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From the Principal
Dear Parents and Students,
We are very happy you have become part of our school. This booklet has been prepared to provide both students and parents with some basic information about our school program and to assist parents in providing a smooth transition from home to school.
At McKean Elementary School, parents and teachers have established an excellent tradition of working together to create a warm, caring atmosphere where high standards exist. In an effort to continue that tradition, parents are requested to read through this handbook with their children and encourage them to always put forth their best effort. We can ask no more of our children or ourselves and should expect no less.
It is my hope that this booklet will be helpful in getting you started on a successful school career. The services of my office are always available to assist you in any way we are able. We encourage you to visit the school, view our instructional program and become acquainted with our school personnel. School should be a place where your child can mature into a worthwhile, happy individual. I believe that attitudes fostered by our school are in keeping with the high standards of excellence you have set for your children.
Best wishes for a pleasant year!
Sincerely,
Michael G. Getz, Principal
McKean Elementary School
Mission Statement
The mission of the General McLane School District is to provide a quality education in a caring environment that inspires students to achieve their potential to become life-long learners and responsible members of society.
Belief Statements
a. |
We believe that each person has worth and value. |
b. |
We believe that family contributes to the development of the individual |
c. |
We believe the right to educational opportunity carries responsibilities. |
d. |
We believe that each person can learn. |
e. |
We believe that quality education requires responsible investment and use of resources. |
f. |
We believe that dedicated, positive and caring personnel are essential to quality education. |
g. |
We believe communication and cooperation between home and school are essential to student success. |
h. |
We believe that each citizen shares responsibility for the schools of the community. |
i. |
We believe that the quality of interpersonal relationships directly impacts the quality of education. |
j. |
We believe that the community and school share the responsibility of developing the character of students. |
Parameter
Top"We will not tolerate any behavior which demeans the human worth or dignity of anyone."
School Staff
| ADMINISTRATION | |||
| Alan Karns, Superintendent | Jeff Fox, Business Manager | ||
| Michael G. Getz, Principal | Steve Barrett, Curr. Coord. |
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FACULTY |
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| Dody Baugh, Nurse | Peggy Mimm, Speech | ||
| Kelly Campbell, Grade 2 | Susan Owens, Grade 4 | ||
| Barbara Davies, Grade 3 | Nancy Perry, Grade 4 | ||
| Mark Eastlick, Lrng Supp | Linda Pfadt, Grade 1 | ||
| Mary Fensel, Grade 1 | Tracey Polaski, Grade 2 | ||
| Thomas Hitt, Music | Carrie Powell, Kdg | ||
| Karen Hoegrel, Title I/Gifted | Anna Proya, Kdg | ||
| Scott Hutchison, Grade 4 | Mary Ann Schenck, Art | ||
| Meghan Kennerknecht, Grade 1 | Laura Scott, Grade 1 | ||
| Pat Klenk, IST/Art | Helen Skelton, PE | ||
| Jackie Kutz, Grade 2 | Diann Smith, Music | ||
| Cindy Lair, Grade 3 | Melissa Smitley, Librarian | ||
| Michelle Lindenberger, Kdg | Georgiana Weber, Title I/Gifted | ||
| Leslie Little, Grade 3 | Mary Anne Williams, Grade 3 | ||
| Marty Manchester, Grade 2 | Betsy Zafiropoulos, Grade 4 | ||
| Mary Morosky, Computer |
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| Secretaries | Cafeteria | ||
| Marty Chernichky, Main Office | Linda Ensbrenner | ||
| Kim Scully, Library/Office | Diane Eaton | ||
| Beth Buckholtz | |||
| Sheryl Julian | |||
| Custodians | |||
| Cathy Krise | |||
| Dorothy Armagost | Carol Schultz | ||
| Debbie Symecki | Randie Lovell | ||
Daily Time Schedule
| GRADES K-4 | |||
| 8:45 AM | Student arrival. | ||
| 9:00AM | Instructional day begins. | ||
| 3:20 PM | Instructional day ends. | ||
| 3:30 PM | Dismissal | ||
| 3:45 PM | Teacher day ends. | ||
| LUNCH SCHEDULE | |||
| 10:30 - 11:00 | Kindergarten | ||
| 11:00 - 11:30 | First Grade | ||
| 11:30 - 12:00 | Second Grade | ||
| 12:00 - 12:30 | Third Grade | ||
| 12:30 - 1:00 | Fourth Grade | ||
| NOON RECESS SCHEDULE | |||
| 11:00 - 11:35 | Kindergarten | ||
| 12:00 - 12:30 | First Grade | ||
| 12:10 - 12:30 | Second Grade | ||
| 12:40 - 1:10 | Third Grade | ||
| 1:10 - 1:40 | Fourth Grade | ||
Room Assignments
| Room Number | Name | Voice Mail Ext. | |
| 001 | Mrs. Lindenberger | 4001 | |
| 002 | Mrs. Powell | 4002 | |
| 003 | ES | 4003 | |
| 004 | Miss Proya | 4004 | |
| 005 | Mrs. Kennerknecht | 4005 | |
| 006 | Mrs. Fensel | 4006 | |
| 008 | Mrs. Manchester | 4008 | |
| 009 | Mrs. Polaski | 4009 | |
| 012 | Mrs. Pfadt | 4012 | |
| 013 | Miss Scott | 4013 | |
| 014 | LS | 4014 | |
| 015 | Mrs. Campbell | 4015 | |
| 016 | Mrs. Kutz | 4016 | |
| 017 | Mr. Eastlick | 4017 | |
| 018 | Mrs. Hoegerl | 4018 | |
| 019 | Mrs. Weber | 4019 | |
| 021 | Mr. Hutchison | 4021 | |
| 022 | Mrs. Zafiropolous | 4022 | |
| 023 | Mrs. Lair | 4023 | |
| 024 | Mrs. Williams | 4024 | |
| 025 | Ms. Little | 4025 | |
| 026 | Mrs. Davies | 4026 | |
| 027 | Mrs. Owens | 4027 | |
| 028 | Mrs. Perry | 4028 | |
| 101 | Mrs. Klenk | 4101 | |
| 102 | Mrs. Mimm | 4102 | |
| 103 | Mrs. D. Smith / Mr. Hitt | 4103 | |
| 104 | Writing Center | 4104 | |
| 105 | Computer Lab A | 4105 | |
| 20 / 200 | Mrs. Skelton | 4020 / 4200 | |
| 107 | Mrs. Morosky | 4107 | |
| 108 | Computer Lab B | 4108 | |
| 109 | Mrs. Schenck | 4109 | |
| 300 | Miss Smitley / Media Center | 4300 | |
| 500 | Faculty Dining Room | ||
| 200 | Faculty Center | ||
Classroom Assignments
All children receive a homeroom assignment. In elementary schools this is the room where a child spends most of his/her day. Room assignments are determined by the teachers with consultation from the principal. Variables which are considered include:
separating those students who do not work well together. using academic grades in reading and mathematics to ensure heterogeneous classrooms allowing fro the range of learning styles creating classes which permit flexibility for scheduling students who have special needs.
Morning Arrival
If you bring you children to school, please do not accompany them to the classrooms. Student arrival on the school buses is a very busy time. Thus, teachers must devote full attention to monitoring classrooms and assisting children. If you must talk to the teacher leave a message in the office. The teacher will return your call or schedule a convenient time to meet with you.
All student late arrivals (or early dismissals) are handled through the office. Parents should come directly to the office rather than go to a classroom.
Dismissal
All children are to ride home on their assigned bus unless they have a written note from their parents stating otherwise. A written note is mandatory. In case of emergency, please call us.
Parents, please note: explain to your child not to get off the bus anywhere other than his / her regular stop unless they have written permission to do so.Parent who pick up their youngsters at school should do so at 3:30 PM. The exception to this rule would be for those children who have special appointments and must be released earlier. (Reminder - Children are only released through the school office. Do not go directly to the classroom.)
To ensure safety, parents are expected to accompany children from the building to parked cars.
Confidentiality
From time to time you may have questions regarding educational records. The following is a summary of rights and privileges concerning educational records:
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Right to have access to all educational records. |
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Right to challenge the information in the educational records. Procedures may be obtained from the building. |
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Right to a hearing before a hearing examiner if the challenge is not satisfactory. |
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Right to a copy of the records at a nominal fee. |
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Right to be notified of the District policy regarding student records. |
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Right to request amendment or destruction of data. |
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Right to file complaints with the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare. |
Certain records are classified as "Directory". These records include (but are not limited to) the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and other similar information.
Normally this information is released to the public in the form of news releases on student activities, honor rolls, athletic programs, clubs and other extracurricular activities. This data may be disclosed without consent; however, parents and eligible students have the right to have the Directory file deleted
Notes: Parents/guardians have all these rights unless the student qualifies as an emancipated student and is not dependent on his/her parents for his/her subsistence. Students have only the right of access of Education Records. Questions concerning student records should be referred to the building principal. The policy of the School Board concerning student records may be examined at the Education Center in the Office of the Superintendent.
Dress Code Guidelines
The General McLane School District believes that student manner of dress has an impact upon the atmosphere and consequently the learning environment of its schools. It is the belief of the district that attire appropriate to the school environment serves to promote learning, minimize distractions and emphasize the seriousness of the learning process.
Specifically, students are expected to dress in a manner that adheres to the following guidelines:
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All shirts/tops/dresses must have sleeves. |
| Clothing will completely cover the torso (from the shoulders to the hemline). Necklines and hemlines should reflect an appropriate environment for learning and not social setting. | |
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Clothing must be worn in such a way as to not expose undergarments. |
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Clothing cannot present a hazard to the health or safety of the student |
| or to others in the school, materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program. | |
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Clothing and accessories should not cause excessive wear |
| or damage to school property or cause blocked vision or restricted movement. Specifically prohibited are exposed chains and metal spikes. | |
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Students may be required or permitted to wear types of clothing |
| while participating in physical education classes, shops, extra-curricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to insure the health or safety of the student. | |
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Hats and visors are prohibited before the time of dismissal. |
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Any clothing of sexual or violent nature or which promotes or advertises tobacco products or illegal drugs is also prohibited. |
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All matters related to student dress not covered by this policy, shall be left to the discretion of the administration. |
| Consequences: | |
| First offense: | Student is issued a warning and is required to change or wear t-shirt provided. |
| Second offense: | Principal will call the parent. |
Drug Free School Policy
The General McLane School Board supports a comprehensive prevention and intervention program to deal with the problems of substance abuse that face our students. Students receive information addressing the legal, social and health consequences of drugs and alcohol beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through Grade 12.
It is the Board's position that the unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol is both wrong and harmful./ The possession, use, and/or distribution of drugs, alcohol or both by students on school property, on school buses, or as part of any school-sponsored activities is prohibited. The term "school property" includes any school building, a school bus or vehicle used to provide transportation to and from any school or school-sponsored event, school parking lot areas, and any school property owned by, leased by, or under the control of the General McLane School District. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory. It is also the Board's position that the presence of any student under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both on school property, or at any school-sponsored activities, is prohibited. The rem "school property" is defined above.
The Board has adopted Policy 227 on drug abuse which includes disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution. Complete copies of Policy 227 are available upon request in the main office.
For purposes of this policy, "drugs" mean:
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all dangerous controlled substances prohibited by law; |
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all "look alike" drugs; |
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all alcoholic beverages; |
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any drug paraphernalia; and |
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any prescription medication (except for those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Medication Procedure 227-R) |
In addition, any over-the-counter medication (except for those which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Medication Procedure 227-R) may be considered a drug under this policy (see Item #10).
The District Disciplinary Code regarding substance abuse has been developed with input from parents, teachers and administrators, adopted by the Board, and is in compliance with local, state and federal law, A copy of the complete policy may be obtained by calling the Education Center.
Drug and alcohol counseling services are available for secondary students through Hamot Mental Health Center and GECAC during the school day. After care programs for students who have been in treatment are also available. If you have any questions about these programs, please contact your child's guidance counselor or principal.
Emergency Form (Information Form)
A pre-printed information form is sent home with the students on the first day of school. This form contains information which the school has on file indicating where you may be contacted during school hours if the need arises. Please make any corrections to this data and return it to school. It is imperative that a form is on file for every student. It is extremely important to keep this information current. Notify the school office immediately of any changes in employment, phone numbers, addresses, etc. You may obtain a copy of your form at any time by calling the school office.
Food Service/Cafeteria
Students in Grades K-4 use the cafeteria daily. Grade levels are scheduled so that youngsters have an opportunity to enjoy lunch with classmates. Each class get 30 minutes to eat.
Applications for free/reduced lunch are sent home with all students on the first school day. Federal Income Family Guidelines determine who is eligible for this service. Any child who was approved the previous year for free or reduced lunch is automatically on the list until decisions are made on the new applications. Students approved last year begin the next year with free or reduced lunch. Any questions, please contact Mr. Tom Henning at the General McLane Service Center, 814-273-1033.
Students who carry lunches may purchase milk. Whole milk, 2% white, 2% chocolate and skim milk are available. Snacks may be brought by any students on the day it appears on the lunch menu.
Lunch tickets are sold on the first day of the school week. The ticket can be used anytime. For example, it could be used 3 days one week and 2 days the next. Parents and students are responsible for the ticket. If children forget lunch money or milk money, they may charge that day. No student is to go without lunch.
Parents should settle debts with the cafeteria promptly. This helps cafeteria personnel maintain accurate records.
The school lunch menu for the week will be sent home on Friday. It will also be posted on our web site at
www.generalmclane.org/mckean/office/menu/lunch.htm
Guidance Counselor
An Elementary Counselor is available to work with students, parents and teachers. The counselor works within the school environment to help establish an atmosphere that will enable each student to grow academically, personally and socially.
The elementary counselor talks with students individually and in groups, refers students and parents to community agencies, presents preventive counseling programs to classrooms and works with other school specialists in the best interest of students. Contact Mrs. Dody Baugh.
Homework
Usually work not completed in class is homework. Homework has been identified in most national and state reports on education as a vital factor in increasing student achievement. Homework is never assigned as punishment. Parents are encouraged to review students homework to let the child know the parent views this a important work. Teachers know that children are involved in evening activities; however, time should be budgeted so home work can be completed. A student has a better day in school when he/she comes prepared and ready.
Work missed due to absence will be assigned at the discretion of the teacher and is to be completed in an appropriate period of time. For general purposes, absences of 2 days or less do not require a parent request for assignments to be sent home. For absences of 3 hays or more, a parent should ask for assignments. A request made before 10:00 AM will give the teacher time to collect work and have it ready to be picked up by the end of the day.
Parents can aid their children in the area of homework by providing a favorable place for work and study. Parents should be encouraging and supportive by avoid doing the student's homework. Failure to complete homework assignments will affect a student's grade.
Internet Procedures
We are pleased to offer students of the General McLane School District access to the district computer network for electronic mail and the Internet. Students are responsible for good behavior on the school computer network. General school rules for behavior and communication apply.
Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. Students are prohibited from accessing inappropriate sites. A network filtering device is in place on all computers in the school district. During school, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials.
If you do not give permission for your student to access the Internet during school hours, please contact the building principal in writing.
Medication Policy/Nurse's Office
The Nursing staff will assess immunization status to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania regulations. A record of immunization is required for all students in the General McLane School District. All students receive an annual vision screening and have growth measurement records. Hearing screening is done annually for students in K-3. Physical examinations for Kindergarten children are scheduled every fall. Dental examinations for children in Kindergarten and Grade 3 are completed in February. Through the Nurse's Office, care and supervision will be given to all ill and injured students.
All medications are drugs and should be given only with supervision by parents.
Those medications that cannot be given any other time may be brought to school and given by the nurse. ALL MEDICATIONS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A NOTE WHICH INCLUDES:
child's name, the name of the medication, the amount to be given, the time to be given, and the parent's signature.Students must register all medications with the nurse. This includes prescriptions as well as over the counter products.
PTA Involvement
Many parents seek involvement in school programs through volunteerism. Parents who work as instructional assistants in the classroom can do much to help young children gain a solid foundation in early learning. Parent volunteer duties include assisting in the classroom with such tasks as listening to children read, construction bulletin boards, making classroom materials and helping students in small-group or one-to-one settings.
Instructional time is important. Parents who volunteer are committed to helping children learn. Volunteers understand that teachers are busy and do not have time to socialize. Volunteers do not expect special treatment for their child. They maintain confidentiality; that is they do not discuss student performance or student behavior outside the classroom. The volunteer is reliable and follows the prearranged schedule. Satisfaction comes from helping another person achieve success. Parent volunteers become familiar with the school and the school;s personnel. Most always, parents have a better understanding of their own child as a result of the volunteer experience.
Each year PTA coordinates the assignments of room parents. As a room parent, you would be expected to help plan and conduct class parties for the Autumn Celebration, Christmas and Valentine's Day, and assist with various classroom activities under teacher supervision, Room parents arrange refreshments and schedule volunteer workers to staff the kitchen during PTA evening functions.
PTA sponsors many programs for the children throughout the year. Book Fairs, Holiday Shopping Days, Health/Safety Fairs and field trips are examples of the PTA effort. Student assembly programs and the funding for specific grade projects are frequently handled through the PTA treasury. Annually, the PTA conducts one fundraiser to generate income for its programs. The PTA communicates to the parents through the Little Lancer Chatter which is published bimonthly.
Parent Involvement/Clearance Procedures
If you choose to volunteer in your child's classroom on a regular basis, work with children in the school on a one-to-one basis (i.e. the writing center, hallway, empty classroom), room parents or chaperone on a field trip, you must obtain the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, as well as the FBI Clearance . Forms for these clearances are available in the school office. The criminal record check may be completed online at http://epatch.state.pa.us . You must register online to obtain the FBI Clearance at http://www.pa.cogentid.com or call 1-888-439-2486. Upon receipt of the three clearances, you may bring copies to the Therese Walter Education Center and your name will be placed on the clearance list for as long as your children remain in the General McLane School District. You amy also obtain the clearance information on the General McLane web site at http://www.generalmclane.org/mckean/office/forms/forms.htm
Physician's Certificate
If you learn that your child will be unable to participate in a required physical education class, please obtain a Physician's Certificate for Exemption From Physical Education form from the school office, which must be signed by you physician. The completed form may be returned, mailed, or faxed to the school office at (814) 273-1050.
After School Recreation (ASR) Program / Recess
Mrs. Helen Skelton, Health and Physical Education teacher, directs the After School Recreation (ASR) program for children in Grades 1-4. Clusters of activities are scheduled for Fall and Spring Programs. Parents must sign the registration forms and the Acknowledgment of Insurance forms before their children can participate. Transportation home is the responsibility of the parents. A calendar of dates is provided to parents with the registration forms. Parents are asked to be prompt in picking up their children as there is no supervision for them after this time. Please note that children will be released to their parents...if a child is to be released to someone other than the parents, a written note giving this permission is necessary.
Recess
Recess provides an opportunity for children to release physical energy. This is a time in the day when children get a chance to play with friends and to socialize. Children are not permitted to engage in rough play which could result in unnecessary accidents. Teacher supervisors accompany children to play areas. Normally, recess is scheduled outdoors for a total of 30 minutes. Times for grade level recesses appear in section 3.
Appropriate clothing is essential for active participation. In winter, warm clothing includes hats, snowpants, boots and gloves. (please label all clothing with your chold's name) Children will not go outside on wet or slushy days. As a general rule, if the wind chill is below 20 students remain indoors and have a short in-class break.
If a child is recovering from illness, a note from parents will allow the student to remain inside during recess. Parents should not send notes requesting blanket permission for a student to remain indoors for the entire winter or for long extended periods.
Children should not bring computer games, trading cards, walkmans, laser pointers, virtual pets or expensive items to school. These might be broken or serve as distractions in the classrooms.
Sexual Harassment/Harassment
It is a violation of both school policy and federal laws to harass another student or for you to be harassed by anyone, student or adult.
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Other forms of harassment may include verbal or written comments.
If a child feels that he / she are being harassed and need help, they should tell an adult that they trust. Any teacher, the guidance counselor, the nurse or the principal will help deal with the problem and get help. It is important that the child tell an adult.
Smoking and Tobacco Policy
The General McLane School District has adopted a "no smoking" policy in school buildings, on school buses, on all property owned, leased, or under the control of the school district, and at all school-sponsored events. Possession of tobacco products by students at any of these locations is prohibited. This policy also prohibits chaperones from smoking while they are supervising the children on a field trip.
Snow Days
Local radio and TV stations will broadcast the information if school must be canceled due to weather conditions. You may also telephone 452-2000 (6841) for school closing information.
In the event of a late start, time should be calculated by adding the announced delay to the regular time. Fro example, if the bus usually picks up you child at 8:20 AM for the school opening at 9:00 AM, a two hour late start would mean a bus pick up of 10:20 AM for the 11:00 AM start.
School may be dismissed early if a severe storm or emergency arises. Parents should make provisions with neighbors to take care of children in the event that parents would not be home.
Because of the diversity of the district, decisions about closing (or not closing) are difficult. Parents should use their own discretion about sending their children to school during very inclement weather.
Special Services/Special Education/Report Cards
Instructional Support Program
Instructional Support is an intervention aimed at meeting the needs of elementary age students experiencing difficulties in school, whether it be academic or behavioral. The I.S. Team accepts referrals for students and develops strategies that address the students' needs in the regular class. One outcome of the I.S. process could be referral for evaluation by a school psychologist. The Special Education Regulations of Pennsylvania require Instructional Support as the initial step in screening students who may be considered eligible for special education. Contact Mrs. Par Klenk.Reading Advantage
Reading Advantage is a program offered to children on Grade One who experience reading problems. The intent of Reading Advantage is to identify and correct reading difficulties in the early stages, thus avoiding the prospect for future failure. Reading Advantage is an intense strategy offered daily in thirty minute segments in a one-to-one teacher/student ratio. Children exit the program when they acquire grade level reading proficiency (Mrs. K. Hoegrel/Mrs. G. Weber).Title I Reading
Title I Reading Program is a federally funded remedial reading program offered at the school. It is an additional reading class which supplements and supports a child's regular reading class. Students are recommended for Title I service based upon their standardized test scores and daily performance in reading. Parents must give approval prior to a child's entry into the program. Contact Mrs. Karen Hoegerl.Speech/Language Program
The purpose of the Speech/Language Program is to diagnose and remediate communication problems in our school-aged population. These problems in communication may include difficulties with articulation, language, voice or fluency.Screenings of targeted groups will occur, Parents will be notified on the school menu which groups of children will be screened and when the screening will occur. Parents will be contacted for written permission of further evaluation is necessary.
The speech/language pathologist is available to both parents and teachers seeking information to help a child communicate more effectively and/or perform more effectively in the classroom. Contact Mrs. Peggy Mimm.
Special Education
Students who are eligible for special education services receive that service from the General McLane School District. McKean Elementary offers classes for children requiring service in speech therapy, gifted education, and learning support. Regulations for participation in any special education class require parent involvement and consent. The school follows an inclusive strategy and attempts to have instructors service children in the regular classroom whenever possible.Report Cards
Report cards are issued quarterly with parent/teacher conferences scheduled in November. The report cards format for kindergarten through second grade will utilize a checklist, and grade three and four report cards will utilize a combination of a checklist and a letter grade format.
School Attendance
Good school attendance contributes directly to academic success. Parents should make certain children are in their classroom at 9:00 AM. Exceptions to this rule are rare. Being tardy puts your child at a disadvantage for that day with respect to his/her classmates.
Following an absence, parents are required to send a written excuse on the day the child returns to school. This simplifies attendance bookkeeping and ensures accuracy. The note should indicate the dates of absence, the reason for the absence, and include the parent's signature.
For the general purposes, absences of two (2) days or less do not require a parent request for assignments to be sent home. See Homework for additional information.
| The following absences are considered excused: | ||||
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illness | |
court cases | |
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death in the family | |
impassable roads | |
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religious activities | |
family emergencies |
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| If an excuse is not submitted within three (3) school days after a student returns to school, the absence will be considered illegal. The submission of an excuse after three (3) days will not be accepted as removing the illegal (or unexcused) classification of the absence. | ||||
| After ten (10) days of absence, the parent may be notified by letter (Educational Trip not included). | ||||
| At the discretion of the administrator, a letter may be sent after fifteen (15) days of absence requesting a doctor's excuse. If a doctor's excuse is not received for absences, they are illegal. | ||||
| Absences, other than those listed above, will be considered unexcused. For students of compulsory school age, unexcused absences are illegal. | ||||
Illegal Absences |
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| A letter will be sent to the parent(s) immediately following the first illegal absence. Letters will not be sent after the second illegal absence. | ||||
| If the student has acquired a third illegal absence, a certified letter will be sent to the parent(s) advising that the third offense has occurred and that any additional illegal absences will result in the immediate filing of charges with the magistrate | ||||
If the student acquires a fourth illegal absence, the building principal will immediately file charges against the parent(s) before the magistrate. |
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| Partial Day Absences | ||||
| Students must be present at least one hour in the AM to be considered present for the AM | ||||
| Students must be present at least one hour in the PM to be considered present for the PM | ||||
| Tardies (Late in the morning - late in the afternoon) | ||||
| Arriving late to school will be considered as an excused tardy for the following reasons: | ||||
| Illness | ||||
| participation in a religious activity | ||||
| health related reasons (doctor/dental appointment) | ||||
| Arriving late to school will be considered as an unexcused tardy for the following reasons: | ||||
| parental negligence | ||||
| transportation (unless a bus arrives late) | ||||
| If an excuse for tardiness is not submitted within three (3) days, the tardy will be considered unexcused. | ||||
| Educational Trips | ||||
| At times students are excused for educational trips with parents or guardians. A form should be secured from the school office for this purpose before the trip. The following guidelines apply: | ||||
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Ten days per school year may be approved for an educational trip. | |||
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A Request for Approval of Educational Trip Form must be turned in on the day of the student's return. | |||
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All work provided in advance of the trip must be turned in on the day of the student's return. | |||
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All missed work, not received in advance of the trip, must be made up within three (3) days of the student's return. | |||
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The request must be made by a parent or guardian. | |||
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After tem (10) days of absence, the student shall be marked illegally absent until such time that they return. | |||
| Homebound Instruction | ||||
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A Physician's Statement of Incapacitation is always required for homebound instruction. | |||
| All applications must be verified by the principal and approved by the superintendent before a tutor will be assigned (policy 117). | ||||
Student Behavior
The school discipline plan is based on a model developed by Dr, William Glasser which is referred to as Responsibility Training. The Responsibility Training program teachers students that:
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each person controls his/her own behavior; |
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rules for living come from within and are formed by the person; |
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when a person demonstrated knowledge of rules and lives them, the effort will be recognized (growth recognition); and |
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when a person lives outside the rules, a time out is necessary to make a plan for successful living (behavior correction). |
Corporal punishment is not part of the school discipline plan.
McKean Elementary School Rules |
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1. |
Respect yourself and others, the earth, and all life |
2. |
Be kind and thoughtful treating others as you wish to be treated. |
3. |
Help to create a safe environment. |
4. |
Work and play cooperatively. |
5. |
Be responsible for your behavior and take pride in your work. |
Growth Recognition Plan
Responsibility Training teaches students how to increase success by taking responsible control of their own behavior. Teachers in the respective grades have developed lists of recognitions and privileges to help students recognize the value of being a responsible person. Through correct choices, students learn to take effective and positive control of their lives which ultimately results in decisions which are need fulfilling. Behavior, then, is motivated from thoughts within the person rather than from threats of punishment or punitive action of an extrinsic nature. Students are expected to demonstrate good behavior in the classroom, at lunch, at recess, and on the buses.Behavior Correction Plan (Time out)
If a student's behavior is inappropriate, he/she may be choosing a Time Out situation. By selecting a Time Out situation, a student is choosing extra time to think about a remedy for the inappropriate behavior. The length of time spent in a Time Out area is entirely the student's decision. While in Time Out, a student cannot participate in class activities and all privileges are suspended.
| Time Out One | ||
A. |
Student discontinues class activity and completes a verbal plan for behavior change. | |
1. |
Student remains at seat. | |
2. |
Plan must be mutually agreed upon by student and teacher. | |
B. |
Once plan is agreeable, student is free to resume class activity. | |
| Time Out Two | ||
A. |
Student in Time Out Two is sent to a designated area of the classroom. | |
B. |
There the student must write, draw or dictate a plan prior to returning to regular classroom activities. | |
C. |
The plan must be reviewed and agreed upon by the student and teacher. | |
| Time Out Three | ||
A. |
Student in Time Out Three is sent to a designated area in a different classroom. | |
B. |
Student discontinues class activities and must write, draw or dictate a plan to return to regular activities. | |
C. |
Counselor and/or parent may be contacted at this time. | |
| Time Out Four | ||
A. |
Student in Time Out Four is sent to the main office and will be under the direction of the counselor or principal. | |
B. |
A parent, teacher, student, principal conference is required. | |
C. |
Student must write, draw or dictate a plan. The plan will enable the student to return to regular classroom activities once it is agreed upon and signed by the student, the teacher, the principal and the parent. | |
| Time Out Five | ||
A. |
Student in Time Out Five is sent home to complete a written or dictated plan for behavior change with parents/guardian. | |
B. |
A parent, teacher, student, principal conference is then required to discuss the plan. The plan must then be accepted and signed by the teacher and principal before the student may return to regular classroom activities. | |
Terroristic Threats/Acts
No student shall make a terroristic threat and/or commit a terroristic act. For purposes of this policy, the term "terroristic threat" is defined as a threat to commit any crime of violence:
a. |
With the intent to terrorize another or to cause evacuation of a building. place of assembly, facility, or vehicle(s), or |
b. |
With the intent to cause serious public inconvenience, or |
c. |
If made in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience. |
For purposes of this policy, "terroristic threat" includes, but is not limited to, bomb threats, false alarms, or any statements, comments, or remarks which fall within any one or more of the above categories and which pertain to harm directed against another person and/or property. For purposes of this policy, the tem " terroristic act" is any act against person or property involving danger or risk of harm to another person or property, or any act committed:
a. |
With the intent to terrorize another person, or |
b. |
With the intent to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, facility, or vehicle(s), or |
c. |
With the intent to otherwise cause serious public inconvenience, or |
d. |
In reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience. |
In addition to the above, no student shall make any comments or remarks which cause significant inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or which recklessly create a risk of significant inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm. Such comments or remarks will include but not be limited to any comments or remarks regarding the infliction of harm to any student, staff member, employee of the General McLane School District, or any person(s) attending any school-sponsored activities. Furthermore, such comments or remarks may result in disciplinary actions as deemed necessary in the discretion of the school principal. The consequences for such threats or actions may include suspension or expulsion from school. This policy is based upon Policy 233 which has been adopted by the Board of the General McLane School District.
Transportation
Numerous school buses service the McKean children every day. It is necessary to have additional kindergarten buses in operation at noontime. Generally, buses begin morning runs near 8:00 AM and arrive at school between 8:45 - 8:55 AM for the 9:00 AM school opening. School dismissal is 3:30 PM with buses completing their regular routes by approximately 4:30 PM. Children should arrive at their appointed pick-up location no more than five minutes before the bus is die. Students receive an assigned seat on the bus. They are permitted to select the seat they wish to occupy in the beginning of the term. School bus rules are reviewed with students by the drivers and in school. Student respect to the bus driver is expected at all times. Bus drivers will file Bus Discipline Reports if the students violate the rules. The safety of all students cannot be jeopardized because of the behavior of a few. Parents will be contacted when problems occur. Bus suspensions are used as a last resort with young children.
| The following rules apply: | |
1. |
Students are to remain seated while the bus is moving. |
2. |
Loud talking and/or abusive language are unacceptable. |
3. |
Pushing. fighting, throwing of objects, or other unruly behavior will not be tolerated. |
4. |
Students are not to eat or drink on the buses. |
5. |
Vandalism on the buses will require restitution by the student. |
6 |
.The driver is in charge; student respect to the school bus driver is expected at all times. |
7. |
Failure to comply with directives issued by the bus driver will result in a Student Discipline Report being filed with the school principal. |
Most students follow the safety rules. Cooperation between home and school can ensure pleasant riding for everyone. Good and safe service is possible only if all students cooperate fully.
Vandalism
General McLane Board of School Directors has adopted policies in regard to vandalism:
If any person shall willfully or maliciously break into, enter, deface, or write, mark, or place any obscene or improper matter upon any building of the General McLane School District or other building used for school purposes, or shall deface, injure, damage, or destroy any school furniture, books, maps, charts, apparatus, or other property contained in any school building, or shall injure, damage, or destroy any shade tree, shrubbery, fences, or other property of any kind, upon any school grounds, or upon any school playground, such person shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or undergo an imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not exceeding six months, either or both, at the discretion of the court. In addition to any other penalty prescribed by this subsection., may order the defendant's unlawful conduct. (Section 777, PA P.S. Code of 1959, as amended, P.L. No.59)
Notice is also given that at a regular meeting of the General McLane School District Board of Education held June 17, 1981, it was unanimously resolved that the Board of Education intends to prosecute ALL PERSONS caught in the act of violating any of the provision of the law stated above. Furthermore, school administration shall be compelled and directed to bring such charges against all violators. The General McLane School District Board of Education will pay a reward of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) at their discretion, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons violating the above referenced provision of law.
Visitor Policy
Upon entering the school building, all persons are required to report to the school office. A system for checking in has been instituted to ensure that every adult visitor at school is registered and wears a badge. To provide additional security, all doors are locked throughout the school day.
9:00 - 3:151. Push the button on the call box. 2. Wait for the secretary to respond. 3. Identify yourself and purpose for visiting. 4. Wait for the secretary to grant access. 5. Report directly to the office. Please note that the school reserves the right to deny access to any individual who does not comply with the above directions or behaves in a manner that creates a safety concern.
Weapons Policy
The possession, use, and / or distribution of a weapon on school property or at any school-sponsored activity is prohibited. The term "school property" includes any school building, a school bus or vehicle used to provide transportation to or from any school or school-sponsored event, school parking lot areas, and any school property owned by, leased by, or under the control of the General McLane School District.
No student shall bring a weapon onto school property or to any school-sponsored activity. The term "school property" is as defined above.
As mandated by federal and Pennsylvania law, the discovery of any weapon prohibited ny this policy will be reported to local law enforcement officials.
The term "weapon" shall include, but not be limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchuk, firearm, shotgun, rifle, explosive device, explosive material, and any other tool, instrument, material, or implement capable of inflicting bodily injury.
All persons entering any school building and/or school-sponsored events may be required to submit to a metal detector scan, and a personal search, to ensure that weapons are not brought into the building or event. Bags and parcels also may be searched by means of metal detection devices, by hand, or otherwise. Refusal to cooperate with the search will result in the denial of entry and/or disciplinary action.
The General McLane School District has adopted a weapons policy in accordance with federal law, specifically:
(Public Law 103-382) and state law (Act 26 of 1995, Section 1317.2). Both laws leave little or no discretion to local Boards of Education....a school district shall...expel, for a period of not less than one year, any student who is determined to have brought a weapon onto any school property, any school-sponsored activity or any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school-sponsored activity. If it is determined that a student has violated the Pennsylvania or federal law, or both, expulsion for one year is mandated under the law.
Wellness Policy
In an effort to promote student health, the General McLane School District has adopted a new wellness policy which complies with a three year phase-in period of state and federal regulations. This policy encourages healthy choices of foods and beverages for all students by including foods high in fiber and low in fats and sugars such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain items. Healthy beverages include water, milk, 100% fruit juices and others. Foods and beverage choices that will be avoided by this policy include high calorie foods and foods of minimal nutritional value. Beverages of high sugar content such as soda will be eliminated.
The new policy will affect all foods available to students during the school day including breakfast and lunch menus, vending machines, school stores, fundraising activities and items provided for class parties and holiday celebrations.
Adults are encouraged to set a positive example for students to model and show their support of this new policy. Physical exercise will also be promoted throughout the district as part of the overall wellness initiative. Efforts will be made at all levels to encourage positive life style choices while providing educational opportunities. The Wellness Policy may be read in it's entirety by visiting the Therese T. Walter Education Center, 11771 Edinboro Raid, Edinboro, PA.
gm_____________________________________________________________ |
General McLane School District |
| We have received the 2007-2008 McKean Elementary School Handbook. We understand that it is our responsibility to be aware of the information contained within. Return this sheet to your child's teacher. |
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