Students not eating breakfast may enter beginning at 8:45 a.m..
• Students enter the building to begin their school day.

Supervision

• Students may not be dropped off before 8:30 a.m., as supervision is not available.

Late Arrival

• Students arriving after the start of the school day must be signed in at the office by a parent or guardian.

Inclement Weather

• On rainy days, students will enter the building and line up with their classrooms.

Bus Riders

• Students who ride the bus are dismissed and walked out by staff.

Parent Pick-Up

• Families picking up students are asked to remain in their vehicle along the sidewalk in the designated pick-up lane.
• If the line becomes long, families may park and walk up to meet their child.
• Please follow posted signage and staff directions during dismissal.

Families with Students in Multiple Buildings

• Students will meet at the flagpole in front of the Administration Building.
• Families should park in the Administration Building parking lot for pick-up.

• Any change in your child’s dismissal routine must be communicated to the school no later than 2:00 p.m.
• Without prior notice, students will follow their usual dismissal plan.
• Early pick-up requires a parent or guardian to sign the student out through the main office.

Reporting an Absence

• If your child will be absent, please call the school office at 616-997-3100.
• We ask that families call by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the absence.
• Voicemail is available 24 hours a day if you are unable to speak with someone directly.

Tardies

• Students are considered tardy if they arrive between 8:45–9:15 a.m..
• Early dismissal between 3:10–3:40 p.m. is also considered a tardy.
• Students are not marked tardy if buses arrive late.

Vacation Absences

• Vacation days are included when calculating attendance and chronic absenteeism.

When to Keep Your Child Home

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Persistent cough
• Major cold or flu symptoms
• Severe sore throat
• Headache, fatigue, or body aches

Return-to-School Guidelines

• Your child must be fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
• Vomiting and diarrhea must be resolved for 24 hours.
• Overall symptoms should be improving before returning to school.

As upper-elementary learners, South Elementary students are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their daily routines.

• Students are expected to manage personal belongings, classroom materials, and transitions throughout the day.
• Respectful, responsible, and safe behavior is expected in all school settings.

Students at South Elementary are issued a Chromebook for learning.

• Students are responsible for the care and appropriate use of their device.
• Technology is used for educational purposes and according to school expectations.
• Families may be responsible for repair or replacement costs if devices are damaged due to misuse.

Medications at School

• A Medication Administration Form is required for any prescription or over-the-counter medication.
• The form must be signed by a physician.
• Medication must be brought to the office by a parent or guardian—students may not transport medications.
• All medication must be in its original container with the child’s name and prescriptions clearly labeled.

Medication Administration Form Contact School Nurse

Allergies & Health Plans

• Please inform the South office and your child’s teacher of any allergies or medical conditions.
• Health Care Plans (including allergy, asthma, or seizure plans) must be updated annually.
• Epinephrine, inhalers, or other emergency medications require a physician-completed plan on file.

View Allery Care Plan Forms  Contact School Nurse

If Your Child Becomes sick at School

• Parents/guardians will be contacted if a child is ill or unable to participate in learning.
• Students displaying fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or concerning symptoms must be picked up promptly.
• Please ensure emergency contact information in Infinite Campus is up-to-date.

Building Security

• Doors remain locked during the school day.
• All visitors enter through the office.

Visiting South

• Visitors must check in at the main office and wear a visitor badge.

Volunteering

• A completed background check is required for all volunteers.
• Please bring your drivers license when volunteering.
• Parents and guardians interested in volunteering should contact the school office or their child’s teacher.

Background Check FormPTO Information