What to know for first day of school in Dover

DOVER — William Harbron, superintendent of schools for the city school district, has announced the events and activities surrounding the opening of the city's public schools for the 2019-2020 academic school year.

Wednesday, Aug. 28 is the first day of school, district-wide for all grades.

All students in the elementary levels, and those entering fifth grade, will be mailed their school and room assignment cards by the middle of August, as well as information relating to bus assignments, if eligible. Students entering grades six, seven and eight will be notified via e-mail of when the new student/parent portal becomes available for their access, so assignments can be viewed online.

New Hampshire law states that no student may be admitted to a public school unless proof of immunization has been presented prior to their entrance. Parents of new students should be prepared to present a copy of immunization records before the opening day of school.

TRANSPORTATION

In order for students to be eligible for bus transportation, elementary students (including kindergarten), must live a distance of one mile or more from their school; middle school students, at least one and one-half miles from school; and high school students, at least two miles from school. The bus schedule routes and information are posted on the district website. You may find the information on our website by clicking here (District Webpage – Students and Families – Transportation), or on the Dover NH School District Facebook page, as well as in each of the schools, the office of the Superintendent, or by calling the bus provider First Student at 692-4406. Parents of students who receive special education transportation services within Dover should call the bus company Seacoast Learning Collaborative (SLC) at 679-2021 with any questions. Parents with questions regarding other special busing arrangements should call the Special Education office directly at 516-6722.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, each respective elementary school; Horne Street School, Woodman Park School, and Garrison School will hold an Open House from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. for incoming kindergarten and first-grade students, as well as students in grades two, three and four who are new to the Dover School District. Parents are welcome to stay during the event to familiarize themselves with the building and to meet the principal and staff. This can help alleviate some of the stresses that your child(ren) may face on the opening day of school. Parents of kindergarten and newly enrolled students who have not submitted a physician’s report to the school are asked to bring this with them on this day as well.

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, the elementary schools will open their doors at 8:05 a.m. with students entering their rooms at 8:15 a.m. School will be dismissed at 3:05 p.m.

DOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who are new to the school district are invited to come to the middle school on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. for an orientation program and tour. After the orientation program, students who have not previously registered during the summer will be asked to stay to complete the registration information. Registration requirements include: a copy of the student’s birth certificate, immunization record, proof of a medical physical dated August 29, 2018 or after (or details of an upcoming appointment with the date and time,

to be conditionally enrolled), and proof of Dover residency (ex. Utility bill or signed copy of lease). Students entering grades seven and eight will not be enrolled without an updated rubella immunization.

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, the middle school doors will open at 7:10 a.m. with school beginning at 7:30 a.m. Students who have not been assigned a homeroom should report directly to the Guidance Office upon arrival. Students will be dismissed at 2:20 p.m.

DOVER HIGH SCHOOL

Freshmen students will have orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 27. This will run from 7:40 a.m. to noon with buses running their normal routes. On Wednesday, Aug. 28, all high school students, including freshmen, will begin a full day of school while following a Green Day schedule.

The high school doors open at 7 a.m. with school beginning at 7:40 a.m. Students will be dismissed at 2:30 p.m.

DOVER HIGH SCHOOL BELLAMY ACADEMY

The first day of school for Dover High School Bellamy Academy students is Aug. 28. School begins at 7:40 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.