Q: What is the best school for my child?
There is no “best school,” as each school offers similar programming, resources and staffing as other schools in the district.
Q: How does the culture and climate of each school differ?
A: While each school has a unique feel to it, the climate and culture at each is centered around the needs of students, providing all children with consistent academic and social growth opportunities. All of our schools have a strong PTA presence, which further strengthens each school community.
Q: What is the first day of school like for my child?
Prior to the first day of school, there will be an opportunity for your child to meet their teachers and visit their classroom. On the first day, your child will be greeted and meet with their teacher in a central location and then be escorted to their class. Students will have ample time to get to know their teachers, the building, and the supporting staff to set themselves up for a successful year.
Q: What if I need to speak to my child’s teacher?
A: Each school has a telephone and email directory available on its website where you can find contact information to reach out to your child’s teacher directly.
Q: How is instruction differentiated to meet the needs of my child?
A: Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) is utilized at each school, providing students with different levels of support to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
Q: What afterschool programs are available?
A: Before and after school programs are available at each school through the White Plains Youth Bureau. All schools also provide a range of enrichment activities and extracurricular activities for all students.
Q: What support and enrichment programs are available?
A: The district offers a wide variety of programs and services to supplement or enrich the curriculum. Among these are programs such as Responsive Classroom, English as a New Language, Dual Language, and AVID.
We offer enrichment in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Visual Reasoning at the elementary and secondary levels as well as Project Lead the Way Launch to all elementary students for STEM learning.
Q: Will transportation be provided to my student?
A: The White Plains City School District transports students in grades K-5 who reside more than 1/2 mile from their schools and students in grades 6-12 who reside more than 1 miles from their schools. As mandated by state law, students with disabilities are entitled to transportation, as specified in their IEP, to and from special classes or programs up to 50 miles from the home of such student.
Q: Where can I find school supply lists for my child?
A: School supply lists can be found on our Back to School Information webpage. Click here to visit the page.
Q: Can I visit my child's classroom?
A: Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for parents to visit classrooms, including parent/teacher conference days and American Education Week. Parents who wish to meet their child's teacher/principal should either call the teacher/principal or send a note or email requesting a meeting. When requesting the appointment, parents should indicate when they are available to come into the school.
Q: How will I be notified of weather delays and closings?
A. Families will be notified of school closings or delayed openings in bad weather via ParentSquare. You can also visit the district's website, www.whiteplainspublicschools.org to view weather delay/closing announcements. Please do not call the Board of Education. For delayed openings, buses (including those for private schools and special education) will operate one or more hours later than the usual schedule, as announced.
