Mountain ViewElementary School
5901 Plantation Circle
Roanoke, Virginia 24019
21st Century Excellence in Education
Voice: 540-561-8175
Fax: 540-561-8167
LISTENING, LEARNING, LAUGHTER...
LIFETIME TOOLS FOR SUCCESS!
Parent/Teacher Handbook 2017-18
Mountain View Elementary School promotes dynamic teamwork, innovative instruction, and a vibrant school-community relationship, empowering our children to thrive in the
21st century.
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2017-18
AUGUST
21 BACK TO SCHOOL/OPEN HOUSE4:30-7:30PM
23 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER
4SCHOOLS CLOSED – LABOR DAY
15EARLY DISMISSAL 12:20PM
22 INTERIM MIDPOINT
29 INTERIM REPORTS SENT HOME
OCTOBER
10PTA/CHILDREN’S ENGINEERING 6:30PM
13 EARLY DISMISSAL 12:20PM
26 END OF 1ST GRADING PERIOD
27SCHOOL CLOSED/TEACHER WORKDAY
31 FALL PARTIES 1:15PM
NOVEMBER
2 REPORT CARDS SENT HOME
7 SCHOOLS CLOSED – PARENT/TEACHER
CONFERENCES (12:00 – 7:00 PM)
14 PTA/VETERANS DAY PROGRAM 7:00PM
22 EARLY DISMISSAL – 12:20 PM
23,24 SCHOOLS CLOSED – THANKSGIVING
29 INTERIM MIDPOINT
DECEMBER
1 INTERIM REPORTS SENT HOME
12 PTA/HOLIDAY PROGRAM 7:00PM
19 WINTER PARTIES 1:15
20-31 SCHOOLS CLOSED – WINTER BREAK
JANUARY
1,2 SCHOOLS CLOSED – WINTER BREAK
3 RETURN FROM WINTER BREAK
12 END SECOND GRADING PERIOD
15SCHOOLS CLOSED/MLK DAY
16SCHOOLS CLOSED/TEACHER WORKDAY
25 REPORT CARDS SENT HOME
FEBRUARY
2 EARLY DISMISSAL 12:20PM
5 SCHOOLS CLOSED PARENT/TEACHER
CONFERENCE
5 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
16 INTERIM MIDPOINT
23 INTERIM REPORTS SENT HOME
MARCH
13PTA/READING NIGHT 6:30PM
22 END OF THIRD GRADING PERIOD
23 SCHOOLS CLOSED/TEACHER WORKDAY***
29REPORT CARDS SENT HOME
29 SPRING PARTIES 1:15PM
30 SCHOOLS CLOSED/SPRING BREAK***
APRIL
2-6 SCHOOLS CLOSED/SPRING BREAK
9RETURN FROM SPRING BREAK
17 PTA/DRAMA CLUB PERFORMANCE
MAY
2 INTERIM MIDPOINT
8 PTA AWARDS AND PROGRAM 7:00PM
10 INTERIM REPORTS SENT HOME
28 SCHOOLS CLOSED MEMORIAL DAY***
JUNE
4 FUN DAY/TALENT SHOW
5 AWARDS ASSEMBLY Gr. 3-5 8:30AM
6 5th GRADE GRADUATION 8:15
6 EARLY DISMISSAL 11:30AM/LAST STUDENT DAYNO LUNCH SERVED
***WHEN USED AS A MAKEUP DAY, SCHOOL IS IN SESSION.
Disclaimer
Roanoke County Public Schools does not discriminate with regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or handicapping condition in an educational or employment policy or practice. Questions or complaints should be addressed to the Assistant Superintendent of Administration—Title IX Coordinator at (540)562-3900 ext. 121 or the Associate Director of Pupil Personnel Services—504 Coordinator at (540)562-3900 ext. 182.
CODE OF VIRGINIA 22.1-79.3
In accordance with state law, we shall advise the parent of each student enrolled in the school division of the availability of information in the school division of the availability of information in the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. The location of the internet website is:
Dear Mountain View Parents,
Welcome to another exciting year at Mountain View! Our school is a place where the halls abound with listening, learning, and laughter. We look forward to another excellent year of academic success as we promote our vision of “21st Century Excellence in Education.” We, as your administrators, are exceedingly proud to have the opportunity to serve in leadership roles for this wonderful school and supportive community.
We are so fortunate to have professional, dedicated faculty and staff members who strive to maintain high expectations, rigorous standards, and excellence in education for all our students. Our goal is to develop students who are actively engaged in the process of inquiry-based learning in classrooms enriched with activities promoting collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication.With the tremendous support of our Mountain View parents, we are able to meet lofty academic goals and develop high achieving 21st Century learners. We value the contributions that you make to our school through your interest and support of our educational programs, your countless hours of volunteering, and your commitment to all the children at Mountain View. We look forward to your continued involvement at home and at school. Together and united in efforts, we can make a tremendous difference in the successful outcome of each and everyone of our students.
This Mountain View Parent Handbook and the Roanoke County Student Conduct Code should serve as guides for you and your child in developing an understanding of expectations and procedures at school. Please feel free to visit our school and share with us any concerns, suggestions, or ideas that you may have as we all begin another outstanding year at Mountain View.
Sincerely,
PrincipalAssistant Principal
Leigh Smith Arrin Alaniz
Mountain View's Mission Statement
Mountain View Elementary School promotes dynamic teamwork, innovative instruction, and a vibrant school-community relationship, empowering our children to thrive in the 21st century.
Roanoke County Schools Mission Statement
Roanoke County Public Schools provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment in which students are empowered by knowledge, skills, and experiences to thrive as tomorrow's leaders, workforce, and citizens.
RCPS ORGANIZATIONAL MODEL
FOR IMPLEMENTING THE DIGITAL C-CHANGE
The Digital C-Change Strategic Framework serves as the primary focus for school growth within the RCPS Comprehensive Plan. The following graphic and accompanying explanation describe the interconnectivity among the school division, schools, and classrooms within this model. The vehicle for implementation of the model within the schools is the Roanoke County Accreditation Process (RCAP).
The Digital C-Change Strategic Framework identifies specific outcomes associated with the learning focus articulated by the Vision and Mission statements. These outcomes describe the types of learning experiences that should be readily evident in every classroom, in every school within the school division. Every RCPS student deserves the opportunity to learn from educators who are committed to preparing, planning, creating, implementing, and evaluating for these outcomes. The Digital C-Change Strategic Framework also articulates five essential components and conditions that must be nurtured and developed in order for the outcomes to become reality in each classroom.
School History
The first elementary school in this area was Tombstone School, a small brick building built around 1872. The school was located on the old road to Roanoke, formerly known as the Tombstone Road. Other schools serving the area were the Hollins Grammar School, located near the intersection of Williamson Road and Peters Creek Road, and a Mountain View School that still stands on Old Hollins Road.
The old Mountain View School closed around 1939, and the children attended Burlington School. Then in 1958, crowded conditions at Burlington made it necessary to build the present school. Mountain View School, located on Plantation Circle, was built in 1958 on twelve acres of farm land and was first opened in the fall of 1959. Continuous growth in this section of the county made it necessary to construct additions to the school in 1962, 1967, and 1969.
During the 1987-1988 school year our school was recognized by the Department of Education as having one of the best elementary programs in the country.
Our school was air conditioned and remodeled on the outside to make it more energy efficient in 1993.
In the front area of the school a quarter-mile walking track was built in memory of a student in 1996. The track serves both the school and community. New playground equipment was purchased by the PTA and installed in the play area inside the track in 2002.
In the fall of 2003, our most recent and extensive renovation project began. A new building with 20 new classrooms and 4 resource rooms was added. Remodeling in the older building included a new media center, art room, music room, regular classrooms, and resource classrooms. The kitchen and cafeteria were remodeled, as well. Renovations also included new offices and a school clinic.
During the summer of 2014, we added an outdoor fitness center in honor of Mr. Tom Hall for the many years of service he provided to the Mountain View community as our principal and Director of Human Resources. We are excited about this additional fitness area as we strive to promote healthy lifestyles for our students and community.
The school has been privileged to have a very active Parent Teacher Association which has served the school immeasurably with its volunteers, contributions of materials and equipment, and beautification of the school. As budget cuts loom, resources are depleted, and operational costs rise, and somehow our PTA continues to provide funding for excellent support materials and activities benefiting all our Mountain View students and families. Please continue to support the PTA fundraisers, participate as a volunteer, and say thank you to an organization that truly gives to all our children.
Philosophy and Beliefs
We at Mountain View Elementary School believe our primary goal is to provide an atmosphere to promote optimum growth and learning for each child. This foundation is best accomplished when the basic human needs for security, understanding, and success are fulfilled. We value children and are sensitive to their individual needs. We endeavor to help them achieve their full potential and become responsible, contributing members in an ever-changing society.
Children are encouraged to develop skills and ideas that will enhance productivity and fulfillment of goals in a democratic society.
Our primary purpose is to help children develop the skills, concepts, values, and self-esteem necessary to establish realistic goals. These goals should be based on academic achievements, abilities, interests and motivation.
The active participation of the parents and other community resources is valued as an integral part of the education of each child. The successful development of each child depends upon the involvement of family, community and school.
We believe students with positive self-esteem learn best when they are self-motivated and display socially acceptable behaviors.
The goals of Mountain View Elementary School and community are to help each student, consistent with the abilities, interests, and educational needs of the child, to:
- develop competence in the Standards of Learning skills including all core subjects and technology
- develop skills, knowledge, and an appreciation of the humanities
- develop the skills necessary for responsible decision-making through an understanding of choices and consequences
- participate as a responsible member of the community by showing respect and sensitivity to our diverse society
- develop wellness skills to enhance life-long physical and mental well-being
- develop an awareness and understanding of responsible environmental practices
- acquire a basic understanding and appreciation for democracy and the free enterprise system
- encourage the intellectual skills of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:20 a.m.
Teachers arrive
7:25-7:50 a.m.
Buses and car-riders arrive/breakfast served
7:50 a.m.
Homeroom begins/Tardy bell rings
2:15 p.m.
Afternoon Announcements
2:20 p.m.
Dismissal for students
2:30 p.m.
Dismissal for car-riders
2:40 p.m.
Dismissal for teachers
4:00 p.m.
Building closes-Principal and Secretary leave
Arrival time for our students is 7:30 a.m.(unless on early buses). Please do not drop students off prior to the official opening of school.
Please call before 1:00 PMif there are changes in your child’s transportation.
School Directory
PRINCIPAL
Ms. Leigh Smith
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Mrs. Arrin Alaniz
SECRETARY
Mrs. Lisa Hogue
GUIDANCE
Mrs. Jessica Rill
KINDERGARTEN
Mrs. Melissa Agner
Ms. Barbara Robertson
Ms. Kristin Hunt
FIRST GRADE
Mrs. Jeni Church
Mrs. Gloria Gibson
Mrs. Bridgett Wimmer
SECONDGRADE
Mrs. Sandy Brown
Mrs. Stephanie Benne
THIRD GRADE
Mrs. Cindy Myers
Mrs. Karen Sampson
Mrs. Joyce Rodriguez
FOURTH GRADE
Mrs. Shannon Harless
Mrs. Whitney Huffman
Ms. Melissa Francisco
FIFTH GRADE
Mrs. Jessica Webb
Mrs. Tara Delp
Ms. Molly Wainwright
READING
Mrs. Karen Fabrie
PRESCHOOL
Ms. Ashley Safrit
Mrs. Olga Hunt-Itinerant
Special Education
Ms. Toni Knight
Mrs. Bev Zambrello
Mr. John Overstreet
Mrs. Jamie Godfrey
Mr. Scott Price
Mr. DeWayne Yopp
ESL
Mrs. Mary Branisteanu
TECHNOLOGY
Mrs. Courtney Jones
SPEECH
Ms. Charlene Vann
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Dr. Kim McInnis
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
Mrs. Kristen Micheal
PE
Mr. Keith Robinson
MUSIC
Mrs. Sonnet Conner
ART
Mrs. Martha Eary
LIBRARIAN
Ms. Sharon Tarpley-Looney
SCHOOL NURSE
Mrs. Mary Brown
INSTRUCTIONAL
ASSISTANTS
Ms. Jean Sweeney
Mrs. Dana Laffoon
Mrs. Janet Fitzgerald
Mrs. Joy Murray
Mrs. Susan Price (Webmaster)
Ms. Becky Caviness
Ms. Melissa Wills
Ms. Maryann Heffron
Mrs. Sharon Boitnott
Ms. Sherri Kelly
Mr. Dennis Looney
Mrs. Michelle Dean
Mr. Jack Aders
Mrs. Heather Wray
Mrs. Denise Price
Ms. Lela Hickman
Mr. Rick Mullins
Ms. Stephanie Stuart
CAFETERIA
Mrs. Sherry Forer-Manager
Mrs. Brooke Rucker
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Ms. Maria Gonzales- GCA
COORDINATOR OF
STUDENT SERVICES
Ms. Gail Haferty
PTA Offices and Committee 2017-18
Principal
Leigh Smith
Assistant Principal
Arrin Alaniz
President
Dana Kreklow
Vice-President
Secretary
Carrie Webster
Treasurer
Lynn Wampler
Membership
Gloria Gibson
Jeni Church
Legislation/County Council
Leigh Smith
Arrin Alaniz
Volunteers
Lori Hoyle
Hospitality
Kim Bergsten
Grounds
(Open)
Cultural Arts—Reflections
Tracy Addison
Room Parents
Bethany Gillenwater
Faculty Representatives
Shannon Harless
Barbara Robertson
Scholarship/Life Membership
Cindy Myers
DI (OM)
Marjorie Gann
STUDENTATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Daily student attendance is a key factor in student success in school. Being present each day contributes to a student’s feeling connected to the school and to the student’s learning. Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS) takes seriously our obligation to provide high quality, engaging, and purposeful learning experiences designed to meet students’ needs and to prepare them for future opportunities. Our goal is to create and sustain schools and classrooms to which students are eager to go and learn. RCPS welcomes you as a valued partner in supporting acceptable levels of school attendance for our students. We want to keep you informed of student attendance procedures that RCPS schools follow in order to support this cooperative effort.
Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, RCPS schools will follow the procedures below for student attendance. The full version is located in Policy 7.07 and Administrative Regulation 7.07AR under School Board Policies on the RCPS website:
Thank you for your support of our joint efforts to promote student learning through good student attendance. If you have any questions, please contact your school’s principal, school counselor, or school social worker. You may also contact me at 562-3900 x10120.
Sincerely,
Ken Nicely, Ed.D.
Director of Administration
Excused Absences and Tardies
Parents of students who are absent or tardy must inform the school in writing of the reason for the absence or tardy no later than upon the student’s return to school (emailed message is acceptable). School staff records the student’s absence or tardy for each day as “excused” or “unexcused”. Please be aware that, if absences and tardies that are excused solely by parent explanation become excessive, the school will require additional documentation in order to ensure compliance with the compulsory school attendance law.
Acceptable Excuses
1. Absences and tardies are excused for the following reasons with written explanation from the parent: a. illness of the student
b. approval from administration prior to the absence
c. death in family/funeral and
d. school-sponsored activities
e. observance of a nationally recognized religious holiday if such holiday is verified and the school is notified in advance.
2. Absences and tardies are excused for the following reasons with appropriate written documentation: a. hospitalization or extended illness (with documentation from physician)
b. doctor or dental appointment (with documentation from physician’s or dentist’s office)
c. mandatory court appearance (with court documentation)
3. A student whose absence is excused due to the observance of a nationally recognized religious holiday is not deprived of any award or of eligibility or opportunity to compete for any award, or of the right to take an alternate test or examination, which the student missed by reason of such absence.
4. Absences and tardies that do not meet the criteria for being excused absences or tardies are considered unexcused absences or tardies. Students in grades 9-12 may be denied full credit for assignments missed due to an unexcused absence or tardy.
5. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit in any way the authority of any attendance officer or the division superintendent to seek immediate compliance with the compulsory school attendance law.
Excessive Absences or TardiesWithout Adequate Written Documentation
If absences or tardies excused solely based on parent explanation become excessive, the school will require additional documentation in order to ensure compliance with the compulsory student attendance law. Such additional documentation may include written documentation from a physician treating the student for a chronic or extended illness or court documentation resulting from student involvement in a legal matter.
School principals and school counselors regularly collaborate with school social workers to monitor student attendance and communicate with students, parents, and families regarding excessive absences unsupported by adequate documentation.
For the purposes of avoiding excessive tardiness to school that results in frequent loss of instructional time, five (5) tardies to school without adequate written documentation will be considered the equivalent of one (1) absence.
The following procedures are followed when a student has been absent excessively without adequate written documentation:
First Notification Letter
1. Within the first semester, if a student accumulates five absences excused solely based on parent explanation, the school will notify the parent of the student (First Notification Letter) and list the dates the student has been absent.
2. During the second semester, if a student accumulated fewer than five (5) absences excused solely based on parent explanation within the first semester, but the student subsequently accumulates ten (10) such absences during the second semester, the school will notify the parent of the student (First Notification Letter) and list the dates the student has been absent.