Cleveland Heights School District Announces Staggered Start For K-5 Students

"We believe that this format will provide greater opportunities for students to make new friends, reduce stress during the first days of school, receive more individualized attention, and create their classroom community," the district said in a news release.

The first day of school is Aug. 26 if waiver days are not approved by the state and Aug. 28 if waver days are approved. See the important dates on the 2013-14 school calendar here.

Here's what parents need to know about staggered start.

For Kindergarten Students:

• During each of the first three days of school, one-third of each kindergarten class will attend one "Orientation Day." On the fourth day, Sept. 3, all kindergarten students will report to school.
• A parent or guardian will be invited to participate in the Orientation Day. This Orientation Day will include time for parents to get to know the Kindergarten teaching team. Parents will be present for about an hour-and-a-half and students will stay for a full day.
• During your child’s orientation time, he or she will play with other children while teachers have a chance to observe each student’s attributes. The reduced number of students provides a greater opportunity for the students, parents, and teachers to become familiar and comfortable with one another. 
• You will receive a notice from your school’s principal who will invite you and your student to participate in one Orientation Day.  

Grade 1-5 Students:

• Pending Waiver Day approval by the Ohio Department of Education, students in grades 1-5 with a last name beginning with the letters A-K will report to school Aug. 28, the first day of school for students.  They will report again on the third day of school, Aug. 30.
• Students with a last name beginning with the letters L-Z will report to school on Aug. 29, the second day of school for students. They will report again on the third day of school, Aug. 30.