RIGHT AT SCHOOL PROGRAM

Morning Drop-Off and Right At School Program – FAQ

Version: May 19, 2025

NOTE:

The district will host a community roundtable regarding the new Before School Care Program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the LHS Cafeteria.

 

1. Why is the district making changes to the morning drop-off procedures for the 2025–2026 school year?

Over the past decade, what began as a small courtesy for a few students has grown into a large-scale program serving more than 500 students daily district wide. The program has relied on limited staffing from our teaching assistants and has now outgrown our capacity to maintain a safe and effective model. To ensure consistent supervision and student safety, the district is transitioning to a structured and sustainable early care model through Right At School. In addition, the service is being expanded to the Kindergarten Center, which previously did not have a before-school program. The program is also beginning at 7:00 AM, which is a half hour earlier, to accommodate families who were formerly precluded from the 7:30 drop off time.

 

2. Has the district ever had a paid before-school program in the past?

Yes. Approximately 20 years ago, Lynbrook partnered with the YMCA to offer a paid before-school program.

 

3. Why not continue running the program using district staff?

To operate the program internally at its current scale, the district would need to significantly expand staffing, assign administrative oversight, and provide nursing coverage at each site. The district does not have the staffing or budget capacity to implement a fully structured program internally.

 

4. Do other districts offer similar paid before-school care programs?

Yes. Neighboring districts, including Rockville Centre, Hewlett-Woodmere, East Rockaway, Valley Stream 13 and 24, Island Park, West Hempstead, and Baldwin all operate paid before-school care programs.

 

5. Will my child still be allowed to arrive early for activities like band, orchestra, clubs, or extra help?

Yes. Students participating in structured, school-sponsored morning activities will continue to be permitted to arrive before the general drop-off time. Each building will manage logistics for transitioning students between the Right at School program and morning activities.

 

6. What types of activities are offered in the Before Care Program?

  • Homework Help: Students receive assistance to complete assignments, ensuring they're ready for the school day.
  • Right Moves Fitness Blast: Daily physical activities, including stretching and quick team games, help students energize their bodies and minds.
  • Inspiration Station: Creative projects and challenges that encourage imagination and problem-solving skills.
  • Team Projects: Collaborative activitiesthat promote teamwork and communication among peers.
  • Self-Directed Inquiry: Opportunities for students to explore their interests through reading, building, or other independent activities.

 

7. When and how was this change communicated?

This transition was first presented publicly on February 12, 2025, at the Board of Education meeting, and again at the April 23 Board meeting. All meetings are open to the public, livestreamed, recorded, and remain available on the Board of Education meeting page of the district website. A Parent Square message from the district was sent to all families on May 12th with a registration link to the Right At School program.

 

8. What are the costs for the Right at School program?

Pricing for before-school care only:

  • 5 days/week – $227/month
  • 4 days/week – $204/month
  • 3 days/week – $171/month
  • 2 days/week – $125/month
  • 1 day/week – $88/month

A before/after school combo is also available starting at $488/month for five days.

The district is working with Right At School to better accommodate our six-day cycle so the multi-day options will better synchronize with the music program, extra help, and other school-based before school activities. Right At School also offers punch cards and daily passes to accommodate changes in a family’s schedule or to allow for children to be dropped off simultaneously should one sibling have a school-sponsored morning activity (e.g., extra help or a music program).

 

9. What if I only need care on certain days and not every week?

Right at School offers flexible enrollment options, including 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-day schedules. The program is billed monthly, and for families with irregular or rotating schedules, a punch card option is available. While the lowest pricing tiers are based on consistent weekday enrollment, the district recognizes the unique needs of families with children in programs like music that follow a 6-day cycle. We are working collaboratively with Right at School to enhance flexibility, improve access, and explore pricing models that better serve these families. In response to family feedback, the district has also asked Right at School to explore whether tiered start-time options or alternative pricing structures might offer greater flexibility to families.

 

10. Are discounts or financial assistance available?

Yes. Right at School offers the following discounts:
- 10% Sibling Discount
- 10% Military Discount
- 50% District Employee Discount
- 20% Affordable Access Discount

In addition, families may apply for financial assistance. Eligibility details and application information are available on the district’s Right at School program webpage.

 

11. How will breakfast work?

As you may know, the State of New York has established a universal free breakfast program. The district is working with its Child Nutrition vendor to establish a breakfast routine that fits both the district’s needs and the ability for the Child Nutrition vendor to staff food service. We will release more details as these conversations continue.

 

12. What if I have concerns about traffic or safety at my school during drop-off?

Building-specific logistics, including traffic flow and supervision procedures, will be managed by each school’s administration. Families are encouraged to share input with building principals.

 

13. Will there be an opportunity for parents to ask questions or share concerns?

Yes. The district will host a community roundtable on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lynbrook High School cafeteria.