An EL Education School Family Handbook

2017-2018

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

I would like to welcome you to Meadow Glen Elementary, where we consider ourselves a crew and family. It is truly a privilege to serve your child as school principal. Children are the reason we are here and it is our passion to help develop our students to

become collaborative, critical thinkers, creative, effective communicators, and producers of high quality work.

We are partnering with EL Education, formerly known as Expeditionary Learning, to create a learning environment that challenges students to take active roles and ownership in their learning. We look forward to sharing our knowledge throughout the year.

We share this handbook with you to familiarize you with the policies and procedures of Meadow Glen Elementary. We hope it will

serve as a useful resource for you.

Again, welcome and thank you for being a part of our CREW and FAMILY!

Cheryl Fralick, Principal

Administrative Team Cheryl Fralick, Principal

Todd Wade, Assistant Principal Nancy Lind, Assistant Principal

Office Staff

Angie Boatwright, Executive Secretary Michelle Black, Student Records

Jennifer Collins and Tamlyn Ritchie, Front Office Kelly Baker, Special Services

Leigh Manley, Attendance

Meadow Glen Elementary School “Home of the Explorers”

Office Hours 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Faculty and Staff CREW

Main Office 821-0400

MGE Fax 821-0403 Administrators:

Records 821-0404 Cheryl Fralick cfralick@lexington1.net

Attendance 821-0493 Todd Wade twade@lexington1.net

Health Room 821-0409 Nancy Lind nlind@lexington1.net

Cafeteria 821-0425

Media Center 821-0410

Special Services 821-0424

School Counselors: MGE Web Site: http://mges.lexington1.net:8042/

Krisy Mills (3rd & K) 821-0420 Lexington 1 District Office 821-1000

kmills@lexington1.net Lexington 1 General Information 821-1299

Kay Hendrix (4th & 5th) 821-0421 Lexington 1 Bus Transportation 821-1340

khendrix@lexington1.net Lexington 1 Special Areas Transportation 821-1345

Shakedra Mack (1st & 2nd) 821-0469 Lexington 1 Web Site: www.lexington1.net

smack@lexington1.net Lexington 1 Parent Center Web Site:

www.lexington1.net/lexingtonparentcenter

Office Staff

Kindergarten

Grade 4

Related Arts Staff

Kelly Baker, Special Services Huaying (Tracy) Jiang Jami Carter Katherine Agudelo, Spanish Michelle Black, Student Records Victoria Kepple Vera Diener Nahikary Aldecoa, Spanish Angie Boatwright, Executive Secretary Brandy Pinilla Ashley Gladden Debra Bumgarner, Media Specialist Jennifer Collins, Front Office Kathrine Schirra Gloria Olsen Shannon Frye, Art Leigh Manley, Attendance Jamie Sox Michelle Rapp Jeanne McKinney, STEM Coach Tamlyn Ritchie, Front Office Brittany Youngblood Kevin Schultz Russ Rhodes, Music Tingting Shi Moraima Rosario, Media Arts School Counselors Grade 1 Sid Tyner, Music Kay Hendrix (4th & 5th) Caroline Cartin Grade 5 Debra Vernon, Art Shakedra Mack (1st and 2nd) Meghan Cegelis Patrick Burnett Barbara Walters, PE Krisy Mills (3rd and Kindergarten) Taylor Delcher Madison Cothran Bert Williams, PE Sommer Hoffman Casey Davis Health Room Staff Amanda Storch Amanda Flenniken Rebekah Flanagan, Nurse Lu Sun Emilie Ingram Special Areas Staff Sherri Hunt, Health Room Assistant Deni Titcomb Neil Nadkarni Danielle Becker, Speech Brandi Patterson Bryan Bright, Computer Tech Custodial Staff Grade 2 Yongmei Yang Karen Bryant, ED Jimmy Caldwell, Head Custodian Carol Beckwith Tracy Hardee, ESOL John Brian, Assistant Custodian Judy Chettinger Interventionists Jean Cochran, Gifted/Talented Sean Anderson, Housekeeper Ashlee Dailey Jennifer Certain, Lead Sabra Denny, Resource Melissa Byrd, Housekeeper Morgan McNeill Sandy Anfin Dawn Helps, Vision Jeannette Graves, Housekeeper Christye Moseley Rongzhi Li, Mandarin Amy Hooker, Math Coach Mearl Shirey, Housekeeper Blair Robertson Stephanie Lovell Leslie Howard, Gifted/Talented Angela Spearman, Houskeeper Xiaoyan Yuan Sonya Lane, OT Gloria Tillman, Housekeeper Support Staff Erica Mattox, Speech Grade 3 Keela Amacher, 5K-IA Heather Morris, School Psychologist Michelle Faust Jimmy Behling, ED-IA Desiree Rice, Resource Rebecca Goodson Teresa Calcina, 5K-IA Lori Russell, Literacy Coach Kayla Harmon Cindy Cavalear, 5K-IA Laurie Smith, ESOL Ellen Lewis Patti Ellis, 5K-IA Jennifer Stone, Hearing Linlin Lu Tonya Ward, ED-IA Jami Strickland, PT, Speech Melissa Snell Jennifer Weaver, Media IA Corinna Sundstrom Heather Webb, 5K-IA Jeremy Woods Lan Xiao, 5K-IA Mandarin

Meadow Glen Elementary

Our Mission

The mission of Meadow Glen Elementary is to create a high performing school, which effectively motivates everyone to fulfill their highest aspirations, to be self-directed learners, to serve others, and to become active leaders in building a better tomorrow.

Our Vision

As Meadow Glen Explorers, our vision is to see, hear, and experience life from various angles allowing us a limitless future as we explore the world. MGES staff, student body, and families have a strong sense of belonging and they care about making thoughtful and meaningful decisions. Our MGES graduates

are collaborative, critical thinkers, creative, effective communicators and produce high quality work.

Habits of Scholarship

Motivating minds with PERSEVERANCE

Growing leaders with RESPONSIBILITY

Exploring as thinkers with CRAFTMANSHIP

Serving others with RESPECT

Our Mascot: Glen Owl the Explorer

Our Colors: Earthtones

School Day

Our school day begins promptly at 7:40 a.m. Instruction begins at 7:40 a.m.

Please make sure your child arrives at school in time to begin work at 7:40 a.m. We strive to protect your child’s instructional time at school. Therefore, we try to keep classroom interruptions to a minimum. Every minute of instructional time is valuable.

Please try to avoid dismissing your child from school early unless it is absolutely necessary.

Lexington School District One

Preparing a new generation of leaders and global citizens Cultivating Excellence

GROW - LEARN - SHARE THE MISSION: The mission of Lexington County School District One — where caring people, academics, the arts, and athletics connect — is to prepare 21st century graduates while serving as the center for community learning. Therefore, we will provide:

• An array of exceptional learning experiences in a high-performance culture of excellence that sets high expectations for every student.

• Opportunities to develop talents, interests, and skills through choices from a comprehensive system of 21st century learning

experiences in the arts, academics, and athletics.

• Various innovative learning delivery and support systems to personalize learning and to ensure that our students are learning

sophisticated 21st century skills, knowledge, and attitudes.

• Opportunities to practice leadership and citizenship in a global context.

• Access by the community to a range of learning and participatory community experiences throughout life.

• A learning environment and professional culture of caring and support. THE VISION:

The graduates of Lexington County School District One are a new generation of leaders and global citizens who are self-directed, creative, collaborative, caring, and multilingual and who flourish in a global, competitive 21st century. Our graduates are confident in academics, sophisticated in learning, accomplished in 21st century skills, global in orientation, and prepared as leaders and citizens of our democracy. Therefore:

• Our schools serve as the center for community learning.

• Our students are engaged in high quality learning and are provided an exceptional array of 21st century learning experiences.

• Our collaborative and innovative organization for learning develops self-directed, creative, and collaborative graduates.

• Our culture and our academics develop leadership and citizenship skills for the global world and for our democracy.

• All stakeholders accept collective responsibility for the sophisticated learning of our students.

• Each student receives the personal support necessary to reach his or her goals through a caring environment that advocates for

students and works to eliminate barriers to learning.

 

After School Program AlphaBest provides a quality after school program that is conveniently located at school. (803-450-6204). Log on to www.alphabest.org/lexington for more information.

Animals at School For the safety and protection of the children, visitors should not bring family pets on our school grounds, including dismissal time. Approval from the principal must be obtained before an animal is allowed in the building.

Approach to Learning Our approach to learning will be grounded in the EL Education Model. EL’s definition of student success combines academic achievement, character and high quality work. EL believes that academic success is built on strong character qualities of collaboration, perseverance, responsibility and compassion and that character is shaped through engaging and challenging academic work.

Arrival Procedures Our morning arrival and afternoon dismissal procedure goals are to provide a safe and organized environment, provide for student accountability and to conduct arrival and dismissal in an orderly and timely manner. Since many parents choose to drive their children to and from school each day, drivers should expect traffic congestion in the mornings and afternoons.

When students arrive at school, they should report directly to the cafeteria for breakfast or to a designated area.

Students are not to be dropped off before

7:00 a.m. in the front of the school. Supervision does not begin until 7:00 a.m.

Note: Morning Clubs are open from 7:00-7:25 a.m.

Morning Arrival: Options and Procedures

Option 1: Parents may drop off children in the right lane of the main driveway. Staff will be on duty to supervise children as they walk to the building. Drivers should utilize the entire unloading zone curb. The LEFT lane must always be free for moving vehicles. DO NOT drop off your child in the parking lot. Option 2: Parents may drop off children in the right lane at the back of the school. Cars may utilize the bus/daycare driveway between 7:00 am and 7:40 a.m. only. Strict attention must be given to these times so that cars do not interfere with the buses and daycares as they unload students. Cars should move up as far as possible and use the entire unloading zone next to the breezeway. Staff members will be on duty to supervise the children as they walk to the building.

• Always exit from cars along the sidewalk curb. At no time are children to exit from the left side of the vehicle.

• Parents and drivers SHOULD NOT leave their vehicle to assist with unloading students.

• The bus loop doors will be locked at 7:40 a.m. each day. If a staff member is not present on the sidewalk, do not allow your child to unload. Please drive to the main entrance of the school and walk your child into the office after 7:45 a.m.

Option 3: You may park in the parking lot and WALK WITH YOUR CHILD TO THE BUILDING ENTRANCE. An adult must accompany children in the parking lot at all times due to the large volume of traffic. Running is not allowed in the parking lots. In order to enter the building, you must come through the main office with your driver’s license to receive a visitor’s pass. You will not be permitted to enter the building from the back entrance. Option 4: Use the state operated buses. A route schedule is available in the school office. Tardies Students are tardy if they are not in class by 7:45. Parents must escort students in the building to sign them in at the front office. Students will be given a tardy pass to take to their homeroom teacher.

Attendance Students should be present in school each day for optimum learning to take place. Students will be excused from school only for the following reasons: illness, medical or dental appointments, death in the immediate family, recognized religious holidays, participation in approved school events or activities, unusual circumstances approved by the principal. Within three days of an absence, students must bring a written note which explains the reason for the absence and is signed by the parent, guardian, or physician.

Birthday Celebrations Student birthdays are important to us. We will celebrate birthdays at the end of each month during lunch. A treat that meets the guideline of the SC Student Health and Fitness Act of 2005 will be given to the students during their birthday month. Parents may continue to bring a special treat for their own child for their birthday during lunch. However, food treats may not be offered to other students. Bookbags No rolling bookbags for grades K-2

Bullying Bullying behavior disrupts a school’s ability to educate students and threatens public safety. All students have a right to learn in a safe, supportive environment that is free from harassment, intimidation, and bullying. Reports of being or witnessing bullying should be reported to an adult immediately. The Lexington County School District One Board policy prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying of a student by students and third parties that interfere with or disrupt a student’s ability to learn and the school’s responsibility to educate its students in a safe and orderly environment whether in a classroom, on school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, at an official school bus stop, at a school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises or at another program or function where the school is responsible for the student.

Bullying Definition: Bullying is repeatedly and deliberately harming others • by a physical attack or by hurting others’ feelings • through words, actions, social exclusion, or cyber communication

by one person or a group. • Bullying involves an unfair balance of power since typically the bully is physically, verbally and/or socially stronger than the victim.

Bus Transportation The District Coordinator of Transportation arranges all bus transportation. Any questions concerning bus numbers, schedules, bus stops, concerns, etc. should be referred to the district transportation office at 821-1340. If a student wishes to ride home on any bus other than the one he/she normally rides, parents must make the request in writing to the school office for approval. A bus pass will then be issued from the office, provided space is available. A parent/guardian must walk their kindergartner to the bus for pickup. After school, an authorized adult whose name is listed on the bus transportation form filed at the school must meet the school bus at the stop to retrieve the kindergartener. If an authorized adult is not present, the kindergarten student will be returned to the school.

Bus Conduct Students who ride a school bus must observe school bus rules, remain seated and conduct themselves in an orderly manner. A student who breaks any bus rules faces disciplinary action. Depending on the severity of the rule broken, a student may receive points, be suspended from the bus or be expelled from the bus.

Change of Transportation For the safety of our students, transportation changes are only allowed under the following two procedures:

1) Parents must write a note and students must give the note to the teacher.

2) Phone requests for transportation changes will be accepted before 2:00 p.m. Upon calling, please provide the last four digits of your child’s SS#, date of birth and home address.

*Do not email or leave voice mail messages to make transportation changes.*All transportation changes, whether requested in person or by phone, must be made prior to 2:00

p.m.

Change of Family Information parents are asked to keep mailing addresses, ALL phone numbers, email addresses, place of employment, legal custody rights, and emergency contact information up to date and accurate at all times. Please notify the school office immediately in the event of any changes in these important family information issues.

Class Parties Class parties may be held before the Winter Break and end of the year. Participation for these parties is voluntary. It is best if younger siblings do not attend class parties. They may become easily restless or disruptive. Invitations to private parties may not be distributed at school unless the entire class is invited. No homemade food items are allowed due to many of our children having allergies.

Collaboration Planning/Early Release Days Teacher led collaborative planning provides quality time for teachers at school to get together to discuss and solve instructional issues. This shared time significantly improves the quality of instruction that we are able to provide our students which as a result improves students’ academic performance. Five days have been designated as early release days so that teachers may meet and plan together. These days are September 20, December 6, January 24, February 28, and March 21. School will dismiss at 11:40 a.m. on each of these days. A bag lunch will be served to those students whose parents request for their child to have lunch. Regular bus transportation will be provided for early dismissal. Supervision will be provided for those students whose parents cannot pick up at 11:40 a.m. until regular dismissal time, 2:25 p.m.

Communication Effective family-school communication and related family involvement in education contribute to improved student achievement and better learning outcomes. MGES uses a variety of ways to communicate with our families.

1. Conferences Regular conferences and/or conversations

between parents and teachers provide an excellent opportunity to

discuss the many details about the child’s school experiences that cannot be conveyed on the nine weeks progress report. Parents are encouraged to schedule conferences with teachers to share information about their child and to gain a better understanding of how their child is performing at school.

2. Electronic Newsletters Monthly School Newsletters will

be sent home electronically through Peachjar and emails. The School newsletter can also be found on the school website. All teachers maintain a web presence through a CLASS NEWS page linked through their email signature. The CLASS NEWS page will include pertinent class and school information, newsletters, and teacher credentials. Teachers maintain a credentials page, which is also shared through both the CLASS NEWS link and our school website.

3. PowerSchool PowerSchool is a district communication

tool that facilitates communication between home and school. Through PowerSchool parents can access information about attendance and grades. Parents can obtain an activation code when available from the school office. Parents must come to the front office and provide a driver’s license to receive code.

4. Peachjar Peachjar is an innovative way to help school

districts save money, time, and paper by posting school flyers online and deliver them straight to parents' computers and smartphones. School/community activities, Volunteering opportunities, PTO events and district sponsored events are publicized via Peachjar.

5. School Messenger® Lexington School District One

uses School Messenger® which is a telephone messaging system that allows the district and school to notify parents of special announcements, emergencies, student absences and lunch credits.

Counseling Program Through a comprehensive developmental school counseling program, MGE school counselors work collaboratively with the school staff, parents and the community to create and support a safe and caring learning climate. MGE school counselors guide all students in the areas of academic achievement; social/emotional development and career development, ensuring today's children become the productive, well-adjusted leaders of tomorrow. The MGE school counseling curriculum is delivered and systematically presented by school counselors in collaboration with other professional educators in classroom and group activities. Services are also provided through individual student planning, responsive services and system support. The ASCA National Model: A Framework For School Counseling Programs (ASCA, 2002), and the South Carolina Comprehensive Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program Model serve as the foundation for the MGE school counseling program. Our counselors are here to help students one-on-one to solve problems, promote leadership skills, explore feelings, and deal with family changes, friendship and social skills issues, grief and loss, and sudden changes in academics or behavior. Classroom counseling topics developmentally build from year to year and teach feelings exploration and awareness, problem solving and decision making, career exploration, personal safety, friendship skills, and other subjects. Support is available to parents in their efforts to address their child’s development, behavior, or progress in school through conferences, workshops, and our parent lending library. Parents may request materials or make appointments for conferences by contacting the main office at 821-0400. CREW All students and teachers will be a part of CREW. Every classroom will have a crew meeting to build community and positive relationships. Crew meetings provide students with a safe place to explore, share, create, make mistakes, reflect, learn, prepare, and celebrate. Crisis Management Plan Meadow Glen Elementary has a Crisis Management Plan which includes a monthly fire drill, one

earthquake drill, one medical emergency drill, two tornado drills and emergency lockdown drills each year. As part of this plan, entrance doors are locked during the day with the exception of arrival time each morning while staff members are on duty. Tardy students must enter the front door with parents and come to the office to sign in. All parents, volunteers, and visitors are required to sign in and get a visitor’s badge. In the event of a crisis, School Messenger will be used. In the event of a major crisis, district, state, and county officials will be on hand to assist. Emergency drill signals:

1. Lockout (Threat outside) Principal or designee will announce “Lockout! Secure the Perimeter!”

2. Lockdown (Threat Inside) Principal or designee will

announce “Lockdown! Locks, Lights, Out of sight!”

3. Fire (Fire alarm sounds) Principal or designee will announce “Evacuate!”

4. Earthquake Principal or designee will announce “Shelter for Earthquake!”

5. Tornado Principal or designee will announce “Shelter for Tornado!”

6. Medical Emergency Principal or designee will announce “Medical Emergency, secure emergency area!”

Delayed Openings and Emergency School Closing Inclement weather may cause a delayed opening or early school closing. Buses will run their normal routes. On a two hour delay, school begins at 9:40 a.m. No half day programs will be held on one or two hour delays. Breakfast will not be served on delay opening days. Local radio and TV stations will have information regarding specific instructions about such matters. The district has a 24–hour information line that can be accessed at 821-1299.

Designated Way Home Each student must have a designated way home each school day. During class assignment each year, parents are asked to complete a transportation sheet. On this sheet dismissal procedures for each day of the week will be specified.

Discipline Our school must be a place where effective learning can occur. We maintain standards of conduct and discipline because students and staff have a right to a safe and orderly learning environment. Students are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times within the school, on the playground or any school site, while going to and from school or on any school related outing.

Students are expected to monitor their own behavior by making good choices and accepting consequences for poor choices. Disciplinary procedures will be progressive in nature. Specific consequences for infractions may include but are not limited to verbal reminders, verbal reprimands and/or removal from group/reassign seating or line order, participation in formal practice session, conference with parent, or referral to administration.

No weapons (including pocketknives) or look-alike weapons (including toy guns) are allowed at school. Any student who brings a weapon to school faces disciplinary action, which could include suspension and/or expulsion.

Students may not use cell phones at school. They must be turned off and kept in book bags. They will be confiscated property and parents will be notified.

School personnel commit to maintaining close communication with parents regarding disciplinary issues involving their children. Parents are asked to support the school’s efforts to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment by enforcing all disciplinary policies. Staff members and parents will work together to correct any disciplinary problems that may develop.

Corporal punishment will not be administered by anyone at Meadow Glen Elementary School. Dismissal Procedures Afternoon Dismissal Groups:

• Bus Riders: Students ride assigned buses.

• Daycare Riders: Students ride assigned daycare buses/vans.

• Car Riders/Drive-ups: A parent should remain in the car to pick up student from the school’s sidewalk area.

-Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade car riders will dismiss in the front of the school. - Wellesley residents, 4th and 5th grade car riders will dismiss in the back of the school.

Walk-ups: Parents will walk to the designated parent area. Parents must have the school issued vehicle tag and/or driver’s license with them. K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd walkups will be picked up in the front of the school. 4th and 5th walkups and Wellesley walkers will be picked up in back. • Cars must have a school issued

vehicle tag hanging from the rearview mirror or clearly displayed in windshield. Two car tags are issued per student at the beginning of the year. Additional tags can be purchased, in the main office, for $.50 each by the student’s parent only.

• A staff member will call the student’s name and direct him/her to a specific numbered waiting area. Staff members will assist the child in the car.

• Cars should be put in park while staff and students are in loading zone and drivers must remain in cars.

• Traffic will be directed to move when loading zone is safe, and all students are secure in cars.

• Traffic will proceed at a slow pace. • Please do not use cell phones while dropping off or

picking up.

Early Dismissal Please avoid early dismissals except in emergencies since students who leave early miss valuable information and teachers may not be able to stop their instruction to prepare missed assignments or homework. However, if a parent must pick up his child during the school day, he must come to the office in order to properly sign the child out of school.

No early dismissals will be made after 2:00 p.m. Early dismissals on early release days must take place before

11:00 a.m.

Dismissal Change of Transportation For the safety of our students, dismissal changes are only allowed under the following two procedures:

1) Parents must write a note and students must give the note to the teacher. 2) Phone requests for transportation changes will be accepted only if the person calling can provide the last four digits of the child’s social security number.

*Do not email or leave voice mail messages to make transportation changes.

All transportation changes whether requested in person or by phone must be made prior to 2:00 p.m.

Dress We at Meadow Glen Elementary School recognize the importance of having high standards in dress and personal grooming. Students are expected to dress neatly and in a manner which is not considered contrary to good hygiene, or which is distracting in appearance. Shorts and skirts should be at an appropriate length and fit properly. Camisole-like tank tops, midriff tops or see through mesh shirts are not allowed. Shoes and appropriate undergarments must be worn at all times. Students are discouraged from wearing flip flops to school as they are inappropriate for recess and P.E. To play on playground equipment at recess, students must wear laced or Velcro shoes with backs. Laced tennis shoes are best for all occasions. Slip on shoes (Toms, Bobs, etc.) may not be worn on the playground equipment. Many injuries occur when flip-flops or high heel shoes are worn. Students may not wear tennis shoes with wheels. Garments advertising alcohol, tobacco products or obscenities are not permitted. Hats should not be worn inside the building. In the event that a child dresses in a manner that disrupts the educational process, the parent will be called to bring the child a change of clothes. Parents are asked to help us avoid such a situation by closely monitoring the dress of their child before coming to school.

Food Service Program What is a meal?

• Lunch (5 items) – meat/meat alternate, vegetable, fruit, grain/bread, milk

• Breakfast (4 items) – meat/meat alternate, fruit, bread/grain, milk

• USDA policy requires a student to have 3 of the 5 meal items at lunch and 3 of the 4 meal items at breakfast. For lunch and breakfast, one of the 3 items must be a fruit or vegetable. Otherwise, the student will be charged the individual price of each.

Breakfast is served between 7:00 to 7:30 a.m. A daily breakfast meal is made up of four food items: meat/meat alternative and/ or bread/bread alternative, fruit or vegetable, and one serving of milk. At least two of the food items must be chosen.

No variations from the school menu will be allowed unless a written prescription from a doctor is provided to the food service manager. Menus will be available each month on the school’s web page. Sometimes failed shipments or other emergencies may necessitate changes in daily menus. Whenever possible, the school will notify parents and students of such changes in advance. If a parent brings a forgotten lunch box to school, it should be brought to the office with the child’s name and teacher’s name taped to the lunchbox.

The SC Student Health and Fitness Act of 2005 prohibits foods of minimal nutritional value and certain carbonated beverages from being sold or given away on school premises by the school, school and non-school organizations, teachers, parents, or any other person or group during the school day. Parents may bring an outside lunch to their own child. A parent may not offer a lunch to a student that is not their child.

New Central Service Policy

• Students may charge no more than $10.00 in meals.

• Students with negative balances can’t purchase special sale items.

• If students have negative $10.00 balances, they are served an alternate meal of cheese sandwich, vegetable and drink

until the balances are paid. This meal is also on the regular meal line as well.

• If students on free meal status have negative $10.00 balances, they will receive regular meals.

Students pay $1.35 per breakfast and $2.85 per lunch and

$0.50 for milk. Adults pay $2.35 per breakfast and $3.85 per lunch.

MasterCard and Visa are accepted!

For more information or to apply for Free & Reduced Meals please visit the website at https://goo.gl/ilowb6 or call Lexington County School District One/Office of Food Service and Nutrition at 803-821-1186.

Forgotten Items Forgotten assignments, books, or other items should be brought to the main office. Parents will not be allowed to deliver the items to the classroom. Lunch boxes brought to the office should have the student’s name and the teacher’s name taped to the box. They should be brought to school before 9:45 a.m. so they can be taken to the classroom or cafeteria.

Health Services Our school is fortunate to have Mrs. Rebekah Flanagan, a full time registered nurse, and Mrs. Sheri Hunt, health room assistant, to coordinate our health program. They assess illnesses and accidents at school in

addition to screening for vision and hearing. They act as a liaison between school personnel and community organizations. The health room phone number is 821-0409. Students should be kept at home if any of the following occur:

• any contagious disease • sore throat and/or swollen glands with fever • undiagnosed red eyes or drainage from eyes • earaches with fever • undiagnosed rash or skin eruptions • head lice or scabies • fever over 100 degrees within the past 24 hours • vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

If a child becomes ill at school or if an injury occurs that needs medical attention by a physician, a parent will be contacted and will be responsible for taking the child home and/or seeking medical attention. If, in the best judgment of the school nurse, an ambulance is needed to quickly transport a child to a hospital, appropriate emergency medical personnel will be authorized and called by the school administration. This special assistance will be the financial responsibility of the parent.

Emergency contact numbers must be kept current at all times. Notify the school nurse immediately if your child is diagnosed with problems such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart or kidney problems, head lice, etc.

Homemade Food Items Homemade treats or baked goods are no longer allowed at school parties. All snacks must be store-bought and have an ingredient label for allergen verification. This will help prevent foodborne illnesses and safeguard our students that have life-threatening allergies.

Parents may still provide a homemade or home-baked food item for their child’s snack or lunch.

Homebound Services Homebound instruction is available for students that cannot attend school for more than a two-week period due to an accident or serious illness. Parents can obtain a Homebound form from Lexington One Central Services.

Homeroom Parents These parents represent the link between the classroom teacher, other class parents, and the PTO. They coordinate activities with the teacher, recruit parents to participate, and oversee the two class parties. During the orientation at the beginning of the year, specific guidelines are explained to these volunteering parents.

Homework Policies Homework extends time for learning and can help students develop study skills and habits as well as keep families informed about their child’s learning. Homework usually falls into one of three categories: practice, preparation, extension. Research indicates children who spend more time on homework, on average, do better in school, and that the academic benefits increase as children move through the grades. Our teachers assign homework using these guidelines:

• Kindergarten no more than 10-15 minutes per night

• First Grade no more than 15-25 minutes per night

• Second Grade no more than 25-35 minutes per night

• Third Grade no more than 35-45 minutes per night

• Fourth and Fifth grade no more than 45-60 minutes per night

If your child is absent and needs homework, please contact your child’s teacher and let them know you would like work provided for days missed.

Instructional Organization Gifted and Talented Program Lexington One serves all

qualified academically gifted and talented students in the E.A.G.L.E. program “Educational Activities Geared for Learning Excellence” beginning in grade three. Identified gifted and talented students spend a specific amount of time with an EAGLE teacher for instruction with an accelerated and enriched curriculum. EAGLE students are responsible for the concepts covered while they are gone. They are not expected to complete all class work missed. If needed, they may complete a reduced amount of the work to support their understanding of the concepts covered that day.

Kindergarten/Preschool The four-year-old kindergarten program serves four-year-olds that are in need of early intervention. The students come to school every day for two hours

and forty minutes. Children must be four on or before September 1 to be eligible and must be screened as part of the eligibility criteria. The four-year-old class is housed at Oak Grove Elementary School.

Full day five-year-old kindergarten serves children who turn five on or before September 1. State kindergarten objectives are taught through active learning experiences involving all subject areas. Special activities in the computer lab, media center, as well as art, music, and P.E. classes are provided to enhance the instructional day for these students.

Kindergarten through fifth grade students have the opportunity for instruction in art, music, and physical education/wellness as well as technology.

Mandarin Immersion We are excited to be able to offer a partial Mandarin Immersion Program in all grade levels this school year. Students learn a foreign language as they receive instruction in mathematics and science. They spend half of the school day in classes conducted in the foreign language and the other half of the school day in classes conducted in English. The program will help students develop multicultural awareness and a more global perspective. For more information you may visit Lexington District One’s website.

Special Education Special Education teachers provide instruction for students that qualify for and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). As well as academic instruction, these students may qualify for speech services, visual and hearing assistance, occupational and physical therapy.

State Standards The South Carolina Education Oversight Committee provides a guide for parents and families about what your student should be learning. Below is the website that you may visit to see these curriculum standards by grade level. www.ed.sc.gov/instruction/standards-learning/. You may view other valuable information by visiting the EOC Website www.eoc.sc.gov

Technology There are specific guidelines for what is and is not permissible with technology. Students will be asked to sign and return an “Acceptable Internet Use Agreement” at the beginning of the school year.

World Language Students in grades 3 – 5 will have Spanish instruction weekly as part of their core curriculum.

School-wide activities will be planned to emphasize Spanish customs to help enhance student appreciation and understanding of cultures in other parts of the world. Third grade Mandarin Immersion students will not participate in Spanish. They will participate in additional Mandarin enrichment/culture classes while other 3rd graders attend Spanish class.

Invitations If you plan to give invitations to birthday parties , you must include the whole class. We cannot pass out individual party invitations.

Lost and Found Lost and found articles such as coats, lunch boxes and book bags are stored in the Lost and Found area. Smaller items are kept in the office. Unclaimed items are donated to a charity at the end of each semester. Students’ name should be on all personal items. Make-up Work Students will be given an opportunity to make up work during the first week following the return to school after an absence. Students are responsible for finding out what assignments need to be made up and completing them in a timely manner. For students who will be missing more than two or three days due to illness and special circumstances, teachers will be glad to assemble make-up work to be completed at home. Parents should contact the teacher(s) to make arrangements to receive missed work.

Medication Guidelines Prescription medicine should be given to the school nurse in a properly named and labeled container from the pharmacy. Parents should provide a written request to the nurse explaining the exact time medication should be given at school. Over-the-counter medications may be given to a student by the nurse only if the medication is supplied from home and if requests are submitted in writing by the parent. All prescription and over-the counter medications must be kept in the health room and administered by the nurse. Parents must transport all medication to and from the school. Children may not transport medication under any circumstances.

Parent and Teacher Organization (PTO) This association of parents and staff members is designed to support the programs of the school. General meetings for all parents will be held a minimum of once per nine weeks. Meetings will promote pertinent

information and family fun opportunities. Fundraising efforts will support the needs of the school. PTO family membership is $5.00 annually. Meadowglenpto@gmail.com

Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence Teachers will involve students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and observing a moment of silence each day. This is required by South Carolina law.

Release of Student Information Teachers are not permitted to share class rolls, students’ addresses and/or phone numbers without parent permission.

School Day Our school day and instruction begins promptly at 7:40 a.m. We strive to protect your child’s instructional time at school. Therefore, we try to keep classroom interruptions to a minimum. Every minute of instructional time is valuable. Please try to avoid dismissing your child from school early unless it is absolutely necessary.

School Safety Our school safety measures are extensive. We work diligently throughout the year to ensure our school’s emergency plan is current and that all staff members are prepared for all types of contingencies. Emergency drills for fire evacuation, tornado, earthquake, and intruder/lock-down situations are conducted on a regular basis. For the safety of our students, all visiting adults must enter the building using the main entrance doors and provide a driver’s license which will be scanned in the front office. A picture visitor’s label will be issued and must be visibly worn at all times during the visit. Following a visit, parents and visitors must return to the main office to sign out and exit the building using the main entrance doors. Our school participates in a safety audit annually.

School Improvement Council (SIC) Elected and appointed parent representatives will join staff members to monitor the operation of the school. Information regarding the school’s attainment of its goals will be studied and suggestions for improvement made. This group of representatives will also offer guidance as to how to spend certain funding made available during the year.

Service Learning Students will have opportunities to participate in service activities which support the betterment of our school, community, country and world.

Smoke-Free Campus Meadow Glen Elementary School, like all schools in Lexington School District One, is a smoke-free campus. Parents, Visitors, and staff members are not permitted to smoke on this campus.

Snacks Students may bring healthy snacks and water to enjoy during designated times in the classroom during the school day. Clear water bottles are preferred.

Student Leadership Council (SLC) Throughout the year, students will serve on the SLC to assist with special projects, activities/ events, discussions and sharing student ideas from their classrooms. Teachers will select student to represent their class throughout the year.

Student Recognition Meadow Glen Elementary believes in recognizing students for outstanding academic and

behavioral performance. In fourth and fifth grades, students are recognized for achieving all B’s and higher. Students who demonstrate good citizenship and/or exemplary behavior will be recognized throughout the year.

Perfect and Excellent Attendance will also be recognized. Perfect Attendance means no absences and no tardies. Excellent Attendance means no absences and no more than 3 tardies.

Tardy Students: Students arriving after the 7:45 a.m. bell are tardy. Parents must escort students in the building to sign them in at the front office. Students will be given a tardy pass to take to their homeroom teacher.

Technology Due to the integration of technology in the educational process and the curriculum, student use of technology is not optional. However, access to technology is a privilege and with this privilege comes a responsibility to use this access solely for educational purposes and not for inappropriate purposes.

Textbooks Books are provided by the State Department of Education and are issued to students at no cost. Students are responsible for the books and must pay for lost books and fines for damaged books.

Visitors Parents and visitors are welcome to visit during the school day. We believe there is no better way for you to learn about our school than by volunteering and attending your child’s school activities and events. For the safety of our students, all visiting adults must enter the building, using the main entrance doors and provide a picture ID which will be scanned in the front office. A picture visitor’s label will be issued and must be visibly worn at all times during the visit. Following a visit, parents and visitors must return to the main office to sign out and exit the building using the main entrance doors.

Parents are always welcome to observe in the classrooms. However, we require that you call the teacher or administrator ahead of time to schedule a time for observation. We value our instructional minutes and need to keep interruptions at a minimum. When observing in the classroom, parents should not bring small children who may easily become restless or disruptive.

If you need to speak with a teacher, please schedule a time for a conference. Teachers cannot hold conferences while students are coming in the room during arrival time.

Parents wishing to eat lunch with their student should wait in the commons area, or outside the cafeteria, to meet their child’s class as they walk to lunch. Parents may only bring food for and eat with their child and sit in parent designated areas.

We ask that parents not visit classrooms or eat lunch with students during the first two weeks of school so that students may learn and practice procedures without interruptions.

Visitors may not accompany classes to the playground.

Visitors must not be in the bus loop area during afternoon dismissal. If a visitor is picking a student up from school, they must follow the dismissal procedures.

Volunteering Parents are encouraged to serve as volunteers by tutoring, reading, assisting in the health room, media center, mentoring students or with clerical tasks. One of the best ways to observe what is going on in our school is to volunteer and become an active participant in the students’ learning process. Lexington School District One has a procedure in place for screening volunteers. We ask that you leave small children at home while volunteering. Volunteer sign-up sheets will be available on Class Assignment Day and at the beginning of the school year.

Weather (Recess Guidelines) Periodically, based on extreme temperatures, recess may be held indoors. The following is our practice for outdoor activities during extremely hot or cold weather:

• When the temperature rises to the upper 90s with high humidity and the heat index is at 100 and above, we have limited outdoor activities which include recess.

• When the temperature drops to 32 or below or with a wind chill temperature of 32 and below, we have limited outdoor activities which include recess.

Weather (Extreme/School closings) Parents/guardians and employees can get information about school delays and closings by waiting for the district’s SchoolMessenger calling system to call, calling the district’s 24-hour pre-recorded telephone message center at 803-821-1299, going to our district’s website at http://www.lexington1.net for updated information, listening to local radio stations or watching local television stations. Please DO NOT call our schools, the District Office or the media — we need to keep all telephone lines open to deal with any weather-related emergencies. Should the weather worsen unexpectedly while students are at school, the district will keep students and school buses at school until the crisis passes. (Schools are one of the safest places that children can be during most natural disasters. In fact, all of our schools serve as emergency shelters.) During weather-related crises, schools will release students only to parents/guardians or other individuals listed on the students’ emergency information cards.