Sierra House Elementary students move to full-day schedules at STMS/Al Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Since a fire destroyed a section of Sierra House Elementary on November 11, 2018, students and staff have been dealing with the smoke damage, relocation, and minimum school days.

Just before the winter break classes were held at the Al Tahoe Elementary school site, home of the Boys & Girls Club, but that plan will now change starting January 14, 2018.

Construction crews at Sierra House are continuing to repair the school but it has become clear to school officials that the timeline for return to their original location will be longer than originally anticipated.

"We are working diligently to maximize learning and continue the integrity of our high quality academic programs," said Principal Karin Holmes in a letter to parents. "We are looking to utilize many of our district resources to accommodate a full day schedule for all of our students until all work is completed."

No longer will all students be at Al Tahoe on a reduced school day schedule, To accommodate a full day of education they will now be split up between that school at South Tahoe Middle School (STMS).

Starting Monday, January 14, Sierra House classes from 9:10 a.m. until 3:20 p.m..

Kindergarten, first, second, third grades and SDC classes will all be held at the Al Tahoe campus.

Fourth and fifth grade classes will be held on the campus of South Tahoe Middle School (STMS). STMS principal John Simons has worked closely with the district and Sierra House to ensure a smooth transition for students and staff.

The district has set up a “school within a school” meaning they will be able to maintain the separation of the elementary school from the middle school. Sierra House 4th and 5th grade classes will be held in six classrooms in the STMS library/science wing.

"As the former assistant principal at STMS and a teacher of 25 years at the site, I am very confident that our Sierra House students will have a quality learning environment on this campus," said Holmes in her letter.

Transportation

In consideration of traffic congestion issues, some minor adjustments have been made to a previously released school and bus schedule.

Parent Drop-off:

All students who eat breakfast at school should be dropped off at Al Tahoe at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast and recess.

Students in grades K-3 who do not eat breakfast should be dropped off at Al Tahoe between 8:50 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.

Students in grades 4-5 who do not eat breakfast should be dropped off at STMS between 8:50 and 9:10 AM at the library wing entrance to the school, adjacent to the bus garage. Enter the parking lot roadway entrance near the track & field, on the east side of the school, off Al Tahoe Blvd., or drop off in front of the school on the south side of the school. Utilizing these two entrances will reduce traffic congestion.

If you are parking and walking in to visit your child’s classroom at STMS, please park near the tennis courts on the north side of the campus and walk through the main entrance, check-in, and follow the signs to the library wing. We will have several people out to greet students and parents and show them to their classrooms.

Bus Drop-off:
All bus riders will arrive at Al Tahoe at 8:35 a.m. for breakfast and/or recess. Grades 4-5 will be transported by bus to STMS at 9:00 a.m.

Parent Pick-up:

After school pick-ups for grades K-3 will begin at Al Tahoe at 3:10 p.m. If you have a 4-5 sibling, continue on to STMS for a 3:20 p.m. pickup.

After school pick-ups for grades 4-5 at STMS will begin at 3:20 p.m. in the front of the school. You may line up in the traffic circle or you may park near the tennis courts to walk up and pick up your child.

Dr. Tarwater will be there to help direct parents through the traffic circle.

Students will be escorted to the front of the school by campus security and teachers.

Bus Pick-up:

4th - 5th bussers will be picked up at STMS outside of the library at 3:20 p.m. Teachers and campus security will be present to assist with loading.

K-3 Students will be picked up at Al Tahoe at 3:28 p.m. Those going to Boys & Girls Club will remain at the school.

4-5 Boys & Girls Club students will get off the bus at 3:28 p.m. at Al Tahoe.

Special Needs bussing: Drop off at Al Tahoe: #32 will arrive and drop off at 9:05 a.m. (including 2 wheelchair students). Take Home Bus #34 will load at 3:00 p.m. from the bus circle and depart by 3:10. (including 2 wheelchair students)

All bus routes and times remain the same as they have been all year.

Kid Zone will be operating from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. every day. See Shandi for more information on Kid Zone registration.

Please be aware that Morning Wake and Skate has been cancelled until further notice. School officials are working through logistics to get it back up and running.