What Days and Times Are My Kids Supposed to Be At School!? Schedule Guidance For MCPS Families

Holy smacks is it tough to figure out when kids are supposed to go to school, supposed to stay home and supposed to be logged in for remote learning. There are so many questions, even for the most organized Missoula parents. And then when you figure out which days and times your children are supposed to show up in person, you find out there is NO school on Mondays. Sheesh, it's like a second full time job trying to figure it all out. I've studied and followed along with every email sent by Missoula County Public schools and the high schools, here's my guidance for those of you who have kids attending in person classes.

Wednesday, August 26th is the first day of school for students kindergarten, 6th and 9th grade ONLY.

Kindergarten Schedule for 1st Day

Last Names A-K 8:30am - 10:30am

Last Names L-Z 12:10pm - 2:10pm

Kindergarten Services on first day: No Transportation services for K on August 26 Breakfast / Lunch snack in classroom

6th Grade Schedule for First Day

Last Names A-K 8:00am - 10:55am

Last Names L-Z 10:45am - 2:05pm

6th Grade Services on first day: Transportation services will be provided - Bus schedules TBD Breakfast / Lunch in classroom

9th Grade Schedule for First Day

Last Names A-K 10:00am - 12:00pm

Last Names L-Z 1:30 - 3:30pm

9th grade services on first day: Transportation services will be provided - Bus schedules TBD Breakfast / Lunch grab and go service

Thursday, August 27th is the first day of school for students with last names starting in A-K, other half of the alphabet stays home. Bus and Food Service provided, no remote learning.

Friday, August 28th is the first day of school for students with last names starting in L-Z, kids who went on Thursday, stay home. Bus and Food Service provided, no remote learning.

September 1st is the first day of school for Seeley Swan High School.

September 8th is the first day of school for the MCPS Online Academy.

There is NO school for anyone on the following Mondays: August 31st (teacher's day), September 7th (Labor Day), September 14th (teacher's day).

Sept 1 & 2 - A-K In Person, L-Z Remote

Sept 3 & 4 - L-Z in Person, A-K Remote

Sept 8 & 9 - A-K In Person, L-Z Remote

Sept 10 & 11 - L-Z In Person, A-K Remote

Sept 15 & 16 - A-K In Person, L-Z Remote

Sept 17 & 18 - L-Z In Person, A-K Remote

TIMES to be at school after the first day:

K-5th 8:30 - 2:10 p.m.

Middle School - 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

High School - 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

MCPS plans to move to Phase 2, ALL STUDENTS, EVERY DAY, on Wednesday, September 21st. COVID-19 numbers and the Missoula City-County Health Department may advise otherwise as we get closer to that date. Times I've listed will remain in effect, even if we move into Phase 2.

Whether you personally believe that COVID-19 is real and/or a threat, or not, YOUR CHILDREN MUST HAVE A MASK ON AT SCHOOL.

My fellow parents and guardians and anyone who is sending kids to school this week: if there are days when you realize you were supposed to send your students to school, but misunderstood the schedule, don't be so hard on yourself. Hug your kiddos, no matter their age, tell them it's not a big deal, it's going to be fine and it won't be this way forever. Remember, they are just as stressed as you are, you're in this together, help each other and don't beat yourself up, we're all doing our best. You've got this!!