kimberly_andersen@elanco.org

2017-2018 FAMILY HANDBOOK

EASTERN LANCASTER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S MISSION STATEMENT

In partnership with family, business and community, we provide an environment in which all persons are empowered to develop the knowledge, skills and character to be life-long contributors and leaders

in a rapidly changing world.

Dear Brecknock Families: We welcome you to another year full of learning experiences at Brecknock Elementary School. On behalf of the staff at Brecknock Elementary School, I am happy to welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year. We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our learners can achieve their highest potential. We recognize that in order to be successful in school, our learners need support from both home and school. We are fortunate to have a staff of dedicated hardworking individuals. We invite you to become an active participant in our school community through volunteering, joining our PTO, or attending and supporting school events. Research clearly supports that when parents/guardians participate and are involved in their child’s education, there is a greater likelihood of academic success. We truly believe that communication is the key to a successful educational experience. Education is a partnership between the school, students, parents/guardians, and community. All learners are more successful when we work as a team to achieve educational goals. We look forward to a year of learning, fun and success for all learners at Brecknock Elementary School.

Kimberly Andersen Brecknock Elementary School Principal

SCHOOL FACULTY Mrs. Bonnie Brier Kindergarten Mrs. Christy Longacre Kindergarten Mrs. Erin Gaffney Grade 1 Ms. Erin McDonough Grade 1 Mrs. Jena Widders Grade 1 Mrs. Lacey Henn Grade 2 Mrs. Mandy Nelson Grade 2 Mrs. Mandy Swavely Grade 2 Mrs. Wendy Blankley Grade 3 Mrs. Cristen Miller Grade 3 Mrs. Julie Muhr Grade 3 Mrs. Melissa Clingan Grade 4 Mr. Jason Karcheski Grade 4 Mrs. Sharon MacAdams Grade 4 Mrs. Libby Echternach Grade 5 Mrs. Bev Libell Grade 5 Mrs. Audra Woods Grade 5 Ms. Kim Dietrich Grade 6 Mrs. Heather Snyder Grade 6 Mrs. Sheila Buckman Art Mrs. Maud Ramsey Autistic Support Teacher Mrs. Erica Reed Autistic Support Teacher Miss Brittany Shoemaker Autistic Support Teacher TBD AS Assistants

Mr. Joc Heckman Instrumental Music Mrs. Jennifer Schoener Instrumental Music Mrs. Kelsey Means Librarian Mrs. Susie High Library Assistant Mr. Alex Goodman Music Mrs. Stacy Jackson Physical Education Mr. Tom Larkin STEM Miss Elizabeth D’Elia Emotional Support Teacher Mrs. Cristy Bagley Emotional Support Teacher TBD ES Assistants Mrs. Gretchen Neely ESL Teacher Mrs. Cherie Lenahan Gifted Support Teacher Mrs. Sue Grigas Learning Support Teacher Mrs. Erin Miller Learning Support Teacher TBD Learning Support Assistants Mrs. Meghan Adam Life Skills Teacher Mrs. Roxanne Gehman Life Skills Teacher TBD Life Skills Assistants Mrs. Elizabeth Horbal School Counselor Dr. Matt Ferchalk School Psychologist Ms. Kelsey DiGilio Speech/Language Pathologist Mrs. Karen Senior Support Specialist Mrs. Jennifer Franks Title I Teacher Mrs. Brenda Brubaker Cafeteria Manager Ms. Maureen Hogan Custodian Mrs. Susan Wolfe Nurse Mrs. Lottie Martin Nurse Mrs. Kimberly Andersen Principal Mrs. Angela Bowman School Secretary Mrs. Kathy Trofe School Secretary

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES Students may enter the building at 8:45. The school day begins promptly at 9:00 AM and runs until 3:30 PM. When it is necessary to bring a student to school or pick up from school, please use extreme caution while driving on school property during school hours. Any student arriving late for school must check in at the office before reporting to their classroom. PM Kindergarten students should not arrive before 12:40 PM. If a child is to be picked up by a parent at the end of the school day, the office must be notified. If written or verbal notification has not been made, the student WILL be sent home on their school bus. This notification must occur no later than 3:00 PM. We cannot promise proper notification of the child, teacher, etc. after that time due to increased office calls near the end of the school day. No vehicles will be allowed to enter the front of the school between 8:30-9:15 AM or between 3:10-3:40 PM. If you are bringing your child to school or picking up your child from school, please use the west side (gas pump) of the building. No children will be dismissed to parents in cars through the front office lobby at the regular school dismissal time.

ATTENDANCE

In accordance with the PA Law of Compulsory Attendance, Eastern Lancaster County School District has adopted the following attendance guidelines: DAILY ATTENDANCE RECORD 1. After an absence, please return a completed/signed excuse card to your child’s teacher/school office. 2. All excuse cards must be returned to the teacher or the office within three (3) consecutive school days. 3. If no excuse card is returned, the day will be marked as an unexcused day. (See – “Unexcused Days”) 4. No excuse card will be required if a child is sent home by the school nurse.

PHYSICIAN’S EXCUSE REQUIRED 1. When absence is from a contagious disease. 2. When absence is chronic (more than 5 consecutive days) 3. When proof of illness is deemed necessary by school authorities. 4. When required because of excessive absenteeism.

5-DAY ATTENDANCE LETTER 1. This form letter is to advise parents that their child has been absent for five (5) days, regardless of the nature of the

absences. 2. The reasons for these absences will not be questioned. It is an informational letter to keep parents apprised of the

number of absences their child has accumulated. 10 DAYS OF ABSENCE This form letter will advise parents that, due to the excessive amount of absences, a doctor’s excuse will be required for each day of absence from that date forward. If a child returns to school and does not have a doctor’s excuse, the day will be considered unexcused.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES 1. A child is permitted five (5) unexcused days per school year. 2. A warning letter will be sent to the parents after the 3rd, 4th, and 5th unexcused absence. Parents will be invited to attend

a School Attendance Improvement Conference. 3. After the 5th unexcused letter is picked up by the parent/guardian, any additional unexcused days may be prosecuted

through the district magistrate’s office.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES 1. Invalid/forged signature 2. Failure to turn in a written excuse from a parent or guardian within three (3) days of the absence 3. Missed bus/car problems

EXCUSED ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL: 1. Illness or injury-If absence more than five (5) or more consecutive days, a doctor’s excuse is needed. 2. Family emergencies 3. Major religious holidays 4. Death of a family member 5. Pre-approved education/travel days (up to 5 per school year); travel form to be submitted at least five (5) days prior to

departure. 6. Authorized school activities

TARDY TO SCHOOL 1. Tardy shall be defined as any student arrival to school after the start of the school day (9:00 AM) until 10:40 AM. 2. Any student who reports late to school must check in at the office before going to his/her classroom. This is to ensure

they are removed from the absentee list.

LATE ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL 1. Students arriving to school after 10:40 AM will be charged with a 1/2 day absence. 2. An excuse card will be required.

EARLY RELEASE REQUEST – DURING SCHOOL DAY Students will be dismissed early only when the office approves a signed note from the parent requesting early release on any given day. Parents should report to the school office to pick up students. If early dismissal occurs before 2:00 PM, the student will be charged with a 1/2 day absence. An excuse card will be required.

EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL/VACATION DAYS The School District recognizes that from time to time, students may have the opportunity to participate in preplanned trips and educational experiences during the regular school year. Upon receipt of prior written request from the parents or guardian of the pupils involved, pupils may be excused from school attendance to participate in educational tours or trips, when the Superintendent or designee evaluates such trip. The determination of each request will be made on the following: prior attendance records, previous requests, frequency of such requests, and the educational value of the requested experience.

An Educational Travel Form should be submitted to the office 5 days prior to the date of departure. It is to be understood by each student and parent that class work missed during the period of absence will be made up. Students will generally be limited to five (5) days of education travel. A separate form should be signed for each student within the Eastern Lancaster County Schools. It is the school’s desire to work closely with parents concerning regular school attendance. Please feel free to contact the office if you have any questions concerning this policy.

BECAUSE BRECKNOCK CARES FOR OUR PLANET

Brecknock Elementary participates in a variety of recycling programs. Hopefully your family will be able to participate in at least one of them! All recycling items should be dropped off in the office lobby at our Recycling Center.

Ronald McDonald House of Hershey – aluminum beverage tabs and glossy magazines

The Funding Factory Recycling Program – printer cartridges, cell phones, GPS devices, MP3 players, laptops

Funding Factory business support (FREE prepaid labels) – call 1.888.883.8237 and give our school identification number, 302711

BICYCLE RIDING

NO BICYCLE RIDING privileges will be extended to students. Increased traffic flow on area roads has raised serious questions regarding student safety.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Safety, while children ride to and from school, is paramount. Drivers and school officials will work with students to demonstrate appropriate bus behavior at all times. If you have any questions regarding bus routes or other transportation concerns, you should contact the Transportation Department at 354-1523.

The following bus rules are in place for elementary students:

1. Pupils eligible for bus transportation are given bus assignments by the transportation department. It is a violation for a

pupil to ride a bus other than the one to which he/she is assigned or to meet or leave the bus at a stop other than his/her

assigned stop. Request to ride a different bus will be granted only upon written request from the parent and signed

administrative approval.

2. BE PROMPT - do not have the bus wait for you at the stop in the morning. Be at your stop 5 minutes before scheduled

pickup.

3. Stand on the side of the highway or sidewalk and in no way interfere with traffic. Bus riders must conduct themselves

in a safe manner while waiting for the school bus.

4. Board the bus only after the bus has stopped and cross the road only when the driver signals for you to do so. Cross

the road only in front of the bus - never behind it.

5. REMAIN SEATED FACING FRONT WHILE THE BUS IS IN MOTION.

6. Recognize that the bus driver has the same authority on the bus as the teacher in the classroom.

7. Respect school and personal property.

8. DO NOT fight, push or shove others while on the school bus.

9. Remain seated until the bus has completely stopped before getting off the bus.

10. No food or drink is to be consumed on buses.

11. If the bus does not arrive within one-half hour of the scheduled time at the bus stop, please contact the school office.

12. Violation of any of the above regulations poses a potential safety hazard for a busload of children. A student may lose

his privilege to ride the bus if the regulations are violated. Loss of riding privilege does not mean the child is exempt

from attending class. Attendance regulations will be applied to all absences.

CAFETERIA Lunch prices for the 2016-2017 school year:

Elementary Breakfast $ 1.60 Elementary Lunch $ 2.45 Milk $ 0.65

Breakfast is eaten in the classroom. Students will pick up their food in the cafeteria and then take it to the classroom to enjoy prior to starting their school day.

Student lunches are balanced according to state and federal regulations. The school is required to serve a complete lunch to all pupils, and we encourage them to eat what is provided. Menus are sent home so the children may bring lunch when they do not care for major portions of meals. Please help us to develop good eating habits and avoid waste. Check the menu before having your child buy lunch. Please note that children have a choice of three entrees. Stress with your children that they must eat the entree they chose that morning.

The cafeteria system is computerized and confidential. Parents may send breakfast/lunch/milk money, in the form of a check or cash for any amount with the students any school day. Checks should be written to “Brecknock Elementary School”. You may also pre-pay meals online by going to www.myschoolbucks.com. Every student uses the system in the same manner regardless of the meal status.

The LIBERAL POLICY for charging of daily lunches will be discontinued once a child has accumulated three lunch charges. They will be DENIED a fourth charge, unless a parent note explaining the problem is submitted to the school office for approval.

Free or reduced lunch application shouldbe completed online. If you do not have internet access, a paper form may be obtained in the office.

CLOSING OF SCHOOL/DELAY OF SCHOOL In cases of school closing due to snow or other unforeseeable circumstances, information will be broadcast on TV and radio stations, as well as put the information on our district website. You can call the Activities Cancellation line if you are seeking information regarding unexpected district early dismissals and cancelations. Please call 354-1111. The possibility exists for the following types of delays: a 1-Hour Delay, a 2-Hour Delay or a 3-Hour Delay. In the event of a 3-Hour Delay, there will be no breakfast or lunch served at school and Kindergarten will be canceled. Additionally, if weather becomes dangerous throughout a school day, students may be sent home from school early. In the event of an unplanned early dismissal, you will find these announcements on TV and radio stations, and on the Activities Cancelation line.

COMMUNICATION Communication between home and school is essential to student success. We appreciate the partnership of our parents and school community members and look forward to the opportunity to work together to best serve your children. Parents are encouraged to contact classroom teachers directly with concerns, questions, or when issues arise. Classroom teachers are the most knowledgeable resources regarding classroom incidences and information regarding homework, tests, projects, etc. There are a variety of ways you can communicate with our teachers and school personnel:

Via telephone – Call 717-445-8600 to reach the main office; all teachers have voicemail, where calls will be directed during school hours. If your call involves a time-sensitive issue such as early student pick-up or a request for homework, PLEASE speak with someone in the MAIN OFFICE and leave your message with the office, who will then contact the teacher.

Via email – All teachers and staff have email addresses that follow the format firstname_lastname@elanco.org

By visiting teacher blogs – Teachers are expected to keep families informed about classroom happenings via their classroom website or blog. Your child’s teacher will share their blog/website with you. Visit often!

By visiting our school webpage – You can also find important resources such as the handbook, school calendar, and more.

DRESS CODE The question of student dress and appearance is the shared responsibility between home and school. We sincerely want your children to be comfortable, so as to maximize their time on task and increase learning. The ELANCO School District Dress Code guidelines explained in the district handbook apply to all schools in ELANCO district. It is the responsibility of the parent to see that appropriate dress is maintained during the school year.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION: INFORMATION UPDATE PORTAL Please keep your child’s information current. The District has made this easy for you with the Information Update Portal (http://update.elanco.org). The Information Update Portal is a convenient and easy way to keep your demographic information current. This portal allows you to see the information kept in PowerSchool and make whatever changes are necessary. If any phone numbers or addresses change, please update it promptly. Please include any cell phone numbers as well! If you have any questions or concerns about your demographic information or issues navigating the portal, please contact the school office.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (EL) Brecknock Elementary is ELANCO's elementary port-of-entry school for the English as a Second Language (EL) program. Students who qualify for EL instruction receive daily EL services which are specially designed to teach listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The EL teachers help the students increase both their social and academic English language skills. The program's goal is to accelerate the acquisition of English while assisting the students in meeting PA grade level standards. For more information, please contact Gretchen Neely, EL Coordinator, at 717-445-8600.

FIELD TRIPS Field trips are specifically designed and planned by classroom teachers. They are undertaken in connection with courses of instruction and school-related activities. They are designed to provide enrichment experiences to:

Provide information not readily obtained by other means.

Motivate pupils toward higher achievement

Raise pupils’ aspiration levels

Foster interaction between and among groups of students

Broaden children’s interests

Stimulate intellectual curiosity

Time and Location Classroom teachers will determine the dates, times, and locations for field trips, taking into consideration curriculum connections, and available resources for taking the field trip.

Behavior Student behavior is reviewed on a regular basis. If a student’s behavior is a concern for attending a field trip, a parent meeting will be set-up prior to the field trip to discuss the concerns and how it will be addressed. Student safety is a top priority especially while students are outside the normal school grounds.

Parent Assistance TEACHERS will select parents to assist on field trips when they perceive a need for assistance, when seating on the bus is available, and when monies allow. By district policy, accompanying adults must sign papers agreeing to “no smoking” and “no intake of alcoholic beverage”. To comply with the transportation code, ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST USE DISTRICT VEHICLES FOR TRANSPORT. We CANNOT honor requests for parents, families and others to follow school buses and then to meet at some designated point. Such requests lead to delays, and missing individuals, adversely affecting the quality of the field trip and safety for the students. Expenses Our PTO provides financial resources for the majority of the field trips. On some occasions parent-chaperones may be asked to provide the admittance fee for their part of the trip.

HEALTH SERVICES All elementary schools have full time nursing coverage. FIRST AID First-aid is provided at all schools. In case of an accident on the school grounds, children will be given first-aid by the school nurse or a faculty member. If further treatment is necessary, parents will be notified. If the parents cannot be reached, the school will follow the emergency procedure card. MEDICATION It is sometimes necessary for pupils to receive medication during school hours. State regulations limit the dispensing of medications in school to either prescription medications or medicines provided by a physician. If medicine must be given during school hours, the following procedure must be followed: The child or parent must deliver the medication to the school nurse or secretary IN THE CONTAINER WITH THE PRESCRIPTION LABELED BY THE PHARMACIST OR PHYSICIAN. The label is to include the child’s name, name of medication, amount to be given, when it should be given, and the name of the physician prescribing the medication. Please DO NOT send unlabeled containers to school! (For prescriptions you could ask the pharmacist for two containers - one for home and one for school.) Any medication considered to be a controlled substance (such as Ritalin) must be delivered by the PARENT to the school nurse. All medications will be stored in the nurse’s office along with the permission slip signed by the parent and the physician. Refrigeration is available when required.

Students are expected to come to the health room at the appropriate time to take their medicine. The taking of medications or drugs is a serious health concern and your cooperation in following the above guidelines to ensure your child’s health would be greatly appreciated. ILLNESS Any child with a fever of 100 degrees F or higher, or any condition which the nurse feels requires attention, will be sent home. If your child is feeling ill before school, please do not send him/her to school. If your child has a contagious condition or disease such as head lice, impetigo, pink eye, or chicken pox, please contact the nurse before returning the child to school. DENTAL EXAMINATIONS The Pennsylvania School Code requires dental examinations for children on original entry (Kdg. or Grade 1), as well as grades 3 and 7. Family Dental forms are given to students near the end of the school year preceding the year in which they need the exam so that they can be completed by your family dentist and returned to the School Nurse by the first day of school. The dental exam must be completed in the year prior to the start of the current school year. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS Pennsylvania School Code states that children on original entry (Kdg. or Grade 1), grade 6, and grade 11 are required to have a physical examination. This examination should be performed by your family doctor since he can best evaluate your child’s health. The Private Physician forms are given to students the year before the required year so that you may have the summer to have the exam completed. These forms are to be returned to the School Nurse by the first day of school. The Physical Exam must be completed within the year prior to the start of the current school year. SCREENING PROCEDURES

Vision Far and near vision for every child, every year, K-12

Hearing All children, grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, 11 and those with known hearing problems in other grades

Scoliosis All children, grades 6 and 7

Height and Weight Every child, every year, K-12

Screening referrals - If you receive a notice that your child failed one of these above tests, please take him/her promptly to be checked and return the completed referral notice to the school nurse. Should you have questions about the referral, please contact or call the school nurse.

HOMEWORK Homework helps develop responsibility, self-discipline, and lifelong learning habits. Homework should provide students the opportunity to apply information they have learned through relevant, challenging, and meaningful homework. Homework assignments will vary according to differences within each grade level. If a student is consistently spending an excessive amount of time on homework, the parent should communicate this to the classroom teacher.

LIBRARY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

WHO MAY USE THE LIBRARY: Every class comes to the library at least once during the five day cycle.

The entire student body has free access to the library immediately before and after the routine school day if the library is supervised by a teacher, librarian, principal, library aide or other adult hired for the purpose of supervision.

During the school day, students may come to the library at any time, with the approval of the classroom teacher. Small groups may work in the library with teacher and librarian permission.

The Brecknock Library is open to the community over the summer on specified evenings when the librarian is present. This service is paid for with PTO funds.

Students have the opportunity to use the Internet at school if they have returned a signed “ELANCO Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy Agreement”.

CIRCULATION OF BOOKS & OTHER MATERIALS: Most books and magazines may be borrowed for a one-week period.

Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and assorted materials may be checked out for OVERNIGHT use only.

Books may be renewed only if the book is brought to the library to be stamped.

Students with overdue books are notified on their library day.

When a book is one month overdue, the librarian will notify parents.

The offender must pay for books, which are lost or damaged beyond repair. The amount due is to be collected by the library aide or the librarian, and held for reordering or other uses.

OFFICE INFORMATION SCHOOL SECRETARIES Mrs. Kathy Trofe and Mrs. Angela Bowman 717-445-8600

CHANGE OF ADDRESS & TELEPHONE NUMBER Please inform the office and update your information in the student information portal if you have a change and/or additions of address or phone number (cell phone numbers are also helpful) after the first day of school in order to help with mailings and in case of emergency.

LOST AND FOUND Pupils finding articles of clothing, lunch boxes, money, tokens, jewelry or purses should take them to the classroom teacher or the school office. We strongly urge parents to check the Lost and Found items whenever you visit the school. Items are on display during parent conference weeks and some PTO functions. Many times students are not aware that they lost some article of clothing, so parent support helps. It will be helpful if you put your child’s name on all book bags, jackets and other articles of clothing. Note: All remaining lost and found items are donated to Goodwill at the end of school.

PARENT VISITATION OR CONFERENCE The administration and staff at Brecknock Elementary School appreciate the fine spirit and cooperation of parents and encourage them to visit the school at any time the need or opportunity arises. In order to make a visit profitable to all concerned, the following procedure should be followed:

1. When possible, schedule your visit in advance. A phone call to the school office (445-8600) is all that is necessary. 2. If you desire a conference with a teacher, make an appointment through the office. Classes CANNOT be

interrupted for this purpose. 3. Office doors will be locked at all times. For entrance into the office you must ring the buzzer. 4. Please report to the office when you enter the building. 5. ALL school visitors will be asked to sign in and pick up a visitor/volunteer sticker in the office. This allows the

school to properly identify persons in the school buildings at all times. This helps assure the safety of all students throughout the school day. Your support and cooperation is most important.

STUDENT INSURANCE The ELANCO School District offers a group medical plan to all students for a very reasonable rate. All parents are urged to take advantage of the good coverage and low rates when materials are sent home at the beginning of the school year. However, coverage is available throughout the school year. TELEPHONE - STUDENT USE FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS The school telephone is to be used by pupils in emergency situations only. Messages will be carried to pupils on the same basis. Children will not be allowed to use the phone to call home for minor problems or transportation arrangements that could be made in advance. The phone is usually very busy, so plan ahead. Each student is allowed a maximum of 3 phone calls per year. This phone call limit guideline will be strictly enforced.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES SCHEDULE November 9, 2017 No School for students; Conferences held 12:45-7 PM November 10, 2017 No School for students; Conferences held 9 AM – 3:30 PM

Please do not wait until conference time to address issues/concerns! Help keep the home-school lines of communication open! We encourage parents to call, email, and write notes to teachers/office staff when questions and concerns arise.

PARENTS AS PARTNERS

Policy for Parent Involvement The community, parents, staff, and students of Brecknock Elementary School are dedicated to providing a safe atmosphere of acceptance for the diversity of learners. Each student is guaranteed an opportunity for growth and success through a coordinated, ongoing, systematic implementation of effective instruction and intervention. Brecknock Elementary School and parents will serve as equal partners for student learning.

Developed by the Brecknock Elem. Title 1 Parent Advisory Council Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) MISSION STATEMENT The Brecknock PTO is dedicated to:

Providing a regular forum for parent-teacher communication and feedback

Ensuring the mental, moral and physical development of our children

Raising funds to provide programs and materials not budgeted by the school district, but necessary for a well-rounded educational experience.

OFFICERS: President Sharon Hicks Vice President Open Secretary Michelle Armbruster Treasurer Rebecca Hartranft

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Primary Fundraisers Open Secondary Fundraisers Cori Rosa Programs Open Volunteer Coordinator Heidi Sauder Hospitality Open Publicity/Historian Sarah Bowman Teacher Rep. TBD Principal Mrs. Andersen

PTO MEETINGS 7:00 PM in the Library – Everyone is welcome! Meeting dates for this year: August 1, September 12, October 3, November 7, December 5, January 2, February 6, March 6, April 3, May 3 (Note: If school is closed due to inclement weather, the PTO meeting will be rescheduled or canceled.) COMMUNICATION To stay informed about PTO events and school happenings, visit the Facebook page maintained by our PTO group: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brecknock-Elementary-School/109391865829772 PTO SPONSORED EVENTS September PTO Fundraiser – Coupon Book November PTO Fundraiser – Gertrude Hawk TBA Brecknock Spirit Sale February STEM Fair March Spaghetti Supper April Art Gala Monthly Skating at Skateaway

FUND RAISING Brecknock Elementary School raises money for field trips and other programs through various means. This year’s main fundraising event will be the Discount Cards. Watch for information to come regarding this opportunity. PTO also sponsors the collection of General Mills Box Tops For Education. There are collection boxes for these items in the school office-foyer area. Even though we encourage you to participate in these fundraisers, you are under no obligation to do so.

WE WELCOME VOLUNTEERS! We welcome parent and adult family volunteers in our school and appreciate your time! Volunteers work at the request of the faculty and administration; performing a variety of jobs at school such as writing activities, tutor aids, listening to children read, chaperones, demonstrating hobbies or vocational skills, etc. Volunteers may also help in non-instructional services such as typing, making copies for teachers, designing bulletin board displays, correcting papers, etc. Volunteers work in the school or at home at their convenience, anywhere from several hours a week to once a month, or helping with special projects. ***In order to volunteer in our schools, it is required by law, that Clearances are completed. Once done, a database of “authorized” volunteers will be kept in the school office. Please go to www.elanco.org for the directions, requirements, and documents which must be filed with the district. (In effect on July 1, 2015)***

PERSONAL ITEMS IN SCHOOL The only time students should bring toys, etc. to school is when their teacher instructs them to do so. Electronic games, radios, cameras, CD players, cell phones, iPods, or other electronic equipment are not to be seen or heard during the school day, unless they are used for instructional purposes approved by the teacher/administrator. Items that are of great personal value should be kept at home. Such belongings are easily lost or damaged at school, presenting a problem for the child and creating a distraction for others. If a student rides a bus, and his/her driver permits the use of iPods, mP3 players, card games, or electronic games, he/she may use those devices on the school bus. These items should be secured in backpacks before entering the building and should remain in backpacks during the school day. Students may not use personal iPods/mP3s/games throughout the school day, unless specifically approved by the teacher and/or administration for use in an educational endeavor. School personnel may place a student’s electronic device in a safe place at any time if the student fails to follow guidelines and it becomes disruptive to the learning environment. It may be held in the office until a parent comes to school to retrieve it. Some students have Kindles, iPads, or similar devices used for reading literature. With parent and teacher permission, at the discretion of the building administrator, a student may bring his/her personal e-reader device for use during independent reading time (or other educational use as approved by the teacher and administration). The district is not responsible for theft or damage to the device if the student chooses to bring it to school and use in the classroom. It is to be used only by the student to whom it belongs. **The school district is not responsible for the loss/damage to any personal item the student brings on the bus or to school.**

RESPONSE TO CONDUCT To ensure an orderly atmosphere conducive to learning, each classroom and common area has a set of rules and procedures to follow. In addition, students are taught the following “Because Brecknock Cares” student expectations. At Brecknock Elementary School, we will strive to be respectful, responsible, and safe.

Be Respectful

We are good school citizens.

We show honesty and respect in words and actions.

We treat others with respect at all times.

We work out differences in a peaceful manner.

We take care of school property and the property of others.

We are friendly and kind.

We will not bully others.

We will help students who are bullied.

We will include students who are left out.

If we know somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

Be Responsible

We come to school prepared to learn.

We actively participate in the learning process.

We complete quality assignments.

We work to the best of our abilities.

We practice good listening skills.

We follow the rules and are fair participants.

Be Safe

We practice self-control.

We make responsible decisions.

We keep hands and feet to ourselves.

We use equipment and materials safely and properly.

We keep safety in mind at all times.

Each day, strive to be the best you can be! The ELANCO school district utilizes the Olweus Bullying Prevention program.

Brecknock Bucks: Students have the opportunity to earn a Brecknock Buck by exhibiting positive school behavior. These

tickets are placed in a special box and used in a monthly drawing for special prizes and privileges. All tickets are earned during the school year are eligible for the grand prize drawing at the end of the school year.

BLUE PASS/RED PASS SYSTEM: Students at every developmental level make mistakes during the school day.

Therefore, at Brecknock Elementary School, we believe a system needs to be in place that addresses those mistakes appropriately and with the proper level of intervention. We call this system blue pass/red pass. This system will only be implemented in grades 4, 5 and 6.

If a student receives a blue pass, this means… The student has done something inappropriate in the classroom setting but just time to collect themselves before rejoining the class. The student goes to the “cool down zone”, signs in, sits down quietly and speaks to no one, sits for 10 minutes, and then rejoins the class with a fresh start. The incident is logged as a cool down, but an administrator does not see the student. If a student comes to the office on a red pass, this means… The student has behaved disrespectfully or has done something deemed as unsafe. If the student is chronically disruptive to the learning environment and blue passes and/or teacher warnings have been exhausted, the teacher may issue a red pass. With a red pass, a student cannot return to class without being seen by an administrator. When a red pass is issued there is typically some form of a natural, logical consequence for the student. In order for students to take full responsibility for their behavior choices, they are expected to call a parent from the principal’s office to communicate the incident. Depending on the incident, the student may not return to the class he/she was red passed out of. We believe strongly in the effectiveness of this system to not only address student mistakes as they occur but also to help teach students how not to make the same mistakes again.

SCHEDULES

Our daily schedule is as follows. It is subject to adjustments as needed. Parents and students will be informed of any changes.

8:45 AM Buses arrive - Doors open for Kindergarten through Gr.6 9:00 AM Classes Begin 11:45 AM Dismissal for AM Kindergarten classes

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6

Recess 11:30-11:50

Recess 11:35-12:00

Lunch 12:15-12:35

Lunch 12:25-12:45

Lunch 11:35-11:55

Lunch 12:40-1:00

Lunch 11:50-12:15

Lunch 12:00-12:20

Recess 12:35-1:00

Recess 12:45-1:10

Recess 11:55-12:20

Recess 1:00-1:25

AS – Ramsey/Shoemaker AS – Reed ES LSS

Recess 12:25-12:45

Lunch 12:15-12:40

Lunch 11:30-11:55

Lunch 12:25-12:50

Lunch 12:45-1:10

Recess 12:40-1:00

Recess 11:55-12:15

Recess 12:50-1:10

12:45 PM PM Kindergarten begins 3:30 PM Dismissal for all students

Modified Kindergarten Schedule There will be two-way transportation provided to students on these days only. Either AM or PM will be in session on these days, not both. All kindergarten parents received this information over the summer months. There is no ELK on early dismissal days.

September 20, 2017 AM Session 9:00 AM-12:30 PM

October 6, 2017 PM Session 9:00 AM-12:30 PM

December 13, 2017 AM Session 9:00 AM-12:30 PM

January 19, 2018 PM Session 9:00 AM-12:30 PM

February 15, 2018 AM Session 9:00 AM-12:30 PM

May 25, 2018 PM Session 9:00 AM-12:30 PM

*June 5, 2018 AM Session 9:00 AM-12:30 PM

*June 6, 2018 PM Session 9:00 AM-12:30 PM

*Tentative early dismissal days at the end of the year, dependent on the amount of snow days needed and the official last day of school

2-Hour Delays: Whenever there is a 2-hour delay of school, Kindergarten classes will be held according to the “Modified Schedule.” The announcement on the radio and TV will include this statement, “Kindergarten will be operating on a modified schedule.”

AM Class: 11:00-12:45 PM Class: 1:45-3:30

3-Hour Delays: If the district ever utilizes a 3-Hour Delay Option – Kindergarten would be cancelled for the school day.

TITLE I PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Title 1 services for math and reading are available to students who qualify based on district universal screening measures. Parents of students who qualify for these services will be notified and kept informed about student progress and involved in the process throughout the year. For further information about any of the Title I or district support programs, contact Karen Senior, Greg Frederick, or Kimberly Andersen at (717) 445-8600.

The contents within this handbook are meant to serve as additional information relating to the policies and

procedures located within the Eastern Lancaster County School District Calendar Handbook. It is important for all parents/guardians to read and understand this information.

Thank you for your continued support!