NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AMERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
847 North Center St. Northville, Michigan 48167
(248) 465-2100
Amerman Elementary School 2016-2017 Student Handbook
Home of the
Bobcat. . .
Aspire, Achieve, Amaze!
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of the Board of Education and the School District not to unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability. The District reaffirms its long-standing policy of compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination including, but not limited to, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC SS2000d et seq. and 42 USC SS 2000e et seq.; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 USC SS1681 et seq.; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 USC S794; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 USC SS12101 et seq.; Michigan Handicappers’ Civil Rights Act, MCL SS37.1101 et seq.; and, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCL SS 37.2101 et seq.
Any questions concerning Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, should be directed to:
Title VI
Assistant Supt. For Instructional Services Northville Public Schools
501 West Main Street Northville, Michigan 48167
(248) 344-3520
Title IX
Director of Human Resources Northville Public Schools 501 West Main Street Northville, Michigan 48167
(248) 344-3537
Inquiries related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap, should be directed to:
Director of Special Education Services Northville Public Schools
501 West Main Street Northville, Michigan 48167
(248) 344-3530
NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AMERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
847 North Center St. Northville, Michigan 48167
(248) 465-2100
Dear Amerman Community,
Welcome to Amerman Elementary School and to the 2016-2017 school year. This handbook will provide you with general information regarding our curriculum, school policies, expectations and procedures.
Amerman Elementary is outstanding in many ways. As a Leader in Me School, our focus is to integrate Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into our curriculum to promote leadership amongst our students. This process of developing leaders empowers students and helps unleash each child’s full potential. The Amerman Staff is an incredible team that not only creates a culture of leadership, but is dedicated to employing best instructional practices to provide our students with a solid foundation which fosters a love for learning and helps our students take risks to meet challenges. In close association with our teachers, Amerman Parents are partners in everything we do! From volunteering in the cafeteria to providing resources our students and staff need to do our best and most important work, our parents walk beside us every step of the way everyday. We
encourage you to look for ways you can share your talents with our school through our Parent Teacher
Association (PTA), Dad’s Club, Academic Games, and Science Olympiad.
We hope this booklet will answer some questions you may have about us. With your support, we look forward to the challenges of the 2016-2017 school year and believe that, together, we can make a difference. If at any time you have any questions or concerns regarding Amerman Elementary School, please give us a call or stop by the office.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 4
MISSION 6
GRADUATE PROFILE/ADULT ROLES 6
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS 7
CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION 7
AMERMAN SCHOOL PTA LEADERSHIP 7
ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM 8
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) 8
MATHEMATICS 9
SCIENCE 10
SOCIAL STUDIES 10
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 11
HEALTH 11
ART. 11
MUSIC 11
WORLD LANGUAGE 11
LIBRARY/MEDIA 12
Parent Lending Library 12
Book Fairs 12
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 13
ELEMENTARY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM 14
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 14
ATTENDANCE 14
Excused Absences 14
Unexcused Absences 15
Extended Absences 15
Extenuating Circumstances 15
Intervention, Truancy and Consequences 15
Discipline and Consequences 16
Work Completion During Absences 16
Tardiness 17
Attendance Recording and Record Keeping 17
Participation in State Mandated Assessments 17
Illnesses at School 17
BELL SCHEDULE 18
BICYCLES/ROLLER SKATES/SKATEBOARDS/SCOOTERS 18
BUS TRANSPORTATION 18
COMMUNICATION 18
DISCIPLINE 18
Gun Free Schools Act 19
School Violence Hotline 19
DRESS CODE/DISTRACTIONS TO THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT 19
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS (8:30 a.m.) 20
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS (3:47 p.m.) 20
ELECTRONIC DEVICES 21
EMERGENCY FORMS 22
EMERGENCY DISMISSAL 22
EMERGENCY- PARENT, GUARDIAN, CARE GIVER ROLE 22
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING 22
HEALTH APPRAISAL/IMMUNIZATIONS/COMMUNICABLE DISEASES 22
KINDERGARTEN READINESS 23
LISTSERV 23
LOST AND FOUND 23
LOST BOOKS/MATERIALS 23
LUNCH PROGRAM – MISTAR 23
MEDICATION / HEALTH CARE PLANS 24
MONEY AT SCHOOL 24
OPEN ENROLLMENT POLICY 24
PARENT CONFERENCES 24
PARENT INVOLVEMENT 25
ICHAT FORMS 25
PARTIES / TREATS / HOLIDAYS 25
PICTURES 25
PLAYGROUND 25
PLAYGROUND RULES 26
RECESS / OUTDOOR PLAY 27
SAFETY PATROL 28
SECURITY 28
SNOWBALLS 28
STUDENT LEADERS 28
STUDENT LIGHTHOUSE TEAM MEMBERS 28
TELEPHONE. 28
VISITORS 28
WALKERS 28
YEARBOOK 29
Medication Prescription/Parent Authorization Form 30
MISSION OF THE NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our mission is to challenge all students to reach their potential and to meet the demands of the future as responsible citizens through a dynamic, comprehensive curriculum provided in a caring environment by people committed to excellence.
NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADUATE PROFILE/ADULT ROLES
A Northville Public School Graduate has demonstrated a mastery of core knowledge and skills to become a/an:
Analytical Thinker
-who is a resourceful individual who uses core knowledge to process and manage information to solve problems.
Effective Communicator
-who comprehends and expresses ideas clearly through various means of communication.
Quality Producer
-who continually seeks to achieve quality results through individual accountability, leadership and/or teamwork using multiple methods, technologies and resources.
Continuous Learner
-who improves self through life long learning with a sense of confidence to adapt to change, set, and achieve goals.
World Class Citizen
-who is responsible to self, others and the environment as a contributing member of a democratic society in a diverse world.
Student Learning Outcomes Committee Consensus: April 12, 1994 Citizen/Staff Technology Advisory Committee Consensus: February 1995
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS
The Board of Education of the Northville Public Schools meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings on the second Tuesday are usually held in the forum at Hillside Middle School. Meetings on the fourth Tuesday are usually held in schools. Watch our district website for the specific information. Meetings are open to the public.
Adam Phelps - President
Cynthia Jankowski - Vice President
Roland Hwang - Secretary Matthew Wilk - Treasurer Sarah Prescott - Trustee Ann Kalass - Trustee
James Mazurek - Trustee
CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Mary Kay GallagherSuperintendent / (248) 344-3508
Deanna Barash
Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services / (248) 344-3520
Michael Zopf
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations / (248) 344-3510
David Rodgers
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources / (248) 344-3537
Nadine Harris
Director of Special Services / (248) 344-3530
AMERMAN SCHOOL PTA LEADERSHIP
Our Parent Teacher Association is an active group whose purpose is to strengthen the ties between home and school. We encourage you to become involved in this organization, as it is an important part of our home / school partnership. Please feel free to contact a member of our PTA Executive Board at www.amermanpta.com
President: Rabecca Plenchette
1st Vice-President: Jamie Pohlman
2nd Vice-President: Carin Meyer
Secretary: Nikki Oleksinski
Treasurer: Tanya Edwards
ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA)
ELA is more than just reading and writing. It includes skills like speaking, listening, and viewing as well. ELA offers us a way to communicate effectively.
These are the areas of study in ELA:
Reading Writing
· Word recognition Word Study · Writing Genre
· Vocabulary · Writing Process
· Fluency · Personal Style
· Narrative Text · Grammar and Usage
· Information Text · Word Study/Spelling*
· Comprehension · Handwriting**
· Reading Attitude · Writing Attitude
Speaking Listening and Viewing
· Spoken Discourse · Response to listening and viewing
· Speaking Conventions · Conventions
The Northville Public Schools ELA curriculum is in alignment with the state benchmarks. Further information may be found on the state website: www.michigan.gov/mde.
*Rather than traditional spelling lists and tests, your child will work with words in a variety of ways to learn spelling strategies that will be assessed in authentic writing samples.
**A functional approach to handwriting is used which places emphasis upon communication, expression, legibility, and neatness. The Handwriting Without Tears method has been adopted by Northville Public Schools. This technique teaches children of all learning styles and ability levels to write neatly and efficiently.
MATHEMATICS
To enable Northville's students to meet current and future demands of a constantly changing, highly technical and global society, a mathematical program aligned with state guidelines and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards is provided. Our curriculum heightens and expands expectations for student achievement by addressing thirteen standards. Four are interwoven throughout the curriculum: Mathematics as Problem-Solving, Communication, Reasoning, and Connections.
The remaining nine standards include:
· Estimation;
· Number Sense and Numeration, Number Relationships, Systems and Theory;
· Concepts of Whole Number Operations;
· Whole Number Computation;
· Geometry and Spatial Sense;
· Measurement: Statistics and Probability;
· Fractions and Decimals;
· Patterns and Relationships;
· Functions and Algebra.
Problem-Solving is a central focus of the mathematics curriculum. It permeates the entire program and provides the context in which concepts and skills are learned. Here students are encouraged to share their thinking and approaches. They learn several ways of representing problems and strategies for solving them. They are taught to value the process of solving problems as much as they value the solutions. Thought-provoking questions, speculations, investigations, and explorations are ongoing.
Communication plays an important role in helping children construct links between their informal, intuitive notions and the abstract language and symbolism of mathematics. Talking and writing about mathematics helps them make important connections among physical, pictorial, graphic, symbolic, verbal, and mental representations of mathematical situations. They begin to understand the power of mathematics when they realize that some ways of representing a problem are more helpful than others; when they begin to understand the flexibility and usefulness of mathematics.
Reasoning is critical thinking and mathematics is reasoning. Children learn that one cannot do mathematics without reasoning. Learning to explain and justify their thinking is important and how a problem is solved is as important as its answer.
Mathematical Connections help children see how mathematical ideas are related. It is important that children connect ideas both among and within areas of mathematics (i.e. computation, geometry, measurement, and problem-solving). When mathematical ideas are also connected to everyday experiences, both in and out of school, children become aware of the usefulness of mathematics.
SCIENCE
The Northville science curriculum emphasizes the interrelationships between the life, earth, and physical sciences. It is a “hands-on, minds-on” program that encourages investigations and research. The program provides:
· Opportunities for the acquisition of current scientific concepts and information.
· Opportunities to experiment with and manipulate materials.
· An understanding of science-related social and technological issues.
· Opportunities to enhance positive attitudes, foster natural curiosity, and provide intellectual stimulation in scientific pursuits.
The following units are studied at each grade level:
Kindergarten- senses, changes in the seasons, my Earth, and living things.
First Grade- attributes of water, water ecosystems, bodies of water, measurement Second Grade- simple machines, lights and shadows, changes over time, life cycles Third Grade- properties of matter, sound, changing Earth, plants
Fourth Grade- motion and force, magnetism and electricity, earth’s materials, animal studies
Fifth Grade- matter and molecules, simple machines, the earth and human interaction on the earth, and systems
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies is the integrated study of the social sciences to prepare young people to become responsible citizens. Our curriculum, which is aligned with the State of Michigan Curriculum Framework, focuses on the following content strands: history, geography, civics, economics, discourse, inquiry, and citizenship. Within these content strands, kindergarten and first grade classrooms focus on the family, awareness of community, cultural diversity, and considering the difference between needs and wants. Second grade classrooms focus on traditions, monuments, celebrations, holidays, heroes, and beginning understanding of local markets. Third graders compare our local community (past and present) with other communities in the U.S. and world, develop
understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship, and explore public issues. Fourth grade concentrates on U.S. Regions and Canada with a focus on the Mid-West Region and Michigan. The impact of current events on Michigan, the U.S., and the world is also an important part of the curriculum. Fifth graders study North American history, colonization, the American Revolution, westward expansion, develop a basic understanding of the Civil War and further explore how current events affect people within the
U.S. and the world.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The Northville K-5 physical education program is multi-faceted in nature. Students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of technique as well as particular physical skills.
Additionally, the development of social skills is fostered with every unit taught. The overall goal of the program is to provide students with the information and skills necessary to effectively define and maintain a “healthy, active lifestyle”.
Throughout the K-12 educational process, students are given the knowledge to organize, implement, and participate in both individual and group physical activities. Through participation in a variety of experiences, students demonstrate a competency in many movement forms. In a physical activity setting, they exhibit good sportsmanship and respect the individual differences of other students while they assess, achieve, and maintain fitness goals.