Green River Schools outlines start-of-year schedule, staff training and family registration steps

District administrators told the Board of Trustees the school year launch will include multiple professional development sessions, updated bell schedules, open houses and reminders for families to complete online registration.

"We've had several discussions already with principals, supervisors, directors, teachers," Superintendent Dr. Cooper said, noting a district-wide focus on using the strategic plan to align professional goals. District staff described voluntary reading training that drew about 60 teachers for UFLI phonics instruction and additional sessions on the science of reading.

Administrators outlined a multi-day staff schedule ahead of the first student day: building admin and teacher work days, curriculum training on new HMH elementary reading materials and middle-school math, handwriting training for K-5, peer mentoring training for freshmen mentors, and a districtwide assembly featuring a visiting keynote speaker. The district said the high school will also showcase work-based learning at a meeting with the governor in Rock Springs.

Start and end times were confirmed for parents and staff: most elementary schools start at about 8:45 a.m. and end at 3:25 p.m.; middle school typically begins about 7:45 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m.; the high school schedule was changed to 7:40 a.m. to 3:08 p.m. with an intervention period near the end of each day and an earlier dismissal on Fridays at 2:10 p.m. Specialty programs and rural schools have slightly different bell times.

Staff reminded families to register online through Infinite Campus in order to receive alerts, view bus routes and access handbooks and supply lists. Transportation information and special-transportation pick-up times are available through the parent portal; the transportation office was listed as the contact for questions.

Nutrition services and free- or reduced-price application information were described as available on the district website. Staff encouraged families facing supply challenges to contact central office or their school; organizers listed community partners that provide school supplies and backpacks.

On safety, administrators reviewed the district's use of the Standard Response Protocol. They explained how the district will communicate the terms parents may see: "insecure" means the building will be locked to outsiders but classes continue; "hold" keeps students in classrooms and clears halls; "lockdown" involves lights-off, secure rooms and related actions. The district said it practices evacuation, shelter and other drills and that parents will receive Infinite Campus notices when protocols are activated.

Administrators closed by urging parents to notify schools of new medical or educational needs and promoted the district's mental health and wellness resources available online. They also reminded the community of the first day of school and asked drivers to observe reduced speed zones and active crosswalks near schools.

"Please reach out, and we'll do our best to follow up on those things," a district official said, urging families to report concerns so staff can respond.