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Martin Luther King Elementary School

Stronger Together. Leading for the Future.

Imprortant Things to Know Before the First Day of School

Posted Date: 08/10/26 (09:38 AM)
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Important Things to Know Before the First Day of School

Please read and keep for your records

🏫 New This Year: Enhanced School Security

We have a new secure entrance system.
  • All visitors must enter through Door #1 (South Entrance on Fairview Drive).

  • Once inside, please go through the brown door and stop at the office to check in through our new security entrance before entering the building.

✅ Registration Must Be Complete


If your child still needs to register or provide proof of residency:
King Elementary School
🕗 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
📞 Phone: (217) 384-3675
📧 Email: Ms. Jeni Brewer – jbrewer@usd116.org
Please note: Students cannot begin school until registration and proof of residency have been completed.


⏰ Arrival Procedures

  • School doors open at 7:55 a.m.
  • Please do not drop students off before 7:55 a.m. Staff supervision is not available before that time.
  • The first bell rings at 8:15 a.m.
  • Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. are considered tardy.

  • After 8:15 a.m., students must be brought to Door #1 and signed in.

🚍 Traffic & Safety


To keep everyone safe:

Fairview Dr WILL BE BLOCKED. SCHOOL BUS TRAFFIC ONLY

  • Do NOT enter Fairview Drive between:
  • 7:30-8:15 a.m. (Morning Arrival)
  • 2:40-3:10 p.m. (Afternoon Dismissal)
These restrictions allow buses to safely load and unload students.
Please follow all posted traffic signs and staff directions.
Do not enter Fairview Ave during arrival
Do not enter Fairview ave during arrival

🚗 Car Rider Dismissal


  • Dismissal begins promptly at 3:00 p.m.
  • Please pick up students by 3:15 p.m.
  • Car riders are picked up in the Goodwin Avenue circular drive.
If you are delayed because of an emergency, please call the office.
Please avoid early pickups whenever possible. They interrupt classroom instruction and slow our dismissal process.


The exterior of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School on a bright day.
A yellow and black sign reads 'CARPOOL DROP OFF & PICK UP. PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR AND PULL FORWARD.'

📞 Attendance Matters

Every tardy+Every early check-out+every absence = EVERY MINUTE COUNTS towards reading on grade level

If your child will be absent:

  • Always call the school office, even if you have already notified the classroom teacher.
  • If your child is absent for more than three consecutive school days, please send a doctor's note when your child returns.
This helps us keep attendance records accurate and ensures absences are properly excused.

📱 Dismissal Changes & Office Communication


To help us ensure every child gets home safely:
  • Call the office with any dismissal changes before 2:00 p.m.
  • The office cannot accept phone calls between 2:30-3:00 p.m. because staff are preparing for dismissal.
  • Students should not be picked up on the Fairview side of the building between 2:40-3:15 p.m.
  • If an early pickup is necessary, please arrive before 2:30 p.m.
Please do not rely on your child to communicate dismissal changes. Always notify the school office directly.


📲 Stay Connected with ParentSquare


Please sign up for ParentSquare, our primary communication platform.
Important updates, reminders, school events, weather notifications, and classroom information will all be shared through ParentSquare throughout the school year.


💛 Thank You!


Your partnership helps us provide a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for every student.
We can't wait to welcome your family to another amazing year at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary!


Check out the school calendar
 
Check out the school supply list
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: