Dear Students:

The faculty and staff join me in welcoming you to Haine Elementary School. Haine School is committed to helping each child be as successful as possible in an environment that enables each student to achieve to his or her potential. We are certain that you will take pride in Haine and help keep it a friendly place to learn and make friends.

Please take time to read this handbook as it will tell you the school rules and other information you need to know. Keep this booklet in a location where you may refer to it throughout the course of the school year. We realize that this booklet cannot provide answers to all questions, so please feel free to have your parents call should you have questions or need information.

Please note the following page needs to be completed by your parent/guardian then returned to your homeroom teacher the first week of school.

Best wishes for a great school year!

Sincerely,Mrs. Kyra BobakPrincipal

Ms. Michelle EllisAssistant Principal

Student Handbook Review

My signature below indicates I have received and reviewed the student handbook, reviewed the Medication Policy Statement, am aware of the Student Accident Insurance, and consent to Emergency Medical Transportation and Testing.

Student Name Room

_____________________________________________________________Signature of Parent or Guardian Date

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Faculty and Staff 5

Student Rights and Responsibilities 7

Arrival and Dismissal 8

Assemblies 9

Attendance 9

Building Security 10

Bus Behavior 11

Cafeteria 12

Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices 14

Classroom Citizenship 15

Dress Code 15

Educational Trips and Tours 15

Emergency School Closing Information/Delays/Early Dismissals 15

Fire Drills 16

Harassment 17

Health Services 17

Homebound Instruction 19

Lost and Found 19

No Child Left Behind 19

Non-Discrimination Policy 20

Parties 21

Pets 21

Photographing or Interviewing of Student 21

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Recess 22

Report Cards 22

Six-Day Rotating Schedule 23

Special Classes 23

Support Services 25

Telephone 26

Youth Ed. Support Services (Y.E.S.S.) 26

Administrative Office Staff 27

School Calendar for 2009-2010 28

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HAINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLFACULTY AND STAFF – 2009-2010

Mrs. Kyra Bobak PrincipalMs. Michelle Ellis Assistant PrincipalMrs. Amy Cain SecretaryMrs. Joanne Geubtner Secretary

GRADE AND ROOM NO.

Mrs. Nancy Speicher Kindergarten - Room 2 AM/PMMrs. Sarah Boyles Kindergarten - Room 4 AM/PMMrs. Melissa Evanson Kindergarten - Room 6 AM/PMMiss Shelly Hess Kindergarten – Room 8 PM OnlyMrs. Maxyne Cadman Grade One - Room 5Mrs. Cathy Ferraro Grade One - Room 7Mrs. Tammy McKenry Grade One - Room 9Miss Karalee McClain Grade One - Room10Miss Carol Carion Grade One - Room11Mrs. Megan Anderson Grade One - Room12Mrs. Polly Shaw Grade One - Room14Mrs. Rachael Zoelle Grade One - Room16Mrs. Terri Keller Grade Two - Room 19Mrs. Aimee Kaczmarek Grade Two - Room 20Mrs. Sharon McSwaney Grade Two - Room 21Mrs. Martha Nelson Grade Two - Room 22Mrs. Kelly Cahall Grade Two - Room 23Mrs. Nancy Lintelman Grade Two - Room 24Mrs. Robin Clay Grade Two - Room 25Mrs. Melissa Cornibe Grade Three - Room 18Mrs. Carrie Vaccaro Grade Three - Room 26Miss Suzi Sloan Grade Three - Room 27Mrs. Julie Blackburn Grade Three - Room 28Mrs. Susie Landry Grade Three - Room 31Mrs. Becky Cress Grade Three - Room 32Mrs. Carolyn Abbott Grade Three - Room 33Mrs. Denise Harlan Grade Three - Room 34Mrs. Meghan Costanza Grade Four - Room 105Mrs. Brenda Brown Grade Four - Room 106Ms. Amy Bresch Grade Four - Room 107Mrs. Shay Houser Grade Four - Room 108Mrs. Mary Ellen Williams Grade Four - Room 110Mr. Timothy Cammisa Grade Four - Room 111Mrs. Tara Kohowski Grade Four - Room 112Mrs. Tara Peterson Learning Support -Rm. 15Mrs. Christina Kelly Learning Support –Rm.13Mrs. Julie Fabritius Learning Support –Rm.29

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Miss Katie Cramer Learning Support –Rm.30Miss Ashley Moll Learning Support – Rm. 113Mr. Eric Slifkin Life Skills - Room 3Mrs. Virginia Nock ARTMiss Erin Piles ART – Room 17Mrs. Noele Reynolds ART Mrs. Deb Stunkard AUTISTIC SUPPORTMr. R. Scott Brown TECHNOLOGYMrs. Kelly Inman GUIDANCE COUNSELORMrs. Rae Anne Bosnyak E.S.A.P.Mr. Michael Conlon LIBRARIANMrs. Jacqueline Larson LIBRARIANMrs. Kelly Levere MUSIC - INSTRUMENTALMrs. Marchelle Agostinelli MUSIC – VOCALMrs. Wendy Carson MUSIC – VOCALMrs. Louse Ewing MUSIC - VOCALMrs. Diane Householder NURSEMrs. Joyce Mastalski NURSEMrs. Lori Rehm PHYSICAL EDUCATIONMrs. Christine Cooper PHYSICAL EDUCATIONMiss. MaryAnn Graziano PHYSICAL EDUCATIONMrs. Tita Gibson PURPOSEMr. Rick Eagle SCHOOL ATTENDANCE OFFICERMiss Pamela Todd SPEECHMrs. Mary Jane Schneider TITLE I Mrs. Amy Book TITLE IMrs. Sue Greco Building ParaprofessionalMrs. Teresa Greno Building ParaprofessionalMrs. Lynn Henderson Building ParaprofessionalMrs. Jannie Nedley Building ParaprofessionalMrs. Terry Serman Building ParaprofessionalMrs. Lisa Fornadel Technology ParaprofessionalMrs. Maureen MacMurdo Nurse ParaprofessionalMrs. Kathy Doerfler Special Ed. ParaprofessionalMrs. Susan McClure Special Ed. ParaprofessionalMrs. Sue McCoy Special Ed. ParaprofessionalMrs. Sandy Turner Special Ed. ParaprofessionalMrs. Kandy Zajaczkowski Special Ed. ParaprofessionalMrs. Joyce Hoffman Library ParaprofessionalMr. Troy Watson MaintenanceMr. Jeff Jinar / Mr. Ed Simmons Custodian

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STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Student responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Most of all, students share with the administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.

2) No student has the right to interfere with the education of his fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators and all others who are involved in the educational process.

3) Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner so as not to offend or slander others.

4) It is the responsibility of the students to:

a) Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves in accord with them.

b) Be willing to volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.

c) Dress and groom themselves so as to meet fair standards of safety and health, and so as not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.

d) Assume that until a rule is waived, altered or repealed it is in full effect.e) Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein.f) Be aware of and comply with state and local laws.g) Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment.h) Attend school daily, except when excused, and be on time at all classes and other

school functions.i) Make all necessary arrangements for making up work when absent from school.j) Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by

state and local school authorities.k) Avoid inaccuracies in student newspapers or publications and indecent or obscene

language.l) Reflect in their dress, appearance, and cleanliness, a manner generally accepted

by society and show a sensitivity to and respect for others.

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Seneca Valley School DistrictElementary / Middle School

Handbook

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

NO STUDENT SHOULD ARRIVE AT HAINE SCHOOL

EARLIER THAN 8:15 A.M.

School Hours are:

8:00 - 8:35 A.M. Breakfast

8:40 A.M. Classes begin (Tardy bell rings) 11:17 A.M. Kindergarten dismissal 12:30 P.M. Afternoon Kindergarten begins

3:15 P.M. Dismissal

It is very important to the staff at Haine that we provide a safe arrival and dismissal for our children. Parents/guardians must report to the main office at all times to pick up their children. Parents/guardians will be asked for photo identification and to sign the student dismissal form. End of the day dismissal will begin immediately after the afternoon announcements. Special pick-ups and walkers will be released following the afternoon announcements beginning at 3:15 p.m. Bus dismissal will begin at 3:20 p.m.

Regulations Governing Early Dismissal of Pupils:

1. A parent desiring an early dismissal of a child must send with the child on the day he/she is to be excused, a request note which includes the date, the time the pupilis to be excused, the reason for the early dismissal, the means of., transportationie being picked up at school or is to walk home (if he/she is normally a walker).These notes are to be given to the homeroom teacher who in turn sends them to

the office for recording. Early dismissal must be before 3:00 p.m. Students cannot be called between 3:00-3:15 for an early dismissal.

2. Students to be excused early must be called for at the office with the exception of those requested to walk as noted in regulation (1). No student will be dismissedunsupervised to get into a car in the parking lot under any circumstances.Students will be dismissed from the classroom when the parent arrives at the office.

This rule is for the safety and security of every student.

3. In case of emergency when a child is already in school and a written request is not possible, the parent must phone the school office (724 -776-1581) giving the information as noted in regulation (1). The call may be verified on the basis of information given on the student registration card. A student wishing to go home at the close of school other than his regular way must bring a request note from home stating this.

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These requests are to be given to the homeroom teacher who in turn will send them to the office for recording. Also, if a student wishes to go home with another student, the office will need notes from both students. This will assure the school thatboth families are aware of the situation. Parents bringing children to school between 8:15 and 8:40 a.m. should drop them off by the steps leading up to the building. If children are being picked up between 3:10 and 3:45 p.m., parents should park in the parking lot then come to the office to sign their child out.

ANTI-BULLY PROGRAM

All teachers will conduct Olweus classroom meetings each week. Each staff member shall be responsible to maintain an educational environment free of bullying and cyber-bullying. Employees must be observant of bullying, take immediate, appropriate action to intervene upon observing bullying and report the bullying to the school principal or other appropriate supervisor.

ASSEMBLIES

Several assemblies will be scheduled throughout the school year. During assemblies, guests are invited to the school; therefore, you should display your best behavior. Be seated quickly and when a person approaches the front center of the cafeteria to introduce the guest, be quiet immediately.

ATTENDANCE

In order for you to learn the expected skills, regular school attendance is required. A child cannot learn these skills when frequent absences occur. Children need to have a positive attitude toward learning and attending school regularly.

If a student is absent or tardy, the morning following this absence, he/she should have a written statement from his/her parents or legal guardian stating the exact reason for absence. A separate excuse must be turned in after each absence/tardy. Five (5) forms for this purpose will be given to each student. “Illness” is not an exact reason; please be more specific. The only reasons for an approved absence from school according to state law are:

Religious holiday

Health care

Sudden illness or other emergency situation

Education trips with prior approval

Death in immediate family

All excuses must be returned within 5 days of your child’s return from an absence or it will be automatically made unexcused. Any time your child has a medical appointment, a doctor’s excuse should be turned in. If your child misses 5 days in a row, a medical excuse is required. Excuses will only be counted as medical if the child is seen by the doctor.

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Any student who reports to school after 8:40 a.m. will be considered tardy. If the student arrives after 11:45 a.m. they will be marked absent ½ day.

Students who are absent/tardy 10% of school days in session will receive a letter of concern from the Attendance Officer. If a child reaches 20% of school days in session, he/she will be required to submit a doctor’s excuse of each absence thereafter or the absence will be made unexcused.

Being absent from school does not excuse a student from any work or assignments, which were assigned during his/her absence. It is the student’s responsibility to see each teacher to request make-up work. On the fifth day of absence, the nurse or someone from the staff will contact the student’s home.

If a student is absent on the day of a school-sponsored activity, he/she will not be permitted to participate in the activity during school time or in the evening, for example: band concerts, choral concerts, etc. Also, missing the bus or being suspended from the bus for misconduct is not a legal reason to be absent from school according to state law.

AUTOMATED ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Please be aware that your child’s school uses an automated attendance system. It will notify your parents that you are absent from school at the telephone number they predetermined. If this number is changed, your parents must notify the school office. Due to the system’s inability to randomly update information, if you are tardy, your parents will undoubtedly receive an absence call. Please be assured the office will update the information for official attendance purposes. In addition, the response time for calling parents will vary depending on the total number of district students absent. If your parents feel you are present at school and were not tardy, they should call the school immediately!

BUILDING SECURITY

As part of our commitment to the safety and security of the students at Haine Elementary and Middle School, the following is the protocol for our current security system at the main entrance to each building and also an explanation of our new check- out procedures for students. Upon entering the building after 9 a.m., students, parents and visitors will need to “press” the intercom button located at each entrance. Visitors will have to identify themselves through an intercom and video system.  In order to expedite student pick-up, the school doors will open again at 3:00 p.m. If you are choosing to pick-up your student at the end of the day, you will be greeted by a staff member who will assist you in the sign-out procedures. You will be asked to present photo identification. Unless you have a documented early dismissal excuse, your student will not be released to you until 3:10 p.m. for special pick-up.

If you have both a HES and a HMS student, enter the HMS first to sign out for your child to be called at 3:10pm. While you are waiting, proceed to the HES entrance to sign out your HES child. Make sure your HMS child knows to meet you in the HES lobby for dismissal that day.

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It is VERY IMPORTANT that all persons entering our building throughout the day to Stop at the office. WHY? The first reason is safety. Every staff member does not know everyparent of our hundreds of students. A stranger could easily enter the building and walk confidently down the hallway, possibly with the intent of harming a child. Wecannot determine by sight who that person might be. Therefore, ANYONE with legitimate business in the building must sign in and obtain a pass. (SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY)

The second reason is to prevent disruption. During the time that children are in a classroom, even at the beginning and end of the day, the teacher’s time belongs to the students. If you need to talk to a teacher, please stop in the office and ask one of the secretaries to contact the teacher or have a note placed in his/her mailbox with your name and phone number so proper arrangements can be made. If you are using a teacher’s time without prior arrangement, you are taking time from the students.

For these reasons, procedures have been set up for sales-persons, consultants, construction personnel, parents who need conferences, parents who are picking up students, PTO members, volunteers, and all others who enter the building. All of these procedures begin when VISITORS REPORT TO THE OFFICE. Please help us to provide a safe and uninterrupted education for our students.

An elementary and middle school child will only be dismissed from the building with the parent or with another authorized adult, if the parent is not available.

Requests for released time for dental and medical appointments will be honored. Parents are urged to make appointments for out-of-school hours and non-school days. Requests for release for other reasons will be acted upon by the administration.

Pupils shall be released to a police officer only if a warrant is issued.

In a case of family dissension, requests to prohibit one party of a conflict from taking the child from school shall be honored only if legal status is established. Copies of court ordered custody papers must be on file in the principal’s office. Without custody papers on file, students will be dismissed to either parent. Request letters from lawyers do not constitute the establishment legal status.

Entrance to the building can be gained by using the foyer door located in the front of the building.

Lunch Visits – Parents will be permitted to eat lunch with their student ONLY on the student’s birthday (once a year).

BUS BEHAVIOR

Proper behavior is an absolute necessity while riding on the school bus. The bus driver has the authority to enforce discipline on the school bus as the teacher has in the classroom. Student behavior on the bus should be an extension of their classroom behavior. All classroom rules apply to the school bus.

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Student responsibilities are as follows:

1. Sit in your assigned seat.

2. Report to your bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.3. While waiting for the bus, stay in a safe distance from the roadway. shoving, tripping,

fighting, snowballing, etc. are strictly prohibited. bus stops are not play areas!4. Board the bus in an orderly, safe manner and go directly to the seat assigned to you

by the driver. Remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop at the school or at your bus stop.

5. Do not distract the driver’s attention from driving. Any talking must be done quietly so the driver can concentrate and hear warning sounds. Please use indoor voices only.

6. Ask the driver for permission to open windows. You must keep arms and head inside the bus at all times.

7. Eating, drinking, smoking or playing with matches on the bus are not permitted.8. Throwing objects inside or out of the bus is prohibited.9. When the bus arrives at school, exit in an orderly fashion and go directly to your

assigned room. The primary reason for bus rules is your safety. Therefore, all requests from a bus driver to change your behavior should be obeyed.

Note: Students must ride their assigned bus. A change in transportation will not be approved due to safety and space procedures.

STUDENT CAFETERIA SERVICE

The Seneca Valley School District Food Service Department uses a point of sale system called Schoolhouse POS. The elementary POS will utilize a homeroom roster system, therefore students will not be issued ID cards or PIN’s. The secondary schools use the ‘swipe’ system where students use their ID cards. The POS system will automate the purchase of all cafeteria items, monitor student allergies, create a student history and maintain student balances.

This is not a “CREDIT CARD” program. Money can be placed on your child’s account during breakfast or lunch. Parents can apply any amount of money to their child’s account. Parents are asked to please send a separate check for each student. Checks are to be made payable to Seneca Valley Cafeteria. After depositing money in their account, they can purchase any item available in the cafeteria. Parent’s can limit their purchases to breakfast and/or lunch only. Parents do not have to apply money to their child’s account. Students can continue to pay cash on a daily basis, but our goal is to have money on all accounts to help speed up the line at the terminal and give students more time to eat.

The cashier will enter their purchases as they go through the line each day. If they have money on their account, their balance will show on the display and their present purchase will be deducted. A note will be sent home with the elementary students when their account is down to three lunches. A detailed report of your child's account is available from the cafeteria manager at your request.

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Free and reduced lunch applications will be sent home with the students, may be picked up in the school office, printed from the Seneca Valley School District website (www.svsd.net), or apply online by going to the COMPASS website at www.compass.state.pa.us. COMPASS allows Pennsylvanian’s to apply for social service programs online. If applicable for Free/Reduced meals, an application must be completed each year and on file prior to meals being purchased.

Elementary lunches are $1.45. Secondary lunches are $1.55.Adults lunches are $2.75.Milk purchased for a packed lunch is $.40. Breakfast is $.90 for all schools. Milk purchased for breakfast is $.30 Adult breakfast is $1.75.

“NO CHARGING POLICY”: If a student did not bring a lunch or does not have enough money (cash or on the account), they will receive a Government/Alternate meal. This includes a peanut butter & jelly or cheese sandwich, fruit, vegetable and milk with a $ .40 charge for the milk.

This can be offered 3 consecutive times. The milk cost will be deducted from their account, if applicable, or cash should be sent in ASAP.

ONLINE CAFETERIA PAYMENT SERVICE – mySchoolBucks.com

The Seneca Valley School District is pleased to announce a new payment service over the internet. Seneca Valley now accepts payments for school meals through the mySchoolBucks.com online payment service.

You can also use the service to monitor, for free, your child’s food purchases.

mySchoolbucks.com offers a secure transaction gateway that accepts VISA® or MasterCard® as a means of addition money to your child’s meal account. Credit or debit cards can be used.

To Register Online:Visit the website at www.mySchoolBucks.com. Follow the instructions on the screen and provide the required information in order to register. You can register each child using their date of birth and/or student identification number; and be sure to enter your child’s name exactly as you did when you registered them at school. You will receive notification by email of successful registration. For this reason, a valid email address is required when you sign up for the service.

If you are having difficulty with the registration process, please call Connie Dittrich, Seneca Valley Food Services secretary, at (724) 452-6040, ext. 118. Please know that

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you may be asked specific questions about your child in order to verify your identity and for us to provide information over the phone.

We are excited to offer this new service to our families in the district. We hope you will find it to be not only convenient, but a great timesaver!

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

A breakfast program is available at all schools within the Seneca Valley School District. Serving times will vary depending on the class schedule in each building.

LUNCHES

Students who pack their lunches may purchase milk for $.40. Any drinks brought from home may not be in glass containers. Also, no carbonated beverages are to be brought to the cafeteria.

If your child has a food allergy, please provide a doctor’s note. A pop-up note will be entered on your child’s account. Parents of elementary students are invited once a year to eat lunch with their child on that child’s birthday or special day. A lunch for $2.75 may be purchased from the cafeteria. We ask that you please don’t pay through your child’s account. PLEASE do not bring food from restaurants of any kind to the school’s cafeteria.

Snacks are available for purchase. Please contact the cafeteria manager to limit or restrict items purchased on a student account.

Seneca Valley School District Elementary Cafeteria rules:

No loud talking or shouting is permitted. Once seated, the pupil will remain seated during the lunch period, except in cases

of emergency. Pupils shall be responsible for the cleanliness of the cafeteria floor before leaving

the cafeteria. In case of spillage, the pupil shall notify the building aides. No running in the cafeteria at any time. Students shall stay in line when returning

dirty trays. One student at a time shall return to the garbage cans. No pupil should be permitted to take food or drink from the cafeteria unless under

special cases.

CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICESStudents are not permitted to use cellular phones, MP3 players, radios, hand-held games, or any other type of electronic devices during school hours. These devices may be confiscated by a teacher or administrator for a specified period of time.

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Cell phones should be turned off and not be visible during the school day. A cell phone taken for the first time will be returned to the student at the end of the day after a phone call has been placed to the student’s parent informing the parent of the violation. A cell phone taken for the second or additional times must be picked up in the office by a parent.

CLASSROOM CITIZENSHIP

Each student plays an important part in making the classroom a pleasant and rewarding place for living and learning. There will be many interesting and exciting things to do and learn during the school year. There will be a time for work and a time for play. If each student willingly accepts his or her share of the classroom responsibility and works diligently to do his or her best, school will be a positive place where everyone is learning and succeeding.

DAMAGED TEXTBOOKS

You are expected to pay for damaged or lost textbooks. The district deducts 10% for each year a book is in circulation for the first four years. The fifth year and thereafter 50% will be deducted

DRESS CODE

According to District Policy #218 a student may not wear any apparel that reveals or exposes the midriff/lower back or sides of the upper body or torso and/or undergarments or is disruptive to the educational process.

A student may not wear any apparel or jewelry that by words, signs, pictures or any combination thereof, advocates or promotes sexual activity or violence or the use of alcohol or drugs, or demeans or degrades another because of race, sex, religious persuasion, national origin, or disability.

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS

Educational Trip Forms can be picked up in the building and must be returned two weeks prior to trip. Only one trip per year will be approved. Trips will not be approved the first two weeks or last two weeks of each semester or during district wide standardized testing. An excuse must accompany the return of your student when the trip is complete. No student’s trip will be approved if he/she does not maintain a “C” average and/or has more than 10% absenteeism at the time of the request. All trips taken without prior approval will be made unexcused. Acceptable activities are listed on the cover letter of the form. Submission of the form does not guarantee approval.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

SCHOOL CLOSINGS/DELAYS/EARLY DISMISSALS

The Seneca Valley School District will make every effort to close or delay school by 5:30 a.m. of the affected day. Delays that turn into closures will be made by 7:30 a.m. of the affected day. Please know that early dismissals will be avoided whenever possible, but if necessary, will be made by 11 a.m. of the affected day. When Seneca Valley has a closing or delay, the district will first utilize AlertNow, a parent notification system,

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which will be programmed to call the primary phone number as listed for each child. In an emergency situation or in the event that the district goes from a two-hour delay to a closure, an emergency call will be sent to all provided numbers per student (this is the primary number and up to three additional numbers provided per child) so the information reaches all those affected by the emergency or change in status. AlertNow information will be collected/updated at the beginning of every school year, and parents are encouraged to call the district throughout the year to provide updates when necessary.Emergency or delay/closure/early dismissal information can also be found on KDKA Radio 1020AM, KDKA-TV Channel 2, WTAE-TV Channel 4, WPXI-TV Channel 11, SVTV Channel 50 (Digital Channel 208, TV Channel 407 for Consolidated Communications customers) or via a recording o our main campus phone line at (724) 452-6040. District status updates are also posted on the Seneca Valley Web site at www.svsd.net

Please note the following in regards to a two-hour delay:

Kindergarten arrival/dismissal time only in a two-hour delay are:Morning Kindergarten arrival time 10:40 am – dismissal time 12:35 pmAfternoon Kindergarten arrival time 1:20 pm – dismissal 3:15 pm

No Vo-Tech classes Afternoon and evening activities will be determined on a case by case basis

Please note the following in regards to early dismissals*/cancellations

NO after school activities NO home or away evening activities NO groups will be permitted to assembly at any school facility NO transportation of any kind will be provided after the regular school bus runs NO facilities will be used by rental groups

When an early dismissal is called, all students are expected to board his/her regular bus and return home.

SPECIAL KINDERGARTEN DELAY SCHEDULE

School Delay (two hours): The morning Kindergarten class rides on the regular buses and begins school two hours later. Their dismissal time will be 12:35PM. The afternoon Kindergarten class will be delayed. The new arrival time will be 1:20PM. Dismissal will occur at the regular time.

FIRE DRILLS

A fire drill will be conducted in each month of the school year. The first one will be announced. During a fire drill, students will move in a quiet, orderly manner out of the building to their assigned area and stand quietly until the signal is sounded. There is to be no talking during the fire drills.

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HARASSMENT

It is the policy of the Seneca Valley School District that all students should enjoy a learning environment free from discrimination including racial and ethnic intimidation, and sexual harassment.

There is an established policy strictly prohibiting all forms of racial, sexual, and ethnic intimidation in any work area, district-sponsored activity or any other place under the control of the Seneca Valley School District by or toward any administrative or professional staff member, full or part time employee, contracted services employee, job applicant, visitor, student, aide or volunteer of the Seneca Valley School District.

All persons associated with the Seneca Valley School District including, but not necessarily limited to, the board, the administration, the staff and the students, are expected to conduct themselves at all times so as to provide an atmosphere free from intimidation. Any person who engages in intimidation while acting as a member of the school community will be in violation of this policy. The consequences of this type of misconduct is out of school suspension.

HEALTH SERVICES

School health services are provided through the cooperative efforts of the school, the school physician, school dentist, school nurses, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. These services are provided for the purpose of taking care of emergencies, preventing the spread of communicable diseases, discovering and correcting physical defects, and giving pupils and their parent guidance they need in solving their own health problems.

The health room is an important part of our school. The nurse is not to treat injuries which occurred outside of school hours, or diagnose rashes, etc. These are the responsibilities of your parents.

Please notify us of any change in emergency contact, your phone number or work number.

Medications: The Seneca Valley School District recognizes that parents have the primary responsibility for the health of their children. The district, therefore, strongly recommends that medication be given at home. Towards this end, parents should confer with the child’s physician to arrange medication time intervals which avoid school hours whenever possible. If, however, medication absolutely must be given during school hours, the following guidelines and procedures must be followed:

Prescriptions:

1. The student’s physician must complete the District’s approved prescription medication form for maintenance or long term (longer than two weeks) medication.

2. The student’s parents or guardian must sign the District’s consent form for prescription medications.

3. Any medication to be given during school hours must be delivered directly to the school nurse by the student, the student’s parent, guardian or responsible adult. The

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medication must be brought to school in the original pharmaceutically dispensed and properly labeled container.

Non-Prescription or over-the-counter Medications:

1. Students are not permitted to carry non-prescription medications to school.2. The school nurse will not administer any non-prescription or over-the-counter

medications to students without specific order from a licensed physician or dentist.

Immunization Policy:

Any child entering school in the District for the first time must have a valid exemption or documented immunization.

1. Proof of immunization, rather than a parent’s recall, is required. Immunization must be completed before the child may enter the school.

2. Any child excluded from school shall be re-entered only after satisfactory proof of action is presented to the school.

3. There must be a physician’s certificate or statement that the student is medically contraindicated to receive a specified vaccine, or a parent’s/guardian’s written statement that immunization is against their religious beliefs.

4. Children entering school, Kindergarten through third grade, must meet the following immunization requirements: Four (4) doses of tetanus and diphtheria vaccine with the fourth dose (Td). Three (3) doses of polio vaccine. Two (2) doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Three (3) doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Statement of immunity to varicella (chicken pox) verifying date of immunization,

disease or blood titer.Communicable Diseases:

Parents frequently have questions concerning students attending school with communicable diseases. The following criteria have been established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for exclusion of students demonstrating symptoms suggestive of specific communicable diseases and infectious conditions. The exclusion periods are as follows:

1. Acute Contagious Conjunctivitis (pink eye): After medically prescribed treatment.2. Respiratory Streptococcal Infections (strep throat, scarlet fever): 24 hours after

initiation of treatment.3. Pediculosis (Lice): Seneca Valley maintains a “No Nit” guideline which requires that

a student be free of nits (lice eggs) before re-admission to school. Students who have been excluded must be checked and found to be nit free by the school nurse before re-entering the building.

4. Chicken Pox: Six (6) days from the outbreak of the last crop of blisters with all pox marks dried.

5. Impetigo, Scabies, Ringworm: Until judged non-infectious by the physician.

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Parents can assist in the control of communicable disease by recognizing symptoms and seeking medical care as indicated.

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

If a student is seriously ill or unable to attend school for an extended period of time, the doctor may complete the necessary form so that the student can receive homebound instruction. The proper forms can be obtained by contacting Ms. Tracy Vitale at (724) 452-6040.

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

In most cases, arrangements do not need to be made for a single day of absence. All students can comfortably make up one day of work upon their return to school. To make arrangements for the pick up of work resulting from multiple days of illness, please call the school by 11:00AM. The homework will be available in the school office between 3:00PM and 4:00PM.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

Students may be given an in-school suspension for disciplinary reasons. Students who receive in-school suspension are removed from their regular classrooms.

LOCKERS

The lockers provided are the property of the Seneca Valley School District. Their use is a privilege extended to the assigned student. Since the locker is on loan to the assigned student, No student is to make an assumption of privacy while using a school locker. Therefore, all students shall be informed that an occasional search of lockers may be necessary for the purpose of the enforcement of school policies. If the privilege of having an assigned locker is abused that privilege can and will be denied. All students are required to use only the locker that they have been assigned. The use of another locker is not permissible. Students are not permitted to keep any article in their lockers, which may be determined to be: harmful, dangerous, or illegal. Students are not permitted to keep perishable items in their locker overnight.

LOST AND FOUND

Any item found by a student, which has no identification label, is to be placed in the “Lost and Found” rack across from the music room. Any student who has lost an item is encouraged to check the lost and found rack or to ask in the office.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

On January 8, 2002, President Bush signed into law the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB). It is designed to improve student achievement by increasing federal involvement in public education both at the state and local level. Based on this legislation, parents/guardians have a right to know the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s). Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your

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child’s classroom teachers and requires the district to provide you this information should you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers.

Whether the State of Pennsylvania has certified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.

Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency permit or other provisional status through which state licensing criteria have been waived.

What was the teacher’s college major and whether the teacher has any advanced degrees; if as, the subject(s) of the degrees.

Whether any Title I instructional aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications.

If you would like to receive specific information about your child’s teacher(s) or paraprofessional(s), please contact Dr. Jeffrey Fuller, Assistant Superintendent K-6, SVSD, 124 Seneca School Road, Harmony,, PA 16037, in writing. For information about NCLB, contact Dr. Fuller at (724) 452-6040, ext. 214

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Seneca Valley School District will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or any other legally protected classification in theemployment or in the administration of any of its educational programs and activities. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with the state and federal laws includingTitle IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To inquire about, obtain a copy of or to file a complaint relating to this policy, contact Mrs. Vitale Human Resources, Seneca Valley School District, 124 Seneca School Road, Harmony, PA 16037 or call (724) 452-6040 - Ext. 216.

NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS

If you are a new student to the Seneca Valley School District and do not live in our district when school begins, you must reside in our district by November 1. Tuition must be paid if you are not a resident. If you move from our school district on or after May 1, you may complete the school year without paying tuition.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parents are urged to arrange a conference with your teacher early in the year. The Parent-Teacher conferences afford the opportunity for parents to discuss with the teacher information that may not become apparent to the teacher until much later in the year. Parents are also encouraged to arrange conferences with your teacher more often should the need present itself.

Conferences must be held at a time that will not interfere with the instructional program. Open House Night is not the proper time to discuss discipline problems, or problems in

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achievement, since this should be confidential and cannot be with the number of parents in the classroom. Parents should arrange for a conference at another time. Conferences may be scheduled by calling the school office or sending a note to your classroom teacher.

Classroom observations by parents are legally permitted. A parent wishing to observe should contact the principal to discuss the guidelines and regulations that must be followed during such an observation period (40 minutes maximum).

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

Each building has a very active PTO which has done many things to help make your school a great place to learn. Active membership in the PTO is encouraged. Regular notices are sent home to describe special events and solicit parent participation.

PARTIES

School parties are held three (3) times a year. They are Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. Room mothers may be involved in the planning of these parties.

Kindergarten students may have birthday parties, although they are optional. Also, prior arrangements should be made with the teacher.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

You are responsible for all items brought to school. Expensive items are discouraged from our buses and classrooms. The school cannot provide reimbursement for lost or stolen property.

It had been previously decided that Pokemon cards not be brought to school. The trading of these cards created a disturbance that became a hindrance to the instructional day.

PETS

Due to allergies students are not permitted to bring their pets in for show and tell.

PHOTOGRAPHING OR INTERVIEWING OF STUDENT

As part of an on-going process to generate good news about our schools, the Seneca Valley School District will be inviting the media inside our classrooms to learn about our outstanding academic programs and events. We will also publicize events and activities via our Web site at www.svsd.net. Parents/Guardians who do not wish to have their child’s name, photograph or other personal information to appear in any media or district publications, including but not limited to, the Internet, newspapers, magazines, etc., must submit written documentation to the appropriate building principal.

RECESS

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Recess is a time for a short break in a busy day. It is primarily for visiting the restroom and getting a drink. If weather permits, part of the recess may be spent outside. Remember… although you are having recess, other pupils are having class. Please respect their learning time by being quiet in the school. Recess is a privilege and can be withdrawn for misconduct or failure to complete assigned work.

The following rules apply during recess:

1. Pupils are asked to respect the school’s property and lawns while at play. Proper areas have been provided and there is no excuse for the misuse of any of the school property.

2. Dangerous games or activities such as camel fighting, playing in the trees, tackle football, skateboarding, or any activity the teacher on playground duty feels is dangerous is not permitted.

3. When playground equipment such as balls, ball bats, and softballs are lost by a student, they should immediately inquire at the office as the equipment is often turned in immediately after the recess period.

4. Baseballs are not permitted to be used either at recess or in school.5. Parked school buses and automobiles are out of bounds for all pupils.6. With the arrival of winter, students are reminded that snowballing is not permitted,

Slides on cement walks, banks, or driveways are also prohibited. 7. Pupils are reminded to brush clothing and boots free of snow before re-entering the

building.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be issued at the end of each nine week period, a total of four times during the school year. In first grade, letter grades are not received until the second semester. The report card is to be taken home, signed by your parent/guardian and returned to your teacher the following day of school.

A separate report card may be included for instrumental music, remedial reading, speech therapy, or if you are in a special program.

Grading System:

A Excellent Progress 92-100%B Good 83-91%C Average 74-82%D Below Average 65-73%F Not Passing 0-64%

SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

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Students have a great responsibility in being good citizens of their school. Their responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations.

Discipline and the punishment for misconduct will be assigned by the teachers, building assistants and principal on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the behavior plan.

Any student found possessing or selling any type of drug or look-alike substance will be punished in accordance to the Discipline Plan approved by the Seneca Valley School Board. Likewise, any student possessing a weapon (or look-alike) or threatening fellow students with a weapon (or look-alike) will be subject to punishment prescribed by the above mentioned School District Plan. All toys that resemble weapons or have as their component parts replicas of weapons should be left at home. These incidents will involve notification of the proper police authorities.

The Seneca Valley School District has a non-tolerance policy regarding drugs, alcohol, tobacco and weapons and punishment could involve immediate suspension and in the case of drugs or alcohol, an assessment by a licensed Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility. A non-tolerance policy prohibiting harassment (sexual or racial) is also enforced by building administrators.

Warning: A pocket knife is classified as a weapon and is forbidden on school property. Also, pocket chains are forbidden as wearing apparel. In addition, all forms of laser lights/pointers are forbidden on school property.

Students may not sell items for profit to other students during the school day. Trading of items is also prohibited during school hours.

SIX DAY ROTATING SCHEDULE

All special classes including Art, Music, Physical Education, Library, and Computer are on a six (6) day rotating schedule. For example, the first day of school will be Day 1. Every day after that will go in sequential order through Day 6. After Day 6 the sequence starts again. The days do not follow the days of the week. Your monthly menu calendar will help you with this schedule.

SPECIAL CLASSES

Library: The purpose of the school Library Media Center is to support the curriculum and to provide recreational reading. Materials are selected with these purposes in mind. Library Science instruction is provided in grades K-6 once every six (6) days. Books may be borrowed from one library period to the next and may be renewed.

Students will be charged for lost or damaged books. If a book is thought to be lost, a parent needs to send in a letter explaining the situation. If the book is not found by the end of the year, a letter will be sent home regarding payment.

Physical Education: All students will participate in Physical Education classes, twice in the six-day cycle. Classes are co-ed and will include team, individual and challenge activities.

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Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to participate in progressive skill development, cooperative challenges, game play and lifetime fitness. Dress for Phys. Ed class day is comfortable fitting clothes and tennis shoes.

If a student is unable to participate for medical reasons, a note from the parent, guardian or doctor can be given to the Physical Education teacher in class. A note from home is required for one or two consecutive missed classes. A doctor’s excuse is necessary for more than two consecutive missed classes. A follow up note from the parent, guardian or doctor will be needed for the student to return to activity once the medical excuse has expired.

Vocal Music: It is the function of the music teacher in the elementary schools to develop those potentialities for growth in the enjoyment of and participation in music that are inherit in every child.

Instrumental Music: Students with one year of playing experience will continue their second year (5th grade) with group lessons and a band experience for the purpose of performing.

Students with two years of playing experience will continue their third year (6th grade) with group lessons and a band experience for the purpose of performing.

Students entering school in the fall, that have never played a musical instrument, may start with the beginner group, provided they have had a musical try-out and have rented their instrument. No beginners will start after the beginner group begins. (1st week of school)

Please consider your child’s study needs and involvement in other extra-curricular activities. Your child’s commitment of time needed to be successful with instrumental music is a minimum of 30 minutes daily.

Art: Art education provides a means for the child to express his/her ideas, feelings, and emotions; helps him/her to appreciate beauty in the world about him/her; and helps him/her to develop confidence in his/her own abilities.

Students will attend art class either twice every six school days or once for a double period.

Computer: Computer technology is an integrated part of our whole curriculum with the use of Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Database, CD ROM, Internet, and Presentation software. Our goal is for students to view the computer as a tool that can be used in various aspects of the educational process. Students have scheduled computer time in the lab on the six-day rotation. The building is networked which allows for file sharing and printing capabilities building wide. Classrooms are equipped with computers as well as the Library, Mini-lab and Mobile Wireless Lab for classroom use.

SUPPORT SERVICES

Guidance Program:

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An Elementary Guidance Counselor is:

A person who provides all students with experiences to help in their educational development and their personal/social development

The Elementary School Counselor Does His/Her Job By:

1) Seeing children individually and in groups. These groups will range from class-sized groups to small groups of approximately ten (10) students.

2) Consulting with parents and school staff concerning individual children’s issues.3) Facilitating group activities that lead towards self-development.4) Assisting in making referrals for other services that a child might need.5) Being a member of “in-school” teams that meet regarding children’s issues.

Ways that Children Can See The Counselor:

Self referralTeacher referralParent referralAdministrative referralStudent services referral

Types of Groups That Children May Be In:

New studentsSelf-esteemInterpersonal communicationsDecision-makingGriefSeparations/divorceBlended familiesAssertiveness training

You may contact the school to speak with the Guidance Office - 724-776-1581 Ext. 523

Speech and Language Therapy: A Speech and Language Program is available to students based upon the recommendations of the Speech/Language Therapist. Students are identified through a screening procedure, parent and teacher referrals, and a diagnostic evaluation. Written parental permission is required before a formal evaluation may be done. Caseload recommendations are determined by age level and the nature and severity of the problem/disorder.

Remedial Reading: Chapter 1 Reading is funded by the federal government in order to remediate reading difficulties. It is the hope of the school to identify problems early and remediate them as quickly as possible. Parents are notified early in October, after screening is completed, then their children are scheduled for the program.

TELEPHONE

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The office telephone may be used by the students for personal calls in cases of emergency only. Proper planning by the student will eliminate any unnecessary phone calls.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

Students who are moving to another area must withdraw from school. Please report this to the office as soon as you know and pick up a withdraw form. Student records will be transferred once registration is completed at new school and record request form is received.

YOUTH ED. SUPPORT SERVICES (Y.E.S.S.)

The Youth Education Support Services (Y.E.S.S.) Team provides elementary student assistance to students who are at-risk academically, behaviorally, or emotionally. The Elementary Student Assistance Process (E.S.A.P.) was developed to ensure that each child will be given an opportunity to experience academic success. This process involves gathering data, setting goals, developing a plan of action,, implementing the plan, and monitoring student progress. In the event that more evaluation is needed, the Youth Education Support Services (Y.E.S.S.) Process serves as the Seneca Valley School District’s pre-referral process for special education.

The Elementary Y.E.S.S. Team is comprised of the building administrator, referring teacher, parents, instructional facilitator, school counselor, reading specialist, and the school psychologist. Other school staff may attend as appropriate.

The Y.E.S.S. Team members are trained in skills used to assess a student’s instructional level, involve parents in their child’s education, collaborate to solve problems, and develop instructional strategies that facilitate student achievement.

Parents or teachers may refer students to the Y.E.S.S. Team by contacting the building administrator (K-6), instructional facilitator (K-4), or school counselor (5-6).

To learn more information about this program, contact our building instructional facilitator at 724-776-1581 Ext. 521.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE STAFF

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Seneca Valley School DistrictAdministration Center124 Seneca School RoadHarmony, Pennsylvania 16037(724) 452-6040

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald J. TylinskiAssistant Superintendent (7-12) Dr. Matthew McKinleyAssistant Superintendent (K-6) Dr. Jeffrey FullerAssistant Superintendent Pupil & Personnel Services Ms. Tracy VitaleDirector or Special Education, Gifted Mr. Jerry MillerAssistant Director of Special Education, Gifted Ms. Darlene LeoneSchool Psychologist Dr. Kathleen NicholsonBusiness Manager Mrs. Lynn BurtnerDirector of Communications Mrs. Linda Andreassi

SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT - School Calendar 2009-2010

September 3 First Day of School

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September 7 Labor Day Holiday

September 25 In-service Day

October 16 Professional Development Day

November 10 Half Day for Students

November 11 Professional Development Day

November 25 – 30 Thanksgiving Holidays

December 24 - January 3 Winter Holidays

January 18 Professional Development Day

January 25 Half Day for Students

February 15 Professional Development Day

February 26 Snow Makeup Day or Holiday

March 1 Snow Makeup Day or Holiday

March 19 Professional Development Day

April 1 - 5 Spring Holidays

May 7 Snow Makeup Day or Holiday

May 20 - 21 Professional Development Day

May 28 Snow Makeup Day or Holiday

May 31 Memorial Day Holiday

June 11 Last Day for Student

Order of Emergency Make-Up Days:#1 – February 26, 2010 #2 – March 1, 2010#3 – May 7, 2010 #4 – May 28, 2010Professional Development and In-service days are vacation days for students.

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