Mattawa Elementary
Parent/Student Handbook
(509) 932-4433
PRINCIPAL: Mia Benjamin
Assistant Principal: Amanda Anderson
Secretary: Maria Trujillo
Secretary: Mariela Medrano-Perez
The mission of Mattawa Elementary School is to ensure
continuous student learning for all children.
QUALITY EDUCATION
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Providing skills that enable students to find information solve problems and self-assess.
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Instruction based on assessment that helps the teacher determines what skills the child
needs.
Individual students, small and large groups, whole classes learning a curriculum that
builds on itself.
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WHOLE CHILD
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Safe and confident students whose basic needs are met.
Treated with empathy, understanding and tolerance.
Multi-sensory instruction, which engages all the students’ intelligences.
INTENTIONAL LIFE LONG LEARNERS
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Students engaged in what they are learning, actively participating in activities and
self-assessing.
Teaching the students how to access information, analyze and evaluate.
Teaching the students to seek out and learn the skills they require throughout their
lives.
Dear Families:
It is a great privilege to serve as principal of Mattawa Elementary. We are honored that
you allow us the opportunity to teach your children each day. We encourage you to become
a part of your child’s education in whatever way possible. We are always looking for
volunteers to help in classrooms and work with kids. Any help is welcome and appreciated.
At home you can support what we do by providing a set time each night and a quiet place for
your child to do their homework. Support from home is critical to our mission to educate all
students.
In the early grades we stress routines and procedures in everything we do. As parents you
can please support us by keeping your child’s routine as normal as possible. Children who
arrive late to school or are absent miss critical learning time. Please do your best to help
your child be here on time each day.
Thank you for all you do for your children. We are always here to help and answer questions
for you.
Sincerely,
Mia Benjamin, principal
AT SCHOOL
Based on our experience as professional
educators, we believe that children will
learn best if these goals are achieved.
PHYSICAL NEEDS
 Building and grounds are to be
maintained
so
they
are safe,
attractive, and used optimally.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS
 Students and adults are respectful of
each other’s rights and ideas and are
encouraged to accept differences
among individuals.

Participate in decision-making
practice open communication.
and
AT HOME
Suggested goals for parents and
home caregivers.
PHYSICAL NEEDS
 Children should have an adequate
supply of clothing that fits well and is
appropriate for the various weather
conditions of Mattawa.
CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION NEED
 Students are to be provided current
curriculum materials, instructional
practices, and extended experiences.
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL NEEDS
 Children are more likely to experience
success in school when parents,
children and teachers work together
as a cooperative team; respectful of
each member’s contribution to the
child’s welfare and education.
ALL ELEMENTARY STAFF WILL
 Respect and encourage involvement of
parents.
 Respect group and individual rights;
CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION NEEDS
 Both the amount of time and quality
of television viewing should be
monitored.

A quiet and comfortable space for at
home study should be provided and
maintained
to
promote
the
development of high quality study
skills.
ATTENDANCE
Your child will learn more easily, and with greater sense of purpose, if she/he attends
school regularly. Mattawa Elementary School hours are 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and late start
on Mondays 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Skills are introduced and reviewed in each of the
classrooms daily so student attendance is important. Make sure to send a note when your
child returns to school after an absence, otherwise they will be considered unexcused. If
you know your child will be gone for an extended time please fill out a pre-arranged absence
form at the office before you leave. This way they will be excused and will not be
withdrawn from our records.
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES
Students develop a sense of safety and pride when a school has definite guidelines to help
each person operate effectively as an individual and in social situations. Here are some
guidelines to help students become more responsible for their behavior and learning.
Working together we can ensure each child’s success.
At Mattawa Elementary School, students will:
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Respect others and their property
Walk in the building and on the cement areas outside
Never throw rocks, snowballs or other dangerous objects
Leave toys and chewing gum at home
Follow directions given by adults in charge
Refrain from wearing gang related clothing including designs shave in hair
(White Sox, Raiders, Kinds, all black, etc.)
Refrain from wearing clothing with alcohol and tobacco advertisements
Follow classroom rules
Follow bus rules
Follow playground rules
CONCERNS
If you have a concern regarding your children the following steps might be helpful:
1. If it’s a classroom situation, contact your child’s teacher by either calling the school
office at 932-4433 or asking to talk directly with the teacher or by visiting the
classroom. If the situation is not resolved, please contact the principal.
2. In any school-related situation, inside or outside the classroom, feel encouraged to
contact the principal. She is there to be of help to you, your child, and the learning
process.
3. The school counselor is available for counseling assistance and can also be reached
through the school office.
DISCIPLINE
When a child is referred to the principal’s office, there are several possible consequences
that may occur. The list below is in the general order of occurrence, but these are not
always done in order. Sometimes, several of the consequences are chosen, depending on the
severity of the situation and the judgement of the principal.
A student sent to the office for rule violations may:
 Discuss the situation with the principal
 Determine what other choices could have been made
 Call/write parents and inform them of the situation
 Miss recess (es)
 Apologize, if needed
 Meet with parent(s), teacher or other staff and principal to establish a plan for
improvement.
 Automatic suspension: includes, but is not limited to, activities such as throwing
snowballs, rocks and other dangerous objects, hurting other children, etc.
Weapons
It is a violation of district policy and state law for any person to carry a firearm or
dangerous weapon on school premises.
School officials shall notify the student’s parents or guardians and the appropriate law
enforcement agency of known or suspected violations of this policy.
Students who violate this policy shall be subject to discipline, including a one-year expulsion
for a violation involving a firearm. However, the superintendent may modify the one-year
expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Cuts, bloody noses, bruises and even more serious items such as broken bones don’t wait for
anyone. In case of emergency it is vital that we have all the necessary information needed
to be able to contact you. Many times, changes occur in emergency contacts, addresses and
phone numbers and we are not notified. For the safety of your children, please check to see
that we have all of your child’s information updated at the office.
FOOD SERVICES
Breakfast and lunch are served daily. Each student is assigned a personal number for
purchasing meals. Breakfast is served in the elementary cafeteria. Students may bring
lunches from home or purchase the school lunch. Milk is included with a full lunch but may
also be purchased separately. Students are encouraged not to bring “snacks’ from home
when purchasing school lunch. Breakfast is served beginning at 7:30 a.m.; lunch is served
according to classroom schedules. Students are not permitted to charge meals. Forms for
free and reduced meals will be sent home on the first day of school and are also available in
the office.
Breakfast: Full: .85
Lunch:
Full: 1.50
Milk:
Full: .50
HOURS
Please make sure that your child arrives on time each day so that they are not marked
absent. Supervision is not provided for students until 7:30 a.m. before school and 15
minutes after school. Students who arrive late to school should stop at the office for a
tardy slip before going to class.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Possibly, at some point in your child’s life at Mattawa Elementary she/he will be exposed to:
CHICKEN POX (infectious, rash resembling blisters); CONJUNCTIVITIS/PINK EYE,
(infectious, eye appears red, itches and may water); IMPETIGO (infectious, rash of small
blisters usually near mouth or nose); RINGWORM (fungus, small red patch or bump on
body); SCABIES (infectious mite bite, bumpy rash on body, severe itching); and finally LICE
(non-disease causing condition, nits or eggs on hair shafts close to the head). Sharing
clothes, hats, hanging coats on top of others and even walking arm-in-arm down the halls
together can pass the lice around. Para-professionals go to each classroom monthly and
check each student for head lice. Using this proactive approach, we hope to keep the head
lice problem under control. Any students with the above conditions or any other contagious
disease must be sent home.
MEDICATION
Under no circumstances can school personnel administer any type of medication without the
parent and physician signed form being completed and on file in the office. State
guidelines, supported by the local school board, require that this form be on file, that the
original container is used, and that all medication be kept in the school office. This includes
non-prescription medication such as aspirin, vitamins, cough syrup, cold medicines, etc.
Please contact the school office if your child will need to take any medication at school.
You’ll be given the correct form, which then needs to be completed by you and your doctor.
PHONE CALLS AND MESSAGES
Please make any special after school arrangements with your children at home so they have
clear instructions on what they are supposed to do after school. They should bring a
permission note signed by you for any new instructions. Sometimes circumstances take
place and you have not informed your child;
In that case, when a change is necessary please call as early as possible at 932-4433 and
the message will be relayed to your child. We do not interrupt the classroom instruction
with phone calls except in emergency cases. Notes will be placed in the teacher’s mailbox or
sent to the classroom prior to dismissal time of 3:00. Children are not allowed to call home
to ask to visit a friend or make an arrangement of their own. They must always go to their
normal destination after school unless we have a note or phone call from you.
PLAYGROUND RULES
(Please review with your child)
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Toys from home are not allowed at school because they could get lost, stolen, or broken.
School is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken items.
There is no need to have food on the playground.
Fighting and wrestling may cause injuries and are not allowed.
Students are expected to talk nicely to others and be respectful of playground
supervisors.
Playing tag or other running games is limited to the soccer field area.
Students need to respect the need for quiet around the school building and stay in
designated play areas.
Absolutely no throwing of rocks, sand, snowballs or any other object that may endanger
others. Students who violate this rule will automatically be suspended.
Students must act in a responsible manner while using the bathrooms. Vandalism will be
strictly disciplined.
REGISTRATION
Parents wishing to register their child at Mattawa Elementary School must bring the child’s
birth certificate and immunization record to the school office. Kindergarten students must
be 5 years old on or before August 31. State law regarding immunizations is very specific
with proof of immunizations necessary in order to attend school. Please have the name of
your family doctor, an emergency phone number where a parent can be located during the
day and information regarding monthly or weekly salary for free or reduced school
breakfast/lunch applications. Medical and dental insurance applications are available. As are
transportation routes.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS
All children are special and very different from each other. Some have very special needs.
All students, by law, have the right to a “free and appropriate” education with “equal access”
to the basic educational program. Mattawa Elementary provides the following special
services for students as needed:
TITLE I
A school wide program designed to provide extra classroom
assistance for students and specific training for staff to meet the
needs of at-risk children.
SPECIAL ED.
Individual programs are designed to provide instruction for students
with special needs. Steps within this program include: referral,
assessment, individual education program, and placement.
COUNSELING:
A state certified counselor is available to meet with individuals or
small groups of students (and their families) to provide guidance in
personal, social, or academic areas which impact the student’s future
success in school.
VISITORS
Students bringing a visitor to school must have approval through the office prior to the
visit. For safety purposes our front doors will now be locked. Please use the buzzer on the
right of the building to let us know you are here. We will then be able to let you in.
VOLUNTEERS
Parents and community members are encouraged to volunteer at school. They do many
things, which help students be successful, as well as make their own kids feel good about
having them in the classrooms or buildings. An effective volunteer has an interest in
children’s education, is caring and dependable. The time volunteers spend in the school can
make a difference in the quality of programs provided. If you want to become an active
volunteer, please contact your child’s teacher or let the principal know of your interest.
YOU’RE STAFF AT MATTAWA ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Mia Benjamin – Principal
Mrs. Amanda Anderson- Vice Principal
Mrs. Maria Trujillo - Secretary Mrs. Mariela Medrano-Perez - Secretary
Special Education
Mrs. Teresa Davison– SpEd Director
Mrs. Noemi Osorio-SpEd Secretary
Mrs. Tracy Arlt – Sped Teacher - P-1
Ms. Kelsey Johnson- Sped Teacher
Ms. Jenny Armstrong- Pre-K – P-2
Mrs. OT Therapists- Marilyn Arnzen
Miss Marie Greisen– Speech Therapist assistant
Mrs. Sarah Oblas -Psych
Pre-School
Mrs. Alicia Cantu-Family Services Coordinator
Mrs. Cecilia Davis-Ecap
Mrs. Estella Hernandez-Even start
Kindergarten
Mrs. Sarah Greene
Ms. Cherice Zirker
Ms. Stephanie Heintz
Mrs. Lupe Martinez
Mrs. Cara Morrill
Ms. Linda Le
Mrs. Michelle Drexler
Mrs. Emily McLaughlin
Mrs. Amy Marlow
Ms. Danielle DeLange
P-3
P-4
Rm 14
P-7
P-8
Rm 13
P-6
Rm 17
Rm 18
P-9
1st grade
Ms. Roxie Phillips
Mrs. LaVasha Murdoch
Mrs. Bobette Hedman
Mrs. Monet Swanson
Mr. Nolan Maggs
Mrs. Jennifer Tapia
Ms. Carissa Ferrell
Mrs. Maggie Celaya
Mrs. Rebecca Dunbar
Rm 1
Rm 2
Rm 4
Rm 3
Rm 6
Rm15
Rm 8
Rm 16
Rm 5
Our Support Staff
Mrs. Nancy Osier - Counselor
Mrs. LeeAnn Neary- Library
Music
Mr. Mark Hull - P.E.
Ms. Lynn Morrison–Reading Specialist Rm 12
Mr. Ralph Estalilla - Reading Coach
Ms. Janelle Hoff-Language Specialist
Our Para-Professionals
Mr. Marcos Bravo
Mrs. Kathy Anderson
Mr. Joel Perez
Mr. Kaleb Hirai
Mrs. Magdalena Perez
Ms. Maria I.Tapia
Mrs. Maria D. Tapia
Ms. Claudia Tapia
Ms. Rosa Tapia
Ms. Angelina Sosa
Mr. Frankie Tinajero
Ms. Erica Tapia
Ms. Elizabeth Tapia
Ms. Katie Ruiz
Mr. Estevan Tapia
Mrs. Ana Gutierrez
School Schedule
Emergency School Closure
7:30
7:30
8:15
9:50-10:05
10:50-12:20
1:55-2:10
3:00
If any change in the normal school day is made due to
Weather announcements will be making on the following local
radio stations:
KRSC
Othello-1400 AM (Spanish)
KPQ
Wenatchee-102.1 FM
KPQ
Wenatchee 560 AM
WIQ
Moses Lake 100.3 FM
KDRM Moses Lake 99.3
KORD Tri-Cities 91 AM
KIOK
Tri-Cities 95 FM
Breakfast begins
Outside supervision
Classes begin
all recess
Kinder-1st grade lunch
all recess
Dismissal