LAWNTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
4400 Franklin Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Phone: 558-9430 Fax 558-7780
www.cdschools.org/lawnton
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK
2011-2012
CENTRAL DAUPHIN SCHOOL DISTRICT
4400 Franklin Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Phone: 558-9430 Fax 558-7780
www.cdschools.org
Table of Contents
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
CDSD Board of Directors ………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Mission Statement ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
The Whole Child …………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Principal’s Message ………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Faculty & Staff …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Where Do the Children Grow? ……………………………………………………………………...... 7
School-Parent-Student Compact …………………………………………………………………………… 8
Daily Schedule ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Dismissal …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Attendance …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
General Polices & Procedures
Building Security/Visitors………………………………………………………………...... 11
Cafeteria Services ……………………………………………………………………………………...... 11
Dress Code………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
School Spirit Days …………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Emergency Contact Information …………………………………………………………………………… 12
Emergency Plans …………………………………………………………………………………………. 13
Legal Custody ……………………………………………………………………………………………... 14
Lost & Found ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
Medication Policy/Procedures …………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Required Medical Exams …………………………………………………………………………………. 14
Parties & Celebrations ……………………………………………………………………………………. 15
Peanut Free School ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 15
Title I ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16
Annual Notification (Parent’s Right to Know) …………………………………………………………… 16
Academic Programs & Information
Reporting Student Progress ……………………………………………………………………………….. 17
Benchmark Assessments ………………………………………………………………………………….. 17
Grading Policy …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17
Honor Roll ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18
Academic Program Focuses …………………………………………………………………………….... 18-19
Homework ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20-21
Special Education …………………………………………………………………………………………. 22
Support & Related Services ……………………………………………………………………………… 23-25
Gifted Screening Eligibility …………………………………………………………………………….. 26-27
Bus Safety ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28
Discipline ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29
The Central Dauphin School District
School Board of Directors
Mr. Ford S. Thompson, President
Mr. Brian Faleshock, Vice President
Mr. Michael Brehm
Mr. Jay Wenger
Mr. Jason Lambrino
Mrs. Linda Dallago
Ms. Kristine Leber
Mr. Chris Judd
Mr. Christian D. Malesic
d
Dr. Luis B. Gonzalez
Superintendent
Mrs. Carol Johnson
Assistant to the Superintendent
MISSION STATEMENT
Central Dauphin, a uniquely diverse school district, ensures all students a challenging and dynamic curriculum that prepares them to succeed in a changing, global society by inspiring lifelong learning in a caring collaborative community.
d d d
Central Dauphin School Districtis an equal opportunity employer and educator who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability or genetic information.Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. Should any employee or applicant for employment have a concern regarding discrimination of the above in relation to employment, contact the Office of Human Resources at (717) 545-4703, ext. 259 or 262.
Lawnton Elementary School
4400 Franklin Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Phone: 558-9430 Fax 558-7780
Principal's Message:
Welcome to Lawnton Elementary School. We are happy to have you as part of the Lawnton family. This handbook has been prepared to give you important information about our school procedures. I encourage you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with its contents.
The mission of the Lawnton Elementary School is to assist students in their individual growth by integrating a wide variety of educational experiences. Our goal is to create a safe, orderly learning environment in which enthusiasm for learning and school spirit will enhance the self esteem of both students and staff and develop each child's full potential.
Communication
Throughout the school year there will be times when issues may arise and you will want to express your concerns. We request that you attempt to solve issues at the classroom level before requesting resolution at an administrative level.It is requested that when a problem or a concern exists, you begin with your child's teacher and speak with them first regarding a classroom issue. Everyone benefits when the proper chain of command is followed.
Please remember that teachers are in classrooms working with students most of their day and may be unable to contact you right away. Please allow him/her at least 24-48 hours to respond to your call or email. As always thank you for your continued support. Please note the proper channels of communication listed below:
Together we can Achieve Great Things!!
Sincerely
Mrs. Stephanie Bruno
LAWNTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF
Where Do The Children Grow?
When you see a smiling face
Their happiness all over the place
Singing, laughing, cries of glee,
Come they say, Play with me
The slide, the swing, the monkey bars.
Look at them close to see who they are.
Lots of races, “Ready, Set, Go”.
This is how the children grow.
If you watch them everyday
You'll see they learn as they play
They'll do what they see, and say what they hear.
You're their teacher throughout the years.
Their ideas and thoughts in their eyes shine.
Imagination is a glimpse of their mind
When you’re not looking, don't you know
This is when the children grow.
Watch them as they learn to walk
Listen to them when they talk
Keep them safe, away from harm
Wrap them gently within your arms
Teach them to share and how to take turns.
Set good examples from which they will learn.
At home, at school, wherever they go
This is where the children grow.
- Author unknown
SCHOOL-PARENT-STUDENT COMPACT
The Lawnton staff strives to make sure all children have an opportunity to learn and achieve to their maximum potential. We strive to recognize and support the individuality of each student as a learner. We strive to provide experiences that lead to the complete development of each child in a nurturing yet challenging atmosphere so that our children can succeed and someday become caring, responsible, lifelong learners, and productive members of our society.
This compact outlines how parents/guardians, the entire school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership that will help children achieve the state’s high standards.
School Responsibilities
Our school will strive to:
1. Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the participating children to meet the State’s student academic achievement as follows:
a. An approved curriculum that aligns with state standards
b. Research-based instructional programs
c. Highly qualified teachers to implement the curriculum
2. Hold parent-teacher conferences and provide parents with frequent reports on their child’s progress.
3. Provide parents/guardians reasonable access to staff.
4. Provide parents opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, and to observe classroom activities as described in the school handbook.
5. Encourage parents to be involved and monitor their child’s progress throughout the school year.
6. Staff members will be available via e-mail, by phone, or scheduled meetings. Contact information for each school is available on the District Website, www.cdschools.org.
Parent Responsibilities
We, as parents, may support our children’s learning in the following ways:
1. Be sure my child is punctual and attends school daily
2. Encourage my child to do their best
3. Assist my child with homework
4. Participate in decisions relating to my child’s education
5. Stay informed about my child’s education by communicating with the school, promptly reading all notices from the school or the school district and responding, as appropriate
6. Attend regularly scheduled conferences during the school year, school-sponsored workshops and activities
Student Responsibilities
I, as a student, will share the responsibility of my academic success in the following ways:
1. Come to school prepared to learn
2. Put forth my best effort and do my best everyday
3. Accept responsibilities for my own actions
4. Do my homework every day and ask for help when I need to
5. Give my parents/guardians all notices and information received from my school every
First Day of School: August 29, 2011
Last Day of School: June 7, 2012
SCHOOL HOURS
School Hours 9:00 A.M. - 3:45 P.M.
Kindergarten Morning Session 9:00 - 11:45 A.M.
Afternoon Session 1:00 - 3:45 P.M.
Two (2) Hour Delay: School begins at 11:00 a.m.
Grade(s) Start Time Dismissal Time
K-AM 11:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m.
K-PM 2:00 p.m. 3:45 p.m.
1s t- 5th 11:00 a.m. 3:45 p.m.
*Follow the regular schedule for lunch and afternoon specials
ARRIVAL
Do not drop off your children before 8:45 a.m. No supervision is provided before that time.
TARDIES
Students may enter the building at 8:45 a.m. Children who are not in their classroom at 9:00 a.m. are tardy. They must report to the office to receive a pass to enter class. Late arrivals need written excuses, just like absences.
DISMISSAL
Parents who pick up their children should be prompt. Our dismissal bell rings at 3:40 p.m. Car riders will be called to the cafeteria, walkers will be dismissed from the front exit in the primary hallway, and buses will be called as they arrive. Parents of car riders should park in the parking lot and come inside the building through the side cafeteria doors to pick up your child.
Because the parking lot can be very congested at this time, students running through the lot pose a serious danger. The first week, dismissal will be very slow to assure that all children get their assigned transportation. After our routines are established, students will be dismissed more quickly.
CHANGES IN DISMISSAL FOR BUS STUDENTS
Parents of bus students who are picking up their children at the end of the day need to supply the teacher with a note in the morning. Without a letter, students will be sent home on the bus or follow their usual dismissal procedures. Bus stop changes and/or bus assignment changes must be made through the office. Students are not permitted to ride buses other than their own unless it is an emergency written notice is on file with the office. Your child may not get off at a different bus stop without a written permission slip from the office.
Students are expected to be in school except in cases of illness, emergency, or educational trips supervised by a parent or guardian. The following guidelines should be used when a child is absent or an educational trip is planned:
Student Appointments and Absence Excuses
Students who need to be excused for appointments must bring a note, signed by their parent or guardian, to the classroom teacher when he/she arrives at school. Parents must pick up all students from the office before leaving the building. Adults picking up students must be listed on the Authorized Pick-up Form and be prepared to present identification when picking up a student.
Upon returning to school following an unplanned absence, whether for a partial or full day students should not be dropped off and allowed to enter the building alone. Parents must bring their child to the office to get a "Return to Class" slip. Students are required to submit a written excuse within 3 school days following the absence or they will be marked unexcused.
This excuse should include:
· Reason for the absence
· Date of the absence
· Parent/guardian signature
· Phone number for verification
======
A student who has been absent three or more days due to illness will be required to have a doctor’s excuse. Please note that altered doctor’s notes will not be accepted. If the written excuse is not presented to the office within three days (3) from the date of absence, the day(s) will be marked unexcused.
Excused absences include the following:
1. Illness of pupil
2. death of an immediate family member
3. quarantine
4. “urgent reasons” as approved by the building Principal
5. approved educational trip
When students reach 3 unlawful/unexcused absences they are considered a truancy risk, and will be subject to consequences outlined in the District’s Attendance Policy.
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS/RELIGIOUS TRAINING
District policy permits absences from school for certain educational activities/trips and religious training/holidays. You should submit your request on the available forms at least one week in advance of the absence. Forms can be obtained in the office or our website. When completing the form please provide a brief, but specific statement as to the educational value of the trip. Please be advised that I cannot approve any educational field trips during the week of PSSA or district assessments.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITES
A child must be in school in order to attend/perform in concerts and other after school activities. Children who are sent home from school due to illness my not participate in after school activities. It is always a difficult discussion to exclude a child; however experience has taught us that usually the child becomes ill during the event. It is healthier for everyone if the child remains home.
BUILDING SECURITY
Exit doors will be locked once students have entered the building and after they are dismissed. Access to the building during the school day can only be made through the front entrance. Visitors should ring the bell to the right of the entrance doors and the door will be unlocked electronically. Upon entering the building, all visitors must report to the office to receive a visitor's badge. These security procedures have been put into place for the safety of our children.
VISITORS
Based on the Central Dauphin School Board Policy, visitors are encouraged and welcomed. However, arrangements should be made in advance. Please be mindful that unscheduled classroom visits can cause disruption of the learning environment. Please note:
1. Prior arrangements should be made for classroom visits with the classroom teacher or principal.