Wabasso Public School

Elementary Student Handbook

2007-2008

 

 

 

 

THIS HANDBOOK IS SUBJECT TO AND MAY CHANGE AT ANY TIME DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.  EVERY ATTEMPT WILL BE MADE TO COMMUNICATE THESE CHANGES TO THE AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS.  HOWEVER, THE CURRENT PROCESS FOR HANDLING ANY GIVEN SITUATION MAY NOT BE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED IN THIS HANDBOOK.                          

 

The latest version of this handbook, including any changes made during the school year is available at our web site www.wabassoschool.com                                                                                           

           

Dear Parent/Guardian,

 

Welcome to the 2007-08 school year!  This is your copy of the 2007-08 Elementary Handbook.  It contains information, rules and regulations for grades kindergarten through sixth grade.  The Elementary Handbook is the official policy book for the elementary school.

 

Communication between the teacher and the parent/guardian is important to help bridge the gap between home and school.  The school will attempt to provide you with as much information as reasonably possible concerning your child in the learning environment.  All of us are linked together for learning.  Cooperation is a key for success.  Please read this handbook thoroughly with your child(ren), complete the form below and have your child return it to the classroom teacher at your earliest convenience.

 

The elementary staff and administration are ready to serve you in every way to insure that your children have successful experiences in the school/learning environment.  No question or concern is insignificant to us.  Do not hesitate to contact us.  It is our desire to build the best positive environment for your child(ren).  We rely on and are most appreciative of your help in this effort.

 

 

                                                                                    Sincerely,

 

 

                                                                                    Site Council Team

Darren Anderson-Elementary/Secondary Physical Education & Health Teacher

David Blank-Business Teacher

Linda Carlson-Parent

Penny Greenlee-WCA Representative

Sue Huhnerkoch-Parent

Amy Iverson-Assistant to the Superintendent/P.E. Teacher

Joe Kemp-Social Studies Teacher/ Athletic Director

Deb Salfer-Parent

Sharon LeGare- 1st Grade Teacher

Amy Rohlik-Parent

Shelly Sagedahl-Parent

Mavis Salfer-Parent

Gary Thomas-School Counselor

Shelly Wotschke-Parent

 

 

 PREFACE

The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint students and parents/guardians with our elementary school.

            Our goal is to provide quality education for all students.  It is necessary that all involved (parent/guardian, staff and students) have a cooperative attitude and show willingness to work together.

            Parents/Guardians are invited to visit classes and are encouraged to meet with teachers, Site-Based Team members or the Administration for information and/or help.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Attendance/Health

                        Absences                                                                                 

                        Health Services                                                                        

                        Illness at School 

                        Latex and Fragrances                                                                     

                        Make-Up Work                                                                        

                        Medical/Dental Excuses                                                            

                        Medication                                                                               

                        School Closings                                                                        

                        Tardiness                                                                                 

The Program

                        Assessment and Evaluations

                        Breakfast Program                                                     

                        Bus Information

                        Cell Phones and other electronic devices             

                        Curriculum/Program Change Request by Parents/Guardians       

                        Curriculum/Special Services                                                      

                        Daily Bulletin/Bulletin Boards/Posters

                        Detention                                       

                        Emergency Drills                                                                      

                        Extra-Curricular & Classroom Activity Policy                            

                        Field Trips                                                                                

                        Gym Class Clothing Needs                                                        

                        Home Prepared Foods                                                              

                        Homework Hotline Numbers                                                     

                        Internet Agreements                                                                 

                        Length of School Day                                                               

                        Lunch Program                                                                        

                        Lunch Schedule                                                                        

                        Noon Recess                                                                           

                        Parent/Guardian Involvement                                                    

                        Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences                                      

                        Religious Release                                                                     

                        Safety Patrol                                                                            

                        Star Program                                                                           

                        Supplies                                                                                   

                        Textbooks                                                                                

                        Transporting Students To & From School by Parents/Guardians  

Behavior/Rules

                        Manner of Dress                                                                      

                        MN Statute 121A.61                                                                

                        Piano Lessons                                                                          

                        Recording Policy                                                                      

                        School Bus Rules                                                                     

                        School Property                                                                        

                        Students Selling Promotions                                                       

                        Student Visitors                                                                        

                        Valuables                                                                                 

                        Visitors                                                                                    

Miscellaneous

                        Activity Tickets                                                                        

                        Candy and Pop Machines                                                         

Appendix

                        Asbestos Notification                                                                

                   Indoor Air Quality Notice                                                          

                        Pesticide Notice                                                                        

                        School Bus Rules                                                                     

                        Special Services                                                                       

                        Student Behavior Guidelines                                                      

                        Sexual Harassment and Violence (and form)                              

                        Elementary Prevention Programs or Other Programs                  

                        Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials                

                        State and Federal Law Prohibiting Discrimination                       

                        Notification of Rights Under FERPA  

                                       
2007-2008    ELEMENTARY STAFF

 

NAME 

 

  POSITION

Mrs. Linda Carlson    Kindergarten
 Mrs. Sharon LeGare    First Grade
Mrs. Jenny Eichten   Second Grade
Mrs. Caaren Mathiowetz   Third Grade 
Mr. Joel Dudgeon   Fourth Grade
Miss Val Oftedahl     Fifth Grade
Mrs. Amy Rohlik   Sixth Grade
Mr. Darren Anderson   Physical Education
Mrs. Joyce Plaetz     Physical Education
Mr. Bob Sagedahl    Special Ed
Mrs. Jennifer Haven    Special Education/Reading Recovery
Mrs. Linda Schumacher   Title One
Mrs. Trish Brennan   Educational Speech/Lang. Pathologist
Mr. Gary Thomas   Counselor
Mrs. Sara Carpenter    Elementary Music-Vocal
Mr. Sheldon Meyer   Elementary Music-Band
Miss Carol Hamilton   Library
Mrs. Jan Guenigsman   Library Assistant
 Public Health Nurse     School Nurse
Mrs. Amy Iverson    Assistant to the Superintendent
Mr. Ted Suss    Superintendent

                                                                                                      

                                               

2007-2008

ELEMENTARY STAFF ASSISTANTS

                                                                       

Mrs. Char Altermatt

Mrs. Shari Altermatt

Mrs. Cheryl Baune

Mrs. Beth Reincke

Mrs. Penny Greenlee

Mrs. Sharon Timm

Mrs. Deb Frericks

Mrs. Celia Paskewitz

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE/HEALTH

 

ABSENCES

 

Success depends to a great extent on attendance.  Understanding requires time on task.  Absences can cause additional make-up time which is stress related for some students.  Keep absences to a minimum.  There are times when an absence is necessary.  A sick child should be kept home. The school will call the student's home in the event of an absence.  Please phone the office and/or your child's teacher in the event of a prolonged illness.

 

A student returning to school after an absence needs a written excuse signed by his/her parent/guardian.  The teacher is required to keep these notices on file.

 

Minnesota requires mandatory education and allows schools to determine whether a parental excuse is acceptable or not.  Please limit your excuses to:  Illness, medical and dental appointments, religious/legal requirements and family emergencies.  If uncertain if an absence will be excused, call the school secretary at 342-5114 prior to the absence.

 

Student Policy for Attendance/Approved and Unapproved Absences

Students are required to turn in a verification of their absence to the Receptionist, which may or may not be approved when they return to school. 

 

Failure of a student to be in their designated area or class at the designated time constitutes tardiness.  Students tardy at the start of school must report to the school office with a signed letter stating why they were tardy.  This excuse is approved or unapproved for an admission slip.  Tardiness between periods is handled by the classroom teacher.   

 

The following are examples of absences that will not be approved:

q       Truancy (An absence by a student which was not approved by the parent/guardian and/or the school district)

q       Any absence in which the student failed to comply with any reporting requirements of the school district’s attendance procedures

q       Work at home, unless prior approval is received by the Administration

q       Vacations with family, unless prior approval is received by the Administration

q       Absences resulting from cumulated unapproved tardies (8 tardies equal 1 unapproved absence)

q       Any other absence not included under the attendance procedures set out in this policy

 

Consequences of Unapproved Absences:

q       Absences resulting from official suspension will be handled in accordance with the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act, Minn. Stat. 127.26-127.39.

q       Days during which a student is suspended from school shall not be counted in a student’s total cumulated unapproved absences.

q       In cases of recurring unapproved absences, the administration may also request the County Attorney to file a petition with the Juvenile Court, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes.

 

  

6th Grade follows the high school attendance policy.  Please refer to that policy in the official High School Handbook at www.wabassoschool.com

 

HEALTH SERVICES

 

The Health office is staffed by a Public Health nurse, a School Health aide or a designated school employee.  First aid, emergency care and medical administration are provided and other special health care needs of children are met. 

 

A fluoride mouth rinse is implemented in the elementary.  The fluoride permission slip that parents/guardians signed when their child entered kindergarten indicates whether that student may or may not participate in the fluoride mouth rinse program through sixth grade.

 

Please alert the teacher or Public Health nurse if your child has particular health concerns that could affect his/her learning at school.  This would include significant health concerns such as but not limited to asthma, seizure disorder, allergic reactions or medications that are given at home that could affect your child’s behavior/attention in school (ie. allergy medication, antibiotics, and so on).  Alerting the child’s teacher or Public Health nurse should be done at the beginning of each year, with each change of teacher and as often as the medical situation changes.  If your child needs to be excused from Physical Education, please send a note.  If the excuse is to be long term (more than one day) a note from a physician is required.

 

Immunization review, hearing and vision screening, scoliosis screenings, health and developmental assessments, health counseling and referrals are provided by the Public Health nurse.  The school immunization law is enforced.  If immunization records are not up to date, the student may be excluded from school until proper immunization records are received.  Any questions regarding your child’s health status should be forwarded to the Public Health nurse at Redwood County Public Health Service at (507) 637-4041 or Wabasso Health Office at (507) 342-7196.

 

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

 

Any student who becomes ill or injured during the school day must report to the Health office with a pass from their classroom teacher.  Students are not to report to the Health office between classes.  Generally, the school policy is that if the student is ill enough to be in the Health office, they should be at home.  Parent/guardians or an emergency contact person will be notified by the Health Office staff if a significant injury or illness occurs to provide transportation home.  Note:  Be sure to complete and return your Emergency Contact form which is in your packet each year.

 

Some simple guidelines are as follows:

1.       If the student has had a fever of 100.5 degrees or more, the student should stay home for 24

hours after the temperature returns to normal.

2.       If the student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student should stay home until 24 hours after

the last episode.

3.       If the student has any rash that may be disease-related or you do not know the cause, check

with your physician before sending your child to school.

 

Keeping children home when they are sick helps keep students health in the long run.  Parental cooperation is appreciated.

 

LATEX AND FRAGRANCES

Our site has been designated as "Latex Limited" and "Fragrance Aware" by our District Indoor Air Quality Committee.  "Latex Limited" means that we will not allow any Latex gloves or latex balloons in our building.  Gloves and balloons are sources of latex that can easily get into the air and cause allergic rea tions, some life threatening.  We do have students, parents, and community member in District 640 that do have allergies to latex or potential for a latex allergy due to other medical history.  This has been determined for the safety of our students, staff, and families.

"Fragrance Aware" means that we will try to have a fragrance and scent free environment. Exposure to fragrances and scents can cause some of our students and staff to experience upper respiratory irritation, asthma, headaches, and other symptoms.  Sources of fragrance and scents include perfume, cologne, aftershave, hairsprays, and body lotions.  All students and staff are encouraged to limit the amount of fragranced personal products used.  (Use fragrance free).  The district selects maintenance, cleaning and classroom products that are low in odor to reduce symptoms for staff and students related to these types of products.

 

MAKE-UP WORK

 

The classroom teacher will supervise make-up work when necessary.  Students should find out make-up policies in their teacher’s syllabus.

 

MEDICAL AND DENTAL EXCUSES

 

A written notice from the parent/guardian is required in order for the student to leave the school building for necessary appointments.

 

MEDICATION

 

Redwood County Public Health Service has implemented a standard medication administration policy for all schools in Redwood County.  All prescription medications to be given in the school setting will require written permission of the student's parent/guardian and physician and authorization by a nurse at Redwood County Public Health.  Any non-prescription medications will require written permission of the parent/guardian and authorization by a nurse at Redwood County Public Health.  This is needed before any medication is given.  Prescription medicines must be provided in a pharmacy or physician-prepared bottle.  Over the counter drugs must be in the original container.  Please note:  Controlled substance medication will not be sent home with students during or at the end of the school year.  Parents/guardians or a designated adult needs to pick up the medication at the school.  Medication is to be administered in the school setting only if it is needed to maintain the student's health. Parents are encouraged to give three times per day medications at home (before and after school and at bedtime).  A Med Authorization Form is included with your packet at the beginning of the school year.  You may also call Redwood County Public Health Service at (507) 637-4041 or the school if you need a form prior to the start of the school year or have questions.  Parent/guardian cooperation with this is much appreciated to help with safe medication administration.

 

The Health office will not automatically send medications with a student on field trips or activity days.  If a student requires medication (for example, seizure medications, asthma medications or epinephrine for allergic reactions), please contact the Health office a week in advance of the event to make arrangements for safe medication administration.  Note:  Medication is given to students in the supervised school setting to maintain the student’s health and meet the child’s educational needs.  Medication sent for off-site school activities needs to follow school policy whereby the school nurse is aware of medication a student is taking.

 

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

 

In the event of inclement weather or other events, which interferes with normal school operations and transportation, school will be called off by the Superintendent at the earliest possible time.  KLGR (1490 AM), KMHL (1400 AM) and WCCO (830 AM) will announce school closings.  Please call the school only when absolutely necessary during these times.  It ties up the lines, inhibits calling out and interferes with the school from receiving weather and road information.

 

On occasion, it may be necessary to use emergency bus routes.  This announcement will be made over the radio.  Please refer to your school packet for your specific emergency bus route information.

 

TARDINESS

 

Tardiness will be monitored by the classroom teacher each morning and at the end of the noon period as well as other times throughout the day.  Tardiness can become a habit that can cause problems for a person throughout life.  Frequent tardiness will result in the teacher notifying the parent/guardian and possibly the administration. 

q       Approved Tardiness:  Valid excuses for tardiness are:

(a)     illness

(b)     serious illness in the student’s immediate family

(c)     a death in the student’s immediate family or of a close friend or relative

(d)     medical or dental treatment

(e)     court appearances occasioned by family or personal action

(f)      physical emergency conditions such as fire, flood, storm etc.

(g)     any tardiness for which the student has been approved in writing by an administrator or faculty member.

 

THE PROGRAM

 

ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATIONS

 

A comprehensive student evaluation and assessment program is carried out in the elementary school.  Student progress is monitored through a wide variety of measures including but not limited to teacher observation, daily work results, demonstrations by the student(s), normal tests, standardized tests and teacher designed evaluation instruments.  The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, tests of achievement, are given once a year in grades two through six.  ITBS results are available through the counseling office.  Also, the state requires the MN Comprehensive Assessment test (MCAs) in 3rd & 5th grades.  This test is designed primarily to evaluate our system rather than the student, but individual results are available upon request.

 

A report of a student's progress will be sent home every nine weeks, four times a year.  Explanations will be made at parent/guardian-teacher conferences.  Report cards will be sent home with the pupils.

 

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Breakfast is served every day to every student in grades K-6.  There is no cost for breakfast.  Please make sure that your child in the elementary is at school by 8:00 am so that they may participate in the breakfast program.

 

BUS INFORMATION

 

Buses will leave the school area about five minutes after dismissal.  An elementary pupil missing the bus should report directly to the office staff or classroom teacher.  See school bus rules in the Appendix.

 

NEW: Cell phones and All Electronic Devices

Cell phones, CD players, headphones, etc. are not allowed in the classroom, hallways or locker rooms during school hours from 8:00 - 3:04.  Please leave these items at home or in your locker.  The school is not responsible for theft of any of these items.  In order to enforce the cell phoe use by students in the school, this is what the consequences will be if you have your cell phone taken away.  First offense: your phone will be confiscated for one wee, and there will be a parent meeting to discuss your use of cell phone during the school day.  Second offense: your phone will be confiscated for a two week period, and there will be a parent meeting to discuss your cill phone use during the school day. An further incidences of using your cell phone inproperly will lead to confiscating your phone for the remainder of the year and a meeting with your parents.

 

CURRICULUM/PROGRAM CHANGE REQUEST BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS

 

Requests for special treatment for religious or other reasons must be made in writing to the elementary curriculum committee on the form for that purpose.  Forms for this purpose can be obtained from the office.  See form examples at the end of the handbook.  Staff members are not authorized to permit changes unless a form is completed and filed in the office.

 

CURRICULUM AND SPECIAL SERVICES

 

District 640 curriculum meets state guidelines, recommendations and mandates.  Language Arts and Communications, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art and other special programs are taught.  In addition to these, the district has specialist services in the following areas:

 

Library Media - Elementary students receive instruction in library/resources/media one period per week.  Materials borrowed from the resource/media center should be treated with care.  Defacing such materials could result in assessment of a fine.

 

Music - Students K-6 have music classes each week.  Students in grades 4-6 have the opportunity to be involved in several special performances throughout the year.

 

Instrumental music lessons will be given to interested pupils in the fifth and sixth grade.  Elementary band begins its group rehearsals during the school year.

 

Fourth grade pupils interested in instrumental music lessons will meet with the band director, along with their parents/guardians in the spring to determine the most suitable instrument for the student and to set up a summer lesson schedule.

 

Physical Education - A well-rounded program emphasizing physical fitness will be carried out.  The elementary physical education teacher will have charge of the classes for all the elementary grades.

 

The Minnesota Department of Education requires that all pupils participate in physical education.  A written request from the family doctor is necessary before a child can be excused from these classes.

 

Counseling - District 640 has a licensed school counselor servicing elementary students.  Guidance is a comprehensive system of functions, services and programs that are designed to affect the personal development of students.  Three services the counselor provides are (1) consultation with teachers, parents/guardians and community; (2) both crisis and developmental counseling are used with individuals, groups or the classroom; (3) presentation of guidance oriented programs to students.  If you have counseling needs, speak to your student’s classroom teacher.

 

Curriculum Coordinator – District 640 has an administrator in charge of supervising a Continuous Curriculum Improvement Plan.  If you have questions regarding the school’s curriculum, please call Amy Iverson at 342-7408.

 

Extended School Year

The Wabasso School offers an Extended School Year (ESY) for all students who have current IEPs.  They may take ESY for one or more of the following reasons:

1.       There will be significant regression of a skill or acquired knowledge from the

pupil’s level of performance on an annual goal that requires more than the length of the break in instruction to recoup, unless the IEP team determines a shorter time for recoupment is more appropriate;

2.       Services are necessary for the pupil to attain and maintain self-sufficiency

because of the critical nature of the skill addressed by an annual goal, the

pupil’s age and level of development and the timeliness for teaching the skill;

3.       The IEP team otherwise determine, given the pupil’s unique needs, that ESY

services are necessary to ensure the pupil receives a free and  appropriate public education.

 

DAILY BULLETIN, BULLETIN BOARDS AND POSTERS

 

The daily bulletin contains notices of activities for the day and other pertinent information.  Students should listen to the announcements carefully.

 

Students are asked to secure permission from the office before posting anything on the walls or bulletin boards.  Posted materials need to be in good taste.

 

DETENTION 

All detentions for K-5th grade are dealt with over noon recess during the school day.  Parents are contacted before a noon detention is served.

 

The following is the  high school policy for 6th grade only!

 The School Administrator, Superintendent or any member of the faculty may assign students detention.  The following shall be considered grounds for detention:

    1- Tardiness

    2- Truancy

    3- Improper/inappropriate behavior

Detention will be served on Saturday morning from 8:00 am t 10:00 am according to the posted schedule on the school website and in the student bulletin.  students who are not in their seats in the detention room at that time will be considered late.  Written notification will inform parents/guardians of a detention.  Each student is to bring and keep busy with sufficient and appropriate books and materials, remain absolutely quiet and may not leave the room until he/she is dismissed.  Failure to follow the detention study hall rules will result in added detention.

Detention takes precedence over work and school activities.  Students with employment and extra curricular activities will not be exempted.  Students who have a conflict should see the administrator who assigned them the detention.  It is the student's responsiblility to inform their coach, advisor, etc., that they will be serving a detention.

 

EMERGENCY DRILLS

 

            FIRE DRILLS

 

The school is required by law to conduct fire drills.  The fire alarm is sounded by a continuous chirping noise and bright flashing lights.  Students, teachers, and all members of the staff must leave the building when the alarm is sounded, using exits designated for the room in which they are located at the time.  In order to simulate possible conditions of a real fire, one or more exits may be blocked in which case alternate exits will be used.

 

 

            TORNADO DRILL

 

The school is required by law to conduct a tornado drill.  The drill runs in conjunction with the state-wide Tornado Awareness Week and Drill.  Upon notification of a tornado, staff should escort their students to the designated area and assume the proper protective position.  An “All Clear” announcement will be made when it is safe to return to the classroom.

 

            BOMB EVACUATION

 

The school district is required by law to have a plan to evacuate the buildings in the event of a bomb threat.  Listed below is the procedure, which shall be followed.  The interoffice staff will knock on the door and say, "There is a safety matter that requires us to evacuate the building immediately."  Do not touch anything in the room including light switches or electrical equipment such as to turn off computers, typewriters, etc.  Also do not use the telephone or pick up or touch any strange looking devices.  You are to go to your normal outdoor location as if it were a fire drill.  Do, however, make certain you are at least 100 yards away from the building.  Remain there until you are told differently what to do.

 

            INTRUDER RESPONSE

 

The school district is required by law to have a plan to respond to an intruder in the building.  An announcement will be made indicating that staff and students should take defensive response positions until an “All Clear” announcement is made.  Staff should keep all students in their presence with them until the end of the response.  They should lock all doors and insure that students cannot be observed through windows in the door or classroom.   Staff should take roll and list extra students present and assure that students are kept quiet and calm.

 

 

EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND CLASSROOM ACTIVITY POLICY

 

From time to time Wabasso and Vesta Schools schedule extra-curricular and/or classroom activities.  Many of these require transportation to remote sites.  Sometimes one, the other, or both of the schools will participate.  The decision to participate will be made, first of all, by the classroom teacher who will decide on the appropriateness of the activity for the class, secondly, by the administration that takes into consideration the financial costs and thirdly, by the staff who will take into consideration the supervisory needs.

 

Parents/guardians and students must understand that they may or may not participate in the activities of the other school in which they are not enrolled.  To insure participation in a particular school’s activities, the parent and student must be enrolled in that particular school, otherwise they may not be included in various activities from time to time.

 

FIELD TRIPS

 

Actual experience is an important part of the learning process.  For this reason, field trips are part of the curriculum and recommended for students.  Organizing and arranging for field trips is done by the elementary teacher. Parent/Guardian permission is required before a child is allowed to go on a field trip.  Every precaution is taken for student safety and an adequate supervisory ratio is achieved in keeping with the event and the place visited.  Occasionally teachers may request parent/guardian volunteers to assist during field trips.  Interested parents/guardians who wish to volunteer should notify their child's teacher early in the year.  If you are a chaperone, please do not bring younger siblings on the trip.  Parents/Guardians who volunteer need to find child care for siblings.

 

GYM CLASS CLOTHING NEEDS

 

Each student needs gym shoes since street shoes should not be worn on the gym floor.   Students should have appropriate attire for gym classes.

 

HOME PREPARED FOODS

 

To abide with State Health Department recommendations, we ask that students not bring homemade treats to share with classmates for special events.  Party treats should be limited to store bought items.

 

 

 

 

INTERNET AGREEMENTS

 

The Internet is a remarkable tool for teachers and students.  However, with all the information that is made available at the click of a mouse, comes the possibility of accessing inappropriate material.  While the district monitors all usage and has installed filters to screen out inappropriate material, there is no way to prevent intentional or unintentional access of such material.  The district will take disciplinary action against the intentional access of inappropriate material and will continue to monitor and take steps to prevent unintentional accessing, but parents/guardians must realize this is a never-ending challenge.  All students must sign an Internet Appropriate Use Agreement, which must be on file with the school.  Students may not access their personal e-mail on school computers.  Jump drives with inappropriate material on them con be confiscated by school staff.

 

LENGTH OF SCHOOL DAY

 

The school day for elementary students begins at 8:14 a.m. and ends at 3:04 p.m.. Students shall not enter school before 8:05 a.m. except during inclement weather. Buses will not be allowed to unload until 8:05 a.m. and students not on the buses will stay in the entryways for the high school and elementary.  If you are dropping your child(ren) off at school they should be dropped off at the main doors on the south side of the building, not at the elementary wing doors.   

 

LUNCH PROGRAM

 

A hot lunch program is available to all students in the school.  The full cost of an elementary lunch is $1.60 for one day. One-half pint of milk is available with the lunch program.  There is a charge for another milk, including morning or afternoon milk breaks for all students in grades 1-6 at $.35 per milk carton.  Kindergarten milk, through a special state funded program, is free.  Each student is assigned an identification number that is used in the lunch line.  Lunch/milk money is kept in a family account, and all students in your family draw from this one account. 

 

 

LUNCH SCHEDULE

 

The elementary lunch schedule is as follows:

 

            11:00 a.m.         Kindergarten & Grade 1                 

            11:10 a.m.         Grade 2 & 3                                  

            11:55 a.m.         Grade 4 & 5

            12:05 a.m.         Grade 6

           

 

NOON RECESS

 

Elementary noon recess is conducted by noon supervisors. Discipline concerns will be directed to classroom teachers and/or the administration.  Whenever possible, games and activities will be out on the playground. This means students must have appropriate attire for outdoors.  For example: boots, snowpants, hats, mittens, etc.  When the weather makes this impossible, the games and activities will be in the gymnasium.

 

Illness Procedure:  Students will be expected to participate in noon recreation wherever it is held unless parents/guardians provide a written excuse.

 

PARENT/GUARDIAN  INVOLVEMENT

 

In addition to parent/guardian-teacher conferences, parents/guardians are welcome at the many special events that go on in the elementary school.  Such things as Christmas concerts and play days all take on more significance when parents/guardians, guardians or grandparents can attend.  Parents/Guardians are welcome to visit the classroom at anytime.  Please make arrangements with the teacher in advance of your visit to a classroom. Also, all visitors to classrooms must register at the reception desk prior to entering the classroom.

 

PARENT/GUARDIAN-TEACHER CONFERENCES

 

Two conference days have been scheduled for this year; one in the fall and one in the spring.  All parents/guardians are asked to attend if at all possible.  At this time, the teacher and parents/guardians discuss the pupil's progress in school.  Parent's/guardian's interest and their relationship with the school is important to a pupil's success.  It should be stressed here that parents/guardians are welcome to meet with teachers at any time.  A call or note to the classroom teacher is all that is necessary to arrange a time that is convenient to both the parent/guardian and the teacher.

 

RELIGIOUS RELEASE

 

Elementary pupils will be excused for religious instruction outside the school on request of parents/guardians.  Requests for special treatment for religious reasons must be made in writing to the administration. Staff members are not authorized to permit changes unless a written request is filed in the office.

 

SAFETY PATROL

 

The Safety Patrol is organized to avoid accidents in crossing streets and to focus on safety in all activities.  The Safety Patrol needs the cooperation of every student and every parent/guardian.  The following are a few rules the patrol would like everyone to remember.

 

1.  Cross streets only at crossing.

2.  Remain on the sidewalk near the curb until motioned to cross by the patrol member on duty.

3.  Use crossings, which have patrol members on duty as much as possible.

4.    Be extra careful when crossing a street at a crossing where there is no patrol member on duty.

5.    When parents/guardians are picking up students after school, please be aware of

     children darting out from behind cars and/or buses.

 

STAR PROGRAM

 

This program is a school-based mental health program that is run cooperatively with the Wabasso Public School and Western Mental Health Center.  This program is for any child in grades K-6.  The STAR program can serve your child in many ways.

 

1.       Students who are having trouble with school friends, family or anything else may

Be seen for 1:1 help.  This can be a time for the student to talk about his/her problems and a time to help problem solve the troubling situation.

2.     Small group work with students on various topics.  These topics could include anger, friendships, feeling awareness, social skills or any other topic that is requested by students, teachers or parents/guardians.

3.       Students can be referred to see a therapist from the Western Mental Health Center and may    be available in the school.  A parent permission slip needs to be filled out before a child can participate in individual therapy.

 

If a child participates in the STAR Program for any of the first three reasons, a note will be sent home or a phone call will be made to you so that you know that the child has participated in the STAR program.  If your child joins a small group to work on an issue or topic, a permission form will need to be filled out by you.

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s participation in the program, feel free to call the Wabasso Public School at 342-5114. 

 

SUPPLIES

 

Supplies such as pencils, pens and paper are not provided by the school.  These items must be furnished by the student.  The school does NOT keep a supply of these materials for student use or purchase.

 

TEXTBOOKS

 

Textbooks are supplied to all students. Textbooks will be collected when work in them has been completed and/or at the end of the school year.  Although reasonable wear is expected, a fine will be assessed for abuse or misuse of textbooks, i.e.  writing in the book, torn pages, or other permanent damage.

 

TRANSPORTING STUDENTS TO AND FROM SCHOOL BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS

 

Before school, parents/guardians should pick up and deliver students directly in front of the main doors of the school, or on the same side of the street as the school.

 

After school has started, parents/guardians picking up kindergarten, first and second grade students should come directly to the classroom to get students.  They should enter the building at the main entrance since other doors are locked for security reasons during the school day.  Parents/Guardians are asked that they sign their child out at the front office in the main hallway whenever leaving the building early for any reason.  This is another security procedure in place. 

 

 

BEHAVIOR/RULES