School Essentials
What Families Need to Know
Welcome to Our Mother of Consolation Parish School! We’re delighted you’re here, and we hope the information below gives you a helpful overview of daily life at OMC.
Here you’ll find key information about school hours, transportation, lunch, after-care, uniforms, and other frequently requested details, all in one convenient place.
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact our Administration for assistance.
School Hours
- Doors open 7:45 a.m.
- School Hours: 8:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
- CARES: 3-6 p.m.
Please see specific drop-off and pick-up times and procedures below
Office Phone
- Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 215-995-3042
Key Information
Grades Served
OMC serves children in Pre-K through 8th grade.
Early Childhood
- Pre-K requires a child to be age 4 by September 1st
- Kindergarten requires a child to be age 5 by September 1st
Lower School
- Grades 1-4
Middle School
- Grades 5-8
- OMC does not accept transfers for the 8th grade year
Uniforms
All students in Grades K-8 are expected to arrive at school every day wearing the appropriate school uniform. The Student Handbook includes full uniform requirements.
- EARLY FALL uniforms can be worn from the start of school through October
- WINTER uniforms are to be worn November through March
- SPRING uniforms may be worn April through the end of the school year
Uniform Resources:
- Uniforms and certain shoe options may be ordered through Flynn & O’Hara
- Shoes may be ordered through Flocco’s Shoes
- NEW! Students may choose all-white or all-black tennis shoes. Soles and logos must match the shoe color; no boots, open-toe, or open-back.
To support our sustainability efforts and reduce costs for families, OMC hosts our annual uniform swap each summer, allowing families to donate and pick up gently used uniform items. There is no need to donate in order to pick up. Dates to be provided through the family newsletter and social media.
School Meal Program
- OMC offers free, healthy meals to all students through the National Development Services
- Breakfast and lunch are available each full school day; an after-school snack is available for all students enrolled in after school activities, including CARES
- There is no need to sign up in advance: teachers count students receiving meals each morning. Please ensure your child is aware of whether or not they will be receiving meals that day, and that they arrive by 8:15 a.m.
- Menus are sent out in the Family Newsletter the week prior
- Reimbursement is not available for families who choose to send meals from home
Parents are advised to review the menu completely to ensure each food item is suitable for their children and will not trigger an allergic reaction or related illness. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Nutritional Development Services, Inc. or OMC shall not be responsible for any allergic reaction OR related illness caused by any food item. Upon request and without charge, Nutritional Development Services will provide parents with information on any food item provided by the supplier. To request product information, please call (215) 895-3470 during normal business hours.
Nut-free
OMC is a nut-free school.
Student Cell Phones
To promote a focused, distraction-free learning environment, student cell phones are not permitted while school is in session. Cell phones and electronics are collected each morning and kept in the main office until dismissal.
After-school Care
OMC provides after-care for enrolled students through our CARES program. For full information on hours, enrollment, rates, and other key details please see our After-school Care page.
Transportation
Drop-off and Pick-up
Drop-off
- Drop-off is between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.
- After 8:15 a.m.: Late students must enter through the main door on Chestnut Hill Avenue and sign in at the office to receive a late pass
- Students and other families are not to let late arrivals through any side doors
All grades will enter through the back door off the parking lot and proceed directly to their classrooms.
Pick-up
- 2:30 p.m.: Pre-K and K
- 2:40 p.m.: 1st – 4th
- 2:45 p.m.: 5th – 8th
Carline
During carline, cars should enter the parking lot on Norwood Avenue, farther from Chestnut Hill Avenue, and drive around the median. Once the child is safely in or out of the car, the car may exit the parking lot and turn right onto Chestnut Hill Avenue. School staff is on-site during normal carline hours to assist students. Please do not park in the Parking Lot.
Walkers
There is a crossing guard present at arrival and dismissal at the corner of Germantown Avenue and Chestnut Hill Avenue.
Upon dismissal, walkers dismiss through the front doors. A teacher accompanies walkers to the corner of Chestnut Hill and Germantown Ave.
Parents should be aware of a child’s route home.
Many OMC students walk to the Chestnut Hill library after school to participate in their free LEAP program.
School Bus Transportation
School bus transportation to Our Mother of Consolation Parish School is provided by the school district of residence for all eligible children. District transportation departments make decisions on bus eligibility and set schedules and stops. For reasons of safety and insurance purposes, students are not permitted to ride buses of other school districts.
Applying for School Bus Transportation
- To enroll, please reach out to Dianna Branch ([email protected]) in the School Office and we will be happy to assist you in applying to your district
- After enrollment, all confirmation and communication of stop location and pick-up timing will come directly from your district
Philadelphia School District
- Eligible for students in Grades 1-8
- Families who choose not to utilize Philadelphia District school buses may be eligible for the Flat Rate Reimbursement Program. Please reach out to Dianna Branch ([email protected]) in the School Office for support in determining eligibility and applying.
Family Communication
OptionC & Weekly Newsletter
OptionC remains the school’s primary method of communication with parents and is used to distribute critical, ad hoc updates as well as the weekly newsletter.
The school’s weekly newsletter provides timely updates on upcoming events, weekly menus, academic highlights, important announcements, and more. All new families are automatically registered for OptionC updates and the weekly newsletter, but please contact the school office at [email protected] if you are not receiving communications.
ClassDojo
ClassDojo helps keep families connected and engaged in your child’s learning journey. Through ClassDojo, teachers can share updates, post pictures, and communicate important information, helping you stay informed and involved every step of the way.
ClassDojo is a free App; parents do not need to pay a fee. Your child’s teacher will provide access to your child’s classroom.
Class Websites
Certain grades may also use class websites to provide assignments and other information to students and parents. Teachers will provide information on any class websites directly.
Contacting Teachers
You can contact teachers during the school day by email or on ClassDojo. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response to non-urgent matters. If you need immediate assistance during the school day, please contact the front desk at 215-995-3042.
Handbook & Forms
Student Handbook
The 2026-2027 student handbook will be sent to parents the first week of September.
Medical and Policy Forms
If you require copies of any medical or policy forms please reach out to Dianna Branch ([email protected]) in the School Office.
Getting Involved
Home & School Association (HSA)
The OMC Home & School Association is a partnership between parents, teachers, and administrators, working together to strengthen our school community. From organizing social events and supporting fundraising for essential academic and infrastructure needs, the Association plays a vital role in enhancing the OMC experience.
Learn more about our HSA and consider joining.
Parent Volunteers
Volunteering at OMC is a wonderful way to support our school community, connect with other families, and make a meaningful impact on your child’s experience. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year and all parent volunteers must complete and submit their clearances to the School Office prior to their first volunteer opportunity.
Find out more about the steps to become a volunteer at OMC.