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.
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. Our current open positions are available here. To volunteer for an open position, please email us at president@rispto.org. We also need room parents for each classroom. To sign up, please email us at laurenguzda@aol.com. 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.
What time does school start and end?
School usually starts at 8:55 a.m. and ends at 3:25 p.m. (The start time was a few minutes later in the 2021 to 2022 school year due to Covid.) 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 available on the RIS school website. To accommodate the higher number of cars during the COVID pandemic, students may be prompted to exit their vehicles from the driveway along the back fence. Please only allow children to exit cars 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 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.
Whom do I contact if I have a problem?
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, please email us at president@rispto.org.
When is the bus route available?
The bus route is usually determined in mid-August. It is published in the Stamford Advocate and also available on the SPS and RIS websites as well as on social media. More info on busing is available here.