School Day Details
The Foster Elementary School Day, Start to Finish
From drop-off to pickup, everything families need for a typical day at Foster Elementary. For students in grades 1-5, the school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
Have a question we didn't cover here? Reach out to our school office anytime. For the full details on policies and procedures, see the Mt. Lebanon Elementary Student Handbook.
Foster Elementary School
700 Vermont Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
412-344-2162
Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. during the school year. Parking lots are reserved for staff from 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Getting To School (Arrival)
Arrive on time and ready to learn!
| 8:25 a.m. | Doors Open |
| 8:25-8:30 a.m. | AM Kindergarten and Grades 1-5 Arrival Window (drop-off best between 8:25 and 8:30 a.m.) |
| 8:35 a.m. | Late Bell - Students are marked tardy if they are not in their homeroom |
| 12:30 p.m. | PM Kindergarten - drop off at the Kindergarten door with adult supervision at 12:30 p.m.; late bell at 12:40 p.m |
Please note: students may not arrive before 8:25 a.m., and the playground is not open for before-school recess.
Going Home (Dismissal)
Walkers can head straight home on the sidewalks, while Car Riders use the Go Zone.
| 11:20 a.m. | AM Kindergarten Dismissal |
| 3:30 p.m. | PM Kindergarten and Grades 1-5 Dismissal |
| 3:40 p.m. | Staff supervision ends at exit doors and the Go Zone |
Getting To & From School Safely
Students
- Walk directly home after dismissal if walking.
- Use sidewalks and crossing guards.
- Avoid parking lots and play areas near the school.
- Follow GO ZONE car pickup procedures if applicable.
Parents & Guardians
- Establish a clear meeting location with your child
- Pick up students promptly:
- 11:20 AM (AM K)
- By 3:30 PM (PM dismissal)
- Follow GO ZONE procedures:
- Remain in your car
- Use designated pickup areas only
- No parking in GO ZONE or school lots
- No pets on school property at any time.
Crossing Guard Areas
- Crossing guards are stationed throughout our neighborhoods to support safe walking routes.
- Families are encouraged to review routes together and remind students to use designated crossings.
Go Zone Arrival & Pickup Procedures
Visiting Foster Elementary School
Enter at the main entrance (Door A1), ring to be buzzed in, and bring a photo ID. Sign in for a visitor pass.
Lunch & Recess
From midday meals to fresh air on the playground, here's what to know about lunch and recess at Foster.
Recess
Students head outside whenever the weather allows. When there's snow on the ground, please send boots and snow pants along with a warm coat, hat, and gloves.
Attendance
All attendance should be logged in PowerSchool Portal (Dashboard) through Lebo ID.
Reporting an Absence
- Report attendance by logging into PowerSchool Portal (Dashboard) through Lebo ID.
- Please click Forms, complete the attendance form for your student, and submit.
- Send a written note or email to the teacher within three school days.
- Without documentation, absences are marked unlawful. Multiple unlawful absences may require an attendance review.
- If an excuse is not turned in within a few days, the school will alert the student’s parent/guardian via e-mail.
Visit PowerSchool Portal through LeboID to Report an Absence
Pre-Approved Absences
- Limited to 5 days per school year.
- Students will not be granted more than five days of pre-approved absence (an absence requested beforehand) during the school year.
- Whenever possible, please plan extended trips during scheduled school breaks.
Health-Related Absences
- Absences of 5+ consecutive days require clearance through the Health Office before returning.
Resources
Quick links to the forms, logins, and tools families use most.
Quick Links