A.B. McDonald Elementary School
2014-2015 Student Handbook
1
McDonald Elementary School
2323 East D Street
Moscow, ID 83843
(208) 882-0228
August 2014
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year at A.B. McDonald Elementary School! We look
forward to working with you as partners in your child's education. We are very excited to
begin the new year! We will have three classrooms in kindergarten and first grade; two
classes in second grade; three classes in third grade; two classes in fourth grade, and three
classes in fifth grade. We have strong programs in counseling, physical education, music,
movement, technology, special education, gifted/talented education, and reading/math
intervention. We have a brand new, excellent reading program for our students called
Wonders, and we have many wonderful school activities planned! We will also continue to
have our excellent Developmental Preschool and our afternoon K+ Program.
We have developed this handbook to provide you with necessary information regarding the
procedures at McDonald Elementary School. We appreciate you taking time to read this and
discuss its contents with your children. With this handbook, you also will receive a Student
Information Packet. Please keep this stapled together and return it to school. Your signature
indicates that the student information is accurate and that you have discussed the contents
with your children.
We encourage you to visit McDonald Elementary School! I would also love for you to read
over our Vision, Mission, and Goal statements on the following page—these guide us in all
of our endeavors. Please also visit our website at www.msd281.org/mcdonald for
information, and always feel free to call if you have questions or concerns. This year we are
not collecting fees; we have student supply lists that can be found on our web site.
We look forward to our new school year! Thank you for sending us your fabulous children!
Sincerely,
Dr. Cindy Bechinski
Principal
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A.B. McDonald Elementary School
Home of the DUCKS!
Our Vision:
A.B. McDonald Elementary School aims to meet the academic, personal, and social needs of all
students by creating a learning community where students are encouraged to become lifelong
learners and responsible citizens.
Our Mission:
A.B. McDonald Elementary School: Nurturing the whole child by encouraging respect, kindness, and
a love of learning. WE PUT KIDS FIRST!!!
Our Goals:
A.B. McDonald Elementary School will:
 Provide high quality instruction to all students in alignment with the Idaho Content Standards.
 Administer meaningful assessments and gather relevant data related to each student’s
academic achievement so that adequate progress toward the state’s standards and the
district’s curriculum goals can be determined.
 Continually monitor student progress to assure students are improving at an appropriate rate
of growth.
 Provide meaningful opportunities for students to obtain and share information through the use
of technology.
 Actively communicate with parents, students, and community through school and classroom
newsletters, PTO flyers, weekly communication folders, school and classroom websites, email,
phone calls, and conferences.
 Support all staff by sharing ideas, experiences, and resources.
 Maintain and promote a respectful, safe, and trusting environment, both on and off campus.
 Help students develop appropriate social skills in order to experience successful interpersonal
relationships.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
McDonald School Staff ------------------------------- 5-6
General Information -------------------------------------- 7
Important Dates ------------------------------------------- 8
Notes From The Counselor ----------------------------- 9
Attendance Requirements ------------------------------ 9
Health ------------------------------------------------------ 10
Medication Guidelines --------------------------------- 10
Notifying the School When Your Child is Absent ---- 11
Bus Transportation Guidelines----------------------- 11
Bus Rules ------------------------------------------------- 12
Dress Code ----------------------------------------------- 13
Visitors ----------------------------------------------------- 13
Student Responsibilities ------------------------------- 14
Special Rules--------------------------------------------- 15
McDonald School Map----------------------------------16
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McDonald School Faculty and Staff
Cindy Bechinski ........................................................ Principal
Kim Mikolajczyk ......................................................Counselor
Linda Rogers ...........................................................Secretary
Lisa Snyder ..............................................................Secretary
Joann Dorschel ................................................. District Nurse
Tessa Meier ....................................District Nurse (Part Time)
Heidi Palmer ...................................................... Kindergarten
Emma Woodard Riely ........................................ Kindergarten
Kristine Fitze ......................................................... First Grade
Brenda Iverson ..................................................... First Grade
Denise Johnson .................................................... First Grade
Debbie Bell ...................................................... Second Grade
Jana Horne ...................................................... Second Grade
Wendy Thompson ................................................ Third Grade
Krysta Spinarski ................................................... Third Grade
Heather Hall ......................................................... Third Grade
Wes Bascom………………………………………Fourth Grade
Susan Boehne ...................................................Fourth Grade
Lee Ann Berg ........................................................ Fifth Grade
Lance Hamma ...................................................... Fifth Grade
Jerri Parce ............................................................ Fifth Grade
Mary Berthiaume ......................................... Music Education
Lisa Carscallen........................................ Physical Education
Stephanie Sant................. Movement/Technology Education
Patty Pancheri ................................................... GT Facilitator
Pepper Abbott…….………………Special Education Teacher
Geri Ray ...................................... Special Education Teacher
Janet Mundell ......................... Speech Language Pathologist
Michele Fredrickson .............................................. Audiologist
Gabriela Holzman .............. Teacher for the Hearing Impaired
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McDonald School Faculty and Staff, continued
To Be Announced .......... Speech Language Paraprofessional
Janet McIntosh ............... Special Education Paraprofessional
To Be Announced .......... Special Education Paraprofessional
Tamra Peters ................. Special Education Paraprofessional
Jessica Smith ................. Special Education Paraprofessional
Sean Sullivan ................. Special Education Paraprofessional
Allen Tedrow .................. Special Education Paraprofessional
Karen Bizak-Marr..…..….………………… …………Interpreter
Karen Tripepi.............. Reading Intervention Paraprofessional
Kelly Watson .............. Reading Intervention Paraprofessional
LeAnna Ricks ................. Developmental Pre-School Teacher
Lindsey Wagner ...................... Speech/Language Pathologist
Julie Comstock ..... Pre-School Instructional Paraprofessional
Marie Trevisan ..... Pre-School Instructional Paraprofessional
Jeanne Sanford ............................................ Library Assistant
Elyse Cregar ..............................District Elementary Librarian
Michelle Ownbey .................................................... K+ Leader
Margi Smith ........................................................ K+ Assistant
Becky Cole ............................................. School Psychologist
Karen Douglas .............................. Aide/Playground Assistant
Stephanie Bontrager ..................... Aide/Playground Assistant
Connie Pope ................................. Aide/Playground Assistant
Vince Rathbun................................................. Day Custodian
Jack McCown ................................................ Night Custodian
Joanne Eastburn ......................................... Kitchen Manager
Renee Leisinger ............................................................. Cook
Debby Germer................................................... Cook/Cashier
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Office Hours: 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
School Hours:
8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8:15 a.m. -2:15 p.m. Friday
Students who walk to school or are dropped off should arrive no earlier than 7:50.
Monday – Friday:
Breakfast
7:50-8:15
Lunch/Recess:
11:15-11:40
11:00-11:25
11:35-12:00
11:05-11:30
11:10-11:55
11:15-12:00
11:25-12:10
11:35-12:20
11:45-12:30
AM Kindergarten/K+ Mon.-Thur.
AM Kindergarten/K+ Fridays only
PM Kindergarten Mon.-Thurs.
PM Kindergarten Fridays only
Grade 1 Monday-Friday
Grade 2 Monday-Friday
Grade 3 Monday-Friday
Grade 4 Monday-Friday
Grade 5 Monday-Friday
We welcome and encourage parents to join their student for breakfast or lunch. Please call the office
by 9:00 a.m. if you are coming to lunch.
Breakfast/Lunch Prices:
Breakfast
Adult Breakfast
Lunch
Adult Lunch
Milk
$1.50
$2.60
$2.20
$3.85
.35
Emergency Closures:
School closures will be announced using the MSD School Messenger phone and email system, on
our web site, and over the following radio stations:
KRPL - AM (1400)
KWSU - AM (1250)
KQQQ - AM (1150)
KZFN - FM (106.1)
KRFA - FM (91.7)
KUOI - FM (89.3)
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McDonald School: Important Dates
September 4 ...................... Back to School Open House and Family Movie Night!
September 8 ............................................................................. First Day of School
September 11 .................................................................................... PTO Meeting
September 16 ................................................................. Third Grade Parent Night
September 17 ......................................................................... PTO Fall Fundraiser
September 17 ............................................................. Second Grade Parent Night
September 18 ................................................................ Kindergarten Parent Night
September 23 ............................................................... Fourth Grade Parent Night
September 24 ...................................................................First Grade Parent Night
September 25 ...................................................................Fifth Grade Parent Night
October 2-3...................... Professional Development for Teachers--NO SCHOOL
October 8 ............................................................ International Walk to School Day
October 9 ........................................................................... McDonald Talent Show
October 16 ......................................................................................... PTO Meeting
October 13-17...............................................................................Box Top Contest
October 24 ............................................................................................ Picture Day
October 29 ........................................................................................Monster Mash
October 31 ........................................ Parent/Teacher Conferences--NO SCHOOL
November 13 ..................................................................................... PTO Meeting
November 14….……………..…………………………………………Picture Retakes
November 21 ........................................................................................ Turkey Trot
November 26 ............................................................................ 1:30 Early Release
November 27-28 ................................................................. Thanksgiving Vacation
December 5 ........................................................................ PTO Winter Ball (new!)
December 11 ..............................................................Winter Concert (grades K-2)
December 11 ..................................................................................... PTO Meeting
December 22 – January 4 ............................................................. Winter Vacation
January 5 .........................................................................Students return to school
January 15 ......................................................................................... PTO Meeting
January 19 ................. Martin Luther King, Jr. /Human Rights Day—NO SCHOOL
January 30 ................. Teacher Work Day/Data Analysis Meetings—NO SCHOOL
February 2-6 .................................................................................Box Top Contest
February 16 .......................................................... President’s Day—NO SCHOOL
February 19 .................................................................. Musical Play/Concert (3-4)
February 19 ..................................................................................................... PTO
February ........................................................................ Polar Walk to School Day
March 5 .....................................................................PTO Pizza Feed/Bingo Night
March 16-20 ......................................................... Spring Vacation—NO SCHOOL
March 30, 31 and April 1 .................................................................... Science Fair
April 2 ............................................................................. Portfolio Sharing Evening
April 3 ..................................................Work Day/Conference Day—NO SCHOOL
April 9 ................................................................................................ PTO Meeting
April 10 ........................................................... Specialty Picture/Class Picture Day
April 27-May 1 ..............................................................................Box Top Contest
May 5 ................................................................................... Staff Appreciation Day
May 6 ......................................................................................... Fill the Racks Day
May 14 ............................................................................................... PTO Meeting
May 15 ..........................................................................Spring Book Fair/Breakfast
May 25 ..................................................................... Memorial Day—NO SCHOOL
June 4 ................................................................................... McDonald FUN DAY!
June 5 ...................................................... Assemblies and Fifth Grade Graduation
June 5 .................................................... Students’ last day of school/1:30 Release
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NOTES FROM THE COUNSELOR
Occasionally, a child may be dealing with a particularly stressful situation. For example, the death of
a pet or other upsetting event that causes stress can influence the child's day at school. We want
your child to be as successful as possible at school, so please notify your child's teacher or the office
when there are days that your child may have some special needs.
Special days like birthdays are important to children. If a child wishes to share a birthday treat with
his or her class, please contact the teacher in advance to make arrangements. Invitations and
transportation for private parties should be handled outside of the school environment.
ATTENDANCE
It is important for every student to attend school on a regular basis to help ensure continued
academic progress. If a parent takes a child out of school for a special trip or any other reason,
please notify the child’s teacher at least one week in advance by writing a note or sending an email.
This will enable the teacher to have time to prepare work for your child so he/she will not fall too far
behind. We understand that special opportunities occasionally arise, but please know that each
learning day is very important, and it is sometimes difficult for a child to catch up.
Moscow School District Board Policy, 5000.01 and Idaho Code 33-202 define truancy as “absences
without a legitimate excuse.” There are specific procedures that are required for handling truancy
cases. If a child has ongoing attendance issues, the principal will contact the parent(s) directly and
explain the process that will need to be followed in accordance with Board Policy. In serious cases
the parent may be required to appear in Attendance Court, and it may be necessary to contact the
Prosecutor’s Office.
Except in very special circumstances, students who attend school should participate in all phases of
the school day, including physical education and recess. Students should dress appropriately and
plan to go outside for recess.
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HEALTH
A permanent health record, which includes a health history and notes special problems, is kept on file for
each student. It is essential that this file information be current.
WHAT IF MY CHILD’S HEALTH INFORMATION CHANGES OR HE/SHE HAS SPECIAL HEALTH
CONCERNS?
Notify the school office so the permanent record may be changed. Bee stings, allergies, epilepsy,
asthma, heart problems, and diabetes are examples of the types of conditions that we need to know
about so we can provide proper care.
WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS TO TAKE MEDICATION?
Medication should be administered at home whenever possible. If your child brings ANY medication to
school, he/she must bring it to the school office. In order for school personnel to administer over-thecounter medication, the office must have a permission form or note stating the dosage, the specific reason
for the medication, and the time the medication should be administered. This note must be signed and
dated by the parent or guardian.
If the medication is prescribed, the school requires a statement by your physician indicating the name of
the medication, the dosage, and the time of administration or the original prescription container along with
a note signed and dated by the parent or guardian identifying the name of the medication, the dosage,
and time of administration.
If it is necessary to administer ANY medicine during school time, please call the office at 882-0228.
CAN MY CHILD BE EXCUSED FROM OUTDOOR RECESS?
Except in very unusual circumstances, we ask that children participate in all aspects of the school
program, including outdoor play. Keeping the child in a warm, well-contaminated indoor environment
during recovery from a cold would not be
as health-promoting as fresh air and moderate exercise.
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD WILL BE ABSENT OR LATE TO SCHOOL?
Please call the school office between 7:30 and 9:00 A.M. You may leave a message during the
evening or early morning hours by calling
882 -0228.
WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS TO LEAVE SCHOOL?
Please send a note in the morning with your child. Students are not allowed to leave the school
grounds during the school day without parent/guardian permission.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS LATE TO SCHOOL?
Please have your child/children check in with the office staff before going to class.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Pupils picked up in the morning must be returned to their home bus stop unless other arrangements
have been made.
CAN MY CHILD RIDE A BUS TO A FRIEND’S HOUSE OR SPECIAL EVENT
AFTER SCHOOL?
Busing is NOT provided for students for their personal business. Personal business consists of
things such as Scouts, Blue Birds, birthday parties, spending the night with friends, etc. Bus students
may not ride a bus other than their regular bus for any personal business. Please make sure all after
school plans are made prior to the event
WHAT IF A FAMILY EMERGENCY WARRANTS A CHANGE
IN MY CHILD'S BUS ROUTE?
Due to state regulations, students are listed on one bus roster only. Students will not be allowed to
ride another bus unless they are issued a bus pass for an emergency situation. A note to the
principal must come from the parent/guardian stating the family emergency, the dates involved, and
the name and phone number of the occupants at the child’s destination. Students may then receive
an Emergency Bus Pass.
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Regulations Governing Students Riding School Buses
STUDENT BUS CONDUCT RULES
1. Each student shall be responsible for the safety of self.
2. The bus driver is in full charge of all persons riding the bus and has the same status and authority as a teacher
insofar as discipline is concerned. Students shall obey the directions of the bus driver promptly and courteously.
3. Students shall board and leave the bus at their established stop, except when they have a request signed by their
parent/guardian and approved by their principal to board or leave from another established stop. Students shall ride
their assigned bus unless reassigned by the respective school principal or designee.
4. Students shall observe safe pedestrian practices while walking to and from the bus stop. Students shall arrive at
their designated bus stop not less than five (5) minutes nor more than ten (10) minutes before the bus is scheduled to
arrive. Student shall wait in an orderly manner and shall respect private and public property while waiting at the bus
stop.
5. After the bus has come to a complete stop, students shall enter the bus, go directly to an available or assigned seat,
and remain seated until the bus stops to unload students.
6. If it is necessary for students to cross the road before boarding or after leaving the bus, the student must walk
twelve (12) feet in front of the bus until an all clear signal is given by the driver, then cross carefully.
7. A parent/guardian or another responsible person shall be available at the bus stop in the afternoon to meet
kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and Head Start students. Due to safety concerns, those children will not be dropped
off unless a designated person is available, and will instead be returned to their schools. Responsible individuals
include parents, guardians and older siblings. With prior written approval from a parent or guardian, students will be
released to other designated adults. This rule applies to public and non-public school students who ride district buses,
but does not affect students in higher grades.
8. Students shall talk quietly and avoid loud or distracting noises on the bus. Students shall avoid unnecessary
conversations with the driver while the bus is moving. Absolute silence is required when the driver stops the bus at a
railroad crossing.
9. Students shall not tamper with emergency doors or equipment.
10. Students must keep all parts of their body (hands, arms, feet, head, etc.) inside the bus at all times. No materials
are to be thrown inside the bus, from the bus, or into the bus. Eating and drinking is not allowed on the bus except
when unusual circumstances exist and prior approval is given by school transportation personnel.
11. School district policies and procedures pertaining to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances, and weapons
are in effect at the bus stop and on the bus.
12. Breakable containers; laser pointers; skateboards; hazardous materials; cigarette lighters; matches; large class or
lab projects; animals (other than assistive animals); illegal, dangerous, or disruptive items are not permitted on any
school bus. Any items carried on the bus must be small enough to be held on the lap of the student.
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13. The deliberate destruction or defacing of the interior or exterior of the bus by a student will result in a
disciplinary hearing and may result in immediate loss of bus privileges for a minimum of five (5) school days. It may
be required that restitution for damages be made before the student’s bus privileges are reinstated.
14. The student shall demonstrate respect for self, peers, and authority.
15. Students who refuse to promptly obey the instructions of the driver or who refuse to obey regulations may forfeit
their privilege to ride on the bus.
DRESS CODE
Children and parents are asked to plan together about appropriate dress for academic learning. Children
should be neat, clean, and organized in their appearance. If a student’s attire is inappropriate or disruptive to
the educational process, parents will be notified and children will be asked to change their clothes. Note: Flipflops are not permitted in P.E. or Movement. When children wear flip-flops, many suffer toe injuries while
playing outside. Children should bring alternative shoes to school if they wear flip-flops.
VISITORS
Parents/Guardians are always welcome at school. It is desirable to schedule a visit directly with the teacher
ahead of time. We require that all visitors report directly to the school office. The office staff will notify the
teacher of your arrival. All guests must wear a visitor’s badge.
CAN RELATIVES OR FRIENDS VISIT MY CHILD AT SCHOOL?
The general rule is that these individuals are not permitted to visit school. If you have a case for special
consideration, please contact the principal.
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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students enjoy rights within our schools and must accept the responsibilities of citizenship. These
responsibilities require that all student behaviors contribute to a positive and safe educational
experience.
Responsible students at McDonald School will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Show respect for self, others, and school property.
Walk through the school in a quiet and orderly fashion.
Honor all school rules and make safe and wise choices.
Carry a pass when moving through the building.
Use indoor voices when eating in the cafeteria.
Use appropriate language.
Wear hats outdoors only.
Keep cell phones and other electronic devices off during school hours.
Students who follow the rules will be recognized frequently with verbal or written
acknowledgement. Duck Pond tickets will often be issued to students who prove to be
responsible school citizens.
Students who choose NOT to follow the rules can expect the following consequences:
Step 1:
A verbal WARNING will be given.
Step 2:
If a student continues NOT to follow the rule after receiving a verbal warning, he or she will be given
a brief TIME OUT in the classroom or on the playground.
Step 3:
If the student continues NOT to follow a rule after the brief time out, the student will be sent to the
office or other designated area. During this time out, the principal or designee may:
a) Meet with the student to discuss which rule was not followed and ways to solve the problem should it
occur in the future.
b) Notify parents that the student has not met behavioral expectations and has been sent to the office.
c) Require the student to complete a Behavior Reflection Form
d) Meet with the parent(s) and student if the misbehavior continues.
Step 4: Parents will be notified immediately regarding serious behavior issues including bullying/harassment,
threats, or possession of weapons at school. These actions are grounds for immediate suspension. Note: Any
knife that has been brought to school is considered, by law, to be a weapon—pocket knives included.
If appropriate, a personalized behavior management program may be developed with staff and parent input for
a student who continues to make inappropriate choices.
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SPECIAL RULES FOR SPECIAL PLACES
Classroom
At the beginning of the year, teachers will review classroom rules. These rules are posted on the wall so you
can refer to them.
Lunchroom
Students should expect to eat meals in the cafeteria with very good manners. McDonald students should
remember to talk quietly, remove their hats, use proper utensils, clean up spills or messes, and show respect
and courtesy for adults on duty and visiting parents. Pleasant table manners will make our breakfast and lunch
times more enjoyable for all.
Playground: SAFETY FIRST!!!
Specific playground rules will be posted in each classroom. Students will be instructed on the proper use of
playground equipment including balls, bats, swings, and climbing apparatus. Safety on the playground is of
the utmost concern. All McDonald students should be considerate and respectful of others while at recess.
Good sportsmanship is essential!
Rules:












Be a good sport at all times; treat others with respect.
Follow the directions of the playground supervisors the first time they are given.
Take care of school equipment.
Students must use appropriate language at all times.
Students may NOT fight, tackle, wrestle, push, or bump.
Students may NOT climb or sit on the backstop, swing supports, or fence.
Students may NOT slide on ice.
Students may NOT have food, drink, or gum on the playground.
Students must stay within the playground boundaries—bike racks are out of bounds.
Students must have a pass to go inside the building to use the restroom or get a drink.
Students must report all injuries or safety concerns to the playground supervisor.
Students must line up to come in as soon as the bell rings.
Swings:
 Stay seated and swing straight—no spinning.
 Students may have up to 30 swings back and forth before leaving if someone is waiting.
 Students may not jump off the swing.
 Under-dogs are not allowed.
 Students may not wrap swings around the top of the set.
Climbing Equipment:
 Students may not jump off any climbing equipment.
 Students may not play tag on the equipment.
 Students may not sit on the ladder bars or play “chicken.”
Balls:
 Students may play four-square on the black top.
 Students may play touch football, softball, kickball, and soccer on the grass field.
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Modular
K+
Prog.
5th
26
Berg
25
Spec. Ed.
Abbott
Intervention
Gym
Carscallen
4th
23
Boehne
5th
24
Hamma
5th
21
Parce
3rd
Science Room
27
28
Thompson
4th
22
Bascom
Entrance
Kitchen
Boiler
Room
3rd
20
Spinarski
Special Ed
Abbott
Office
Cafeteria and
Multi Purpose
Room
Sant
Confer.
Room
Library
Cregar
Sanford
Staff
Lounge
Computer Room
Music
Room
Berthiaume
2nd
18
Bell
3rd
11
Hall
10
G/T- Pancheri
Intervention
Tripepi/Watson
Special Ed
Ray
SLP
Mundell
Fredrickson
2nd
19
Horne
Sch. Psych.
Cole
Kdgn
12
Palmer
Kdgn
17
Riely
1st
15
Fitze
Dev.
1st
Preschool
13
14
Iverson
Ricks
1st
16
Johnson
A.B. McDonald
Elementary
School
2014-2015