TABLE of CONTENTS

2 Principal’s Welcome3 Middletown Prairie Elementary Staff4 Sangamon Elementary Staff5 Daily Schedules, Arrival Times & Procedures8 Attendance Policies8 Absence Reporting9 Before and After School Kids’ Club 9 Breakfast Program9 Behavior Expectations11 Celebrating Student Birthdays 12 Cell phones12 Communication 13 Conferences13 Early Dismissals13 Field Trips14 Health Related Issues14 Instruction Support16 Lunch Program17 Pre-kindergarten Program 17 Pre-kindergarten Developmental Screenings17 Room Parents and Class Parties 17 School Concerns18 Student Clothing18 Student Drop-off/Pick-up & Parking19 Student Safety

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Dear Middletown & Sangamon Families,

Welcome back to school! We hope that you had a terrific summer and that you and your child(ren) are planning on having an exciting and rewarding 2017-2018 school year. If you are new to the district, we would like to extend to you a warm welcome. I hope that you and your child have many positive experiences at Middletown and/or Sangamon, and find that everyone at our schools truly practices the establishment of a nurturing and “child-centered” environment on a daily basis. If it’s your first experience in the district or you and your child are returning to Sangamon, we hope that all of your expectations for a great school year are met, or exceeded this year. We strongly encourage all of you to be actively involved in your child’s education and feel welcome to visit our schools at any time. Remember, you are always a welcome as a guest, and your involvement is valuable for the success of our school and your child! Also, if you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call either of us at: (Sangamon) 586-4583 or (Middletown) 586-5833, or we can be reached by e-mail at: wstarwalt@ms.k12.il.us, or cshallenberger@ms.k12.il.us. Please visit our website at: www.ms.k12.il.us/Sang/index.html.

The purpose of this booklet is to inform you and your child of the many policies and procedures that exist at Sangamon School. This booklet is not intended to create a contractual relationship with the student; rather it is intended to describe the school, its current practices, procedures, rules, and regulations (code of conduct) which may be subject to change based upon administrative or Board of Education action. It is very important that each child understands the information that is contained in this booklet; therefore, families are encouraged to review and discuss the information together. While no procedures booklet can be all-inclusive, we hope that the major areas of concern and interest have been addressed, and that you find the information very helpful in answering many of the questions you or your child might have.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the information included in this procedures booklet, please contact one of us at your convenience.

We are looking forward to an exciting year working with your child(ren)!

Sincerely,

Wendy Starwalt – PrincipalCarol Shallenberger - Principal

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MIDDLETOWN PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY STAFF LIST: 2017-2018Principals: Carol Shallenberger & Wendy Starwalt (Updated: 8.3.17)Administrative Assistants: Julie Arnold & Lorraine Vallee Custodians: Jim Harms & David Harrison

PRE-KINDERGARTEN SPECIALS STAFF

Emily Buckius Classroom Teacher Jeannette Hulick Library/Media

Jenny Diskin Classroom Teacher Joyce Cox Library Asst.

Mickey Gilbert Classroom Teacher Kris Kennedy PE, Music, Media

Melinda Klaus Teacher Asst. Jeramie Truax Art

Kim Lenzini Teaching Asst.

Chandra Steers Teaching Asst. SUPPORT STAFF

Teaching Asst. Marissa Hill Support Services

Teaching Asst. Mary Willard Teaching Asst.

Genevieve OMalley Teaching Asst.

KINDERGARTEN Philisha Paragi Interventionist

Karen Badger Classroom Teacher Nancy Cosner Social Worker

Melissa Gibson Classroom Teacher Chris Russell Speech Therapist

Cindy Krumwiede Classroom Teacher Tara Sieben Speech Therapist

Karen McHale Classroom Teacher Emily Keating Speech Therapist

Julie Myers Classroom Teacher Amanda Shanks Psychologist

Laurie Padjen Classroom Teacher Nita Bachman District Nurse

Jana Raver Classroom Teacher Alisa Lamb Occupational Therapist

Rachel Roberts Classroom Teacher Sandy Borrelli OT Assistant

Tracy Wade Classroom Teacher Kathryn Miller-Rose Physical Therapist

Katie Walk Classroom Teacher

Cindy Watson Classroom Teacher

SANGAMON STAFF LIST: 2017-2018 (Updated 8.3.17)3

Principals: Wendy Starwalt & Carol ShallenbergerAdministrative Assistants: Debbie Cawley & Denise Reece Custodians: Cindy Hites & Mike Keller & Chuck Zindars

FIRST GRADE SUPPORT STAFF

Jessica Haskett Classroom Teacher Tina Brandon Support Services

Julie Henry Classroom Teacher Amy Penick Support Services

Kelli Kirby Classroom Teacher Susan Laley (am) Support Services

Heather Jackson Classroom Teacher Pam Hogue Teaching Asst.

Michelle Mitchell Classroom Teacher Annalee Jellen Teaching Asst.

Anna Nelson Classroom Teacher Crystal Powell Teaching Asst.

Collette Oprondek Classroom Teacher Judy Pingel Teaching Asst.

Alyssa Shroyer Classroom Teacher Laurie Pulkrabek Teaching Asst.

Amy Snow Classroom Teacher Nancy Stevens Teaching Asst.

Tracy Ward Classroom Teacher

SECOND GRADE

Becky Benedict Classroom Teacher

Kelli Benner Classroom Teacher

Gay Fritz Classroom Teacher TBA Interventionist

Pam Halm Classroom Teacher Kay Coulson Reading Specialist

Kristin Hood Classroom Teacher Angie Pagel Reading Specialist

Megan Jones Classroom Teacher Julie Ditmars Social Worker

Sarah Kaper Classroom Teacher Allison Kleist Speech Therapist

Stephanie Merkle Classroom Teacher Nita Bachman District Nurse

Joan Stipp Classroom Teacher Alisa Lamb Occupational Therapist

SPECIALS STAFF Sandy Borrelli OT Assistant

Jacob Beinborn Music Kathryn Miller-Rose Physical Therapist

Melinda Douglas Physical Education Amanda Shanks Psychologist

Jeramie Truax Art

Jeanette Hulick Librarian

Joyce Cox Library Assistant

DAILY SCHEDULES , ARRIVAL TIMES & PROCEDURES

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PRE-KINDERGARTEN DAILY SCHEDULE: AM SESSION Students should not arrive before 8:00am as there is no adult supervision for students prior to 8:00am.

8:00- 8:15am Preschool students arrive

8:15 – 8:25am Children go to their lockers to put things away and begin morning

routines. Children need to arrive for school no later than 8:20 a.m.

8:25am Instruction beginsChildren arriving after 8:25 are considered tardy and parents will need to walk their child directly to the school office, sign them in, receive a pass and escort their child to their classroom.

11:00am Morning students are dismissed.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN DAILY SCHEDULE: PM SESSIONStudents should not arrive before 12:10pm as there is no adult supervision for students prior to 12:10pm

12:10 – 12:20pm Preschool students arrive 12:20-12:25pm Children go to their lockers to put things away and begin morning

routines. Children need to arrive for school no later than 12:20pm.

12:25pm Instruction beginsChildren arriving after 12:20pm are considered tardy and parents will need to walk their child directly to the school office, sign them in, receive a pass and escort their child to their classroom.

2:50pm Afternoon students are dismissed

3:20pm End of staff day

4:00pm Office closes

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KINDERGARTEN DAILY SCHEDULE Students should not arrive before 8:00am as there is no adult supervision for students prior to 8:00am.

8:00 - 8:10am Kindergarten students arrive, put items in cubbies and proceed to the playground or breakfast.

8:10-8:20am Children go to their lockers to put things away and begin morning routines. Children need to arrive for school no later than 8:20 a.m.

8:20am Instruction begins – children are considered tardy after 8:25am. Parents must walk their child to the school office and sign them in. Students will be given a pass to enter their classroom.

10:00-10:15am Kindergarten recess

12:00-12:40pm Kindergarten lunch and recess

1:30-1:45pm Kindergarten recess

2:50 pm Dismissal for all students.

3:20pm End of staff day

4:00pm Office closes

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SANGAMON SCHOOL (1ST AND 2ND GRADES) DAILY SCHEDULEStudents should not arrive before 8:00am as there is no adult supervision for students prior to 8:00am.

8:00 – 8:10am Bus students and early students arrive and report to the multi-purpose room (gym). Adult supervision in this room begins at 8:00 a.m.

8:10 – 8:20am Children go to their lockers to put things away and begin morning routines. Children need to arrive for school no later than 8:20 a.m.

8:20am Instruction begins & Morning announcements

10:00 – 10:15am Recess for Second Grade

10:15 – 10:30am Recess for First Grade

11:15 a.m. – 11:35am Lunch for Second Grade

11:35 - 11:55am Recess for Second Grade

11:45 – 12:05pm Lunch for First Grade

12:05 – 12:25pm Recess for Second Grade

1:45 – 2:00pm Recess for First Grade

2:50pm Dismissal for all students

3:20pm End of staff day

4:00 p.m. Office closes

ATTENDANCE POLICIES7

We expect our students to attend school every day unless they are ill or a family emergency prohibitsthem from attending school. Following is the Eight (8) Day Excused Absence Policy: Students who accumulate more than 8 days of absences per semester must provide proof of the nature of the excused absence, in the form of a note from a doctor, in order for the absence to be considered excused. Failure to do so will result in the absence being considered unexcused. An accumulation of 8 unexcused absences could result in a referral to the Regional Office of Education Attendance Improvement Program. 

Valid reasons for excused absences:

Illness of the student/family Unavoidable accident or emergency Special religious holidays Religious leaves Medical appointments, with written proof from the doctor Funeral for family members Court appearances, with written proof from court Extended serious/critical illness of student/family member Suspensions for behavior reasons Other special circumstances as determined by the administration

ABSENCE REPORTING Regular attendance at school is crucial to your child's educational progress. We trust that you will make every effort to ensure your child's regular attendance and also help your child avoid being tardy. However, if your child is ill or must miss school for some reason, parents can report their student’s absence directly through their Skyward Family Access account on the district/school website at www.mahometseymour.org:

o Select MENU on the top left, o FOR PARENTS on the bottom right, o Scroll down and select Skyward Family Access. o Login to your account and select Attendance from the list on the left side of the

page. o Select Enter Absence Request at the top/center of the page, o Select Add Request to the right of the appropriate student. o Enter in the Start and End Date/Time of the absence, o Select a Reason from the drop down menu, o Add any comments to explain the absence. o Select Save

Parents may also call to report an absence to explain the nature of your child’s absence: If your child is in morning pre-k or kindergarten, please call the Middletown office

at 217-586-5833 before 8:45am for morning preschool and kindergarten students and before 12:45pm for afternoon preschool students.

If your child is in 1st or 2nd grade, please call the Sangamon office at 217-586-4583 before 8:45am.

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BEFORE and AFTER SCHOOL KIDS’ CLUB Students should not arrive at school before 8:00am as there is no adult supervision for students prior to this time. The district offers a fee-based, before and after school program, Kids’ Club, for families needing child care beyond the school day. Students in kindergarten through 5th grade are eligible to attend. AM hours are from 7:00-8:00. After school runs from 2:50-6:00pm. Students must be registered to attend the before and/or after school program; Kids’ Club is NOT a drop-in program.

See District Webpage for additional information: www.mahometseymour.org

BREAKFAST PROGRAM Breakfast is served daily at both Middletown and Sangamon. Choices include a hot entrée and/or cereal, along with milk and juice. The cost of breakfast is $1:50. It is preferred that parents pay online by logging on to the District Webpage and then clicking on the web store icon. If you choose to send cash, be sure to send it in a sealed envelope. Write the child’s first and last name, along with the teacher’s name. This will assist in getting money applied to the correct account.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS Throughout the district, we strive to provide a safe, caring community where all children can experience the joy of learning. We practice good character and we always try to do our BEST! We are proud of the conduct of our students. We feel that the conduct of each student should bring credit to the individual and his/her school. The playground and building expectations should be considered very carefully as they apply to the overall conduct expected of a student who attends our school.

We have the following expectations for all of our students:

Be respectful Be responsible Be safe

Throughout the school year, students will learn what the expectations mean and look like in the various school settings - bus, classroom, lunchroom, playground, restroom… These expectations are in effect the total time your child is in our care. Any reinforcement of these expectations at home is always appreciated.

All Settings

Classroom Halls Cafeteria Restroom/ Assemblies/ Office Bus

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Drinking Fountain

Special Guest(s)

I will be Respectful

-Listen and follow all adult directions

-Use kind language

-Bully -free

-Cooperate and compromise with classmates

-Listen attentively

-Be polite

-Respect other’s property

-Be quiet

-Keep hands, feet and other objects to self, off the walls, displays and lockers.

-Say please and thank you

-Use utensils correctly

-Use table manners

-Wait your turn

-Give others privacy

-Wait patiently

-Use inside voices

-Face forward

-Quietly listen to speaker

-Raise hand and wait patiently for your turn

-Applaud quietly when appropriate

-Say please and thank you

-Wait patiently without bothering others

-Enter quietly

-Use appropriate language-Use quiet voice

-Follow specific bus rules

I will be here, ready and Responsible

-Be on task -Have appropriate materials ready

-Complete homework and turn it in on time

-Stay in seat

-Raise hand for assistance

-Keep desk area clean

-Use materials appropriately

-Face forward

-Stay on the right

-Keep hallways clean

-Stay seated

-Talk quietly with neighbor

-Clean up your eating area

-Raise your hand for assistance

-Wait patiently and quietly for your turn

-Wash hands with soap and water

-Flush the toilet, turn off faucet, put the towel in the trash can

-Quietly and quickly return to line or classroom

-Sit in assigned area

-Use the appropriate door

-Walk to and from the bus

-Keep materials in book bag

I will be

Safe

-Keep your hands, feet and other objects to yourself

-Walk in the classroom

-Keep chair legs on the floor

-Stay with your class

-Walk -Eat your food only

-Pick up your trash

-No climbing, hanging or crawling

-Sit on bottom

-Stay in student areas (in front of the counter or on the bench)

-Stay seated and faced forward

-Stay behind yellow bus line

BULLYING at SCHOOL:The following steps will be used when an incident of bullying is suspected or reported

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(Information taken from Mahomet-Seymour Board Policy). Steps and procedures are followed at the discretion of the administrator, depending on severity, intensity, and frequency of events.

1. Gather information from all involved parties. This may include students directly or indirectly involved in the incident, teachers or other district staff, and parents.

2. Phone call home

3. Progressive consequences, following school discipline code

4. When warranted, notify local police. *Please be aware that consequences for specific children cannot be shared with anyone other than that child’s parents. Parents may not be aware of consequences administered to students for this reason.

SENATE BILL 100:The Mahomet-Seymour Unit 3 Schools will be implementing the new Illinois law that addresses student discipline - commonly referred to as Senate Bill 100 - effective September 15, 2016. This bill is designed to make the entire disciplinary process individualized. Some of these changes include: A child may be suspended out of school for 1-3 days provided that the student's continuing presence in school poses a threat to school safety or a disruption to other students' learning opportunities. School officials must take all reasonable steps to resolve such threats, address such disruptions, and minimize the length of the suspension. Four day suspensions and 5-10 day suspensions might also be given if it is found that the student's continuing presence in school poses a threat to the safety of other students, staff, or members of the school community or would substantially disrupt, impede, or interfere with the operation of the school. Once again, school officials must take all reasonable steps to resolve such threats, address such disruptions, and minimize the length of the suspension. For expulsions, all of the requirements for 5-10 day suspensions must be met. In addition, the school board must give specific reasons why removing the student from school is in the best interest of the school and provide rationale for the duration of the expulsion. This information must be provided in the written expulsion decision provided to the student's parents.

CELEBRATING STUDENT BIRTHDAYSPlease check with your child’s teacher regarding classroom birthday celebrations.

BIRTHDAY SNACKS: If you are going to provide a birthday snack, in an effort to recognize a variety of health issues including food allergies and childhood obesity, parents are asked to provide one healthy or one baked treat and juice boxes or bottled water.

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DELIVERY of BALLOONS , FLOWERS:Students are not allowed to accept the delivery of balloon or flower arrangements at school. Not only is this a classroom disruption, they present a safety hazard when students attempt to transport them home when riding the bus, loading the car, or walking.

PARTY INVITATIONS: Students are not to distribute invitations for parties held at home unless every student in the class is to receive an invitation (or in the case of a girls only or a boys only party, every girl and every boy). This helps avoid hurt feelings that might result if a particular student was not invited

CELL PHONES Please help us to maintain the integrity of our learning environment by refraining from cell phone use while inside the building.

COMMUNICATION BUS CHANGE:Students going home with a friend after school must present a parent note to the office to be exchanged for a bus note. This gives the student permission to ride a different bus. Bus changes MUST first be approved by calling the transportation department at 217-586-4443.

DELIVERY of BALLOONS , FLOWERS:Students are not allowed to accept the delivery of balloon or flower arrangements at school. Not only is this a classroom disruption, they present a safety hazard when students attempt to transport them home when riding the bus, loading the car, or walking.

PARTY INVITATIONS: Students are not to distribute invitations for parties held at home unless every student in the class is to receive an invitation (or in the case of a girls only or a boys only party, every girl and every boy). This helps avoid hurt feelings that might result if a particular student was not invited

COMMUNICATION BUS CHANGE:Students going home with a friend after school must present a parent note to the office to be exchanged for a bus note. This gives the student permission to ride a different bus. Bus changes MUST first be approved by calling the transportation department at 217-586-4443.

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CHANGE IN STUDENT’S DAILY ROUTINE: When it is necessary for a child to deviate from his/her normal routine, a note from the parents should be presented to the teacher/office. These changes include staying after school for a special event, riding or walking to an address other than his/her own, being picked up by a parent when the student usually walks or rides the bus, etc.

INFORMATION CHANGES: It is important to notify the school office of any change of telephone number, address, emergency number, or place of employment of either parent. Most of these changes can also be made by you in Skyward Family Access.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL:Students and their parent(s) who plan to move from the school district during the year are asked to officially notify the teacher AND the school office, as far in advance, as possible. This allows for school records to be compiled for an orderly transfer to the new school.

CONFERENCES – REPORTING TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANSRegularly scheduled conferences are held in the Fall and Spring – see District Calendar for dates. One conference time will be scheduled for each student. Both parents/guardians are encouraged to attend whenever possible. We view the parent-teacher conferences as one of the most important means of reporting to the parents or guardians of our students. Therefore, we request that all small children be left at home in order to allow for a productive exchange of ideas.

Additional conferences may be called as needed by either the parent/guardian or the teachers. If a conference is desired, please call the school and schedule a meeting in advance

EARLY DISMISSALSThroughout the year, staff will be participating in a variety of school improvement opportunities in the form of early dismissals. These days will allow our staff to receive additional training, as well as provide opportunities for collaboration regarding student learning. Students will be dismissed at 12:50 p.m. on these days.

School district administrators will use our parent communication system to contact parents via telephone the evening before these early dismissals as a reminder.

FIELD TRIPSVarious educational field trips are taken throughout the school year. Parents will always be notified of any trips or any time that their child will be off of school property. Families will be asked to pay a yearly fee to cover the cost of these field trips. The fee is based on the total cost of planned field trips for the entire school year. Please note, any family who qualifies for the free or

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reduced lunch program may be exempt from field trip fees and costs. Please call the school office if you have any questions about this policy.

Teachers will typically ask parent(s) to accompany the class on a field trip. Parents asked to chaperone a field trip will be assisting multiple children and therefore we ask that no younger siblings come along on fieldtrips. In addition, the teacher will rotate this volunteer duty among the parents, so that different parents may accompany the class each time.

HEALTH RELATED ISSUESSTUDENT ILLNESS:Your child should be fever free for 24 hours before he/she returns to school. If your child is not well enough after an illness to play outside for a short period during the school session, please keep him/her home another day until recovery is complete. Since staff is needed to supervise outside play, there is no one available to supervise your child indoors.

RECESS GUIDELINES FOLLOWED DURING THE WINTER AND ON COLD DAYS:In order to provide children with a change of environment during the school day, we try to go outside for recess on days when the temperature is tolerable. We ask that parents send their children to school dressed appropriately with gloves/mittens, hats, and warm footwear. If your child is healthy enough to come to school, he/she will be expected to participate in outdoor recess.If your child is being treated for asthma, please inform the teacher as to whether you want your child to participate in outdoor recess on a daily basis. It is highly recommended that a face mask be worn so that your child does not breathe the cold air directly. Any other reason for your child to remain indoors must be accompanied by a note from the child’s physician.

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES:The school will only administer prescribed medication necessary for management of diagnosed long-term, chronic illness or disability and ADD/ADHD. Antibiotics and over the counter drugs such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough medicine, etc will NOT be administered by school staff. Before any prescription medication will be given at school, a School Medication Authorization Form must be completed and signed by both prescribing physician and parent/guardian, and on file in the school office. All prescription medications that have to be taken during the school day must be brought into the school office, in the original container, by a parent or legal guardian. The medication must be handed to the secretary and you must then sign the Medication Refill Sign-in Sheet located in the school office. No exceptions!

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT Daily instruction is designed to meet each child’s unique needs. Instruction may be delivered in a variety of settings including whole group instruction, small group instruction, targeted small groups, and guided centers. This is a comprehensive approach to instruction, based on student learning in which all building staff are involved.

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SPECIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS:The Mahomet-Seymour School District is proud of our teachers, not only those in the regular classroom, but also those who teach in our “Specials” and Support Services Programs: Physical Education, Art, Music, Library, Response to Intervention, Special Education, Social Work, Remedial Reading, and Speech/Language.

During the course of each week, our students receive instruction in physical education, art, music, and library by specialized teachers and aides in these fields.

Students who are experiencing challenges with learning are sometimes referred to our Response to Intervention Team for additional academic support. This team will determine the most appropriate support, and will monitor the progress of each student receiving extra services.

Title I Reading and Response to Intervention are programs designed to assist those students who are experiencing difficulty in reading. It is important to note that these programs are in addition to the regular classroom reading program. As the year progresses, each student in these remedial reading programs is continually assessed. Whenever a student demonstrates sufficient mastery of necessary reading fundamentals, he/she is dismissed from the program. Progress in the classroom continues to be monitored and additional aid is offered if it is deemed necessary. Staff members assigned to each child who is receiving interventions might change as the school year progresses based on progress. Our RTI program is very flexible, and students may enter or exit the program at any time during the school year.

Speech and Language therapy is offered to those students who are experiencing difficulty pronouncing certain sounds and/or who are having problems with listening and speaking skills. Students can be referred by the classroom teacher, parent, or physician for a speech/language screening. Parents are contacted for permission to evaluate a child if deemed necessary. If a speech/language impairment that has an adverse impact on the student’s educational performance is identified, then the child is enrolled into a speech/language program. Just as in the other programs, parents are kept informed and the student is dismissed from the program when suitable mastery is displayed.

TITLE I - PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW: In accordance with ESEA Section 1111(h) (6) PARENTS RIGHT-TO-KNOW, every parent of a student in a Title 1 school has the right and may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher including, at a minimum, the following:

Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provided instruction

Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.

The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.

Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

If at any time your child has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher not highly qualified, the school will notify you.

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PARENT/STUDENT/SCHOOL COMPACT:Parents Pledge:

I will communicate with my child’s teacher if I have concerns about my child’s learning I will review my child’s work and assist them at home when necessary I will read to or with my child for 15 minutes each night I will help my child understand how the skills they learn at school can be used in the

world around them I will notify the school of any important information that may impact my child’s learning

Students Pledge: I will give my best effort I will ask my teacher or parents for help when I need it I will read to or with my family for 15 minutes each night I will complete my assignments and turn them in when they are due I will support my peers in their efforts to learn

School’s Pledge:

We will communicate regularly with families regarding classroom activities and learning objectives

We will ensure all students receive help when needed We will send home materials that support reading and math growth We will provide homework that is manageable and relevant We will continuously evaluate the learning of our students to ensure our teaching

strategies match the needs of our students

LUNCH PROGRAMStudents can bring a lunch from home or choose a hot lunch. Hot lunches are prepared on-site and served daily. It is very important that you discuss your choice with your child each day before school.

Children at Middletown will choose between the daily entrée or Sunbutter sandwich.

Children at Sangamon have three choices of entrees each day.

Menus are posted in the school, published in the Mahomet Citizen, and are also sent home monthly with each child.

It is preferred that parents pay on-line for lunches and extra milk by logging on to: http://www.ms.k12.il.us and then clicking on the web store icon. If you choose to send cash, be sure to send it in a sealed envelope. Write the child’s first and last name, along with the teacher’s name. This will assist in getting money applied to the correct account.

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Lunch money will be collected by the classroom teacher on the first school day of each week. The payment may be just for one day, enough for a full week, or any greater number of days. Students choosing to eat only occasionally are still asked to pay on the first school day of the week. Please send the exact amount for the number of days the child will be eating. Lunches are $1.85 per day, $9.25 per week. Children with sack lunches may purchase a carton of chocolate or white milk at a cost of $.40.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM The Pre-kindergarten program is a preschool program for three-to-five year old children who have a wide variety of abilities and needs. The classrooms are blended and include students that have met the at-risk criteria, fee-based students and children with special needs (such as speech and language delays, other developmental delays, vision or hearing impairments, behavior concerns). The program is committed to meeting the individual needs of each child and to providing maximum opportunities for preschool-aged children to grow and learn together. Prekindergarten students attend school Monday through Friday for either a morning or an afternoon class

PRE-KINDERGARTEN DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS Developmental screenings are scheduled throughout the year. Check the MPE Webpage for current screening dates.

ROOM PARENTS AND CLASS PARTIES There will be a room parent appointed as party chairperson for each room during the first few weeks of school. Party dates, times, and a parents’ party list will be prepared.

In an effort to recognize a variety of health and economic issues including food allergies, childhood obesity, the high cost of food and trinkets, excessive waste, and the amount of sugar in our children’s diets, we will be following these party guidelines:

No gift bags or trinkets will be given during parties. No candy will be passed out during parties. One healthy treat or one baked treat will be provided to each student during parties. Juice boxes or bottled water should be the drink provided at parties. The room parent/party coordinator should be present during each party. If the room

parent/party coordinator is not available, a replacement needs to be found by the room parent or party coordinator.

SCHOOL CONCERNS When a parent feels he/she has a school concern or problem, this concern or problem should be addressed directly with the person involved. If the situation is not resolved, the next proper recourse is consulting with the principal.

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STUDENT CLOTHING CLOTHING: Please send your child in comfortable and modest play clothes suitable for floor activities, gym time and recess. The children are encouraged to paint, play, climb, etc. For this reason, dress clothes and clothes that are not modest in nature are not appropriate. The children wear smocks when engaged in “messy” activities, but sometimes our best efforts to protect their clothing fail. Parents of pre-k and kindergarten students are strongly encouraged to send in a change of clothes (weather/season appropriate) should accidents occur to be kept in their cubby.

FOOTWARE: Since the children play actively on the playground and participate in PE, they should wear tennis shoes or similar play shoes, not sandals, flip flops, or cowboy boots. Sandals, flip-flops, and cowboy boots are unsafe on the climber and blacktop and become quite uncomfortable while playing.

WINTER OUTERWEAR: In winter, it is very important that each child has boots, mittens, hats, scarves, etc. We try to spend a few minutes outside each day unless the wind chill factor is below 18ºF.

STUDENT DROP-OFF/ PICK-UP & PARKINGCAR DROP-OFF/PICK-UP: 8:00am ARRIVAL and 2:50pm DISMISSAL

MIDDLETOWNAll students will be dropped off/picked up at the FRONT entrance to the building. Cars will follow the circle to the front entrance of the school.

For the safety of each child, parents are asked to remain in the car. Please display a sign with your child's name in bold print on the passenger side dash board. Students will load/unload from the passenger side. Make sure your child knows how to open and close the car door and fasten his/her seat belt independently. By following these procedures, you can help us keep the car pick-up line moving in a safe and efficient manner. If someone other than the parents or a previously designated person will be picking up your child, you must notify the school in writing or by phone or your child will not be released. If you are running late and a staff member is not outside, you will need to park and bring your child into the building.

SANGAMONPlease be aware that parking at the front of the school on Main Street is marked “Attended Parking Only” from 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. –

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3:00 p.m. If you leave your car unattended during these times, it is quite possible you will be ticketed by the Mahomet Police Department.To avoid traffic congestion with buses, we would appreciate parents not parking in the bus areas when school is in session. Please do not drive through, or park in the bus loading areas or teachers’ parking lots. On special event days, be sure to stay clear of the bus lane when parking. These regulations are for the safety of all the children!Parents picking up students after school should not use the bus lane. Please pick up at the Main Street entrance for 1st graders or in the driveway behind the school between Sangamon and the Mobil Circle K for 2nd graders and mixed groups of 1st and 2nd graders. When picking up your child, please pull all the way forward in the pick-up lane so other vehicles can enter the pick-up lane as well.SANGAMON BICYCLE RIDERS: Bicycles are to be left in the bicycle racks which are provided on the west side of the playground. Bike riders must not leave until all buses have departed. We urge all riders to practice the usual bicycle safety rules.

STUDENT SAFETY SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES:

Your child’s safety at school is a priority for us. If your child is to leave early, he/she must be checked out through the school office. If you drive your child to school and you arrive after 8:20, you will need to come into the office to sign your child in.

Students are not to leave school or be taken from school unless they have been checked out though the office. Students must be picked up and signed out in the office through one of the secretaries or the principal. This policy holds true if the parent is picking up the child from the playground or the lunchroom as well.

School personnel would like to strongly suggest that you not pull your vehicle up next to the Sangamon playground to visit with your child through the window of your car. For your child’s safety, we are always suspicious of cars that slow and stop adjacent to our playground to visit with children. We would rather you come into the office, sign in, and then walk out to the playground to visit with your child. We certainly appreciate your understanding and support in this matter.

SCHOOL BUSES and the LAW: Please be alert for school buses that are loading or unloading students. These buses will display flashing lights and an engaged STOP sign. Remember that it is illegal to pass buses under these conditions. Doing so, may result in stiff penalties.

CELL PHONE USE in SCHOOL ZONES LAW:Effective January 1, 2010, the use of cell phones in a School Zone is strictly prohibited by State law.

PUBLIC ACT 94-0994:

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This act which was passed by the State of Illinois General Assembly, amends the Sex Offender Registration Act and requires school districts to notify parents that information about sex offenders is available to the public as provided for in the Act. The web site for the Illinois Sex Offender Registry is: http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/ Click on “I agree” at the bottom of the page to access the search page. To view a map of registered sex offenders, please go to: http://www.familywatchdog.us/

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