Downingtown Area School District
Student/Parent Handbook
2015-2016
Code of the Charger
We believe everyone has…
The right to learn
The right to live safely
The responsibility to be polite
The responsibility to be honest
The responsibility to use time wisely
The responsibility to respect one another
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STAFF LIST SY 2014-2015...... 5
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL...... 7
CALENDAR 2015-2016
HOURS and ATTENDANCE
SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
CHILD ATTENDANCE
ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
PROCEDURES FOR EXCESSIVE ABSENCES
EXCUSE PROCEDURES FOR TRIPS, VACATIONS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS
EARLY DISMISSAL DUE TO WEATHER
KINDERGARTEN PROCEDURES FOR DELAYED OPENINGS
6-DAY CYCLE
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
PHONE MESSAGES
EMAIL MESSAGES
CONFERENCES
STUDENT TELEPHONE USE
INSTRUCTION and ASSESSMENT
GROUPING OF STUDENTS
Math Instruction...... 15
HOMEWORK
HOMEWORK FOR ABSENT STUDENTS
GRADING AND REPORTING – ESAR and the Online Gradebook...... 17
ESAR and the Online Gradebook Q & A...... 17
Q: What is the ESAR? The ESAR ...... 17
Q: What does ESAR stand for?...... 17
Q: How often will my child receive the ESAR?
Q: How is progress reported on the ESAR?...... 17
Q: What is Online Gradebook?
Q: How do I access the Online Gradebook?...... 18
STUDENT ASSESSMENT...... 18
ENCORE SUBJECTS
INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTION / TECHNOLOGY USAGE
ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS
STUDENT RECORDS / TRANSFER OF RECORDS
HEALTH and MEDICAL
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
DENTAL EVALUATIONS & DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION
VISION, HEARING & SPEECH SCREENING AND THERAPY...... 20
ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS
FIRST AID AND ILLNESS
LATEX ALLERGIES
NUT ALLERGIES
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
ENTRY AND REGISTRATION FOR SCHOOL
ADMISSION TO KINDERGARTEN
ADMISSION TO FIRST GRADE
REGISTRATION FOR GRADES 1-5
STUDENT SERVICES
INSTRUCTIONAL CORE TEAM...... 22
STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP)...... 22
RESPONSE TO INSTRUCTION AND INTERVENTION (RtII)
TITLE I
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
GIFTED SUPPORT PROGRAM
ESL (ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE)
SERVICES FROM OUTSIDE AGENCIES
ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION
DISCIPLINE
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
DRESS CODE
FOOD SERVICE and RECESS
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
LUNCH PROGRAM
LUNCH SCHEDULE
RECESS
DENIAL OF RECESS PRIVILEGES
WELLNESS POLICY
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS...... 27
PARTICIPATION / ACTIVITY FEES
FIELD TRIP POLICY
FIELD TRIP CHAPERONES
MEDICATION/MEDICAL CONDITION
TRANSPORTATION
KINDERGARTEN TRANSPORTATION
BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS
WALKERS...... 30
BIKE RIDING...... 30
HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
VOLUNTEERS and VISITORS
VOLUNTEER POLICY
VOLUNTEERS
VISITORS
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
CHANGE OF ADDRESS / TELEPHONE
BRINGING TOYS TO SCHOOL
BRINGING ELECTRONIC DEVICES TO SCHOOL
CARE OF TEXTBOOKS
LOST AND FOUND
PRIVATE PARTY INVITATIONS
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
DOWNINGTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTORS REPRESENTING OUR SCHOOL
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
BULLYING POLICY
CHAPTER 15 ANNUAL NOTICE
WEST BRADFORD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF DIRECTORY
ADMINSTRATIVE STAFF
Dr. Dina WertPrincipal
ADMINSTRATIVE OFFICE STAFF
Mrs. Anya LaffertyAdministrative Secretary
Mrs. Karen CaseSecretary
STUDENT SERVICES STAFF
Mrs. Karen StephensCounselor
Mrs. Heather CarrPsychologist
Ms. Theresa O’MalleyInstructional Support Teacher
Mrs. Alyson ReardonInstructional Support Teacher
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STAFF
Mrs. Stacey FisherKindergarten
Miss Jacqueline HanrahanKindergarten
Mrs. Jaclyn DeaneFirst Grade
Mrs. Kathleen DeNardoFirst Grade
Miss Danielle DiBerardinisFirst Grade
Mrs. Joanne KinseyFirst Grade
Miss Chelsea LucasFirst Grade
Mrs. Emily BrittonSecond Grade
Miss Claire GallagherSecond Grade
Mrs. Megan KaySecond Grade
Mrs. Nicole StabilitoSecond Grade
Mrs. Melissa AlexanderThird Grade
Mrs. Karlee MulhernThird Grade
Mrs. Susan NannThird Grade
Mrs. Teresa SmallThird Grade
Mrs. Kaitlyn PlushThird Grade
Mrs. Michelle CarterFourth Grade
Mrs. Nancy KimballFourth Grade
Mr. Chuck MenasFourth Grade
Mr. Brent ElbertiFourth Grade
MissKayla LongshawFourth Grade
Mr. Matthew CibelliFifth Grade
Mrs. Mary CookeFifth Grade
Mrs. Elena MargolinFifth Grade
Miss Karen SteidlerFifth Grade
Mrs. Catherine KalogredisLife SkillsSupport
Mrs. Joanne KornetLearning Support
Mrs. Alyssa WetzelGifted Support DEEP
Mrs. Sarah GriffinLearning Support
Mrs. Erin ProkopESL
Ms. Sylvia LebrunLearning Support
Mrs. Valerie CrescenzVocal Music
Mr. Daryl DarlakAdaptive Physical Education
Mr. Craig Evans Physical Education
Mr. John KennedyLibrarian
Mrs. Mary Frances GiuntaArt
Mrs. Mary Ann OttoInstrumental Music
Miss Mary ZirolliString Instruments Grade 4, 5
Miss Jacqueline RanieriPhysical Education
Ms. Heather SiegfriedString Instruments Grade 3
PROFESSIONAL STAFF – THERAPY SERVICES
Mrs. Heather BrohmOccupational Therapist
Mrs. Valerie McHenrySpeech Therapist
Mrs. Nancy MillerSpeech Therapist
Ms. Dawn PinkertonHearing Therapist
Ms. Amy WolstenholmePhysical Therapist
MEDICAL SERVICES STAFF
Mrs. Monica BaldwinCertified School Nurse
Mrs. Dawn SculliHealth Room Nurse
SUPPORT STAFF
Mrs. Karen DowneyLibrary Aide/Bldg. Aide
Mrs. Barbara GiannoneKindergarten Aide
Mrs. Linda McKainKindergarten Aide
Mrs. Terry FoulkInstructional/IST Aide
Mrs. Bridget HansonInstructional Aide
Mrs. Citreese KellerInstructional Aide
Mrs. Debra ParkinsonInstructional Aide/Cafeteria Monitor
Mrs. Janelle PetrucciInstructional Aide/Bldg. Aide
Mrs. Cheryl StaquetInstructional Aide
Mrs. Natalie WorkoskyInstructional Aide/Cafeteria Monitor
Mrs. Deanna BradleySpecial Education Aide – Learning Support Program
Mrs.Theresa LeberfingerSpecial Education Aide – Life Skills Program
Mrs. Debbie GoepfertSpecial Education Aide – Learning Support Program
Mrs. Elaine HalseySpecial Education/Nurse Aide
Special Education Aide
Mrs. Michelle NielsenSpecial Education Aide
Ms. Ann AshmanSpecial Education Aide
Ms. Ashley FoleySpecial Education Aide
Mrs. Alicia DeverCafeteria Monitor/Special Education Aide
Ms. Elizabeth AmorielloCafeteria Monitor
Mrs. Nancy NorwoodSpecial Education Aide – Learning Support Program
Special Education Aide – Life Skills Program
Mrs. Jody PincuraMath Instructional Aide
Mrs. Marie PitsikoulisMath Instructional Aide
FOOD SERVICES STAFF
Mrs. Patricia BlankCafeteria Manager
Mr. Randy GoodCafeteria
CUSTODIAL STAFF
Mr. John CampbellHead Custodian
Mr. Randy GoodCustodian
Mr. Nelson YocumCustodian
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to West Bradford Elementary School!
I’m excited for a new year to learn from and with each other here at West Bradford! As the principal, there are three important aspects of my position, the first of which is safety, followed by ensuring that teachers are teaching and students are learning! Students can’t learn if they are not feeling safe and connected. We have designed predictable routines and procedures to help organize for safety and to build connections between students, as well as staff and students. This handbook outlines and informs our families of the rules and practices to help keep our school day running orderly and safe.
The mission of the Downingtown Area School District, proud of our tradition of excellence, is to educate all students to meet the challenges of a global society by providing an individually responsive learning environment characterized by outstanding academic and personal achievement in partnership with family, students, and community. What that translates to is that we have a commitment to welcoming and educating ALL of our learners, wherever they are on their educational journey, with your help and support. And we look forward to the adventure!
Please take time to review, familiarize yourself with, and refer to this handbook frequently. It is provided as a guide and ready reference to the procedures and routines of our school. These practices are planned to facilitate the smooth operation of our school so that our students can learn and teachers can teach. We appreciate your support.
I’m looking forward to amazing adventures together!
Educationally yours,
Dr. Dina Wert, Principal
West Bradford Elementary
CALENDAR 2015-2016
August 31...... First Student Day (Monday)
September 7...... Labor Day Recess (Monday)
September 9...... Two Hour Early Dismissal / Modified Kdg.(Wednesday)
September 14...... School Not in Session for Students – Staff In-service (Monday)
September 23...... Holiday—Schools and Offices are CLOSED (Wednesday)
October 12...... School Not in Session for Students – Staff In-service (Monday)
October 14...... Two Hour Early Dismissal / Modified Kdg.(Wednesday)
November 3...... School Not in Session for Students –Parent Conferences (Tuesday)
November 4...... Two Hour Early Dismissal / No AM/PM Kdg.- Parent Conferences (Wednesday)
November 25...... School Not in Session for Students – Staff In-service (Wednesday)
November 26-27...... Thanksgiving Recess (Thursday/Friday)
December 9...... Two Hour Early Dismissal / Modified Kdg. (Wednesday)
December 24-January 1...... Winter Vacation
January 4...... School Reopens (Monday)
January 13...... Two Hour Early Dismissal / Modified Kdg.(Wednesday)
January 18...... School Not in Session - Martin Luther King Day (Monday)
February 11...... Two Hour Early Dismissal / Modified Kdg.(Thursday)
February 12...... School Not in Session for Students – Staff In-Service (Friday)
February 15...... School Not in Session – President’s Day (Monday)
March 4...... School Not in Session for Students – Staff In-service (Friday)
March 9...... Two Hour Early Dismissal / NO KINDERGARTEN(Wednesday)
March 23-28...... Spring Recess – No School (Wednesday thru Monday)
April 11-15...... PSSA English Language Arts (ELA) – Grades 3-8
April 13...... Two Hour Early Dismissal / Modified Kdg.(Wednesday)
April 18-22...... PSSA Math – Grades 3-8
April 25-29...... PSSA Grades 4 & 6 Science
May 2-6...... PSSA Make Up sessions
May 11...... Two Hour Early Dismissal / Modified Kdg.(Wednesday)
May 27-30...... School Not in Session - Memorial Day Holiday (Friday - Monday)
June 9...... Last Day for AM / PM Kindergarten Students
June 10...... Last Student Day – Half Day – No Lunch Served
Snow Make Up Days: February 12th, March 23rd, May 27th, March 24th, March 28th, June 13-17
Modified Kindergarten Schedule: AM – 8:50 am – 10:40 am
PM – 11:40 am – 1:30 pm
PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY
Grade 3, 4 , 5 - PSSA ELA Assessment Period April 11th - 15th
Grade 3, 4 , 5 - PSSA Math Assessment Period April18th - 22nd
Grade 4 - PSSA Science Assessment Period April 25th– 29th
HOURS and ATTENDANCE
SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. …………………………………………..Students Begin Arriving – Doors open and staff on duty
8:30 a.m. – 8:50 a.m...... Students Enter School and Classrooms
8:50 a.m...... Official Start of School Day
11:45 a.m...... Dismissal for A.M. K
12:35 p.m...... Official Start for P.M. Kindergarten
3:30 p.m...... Dismissal for All Students
*Full Day Kindergarten follows the same calendar and schedule as Grades 1-5.
Several early dismissal/late openings are scheduled throughout the year for the purpose of parent-teacher conferences or curriculum meetings. These dates will be noted on the Downingtown Area School District Activities Calendar and on school newsletters.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Unless students are attending a scheduled activity such as band, chorus, etc., they should not arrive at school prior to 8:30 a.m., nor remain after school has been dismissed. School officially begins at 8:50 a.m. Students arriving after 8:50 a.m. are considered late and should report to the office and must be accompanied by the parent/guardian. Parents must furnish a signed note explaining the lateness. A pattern of lateness will be shared with the District’s Attendance Officer.
Liability provisions prohibit parents “dropping-off” children before the announced 8:30 a.m. time. Student drop off is marked and located in the main parking lot. Please have your child ready to exit your car quickly so he/she can enter the building and then proceed to the lobby. Students entering from 8:30 until 8:50 will go directly to their classrooms.
Children are dismissed from the office area at all times during the school day. Parents and guardians are not allowed to go directly to classrooms or walk the hallways. All parents and visitors will remain in the lobby for children to be dismissed. At dismissal time, the bus lane is closed to cars from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00p.m. It is highly encouraged for students to ride the bus, however, on occasion if you wish to meet your child at dismissal, please send a note to your child’s teacher that day. You are still required to come to the office and sign the dismissal log.
We also recognize that a need may arise to pick up your child without prior notification. It will be necessary for you to come to the office and sign your child out. Please do not call the office to notify us to place your child on the list. For safety reasons, it is necessary for us to know that you are waiting in the office before students are dismissed.
CHILD ATTENDANCE
To confirm the safe arrival of our students, an automated telephone Child Attendance messaging system is used. The telephone software generates a report at approximately 9:45 a.m. each morning. Any student who has not been indicated in the attendance system as being present prior to 9:45 a.m. will be included in the report. The system will automatically call the parents of students who are on the report. Please Note: A student must physically be present in order for the attendance to be noted. Calling to indicate a student will be late will not prevent the system from calling if the student has not arrived prior to 9:45. We cannot change an attendance record until a student is physically in the building. When a student arrives after the 9:45 a.m. threshold, the student’s parent will still receive a voice mail indicating the student is absent, but the attendance officer will make the change in the attendance system to indicate the late arrival as “late excused.” It is no longer necessary for parents to call the office or the attendance hotline to indicate a student will be absent, unless a parent needs to request homework or wants to leave specific information. Please remember that a written or e-mailed absence excuse must be received in the office within three days of the absence. Please Note: Parents have three days to submit a written or e-mailed absence excuse. The attendance officer has three days after that to enter the excused absence into the system. Please give the attendance officer up to three days after submitting your absence note to change the attendance information.
ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
The Pennsylvania Department of Education recognizes a limited number of reasons as legal excuses for missing school. When returning to school from being absent, the student must submit a written excuse to the homeroom teacher. Excuses must be submitted within three days of returning to school or the absence must be classified as unexcused/illegal. Excuse notes are available in the school office. Excuse notes may also be handwritten or emailed to the office. The excuse must include: student’s name, homeroom teacher’s name, date(s) of absence, and reason for absence. The parent or legal guardian must sign the excuse.
In the event that an absence is determined unexcused, it is permanently recorded in the student’s file as illegal. By law, three illegal absences subject parents to a notice by certified mail of a potential financial penalty as determined by local courts. Our District Attendance Officer coordinates attendance matters with District Court 15-2-06 in Downingtown.
Excused absences are for clearly established mental, physical or other reasons. Acceptable reasons for excused absences are the following:
- Illness or recovery from an accident –
- Health care
- Serious illness or death in the immediate family
- Impassable roads
- Student’s Court appearance
- Family emergency
- Observance of religious holiday –.
- Religious instruction
- Approved Vacation or Trips
- 4-H or FFA
Unexcused Absences include, but are not limited to:
- Babysitting,
- Missing the school bus,
- Running errands,
- Oversleeping/fatigue,
- Hunting,
- Fishing,
- Attendance at games,
- Employment,
- Family or educational trips not approved in advance,
- Car trouble, or
- Shopping.
PROCEDURES FOR EXCESSIVE ABSENCES
As per School Board Policy 204: It is mandatory for all students of compulsory school age residing in the state to attend a school in which all required subjects and activities are taught. Compulsory school age consists of the period of time from when a student enters school as a beginner, which can be no later than eight (8) years of age, until the age of seventeen (17) years or graduation from high school, whichever occurs first.
All students of compulsory school age who reside in the district, qualify for attendance in the district, or attend district schools on a tuition basis are required to comply with the adopted Board policy governing attendance.
Designated staff in each school will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining records of each student’s attendance.
Staff will treat all absences as unlawful until a written excuse explaining the absence is submitted, within three (3) days of the absence. The parent/guardian and student will be informed that if a written excuse is not provided within three (3) days of the absence, the absence will be permanently recorded as unlawful. District staff will provide written notice to the parent/guardian upon each incident of unlawful absence.
Each principal or teacher will report to a designated district employee when a student has been absent for three (3) days, or their equivalent, without a lawful excuse. School-aged pupils enrolled in DASD’s schools must attend school regularly in accordance with applicable law.
District Response To Unlawful Absences
The school is a critical part of a student’s support system, and school staff have a significant opportunity to assist students and their families to comply with attendance requirements.
The parent/guardian of a compulsory school age student is subject to penalties if compulsory attendance requirements are not met.
The designated district employee will make every effort to work collaboratively with the parent/guardian to address the truancy of a student and will not initiate formal action until such efforts have been made and the student has accumulated three (3) unlawful absences during the school year.
1. First Unlawful Absence –
Designated district staff will send to the parent/guardian a notice about the unlawful absence. The notice will contain the list of penalties for violation of compulsory attendance requirements, and the name and telephone number of the district employee that the parent/guardian can contact to request assistance in resolving the student’s truant behavior.
2. Second Unlawful Absence –
Designated staff will send to the parent/guardian a second notice of unlawful absence. The notice will contain the list of penalties for violation of compulsory attendance requirements, and the name and telephone number of the district contact. The second notice will include another offer of district assistance.