At-a-glance: first day checklist

• Backpack

• Spare clothes in a labeled bag to leave at school

• Snack

• Lunch, if not purchasing school lunch

• Water bottle

School supplies: Families do not need to shop for individual classroom supplies. A SchoolPay link for the school supplies fee will be sent at the beginning of the year. Families experiencing financial hardship may pay what they are able to or reach out to our Social Worker for assistance.

​

1. School start, bell times & calendar

What are the bell times?

• 8:35 AM – Drop-off begins. Gates to the playground will be unlocked for entry.

• 8:50 AM – First bell; students line up and teachers escort them to classrooms

• 8:55 AM – Instruction begins. Students who are in their seats after 8:55am will be marked tardy

• 3:25 PM – Dismissal Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

• 2:10 PM – Early dismissal every Wednesday

When is the last day of school?

June 21, 2027, with a one-hour early dismissal at 2:25pm.

When is school closed and what holidays are observed?

Seattle Public Schools publishes the full school-year calendar, including holidays and closures.

​

2. Drop-off & pick-up

How does drop-off work?

Supervision on the playground starts at 8:35am. Students play and chat with friends until the first bell. Parents and families are encouraged to connect too—it’s a great time to meet other families, teachers and staff.

• At the start of the school day, students must enter through the playground doors.

• K–5 by car: Drop off at the front of the school on Garfield St. (“Hay Way”), between 3rd Ave N and Nob Hill Ave N. Students must walk around the side gate to enter the playground.

• Preschool by car: Drop off in front of the preschool entrance between 2nd Ave N and 3rd Ave N. Students enter the PK playground through the preschool side gate.

• Bus: Buses drop off on Garfield St.; students are met by staff.

• Walking: Students may enter the playground from either Galer St. or Garfield St. During inclement weather, staff may direct students to the cafeteria.

• After 9 AM: Students must enter through the front door and sign in with the office before proceeding to class.

How does pickup work?

Students are dismissed at 3:25 PM, except Wednesdays at 2:10 PM. Pickup locations and procedures are the same as drop-off. Playground gates typically open around 3:20 PM.

IMPORTANT: Do not park in front of the school anywhere on Garfield St. during  drop-off or pickup.

BUS ZONE: Please refrain from dropping off or picking up students in or near the bus zone on Galer Street. Your cooperation in this matter is crucial for the safety of all students and the smooth operation of bus services.

What if I need to pick up my student early?

Communicate changes to your teacher and the attendance office phone (206-252-2100) or email (johnhay.attendance@settleschools.org) as early as possible. When you arrive, come to the front entrance and ring the doorbell for entry. Sign your student out in the office and staff will call for your student. Playground gates are locked during the school day.  We request that you avoid pickups in the last 25 minutes of the day as students are in transition.

​

3. Attendance & transportation

Who do I contact if my student will be absent?

If your student will be absent, please communicate with the office AND your child’s teacher prior to 9:00AM either via phone (206-252-2100) or email - johnhay.attendance@seattleschools.org. Reporting student absences to the office is essential for maintaining student safety and accurate attendance records. If an absence has not been reported, school staff are required to contact parents or guardians to confirm the student's location and the reason for the absence.

How do I contact SPS Transportation?

Seattle Public Schools contracts bus service out for John Hay buses. The drivers are not part of SPS, but we do have a Transportation department that acts as a liaison. Hay families must contact SPS Transportation if there are bus issues. 

Email: transdept@seattleschools.org  |  Phone: 206-252-0900

Parents can also download/activate the Zum- Student Transportation app to track your bus. Student route information is tied to the phone number and email that is on file with the district.

​

4. School Meals

How does lunch work?

Students may bring lunch from home or get lunch from the cafeteria at school. This year, there is no charge for school meals. Students can get one full breakfast and one full lunch per day at no charge. Refrigeration and reheating are not available. Preschool students can purchase a meal, but will eat lunch in their classroom.

• Breakfast is available from 8:35-8:55am

• Families may apply for free/reduced-price meals. If you think your child may qualify, please apply—qualification can also support school funding.

• Lunch time is short, so pack foods your child can open and eat independently when possible.

​​

5. School office & staff

When is the school office open?

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM

• Wednesday: 8:30 AM–3:00 PM

How can I contact the school office?

• Main Office: 206-252-2100

• Attendance Email: johnhay.attendance@seattleschools.org

Who are the administrators and office staff?

• Principal: Jerid Morisco — jsmorisco@seattleschools.org

• Office Assistant: Mersina Ruediger — mkruediger@seattleschools.org

• Nurse: Kimberly Chin — krchin@seattleschools.org

• Social Worker: Heather Baxter — hgbaxter@seattleschools.org​​

6. After-school care & enrichment

What after-school options are available?

The John Hay PTSA sponsors After School Enrichment programs in 8-week quarters. Programs are generally advertised about five weeks before the quarter starts, registration opens about three weeks before, and registration closes about one week before.

2026–2027 After School Enrichment dates