The Bear Essentials

August 7, 2026

Welcome Back, Dyer Families!

Hello, Dyer Families!

There is nothing quite like the energy of a school building full of students! Our first week back on campus was a resounding success, and we couldn’t be prouder of how quickly our Bears have settled into their daily routines. A huge shoutout to our students for doing such a wonderful job learning and demonstrating our BEARS expectations in the cafeteria this week—their great manners and positive behavior made lunchtimes smooth and fun for everyone!

This issue marks the official launch of The Bear Essentials, our weekly family newsletter! Published every Friday afternoon via email and ParentSquare, this publication is your primary hub for key dates, school news, and upcoming events. We encourage you to review it each week so you never miss an update. You can also access both current and past editions on our school website at any time.

Important Reminders for a Safe & Successful Start

Meal Applications

Free/Reduced Meal Application: A new application must be completed each school year to qualify for meal assistance, as well as discounts on AP exam registrations and college application fees. Please complete yours as soon as possible if needed!

Arrival & Dismissal Procedures

The safety and security of our students and staff remain our top priority.
Bus Lane Closures: Front bus lanes are strictly reserved for buses during arrival (7:45 AM – 8:25 AM) and dismissal (2:25 PM – 3:15 PM). If you are visiting the school during these times, please park in the side lot, as the front lot will be closed to vehicle traffic.
Car Rider Exit: All car rider traffic must exit onto Hurricane Shoals Road via right turn only (no left turns permitted).
Transportation Freeze in Effect: Please note that we are currently under our initial two-week temporary transportation change freeze to ensure all students establish safe and consistent routines. Unplanned or daily transportation changes cannot be accepted at this time.
Car Rider Tags: Occasional-use Car Rider tags are available upon request! If you need a tag for club dismissals or occasional car rider pickups, please fill out our Car Rider Tag Request Form Here. Once issued, please store your tag in a safe place so it is readily available when needed.

Visitor & Check-Out Policies

Check-In Requirements: All visitors must present a valid photo ID upon arrival to check in and receive a visitor’s pass.
Early Check-Out Cutoff: To ensure a safe and orderly dismissal process for all students, no student check-outs are permitted after 2:15 PM. If you need to pick up your child early, please send a note to their teacher in the morning so they can have their belongings packed and ready.
Lunch Visitors: We look forward to welcoming visitors for lunch starting after Labor Day once our daily routines are established! Detailed information and the visitation schedule will be published in The Bear Essentials on Friday, September 4th.

General Information & Reminders

Backpack Transportation Tags: Every student must keep their official transportation tag attached to their backpack at all times. If your child gets a new backpack during the year, please send the old tag to school so we can move it over to the new bag!
Friday Spirit Days: Show your Bear pride! Students and staff are encouraged to wear their Dyer or Mountain View spirit wear every Friday.
Friday Ice Cream Sales: Ice cream will be sold during lunch every Friday for $2, starting on September 11th.