• Frequently Asked Questions




    What should I do if my child is sick?

    If your child has a fever or is vomiting, s/he should definitely stay home. Children with mild
    cold symptoms can be sent to school. If your child stays home sick, please send a note to school when s/he returns. Sick notes will be accepted up to 3 days after the child returns to school.

    What should I do if I would like a different drop-off or pick-up for my child’s bus?

    Call Mrs. DeVeer in the office and request an application for alternative transportation. Once
    you complete the application, wait for official notification from the transportation office that your child’s bus has changed.

    Who can I talk to if I have questions or concerns about my child’s transportation to and/or from school?

    Please contact the Philbrick School office at 617-635-8069.
     
    Specifically for school bus transportation: BPS offers a School Bus tracker. Please note that you need your student's ID number.  

     

    If it is snowing, how can I find out if school has been cancelled?

    School cancellations are announced on television (Channels 4, 5, and 7) and on the Internet –
    www.boston.com. If “Boston Public Schools” is listed, school is cancelled. If not, school is not cancelled. Please do not call the school to ask if school has been cancelled. Due to the com- plexities of transportation for the district, school is NEVER released early due to inclement weather. Parents should use their best judgment in deciding on an early pick-up when weather is particularly concerning.

    What should I do if there is a change in my child’s afternoon pick-up plans?

    Please send a note with your child if s/he will be picked up by a different person or will not be
    riding the bus. If a last minute emergency arises, you should call the school. However, if we do not have a note, we will use the information on the transportation form you provide to us at the start of the year.

    On what days is the Philbrick nurse at the building?

    Our nurse’s schedule is to be determined. However the nurse will come to the Philbrick at lunchtime to dispense medication and to check in on any child needing medical attention.

    What is meant by an unexcused absence?

    Some parents think that every absence will be excused as long as a parent sends a note. This is
    not true. Some examples of unexcused absences are as follows: student needs to baby-sit, family vacation, trip to a homeland, extension of a religious or cultural holi-
    day beyond the designated day(s) on the school calendar, and repetitive or chronic absences. Please see page 14 of the BPS Family Guide.