FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about RIS and the PTO. In addition to this website, be sure to check out the Rogers International School and Stamford Public Schools sites.
If you still have questions, email us at president@rispto.org.
We want to be sure this page covers all your burning questions, so if you have a suggestion for something to include, please email us at communications@rispto.org.
What is the PTO?
We are a parent-teacher organization. All parents and caregivers of RIS students are automatically members. We are volunteers and are separate from the school administration but work closely with them and act as a liaison between the administration and RIS families. Our goals are to build a sense of community and to support the efforts of the administration and teachers. We sponsor many social events and holds fundraisers to help subsidize field-trip expenses, support staff with stipends, provide a uniform fund for families and much more.
How can I get involved?
We always need volunteers! At the beginning of each year, we typically have a few board positions left to fill. To learn more about what's available, please email us at president@rispto.org. We also need room parents for each Lower-School classroom and a coordinator for each Upper-School grade. To sign up, please email us at roomparents@rispto.org. Finally, we need volunteers throughout the year for various events and activities. Volunteer opportunities are promoted in our weekly newsletter (The Current), via social media and here on our website. We also maintain a list of volunteers to be called on throughout the year. To be added to this list, please email us at volunteers@rispto.org.
When are bus and classroom information available?
Bus and classroom assignments will be posted in PowerSchool, typically in mid-August.
The bus route is available on the SPS and RIS websites as well as on social media. More info on busing is available here, including how to register for FirstView, an app that allows you to track buses in real time. Grade-level welcome letters are usually sent in July. They include general information including school-supply lists.
What is PowerSchool?
PowerSchool is SPS's parent portal. It includes info on grades, attendance and more. More information is available here.
What time does school start and end?
Doors open at 8:45 a.m., the late bell rings at 9 and classes start at 9:05. If your student arrives after 9 a.m., you must walk them into the building and sign the register. (Students are not considered late if buses are delayed or there is a major traffic delay.) The school day ends at 3:25 p.m. Delayed opening is 10:55 a.m. On early-release days (typically the last Wednesday of the month, as well as before holidays), school ends at 1:15 p.m. You can view the complete calendar here.
How do drop-off and pick-up work?
Detailed information on drop-off and pick-up is published on the RIS school website and on social media in August. Please allow children to exit cars only in designated areas. You may not pull into staff or visitor parking lots to dismiss your children.
What are the options for before- and after-school care?
ROSCCO is a non-profit that provides school-based support and activities, including before- and after-school care, for Stamford families. You can learn more here. In addition to ROSCCO, many private organizations provide care.
What if my student will be absent or late or needs to be dismissed early or in a different manner?
Please use PickUp Patrol (PUP) to let RIS know if there are changes to arrival or dismissal or if your student will be absent. Please note that if your student is attending an after-school activity you must also update PUP in addition to registering them for the event. If you need to make a change to dismissal after 2 p.m. on that date, please call the office at (203) 977-4560.
What about uniforms?
Information on uniforms, including where to purchase them, is available here.
Is the school peanut/nut free?
Families are encouraged to avoid nuts and other common allergens.
What about school meals?
Stamford Public School is once again providing free lunch and breakfast to all students. You do not need to complete any forms or send your child to school early for breakfast. (Students also may bring lunch from home.) Check out the lunch and breakfast menus.
How does the school communicate with families?
RIS and the PTO use a variety of ways to keep families informed. Please go to our communications page for more info.
Whom do I contact if I have a problem or question?
Direct communication between parents and teachers is strongly encouraged. If you have questions not related to the classroom, please call the school’s main office: (203) 977-4560. For PTO-related questions or if you just can't figure out whom to contact, please email us at president@rispto.org.