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Whittier Elementary School

2015-2016 Handbook

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WHITTIER ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL

2400 Whittier Drive Frederick, Maryland 21702

Telephone 240-236-3100 Fax 240-236-3101

Twitter: @WhittierES

http://education.fcps.org/whes Sign up for Whittier Elementary Find Out First

Amy Schwiegerath, Principal Tracy Flower, Assistant Principal Lori Snowden, Assistant Principal

To achieve our mission and vision, collaboration between home and school is imperative. We invite you to be an active part of our learning community. Communication with the instructional staff here at Whittier will be vital to your child’s success. We will send home weekly Thursday folders, monthly administrative newsletters, and monthly team newsletters. You can access information on our website, through your FCPS Calendar Handbook, and our own WHES student handbook. You can also follow us on Twitter, @WhittierES.

We also invite you to volunteer in our classrooms, on committees, and through our PTA. You can find out what is happening with the PTA on their Facebook page, Whittier Elementary School PTA.

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Whittier Elementary Mission:

We BELIEVE that all students will ACHIEVE academic, social and emotional success as they SUCCEED

in learning and becoming role models for others.

At Whittier Elementary, we support the vision of FCPS:

· Education is the foundation of our community. Frederick County Public Schools educates its students to become caring, respectful and responsible citizens and family members. Students look

forward to school each day. They take full advantage of the rigorous academic curricula and strive to develop their talents. They utilize the power of technology to explore a world of new ideas and

information. They acquire the knowledge and skills to achieve and the confidence to succeed, and are rewarded with a wide choice of offers from higher education and employers. FCPS graduates are

exceptional 21st century citizens.

· Outstanding applicants compete to join our system. Employees enjoy the respect of students and the community, opportunities for professional growth, and recognition for their contributions to our

system. They value each student and create a learning climate where students can reach for their dreams.

· Parents, public officials, businesses and citizens actively support our commitment to challenge all students to achieve their potential. The Board of Education and school system staff embrace the

community's contributions and are responsible stewards of its resources.

· Parents choose to send their children to our schools. Businesses and families move to Frederick County because of our schools.

School Motto:

Working Together, Whittier Succeeds

School Colors: Red, White and Blue

School Mascot: Heroes

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Message from Mrs. Schwiegerath, Ms. Flower and Mrs. Snowden: It is with great pleasure that we welcome all students and parents to the 2015-2016 school year. On behalf of the entire Whittier staff, we wish each and every student a successful year. The entire staff has been preparing for the upcoming year. The custodial staff has cleaned and polished our entire school. The instructional staff has been preparing to make this one of the best years possible for each and every child. We believe that each of your children and our students are unique and important. Therefore, we will strive to provide them with an educational experience that will be positive and meaningful. However, to ensure that each child is successful, we need your assistance as you play an active role in your child’s education. Your commitment and involvement in our school’s program will help our staff provide your child(ren) with a well-rounded education. We want to encourage you to feel free to visit and ask our staff members for assistance whenever needed. We all want to make this your best school year ever! Therefore, this handbook has been developed to help clarify and provide useful information regarding the operation of our school. Please keep in mind that a strong relationship between school and community can be helpful to all concerned, especially our children. In closing we would like to extend our best wishes for a successful school year!

“Working Together, Whittier Succeeds”

Amy Schwiegerath Tracy Flower Principal Lori Snowden Assistant Principals

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Whittier Elementary Staff 2015-2016

Principal Amy Schwiegerath Assistant Principal Tracy Flower Lori Snowden Secretaries Margie Feaga Heather Fulton Pre-Kindergarten Kristine Abrecht Jantia Barnhart Peggy Brunner (PM) Christina Konstantas Kindergarten Angela Bouselli Jaime Grimes Kelsey House Mandy Schmidt Debra Wilcox Grade 1 Rachel Hessman Jami Kint Judith Michael Jessica Stansbury Meghan Wilson Grade 2 Holly Fulghum Lisa Lawrence Robin Murphy Molly Pillsbury (Pritts) Megan Ramsburg Sally Meyers/Kelly Canfield Grade 3 Deborah Helman Naomi Lewis Lori McKeever Michelle Reed Michael Sikora

Grade 4 Brittany Collins Sara Gartrell Karla Hallock Todd Krzysiak Dionna Polite Grade 5 Matthew Byrd Erika Miller Megan Pritts Abigail Wright Specials Cindy Wetzel (Art) Leah Coats (Morrissey) Amanda Fishel (Music) Natalia St Jean (Music) Jackie Finley (PE) Janelle Wilson (PE) Jonathan Boehmer (In.Music) Eric Trio - (Instr. Music) Specialists Linda Hennessy–ESLTeach. Lisa Brown – ESL Teach. Lisa Reese – Guidance Olga Elkis – School Support Michelle Hohorst- Interv. Myra Foreman – Interv Sally Meyers – Interv (PM) Tina Dattoli – Media Suzanne Landy – Lit.Spec. Kim Stewart – Math Spec. Madeline Birmingham–Sp.Ed.

Melissa Proctor –Spec.Ed. Andrea Smith – Spec.Ed. Jennifer Waugaman- SpEd Mina Greenfield – Sp/Lang Michele Lauret – Sp/Lang. Kelly MacDuff-Sp/Lang. Joseph Schlag – Sp/Lang.

Paraprofessionals Cindy Amorati -Media Asst. Jodie Auteri – SEIA Karin Bryan – Pre-K IA, .5 Joanne Bogart – SEIA Mia Cherry –Sp.Ed. Prog. Asst. Marsha Cox - SEIA Joan Ingraham – IA Robin Jones – SEIA, Pre-K 3 Khaleda Khanom - SEIA Shelley Lewis – SEIA Pre-K3 Nelia Madrake - SEIA Ciara Manahan – SEIA Genia Moore –Pre-K IA Colleen Nestor – SEIA Lauren Quinn – SEIA, Pre-K3 Penny Reading – SEIA PreK3 Liz Stacho –Pre-K IA Juli Sullivan - SEIA Sheilagh Walling –Pre-K IA Cindy Weller – IA Custodians Bill Marino – Lead Mike Droneburg Betty Morgan Troy Thomas John Wightman Health Room Lydia Talley – Health Nurse Jennifer Webber – Health Tech. Cafeteria Mary Morgan Julie Thompson

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Introduction This handbook is designed for the parents, guardians, and students of Whittier Elementary School. In addition to reading this publication, please refer to the 2014-2015 Calendar Handbook from the Frederick County Public School system. In August, copies of the school system’s Calendar Handbook are distributed to every student. The Calendar Handbook contains useful information about the school system’s policies, programs, and services. The school calendar is also included in the Calendar Handbook. It should be reviewed and used as a reference should questions arise during the school year. Both handbooks are meant to be informative as well as useful. We hope these tools will assist you throughout the school year. Please keep both on hand as a reference.

WHES PTA President - Susan Holloway VP - Tracey DeGirolamo Secretary - Sarah Spurrier Treasurer - Meredith Forester

General WHES Information School Hours Our school building opens its doors at 8:30 a.m. Until that time, students are not permitted to arrive inside the building. There is no adult supervision for children arriving before 8:30 a.m. Classroom instruction begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. Car riders and Walkers will be marked late if they arrive after 8:50. Bus Riders will be marked late if they arrive after 8:55. The school day ends at 3:25 p.m. All students must be picked up by 4:00 p.m. Our morning pre-kindergarten classes begin at 8:50 a.m. and end at 11:25 a.m. Our afternoon pre-k classes begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 3:25 p.m.

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Arrival and Dismissal

During arrival and dismissal times, staff members will be on duty to ensure the safe and orderly movement of our students entering and exiting the school. Your help in familiarizing your children with the following procedures regarding arrival and dismissal would be greatly appreciated. Please remind children to enter through the main door and bus doors only. Arrival and Dismissal time is critical to ensuring that student safety is at a maximum, so if you need to meet with your child’s teacher please be sure to schedule a time in advance. Pre-Kindergarten Mid-Day Arrival and Dismissal Procedures Regarding dismissal for morning pre-kindergarten students, parents should meet students at 11:25 a.m. at the front door if they are walkers. Car riders will meet their parents in the car rider line outside the gym doors. Regarding arrival for afternoon pre-kindergarten students, teachers will greet children at the front door no earlier than 12:55 p.m.

Bus Riders The front parking lot is designated for buses only. Buses will arrive at the school between 8:30 a.m. and 8:55 a.m. and will pick up students in the afternoon between 3:25 p.m. and 3:55 p.m. Bus riders will enter the building from the doors at the bus lane. All bus riders will exit the building through the bus lane doors. Please do not drop off or pick up car riders at this site. Bus safety is a shared responsibility and depends upon the cooperation of students, parents and school officials. Please refer to the FCPS Policy and Procedure Handbook for specific rules and consequences for inappropriate behaviors. Students demonstrating unsafe behaviors will lose the privilege of riding the school bus, and parents will be required to provide transportation to and from school. All Frederick County school buses are equipped with video camera capabilities. Unless a note is received from a parent or guardian stating otherwise, children will always be placed on their assigned buses at dismissal time. Car Riders You will enter the side parking lot off of Independence Way for car riders. All car riders will enter and exit through the side doors under the canopy ONLY. For the safety of our students, please stay in the designated drop-off lane. Cars should stay in line and not pass others. Parents please stay in your car. Duty staff will monitor students as they exit vehicles to make sure they get in the building safely. If parents choose to park their cars, you need to pick up your child(ren) at the main office. Handicapped parking is available for those with appropriate documentation. No students are to be dropped off on the side of the building without

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an adult present to receive them. If you arrive after 8:50, you will need to drive to the front of the building, park your car and walk your child into the main office. Walkers Students must use crosswalks and must stay on the sidewalk at all times while walking to and from school. *You may wish to practice the walk with your child before school begins in order to discuss safety issues and to determine the length of the trip. Students who live on the Wetherburne Way side of the building will enter through the doors nearest the main playground. This door is for walkers only. If you choose to drive your child to school, they are considered a car rider. Please use our car rider line. We would like for our staff to have a clear line of vision from their duty spot near the entrance doors to Wetherburne Way. Students who live on the Independence Way side of the building will walk on the sidewalk up to the cross-walk that is staffed by a Whittier staff member. Students will enter through the Independence Way walker door. Staff will be on hand to direct children to their classrooms. When unaccompanied by an adult, children who walk to school are asked to use the services of the crossing guards, available 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. and 3:25 – 3:45 p.m. Walkers are prohibited from using the sidewalk located in the bus zone unless accompanied by an adult. As a reminder, crossing guards are working to ensure the safety of our children. Please encourage your children to respect their authority. Please do not ask children to cross the driveway and meet you on Whittier Drive. This practice is unsafe and will not be allowed. Bike Riders Bike racks are located at the front of the school near the main entrance. Bike riders are required to wear helmets and are asked to walk their bikes while on school property. Parents should discuss bike safety and determine best routes with their children. Late Arrival and Early Dismissal In the event that a child arrives late to school, the accompanying adult will escort the child, through the main office door, to the school office. At that time, office personnel will provide the student with a late slip. The child will take the late slip to class. Students that arrive to school after 8:55 are considered late. Early or Change in Dismissal Routine When there is to be a change in dismissal, the parent must send a note with their child notifying the teacher and office of that change. Every effort should be made to make changes in writing prior to 2:30 p.m. in order to insure that students and teachers get the message.

NO DISMISSAL CHANGES will be taken after 3:00 p.m.

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Attendance School law requires all children to be in school each day. The school year consists of 180 regularly scheduled school days. (See the School Calendar) Research is clear on the fact that attendance patterns and punctuality have a direct impact on a child’s academic achievement. Please make every effort to support your child(ren)’s program by having him/her in school. Written Excuses Maryland law requires a written excuse when a child is absent from school, late to school, or leaves school early. A note stating the reasons for absence or lateness is required within two days of the child’s return to school, and must contain the date of absence, the reason for the absence, and the signature of the parent/guardian. Without this information the absence is classified as an “unlawful” absence. Vacations The Board of Education realizes that occasionally parents will need to take a trip with their children during school. Students who take a trip with their parents will be excused no more than twice during a year for a maximum of five days. A written request should be sent to the school principal prior to the scheduled trip (See FCPS Calendar Handbook). Monitoring of Attendance Whittier Elementary has an attendance team consisting of the principal, assistant principal, school counselor, school support, and pupil personnel worker(PPW). The attendance meets monthly and reviews student attendance. Please refer to Regulation 400-70 for attendance policies. Excessive absences will be monitored and you may be required to provide documentation from a health care provider for absences. Student Information Cards On the first school day each year, every student receives several forms that we ask parents or guardians to complete and return promptly. Key among these is the Student Information Card. The School office maintains one card for every child and refers to it anytime there is a question, concern or emergency. The Health Room and your child’s teacher use the card anytime there is a question, concern or emergency. You will want to be sure your child’s card is correct and current throughout the year. Emergency Contacts The Student Information Card asks how to contact you in an emergency, what medicines the student takes, allergies and immunization records, and other critical data. Be sure to provide the name and phone number of at least one neighbor, friend or relative who can be readily contacted if you are not at home or can’t be reached; this is especially important for elementary–aged students. Please do not give us phone numbers of people living out of the area.

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Media In Schools FCPS students are sometimes asked to be photographed or videotaped or to display their work for community or promotional purposes. The Student Information Card inquires whether your child can be photographed, interviewed or videotaped by FCPS staff or the media, and whether the student’s name, likeness, art or written work can be used in print or broadcast media or on the Web. Unless you indicate otherwise on this card, the school will assume permission is given. (FCPS cannot control these media activities at events that are open to the public.) Emergency School Closings and Delays Occasionally, inclement weather or other safety or health conditions require us to close or delay all or some schools. This decision involves careful evaluation of a variety of factors in a compressed time period. Decisions are made by 5:30 a.m. for morning closing and delays and, whenever possible, by 11:30 a.m. for early closings. Delay Schedule for Pre-Kindergarten On days when school opening is delayed two hours, Pre-K students will attend abbreviated sessions. Morning sessions will start two hours late with the rest of the students at the school and dismiss one hour later than usual, providing a 1 ½ hour session (11:00 – 12:30). The afternoon session will start one hour later than usual, and dismiss at the regular time, also providing a 1 ½ hour session (2:00 – 3:25). Partial Closing & Delays Occasionally, only portions of the school system will be closed or delayed. Announcements may include the term “feeder” along with the name of a high school. This means that all the schools that matriculate or “feed” into that high school are affected. Whittier Elementary is part of the Frederick High School feeder area. In a feeder area that opens two hours late, Pre-Kindergarten sessions will be abbreviated as described above. Plan Back-Up Care For safety reasons, pre-arrange emergency back up care for your child in the event that schools close unexpectedly. Teach your child what to do in case you are not at home when school closes, and provide the school with the name and number of someone nearby who is usually available when you are not at home. Where To Find Out FCPS notifies more than 30 local and regional TV and radio stations plus our own media outlets. It is not possible to guarantee that the news media will announce this information promptly or accurately. For the fastest, most reliable information, check the following: Television: Cable Channel 18 (Frederick area) Radio: WAFY 103.1FM, WFMD 930AM, WFRE 99.9FM, WTHU 1450 AM Internet: www.fcps.org Twitter: @FCPSMaryland

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Find Out First: Sign up for Find Out First to receive emails/texts notifying you when schools close early, snow closures, etc. You can specify to receive emails/text from more than one school. www.fcps.org/fof/whes Student Accident Insurance Your child will receive literature in August or September regarding the Student Accident Insurance Program offered by the Mutual Insurance Company. For a small premium, a parent and/or guardian may enroll each child in this plan, which provides coverage to children to and from school, during school, and during any school activity. If interested, mail premiums as well as future claims directly to the Mutual Insurance Company. Food Services In order to perform to the best of their ability, children must eat properly before and during the school day. You are invited to take advantage of our school lunch program. The prices for meals, milk, juice, and ice cream are: child’s breakfast, $1.45; child’s lunch, $2.15; adult lunch, $3.75; ice cream, $.70; milk or orange juice, $.60. Breakfast is served each morning between 8:30-8:55 a.m. in the school cafeteria. Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade students may access the breakfast program. Children have the choice of purchasing a hot or bag lunch each day. Children pay for their lunches as they go through the lunch line. Prepaid meals may be purchased from the cafeteria manager. Students may use their credit for any cafeteria item. However, parents may specify if their child(ren) will only be able to buy lunch and not extra al la carte items (such as ice cream, cookies, etc.).

If the need arises, students will be permitted to charge their lunch. Students will be expected to pay for charged lunches the following day. If they have an outstanding debt, a nominal lunch will be served at no charge (bologna sandwich and 8 ounce cup of juice). Children who bring lunch from home may purchase a half pint of orange juice, white milk (regular, low-fat, or skim), chocolate milk, and a variety of other noncarbonated beverages. Free and reduced cost lunches are offered to those families who qualify. Applications and guidelines are sent home the first week of school and are available upon request. Dennis Smith is the cluster Manger for Whittier and Mary Morgan is the cafeteria manager. If you have questions regarding the Food Service Program, call 240-236-3112.

Lost and Found To alleviate the problem of lost articles, please label book bags, lunch boxes and clothing, such as coats, hat and gloves. Lost items will be on display daily in the cafeteria. If items are not claimed within a reasonable amount of time, they will be donated to a charity organization.

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Health Program

The School Health Team is composed of the School Community Health Nurse and the Health Room Technician. The SCHN (a registered nurse) provides assessments, health counseling, health education and writes emergency care plans. The Health Technician, under the direction of the School Community Health Nurse is on-site to provide the following services:

administer medication

provide first aid and care of all students

notify parents as appropriate and chart each student’s visits

monitor immunization records

hold head checks for Pediculosis control When a child sustains a serious injury, has a persistent illness, or shows an elevated temperature, the parents and/or guardians or a designated adult will be contacted by telephone and asked to pick up the child since parents and/or guardians are considered to have primary responsibility for their children’s health. In view of this, an emergency card including correct address and telephone numbers must be completed during the first week of school. Any changes should be shared with the office immediately. Taking medications during school hours is discouraged. There are occasions, however, when a physician considers it necessary to administer medication during the school day. In these cases, the Frederick county policy determines that: 1. No medication (prescribed or non-prescribed) will be administered in school without the

parent’s and/or guardian’s written authorization, and a Physician’s Medication Authorization form. This form is available at school. A new form is required each time there is a change in dosage or time of administration.

2. It is the parent’s responsibility to deliver the medication to the school. All medication must be in the original container.

3. The first full day’s dosage of any new prescription will not be given at school. 4. All medication will be stored in a secure area in the school and accessible only to

authorized personnel. 5. One week after expiration of the physician’s order, the parent must arrange for the

collection of any unused portion of the medication. Medication not claimed by the parent within one week of expiration will be destroyed.

6. The Frederick County Public School System does not assume responsibility for non-medically prescribed medication or medication administered by the pupil himself. All non-prescribed medications such as aspirin, vitamins, cough drops, etc. should be brought to the school health room and will be dispensed under the same procedures as prescribed medication. No child is allowed to keep any medication on his/her person.

7. Notify the school, including the teacher, if your child has any continuing health problems such as allergic reactions to bee stings or food, asthma, heart murmur, etc. Parents must provide the cafeteria with an original doctor’s note (not a copy) if their child has food allergies.

8. Due to allergies, all snacks brought into the school need to be store bought and cleared though the health room.

Christie Hartley Health Technician Daily Lydia Talley Nurse-several times weekly Health Room Phone # 240-236-3108

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School Improvement The Leadership Team at Whittier Elementary School is composed of administrators, staff members, parents, and community members. This team is responsible for establishing school policies and procedures, and for the monitoring of student achievement. The team welcomes staff and parent input. A School Improvement Plan is developed annually and includes school initiatives. A copy of The School Improvement Plan is available upon request.

Homework

Assigned homework may not be given every day; however, reading, writing and basic facts are encouraged daily. The frequency and duration of homework for elementary school students is as follows: 1. Grades 1 and 2 should generally have a maximum of 15 minutes of homework

Monday - Thursday. 2. Grade 3 students should generally have a maximum of 30 minutes of

homework Monday - Thursday. 3. Grade 4 and 5 should generally have a maximum of 45 minutes of homework

Monday - Thursday. 4. It is generally recommended that elementary students not be given homework

on weekends and holidays.

Homework Suggestions for Parents

Encourage and support your child, but the child should complete the assignments with minimal assistance

Set and maintain a daily homework time

Provide the space, time and materials needed to complete assignments

Monitor assignments through the homework planning sheets or the homework web page

Plan an order of study. For example, save the most enjoyable study until last, plan breaks, and use a timer to segment difficult tasks

Response to homework is welcome and should be communicated directly to the classroom teacher in a timely fashion

Assessment

During the school year, quarterly and unit assessments will be given in all grades. In language arts the assessments focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. There are FCPS assessments in math as well. The results of these assessments as well as daily informal assessment will be used by teachers to adjust instruction.

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Our students in Grades 2-5 will participate in Global Scholar Assessments as well. These assessments are given three times a year. Whittier Elementary will be sharing this information as students complete these assessments.

The Maryland State Department of Education will monitor the progress of student performance in language arts and math through the PARCC assessment. More details and specific testing dates will be sent home to families in the fall. Grade 5 is also assessed in the area of science. .

Grading – Refer to Calendar Homework and Regulation 500-6 Guidance Department The guidance counselor is available to help you and your child. The school counselor stresses areas such as personal growth, decision making, positive interactions with others, and careers. If you wish to utilize these services, please contact Lisa Reese at 240-236-3135. School Support School Support- Ms. Elkis 240-236-3126 The goal of school support is to support students who are struggling with behaviors in our school or on our school buses. Ms. Elkis will handle all office referrals and work in conjunction with the administration to hold students accountable for making more positive choices. She also works with students to foster strong organizational skills and goal setting. She is responsible for a check- in/check-out club with selected students. She will also be making our daily attendance calls. Finally, Ms. Elkis monitors our formal behavior intervention plans. Peer Mediation Program Peer Mediators help students solve problems in a calm, peaceful way. Student mediators are nominated by staff and are trained and supervised by the guidance counselor.

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Safety Patrol Safety Patrol students help to keep our building safe and orderly by manning the hallways in the morning at arrival and in the afternoon at dismissal. Cultural Arts Programs Please join us for any or all of the performances, planned and coordinated by the PTA. Careful attention is given to all grade levels and areas of interest when planning programs. A list of scheduled events will be published in the Whittier calendar and the PTA newsletter. Field Day In the spring, all children and staff participate in enjoyable activities that promote physical fitness, cooperation, and a feeling of well-being. Students move through a variety of games and activities during the school day.

Parties

Two parties will be held during the school year. These parties will be a Fall Harvest party and Valentine’s party. Homeroom parents in cooperation with the classroom teacher will plan and coordinate snacks as well as several games and crafts. Homeroom parents will solicit donations from parents and guardians near party dates. No other parties will be held. Student’s birthdays will be recognized during the morning announcements. No outside deliveries of any item will be accepted at school (food, goodie bags, flowers, balloons, etc.) Also, students may not distribute invitations for private parties or give individual gifts at school. These should be mailed directly from home. If you have any questions about this policy you may contact the administrative staff.

School Store

A school store will be operating most mornings from 8:30 - 8:55 a.m. General school supplies such as pencils, paper, glue, folders and many other items will be sold at a reasonable cost. Prices range from $.10 to $5.50. Funds will be utilized to replenish the store, student activities and administrative functions to support student achievement.

School Pictures

A contracted photographer will take individual student pictures in the fall and the spring. The date for class group pictures will be announced in the Spring. Purchase of the pictures is optional. A percentage of the income from the sales is received by the school to purchase instructional materials and administrative functions to support student achievement and instruction.

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Partnerships

The Frederick County Public School System recognizes that schools and the school system do not exist in isolation but rather are a part of the total Frederick County community. Individual schools develop partnerships with parents, community members, and businesses that directly support and guide our educational goals.

Accountability for the education of our children will become the shared responsibility of all members making up the community. The following school partnerships have been established: Frederick City Parks & Rec., Fort Detrick, Meadows, Food Lion, Whittier Home Association, Pizza Blitz, and CiCi’s. If your company or business has a partnership plan and you would like to partner with Whittier, please contact us. Volunteers Volunteers are invited to serve the teachers and students of Whittier Elementary School in many ways. Some may elect to work in the classrooms, tutor students, or help in the library. Some, who cannot leave their homes, may provide baby-sitting to other volunteers. Still others may serve as homeroom parents who assist with the planning and coordination of parties. The school gratefully accepts any time you can offer. Please be sure to log your volunteer hours in the Volunteer Notebook beside the Visitor Sign-In located in the office. A special orientation is held in the fall to provide information regarding curriculum, the management of children, and volunteer procedures. Please see what a difference your time makes by becoming a volunteer. Contact the school if you are interested in being a volunteer. Community Agency School Services (CASS) The CASS program provides support to families in the Frederick County area. CASS works closely with schools, agencies, and the community to help families obtain such services as individual and family counseling, social services, healthcare, family recreation, in-home assistance, and academic support. If faced with a difficult situation, please contact our CASS Coordinator at 301-696-6970. Parks and Recreation Whittier Elementary School and Frederick City Recreation Department have entered a joint agreement for the purpose of sharing recreational facilities. This agreement permits the community to utilize school facilities when they are not in session. The city, therefore, will schedule after hour use of the gymnasium, recreation classroom and all outdoor fields. If you would like to take advantage of Whittier’s recreation facilities, please call the City Recreation Department at 301-694-1492.

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SAFE AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT

Visiting the School

As you know, the need for security has become more essential during the past years. All school doors are locked. There is a buzzer located on the brick wall to the right of the main doors. You are asked, therefore, to report to the office through the main entrance before going through the school. At that time, you will be asked to sign in and wear an identification badge. Please return the badge and sign out in the office before leaving the building. If you wish to see your child’s teacher in regards to a specific topic, please call the teacher to schedule an appointment or email the teacher.

Discipline

In 2006-2007, Whittier implemented PBIS; a school wide discipline plan. Whittier Elementary School advocates a safe, positive school environment where parents, students and staff practice six pillars of character (responsibility, respect, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and citizenship). All members of the school community are expected to monitor their own behavior using the School Discipline Code. Each grade level has an established plan that will be distributed to parents at the start of the year.

School-Wide Rules

Since we are responsible for our own behavior, we will: Be Safe Be Polite Be Ready Be Responsible

Sometimes children require guidance as they learn to become self-disciplined. The following progressive actions will consistently occur when students are unable to fix their own problems:

1. Warning 2. Loss of Privilege 3. Documentation 4. Referral

PBIS Program

Behavior is a set of skills that a child must be taught. Therefore, teachers will take some deliberate steps to teach expectations for behavior in each setting in school. Our school PBIS team is working to revise the PBIS procedures in order to have consistent practices in the school while considering the student’s age and stage of development.

In those rare situations where a student’s inappropriate behavior impinges on the rights of others and creates an unsafe learning environment, these actions may occur:

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A. Parents may receive a Documentation Form. This is usually a sign that the student has had a behavioral situation that has been managed by the classroom teacher during the school day. The form should be signed and returned to school. It’s one way to communicate with parents.

B. A child engaging in severe inappropriate behavior may be sent to School Support or an administrator after a staff member completes a Disciplinary Referral. Parents/ guardians will be notified if this occurs.

C. A child could be placed on in-school suspension. Parents/guardians will be notified if this occurs.

D. For certain infractions, a child will be suspended from school for a period of 1 to 5 days. (See the Calendar Handbook for detailed information.)

Discipline for Off-Campus Activities

Students can be disciplined for off-campus activities where there is a reasonable belief that the health and/or safety of others in school could be in danger or that school operations or activities may be disrupted.

Evacuation Drills

To prepare the children for evacuation of the building in case of fire, a minimum of 10 fire drills will be held each year. We will also be conducting reverse evacuation, lock-down, shelter in place and drop, cover and hold drills. To prepare children for a bus emergency, bus evacuation drills will be conducted 2 times yearly.

Dress Code

Students have the responsibility to dress and groom themselves in a manner that is safe, healthy, and non-disruptive to classroom and school procedures. Students will be asked to hang up their hats, coats, jackets and outerwear vests upon entering the classrooms. Clothing must provide adequate covering. State health regulations require the wearing of shoes in public places at all times.

Smoke Free Environment

The sale or use of tobacco products in any form is prohibited in school buildings and on school property at all times all year.

Items Not Permitted In School

Valuable personal possessions, tobacco products, weapons, chewing gum, toys, athletic equipment, trading and playing cards, laser pointers, portable video and audio equipment are not permitted in school. The school will not be responsible for any items if they are brought to school. Some personal possessions may be brought to school with prior permission of administration.

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Weapons

Frederick County has instituted a regulation regarding weapon possession (See Calendar Handbook). Students, parents and teachers are forbidden to have weapons or look-alike weapons on campus. Possession of a fire arm whether loaded or unloaded (including pellet-type guns) or other weapons such as pocketknives can carry severe disciplinary action up to permanent removal from Frederick County Public Schools.

Portable Pagers and Cellular Phones

Students are not permitted to use portable pagers or cellular telephones during the student school day or during bus transportation. Students are required to keep such items completely turned off and concealed in their book bags. Penalties are outlined in FCPS Regulation 400-8.

Home-School Communication

We at Whittier Elementary School are committed to maintaining open lines of communication. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the teachers and staff to discuss instructional programs, their child’s progress, joys or concerns. Teachers are on-duty from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You are able to leave voicemail messages for your child’s teacher. Please be reminded that teachers are only able to return calls before school, after school and during their planning period. Their times of availability will vary. Please keep in mind that during arrival and dismissal times, teachers are actively involved with students and preparation for lessons. In addition, teachers are actively engaged in instruction throughout the day. Consequently, we ask that you not interrupt the teachers or the students during the school day. Instead, call, send a note, or email and the teachers will be glad to get in touch with you.

School Newsletter/Menu

Our goal is to keep you informed. Periodically expect the Whittier News that will have important school and PTA announcements. Please watch for the Whittier calendar of events that comes home every other month. The school menus will be posted online from FCPS Food Services. If you would like to have an important school or community event included with our announcements, please contact the school office.

Monthly Team/Classroom Newsletter

Teams/teachers will be sending home newsletters that will serve as a communication tool to keep families informed of current learning and events at each grade level/within each classroom.

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Reporting System

An interim report will be sent to you when there is a need to communicate about your child’s performance. The interim report will be issued between the regular reporting dates and must be signed and returned to school within five working days. Report cards are issued four times a year: November, February, April, and June.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent - teacher conferences are held twice during the school year to discuss your child’s progress in achieving the essential curriculum in each subject. During the conference, you will have an opportunity to examine actual samples of work to determine your child’s strengths and needs. In addition, you may provide input and ask questions concerning your child’s program.

Additional parent-teacher conferences may be held at the request of either the parent or the teacher at any time to freely discuss any problems that directly affect your child’s school performance. Please contact the school to arrange such a conference.

Since most conferences are scheduled for short periods of time, some planning on your part can add to the success of a conference. Think about what you want to learn in the conference and write down questions and concerns. Talk with your child ahead of time to find out what s/he likes and doesn’t like about school. Plan to arrive a few minutes early. Active involvement in your child’s education will lead to school success.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Dates and Times

November 23, 2015- School opens @ 12:30. Students dismiss @ 3:25. Conferences will be held until 7:45 pm.

November 26, 2015- School opens @ 8:30. Students dismiss @ 12:00. Conferences will be held until 3:45 pm.