Elementary School Morning Drop-Off and
Right At School Program – FAQ
Update June 24, 2025
The following questions were addressed at the Lynbrook Elementary School Early Morning Forum held via Microsoft Teams on June 23, 2025. Click on the link to view the full presentation.
District Drop-Off Questions
What traffic planning has gone into the new drop-off procedure?
The district is basing its current procedures on established practices that proved effective before the introduction of the 7:30 AM drop-off model, as well as on protocols used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The district has coordinated with the Villages of Lynbrook and East Rockaway and the respective police departments. Local PTAs are assisting during the drop-off windows, and each principal will share school-specific Traffic and Safety Expectations.
Has a traffic survey been conducted?
Traffic patterns were evaluated in consultation with the Villages of Lynbrook and East Rockaway to promote safe and efficient flow.
Will traffic problems be addressed throughout the year?
Yes. School-based Compact Committees will meet regularly to monitor and respond to any traffic-related challenges.
What are the drop-off times for each elementary school?
- Marion Street, Waverly Park, West End: 8:10 AM
- Kindergarten Center: 8:20 AM
Will there be additional crossing guards?
Crossing guards are assigned by the police departments. The district has communicated with the Nassau County 4th Precinct and Lynbrook Police. A county-wide shortage exists, but collaboration continues to address safety needs.
Universal Free Breakfast Questions
What is the breakfast program schedule for all buildings?
- Elementary Schools: 8:10-8:25
- Kindergarten Center: 8:20 (Upon arrival)
- Middle Schools: 7:40-7:55
- High School: 7:00 -8:00
What food will be offered for breakfast at the elementary schools?
Grab-and-go meals such as a bagel or muffin, a piece of fruit, and milk are expected. Final offerings will depend on the district’s food service provider, which is currently under bid. Gluten-free and allergy-sensitive options will be included.
Will parents get the menu in advance?
Yes. As with lunch, elementary families will use FD MealPlanner to pre-order. This ensures allergy and dietary needs are considered. There is no need for pre-ordering in the middle schools or high school.
Does my child need to eat breakfast to enter early at the elementary schools?
No. All students may enter at 8:10 AM regardless of whether they are eating breakfast. However, we strongly encourage pre-ordering to guarantee availability.
How are allergies handled?
All NYS-approved food service companies must have an allergy plan. Our schools also follow established lunch/snack allergy protocols during breakfast.
Will breakfast be available for students riding the bus?
Yes. Students arriving by bus will receive breakfast. If buses are late, students will bring breakfast to class.
Where will students eat?
Students may eat in breakfast areas or classrooms. Teachers will allow students to finish breakfast within the homeroom period, which ends at 8:40 AM.
How will trash and cleanliness be handled?
Custodial staff will follow enhanced trash removal protocols to maintain cleanliness and limit pest attraction.
Right at School (RAS) Before-School Program Questions
What time does the RAS program start?
The program begins at 7:00 AM in all three elementary schools and the Kindergarten Center.
Where will the program take place?
Typically in the cafeteria, gym, or library-exact locations vary by building.
Will all grades be in one room?
No. Children are grouped by age and grade level. Requests to keep siblings or friends together will be considered.
What will students do during the program?
- Homework Help
- Fitness Blast (yoga, stretching, games)
- Inspiration Stations (arts, creativity)
- Team Projects
- Self-Directed Inquiry (reading, building)
Is there free time?
Yes. Students can choose independent or quieter activities during designated time blocks.
Can students use phones/smartwatches?
No. RAS is governed by NYS OCFS and is device-free. Devices must remain in backpacks unless needed for academic purposes.
Is there flexibility in scheduling?
Yes. You can register for 1–5 days/week, and schedules can change week to week. A punch card is available for occasional use.
What if I do not know my child’s schedule yet?
Before-school schedules for music are being released by each school this week. Ample space is available, and RAS will work with schools to expand capacity if needed.
What is the registration process for drop-in card use?
Drop-in cards are used for families who do not need regular access to the program but may need to use the program in emergency or rare circumstances. Registration is still required to ensure adequate supervision and safety.
What is the timeline to increase RAS capacity if needed?
If enrollment exceeds capacity, RAS will work with school administration to secure more space and submit a request to OCFS for approval. Additional space can be licensed quickly.
Will the same staff work in both the morning and afternoon Right at School programs?
Right at School strives to have the same staff for both programs to ensure consistency and routine for the children. However, some staff members may have other commitments, so while this is the goal, it may not always be possible.
Other Common Questions
Will breakfast be consumed in the elementary classrooms? Isn’t that a concern for allergies?
Some students may eat in classrooms, just like snack time. Allergy protocols already in place will apply.
Will elementary children be supervised when walking with breakfast to classrooms?
Yes. Staff will supervise students to ensure safety during breakfast transitions.
Is there a cutoff time for eating breakfast in the elementary schools?
Students are expected to complete breakfast by the end of the homeroom period at 8:40 AM, but accommodations will be made if needed.
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Update June 12, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined our May 27 community roundtable or viewed the recording. We appreciate your continued engagement and feedback. We recognize that communication about changes to elementary morning drop-off did not reach all families effectively, and we apologize for the resulting frustration.
The decision to end the free, district-run early drop-off program followed a careful review of safety, staffing, and legal concerns. However, by leveraging the NYS Universal Free School Meal Program, Marion Street, Waverly Park, and West End will begin offering free breakfast to students at 8:10 AM next year, thereby providing more drop-off time. Students in early music programs may enter at 7:40 AM, pick up breakfast, and eat during homeroom. Right at School participants will also receive breakfast during program time. Principals will share each building’s specific procedures before the end of the year. Please note that the Kindergarten Center drop-off remains at 8:20 AM.
Our greatest challenge in introducing this new program is the shortage of breakfast monitors. If you know of anyone who would like to work a few hours to help launch this program, please email employment@lynbrookschools.org.
We continue to collaborate with local police and village officials to enhance traffic safety and improve drop-off procedures. Concerns about Right at School have been shared with their leadership. Their contract is reviewed annually, and we will collect both their survey data and our own feedback form to inform next steps.
We are especially thankful for all the thoughtful and creative ideas coming from our PTA! The suggestions shared about expanding curbside assistance at drop-off times and structured parent cooperatives to assist parents with multiple school drop-offs have been outstanding. I am convinced that the best ideas, as always, will continue to come through our shared partnership.
Please join our virtual community forum on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM via Microsoft Teams. Right at School will attend. To help us prepare, please complete the attached form in advance. Participants will also be able to submit written questions in real-time using the Q&A feature in Teams.
The meeting can be accessed with this link: June 23 Community Forum
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Click here for a link to the recording of the Community Roundtable held on May 27, 2025.
Version: May 19, 2025
NOTE:
The district will host a community roundtable regarding the new Before School Care Program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the LHS Cafeteria.
1. Why is the district making changes to the morning drop-off procedures for the 2025–2026 school year?
Over the past decade, what began as a small courtesy for a few students has grown into a large-scale program serving more than 500 students daily district wide. The program has relied on limited staffing from our teaching assistants and has now outgrown our capacity to maintain a safe and effective model. To ensure consistent supervision and student safety, the district is transitioning to a structured and sustainable early care model through Right At School. In addition, the service is being expanded to the Kindergarten Center, which previously did not have a before-school program. The program is also beginning at 7:00 AM, which is a half hour earlier, to accommodate families who were formerly precluded from the 7:30 drop off time.
2. Has the district ever had a paid before-school program in the past?
Yes. Approximately 20 years ago, Lynbrook partnered with the YMCA to offer a paid before-school program.
3. Why not continue running the program using district staff?
To operate the program internally at its current scale, the district would need to significantly expand staffing, assign administrative oversight, and provide nursing coverage at each site. The district does not have the staffing or budget capacity to implement a fully structured program internally.
4. Do other districts offer similar paid before-school care programs?
Yes. Neighboring districts, including Rockville Centre, Hewlett-Woodmere, East Rockaway, Valley Stream 13 and 24, Island Park, West Hempstead, and Baldwin all operate paid before-school care programs.
5. Will my child still be allowed to arrive early for activities like band, orchestra, clubs, or extra help?
Yes. Students participating in structured, school-sponsored morning activities will continue to be permitted to arrive before the general drop-off time. Each building will manage logistics for transitioning students between the Right at School program and morning activities.
6. What types of activities are offered in the Before Care Program?
- Homework Help: Students receive assistance to complete assignments, ensuring they're ready for the school day.
- Right Moves Fitness Blast: Daily physical activities, including stretching and quick team games, help students energize their bodies and minds.
- Inspiration Station: Creative projects and challenges that encourage imagination and problem-solving skills.
- Team Projects: Collaborative activitiesthat promote teamwork and communication among peers.
- Self-Directed Inquiry: Opportunities for students to explore their interests through reading, building, or other independent activities.
7. When and how was this change communicated?
This transition was first presented publicly on February 12, 2025, at the Board of Education meeting, and again at the April 23 Board meeting. All meetings are open to the public, livestreamed, recorded, and remain available on the Board of Education meeting page of the district website. A Parent Square message from the district was sent to all families on May 12th with a registration link to the Right At School program.
8. What are the costs for the Right at School program?
Pricing for before-school care only:
- 5 days/week – $227/month
- 4 days/week – $204/month
- 3 days/week – $171/month
- 2 days/week – $125/month
- 1 day/week – $88/month
A before/after school combo is also available starting at $488/month for five days.
The district is working with Right At School to better accommodate our six-day cycle so the multi-day options will better synchronize with the music program, extra help, and other school-based before school activities. Right At School also offers punch cards and daily passes to accommodate changes in a family’s schedule or to allow for children to be dropped off simultaneously should one sibling have a school-sponsored morning activity (e.g., extra help or a music program).
9. What if I only need care on certain days and not every week?
Right at School offers flexible enrollment options, including 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-day schedules. The program is billed monthly, and for families with irregular or rotating schedules, a punch card option is available. While the lowest pricing tiers are based on consistent weekday enrollment, the district recognizes the unique needs of families with children in programs like music that follow a 6-day cycle. We are working collaboratively with Right at School to enhance flexibility, improve access, and explore pricing models that better serve these families. In response to family feedback, the district has also asked Right at School to explore whether tiered start-time options or alternative pricing structures might offer greater flexibility to families.
10. Are discounts or financial assistance available?
Yes. Right at School offers the following discounts:
- 10% Sibling Discount
- 10% Military Discount
- 50% District Employee Discount
- 20% Affordable Access Discount
In addition, families may apply for financial assistance. Eligibility details and application information are available on the district’s Right at School program webpage.
11. How will breakfast work?
As you may know, the State of New York has established a universal free breakfast program. The district is working with its Child Nutrition vendor to establish a breakfast routine that fits both the district’s needs and the ability for the Child Nutrition vendor to staff food service. We will release more details as these conversations continue.
12. What if I have concerns about traffic or safety at my school during drop-off?
Building-specific logistics, including traffic flow and supervision procedures, will be managed by each school’s administration. Families are encouraged to share input with building principals.
13. Will there be an opportunity for parents to ask questions or share concerns?
Yes. The district will host a community roundtable on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lynbrook High School cafeteria.