Frequently Asked Questions About Monarch School
- What is Monarch School?
- What are the hours for Monarch School, and when can I drop off my child?
- How can I enroll my child to attend at Monarch?
- I need to check out my child early. What is the procedure?
- What is the process for withdrawing my child from school?
- What happens if my child becomes sick?
- Does my child require a doctor’s note to return to school after being sick?
- How will I receive information concerning my child’s progress?
- How do I schedule a conference with my child's teacher?
- How will I know if the school has been closed?
- How do I find lost items belonging to my child?
- Can I come in and tour your school and observe in a specific class, even though I don't have a student at Monarch?
- Why do the lights in the cafeteria appear to have a green cast?
- How do I register my child for kindergarten?
Answer: Monarch School is a special entity of Gwinnett County Public Schools. We serve special needs students ages 3, 4, and non-kindergarten age 5, and ages 18 through 21. We also house the Ninth District Opportunity Pre-K and Head Start programs in our building. You can read a more detailed answer here, or learn more about our school on the About Us page.
Back to top
Question: What are the hours for Monarch School and when can I drop off my child?
Answer: You can get all of our school times, as well as other basic information, on the Monarch Info Sheet (PDF).
Back to top
Question: How can I enroll my child to attend at Monarch?
Answer: Visit the registration page for detailed information.
Back to top
Question: I need to check out my child early. What is the procedure?
Answer: A student who leaves school before the official ending time must be signed out in the office by his/her parent or guardian. For the safety of all, parents must report to the front office for check-out, not the classroom, and identification is required. The receptionist will call the room for the child after verifying your ID. Early check-out is allowed anytime before 1:30 PM. After that time you will need to go through the carpool line. A child will not be permitted to leave the school in the custody of any person other than the child's parent, unless that person has written, verified authorization from one of the child's parents and is listed on the child’s check-out card in the office. Again, identification is required. As telephone numbers and situations change, please make sure you report this information to the school so that we may update your child's card.
Back to top
Question: What is the process for withdrawing my child from school?
Answer: When withdrawing from a Gwinnett County school, it is necessary notify both the classroom teacher and the main office. You will need to come to the front office to complete withdrawal paperwork, pay any outstanding lunch charges, and verify that all library books have been returned before your student's record is cleared. We request that you give us as much advance notice as possible if you will need to withdraw your child.
Back to top
Question: What happens if my child becomes sick?
Answer: If your child becomes sick or injured while at school, the school will contact you immediately, and all efforts will be made to keep your child comfortable for a short period until you arrive. Accurate and current telephone numbers and medical information are critical in case of an emergency. It is imperative that work, home and emergency information be on file in the clinic and updated when changes occur. This includes people and telephone numbers listed on the clinic card as emergency contacts, as well as details about any medical conditions or needs for your child. You can learn more on the clinic page.
Back to top
Question: Does my child require a doctor’s note to return to school after being sick?
Answer: For chronic illness, please provide doctor’s clearance before returning your child to school. All students must be completely fever-free for at least 24 hours prior to returning to school.
Back to top
Question: How will I receive information concerning my child’s progress?
Answer: Progress reports are given to students at the end of each nine week period. These progress reports will be sent home via the student in an envelope. The progress report envelope should be signed by the parent(s) and returned to the child's teacher. You are to keep the progress report itself. Please check the school calendar for progress report dates.
Back to top
Question: How do I schedule a conference with my child's teacher?
Answer: Parents are encouraged to arrange a conference as needed with teachers, therapists, and/or administrators by telephoning the school office (678-542-2330) between 8:00 A.M. and 3:30 P.M. Your call will be returned within 24 hours to schedule the conference. You may also send a note to your child’s teacher. Special parent-teacher conference days are provided on early release days. See the school calendar for early release dates.
Back to top
Question: How will I know if the school has been closed?
Answer: In the event of severe weather or other special situations, school may be delayed or closed. Public announcements will be made on GCPS Television, on the Gwinnett County Public Schools website, through the GCPS Twitter feed (@GwinnettSchools), on the GCPS Facebook page, and via metro-Atlanta radio and television stations. Reports will be made between 6:00 A.M. and 6:30 A.M. If there is no report, school will be in session. The same conditions may also necessitate early release. In this instance, please do not call the school to inquire about early release. Lines must be kept open for emergencies. Instead, check the same sources listed above for information. In an early release situation, students will be sent home the same way as they would any other day--via bus or carpool. If changes to regular transportation are necessary, please contact the front office.
Back to top
Question: How do I find lost items belonging to my child?
Answer: The lost and found is located near the office. Articles left at the end of each nine weeks will be donated to charity.
Back to top
Question: Can I come in and tour your school and observe in a specific class, even though I don't have a student at Monarch?
Answer: Visitors are always welcome at Monarch, but you will not be able to visit a specific classroom if you do not have a child in that class. We will meet with you and find out what you are interested in observing, and then make plans to meet your needs to the best of our ability.
Back to top
Question: Why do the lights in the cafeteria appear to have a green cast?
Answer: The lights in the cafeteria have been specially altered to be more calming for our students on the autism spectrum.
Back to top
Question: How do I register my child for kindergarten?
Answer: Kindergarten registration for the 2012-2013 school year will take place on May 3, 2012 throughout the county. Visit the GCPS Countdown to Kindergarten page for more information.
Back to top