Things I wish I Knew Before Starting at Rampello

Welcome to the Rampello Pirate family! Starting at a new school can feel overwhelming, especially for kindergarten families and those new to downtown Tampa. This guide was built from real parent tips and common questions to help families feel prepared, confident, and connected from day one.

Quick Start Checklist

☐ Save important school contacts and know who to email for attendance, Focus, transportation, and teacher-specific questions.

☐ Practice the morning route before the first day, especially if you have a kindergarten student.

☐ Learn the car line pattern before using it, and pull all the way forward before students exit.

☐ Complete Hillsborough County volunteer registration early if you want to attend field trips or volunteer.

☐ Review school communications regularly for clubs, events, transportation notices, and PTSA updates.

FAQs

1. What should families know about drop-off and pick-up?

Drop-off and pick-up feel busiest during the first few weeks while families learn the routines. Give yourself extra time, follow the established traffic pattern, and remember that the process gets smoother as everyone settles in.

Parent tip: If using car line, have backpacks, lunch boxes, and goodbye hugs ready before reaching the unloading area. Pull all the way forward so the cars behind you can keep moving. Front gates open at 7:30 am and learning starts at 8:00 am every morning. Do not drop your kid off before 7:30 am unless they are in HOST. Mondays are early release days and dismissal is at 1:50 pm- all students must be picked up by 2:10 pm. Tuesday through Friday dismissal is at 2:50 pm- all students must be picked up by 3:10 pm. There are NO walkers allowed at Rampello. If you are walking up to pick up your student- have their name and grade written on the pickup sheet they provide you at the beginning of the year- this helps move the walk-up line faster.

2. Do all families need to use PickMyKid?

PickMyKid will be used for both carline and walkup parents this year. The school will no longer be using the microphone to call kids. All parents will need to download the app for dismissal to ensure a smooth, efficient, and safe process.

Parent tip: Confirm your child’s default dismissal plan early and ask the school how changes should be entered when plans change. Also know process if picking up other students not on your app.

3. Can families skip the car line?

Some families choose to park nearby and walk up for drop off and pick-up. Rampello does not have designated parking for families during pick up and drop off. Several parents shared that parking a short distance away and walking can sometimes be faster than waiting in car line. Please note that car line is preferred, so it is park at your own risk. If you are not using the car line then you MUST walk your child up to the front gates.

Parent tip: If parking on nearby streets, read signs carefully, park in the correct direction of traffic, in designated lots or spaces and follow all city parking rules to avoid receiving a ticket. Please do not park in a traffic lane with your blinkers on while walking your child up to the gates.

4. What should incoming kindergarten families know?

Kindergarten drop-off can feel emotional and unfamiliar. Parents recommended doing a practice drive before school starts. The first three days of school kindergarten families can use the side door and walk your child in. The remaining grades will go through the main gates and parents are not allowed to walk their student in.

Parent tip: A practice drive can make the first few days feel less stressful for both students and caregivers.

5. What if a student needs to be picked up early?

Learn the early pickup process before you need it. Families should know where to enter, how to sign a student out, what identification is required, and whether there are cutoff times for early dismissal.

Parent tip: Keep a valid photo ID available any time you come to campus for pickup or visitor entry. Your child must be signed out no later than 30 minutes before dismissal.

6. Can parents have lunch with their child?

Yes, many parents shared that they wish they had known earlier that families can have lunch with their child. There are patio tables outside Student Affairs you can have lunch at with your student (no friends) during their assigned lunchtime only. Check the school visitor procedures before arriving and follow campus sign-in expectations.

Parent tip: Ask your child’s teacher or the front office about current visitor guidelines before planning a lunch visit.

7. What are Pirate Bucks and the Pirate Store?

Pirate Bucks are a student reward system connected to positive behavior and school expectations. Students may have opportunities to use Pirate Bucks at the Pirate Store for rewards or prizes.

Parent tip: Ask your child’s teacher how Pirate Bucks are earned and when students typically shop at the Pirate Store. Students can also be selected as "Pirate of the Week."

8. Where do I find the supply list?

The supply list is posted on Rampello's website and the PTSA social media pages. Make sure you purchase everything listed for your child's grade level. Kindergarten has a separate list. If your student is in elementary school, make sure to purchase the items listed under Elem Specials.

Parent tip: If you are unsure, it is okay to ask for clarification. Teachers understand that some items are not obvious from the list alone. Most elementary grades pool school supplies, so your student may not end up with the items you purchased. It is always nice to reach out to your student's teacher throughout the school year and see if there are any supplies they are running low on. Teachers can always use tissues and sanitizer wipes!

9. Who should families contact if a child is absent?

Families should call Rampello, choose the option for absence line (ext. 1), and leave students' name, grade, homeroom teacher, and date of absence. If needed, have the student bring a doctor’s notes or absence documentation when they return and give to the front office.

Parent tip: When sending an absence note, include the student’s full name, grade, date of absence, and reason.

10. What if a family has Focus portal login issues?

Focus is an important parent portal for school-related information. Families should verify access early before report cards, schedules, or attendance information are needed. Focus Support: Call 813-744-6673 or Email itserviceportal@hcps.net

Parent tip: Do not wait until you urgently need Focus access to troubleshoot your account.

11. Who should families email for different questions?

A helpful rule of thumb is: classroom questions go to the teacher, and most other questions can be answered by the front office or grade level administration- see contact information below.

Parent tip: Create a small contact list in your phone once school begins. There is a contact list on Rampello's website. Many questions or concerns can be resolved with the teacher. If unable to resolve then reach out to administration.

12. How do families volunteer or chaperone field trips?

Families who want to volunteer, attend field trips, or help with school events should complete the Hillsborough County volunteer application process early. Approval may be needed before participating in certain school activities.

Parent tip: Complete volunteer registration even if you are not sure you will volunteer. It is easier to have approval ready than to rush later.

13. What should families know about parking for events and PTSA meetings?

Because Rampello is downtown, parking can be one of the biggest adjustments for new families. Parents recommended arriving early and checking street signs carefully. The parking garage is used by Rampello, HCPS, and Florida Health Department employees and several spaces are rented out. Please do not use the parking garage during drop-off or pick up. For school events they will share parking information that includes maps of lots that are available to park in. If those lots are full then parents will need to use the paid street parking spots.

Parent tip: Follow posted parking rules and avoid reserved or assigned spaces. A few times a year parents will complain they received a parking ticket because they did not pay when parked in a designated paid lot or parking spot. For PTSA meetings or volunteer events it is best to park on the top level of the parking garage.

14. What clubs and activities are offered?

Club and activity opportunities may vary by grade level and time of year. Families should watch school newsletters, teacher communications, PTSA updates, and school announcements for information about clubs, arts activities, leadership opportunities, service projects, and special events.

Parent tip: If your child is interested in clubs, start watching announcements early in the year and ask how sign-ups are handled.

15. How can families stay connected?

Join the PTSA, follow school and PTSA communications, read emails carefully, and ask questions when something is unclear. The Rampello parent community is a great resource, especially for tips that are easier to learn from experienced families.

Parent tip: No question is too small. Most families remember what it felt like to be new and are happy to help.

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