900 Pemberton Road

Baltimore, MD 21212

410-887-3600

410-887-3601 (fax)

http://stoneleighes.ss3.sharpschool.com

www.stoneleighpta.org

Mrs. Warner, Principal

Mrs. Bowman, Assistant Principal

Parent/Student

Handbook

2013 - 2014

Stoneleigh

Elementary School

Table of Contents

Absentee Notes ....................................................................................................................................... 1

Absence Homework Policy .................................................................................................................... 1

Attendance ............................................................................................................................................... 1 & 2

Before And After School Child Care ..................................................................................................... 2

Birthdays .................................................................................................................................................. 2

Blackboard ConnectTM

.com .................................................................................................................... 3

Bus Safety ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Cafeteria PIN: Prepayment Program .................................................................................................... 3 & 4

Conferences ............................................................................................................................................. 4

Dress Guidelines ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Early Dismissals ....................................................................................................................................... 4

End-Of-The Day Pick-Up ....................................................................................................................... 5

Guidance.................................................................................................................................................. 5

Home/School Communication Folder .................................................................................................. 5

Inclement Weather/Early Dismissal ...................................................................................................... 6

Kiss And Go…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6 & 7

Late Arrivals ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Leaving School With Others .................................................................................................................. 7

Lost And Found ...................................................................................................................................... 7

News From The Department Of Recreation And Parks ...................................................................... 7

Newsletters ............................................................................................................................................... 7 & 8

Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Checks Restitution Program .................................................................... 8

Notes From The Nurse…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 & 9

Parent-Teacher Association ........................................................................................................... ………10

PTA General Information ...................................................................................................................... 11

PTA Membership ................................................................................................................................... 11

PTA Student Directory ........................................................................................................................... 11

Pets on School Grounds ......................................................................................................................... 11

Recess ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11 & 12

Reporting Student Progress .................................................................................................................... 12

Safety Issues…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..12

School Hours…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12 & 13

School Improvement Team .......................................................................................................... ………13

School Store ............................................................................................................................................ 13

School Website ....................................................................................................................................... 13

Security Monitoring System .................................................................................................................... 14

Snacks ............................................................................................................................................. ………14

Student Behavior And Handbook ......................................................................................................... 14

Student Contact Information Form………………………………………………………………………………………14 & 15

The Art Program ..................................................................................................................................... 15

The Instrumental Music Program .......................................................................................................... 15

The Library Media Program……………………………………………………………………………………………….15 & 16

The Physical Education Program ........................................................................................................... 16

The School Day………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ... 16

The Vocal Music Program………………………………………………………………………………………………….16 & 17

Toy Alert ................................................................................................................................................. 17

Transportation ......................................................................................................................................... 17

Visitors ..................................................................................................................................................... 17

Volunteers……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..17

Faculty Organization ............................................................................................................................... 18

Faculty Organization (Cont’d) ................................................................................................................ 19

Faculty Organization (Cont’d) ................................................................................................................ 20

PTA Executive Board ............................................................................................................................. 21

Appendix: 2013/2014 - Student Contact Information Form

School Map

Kiss and Go Map

Arrival Map

Dismissal Map

Code of Conduct Chart

Mission Statement

The Stoneleigh Elementary School Community exists to enable all students to:

Participate fully in rich academic, intellectual, social, and

technological opportunities;

Grow in their knowledge, creativity, appreciation of

diversity and self-acceptance; and,

Become productive, responsible, respectful, and

environmentally conscious citizens.

Stoneleigh School Pledge

I pledge to treat others the way I want to be treated.

I will be trustworthy and do my best work.

I will respect others and be responsible for my own

actions.

I will also be honest to myself and to others as I

travel safely through the day.

Vision Statement

As members of the Stoneleigh Elementary School Community and the Baltimore County Public

School System, we believe that student growth and achievement is our primary function. To this end,

we accept responsibility to: Work together in collaborative teams, to set clear goals,

and to share best practices for improving student

achievement on a continuing basis;

Analyze and identify the strengths and needs of all

learners to provide appropriate and engaging instruction;

Monitor each student’s progress in order to provide

appropriate, timely, and direct support and/or

enrichment; and,

Provide opportunities for students to access and use

technology to promote skills needed by the 21st century

learner.

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Absentee Notes

After your child/ren are out of school for one or more days you must send in a note, a signature on the

note is required (email cannot be accepted), to their teacher identifying the dates and explaining the

reason for their absence on the day they return to school.

It is very important that parents send in notes for all absences, in order to defray the number of

unexcused absences reported to the Maryland State Department of Education for Stoneleigh

Elementary.

Absence Homework Policy

During the course of every year, we have many families who take vacations when school is in session.

Frequently, parents ask teachers to gather all the work students will miss during their absence so they can

complete it while on vacation. Please note that teachers are not required to prepare work prior to

students leaving on vacation. County policy considers absences due to vacations as "unlawful", and

students are not to receive credit for work missed. We recognize that vacations are an important part of

family life. Though we cannot condone these vacations during times when school is in session.

Therefore, we will continue to work with parents and students to make up work that has been missed

when students return from their vacations.

We encourage students to maintain a daily journal of their vacation experiences. The work that children

miss while on vacation will be collected and given to them upon their return to school. Students will

have the same number of days they were absent (e.g. 5 days absent, 5 days) to make up work. If make-

up work is not completed in the time given, then students will not receive credit for the work.

Attendance

When school is in session, all students who are physically able should be in attendance. Students who

are absent from school must, upon their return, bring a note explaining the reason for the absence. The

Maryland State Department of Education has issued guidelines for marking students absent for a half

day.

Students Scheduled For a Full Day

A student is counted present for a full day if the student is in attendance four hours or more of

the school day. A student is counted present for ½ day if in attendance for at least two hours of

the school day, but less than four hours.

Students Scheduled For a Partial Day

A student scheduled for less than a full day is to be counted present based on the amount of time

he/she is scheduled. Example: A student scheduled for a two-hour block of time will be counted present for a full day if the student is in attendance for that entire block of time. If the student is absent for that entire block of time, the student will be counted absent for a full day. A student scheduled for a two hour block of time will be counted present for ½ day if the student is in attendance for one hour.

If you do not send a note in with your child within 4 days, they will be writing you a note on their planner or homework sheet asking you to send in a note as soon as possible.

It is very important that parents send in notes for all absences, so that it will cut down on the number of unexcused absences

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A student is counted present if at school or at another place at a school activity sponsored by the school

and personally supervised by a member(s) of the school staff. This may include authorized independent

study, work-study programs, field trips, athletic events, contests, music festivals, student conventions,

instruction for homebound students, and similar activities when officially authorized under policies of the

local school board. It does not include “making up” school work at home, or activities supervised or

sponsored by private groups or individuals.

Excerpt from 2008 Maryland Student Records System Manual, page C-3.

In the case of a prolonged absence, it is recommended that make-up assignments be requested.

Arrangements can be made by contacting the school office or emailing the teacher prior to 9:00 a.m. in

the morning. Every attempt will be made to have your child’s available assignments ready for pick up by

3:15 p.m.

Please note that after ten absences a letter will be sent home alerting parents that their student has missed

ten days, as the student no longer meets the state 94% satisfactory attendance standard. This letter is

meant to be a reminder of how important it is for us to work with your student each and every day.

Additionally, we want parents to know we are here as a resource to resolve attendance issues. A student

support team meeting will be scheduled by the administration for absences of 15 days or more and a

Pupil Personnel Worker Referral will be made for student absences of 20 days or more. Attendance is

coded and recorded each day, as well as monitored by The Maryland State Department of Education.

As a school, we have been held to and met a high standard (at or above 96% excellent standard) and

hope to maintain excellent attendance.

Thank you for your advocacy of your child by doing whatever you can to have them in school and ready

to learn each day.

Before and After School Child Care

Early Bird Gym is one of the on-site before school child care provider. Child care is available before

school from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. Interested parents should call the Towson Recreation Council at

410-887-5883 for more information.

Play Centers is the on-site before and after school child care provider for the 2013-2014 school year.

Child care will be provided from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. and then again from 3:15 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

in the school gymnasium. Interested parents should call 410-296-4880 for more information.

Birthdays

In a time with so many allergies and regulations specifying that any birthday treats to be shared with

everyone must come from a licensed kitchen, with listed ingredients (no more handmade goodies), we

are asking you to consider a pencil or another type of treat. At one of our staff member’s home school, a

tradition has begun for the birthday child to come to school with a book wrapped as a gift to the

classroom. The child opens it, reads it to the class or offers a brief book talk in lieu of a birthday

celebration snack. Food for thought!? Consider these ideas as an alternative.

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Blackboard ConnectTM

.com

Baltimore County Public Schools began providing a school-to-home communication tool to all students

system wide in January, 2006. The system, called Blackboard Connect™.com, is an Internet-based

communication tool provided by Notification Technologies, Inc. (NTI) that enables schools to

personally communicate with parents/guardians to support emergency preparedness, involvement, and

student attendance. The system allows a principal to make one phone call that reaches all families

(students and staff) associated with his/her school within minutes. The Blackboard Connect™.com

system is intended for use in the Baltimore County Public Schools in key school-to-home

communications, improvement of attendance and truancy reduction, and as an outreach tool to

encourage parent involvement.

Bus Safety

Many of our Stoneleigh students ride the bus to and from school. Others will have experiences on the

buses when they go on field trips. In the interest of maintaining safety on the buses, please review the

following Baltimore County Public Schools transportation rules with your children:

Follow directions the first time they are given;

Stay seated, facing forward at all times;

Keep all parts of your body inside the bus;

Keep hands, feet, legs, arms, personal property and your voice to yourself; and

No eating, smoking, drinking or vulgar language at any time on the bus.

We believe, with your assistance, our students will have a safe and happy bus experience this year.

Cafeteria PIN: Prepayment Program

The BCPS Office of Food and Nutrition will provide a balanced, breakfast and lunch daily for students.

The cost of breakfast is $1.40 and lunch is $2.90. A reduced cost breakfast is $.30 and lunch is $.40.

Breakfast will be served daily for interested students in the school cafeteria from 8:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.

Each student will follow the lunch schedule as designated by their homeroom.

PIN pads are used in all Baltimore County Public Schools. The cafeteria staff has assigned each child a

three digit PIN number. The children will need to memorize their PIN number each year. PIN

numbers will be distributed in the teacher’s mailbox the day before the number is to be used. The

cafeteria staff will also have a copy of the PIN number at the point of sale. This PIN number is how

your child assesses their lunch money account. Parents are encouraged to deposit funds into this

account in lieu of students bringing cash to school on a daily basis.

A prepayment deposit form is available for your convenience and will be sent home the first week of

school. Students may make prepayments on the first day of school. Prepayments are collected by the

classroom teacher, who will also send home additional prepayment forms home upon request.

Additional money may be added to the account at any time. We will continue to accept daily payments

at the register, although we encourage and prefer the prepayment method. A computerized statement

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indicating the balance in your child’s account will be sent home when your child’s balance drops below

$5.00.

Conferences

Open communication between parents and teachers is an important part of a child’s success in school.

Your child’s teacher benefits from getting to know you by gaining information that can enhance your

child’s education. All Baltimore County Public Schools, at the elementary level, have a fall conference

day. Schools will be closed for children in the fall (Friday, November 15, 2013) so that conferences can

be scheduled. However, teachers are available for conferences at any time throughout the school year.

Should you wish to initiate a conference with your child’s teacher, please send a note to school with your

child, email the teacher directly or call the school office. The teacher will contact you to schedule a

conference at a mutually convenient time. Please do not expect the teacher to be available for a

conference if prior arrangements have not been made.

Dress Guidelines

In order to create a more positive and respectful learning environment at Stoneleigh Elementary School,

the following Dress Guidelines for students have been developed:

1. The length of shorts or a skirt should not be shorter than fist length when you are standing with

your arms down at your sides.

2. No bare midriffs, halter tops, or sexually suggestive clothing.

3. For safety reasons, flip flops or shoes that come off as a child goes up steps should not be worn.

Tennis shoes must be worn during gym class and if your child wishes to play on the playground

apparatus during recess. Heelies are strictly prohibited. “Light up” shoes are also discouraged

due to distraction in instruction.

4. Clothing should not display offensive or suggestive language, pictures, products, or concepts that

are inappropriate for school (alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or violence).

5. Clothing should fit properly and not be extremely large.

We encourage all parents to support these guidelines. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Early Dismissals

If it is necessary for you to pick up your child prior to the end of the school day, a note should be sent

that day to the classroom teacher, who will forward the note to the office. Your child will be called to the

office when you arrive and you will be asked to sign the student(s) out. Students leaving early must be

picked up and signed out in the office. They cannot go to the parking lot. If there is an emergency after

they have come to school and you must pick your child up early, we ask that you report to the main

office to sign them out.

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End-of-the-Day Pick-Up

If you will be picking your child up at the end of the day, please send a note to your child’s teacher.

Your child will meet you in the front lobby at dismissal time. Please make it clear to your child that

without a note or your appearance at the end of the day, he/she will follow their normal dismissal routine

no matter what informal discussion occurred at home concerning possible pick up that day. A long-term

note will be accepted for a routinely scheduled dismissal practice (i.e. Brownies, Girl Scouts, Language

Clubs). We would request that phone calls to dismiss students at the end be made by 3:00 p.m., kept to

a minimum and should only be used in case of an emergency.

Guidance

School counselors have demonstrated through the impact of their programs, that they are a positive force

in the lives of students and in the climate of schools. Research into the effectiveness of the school

counseling programs has generated two significant findings:

School counselors’ interventions have a substantive impact on student achievement and

personal development.

Specific counselor-initiated interventions, such as individual and small group counseling,

classroom guidance, and professional consultations contribute directly to student success in

the classroom. (Border & Drury, 1992)

It is apparent that school counseling programs support the school system’s mission and enhance student

learning.

The goals upon which the Baltimore County Public Schools counseling program is based are set forth in

the Essential Guidance Program, Pre-K-12 (1996). This document identifies the three core goals for the

school counseling program in the state of Maryland. These goals are:

School success for all students;

Competency in decision-making, career development, and post-secondary educational

planning; and

Effective interpersonal relationships and positive self-appraisals.

Home/School Communication Folder

Every child at Stoneleigh Elementary will receive a Home/School Communication Folder. This folder is

to go home on Thursdays and should be returned by students the next school day. Items such as

information from the school office, the teachers, classwork, and homework will go home in this folder.

Parents are asked to review the folder, pull out appropriate materials, and check their child’s work and

send back any papers or information as requested. Grade level teams may specify additional uses for this

folder. In turn, parents can use the home/school communication folder to communicate with teachers,

as well as the school office. At a minimum, please look in your child’s folder each Thursday as you will

find it a most effective communication tool!

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Inclement Weather/Emergency Dismissal

When it is decided that schools are to be closed for inclement weather, announcements will be made by

local television and radio stations, BCPS website www.bcps.org, BCPS information line, 410-887-5555,

and the Education Channel. Additionally, please note that you may obtain “Schools Out Alerts” by

accessing the following web link: http://www.schoolout.com/view/school/41. Therefore, students and

parents are asked not to call the school for this information as all telephone lines need to remain open in

the event that additional changes need to be made. These announcements are made for the cancellation

of school, as well as for delayed openings and early dismissals.

School Closing Policies

Delayed Openings and Early Dismissals

Media Announcements: The following message will be given to television and radio stations: “All

Baltimore County Public Schools closed” which means that Stoneleigh Elementary is closed.

One hour delay: For all Baltimore County Public Schools–Stoneleigh Elementary will open at 9:45 a.m.

(Doors open at 9:30 a.m.).

Two hour delay: For all Baltimore County Public Schools–Stoneleigh Elementary will open at 10:45

a.m. (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.).

One Hour Early Dismissal

Students in grades prekindergarten – 12 in all schools will be dismissed one hour earlier than normal.

Dismissal time for Stoneleigh Elementary will be 2:15 p.m.

Lunches Will Be Served To Students As Usual.

Media Announcements: The following message will be given to television and radio stations: “All

Baltimore County Public Schools will close one hour earlier than normal closing time.”

Two Hour Early Dismissal

Students in grades kindergarten - 12 in all schools will be dismissed two hours earlier than normal.

Dismissal for Stoneleigh Elementary would be at 1:15 p.m. Lunches will be served.

Media Announcements: The following message will be given to television and radio stations: “All

Baltimore County Public Schools will close two hours earlier than the normal closing time.

Three Hour Early Dismissal

The same procedures as a two-hour closing will be followed. Dismissal time for Stoneleigh Elementary

will be 12:15 p.m. Lunches will be served.

Kiss and Go

Students transported by families in the morning, may be dropped off at the Kiss and Go location

between 8:30 - and 8:40 a.m.; please refer to the “Kiss and Go” map. School personnel and parent

volunteers will be there to receive these students. We open your car door with a smile and allow you the

7

opportunity to “kiss (your child) and go”. Walkers coming from the corner of Pemberton and

Copeleigh Roads should utilize the walkway that circles around the faculty parking lot A. This will

eliminate crowding at Kiss and Go and ensure safe procedures for all students. Cones/chains will be in

place across the parking lots to eliminate any traffic in and out of the lots, thus ensuring that students can

walk safely across the sidewalk to the schoolhouse.

Late Arrivals

Students arriving late to school (after 8:45 a.m.) should enter by the front entrance and report to the

front office. They should not go directly to their classroom or teaching area. We request that a

responsible adult escort students into the front office with a note explaining the reason for being tardy.

While these procedures may be a little time consuming, it helps to ensure the safety of your children and

keeps our records up-to-date and accurate.

Leaving School With Others

For your child’s safety, if you want your child to leave with someone other than the parent/guardian (or

as noted on the student’s contact information for school year 2013/2014), you are required to write a

note stating the name(s) of the person(s) who will be calling for your child. Even if the person is a

relative (older sibling, grandparent, aunt, etc.), we cannot dismiss any child without your permission; and

the safest way for us to have that permission is in writing. Please note that the individual picking up your

child/ren will need to bring picture identification. Yearly permission can be granted in cases such as

Brownies, Cub Scouts, etc.

Lost and Found

Please mark all belongings with your child’s full name. Lost and found items will be located in the

gymnasium/cafeteria lobby. Please check in the lost and found if your child has lost something.

News from the Department of Recreation and Parks

The Towson Recreation and Parks Council looks forward to serving both children and adults of

Stoneleigh Elementary. Please do not hesitate to call the Recreation Office at 410-887-5883 weekdays

between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for more information about their programs.

Newsletter(s)

Once a month, on the second Thursday, The Stoneleigh Gazette, our school newsletter, will be sent or

emailed home to keep you informed about important events in the school and community. The

newsletter will be sent home with the youngest child in the family attending Stoneleigh Elementary,

unless you are receiving an electronic copy. Remember to ask your child for the newsletter on a regular

basis.

The Stoneleigh PTA will also publish a monthly newsletter that will be sent home with the youngest

child, or emailed home, on the fourth Thursday of each month.

8

Please note that the Stoneleigh Gazette is also located on Stoneleigh Elementary’s web site, http://stoneleighes.ss3.sharpschool.com.

Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Checks Restitution Program The Baltimore County Public Schools procedure for non-sufficient funds checks (NSF) is to submit the

check to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Bad Check Restitution Program. Implementation of

this program will be carried out by staff in schools and offices in compliance with procedures outlined by

the State’s Attorney’s office found at http://www.checkprogram.com/baltimorecountymd. Issuers of

dishonest checks presented to BCPS will be given 10 days to submit full payment of the amount of the

check plus actual bank charges incurred by BCPS. If this payment is not received by the end of the 10

days, the issuer will be given an additional 10 days to submit full payment of the amount of the check

plus $35.00. If payment is not received at the end of the 20-day period, BCPS will turn over the

dishonored check to the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Bad Check Restitution Program for

collection and/or criminal prosecution.

Notes from the School Nurse

The health and well being of your child is our primary concern while your child is in school. To ensure

and maintain his/her good health and safety, please take a few minutes to review the following guidelines:

We attempt to discourage administration of medication in the schools. However, if your

physician decides it is necessary for your child to receive medication during the school

day, the approval and specific directions must be provided to the school by the physician.

Parents must bring the medication to the school in the original box or bottle with the

current prescription label on the container. All medications (even over the counter

medications) require a written physician’s order. Students are not to have medications in

their possession.

If your child vomited during the night or in the morning, s/he should remain at home.

Students should also be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

Please keep all home, work, and emergency phone numbers at school up-to-date. When

children become suddenly ill or injured at school, it is essential that we have current

phone numbers.

Please keep the nurse informed of significant changes in your child’s health. For

example: changes in diet, daily medication, new allergies, and changes in physical

restrictions, vision and/or hearing impairment.

Injuries

At all times, we at Stoneleigh Elementary consider safety to be a top priority. Injuries that occur at

school, home or play requires extra planning to ensure a safe return to the school environment. Please

inform the nurse, (410-828-5285), if your child has sustained any of these type injuries: fractures,

sprains, sutures, concussions, or any injury which requires limited activity. The school will need to know

the following:

Have you consulted a health care provider?

Is the student able to participate in physical education classes including participation at

recess?

What is the extent of the limitations?

How long are the limitations to be in place? Note that any time more than a week requires a

doctor’s note stating when full activities can be resumed.

9

Are crutches required? (Please notify the nurse before the arrival of your child if they require

crutches.)

Is the student required to use a wheelchair? (We need to know ahead of time to plan the

appropriate accommodations in order to provide a safe and successful school day.)

Pediculosis (Head Lice)

Throughout the school year, we are informed of the occurrence of pediculosis (head lice). Your support

to help us address this issue is greatly appreciated.

The following signs or symptoms indicate that the condition may be present:

1. Persistent itching of the scalp.

2. An insect about 1/8 inch long in the hair, around the ears, and the back of the neck. The lice are

almost always found in layers of hair underneath the top layer.

3. Tan or white nits(eggs) approximately the size of a flake of dandruff and firmly attached to the

hair shaft in the same area.

If you suspect this condition, contact your health care provider as soon as possible for diagnosis and

treatment. The school nurse should be notified if your child has pediculosis. In addition, all members

of the household should be examined and treated if lice are observed, unless your usual source of health

care advises other measures. Please note, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that

children with nits alone NOT be treated with pediculocide; instead these children should be monitored

for 14 days to be sure no live lice appear.

This condition is not serious, but can be spread from person to person. Pediculosis is a national

problem. The reason for the increase in cases is not known, but it is definitely not due to poor hygiene.

Animals are not affected by this condition so no treatment is required for your pets.

The following procedures should be done to eliminate this problem.

1. Wash bed linens, towels, scarves, and other clothing in very hot water.

2. Place combs and brushes in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

3. Vacuum furniture, car seats, pillows, mattresses, rugs, and floors.

4. Discourage the sharing of combs, clothes, and towels among infected persons.

5. Place objects that cannot be washed or vacuumed (e.g. stuffed animals, pillows, and clothing that

must be dry cleaned) in a tightly sealed plastic bag for 14 days.

For more information on head lice and its management, see the Office of Health Services website at

http://www.bcps.org/offices/sss/health/. If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse at

410-828-5285.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is very important on days of prolonged outdoor activity. These activities include, but are not

limited to, outdoor field trips and school field days. Please be advised that the school nurse or the

teachers cannot supply sunscreen for students. Parents may provide sunscreen to be used only by their

own children. The students may carry their own sunscreen and apply it according to the manufactures

instructions.

By communicating your child’s special health and safety needs to us, we can ensure a safer and healthier

school year.

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Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)

The nationwide PTA acts as an advocate for all children and strives to foster closer relations between the

home, the community and school. The Stoneleigh PTA vigorously supports these ideals and funds

many supplementary enrichment programs and activities, some of which are listed below.

Programs and Activities:

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Fair: Usually held in April, this is an annual

display of simple science projects, chosen and produced independently by children on their own

time.

Cultural Assemblies: These are a variety of performances and demonstrations, presented by

outside professionals to enhance the students’ educational experience. They are held periodically

throughout the academic year.

Family Fun: Monthly evening or weekend events for the whole family starting with the ice cream

social in September. Popular events have included movie nights, fitness night, game night, music,

storytellers, and end-of-year picnics.

Classroom Residencies: These are enrichment programs where an artist, writer or poet works with

children in the classroom for several days, (e.g. Poet-in-Residence.)

Gold and Blue and Creative, Too!: This is an annual publication of the children’s creative writing

or drawings. Participation is optional; however, all students are encouraged to participate. Every

student receives a free copy of this publication.

Literature Enrichment and Teacher Special Requests: Extracurricular reading materials are

provided for use in the classrooms as well as new classroom equipment. Past funding has

supported risers for the vocal music program and technology equipment for the classroom.

Making It All Possible:

The above activities and programs are made possible by the incredible organizational efforts of parent

volunteers and through the monetary support of parents, staff and community in fund-raising events such

as:

The Fall Fundraiser

Original Works (reproduction of children’s art work in unique ways)

Grocery store receipts and cereal box top collections

Direct donations from parents, staff and community supporters

FUNdraising events like Winter Carnival, Stoneleigh Day at the Orioles, and others

No matter how large or small, the PTA is always grateful for all contributions.

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PTA General Information

The PTA invites all parents, students, staff and community supporters to learn more about our work and

to join us in our efforts on behalf of Stoneleigh students. Please visit the Stoneleigh PTA webpage at

www.stoneleighpta.org to find the most recent information on our meetings, how to volunteer, purchase

spirit wear, or just learn more about our wonderful school. If you are unable to access the internet, you

can find basic information on our PTA housed in a binder in the Stoneleigh School office.

The PTA newsletter is sent electronically, or in hard copy form, to families on the fourth Thursday of

each month and is also posted online at www.stoneleighpta.org. Help us to be a green school by signing

up for online delivery of the newsletter. It is the fastest and best way to learn what is happening at

Stoneleigh. So please visit www.stoneleighpta.org to join in the fun.

PTA Membership

Stoneleigh’s PTA encourages all families to join the association and participate in some aspect of its

activities. A membership drive is conducted every fall. Information is available at Back-to-School Nights

and in newsletters. Membership is available to everyone for a nominal annual fee.

Stoneleigh PTA schedules General Membership meetings and Executive Board meetings during the

school year. All members are invited to attend, participate, and vote at these meetings. General PTA

contact and calendar information is available in the Student Directory and online at

www.stoneleighpta.org. Details of meetings, and other PTA events, are listed in the newsletters, and on

the web site.

PTA Student Directory

Each year the PTA produces a directory listing student addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses,

class lists, faculty names, current PTA officers, board members, a calendar of Stoneleigh Elementary

School events and other important information. The PTA directory form must be completed annually

by the assigned deadline in order for families to be included in the directory. The directory is a handy

reference to contact new school friends or identify classmates. The directory can be pre-ordered at the

beginning of the school year and will be sent home to families during the first week in October.

Additional copies of the directory will be available for sale at the Ice Cream Social and thereafter. Please

note: the directory is strictly for the use by the families and staff of Stoneleigh Elementary and may not

be given or sold to anyone else.

Pets on School Grounds

In keeping with our ongoing effort to assure safety for our students, we are requesting that no pets be

brought into the school building or onto school property during the 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. school day.

Recess

In the document, Schools Are For Children, scheduled time for recess/supervised play is 80-100 minutes

per week. That document also suggests that on the day that a child has physical education, that period

can count as recess for that day. In generating the master schedule, each grade level (kindergarten-fifth)

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was designated with 20 minutes per day of recess; including the days in which students have physical

education, totaling 150 minutes per week.

Teachers are charged with determining the need to use recess as a consequence for an individual or a

class. Teachers will continue to be encouraged by the administration to limit the use of recess as a

consequence for individuals and groups of students. Additionally, if individual students have been

assigned the consequence of losing recess, the administration encourages the teacher to allow the student

to stand or sit with the teacher during supervised play, in lieu of missing the opportunity for fresh air.

Parents who have a question about their individual student’s loss of recess need to contact the teacher

directly for clarification.

When the cold weather approaches, we again seek teacher discretion in determining the need for indoor

versus outdoor recess. We are encouraging a brisk walk at the minimum, on our paved surfaces on cold

days. We encourage our parents to dress students for the weather. In the event that a child has been out

sick and should not be going outside, he or she will go to the nurse’s or the main office to read during

recess. Also, students not dressed for the weather may be asked by their teacher to remain inside for

recess.

Reporting Student Progress

Good communication between parents/guardians and teachers is very important to the educational

process. There are four reporting periods for grades 2-5 during the school year. First grade students

receive their first report card at the second reporting period. Report cards will be distributed on

November 15, 2013, for the first term; February 3, 2014, for the second term; April 10, 2014, for the

third term; and on the last day of school in June for the fourth quarter. In addition, students who are not

meeting with success will receive an interim report mid-way through each quarter. Kindergarten

reporting periods are November 15, 2013 and May 12, 2014.

Safety Issues

As we continue to work together to ensure the safety of our students, we would like to call your attention

the following:

All outside doors are locked. All visitors must enter through the front door and report directly to

the office. Visitors must bring their driver’s license when visiting in the school in order to be

signed in through the new safety and security program “Raptor” and receive a visitor badge.

The driveway and parking lot in front of the school have been specifically designated for one-way

traffic. Cars may not enter the bus circle from 8:15–9:00 a.m., or 3:00–3:45 p.m. or until last bus

leaves. Please refer to the Arrival/Dismissal Map.

School Hours

School hours at Stoneleigh Elementary are as follows:

Kindergarten through grade five - 8:45 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

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Students may not enter the building prior to 8:30 a.m. unless they are participating in a special program

with adult supervision.

Students are required to leave the building by 3:15 p.m. unless they are participating in a special program

with adult supervision.

School Improvement Team

The Stoneleigh School Improvement Team meets on the third Monday of each month. The purpose of

the team is to provide input for the following:

Acquiring knowledge about the school and the school improvement process

Analyzing and interpreting data about student achievement

Establishing priorities

Formulating school improvement goals

Clarifying problems, making decisions

Selecting school improvement strategies, allocating resources

Monitoring the implementation of the school plan

Revising the plan and managing the change

Assessing results

Engaging in continual improvement.

The meetings are open and we welcome parents to join us for the discussion. If you have concerns to

bring to the team, please contact Mrs. Warner, principal at cwarner@bcps.org or contact Mrs. Ortiz at

sortiz@bcps.org School Improvement Team Facilitator so that they can be placed on an agenda or

directed to a more appropriate resource.

Agendas and brief minutes from the School Improvement Team meetings will be posted on the school

web site. Summaries of the minutes appear in The Stoneleigh Gazette which is sent home or can be

accessed on the Stoneleigh Elementary School web site.

School Store

Once again, the school store will be open Tuesdays through Fridays. If a child would like to visit the

school store, he/she must report to his/her homeroom first, unpack for the day and secure a

pass/permission from the teacher prior to visiting the school store.

School Website

Another effective means of communication is to access the school’s website at

http://stoneleighes.ss3.sharpschool.com. You may contact your child’s teacher, and be informed of

various school activities. Additionally, you will find links to parent activities to support your child’s

success. Please note that faculty/staff email addresses are listed in the back of this handbook.

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Security Monitoring System

The front door of our school is equipped with a door buzzer security monitoring system. This system

allows our secretaries to monitor visitors to our school. A camera is installed in the upper left hand

corner of our entry way. We ask that you push the buzzer, look up and “smile”, listen for our response

and upon that response open the door. This system will be utilized during the school hours of 8:45 a.m.-

4:00 p.m.

Snacks

The kindergarten as well as those classes whose lunch starts after 12:30 p.m. will build into their schedule

an optional healthy snack time. Families may choose to prepare a small, healthy snack for their

student(s). Snacks will not be provided by the school house. Eliminating food in classrooms or keeping

them to a minimum also helps curb visits from rodents in our school house.

Student Behavior and Handbook

The primary goal of Baltimore County Public Schools is to help all students reach their academic

potential. In order to attain that goal, it is important for all students to assume responsibility for their

actions and realize the relationship between their behavior and learning.

The Board of Education’s disciplinary code is designed so that all students may understand acceptable

and appropriate behavior. These policies are augmented by the administrative rules and regulations

explained in the Student Behavior Handbook.

By the end of the first two weeks of school, each student will have received a copy of the new Student

Handbook and participated in a discussion of its contents with school administrators.

Please review the contents of the handbook with your child and sign and return the “Student Handbook

Acknowledgement” form, which is in the handbook, within five school days.

Student Contact Information Form

At the beginning of each school year, parents will be asked to complete a white Student Contact

Information for School Year 2013/2014 form and return it with your student as soon as possible. After

completing the school copy, please take a moment to note your emergency information on the form

found in the appendix in the back of this book. This form provides the school with specific instructions

about where a child is to go in the event of an emergency dismissal. If a parent chooses to have his/her

child follow normal dismissal procedures and ride the bus home, this choice is limited to the child’s own

bus route. Some parents indicate that the child is to ride the bus home and report to a particular

neighbor’s house. Parents also need to provide a plan if Stoneleigh Elementary is the only school to

close. In the event of an emergency such as a power outage, the middle and high schools may not be

closed; therefore, alternative arrangements for child care that had been provided by older siblings must

be made.

This Student Contact Information for School Year 2013/2014 form is a form that Baltimore County

Public Schools has mandated and needs to be on file for every student in our building. Throughout the

school year, if updates are needed, please contact the office and a new form will be sent home.

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Pick-up procedures for an emergency early dismissal are as follows:

If you elect to pick up your student(s) prior to the designated early dismissal time, please

report to the office. The student will be called and you will be required to sign them out.

If you select the option to pick up your student(s) at dismissal, please report to the cafeteria

lobby to sign out your student. The student(s) will be called to the cafeteria to meet you.

Please be aware that there will be two lines for last names beginning with letters

A-L and Mc-Z. A staff member will be verifying your Student Contact Information Form.

If you select the regular dismissal option, your student will be transported by their normal

designated bus or they will follow their normal pickup procedure.

If your child attends Play Centers after school, please remember that Play Centers is not

open on emergency early dismissal days. Therefore, an alternate plan must be in place and

noted on the Student Contact Information Form.

The Art Program

Students in grades kindergarten through fifth will have art class weekly. We will be studying a number of

artists and art techniques, so when you talk with your child about what s/he learned in art each week,

don’t be surprised when you get an earful about an artist’s life and method of art making!

The Instrumental Music Program

The instrumental music program offers fifth grade students the opportunity to study one

of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, oboe, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium,

French horn, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Lessons are during school hours,

once a week for 30 minutes, on a rotation schedule. Instrumental Music is an enriching experience, and

many students will remember it as one of the most enjoyable and creative times in their lives. In order to

get the most out of Instrumental Music, one has to spend time outside of class getting to know the

instrument better, and it is recommended that each band student practice a minimum of 80 minutes a

week. Also parents, please be advised that your child will not be allowed to call home for his or her forgotten instrument during the school day. Please encourage your child to practice. In these days of

busy schedules for parents and children, your support is indispensable. Let’s build a band and string

ensemble in which we can take pride, leaving you and your children with many memories of their first

years of music.

The Library Media Program

The Library Media Program ensures that learning activities are integrated into the curriculum, and

students become skilled users of information as they access and gather resources. Instruction is also

provided to stimulate interest in reading, viewing, and using information and ideas. Here are a few

important things to remember with reference to your child and the library program:

Always try to find a safe place to keep library books at home.

Help your children to bring back library books on time.

Encourage a love of reading by reading at home with your child; encourage them to read

independently.

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By keeping these things in mind, your child will reap the full benefits of the library program, and enjoy a

lifelong love of reading.

The Physical Education Program

All students in kindergarten through fifth grades at Stoneleigh Elementary will be provided with and

expected to participate in physical education classes. It is important that students be prepared for

activities with appropriate attire. Active wear that allows ease of movement and tennis shoes are required

for class (no slip-on shoes). County policy prohibits unprepared students from participation for safety

purposes. Parents will be notified of P.E. days so that they may help their children to be prepared for

class. Thank you for your cooperation.

The School Day

Our regular school day begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. Students’ arrival time on buses is

approximately 8:30–8:45 a.m. Students who are transported by parents should not arrive before 8:30

a.m. Teachers are not “on duty” prior to this time. Students should be dropped off at the Kiss and Go

location by the front sidewalk and should enter the building as indicated on the “Arrival Procedure

Map”, located in the back of this handbook.

Please say goodbye to your student(s) at the outside entrances of the school and allow them to walk to

their classrooms independently. It is important for your children to walk to their classrooms and handle

morning responsibilities by themselves. There are school personnel and student safeties available, if

needed. Teachers are responsible for greeting children and managing arrival activities beginning at 8:45

a.m. and must direct their energies to students. Therefore, teachers are not able to talk with parents

without compromising their attention to students. If you need to contact a teacher, please send a note

with your child, email the teacher directly, or phone the office and a teacher will contact you within 48-72

hours.

Walkers will exit from the designated grade level doors during dismissal, please refer to the “Dismissal

Procedure Map”, located in the back of this handbook.

The Vocal Music Program

Kindergarten, first grade (“Beginning Experiences”) and second grade (“Creating a Foundation”) focuses

on singing, listening, moving, playing classroom instruments, and reading music notation. Musical

activities will aid students in their reading skills.

Third grade focuses on “Making Music in Many Ways.” Students will acquire the necessary skills for

playing classroom instruments and composing original compositions. There will be some homework as

students reinforce and practice their new found skills. Students need a pocket folder and a pencil for

class.

Fourth grade (“Practicing and Refining Musical Skills”) and fifth grade (“Developing Musical

Independence”) will refine and develop previous musical skills through singing, listening, moving,

creating, playing musical instruments, as well as reading and writing music notation. Listening skills are

further developed to aid in the students’ appreciation and understanding of music. Students are asked to

bring a pocket folder to class with paper and pencil. Class work in the form of listening and vocabulary

as well as handouts will be kept in their music folder. These folders will be graded quarterly.

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A Winter and Spring Concert will be held to highlight students’ talents and achievements.

Toy Alert

Parents, please be advised that students are not permitted to bring radios, i-Pods, electronic games or

trading cards or toys of any kind to school unless directed by the teacher. If these items are brought to

school, they will be removed from the student’s possession and held in the office until a parent/guardian

comes to the office to collect them.

Transportation

Transportation is provided five days a week to one specified stop in the morning, and five days a week to

one specified stop in the afternoon. Transportation to and from school is a privilege afforded students.

When students’ behavior is such that it causes the driver to be distracted from concentrating on driving,

it places the students and the bus in jeopardy. When this happens, we have no alternative but to deny

bus-riding privileges to those who are creating a situation that can cause a bus accident. Students will be

expected to ride their assigned buses to and from school and be picked up and discharged at their

assigned stop. Please be advised that bus transportation cannot accommodate student play dates.

Visitors

For the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and parents, all visitors must enter through the front door

and report directly to the office. Visitors must bring their driver’s license when visiting the school in

order to be signed in through the new safety and security program “Raptor” and receive a visitor’s badge.

Volunteers

Volunteers are individuals who provide support to BCPS teachers, administrators, and staff in either a

clerical or instructional setting and must be trained accordingly.

Early in the school year, including both Back to School Nights, the guidance counselor will be offering

volunteer training, one during the school day and one in the evening. All parents are required to be

trained prior to volunteering in classrooms or class sponsored activities, i.e. field trips, class parties, class

picnics, or if serving as a cafeteria helper.

If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled training sessions, please contact the school office at

410-887-3600 to set up a mutually convenient time to view the volunteer video and complete the

necessary paperwork in order to serve as a volunteer.

For the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and parents, all volunteers must enter through the front door

and report directly to the office. Volunteers must bring their driver’s license when volunteering at the

school in order to be signed in through the new safety and security program “Raptor” and receive a

volunteer badge.

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Faculty Organization – 2013/2014 Classroom Teachers Kindergarten Ms. Bond Room 110 jbond3@bcps.org

Mrs. Bosco Room 106 abosco2@bcps.org Mrs. Emerson Room 108 vemerson@bcps.org

Ms. Loos Room 109 cloos@bcps.org Mr. Zimmerman Room 111 mzimmerman@bcps.org First Grade Mrs. Conroy Room 113 jconroy2@bcps.org Mrs. Downs Room 112 mdowns@bcps.org

Mrs. Eibl Room 116 meibl@bcps.org Mrs. Spear Room 115 sspear@bcps.org Mrs. Thompson Room 114 sthompson@bcps.org Mrs. Danna Room 117 ldanna@bcps.org Second Grade Mrs. Ciattei Room 215 cciattei@bcps.org

Mrs. Danna Room 117 ldanna@bcps.org Mrs. Donelan Room 216 ldonelan@bcps.org

Mrs. Howard Room 217 vhoward@bcps.org Mrs. Mansfield Room 213 mmansfield@bcps.org Mrs. Margiotta Room 214 lmargiotta@bcps.org

Third Grade Mrs. Blake Room 210 dblake@bcps.org

Ms. Cordasco Room 208 jcordasco@bcps.org Mrs. Edwards Room 209 medwards6@bcps.org Mrs. Hickey Room 207 khickey@bcps.org

Mr. Mintiens Room 205 jmintiens@bcps.org Fourth Grade Mr. Ballard Room 211 jballard@bcps.or

Mr. Gieron Room 206 bgieron@bcps.org Ms. Hart Room 204 ehart@bcps.org

Ms. Katz Room 105 jkatz@bcps.org Mrs. Lane Room 107 mlane3@bcps.org Fifth Grade Mrs. Fisher Room 219 afisher@bcps.org

Mr. Glassman Room 212 bglassman@bcps.org Mr. Imirie Room 222 bimirie@bcps.org

Mrs. Ortiz Room 213 sortiz@bcps.org Mrs. Ronson Room 201 kronson@bcps.org

Special Area Teachers/Staff Art Ms. Link-Fiore Room 008 dlinkfiore@bcps.org Ms. Amory Room 008 camory@bcps.org Vocal Music Mr. Bosco Room 004 abosco@bcps.org

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Instrumental/Vocal Music Mrs. Freeburger Room 006 jfreeburger@bcps.org Physical Education Mr. Lane Gym tlane2@bcps.org Mrs. Nasuta Gym snasuta@bcps.org Librarian Ms. Mooney Library hmooney2@bcps.org Mr. Holden Library pholden@bcps.org Reading Specialist Mrs. Asaki Room 121 masaki@bcps.org Mrs. McGraw Room 121 jmcgraw@bcps.org Technology Mrs. Dingle Room 005 jdingle@bcps.org Mr. Holden Room 005 pholden@bcps.org Special Education Mrs. Wynn Room 101 cwynn@bcps.org

Ms. Zawodny Room 101 szawodny@bcps.org

ESOL Teacher Mrs. Hare Room 203 khare@bcps.org Instructional Assistants Ms. Bacon Room 101 tbacon@bcps.org

Mrs. Brown Room 101 lbrown3@bcps.org Mrs. Heare Room 101 pheare@bcps.org Speech/Language Mrs. Guetler Room 001 wguetler@bcps.org Pathologist Guidance Counselor Ms. Labeda Room 103 slabeda@bcps.org School Nurse Mrs. Carmel Health Suite scarmel@bcps.org School Psychologist Dr. O’Donnell Room 002 jodonnell@bcps.org Occupational Therapist Ms. Klein Room 002 rklein@bcps.org Physical Therapist Mrs. Stillman Room 002 dstillman@bcps.org Cafeteria Manager Mrs. Kiser Cafeteria skiser@bcps.org Cafeteria Worker Mrs. Craft Cafeteria Cafeteria Aides Mrs. Green Cafeteria Ms. Wagner Cafeteria Building Service Leader Mr. Richardson Boiler Room arichardson@bcps.org Building Service Worker Mrs. James Boiler Room Building Service Worker Mr. Thomas Boiler Room Building Service Worker Ms. Whye Boiler Room

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Student Support Personnel Mrs. Detwiler Kindergarten ldetwiler@bcps.org Secretary Mrs. Eden Office aeden@bcps.org

Secretary Mrs. Tinkler Office btinkler@bcps.org

Administrative Secretary Mrs. Wingerd Office dwingerd@bcps.org

Assistant Principal Mrs. Bowman Office cbowman@bcps.org

Principal Mrs. Warner Office cwarner@bcps.org

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PTA Executive Board

President Colleen Mahony stoneleighptapresident@gmail.com

1st

VP, Programs Keri Frisch stoneleighpta1stvp@gmail.com

2nd

VP, Volunteers Laura Lechtzin stoneleighpta2ndvp@gmail.com

3rd

VP, Membership Charlotte Huisman stoneleighptamembership@gmail.com

Treasurer Sue Yancisin stoneleighptatreasurer@gmail.com

Secretary Leigh Weihs stoneleighptasecretary@gmail.com

Stoneleigh Elementary School

DISMISSAL Procedures

Cafeteria

Play Centers

Gym

First Graders

Main Entrance Entrance for all

kindergarten students.

Fourth

Graders

Second Graders

Third Graders

Fifth Graders

8/16/2013

Drop-Off Zone Only Do not stop and let children out here;

proceed to Drop-Off Zone

Pemberton Road

Parents, crossing road with students in tow.

Stoneleigh Elementary School

Kiss and Go*

*Specific instructions found within the handbook.

Stoneleigh Elementary School

Faculty Parking Lot A

No entrance or exit during

arrival/dismissal times.

D R I V E W A Y

Wa

lkw

ay

Faculty Parking

Lot B

No entrance or exit during arrival/dismissal times.