Center Township
Elementary School
2014-2015
Parent/Student Handbook
950 Mercer Road
Butler, PA 16001
724-214-3800
CENTER TOWNSHIP
PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK
2014 - 2015
Table of Contents
Board of School Directors
Central Office Administrators
Center Township School Staff
School Calendar
Admission
Attendance
Bus Regulations
Bus Safety Patrols
Cafeteria Procedures
Cafeteria Price List
Discipline Policy
Electronic Devices
Elementary Guidance Program
Emergency Data Sheets
Emergency Drills
Emergency Operations Plan
Field Trips
Group Testing
Health Care
Health Service Policy
Homebound
Homework
Illnesses
Student Support Team
Lost and Found
Medication
Metal/Weapon Detection System
Parent Organization
Parent Transportation of Students
Parties
Personal Property
Pets
Playground
Reporting to Parents
School Closing-Emergency
School Hours
School Security Regulations
Student Dress Codes
School Photographs
Student Excuses
Tardies
Textbooks & Instructional Materials
Tobacco
Harassment/Threats
Visitation
Waiver of Compulsory Attendance
Weapons in School
Winter
2
2
3-4
5
6
6
6
6
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
9
10
10
10
10
11
11
11
11
12
12
12-13
13
13
13
13
14
14
15
15
16-17
17
17
18
18
18
18
18
19
19
19
1
BUTLER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
2014-2015
PROFILE OF OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Mr. Don Pringle
Mr. William Halle
Mr. Alvin Vavro
Mr. Carmen Bianco
Mr. Neil Convery
Mrs. Karen Callihan
Mr. James Keffalas
Mr. John Conrad
Mr. David Korn
CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS
Dr. Dale Lumley
Dr. Mary Wolf
Mrs. Deborah Brandstetter
Mr. Aaron Royhab
Mr. Jim Pritchard
Ms. Brenda Collins
Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent K-6
Supervisor of Business Services
Supervisor of Special Education
Supervisor of Food Service/Board Secretary
Supervisor of Transportation
2
CENTER TOWNSHIP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF
2014 - 2015
OFFICE STAFF:
PRINCIPAL
Mr.
Roger Snodgrass
SECRETARY
Mrs. Julie Wetzel
CLASSROOM TEACHERS:
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 1
Grade 1
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 2
Grade 2
Grade 2
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 3
Grade 3
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 4
Grade 4
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 5
Grade 5
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 6
Grade 6
Grade 6
LEARNING SUPPORT
LEARNING SUPPORT
LEARNING SUPPORT
Room 15
Room 16
Room 13
Room 14
Room 20
Room 21
Room 24
Room 26
Room 29
Room 31
Room 33
Room 35
Room 38
Room 39
Room 40
Room 72
Room 73
Room 75
Room 76
Room 60
Room 61
Room 62
Room 65
Room 64
Room 67
Room 66
Room 69
Room 25
Room 37
Room 59
Mrs. Patty Konieczny
Mrs. Jenna Pershing
Mrs. Kara Geibel
Ms. Lorie Schnitzer
Miss Ann Montgomery
Mrs. Stacey Hundertmark
Mrs. Carla Boben
Mrs. Kim West
To Be Determined
Ms. Teresa Dailey
Mr. Stephen Arn
Mrs. Joy Bernhard
Mrs. Bethann Gallo
Mrs. Amber Buser
Mrs. Cheryl Schubert
Mr. Jay Baxter
Mrs. Lauren Lutz
Mrs. Dawn Grossman
Mrs. Saundra Baxter
Mrs. Karen Antoszyk
To Be Determined
Mrs. Erica Zalenchak
Mr. Tim Kilgore
Miss Dana Leyland
Mrs. Connie Swidzinski
Mr. Jonathan Deemer
Mrs. Lori Williams
Mrs. Brittany Hartle
Mrs. Crystal Ross
Mrs. Patti Yalenty-Cleaver
3
ITINERANT STAFF:
ART
Mrs. Lauren Shorr
LIBRARY
Miss Jeanine Galante
VOCAL MUSIC
Mrs. Carrie Persichini
INST. MUSIC
Mr.
Matt Eckert
PHYSICAL ED.
Mr.
Lew Liparulo
SPEECH
Mrs. Kim Morando
GIFTED LEARNERS
Mrs. Amy Genkinger
GUIDANCE
Mrs. Junelle Wisniewski
REMEDIAL READING
Ms.
REMEDIAL READING
Mrs. Amy Maloy
PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Christine Senna
LS PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Joni Nocera
LS PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Pam Shuster
LS PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Tracy Hasychak
LS PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Becky Kriess
NURSE
Mrs. Lynn Zidek
HEALTH TECHNICIAN
Mrs. Sylvia Bella
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Mr.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Mrs. Michelle Crilley
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Mrs. Jennifer Metzler
ES PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Wendy DeFrancisis
ES PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Barb Lachesky
ES PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Sharon Jacox
ES PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Tavia Sinicki
ES PARAPROFESSIONAL
Mrs. Marianne Terwilliger
Karyn Calderone
Tom DeGeorge
LIBRARY CLERK:
Mrs. Laura Paul
CUSTODIANS:
Mrs. Melinda Benninger
FOOD SERVICE:
Mr.
Dave Ellenberger
Mr.
Ray Bruschi
Mrs. Karen Vavro
Mrs. Melinda Wilbert
Mrs. Christine Fry
SECURITY:
Mr.
Joe Urish
Mr.
Gary Schuller
4
CENTER TOWNSHIP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Address:
950 Mercer Road
Telephone:
(724) 214-3800
Fax #:
(724) 282-3503
Office Hours:
8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
School Day:
9:15 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
School Colors:
Black, White, Burgundy, & Teal
District Web Site
www.butler.k12.pa.us
SCHOOL CALENDAR
2014-2015
August 27
First Day of School
June 5
Last Day for Students
(Noon dismissal)
School will not be in session on the following days:
September 1
Labor Day
September 26
Teacher In-Service Day
November 11
Veterans' Day
November 27-Dec. 1
Thanksgiving Vacation
December 24-January 2
Winter Break
January 19
Martin Luther King Day
January 20
Teacher In-Service Day
February 13
Teacher In-Service Day
February 16
Vacation Day
April 2-7
Spring Break
April 22
Teacher In-Service Day
May 25
Memorial Day
ACT 80 Days (noon dismissal)
November 7
March 6
May 8
June 6
Snow days will be made up in the following order (if necessary)
February 16
April 7
April 2
April 6
after June 6
5
ADMISSION
Children may enter Kindergarten if they have reached their fifth birthday on or before
September 1. Children may enter grade one if they have reached their sixth birthday on or before
September 1. Kindergarten registration is held in the Spring of each school year.
Parents should bring the child's immunization/shot records and birth certificate to register a child in
school.
ATTENDANCE
Regular and punctual attendance at all school sessions is expected of our students for
studies have shown that absences have a direct relationship to student, achievement. Parents are
urged to establish a good attitude toward school and foster good attendance habits in their
children.
A student absence excuse, which states the exact cause of the absence and is signed by
the parent, is required when a child returns to school following any absence. If no written excuse is
received within five days, the absence will be considered as unexcused (illegal).
If a student is excessively absent from school fifteen (15) days per semester or twenty (20)
days per school year, the parent/guardian may be required to verify each additional absence with a
written excuse from a doctor. Days excused by a doctor will not count towards the 15day/20 day
limit.
If a child is to be released during the school day, parents are requested to send a written
note to school stating when and why their child is to be excused. Parents are asked to report to the
office to pick up their child or children. Please do not go directly to the classroom. We must know
the identity of the person to whom the student is to be released.
BUS REGULATIONS
Students who ride a bus to school are expected to follow the bus driver's directions, obey
all safety rules, and treat others with courtesy while riding the school bus. Students who misbehave
and violate safety regulations may lose the privilege of riding the school bus. When a child loses
their bus riding privileges, parents are legally responsible for transportation to and from school.
Parents should stress to their children that they expect proper' behavior on the bus.
No student is permitted to change buses at any time. Any requests to change a student's
bus or bus stop must be for a full five (5) days and have the approval of the Supervisor of
Transportation. Please do not request a bus change to accommodate a student
wanting to visit another student's house. In this situation, we respectfully ask that
parents provide transportation.
BUS SAFETY PATROLS
When students are transported to school by bus, a bus patrol program is used to assist the
driver with bus safety. Bus Safety Patrols, in most cases, are fifth and sixth grade students who
have been selected by their classroom teachers and bus drivers. The purpose of the patrols is to
assist in the loading and unloading of each student, assist the driver in emergency situations, and
identify and report to the driver possible problems, discipline or otherwise. Patrols are stationed in
the front, middle, and back of each bus.
6
CAFETERIA PROCEDURES
Guidelines are as follows:
1. Each student must sit at his/her assigned table. Each child is responsible for keeping his/her
table clean and properly disposing of all trash.
2. There shall be no food passing and by all means no food throwing.
3. Unless a child is ill or has a note from a parent, each child is expected to eat a lunch, either
one carried from home or purchased in school.
4. A conversational voice should be used by students as they socialize. Yelling and noise making
are not permitted.
5. Cafeteria monitors will maintain orderly control of the students in the lunchroom. Students
creating problems will be reported to the classroom teachers. Repeat violators and violations of
a more severe nature will be handled directly .by the principal.
6. Students who are required to brush their teeth after lunch are to make arrangements with their
classroom teachers to do so at the conclusion of their lunch period. Students are to be certain
this practice does not detract from the appearance of the restroom facilities.
7. Students are to remain in the cafeteria for the entire 30 minute lunch period unless
constructively engaged in a supervised activity with the classroom teacher.
8. Pupils will remain seated until their classroom teacher directs the pupils to line up at the
conclusion of the lunch period.
9. Section 5323.2 of the Butler Area School District Policy Manual states:
"A student who misbehaves during lunch time (leaving tray, throwing food, etc.) may be
assigned to a specified table, detentions, cleaning responsibilities or temporary in-school
suspension.
10. Breakfast is available to all students, on a daily basis, and is served from 8:45 – 9:20.
Center Township Cafeteria Monitors
Mrs. Paula Donaldson
Mr. Phil Vavro
Mrs. Carol Monnie
CAFETERIA PRICE LIST
Elementary Breakfast
$1.00
Reduced Breakfast
$ .30
Elementary Student Lunches
$2.00
Reduced Price Lunches
$ .40
Beverages (white milk, chocolate milk, etc)
$ .40
Ice Cream and Snack Items
$ .50
7
POLICY ON CHARGING LUNCHES
1. If a student forgets his lunch money, he may be given the opportunity to call home for a lunch
or he will be given a one-day grace period and receive the school lunch for that day. The
student still owes the cost of the lunch.
2. If the situation recurs, the same procedure as above will be followed except the student will
receive an alternate lunch for that day and subsequent days until all back charges are paid in
full. The alternate lunch is a bag lunch containing all of the required meal components.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Schools and parents must work together to establish sound discipline. Classroom
discipline is built upon the discipline established, supported and taught in the home. Every family
should have a copy of the district discipline policy. If you need a copy, please contact the teacher
and one will be provided. Most classrooms establish a progressive assertive discipline plan for their
individual classroom. Students that are suspended from school are not permitted to attend out of
school activities such as field trips.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The Board of School Directors has determined that the possession of most electronic
devices by students is not a vital part of the educational process. Students are not to use audio
listening devices (CD players, MP3 players etc.), handheld electronic games, digital cameras, or
other such devices during the instructional school day unless they have permission from a staff
member. Students may possess cell phones for use before and after school, but their use during
the school day is strictly prohibited. Use is interpreted as using any cell phone feature. Cell
phones must be turned off upon entering the school building and should be kept out of sight. Laser
pens and other laser devices are prohibited from being in a student’s possession, during the school
day.
ELEMENTARY GUIDANCE PROGRAM
Elementary guidance is an integral part of the total educational experience. Academic
growth cannot be separated from the social-emotional growth of a child. All students, parents and
teachers have access to counseling services at school. The guidance counselor works with
individual students and classroom groups. All students are invited to talk over school related
problems with the counselor. Students may visit the counselor by appointment or upon the request
of a teacher. Parents should also feel free to consult with the counselor. Please call the school
secretary to schedule an appointment. The program is a collaborative effort among students,
parents, teachers, administration, and community.
EMERGENCY DATA SHEETS
At the beginning of each school year, parents or guardians are to complete a Student Data
Sheet for each child. These must be complete with local names and telephone numbers. It is
necessary that the persons listed are persons available during the school day, in case a student
becomes ill. These sheets are to be returned to school on the second day of school.
8
EMERGENCY DRILLS
The safety of your child is one of our greatest concerns. The school holds regular drills to
teach each child to respond calmly in the event of an emergency.
Fire Drills are conducted once each month and a Severe Weather Drill is conducted in the
Spring. Detailed escape plans are posted inside the door of each classroom. Each classroom has
an escape route to an outside area a safe distance from the building. Building “lockdowns” are
also practiced regularly.
During Severe Weather Drills, each classroom goes to an assigned area within the school
and sits in a tuck position with hands covering their head.
EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
The Butler Area School District is subject to a variety of natural hazards (winter storms,
hurricanes, tornadoes, wind storms, etc.) and man made disasters (fire, hazardous materials
accidents, acts of vandalism/terrorism). In order to provide for the safety and welfare of the
students, it may be necessary to employ an emergency operation plan as prepared for each
individual school. If an evacuation from the school is required, and school is located within the
disaster area, students will be evacuated to outlying schools. Children will be retained under school
officials' custody until, they are picked up by their parents, guardians, and/or other properly
authorized individuals. Depending upon the type of hazard,- one of the following options may be
employed to ensure the safety of the children:
Students will be relocated on the school campus.
Students will be transported to and sheltered at the Butler Senior High School.
Students will be transported to and sheltered at Slippery Rock Senior High School
If the school is outside the disaster area, students will be retained at school until, they are
picked up by their parents, guardians, and/or other properly authorized individuals. The school
cannot send children home early when their homes are located inside the disaster area and an
evacuation is imminent. Students will not be sent home at any time when an evacuation is in
progress. You will be kept informed on the location where you can regain custody of your children
through local radio and television announcements. Children will only be released to the custody of
those individuals for whom proper authorization has been granted, as provided on the BUTLER
AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT DATA SHEET.
In the event that the School District's internal telephone system becomes inoperative due
to a power outage, our school has a direct outside line that will be used until the system has been
restored. The following telephone number may be used if the District's internal telephone service is
inoperable. This telephone number is only functional during an emergency situation.
Center Township..............724-282-3503
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips within our area and to nearby points of interest are scheduled by classroom
teachers throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement different aspects of
the classroom curriculum and to introduce students to the resources of the community. Parents will
receive notices of field trips well in advance of the scheduled trip date and will be asked to sign
field trip permission forms. Sometimes a fee may be requested from each student to help defray
admission or transportation costs.
9
GROUP TESTING
Certain group tests will be administered to your child by grade level during the year.
Parents are urged to insure that their child is in school when these tests are given, for the results
constitute important data relative to the student's education.
Name of Test
Grade
Date
Stanford Achievement
1
Fall
Otis-Lennon Mental Ability
1
Fall
PA School Assessment Test (Language Arts)
3
April 13 – 17, 2015
PA School Assessment Test (Math)
3
April 20 - 24
Otis-Lennon Mental Ability
3
Fall
PA School Assessment Test (Language Arts)
4
April 13 – 17, 2015
PA School Assessment Test (Math)
4
April 20 – 24
PA School Assessment Test (Science)
4
April 27 – May 1
PA School Assessment Test (Language Arts)
5
April 13 – 17, 2015
PA School Assessment Test (Math)
5
April 20 - 24
PA School Assessment Test (Language Arts)
6
April 13 – 17, 2015
PA School Assessment Test (Math)
6
April 20 - 24
HEALTH CARE
"CHIP" free health care for children is available for children that do not have health care
insurance. Information on this free service is available through the office of the school nurse.
HEALTH SERVICES POLICY
The following health services are required for students by Pennsylvania Law. Any parent or
guardian who does not wish their child to receive the services and examinations in school by the
school nurse, school physician or school dentist must notify the school nurse in writing.
Height, Weight and Vision Screening - all students
Hearing Screening - grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, special education
and students referred by teachers or other school staff.
Physical Examinations - grades K, 6, 11
Dental Examinations - grades K, 3, 7
Tuberculin Skin Testing - (every third year) grades K & 9
Visual Scoliosis Screening - grades 6 & 7
If a parent or guardian elects not to have the school provide the above services, they must
provide the school with the results of examinations by their own family physician or dentist, prior to
the date they are scheduled at school.
HOMEBOUND
Students who experience extended illness or injuries that result in long term absences from
school may apply for homebound instruction. Information concerning homebound instruction may
be obtained from the school office.
10
HOMEWORK
Homework is a vital part of the educational process. Teachers assign homework as
an outgrowth of the classroom instruction. Individual teachers may establish specific
homework practices. When the child is doing homework, he/she is reinforcing the skills
learned at school. Homework also helps develop self-reliance and study skills. Parents are
an integral part in this process. Parents may help with homework by providing a quiet, welllit place for your child to work. Establish a regular homework time in your home. During this
time, there should be no TV, no radio, and no other distractions. Encourage and support
your child's efforts. Be available for questions, but remember the homework is the child's
responsibility, not the parent's. When a child is absent, parents may have a Home Work
Helper bring home the work or the parent may pick up the work at the office 3:30-3:50.
Students who are legally absent from school because of an unplanned absence and who
provide a written excuse within five days of return to school shall have up to five school
days to make up the work missed. Children that refuse to complete their work may lose
privileges and/or have their grade reduced. Parents will be informed if children refuse to
complete their work.
HOMEWORK POLICY - BUTLER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
The School District recognized the need for and importance of assigning and doing
homework as an integral part of an extension of the instructional school day. Completion of
assigned homework should aid in the development of knowledge, proper work habits, self-reliance
and independence, and responsibility in carrying through a work task to completion. This, in turn,
will directly aid classroom instruction and indirectly prepare students for socially acceptable
behavior in an adult world. Homework should involve the combined efforts of the teacher, student,
and parents.
ILLNESSES
If your child complains of headache, stomachache, sore throat, etc. before coming to
school, please check his/her temperature. If feverish, please do not send your child to school. If
your child becomes ill in school, the nurse will decide if he/she should be sent home. If you child
needs to go home, you will be contacted so that the proper arrangements can be made. It the
parents are unavailable, persons listed on the Student Data Sheet will be contacted.
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Students who experience academic difficulties and/or social and emotional concerns may
be referred to our Student Support Team. This team meets weekly to discuss and plan intervention
strategies that will assist in providing each child referred an effective educational program, as well
as other school services that will meet their learning needs.
The Team is comprised of the building principal, guidance counselor, school psychologist,
referring teacher, and referred student's parents. Parents, teachers, administration, or students
may initiate requests for assistance.
LOST AND FOUND
A lost and found area is maintained at the school for lost items. Children and parents an
encouraged to inquire at the school office if any articles are lost. Items are periodically discarded.
MEDICATION
The Butler Area School District does not supply ANY prescription or non-prescription
medication, but we will cooperate with parents and their medical practitioners when prescribed
medications must be given during school hours. The following procedure MUST be followed:
a.
The parent or guardian MUST complete the Medical Information form for either prescription
medication. (Forms are available in the school office.)
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANY MEDICATION BE DISPENSED WITHOUT THIS
COMPLETED FORM.
11
b.
The container for the medication MUST be the container from the pharmacy and shall carry
the following information:
1.
Name of the student
2.
Name of the physician
3.
Name of the medication
4.
Dosage amount
5.
Time to be given
c.
The parent should bring the completed form and medication to school and give it to the school
nurse, or the secretary, or the principal.
d.
The medication will be kept in a secure place and dispensed in the office by the appropriate
personnel. (Exception: special education self contained classrooms.)
NOTE: A NEW completed Medication form MUST be submitted EACH school year.
METAL/WEAPON DETECTION SYSTEM
The Butler Area School District is committed to maintain safe, orderly schools; to promote
health and safety within the school setting; and to provide a school environment conducive to
education. In Pennsylvania, it is a criminal offense to possess any weapon in a school building, on
school grounds, or on a school bus. As an additional safety measure, all schools in the Butler Area
School District will use walk-through metal detectors. For the most effective use of the equipment,
the following daily procedures will be used:
 Parents and other visitors will be screened upon entering the school building on
a daily basis. Visitors will be required to show their driver’s licenses.
 Daily, school staff will screen all students in grades 4-6.
 Students in grades K-3 will be screened intermittently.
Please check your child’s book bag regularly for any non-essential items that could activate
the metal detector (items such as electronic devices, toys, or other metal items).
Please reference the Elementary Disciplinary Handbook for additional information
regarding student searches and the use of metal detectors.
PARENT ORGANIZATION
Center Township Elementary School has a parent-teacher organization which is highly
involved in improving our school. Each year this organization sponsors fundraising projects.
With the proceeds from these projects, the organization sponsors and funds school parties,
assembly programs, field trips, and many other important activities. All parents are urged to
become a member and to actively participate.
12
PARENT TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS
Occasionally it is necessary for parents to either bring their children to school or pick them
up after school. When this occurs, please follow these procedures:
Bringing Students to School:
1.
Parents should be careful that their vehicles do not obstruct the flow of bus traffic 8:45 9:15 A.M.
2.
Since proper supervision of the students cannot be provided prior to 8:45 A.M., students
should not arrive at school prior to 8:45 A.M. If a family emergency or situation arises
which requires an arrival prior to this time, please call the school office and every effort
will be made to make arrangements to assist your situation.
3.
If a student arrives after the start of school. The parent should escort the child to the
office, explain why the child is late for school, and make the necessary arrangements for
the child to receive a lunch for that day. We are unable to order lunches after10:00 A.M.
so please send a lunch with your child, unless prior arrangements have been made.
Picking Students Up After School:
Occasionally, it is necessary for parents to pick up students who ordinarily ride a bus home
at dismissal time. During this time, the office is a very busy place in which the secretary is
attempting to answer the phone, use the intercom system to dismiss students or provide for the last
minute needs of students, teachers, and parents, etc. In order to provide for an orderly and safe
dismissal for the students, it is necessary that parents utilize the following procedure.
1.
Please send a note with your child in the morning. By doing so, we will not have to keep interrupting
classrooms to inform the teachers that children are not to follow regular procedures.
2.
Parents should arrive by approximately 3:15, identify your selves in the office, and sign the "Student
Dismissal Book" in the office.
3.
Parents should wait for their child(ren) in the hall just outside the office door. Parents should not go to
their child's rooms to meet them. Students will not be sent outside the building to meet parents.
PARTIES
Parties in all grades are limited to three per year. Halloween (October 31), Christmas
(December 23), and Valentine's Day (February 12) have been selected as the holidays for which
parties are allowed. As a general practice, the Parent-Teacher Organization, through room
mothers, plan the parties. Anyone wishing to be a room mother can sign up later in September.
You will be contacted at a later date about the responsibilities.
Treats may be brought to school for student birthdays after the date and time are cleared
with the classroom teacher.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students should not bring personal property to school unless specifically asked by the
teacher. Children should never bring dangerous items or live animals without permission from the
principal and teacher. Expensive items such as radios and portable compact disc players should
not be at school. The school is no responsible for such personal items brought to school.
PETS
No pets, of any kind, are allowed at school without permission. Teachers may give special
permission for pets to be brought to school as part of a special activity or display. However, under
no circumstances is a potentially dangerous pet to be brought to the school.
13
PLAYGROUND
Weather permitting; classes may go outdoors for a brief playground period. Parents
desiring their children to be excused from this recreation should send a written note to the teacher
involved stating the reasons for the request and the length of time likely to be involved. Children
should be dressed for outdoor activities during cold weather. Students may have supervised free
time in the classroom on days when weather prevents outside recess. Quiet games, talking with
friends, playing music, etc., are usually allowed by the teacher in charge.
Students are to remain on the play field or black top play area during outdoor recess.
When the fields are muddy that area will be off-limits. Tackle football is not permitted. Other
dangerous activities such as skateboarding, piggyback riding, rock throwing, and-snowball throwing
are not permitted. Misuse or destruction of playground equipment will not be tolerated.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
The Butler Area School District has a strong commitment to keeping parents well informed
about their child's progress in school. Report cards for students in grades 1-6 are issued four (4)
times each year. Tentative dates for report cards are:
October 30
March 27
January 21
June 5
The reporting of pupil progress is supplemented by parent-teacher conferences. ACT 80
Days have been established for this purpose throughout the school year. Students will be
dismissed at 12:00 noon to allow for parent conferences/teacher in-service on the following days:
November 7
March 6
May 8
June 5
Parents of kindergarten students will receive a Progress Report at the end of the first and
third nine weeks, which will keep parents informed of their child's progress.
Teachers may request a conference at any time during the school year for students not
making desirable progress. Parents are urged to make themselves available for such conferences,
for we are always concerned about the achievement and welfare of our students.
Grade Interpretation
A
90 - 100
B
80 - 89
C
70 - 79
D
60 - 69
E
60 and below
The subjects to be graded are:
Grade One-Reading, English, Mathematics and Spelling-3rd and 4th nine weeks
Grade Two and Three Reading, English, Mathematics, Spelling and for Grade 3,
Social Studies during the last two nine weeks.
Grade Four through Six-Reading, Social Studies, English, Mathematics, Spelling,
and Science or Health
14
SCHOOL CLOSING-EMERGENCY
If conditions arise that cause school to be closed, announcements will be made over local
radio or TV stations. Local stations airing such announcements are WISR, WBUT, WTAE, and
KDKA.
We respectfully request that you not call the school office so that phone lines can be kept
clear for emergency information from our central office.
SCHOOL HOURS
Parent and student cooperation is requested in observing the daily school schedule.
1.
The school day begins at 9:15 A.M. and concludes at 3:30 P.M.
2.
Children who are driven to school by adults should arrive no earlier than 9:00 A.M.
3.
Kindergarten hours are:
morning kindergarten begins at 9:15 A.M. and concludes at 11:53 A.M.
afternoon kindergarten begins at 12:53 P.M. and concludes at 3:30 P.M.
Please make note of the modified kindergarten schedule in the event of inclement weather.
One-Hour Delay
Morning Class
Afternoon Class
10:15 A.M. -
11:53 A.M.
12:53 P.M. -
-3:30 P.M.
11:15 A.M. -
12:55 P.M.
1:50 P.M. -
3:30 P.M.
Two-Hour Delay
Morning Class
Afternoon Class
4.
Office hours are from 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
SCHOOL SECURITY REGULATIONS
In an effort to provide for the safety of our students, we will be adhering to the following
security regulations:
1.
All adults who enter the school building must enter through the front door and check in at the
office to identify themselves. Each visitor will be required to go through the metal detector and
also show their driver’s license to our school police officer. All visitors will be required to wear
a "Visitors Pass." Parents are asked not to go directly to the classrooms or other areas within
the building. Either the secretary or principal will take care of your needs.
2.
All parents who must pick up children for dental appointments and/or doctor appointments
during the school day must pick up the student at the school office.
3.
If, for whatever the reason, it is necessary for a student to arrive at school at 9:15 or later, a
parent should "check in" the student at the office. Often times, a student enters alone
assuming a lunch can be purchased. Depending upon the time, it might be too late to order
one. If the parent drives off without knowledge of this, the student might not receive a lunch.
We want to prevent this from happening. If you know your child will be late, it would be helpful
to either phone the school office or notify the classroom teacher the previous day to order a
lunch.
4.
Children may not be dismissed early without a signed note from the parent. This includes
medical appointments, etc. The child must be picked up at the office, and the person picking
up the child must record his/her name and the reason for the pick-up in a "sign-out" book.
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5.
Unusual circumstances that may affect the safety of the child should be reported to the school
by parents. For example, pending divorce and/or custody conflicts, which indicate that there
may be a question about who has authority to pick up the child, should be reported to the
principal and/or teacher so that we are aware of the problem. This information will be kept the
strictest confidence
Students will not be released to anyone other than the parents unless the school has a signed
note from the parent authorizing this action. This means that grandparents, uncles, aunts,
baby-sitters, etc., must have a signed statement from the parents. Other arrangements may be
made at the discretion of the principal.
STUDENT DRESS CODE
So that students can continue to dress appropriately for school as they change their
seasonal attire, parents should please be reminded of the following Butler Area School District
dress code:
1.
An individual's dress, personal appearance and cleanliness, like his/her behavior, should
reflect sensitivity to and a respect for others. The fact that the school will permit a wide variety
of school clothes does not mean that we necessarily feel that all styles are equally
appropriate. This is a decision that the student must make in conjunction with his/her parents
or guardian, always keeping in mind that his/her appearance must not present a clear and
present danger to the students health and safety, cause an interference with work, or create
classroom or school disorder.
a.
Guidelines for Acceptable Dress
Although this is no attempt to include all items, the following types of clothing will be excluded
from what is considered acceptable dress by Butler Area students:
(1) Articles which are soiled with grease, oil, paint, and, dirt.
(2) Articles that could cause damage to other students or property.
(3) Torn or ragged clothing.
(4) Articles of clothing, such as muscle shirts and abbreviated tops/blouses that expose the
midriff and other partial recreational clothing are prohibited for both boys and girls.
(5) Articles of clothing which are inappropriately design, contain offensive and/or
inappropriate logos, emblems, iron-ons, or other such decorations and words.
(6) No body piercing other than ears.
(7) Coats should not be worn during the school day.
(8) Wallets attached to chains are not permitted.
(9) Sunglasses are not permitted to be worn during the school day unless medically prescribed.
(10) Clothing, pins, patches, and tattoos that encourage violence are prohibited.
(11) Camouflage clothing, baggy pants, elephant pants, and tear-away are not permitted.
b.
Footwear
Footwear must be worn by all students and must fit snugly on the feet. In special areas, such
as shops and gymnasium, a full type shoe must be worn. Footwear must fit snugly for the
general safety of the individual student as well as those around him/her. Steel-toed shoes are
not permitted. Open back sandals are discouraged.
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c.
Clothing
Clothing should be worn in the manner for which it has been designed. For example:
(1) Shirts and blouses must be tucked in if they were designed to be worn tucked in.
(2) Shirts and blouses must be properly buttoned.
Students representing the school at extra-curricular activities should wear clothes appropriate
for the occasion.
d.
Shorts
Shorts are permitted to be worn by students provided they meet the following guidelines.
Shorts must:
(1) Reach below the fingertips when the arms are fully extended at one's sides. If a student
wears a combination of layers of clothing, the length of the outer garment must reach
below the fingertips when the arms are fully extended at one's sides.
(2) Are designed and sold as walking shorts such as Bermuda shorts, jams, and culottes: but
shall not include swim suits, cut-offs, gym shorts, or other such clothing.
(3) Do not consist of frayed, split-legged bottoms
(4) Are appropriately designed and worn within acceptable community standards and do not
contain offensive or inappropriate logos, emblems, iron-ons, or other such decorations
and words.
e.
Skirt/Dress Length Guidelines:
Skirts and dress length should reach below the fingertips when the arms are fully extended at
one's sides to a point at least midway between the fingertips and knees.
f.
Hats/Caps
Students are expected to remove caps or other "head-gear" while in the building.
In situations of questions about appropriateness of attire, the principal's decision will be final.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE STUDENT DRESS CODE:
First Offense
Send home or retain in the office until a parent" or guardian provides a change
of clothing.
Second Offense:
Student will be assigned detention.
Third Offense:
Student will be assigned in-school suspension.
Fourth Offense
Principal will determine appropriate consequence, ranging from suspension to a
hearing before the Board of School Directors.
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
School pictures will be taken by an independent photographer early in the school year and
in the spring. Information regarding packets and prices will be sent home with each child.
If parents are dissatisfied with the pictures, they may be returned for a full refund or
retaken during picture make-up day.
Student images may be used to promote the school or district. Parents who do not want
their child's image used in publication, broadcast or display must provide a written request
to that effect to the building principal at the beginning of each school year. (Policy 902.1)
STUDENT EXCUSES
The exact reason and date for a student's absence from school must be stated on the
excuse. Words such as "ill, sick, etc.," should be discouraged from use. Also, a signed excuse is to
be presented within five (5) school days from the day of returning to school or the absences for
which excuses have not been recorded will be marked unexcused.
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TARDIES
It is critical for children to be prepared to start their busy school day. Children are to be in
their rooms ready for the school day by 9:15. Teachers must maintain records of the number of
times children are tardy to school. When a student has accumulated a total of five (5) tardies to
school without a written legal excuse she/he will receive a warning. Progressive disciplinary action
will be taken for all additional tardies. School time missed due to chronic tardiness to school
without a written legal excuse may be accumulated and converted to an equivalent number of
unexcused absences. Parents should use 9:05 as a target arrival time.
TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
All textbooks and other instructional materials deemed necessary to carry on the
educational program approved by the District are loaned to students free of charge.
Individual students are held responsible for the materials they receive and will be expected
to pay for lost or damaged textbook and/or other instructional materials.
TOBACCO
All forms of tobacco are prohibited from school grounds, to or from school and school
events. In accordance with Act 154 of 1996, violations of the tobacco policy will be referred to the
district magistrate.
HARRASSMENT/THREATS
The Butler Area School District will not tolerate threats or harassment. The School Board
has adopted a policy regarding student threats. Report threats or harassment to the teacher or
principal immediately. "Aggravated Assault" is prohibited by the Butler Area School District. It is
critical that we maintain a safe environment for the children. Parents must direct their child not to
make threats and if they receive a threat the child must report it to the teacher immediately so that
proper action can be initiated.
VISITATION
An increasing number of parents are visiting Center Township School and are participating
in a variety of projects and activities to assist teachers in providing for the needs of the children,
this is a very valuable service and one that we can continue to maintain building security for the
welfare of the children, it is necessary that guidelines be established. I ask that ALL VISITORS
please adhere to the following guidelines.
1.
All visitors should enter the building through the front entrance near the office and
pass through the metal detector. You will be asked to show your driver’s license.
2.
All visitors should report to the office and provide the secretary with their rationale for
being in the building.
3.
All visitors should complete the visitors' log.
4.
Visitors will be provided with a visitor's pass, which is to be clearly displayed on their
shirt. Staff members will ask every visitor without a pass to immediately report to the
office.
5.
Upon the completion of their duties all visitors should return to the office, remit their
pass to the secretary, sign them selves out of the log, and exit through the front
entrance.
So that we can continue to utilize the services of community members in a secure setting
in school, it is necessary that all visitors please cooperate and assist us in school by adhering to
these guidelines.
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WAIVER OF COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE
Since interruptions from the regular school setting can interfere with the educational
process, parents are encouraged to schedule vacations and educational trips at times other that on
days when school is in session. If it is necessary that a child be withdrawn from school, an
"Application for Waiver of Compulsory Attendance" must be completed in full and returned to the
principal two weeks in advance of the date for which approval is requested. For the absence to be
declared an excused absence, approval must be granted by the building principal. Application
forms are available in the school office. More than one (1) vacation per year is discouraged. It is
suggested that the absence not exceed five (5) school days in length.
WEAPONS IN SCHOOL
The District's School Board Policy No. 218.1 states that weapons are forbidden on school
property. The possession or use of any instrument to harm, threaten, or harass another person
could result in suspension, expulsion, and involvement with local police. The school Board and staff
are serious about maintaining a safe environment for everyone. Parental support is a must, so
please monitor what your child brings to school.
A copy of the detailed policy is available for your review in the Principal's Office.
WINTER
Since winter weather conditions can be very unpredictable and harsh, and since it can
have a negative impact upon the safety and welfare of our children, parents are asked to please
utilize the following guidelines during the winter months:
1. Students should dress appropriately according to the outside temperatures (gloves, hats, warm
coat, suitable footwear, etc.) which could be deceiving if the wind chill factor is not taken into
consideration.
2. Children should be advised to be extra careful and alert when walking to and from the bus
stops and while waiting at their stops for moving vehicles, which could possibly skid due to
slippery road conditions.
3. Students who slide, play in the snow, throw snow, etc., could easily jeopardize the safety of
them selves and their fellow students. The throwing of snowballs could be a dangerous
practice and is a VIOLATION OF DISTRICT POLICY, WHICH REQUIRES THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
4. When weather conditions look threatening and the possibility exists for a late start of school or
school cancellation, parents should tune in to the local radio stations for the latest information.
Calls should NOT be made to the school for this purpose.
5. On Delayed starts, teachers and buses will report one or two hours later, depending on the
decision made. Working parents should make arrangements for their children since there will
be no supervision at the school until 30 minutes before school is to start that day.
6. On occasion, it might be necessary for the schools to dismiss early. Once again, when the
weather conditions deteriorate during the course of the school day, parents should listen to the
local radio stations for school announcements. Parents should have a contingency plan of
operation to care for the children for early dismissal days.
Winter Delay Schedule:
One Hour Delay—School starts 10:15
Two Hour Delay...School starts 11:15
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