Woodland Hills Academy Student
Handbook
2015-2016
STUDENT HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Student Handbook is to give school district students and their
parents/guardians an understanding of the general rules and guidelines for attending and
receiving an education in our schools.
In a case of conflict between a board policy and the provisions of this handbook, the
board policy most recently adopted by the board will prevail.
Students and parents/guardians should be aware that the document is reviewed
annually, because policy adoption and revision is an ongoing process. These changes
generally will supersede the provisions found in the handbook, which will become
obsolete by the newly adopted policy. The handbook is not a contract between the
school and parents/guardians or students. It can be amended at any time at the
discretion of the Woodland Hills School District. If policy changes are enacted during the
school year, the administration will communicate those changes to students, staff and
parents/guardians.
2
WOODLAND HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Academy School Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Student Handbook Introduction………………………………………………………………………….2
Building Phone Extensions……………………………………………………………………………....4
Administrative Office Directory…………………...……………………………………………………..5
School Board of Directors……………………….………………………………………………………..6
School Board Meetings…………………………………………….……………………………………..6
Curriculum………………………………………………………………….…………….…………………6
Parent Alert System……………………………………………………………………………………….6
Emergency School Delay or Closings…………………………………………………………………...7
School Bus Regulations…………………………………………………………………………………..7
Change of Address/Phone………………………………………………………………………………..7
Registration…………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Grading Periods……………………………………………………………………………………………7
Open House………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Parent-Teacher Conferences/Parent Meetings…..…………………………………………………….8
School Hours……………………………………………………………………………………………….8
Reporting Absences……………………………………………………………………………………….8
Where do you go for help?..............................................................................................................8
Public Notice……………………………………………………………………………………………….9
Student Photos……………………………………………………………………………………………..9
Parent Volunteers………………………………………………………………………………………...10
Academy Welcome………………………………………………………………………………………11
Visitors………………………………………………………………………………………………….….11
Breakfast/Lunch…………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Wellness Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………...11
Medicines/Emergencies…………………………………………………………………..……………..12
Student Insurance…………………………………………………………………...............................12
Arrival/Dismissal…………………………………………………………………..................................12
Early Dismissal…………………………………………………………………....................................12
Attendance…………………………………………………………………..........................................13
Student Information………………………………………………………………….............................13
Personal Property…………………………………………………………………...............................13
Homework/Copyright…………………………………………………………………...........................14
Technology……………………………………………………………………………...........................14
Foreign Language……………………………………………………………………...........................14
Physical Education…………………………………………...………………………...........................14
The 5 Wells………………………………………………………………….........................................14
Dress Code………………………………………………………………….........................................16
Clothing Closet…………………………………………………………………....................................16
Inclement Weather…………………………………………………………………..............................17
Bus Safety…………………………………………………………………...........................................17
Positive Behavior Intervention Support………………………………………………………………..17
3
2015-2016 Building Principal’s/Phone Extensions
Edgewood Elementary (412-731-2238)
Principal: Mr. Reginald Hickman (x 2120)
241 Maple Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Assistant Principal (x2122)
Social Worker (x 2130)
Main Office (x 2110)
Nurse (x 2150)
________________________________________________________________
Wilkins Elementary (412-824-3231)
Principal: Mrs. Jean Livingston (x2320)
362 Churchill Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Assistant Principal (x 2322)
Social Worker (x2330)
Main Office (x2310)
Nurse (x2350)
________________________________________________________________
Woodland Hills Intermediate Building (412-351-0698)
Principal: Ms. Allison Kline
7600 Evans Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Assistant Principal (x4222)
Social Worker (x4230)
Main Office (x4210)
Nurse (x4250)
________________________________________________________________
Woodland Hills Academy (412-824-2450)
Principal: Mrs. Kelly Berthold (x 4120)
126 Monroeville Avenue
Turtle Creek, PA 15145
Assistant Principal (x 4122)
Main Office/Attendance (x 4110)
RTI Specialist (x4130)
Social Worker (x4131)
Nurse (x 4150)
________________________________________________________________
4
Woodland Hills School District
Administrative Office Directory
531 Jones Ave. North Braddock, PA 15104
Phone 412.731.1300
Fax 412.731.2974
Administration
Extension
Mr. Alan N. Johnson, Superintendent
0183
Ms. Theresa Hawthorne, Executive
Assistant
Mr. Gerald Chessman, Assistant to the
Superintendent
0178
Business Manager
0121
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
0155
Director of Special Education
0134
Supervisor of Facilities
0192
Transportation Coordinator
0185
Technology Department
0103/0107
5
Woodland Hills School District
Administration
Superintendent
Assistant to the Superintendent
Mr. Alan N. Johnson
Mr. Gerald chessman
School Board of Directors
Colleen Filiak, President
Tara Reis, Vice- President
Michael Belmonte
Regis Driscoll
Jamie Glasser
Ava Johnson
Fred Kuhn
Marilyn Messina
Robert Tomasic
School Board Meetings
The Woodland Hills Board of School Directors holds two regularly scheduled meetings
each month; both are open to the public. The first Wednesday of each month is an
Agenda Setting Meeting. The second Wednesday of each month is the Legislative
Meeting. All meetings are scheduled at the Woodland Hills Administration Building at
7:30 p.m. unless advertised otherwise.
Curriculum
K-8: The Woodland Hills School District follows the Pennsylvania Common Core
Standards and has aligned instruction to the state expectations.
Parent Alert System
Woodland Hills School District has acquired an up-to-date Parent Alert System to quickly
communicate important information to parents. With this system you will be notified of
any time-sensitive information in the event of a lockdown, relocation, evacuation or other
emergency situation as well as changes in meeting times, and other communication
materials that parents need to know. Please keep the district updated with your current
phone numbers so that you will not miss receiving any of our alerts.
6
Emergency School Delay or Closings
If the School Superintendent and Director of Transportation determine it necessary to
close schools or delay openings, the announcement will be made as early as possible,
most likely by 6:00 a.m. A quick way to check is to call the NEWSLINE at 412.256.3324
or tune into:
 WPXI-TV
 KDKA Radio 1020 AM and TV
 WTAE Radio 1250 AM and TV
 KQV Radio 1410 AM
 FROGGY Radio98 FM
School Bus Regulations
Student bus transportation is a privilege and convenience that is provided by the District
to eligible students. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct concerning discipline
procedures.
Change of Address/Phone
When a change of address or telephone numbers occurs, you are required to complete
the necessary registration information at your child’s school.
Registration
The central registration office at the administration building is closed. Please contact
your local neighborhood school for registration hours and information. To register your
child for transportation only, please contact ext 0187. All other building phone numbers
are listed on page 4.
Important Dates
Grading Periods
Marking Periods Marking Period Ends Report Card Distribution
1st
November 6
November 13
2nd
January 27
February 3
3rd
April 7
April 13
4th
June 10
June 10
7
Open House
Open House will be held for students attending the Woodland Hills School District during the following days
and times. Please make every effort to attend this important event.
Intermediate Building- September 29th from 6:30pm-8:30pm
Elementary/Academy Buildings- September 30th from 6:30pm-8:30pm
Parent-Teacher Conference Dates
All Levels (K-12)
All Levels (K-12)
November 20, 2015
March 10, 2016
8:00am-3:30pm
2:30pm-8:00pm
Parent Meetings (Required)
Parent meetings will be conducted during the 2015-2016 school year:
September 1: 4-7 pm
November 10: 9:00 am and 7:00 pm
February 9: 9:00 am and 7:00 pm
April 12: 9:00 am and 7:00 pm
School Hours
School starts at 7:40am
Students are dismissed at 2:50pm
Reporting Absences
It is important that you report your child’s absence. A written excuse is required for all absences as required by
the compulsory attendance laws of Pennsylvania.
(See Appendix D)
Please call your child’s school by 8:15am to report an absence.
Where do you go for help?
If you are having a school related problem or need assistance, the District wants to help. Please follow these
guidelines:






If your problem or question concerns your child or your child’s teacher, first contact the teacher.
If the situation is unresolved, then contact your child’s Assistant Principal or Principal.
If your question deals with a specific function of the District, then call 412-731-1300 and ask for the specific
department (Transportation, Title 1, etc.). Extensions are listed on page 5 of this handbook.
When all contacts fail to give you the satisfactory answer, contact the Assistant to the Superintendent at
412-731-1300, ext. 0183.
Addressing the Board of School Directors with a concern may be considered as a last resort.
Today some people tend to call the news media first when they have a problem or complaint. This
inevitably results in negative press for their child’s school. Please consider going through the listed “chain
of command” when a problem arises.
8
PUBLIC NOTICE
Use of Student Photos
Use of Student Names/Photos: The District procedure regarding the use of student photographs for news releases,
brochures, the website, the community magazine, “In Woodland Hills,” and on the Internet requires a WHSD signed
permission form. Please sign and return no later than the end of the first week of school. If this permission form is
not on file, then your child's photograph, will not be used to promote the District or individual student achievements
and your child will not be able to use the Internet at the school to create webpages, use skype in the classroom, or
search the internet while at school. The District requires that this permission form be signed every year. Thank you
for your cooperation.
Parent Volunteers
The Woodland Hills School District approves and encourages the use of volunteers in our schools. Each
school administration has the responsibility to direct and monitor individuals working with students. Parent and
community volunteers work under the direct supervision of principals and teachers.
Individuals who would like to volunteer in our schools or with our students should contact the principals of the
individual schools to offer their services. Many volunteers, especially those working in classrooms or directly
with students, must have the following three clearances before they can volunteer: PA Acts 34 & 151
Clearances and an FBI Federal Criminal History Clearance. Information about these clearances, how to
obtain them and the costs associated with them is on the District website: www.whsd.net, on the Personnel
webpage. Interested individuals can also call the school principals or call the District Personnel Department at
412-731-1300, ext. 0114.
In addition to working with students in our schools, there are booster organizations that utilize volunteers such
as the school PTO's, the Woodland Hills High School Band Parents Organization, the Wolverine Football
Boosters Association and the booster groups for various varsity sports teams. Volunteers for these groups
should also follow the District volunteer procedure.
Outside organizations such as OASIS that have volunteers that work in our schools under the direction of
school principals must also have clearances. Parents and guardians that help out with annual activities such as
school fun days or classroom parties are not at this time required to have the volunteer clearances. If you are
interested in sharing your time and talents with our students, please contact the school principals to determine
if you will need to obtain the proper clearances.
9
Woodland Hills Academy
126 Monroeville Avenue
Turtle Creek, PA 15145
412-824-2450
WELCOME: The administration and staff would like to welcome you to Woodland Hills Academy. At the
Academy, we believe that every child is a unique and special individual. To increase the degree of
educational success, it is very important that teachers, parents, and administrators communicate openly
and frequently concerning the progress of our students.
At Woodland Hills Academy, we view parents as partners. Teachers and administrators are
happy to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress and educational goals. Woodland Hills Academy
has an active PIE, Partners in Education, who invite all parents/guardians to join and participate. We
have an established volunteer system in place. Please discuss volunteer opportunities with your child’s
teacher or our office staff. Your involvement helps show our children that we value their education.
“Together, We Can Make a Difference!”
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
VISITORS: We welcome visitors to our school and are happy to have you with us whenever you can be a
part of our school routine. We do require that every visitor provide a 24 hour notice upon entering the
building and report to the office first instead of the classroom once you enter the building. For security
reasons, all visitors are asked to wear a pass issued in the office.
If you are able to join us for lunch, please send a note with your child. After stopping by the office for
a visitor’s pass, you may wait for your child’s class in the foyer or in the cafeteria. Please do not go to the
classroom to wait for your child. Parents are welcomed to bring a bag lunch or to eat from our cafeteria
menu. Lunch visits should end in the cafeteria or foyer area. Visitors are not expected to return from lunch
to the classroom as this tends to disrupt the normal class routine. We appreciate your visit and support with
protecting instructional time.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH: The cafeteria serves a free breakfast and lunch each day. Students may
bring lunch from home. Soft drinks are not allowed. Supplemental items are available at extra cost.
PARTIES AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES: Classroom parties may be arranged at the discretion of
the individual teacher. Please check with your child’s teacher for any allergies of students in the classroom.
Please refrain from sending invitations to parties to your child’s classroom unless all students in the
classroom are invited. Invitations must be given to the classroom teacher to be passed out to children as
they dismiss. Addresses and phone numbers of employees and students are private and will not be
provided to parents. Please do not send flowers or balloons or gifts to your children at school.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
MEDICINES AND EMERGENCIES: If your child becomes ill while at school, you will be contacted and
asked to pick up your child. If accidents occur, we will contact you for advice unless the injury is serious
enough that emergency treatment is needed at once. In that case, you will be contacted and asked to
meet us at a medical treatment center.
If it becomes necessary for your child to take medicine during the day, this must be indicated in
writing. Parents must complete the district medical form, “Parental Request for Administration of
Medication,” before any medication can be given at school. All medication must be retained in its original
container. Before prescription medication can be administered at school, the parent must get the
physician’s signature on the district medical form.
10
STUDENT INSURANCE: Accident insurance is offered upon request.
DAILY ROUTINES
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL: The instructional day officially beings at 8:00am and ends at 2:35pm It is
important for all students to be in the classroom on time. Designated areas for arrival and departure are
listed below:
Parents may drop children off starting at 7:40am Students should report to their designated area or to the
cafeteria if they eat breakfast at school. Teachers will be on duty to supervise students. Students
arriving after 8:00am must report to the office for a tardy slip. We encourage parents to ensure that
students are at school and in their classroom by 8:00am the Academy values instructional time.
Uninterrupted instructional time contributes to academic success and instills good habits. Chronic
tardiness will be addressed by the principal and school social worker. Riding the bus is a viable option for
excessive tardies.
If your child is going home by a different means of transportation, a note must be sent to the
classroom teacher and the office will issue a one day bus pass. If it is a permanent change, the
change must be approved by the transportation department. Otherwise, the regular dismissal
procedure will be followed.
EARLY DISMISSAL: A child must be in attendance at least three hours and fifteen minutes in order to be
considered “present” for the day. If a child needs to be excused before 2:30pm, please abide by the
following procedures:
• Send a note to the teacher that morning stating the time for early dismissal.
• Report to the office and let the office staff know that your child needs to dismiss early.
• Sign your child out on the form provided in the office.
• Try to sign your child out prior to 2:00. Sign outs between 2: 00 and 2: 30 are more hectic
times for traffic and for classroom procedures.
A child will not be released into the custody of anyone other than a parent or guardian unless written
permission has been received from the parent and a photo ID is presented.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES: Prompt and regular attendance is important. We do, of course,
understand that absences are sometimes necessary. If your child is absent from school, he/she must
bring a written excuse within three (3) days of his/her return to school. This excuse may include written
notes/verification from parents, medical professionals, court officials, or other persons related to the
absence. School administration may further specify
documentation that they require. Failure to submit appropriate documentation will result in the absence
being coded as unexcused.
When an absence occurs due to any of the following circumstances, the absence shall be coded as
lawful:
• An illness or injury prevents the student from being physically able to attend school.
• A death in the family (including immediate family and relatives).
• A medical or dental appointment.
• A religious observance in accordance with local board policy and have prior approval
of the principal/designee.
• A valid educational opportunity. The educational opportunity must have prior approval
from the principal/designee. Parents should request a form from the office.
Unexcused absences are defined as a student’s willful absence from school with or without the
knowledge of the parent, or a student’s absence from school for any reason that is not deemed as an
“excused absence.”
11
COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW: Absences shall be treated as unlawful until the district receives a
written excuse explaining the absence, to be submitted within three (3) days of the absence. A maximum of ten
(10) days of cumulative lawful absences verified by parental notification shall be permitted during a school
year. All absences beyond ten (10) cumulative days shall require an excuse from a licensed physician. The
Board shall report to appropriate authorities infractions of the law regarding the attendance of students below
the age of seventeen (17). The Board shall issue notice to those parents/guardians who fail to comply with the
requirements of compulsory attendance that such infractions will be prosecuted according to law.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
STUDENT INFORMATION: Each child should return the Emergency Care Card filled out on both sides.
Please inform the school if your address, telephone number, etc. change during the year. It is vital that
we have current contact numbers. Parents of children with custody papers should update the classroom
teacher, administration, social workers, nurse, and office staff each year to make sure all appropriate,
legal documents are current.
Parents of children with serious or chronic medical conditions should update the classroom
teacher, nurse, administration, and office staff each year with pertinent information including emergency
procedures or treatments. Examples might include, but are not limited to: sickle cell, severe allergic
reactions, asthma, hemophilia, epilepsy, migraine headaches, and/or diabetes.
PERSONAL PROPERTY: The school is not responsible for any loss of personal property. Personal
belongings should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Money and valuables should be kept in the
student’s possession at all times. No trading cards, electronic games, electronic equipment, o r toys
should be brought to school. If a cell phone is brought to school it must be turned into the office.
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY STANDARDS: Woodland Hill students in grades kindergarten through four
will receive a Standards Based Report Card. This new report card provides parents/ guardians with a more
detailed explanation of the skills their child is working to master. Rather than a traditional letter grade,
progress will be measured using one of three qualifiers: Meets Standard, meaning that the skill has been
mastered; Exceeds Standard, meaning that the student has demonstrated mastery beyond grade level
requirements; and Progressing Toward Standard, meaning that the student has yet to master the skill.
HOMEWORK: Homework is assigned as an extension of our daily school program. Students are expected
to complete all homework assignments in a neat and conscientious manner. It is helpful to students when
parents provide a home study area and establish a specific time each day for homework. Parents are a
positive force in children’s’ education when interest in schoolwork and homework is expressed. One
additional practice that will positively impact educational goals and progress is to take the time each night
to read to or to have your child/ren read to you.
COPYRIGHT: Copyright awareness is integrated into the curriculum. Students are expected to follow
copyright guidelines when doing research for projects by citing resources, such as books, websites,
etc.
12
Woodland Hills Academy Dress Code
Shirts:
-
Solid white, light blue, navy blue, black or gray.
Long or short sleeved with a collar
With the exception of school approved logos, shirts may not have insignias, logos, labels, words, or pictures.
Must be appropriately sized
Shall be long enough to cover the midriff when sitting or standing
Students may wear shirts under collared shirts (no specific color requirement)
Undergarments may not be visible at any time.
Bottoms:
-
Navy, khaki or black Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Skorts, Jumpers, Capri Pants
No denim of any color is allowed
Must be free of graphics and embroidery
Shorts, skirts, skorts and jumpers shall be modest and of sufficient length. The length of these articles of
clothing shall be no shorter than three inches above the top of the knee when standing.
Clothing must be appropriately sized. No baggy or sagging pants or shorts are allowed. No “low rise”
clothing is allowed. Pants must be worn with the waistband at or above the hipbone.
Outerwear:
- Students may wear plain unhooded sweaters or vests over school uniforms. The items MUST BE solid white
or navy.
- Items with a hood are NOT permitted to be worn during the school day.
Exceptions made to the uniform policy will be communicated to the students and families using the Academy Website,
robocall system and a letter home. These exceptions may include but are not limited to: color days, school spirit day,
Steeler’s day, etc….
Seventh and eighth graders are not permitted to carry book bags during the school day.
Progressive Consequences for uniform infractions:
First Offense: Verbal Warning
Students shall be informed that they have violated the policy. They shall be given the opportunity to change into
acceptable clothing by using available clothes at school or by calling a parent/guardian to bring clothes.
Second Offense: Verbal Warning/ Parent Phone Call
Students shall be informed that they have violated the policy. They shall be given the opportunity to change into
acceptable clothing by using available clothes at school or by calling a parent/guardian to bring clothes. If neither of
these options is possible, students in grades 5-8 will be placed in in-school suspension for the remainder of the day.
Students in grades K-4 will receive a lunch detention.
13
Further Offenses: Parent Meeting
Students shall be informed that they have violated the policy. They shall be given the opportunity to change into
acceptable clothing by using available clothes at school or by calling a parent/guardian to bring clothes. If neither of
these options is possible, students in grades 5-8 will be placed in in-school suspension for the remainder of the day.
Students in grades K-4 will receive a lunch detention.
Parents will be informed that the student may not return back to school unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
CLOTHING CLOSET: Spare clothing is kept on hand in the event that a child has an accident requiring a
change of clothes. Clothing items borrowed from the clothing closet should be laundered and returned to
the school office within a week. If your child has outgrown any clothing feel free to donate it to the clothing
closet.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: Sometimes it is necessary for Woodland Hills School District to close or delay
the school day due to weather. It is essential that every family have a plan of operation in the event of
inclement weather. Parents should listen to local radio or television stations to learn about school closing
or delays. Please do not call the school office except for emergency situations. If your child is in an afterschool care program, check with the director to learn of the procedures for inclement weather.
SAFETY INFORMATION
BUS SAFETY AND REGULATIONS: For your safety, W oodland Hills School District has established
the below mentioned rules for riding the school bus. Students are expected to follow these rules at all
times. You are reminded that school bus transportation is a privilege; any infraction of the rules may result
in discontinuation of riding privileges. For safety purposes kindergarten students must have an adult
visible to the bus driver at the bus stop. Bus stops without adult supervision will result in students
being returned to school.
• Follow the directions of the driver
• Be at the bus stop on time (allow 10 minutes prior to and after routine arrival time)
• Remain seated, keeping all parts of your body inside the bus
• Respect the physical space and feelings of others (no emotional or physical hurtful actions)
• Do not throw any object
• Keep all objects in your book bag
• Always cross in front of the bus and exit only at assigned stops
• Students should talk quietly, not loudly, abusively, or inappropriately
• Eating, drinking, or chewing gum is not allowed on the bus (due to possibility of choking)
• Students are not permitted to ride a different bus without written permission from the office
Bus discipline will be administered according to the severity of the offense and number of bus referrals. If
students are suspended from riding the bus, parents must provide transportation to and from school at
the designated times. Absences due to bus suspension are not “excusable” and cannot be made up.
Positive Behavior Intervention Support: At Woodland Hills Academy, we use corrective, supportive,
and preventive strategies to maintain a positive and orderly atmosphere. It is our belief that proper
behavior is rooted in having respect for oneself, others, and school property. Woodland Hills Academy
implements a Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) system. As a school, we establish rules,
rewards, and consequences. Clearly stated expectations help teach children to be responsible for their
actions. Below are the Academy’s PAW expectations:
Prepared
Prompt
Productive
Polite
Patient
14
15