As we move forward with planning for the 2023-2024 School Year, EPSD 124 will be implementing staggered starts between our four Elementary Schools and Central Middle School. This recommendation is due to the current challenges of having middle school and our elementary schools start at the same time. These updates are a direct result of our district's school safety assessment and focus on student attendance, specifically tardiness. 

In the interest of school safety, we are recommending that students no longer “linger” outside of school property prior to the start of the school day but rather go directly to their classroom upon arrival to be immediately welcomed and supervised indoors by their classroom teacher. 

This school year, we have also found that tardies to school have increased. Through research, we have concluded that this is largely due to families having multiple locations to drop their children off. We believe that staggering the start times will give families additional flexibility and assist in students being on time for classroom instruction, and actively ready to learn! 

Important Note: Doors will NOT open prior to the time listed above. 

Staggered Starts FAQ

Q: My Child is on Extended Day (before care services). Are these times changing?  

A: Extended Day hours will remain consistent for next school year with before care beginning at 7:00 a.m. at all schools. 

Q: My elementary child is in Project Tree. What time does their class start?

A: Elementary Project Tree will begin at 7:55 a.m. 

Q: My child is in Preschool. What time does their day begin?

A: Morning Sessions begin at 8:15 a.m. and Afternoon  Sessions begin at 12:15 p.m.

Q: Will late start Wednesday schedules also be staggered? 

A: YES! Late start Wednesdays will also be staggered. Please see the chart below for detailed information.

Q: Will there also be staggered starts on Early dismissal days? 

A: YES! Early dismissals will also be staggered. Please see the chart below for detailed information.