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 2 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. 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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) 7 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 8 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. 9 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. 10 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. 11 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. 12 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. 13 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. 14 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. 15 16 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