Parent Information

Attendance Matters!  Please make sure to send your child/children to school daily!

The school day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 3:40 pm.

Doors open as early as 8:15 for breakfast. Breakfast is served daily from 8:15 - 8:30 am.

Please do not leave students unattended prior to 8:15 as there is no one outside to supervise them. The doors open at 8:15 am for breakfast.

As an added safety precaution, Gardner students participate in the Kiss-and-Drop policy. This means that parents kiss and hug their students at the main entrance door and allow students to enter the building and walk to the lunchroom independently.  

Kindergartners are dismissed out of door number two (2) on Mansfield Street.

First and second-graders are dismissed from door number one (1) at the main entrance on Mansfield Street.

Third-graders are dismissed from door number seven (7) near the large playground with the basketball court.

Fourth and fifth graders are dismissed from door number four (4) on Whitlock Street.

We ask any parent or guardian that wishes to pick their student up early to report to the main office to sign them out.

For early dismissal, we ask that parents arrive before 3:20. Students will be called down to the office prepared to go home.

After 3:20, parents have to wait outside until dismissal at 3:40. 

Parents that arrive late must report to the main office to sign out the child/children. 

The academic day begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:40 PM each day - unless there are early dismissals or days off.

Breakfast is from 8:15- 8:30 am each morning.

Lunch Schedules

• 11:10-11:55  Grades K, 2, 5 

  11:15-12:00  Grades 1, 3, 4 

Policies

Detroit Public Schools Community District seeks to ensure a safe and orderly environment for every student. To make our schools the Centers of Excellence that we all expect them to be, we must ensure that students follow the Code of Conduct and display positive behavior in and out of the classroom.

It is important that all parents review the Student Code of Conduct booklet and discuss its contents with their children. Doing so will also help us achieve our goals to improve student achievement, create clean and safe school environments, and enhance parental and community involvement.

What we expect of Students

Personal behavior

Students have the responsibility to reasonably avoid any behavior that is detrimental to achieving their own or other students’ educational goals. Students must cooperate in taking reasonable care of books, other instructional materials, and technology, and encourage a climate where learning is cherished. Most particularly, students must refrain from engaging in behavior that violates the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.

Respect for staff

Students have the responsibility of showing respect for the knowledge and the authority of school staff. Students must obey reasonable directions; use only acceptable and courteous language; avoid actions that show contempt and appeal decisions through the channels as described in this code. Assaults on school staff will not be tolerated.

Respect for fellow students

Students have the responsibility of showing respect for the rights and human dignity of fellow students. For example, students must refrain from name-calling, fighting, harassment, belittling or engaging in deliberate attempts to embarrass or harm another student.

Code of Conduct The Code of Conduct provides rules and regulations to govern student behavior during school, en route to and from school and at school related events. The Code also outlines the attendance policy, appropriate student attire and behavior requirements. It also outlines actions that interfere with school programs and/ or are prohibited by State law. * Student Code of Conduct * Students’ Rights, Responsibilities & Code of Conduct – English * Student Code Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Attendance – On Time, Every Day, All Day

All students are expected to be in school every day and on time for each class. All students are expected be in a designated area within the school building or in their scheduled classroom before the tardy bell rings. All students have the right to be provided with equitable instructional time. Schools have the right to prevent students with excessive tardiness from interrupting the educational process of other students.

Appropriate Student Dress in Grades K-12

All students, including students exempt from the student dress code, are expected to exemplify proper grooming standards in a manner that projects an appropriate image for the student, school, and district.

At the school’s discretions, shirts shall be worn inside slacks with belts—at all times and by all students—unless the shirt is designed to be worn outside of the slacks or the pants are designed to be worn without a belt.

The District shall not require specific brands of clothing. All clothing items must be of an approved color from the common color selections presented in this dress code policy.

Gardner Elementary Uniform Expectations

Our school uniform is as below. Fridays are school spirit days where students can wear school shirts or school gear. 

School uniforms help create a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment. We appreciate your support in helping students come to school dressed for success.
At Gardner Elementary, we also recognize and value the diversity of our school community. Students who wear cultural or religious attire that differs from the standard uniform are welcome to do so, and those traditions will be respected.

Uniform Tops
White
Light Blue
Dark Blue
Black
Sweaters and vests are permitted.

Uniform Bottoms
Navy
Black
Beige (Khaki)
Pants, skirts, skorts, knee-length shorts, jumpers, and dresses are acceptable. Skirts, shorts, jumpers, and dresses should be at least knee length.

Footwear
Closed-toe shoes or gym shoes are required.
Sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, clogs, slides, and skate shoes are not permitted.

Spirit Days Fridays!
Students may wear:
Jeans
Gardner spirit wear (shirts, hats, etc.)

Additional Reminders

Hoodies are not part of the school uniform and should remain in lockers during the school day. They may be worn outdoors during recess.
Sleeveless, sheer, and crop tops are not permitted.
Students not in uniform will be allowed to remain in school; however, after two uniform violations, parents or guardians will be contacted to discuss uniform expectations.

Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment at Gardner Elementary. We look forward to a successful 2026–2027 school year!

The PowerSchool Parent Portal lets families easily stay connected to their child’s education. From any computer or the PowerSchool app, parents can view important information like grades, attendance, report cards, transcripts, and progress updates—all in one place.

Your child’s school will provide a short form with the information you need to set up your account. Once you create your username and password, your child will automatically be connected to your account so you can start checking in anytime.

https://www.detroitk12.org/families-students/powerschool

Transportation services are available for students that live within the Gardner Elementary School boundary.

To check availability and route information contact transportation at 313-945-8600.

We would love to have you volunteer with us at Gardner Elementary!

If you are interested in volunteering, please click one of the links below for more information on how to become one of our VIP volunteers.

Ways to volunteer

Becoming a volunteer for the district

Parent Teacher Association

Also, become a part of the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) at Gardner!  We welcome your input at Gardner Elementary. Be a part of the Gardner Gladiators as a member!  This will include monthly meetings, assistance with events and activities and just supporting our children!

Our 2026-2027 POC (Parent Outreach Coordinator) is Ms. Dominique Densmore. 

You can reach her at dominique.densmore@detroitk12.org

• PTA Officer Elections are in January 2027!

  President

  Vice-President

  Treasurer

  Secretary

Cell Phone Expectations

To provide every student with a focused, distraction-free learning environment, Gardner Elementary has updated its cell phone expectations.

What families need to know:

All cell phones will be collected by the homeroom teacher at the start of the school day and securely stored until dismissal.
Cell phones should not remain in lockers, backpacks, desks, or pockets.
Phones may not be used during school hours.
Bus riders will receive their phones before boarding the bus.
If a student is found with a phone after it has already been collected once, the phone will only be returned to a parent or guardian.
Continued failure to follow the policy may result in a parent conference with school administration.

We appreciate your partnership in helping us create a positive learning environment. When possible, please leave cell phones at home.

Every Day Counts at Gardner Elementary!

Regular attendance is one of the biggest factors in student success. We ask for your support in ensuring students are present, on time, and ready to learn every day.

Attendance Expectations:

School hours are 8:30 AM – 3:40 PM.
Students should arrive on time each day.
Please avoid early pick-ups whenever possible.
Students should be picked up promptly at dismissal. Late pick-ups are documented.
Missing instructional time due to absences, tardiness, or early dismissals can negatively impact student learning.
Excessive absences (over 36 days during the school year) may result in Attendance Agent involvement and could impact student placement or promotion.

Thank you for helping us build strong attendance habits that support student achievement!