Watch for news stories about the efforts made by schools in your community to prepare for any potential problems caused by the Year 2000 rollover. Collect the articles and share the information with your family and friends. Post the stories on a bulletin board so you can find them easily.

Many schools have been testing their maintenance systems to ensure that buildings will continue to function properly after the new year. They have also been testing their communications systems to be sure they can dispatch buses and communicate with officials in other buildings. However, students and parents need to be prepared for any delays or interruptions in the school schedule.

Here are some recommendations for how to be prepared:

1. Keep handy the names and phone numbers of the school officials who can answer questions if there are any problems or delays after the beginning of the new year.
2. Be aware of the different ways the school district will communicate any changes with you — for example, via announcements in newspapers, television and radio stations, telephone hot lines and Internet sites.
3. Take books, supplies and clothing home from your locker when you leave before the holidays so that if there is a delay you will have any study materials you might need.
4. Talk to your school administrator about the state of your school’s preparedness in these areas: records manage-ment and payroll systems, computer systems, elevators,fire control systems, lighting, heating and cooling systems, power facilities, public address and telecommunications systems, and VCRs.

For accurate and helpful information, check out the Web site for the ,President’s Council on Year 2000 Conversionor call toll-free 1-888-USA-4-Y2K. Another valuable resource is the Department of Education site.

Also, visit your school district’s Web site.

Schools use computers and computerized networks for educational and administrative purposes and for the day-to- day functions of buildings and equipment. Problems with individual computers in classrooms may cause incon-veniences for students. However the impact of potential problems with building- or district-wide systems could be much greater.

@The President’s Council on Year 2000 Conversion