FAQs
If you’ve got kids, then you’ve probably got questions. We’ve put together the answers to the questions we hear most frequently. And of course, we’re always happy to help.
What do I do when my child needs to stay home from school?
- Call your child’s school before 8:30 a.m. in cases of a morning or full-day absence.
- Call the school office between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in case of an afternoon absence. When known in advance, please send a note to the office that morning, indicating the time of dismissal.
In the event that a child is absent and the school has not been notified, we will contact the parent/guardian. If we are unable to reach a parent/guardian, we will call persons listed as emergency contacts. If we cannot reach either the parent/guardian or persons listed as emergency numbers, we will request that the Closter Police Department check on the missing student.
How do we register our child?
Whether you’re new to the area or your child is just beginning kindergarten, we welcome you! Our Registration page has all the information you need to enroll at one of our schools.
Back to TopHow old does my child need to be to register for kindergarten?
In accordance with state mandates, we require students be at least five (5) years of age on or before October 1 in order to enroll in kindergarten.
Back to TopHow will I be notified in the event of an emergency school closing?
We will always relay messages as quickly as we can in the event of hazardous weather conditions, mechanical failures, or other emergencies as follows:
- We will call each home to relay a recorded message.
- We will post information here on our website.
My child has special needs due to a learning or physical disability. What do I need to do to ensure she has the resources and accommodations she needs?
Every child is entitled to receive an education appropriate to his or her unique needs. Learn more about our Special Education Services, or contact the office to speak with someone about how we can help.
Back to TopWhat measures do Closter Public Schools take to ensure my child will be safe at school?
Each school shall have at least one fire drill and one school security drill each month. Additionally, we have security procedures in place at each school for the protection of students, staff, and visitors. These procedures go into effect immediately after the arrival of students:
- We lock all doors until students are dismissed.
- For visitors, upon arrival at the main entrance, please press the intercom button to identify yourself to office personnel. Once admitted to the school, please proceed directly to the main office to sign in and receive a visitor’s pass. Before leaving the school, please go back to the main office to return your pass and sign out.
- We do not permit parents to enter the building during drop-off or pick-up times or to deliver forgotten lunches, instruments, or homework.
While we regret that these procedures may cause some inconvenience, we are certain everyone will understand our concern for safe and secure schools.
What do I need to know in the event of a delayed opening?
In the event of a delayed opening due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, please review the following start times for each individual school. Please note the school day ends at the normal time for each building.
Hillside Elementary School:
Students report to school at 10:10 a.m. Please do not drop off students earlier than 10:10 a.m. as there is no supervision prior to this time.
Instruction begins at 10:25 a.m.
Tenakill Middle School:
Students report to school at 9:50 a.m. Please do not drop off students earlier than 9:50 a.m. as there is no supervision prior to this time.
Homeroom begins at 9:55 a.m.
If your child takes the bus to school, in the event of a delayed opening the buses will also be delayed by approximately 90 minutes. Therefore, your child's bus pickup will be approximately 90 minutes later than normal on a delayed opening day.