Things to Know Before the First Day of High School

The first day of school for all students is Wednesday, Sept. 4. Before you get your backpacks filled and first-day outfits ready, take a look at the following information for high school students: 

Students that were unable to secure a parking permit and are currently on the waiting list for a permit should pick up a "Temporary Bus Pass."  The temporary bus pass is free and valid through Nov. 27, 2013. Siblings of the student drivers on the waiting list are also eligible for the pass, according to a recent email from Principal Jon Bernard. You can pick up the buss pass at the main office of the high school until 2:30 p.m. on August 29. If students drive to school without a permit and try to park at the high school their cars may be towed at the owner's expense.

A new, smaller parking lot has been created between the area of the artificial turf field and the main parking lot, according to an email from Bernard. That is only for teachers. School personnel will be outside in the parking lot on the first few days of school at arrival time to help students navigate the parking availability, the email said.

If students walk or ride a bike to school, there is no access to the high school by way of Hill Street or the driveway adjacent to the Batchelder School, the email said. The only access to the high school is through the main entrance to the school off Park Street and by way of Dodge Road. 

Drop off and dismissal times will be a challenge due to the number of parents driving students. Bernard suggests that parents carpool, according to the email. 

"In all of the above, I respectfully ask for patience, cooperation, and flexibility as we work through the associated challenges noted herein. With the aid of Assistant Principal Mr. Loprete, I will evaluate the traffic and parking for the first several days of school and make adjustments as needed," Bernard said in the email.