MANZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1000 E. FILLMORE

EAU CLAIRE, WI 54701

852-3900 http://www.ecasd.us/Manz-Elementary/Home

MANZ MUSTANGS

FAMILY HANDBOOK

2015-2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome letter 4

Manz School Calendar 5

Manz School Staff List 6

Access to Student Records 7

Accidents/Emergency Procedures 7

Attendance/Absences 7

Behavior Expectations 7-8

Bicycles, Scooters, Skate Boards, and Rollerblades 8

Birthdays and Special Occasions 9

Bus Transportation, Disciplinary Action 9-11

Children of Separated/Divorced Parents 11

Code of Classroom Conduct 12

Controlled Substances 12

Crisis Evacuation Procedures 12

Disclaimer of School District 12

Drills 12

Dropping off/Picking up Students 13

Field Trips 13

Filming, Photographing or Videotaping in the Schools 13

Health Services 13-14

Homework 14

Information Change 14

Insurance 14

Lost and Found 15

Lunch Program 15

Parent Teacher Association 15

Parties 15

Pet Visits 15

Pupil Nondiscrimination Policy 16

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Recess 17

Request for Early Dismissal 17

Safety Patrol 17

School Closings 17

School Safety and Security 17

School Supervision-Before and After School 18

Student Dress Code 18

Students Bringing Electronic Devices/Phones 19

Technology Usage Expectations for Students 19-20

Telephone Calls 20

Title I Program 21

Weapons Policy 21

YMCA Childcare Program 21

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September 2015

Dear Manz Families,

This Manz School Family Handbook is intended to familiarize you with general information

regarding our school procedures and policies. Please plan to keep it in a convenient place so you

can use it as a reference whenever you have a question. You can also access our handbook on the

Manz webpage under that Parent/Student Information tab at: http://www.ecasd.us/Manz-

Elementary/About/Parent-Student-Information

If you ever have any questions or concerns about the content of this handbook, please feel free to

contact us at 852-3900.

The most critical aspect of your child’s learning that you can help with is the communication

between home and school. This handbook is simply a reference for you. Other sources of

information include: the Manz home/school communication folder, the Manz website

(http://www.ecasd.us/Manz-Elementary/Home), the Manz Facebook page, and our newsletter.

District information is also available on our district web page at: www.ecasd.us.

Please check with your child each day to see if any important papers were sent home. Often the

notes we send home contain important information about deadlines for aspects of your child’s

school program. Also, please do not hesitate to call, email, or send a note if you think there is

something important that we should know about your child.

I am looking forward to having another wonderful year at Manz School. With your help and

support, we can work together to make this a successful and exciting school year!

Sincerely,

Heather Grant

Principal

In addition to this handbook, you can access the district-wide parent/student handbook at:

http://www.ecasd.us/District/About/Parent-Student-Handbook

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MANZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – 2015-2016 CALENDAR

2015 August 24-27 & 31 Staff Work Days

Tue., Sept. 1 Orientation Day for all K-5 students

Wed., Sept. 2 Full day of school for all 1st-5th students & ½ of kindergarten

Thurs., Sept. 3 Full day of school for all 1st-5th students & other ½ of kindergarten

Fri, Sept. 4 First full day of school for all kindergarten students together

Mon., Sept. 7 No School - Labor Day

Fri., Oct 9 No School – Professional Development Day for staff

Thurs., Oct. 22 No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences

Fri., Oct. 23 No School – Fall Break

Fri., Nov. 20 End of first trimester

Mon., Nov.23 No School – Staff Work Day

Tues., Nov 24 No School – Professional Development Day

Nov. 25, 26, 27 No School - Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 23 – Jan. 1 Winter Break – All Schools Closed

2016 Mon., Jan. 4 Classes resume

Mon., Jan. 25 No School – Professional Development Day

Thurs, Feb. 25 No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences

Fri., Feb. 26 No School – Mid Winter Break

Mon., Feb. 29 No School – Professional Development Day

Fri., March 4 End of second trimester

March 21-25 No School - Spring Break

Mon., March 28 Classes resume

Mon., April 11 No School – Professional Development Day*

*possible inclement weather make-up day

Fri., May 6 No School – Professional Development Day

Mon., May 30 No School - Memorial Day

Fri., June 3 End of School Year – Last Day for Students

Mon., June 6 Last Day for Staff

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Principal Heather Grant

Secretary Meta Miske

Kindergarten Heather Hernandez

Kadelyn McCarty

LeaAnn Richie

Sue Smith

1st Grade Monica Bauer

Lisa Brandt

Paula Decker

2nd Grade Tim Lilly

Melissa Olson

Heather Seibel

3rd Grade Carolyn Helgeson

Adam Pettit

Sue Pisani

4th Grade Cory Galston

Sara Passint

Steve Winters

5th Grade Tracey Tumaniec

Brian Wiltgen

Art Samantha McKenzie

Assistants Nancy Anderson

Sherri Auleta

Roslyn Bruchert

Kathy Holtman

Val Logan

Deb Patrow

Sandy Staber

Cooks Weisa Babel

Ashlie Wallo

Counselor Sara Golembiewski

Custodians Eric Bremness

Dean Schaaf

EL Teacher Becky Linderholm

EL Assistants Lizzie Castro

Cindy Yang

Gifted/Talented Sandy Flores

Literacy Coach Malia Markquart

Media Specialist Becky Wojahn

Music Teacher Liz Mosher

Occupational Therapist Shauna Ponty

Partnership Coordinator Val Logan

Phy. Ed Teacher Kris Chapman

Physical Therapist Laura Ecker

School Nurse Tori Hugo

School Psychologist Angie Axelrod

School Social Worker Yia Lor

Special Ed Teachers Bethany Butzen

Don Tichey

Kylie Winegarden

Speech/Language Kelly Eaton

Pathologist

Special Ed Assistants Theresa Nuenke

Meg Seymour

Stephanie Thurner

Title I Teachers Jaime Burse

Talia Stran

2015-2016 Manz School Staff

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ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS

Parents of minor students may examine their children's school records. Access may be requested

through the school principal. See the district handbook for more information at the link below.

http://www.ecasd.us/District/About/Parent-Student-Handbook

ACCIDENT/EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

In the event of an accident or emergency, every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian as

soon as possible. If the parent cannot be reached, emergency contacts listed on the Student

Information Form (SIF) will be called. The facts of the accident or emergency will be given and the

parent or contact person will determine if a doctor is needed. In the event of an extreme emergency,

an ambulance will be called. No child will be released to any person other than his/her parent

without written consent from the child’s parent/guardian or permission indicated on the Student

Information Form or Emergency School Closing Plan.

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES

All children ages 5 to 18 are required to attend school by Wisconsin state law. Any child who is five

years old before September 1 is eligible to attend kindergarten. Good school attendance is

important. Your help in reinforcing the importance of good attendance and being on time is critical.

Illness, medical appointments, legal proceedings, family emergencies, religious holidays, or pre-

arranged absences approved by the school principal are the only absences classified as excusable.

Appointments, vacations, sporting events, etc., should be scheduled outside of the school day so

there is little or no loss of school time.

Any absences for non-medical reasons (vacation, sports, etc) require prior written approval

from the principal. If your child must be out of town or on vacation during school, please send a

note to the principal requesting this approval. All tardies are considered unexcused unless due to a

medical appointment. State law defines truancy as 5 unexcused absences for all or part of a day.

If your child will be absent from school or late, please call the school office at 852-3900 before

8:30 a.m. Please leave a message giving your child’s name, and the reason for the absence. If the

office has not been contacted, the secretary will attempt to call to check on the absence.

BEHAVIOR SYSTEM

We use the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) framework at Manz. This is a

school-wide approach that involves teaching behavior expectations throughout the school. This

approach has been used in over 10,000 schools nation-wide with proven success. This model

focuses on teaching, reinforcing, and recognizing appropriate student behavior. We also use more

individualized methods to support students who are struggling with their behaviors. These

supports are intended to help the students to learn and demonstrate appropriate behaviors at

school. This school-wide behavior system teaches clear expectations for all areas of the school

(classrooms, hallways, restrooms, cafeteria, playground, etc.). Every person in the school is aware

of these expectations and works to ensure students are consistently following these expectations.

Our behavior expectations at Manz are based on our school-wide belief statement: “At Manz

School we will be kind, respectful, responsible, and safe. We will do our best and have fun.”

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At the beginning of the school year, each child will be involved in developing a classroom belief

statement based on our school-wide beliefs. Our purpose is to help students understand that the

goal is to strengthen them and to teach them so that they will view their mistakes as an opportunity

to learn a better way and will not be afraid to face their mistakes. Students will be responsible for

their decisions regarding learning or behavior.

Implementation Process

1. Behavioral Expectations are Defined: At Manz School we will be kind, responsible, respectful,

and safe. We will do our best and have fun.

2. Behavioral Expectations are Taught: Behavior expectations are identified for each area of the

school. The behaviors are taught to all of the students through direct teaching by all staff.

3. Appropriate Behaviors are Acknowledged: All staff are working hard to notice when students

follow our expectations. This is acknowledged in a variety of ways. You may even receive a

letter from a staff member regarding positive choices your child has made at school.

4. Data Collection: Office Discipline Referral data is collected on school-wide behaviors. A school

team reviews the data regularly to determine when and where the problems are occurring. This team

brainstorms ways to address the problems and re-teach behaviors or reinforce positive behaviors.

5. Active Support by All: The entire school community needs to be involved in order to make the

system successful. Thank you for your support at home!

We also have developed a list of BOTTOM LINE BEHAVIORS. These behaviors will result in a

referral to the office (office discipline referral) and may result in either in-school or out-of-

school suspension.

BOTTOM LINE BEHAVIORS Extreme inappropriate language

Fighting/physical aggression

Defiance or non-compliance

Harassment or bullying (including threats to kill or harm others)

Illegal Acts- vandalism, stealing, weapons (real or pretend), drugs or alcohol

BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, SKATEBOARDS, AND ROLLER BLADES

Bicycles are welcome at school, scooters with handlebars are permitted, but skateboards and

rollerblades are not allowed. Children are not to ride bicycles or scooters on the school sidewalks

or blacktop area of the playground. Students should walk their bikes or scooters to the bike racks

and secure them with a lock. We request your support by not allowing your child to bring

skateboards or roller blades to school in accordance with Board of Education policy and City of Eau

Claire ordinance. All bikes and scooters must be kept outside at the bike racks.

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BIRTHDAYS AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Birthdays are special and we like to recognize students on their birthday. Students are also allowed

to share a treat with their class on their birthday. The treat should not be expensive or elaborate.

When bringing a treat, please bring enough for the whole class. If your child is having a party,

invitations may only be distributed at school if every child in the class is invited. Otherwise, other

arrangements must be made to distribute invitations. Please do not arrange for flowers, balloons,

gifts, or other “surprises” to be delivered to your child at school as this disrupts the

instructional day. Due to severe allergies in our school, please provide snacks that are free of

peanuts, peanut butter, or other nut products. Also, make sure to read all labeling to see if the

product may have been come into contact with nuts during the manufacturing process. If a student

comes to school with a product that is potentially unsafe due to these allergy issues, the item will be

kept in the office for parents to pick up later. We know this can be sad for a student, especially

when it’s a special treat for his/her birthday, so please make sure to check all foods before sending

them to school. Please share this policy with grandparents and others who may need this

information.

BUS TRANSPORTATION- Guidelines For Student Transportation

School buses are an extension of the school. The bus driver, like the teacher of a school classroom,

has the responsibility for the safety and welfare of the students. Because students’ behavior on the

school bus directly affects their safety and the safety of others, the following regulations apply at all

times when students are riding the school bus, including school field trips. 1. Students shall follow the instructions and directions of the bus driver at all times.

2. Students should arrive at the bus stop on time, waiting in a safe place off the road.

3. Students will wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board.

4. During boarding or exiting from the bus, students will not run.

5. Once seated students will remain seated while the bus is in motion and will not obstruct the aisles

with legs, feet or other objects.

6. Students will be courteous to the driver and fellow passengers. Students, who have not already been

assigned to a seat by the driver, will be allowed to sit in any available seat on the bus.

7. Bullying, teasing, threatening or harassing are hurtful and will not be tolerated.

8. To avoid choking, eating or drinking on the bus is not permitted.

9. Loud talking, laughing, yelling, singing, whistling, throwing of objects, standing or changing seats

are prohibited. Serious safety hazards can result from noise and behavior that distracts the driver.

10. No part of the body (hands, arms, legs or head) will be put out the window.

11. Nothing will be thrown from the bus.

12. Students will keep the bus clean and be respectful of bus company property. Students and/or parents

of students who damage or deface the bus or bus equipment will be responsible for payment of any

repairs/damage.

13. Possession of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs while on the bus will not be

tolerated.

14. Possession of flame or spark producing devices, including matches, lighters, etc. are prohibited.

15. Aggressive and/or physical conduct such as hitting, punching, fighting and inappropriate touch are

unacceptable behaviors and will not be tolerated.

16. Possession of weapons such as knives, chains, guns, or any other dangerous item(s) including laser

pointers that can inflict injury are prohibited.

Violation of any of the above listed regulations will result in disciplinary action. (See Disciplinary

Action Plan addressing school bus behavior) Violations will not be tolerated. Students who do not

follow these guidelines can be suspended from riding the school bus.

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If actions result in the student or students needing to be removed from the school bus immediately, the

Eau Claire Police Department will be called to assist in removing the student(s) from the bus. The

student will be released to his/her parent or legal guardian by the Eau Claire Police Department.

Students are assigned to a specific bus to and from school. Parents must request in writing any

exception from this rule. Students will not be allowed on or off the bus at a place other than their

regular stop unless the bus driver is presented with a written parent request.

Parents and students are encouraged to contact Student Transit or the respective school official

regarding any problems with school bus transportation. Students are encouraged to discuss issues with

their bus driver (during appropriate times), the principal, counselor, teacher, parent or any appropriate

adult. To ensure safe transportation for all involved, it is imperative that the students, parents, school

officials, bus driver and the bus company work cooperatively together to solve any problems that may

arise.

The consequences of inappropriate or unacceptable behavior on the school bus is outlined in the

Disciplinary Action Plan below and will be imposed for violation of behavior/safety standards that

cause danger to students or drivers. Serious or repeated misbehaviors may result in long term or

permanent loss of bus transportation privileges. Serious consequences apply for students who

hit or bully anyone on the bus.

First Student Violation of Bus Policy

1) First Offense: The bus driver will counsel the student(s), discuss the behavior, and give a

verbal warning.

2) Assigned seating may be enforced.

3) Following the above interventions, a description of the violation will be written up by the

driver on a Bus Misconduct Form and submitted by Student Transit to the respective school

officials.

Disciplinary Action: First Violation

1) The school official may have a conference with the student, review the ECASD Guidelines

for Student Transportation as appropriate per age level, and remind the student of the

consequences of continued behavior. A copy of the report may be sent home to the

student’s parent/guardian. A copy of the Misconduct Form will be kept on file at the school

for future review.

Second Student Violation of Bus Policy

If the above actions have been taken and the student’s behavior continues to violate the policy:

1) A second Bus Misconduct Form is submitted by the driver and delivered to the respective

school officials.

Disciplinary Action: Second Violation

1) The school official may have a second conference with the student discussing

misconduct on the bus. A copy of the report may be sent home to the student’s

parent/guardian requiring a signature from the parent and student. The form will be

returned to the school. A copy of the misconduct form will be kept on file at the school

for future review.

2) The student may be assigned in-school consequences to be determined by the respective

school official.

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Third and Subsequent Student Violation of Bus Policy

If the above actions were taken in the first and second violation and the student’s behavior

continues to violate the policy:

1) A third and subsequent Bus Misconduct Form is submitted by the driver and delivered to

the respective school officials.

2) The school official may have a conference with the student and the student’s parent

may be notified. A copy of the Misconduct Form may be given to the parent for review

and signing. One of the following steps may be taken based on the severity of the behavior

(the action is left to the discretion of the school official):

1st Bus Suspension: 3 school days

2nd Bus Suspension: 7 school days

3rd Bus Suspension: 15 school days

4th Bus Suspension: 30 school days

5th Bus Suspension: loss of bus privileges for the remainder of the school year *

The following behaviors may merit suspension from riding the school bus. The respective school

officials will determine such suspensions.

A) Insubordination: Defined as a direct refusal to follow instructions of the bus driver or

others in charge.

B) Smoking, Drugs, or Alcohol: Defined to mean any act leading to or participating in

these activities.

C) Fighting: Defined to mean any act leading to aggression or harm, or physical assault

upon a person or persons, regardless of whether or not promoted by the action of others.

D) Abusive or Offensive Language: Defined to mean abusive or derogatory remarks

intended to be uncomplimentary or unacceptable (bullying or verbal abuse fall into this

category).

E) Destruction of Bus Property: Defined to mean any act relating to the marring, cutting,

tearing, or general destruction of the bus or bus property.

F) Repeat Offenders: Defined to mean students who have three completed Bus Misconduct

Forms in a calendar school year.

Riding the school bus is a privilege, not a right. Students may lose their bus riding privileges

immediately for serious violations to the ECASD Guidelines for Student Transportation. These include:

physical fighting, destruction of property, use of a weapon, or making a dangerous threat to anyone

while on the bus. Other penalties may include suspension or expulsion from school.

*Wisconsin law requires a student’s attendance in school. If bus privileges are revoked, it will

remain the responsibility of the parent or guardian to transport the student to and from school.

CHILDREN OF SEPARATED/DIVORCED PARENTS

The Eau Claire Area School District will maintain strict neutrality between parents who are

involved in an action affecting the family, unless otherwise directed by Court Order.

Prior to the beginning of each school year, each parent enrolling a student will be requested to

provide the building administrator with current information regarding any Court Order, which

provides specific rights to the child’s parents. In the absence of a Court Order, neither parent will

be deemed to have rights superior to the other parent.

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Either parent may provide the building administrator with a certified copy of the most recent Court

Order. Unless directed in the most recent Court Order, both parents, custodial and non-custodial, are

entitled to all grade reports, newsletters, disciplinary action, and teacher/principal conference

appointments. The non-custodial parent must make a written request for the specific information

requested and provide address information.

CODE OF CLASSROOM CONDUCT

As part of Wisconsin Act 335, the Eau Claire Area School District has developed a “Code of

Classroom Conduct” that defines when disruptive students will be removed from class. Parents will

be contacted by phone or letter (office discipline referral) if a student is removed from class. Types

of violations that could result in removal include: 1) Acts of violence toward students, staff, or other

individuals, 2) Acts of inciting, 3) Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug issues, 4) Other behaviors,

which seriously disrupt the learning environment.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

The possession or use of any controlled substance such as tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc. on school

property, school buses, or at any school-related event is prohibited. Students possessing or using

controlled substances will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible suspension and/or

expulsion, and reported to law enforcement officials.

CRISIS EVACUATION PROCEDURES

In the event of an evacuation that requires us to leave school property, we will evacuate to Trinity

Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd. If there is an emergency that requires us to leave the

school grounds, parents should report to Trinity to pick up their children. Students who ride the bus

will be transported home on the bus after the media has notified the public of the emergency

evacuation. Our secondary evacuation site is Peace Lutheran Church, 501 E. Fillmore Ave- we

would evacuate to Peace if Trinity is unavailable and parents would be notified of the evacuation

site.

DISCLAIMER OF SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Eau Claire Area School District from time to time permits the distribution of information about

appropriate non-commercial activities sponsored by non-profit organizations. The fact that this

information is distributed through the school system does not mean or imply sponsorship of, or

support for, the activity by the school system. Any problems related to the operation of the activity

will be strictly between the participant and the sponsoring organization. Requests for further

information about the activity should be directed to the sponsoring organization.

DRILLS

All students are instructed on proper procedure to be used in the event of a fire, tornado, or other

emergency. Drills are held periodically to practice emergency procedures in an efficient and safe

manner. In the event of an emergency, every effort will be made to protect all students from harm

by following recommended emergency procedures. All students would be accounted for and no

student would be allowed to leave the area except with parents or guardians or with specific written

permission from them.

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DROPPING OFF/PICKING UP STUDENTS

The sidewalks and crossroads around Manz School are very busy at the beginning of the school day

and at dismissal time. Parents are reminded not to park near the crosswalks as the patrols have a

difficult time seeing the entire street when cars block their vision. The following guidelines will

make Manz a safer place:

Parents may drop off and pick up children on Fillmore Ave. and Eisenhower Street on the

school side of the street, in the designated areas. Do not park in these areas. Please park

across the street and walk in the crosswalk to meet your child at the building.

Parents may drop off and pick up children from YMCA Manz childcare by using the front

door on Fillmore before 8:15 a.m. and after 3:45 p.m. Outside of these times, parents will

need to park elsewhere for drop off as the parking lot is reserved for the buses.

Bus drop-off and pick-up is located on the north side of Manz on Fillmore Ave at Door #1.

(front door). Do not enter this area from 8:15-8:45 and 3:15-3:45.

Dismissal for K & 1st grade students: Please wait on the sidewalk along Fillmore rather than

walking up the sidewalk that leads into the building. The teachers and students will come out Door

#3. Then the teachers will release the students to walk to you after seeing you. By having parents

wait on the Fillmore sidewalk, the teachers will be better able to see each student’s parent. This

will also help us to know where each student is in case of emergency or a late change of pick-up

plans.

FIELD TRIPS

Occasionally a field trip or outing is offered to particular grades or classes. Students must submit

written parental permission in order to participate in such an activity. All trips are adequately

chaperoned and are of educational value to the children. Prior to each field trip, your child’s teacher

will send a notice of the field trip destination, date, time, and mode of transportation for parent

permission. If your child does not return a signed permission slip, he/she will not be able to

participate in the field trip.

FILMING/PHOTOGRAPHING/VIDEOTAPING

We encourage the media to come and learn about our school. However, we are also sensitive to the

fact that some families may not want their child to appear in the media. If this is a concern for you,

please contact the principal to fill out the appropriate form. If we do not hear from you, we will

assume that you give us permission to allow your child to be photographed or videotaped. Use of

Student Photographs on the web: Pictures may be published on school/school district websites

unless a signed parent exclusion form is turned in. Last names will not be used to identify students.

First names may be used.

HEALTH SERVICES

Hearing and Vision Screening

Each fall, volunteer parents, under the direction of the City-County Health Dept, will give a hearing

test to students in grades K/1 and a vision screening to all students in K/3 who do not wear glasses.

Should either test indicate a problem, a retest is given. If the child does not pass the retest, the

parents will be notified in writing by the Health Dept. with a recommendation to consult a doctor

for further examination. The vision and hearing testing we conduct is simply a screening measure

and is not meant to replace regular medical appointments.

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Immunizations

Wisconsin State Statute 140.5 requires that all students entering public school have basic

immunizations or they will be refused entry unless the child has been exempted for religious or

medical reasons. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure that their child meets this

requirement. We require evidence of these immunizations to be kept in the child’s cumulative file.

If immunizations are not up-to-date, your child may be excluded from school until the proper

immunizations are received.

Medications

Whenever possible, all medications should be administered at home; however, under certain circumstances

it may be necessary for a student to take medication while in school. No prescription or over-the-counter

(OTC) medication shall be given to a student by any employee of the District unless written instructions

for administering medication, signed by the prescribing physician/licensed prescriber, along with written

authorization from the parent(s)/guardian(s), authorizing school personnel to give medication in the

dosage prescribed by the physician/licensed prescriber, have been delivered along with the drug to

designated school personnel. In order for school personnel to administer the medication,

parent(s)/guardian(s) must complete and submit the approved child/student medication management

forms. School personnel authorized to administer medications must complete the district-approved

medication management training. The Eau Claire Area School District assumes no responsibility in

circumstances where students bring and consume medication at school without benefit of the procedures

outlined within the medication administration policy. For questions about medications, contact the School

Nurse.

Sick Child Guidelines

Please keep your child home if he/she currently has or has had these symptoms in the last 24 hours:

Temperature of 100° or more, diarrhea, vomiting, persistent coughing, or a draining or spreading

rash. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact the school nurse for further

direction.

HOMEWORK

Homework is defined here as taking books, materials, and assignments related to the school

curriculum home after school for the purpose of independent study. K-3rd students may have

occasional assignments of general homework which they can do by themselves. They may also have

specific assignments such as practicing reading and solving math problems, which require parental

guidance. 4th-5th grade students may have homework. That does not necessarily mean that all

children will have homework every day.

INFORMATION CHANGE

It is extremely important that we maintain current data on our students (address, phone number,

emergency contacts, etc). You will update this information in our online database during

Orientation Day. Please remember to update this data any time there is a change.

INSURANCE

The school district does not carry insurance to cover medical or dental costs should your child have

an accident at school. If insurance needs exist, families should consider the low cost insurance, for

which information is provided at the beginning of each school year through the district fall mailing.

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LOST AND FOUND

We keep our lost and found items in the lobby entrance near the school office. Should your child

lose anything, be sure to have him/her check this area. Please place names in jackets, boots, hats,

lunch boxes, etc., to help us identify lost items. Small items such as money, jewelry, and keys can

be claimed in the office. Each month we take unclaimed items to charity, so please check for lost

items immediately.

LUNCH & BREAKFAST PROGRAM

Breakfast and lunch are served at school each day. Prices are listed below.

Student Breakfast- $1.00 per meal Adult Breakfast- $1.50

Student Reduced breakfast- $ .30

Student Hot lunch - $2.65 per meal Adult Hot lunch- $3.40 per meal

Student Reduced lunch- .40 per meal Milk - .50 per carton

A monthly menu is sent home with each child. You can also access the menus on the district web

site at: http://www.ecasd.us/District/Departments/Food-and-Nutrition/Breakfast-and-Lunch-Menus

Parents/guardians are required to prepay money into an account for each child. Every child is

assigned a PIN (Personal Identification Number) that the child will enter every time he/she eats

lunch or takes milk. Your cooperation in maintaining a positive balance is appreciated. If you

have questions about your child’s account, please call the school cook at 852-3906. An Account

Activity Report showing the account activity and current account balance for your child can be

provided. If your family income makes you eligible for free or reduced meals, please file an

application as soon as possible. New applications must be approved before free or reduced prices

begin. Students who received free or reduced lunch in Eau Claire last year, have 30 days to re-

qualify. A new application must be completed each year. You can also pay for school meals online

at: www.mySchoolBucks.com.Watch our newsletter for more information about how to do this.

PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION (P.T.A.)

Manz has an active and supportive Parent-Teacher Association. Early in the school year you will

receive a newsletter from the PTA with contact information and other details about PTA events for

the year. Our PTA helps to provide many things for our school through fundraising and planning

special family events. We hope you will be an active member of our Manz PTA.

PARTIES

There are three regularly scheduled parties during the year: Fall, Winter, and Spring (Valentine’s

Day). Your classroom teacher will inform you of these party times and dates ahead of time. Please

make sure your child brings one treat/Valentine for each child in the class as this allows all students

to be included.

PET VISITS

If you wish to bring your pet to visit your child’s classroom, you must complete and return to the

teacher a “Pet Visiting Form”, which can be obtained in the office. Please make sure that your pet

meets all of the requirements listed on that form. Due to health concerns and allergies, many pets

are prohibited at Manz School. Please make sure to check ahead of time before bringing an animal

onto school property.

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PUPIL NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

If any person believes that the Eau Claire Area School District or any part of the school

organization has failed to follow the law and rules of §118.13, Wis. Stats., the Americans with

Disabilities Act, Title IX, Title VI, or Section 504 or in some way discriminates against students on

the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or

parental status, sexual orientation, or disability, he/she can bring or send a complaint to Kay Marks,

Executive Director of Human Resources, 500 Main Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Ms. Marks can be

contacted at 715-852-3051. Complaints relating to the identification, evaluation, placement or

provision of a free appropriate education of a child with a disability shall be resolved by procedures

authorized in state and federal law. Also, complaints under federal law commonly referred to as

EDGAR complaints (i.e., that the state or a subgrantee is violating a federal statute or regulation

that applies to a program) shall be referred directly to the State Superintendent of Schools. Other

complaints will follow the steps identified below:

Step 1 A written statement of the complaint shall be prepared by the complainant and signed. This

complaint shall be presented to the building administrator (principal). The building administrator

shall forward a copy of the complaint to the appropriate administrator. For complaints related to

school personnel, Kay Marks, Executive Director of Human Resources, should be contacted. For

complaints related to the identification/placement/other issues of a special education student, Robyn

Criego, Director of Special Education/Student Services, should be contacted. The building

administrator shall also send a written acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint to the

complainant within 15 working days.

Step 2 The appropriate administrator as identified in Step 1, along with the building administrator

and other staff where appropriate, shall be responsible for the investigation of all formal complaints.

Following the completion of the investigation, a written report shall be prepared. Unless the parties

agree to an extension of time, the findings from the investigation shall be delivered, in writing, to

the complainant within 45 days of the receipt of the complaint.

Step 3 If a complainant wishes to appeal a determination by the Executive Director of Human

Resources or the Director of Special Education/Student Services, he/she may appeal, in writing, to

the Board of Education within 30 days of receipt of the written findings. Within 15 days, the Board

shall send a written acknowledgment of receipt of the appeal to the complainant. The Board shall

consider all appeals and render a written decision within 45 days of receipt of the appeal.

Step 4 If a complainant wishes to appeal a negative determination by the Board, he/she has the

right to appeal the decision to the State Superintendent within 30 days of the Board’s decision. In

addition, the complainant may appeal directly to the State Superintendent if the Board has not

provided written acknowledgment within 15 days of receipt of the complaint or made a

determination within 45 days of receipt of the written complaint. Appeals should be addressed to:

State Superintendent, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 125 South Webster Street, P. O.

Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707.

Step 5 Discrimination complaints on some of the above bases may also be filed with the federal

government at the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 111 North Canal Street,

Room 1053, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

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RECESS

Students will go outside for recesses everyday unless it is raining or the temperature is dangerously

cold. The school staff will make that decision based on district guidelines. Please send your child to

school with appropriate clothes for the weather. Warm winter coats, hats, boots, and mittens are

essentials of every elementary school child in the Eau Claire Area. If a child must stay inside for

medical reasons, parents are required to send a note from the doctor detailing the period of time of

restricted activity. When this is the case, the child will remain in the office and can read or play

quietly.

REQUEST FOR EARLY DISMISSAL

District school policy does NOT allow early dismissal for such activities as choir practice, private

music lessons, YMCA classes, etc.

SAFETY PATROL

Mrs. Tumaniec, 5th grade teacher, is in charge of safety patrol. Safety patrol is used to facilitate safe

crossing for students walking or riding their bikes to and from school. Fifth graders will have an

opportunity to serve on patrol this year. Patrollers will be on duty at these times: 8:20-8:40 a.m.

and 3:35-3:45 p.m. The corners where safety patrollers are assigned are: Fillmore/May;

Fillmore/Eisenhower; Taft/Eisenhower. We also have an adult crossing guard at the corner of May

Street and Hamilton Avenue. All children who live south of Hamilton are encouraged to cross with

the adult guard’s help at that location.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

During times of bad roads, inclement weather, or snowstorms, bus routes may be cancelled, schools

may be closed all day, or school may start late. Please listen to local TV/radio broadcasts. School

closing announcements will be made after 6:30 a.m. Please do not call the school or the Transit

Company to see if school is closed. Our phone lines must be kept open for emergency calls. At

times, it may be necessary to close school early. In this case, radio stations will broadcast

notification between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Elementary schools will close at 1:30 p.m. for all

students and students would ride their regular bus home. Parents should make appropriate

arrangements for childcare during that time if necessary.

SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety at school is our utmost concern. For that reason, all school doors remain locked

throughout the school day. Visitors and parents are asked to enter the building through the front

door and must buzz in and show identification prior to entry. This rule applies at all times of the

day- including the start of school and dismissal. Also, we require all people who enter the building

to sign in and wear a visitor badge. We realize this may be inconvenient when you are just stopping

in for a minute to drop something off, but safety comes first.

If you are picking your child up from school during the school day for an appointment, please come

to the office and we will call the classroom teacher to send the child down to the lobby to meet you.

Please do not walk down to the classroom to get your child as this disrupts instruction. Please

help us to keep our school secure by following these rules at all times.

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SCHOOL SUPERVISION - BEFORE and AFTER SCHOOL

There is no supervision on the playground before 8:20 a.m. Children should not arrive before

8:20 a.m. All children who walk, ride bike, or are transported to school should arrive no earlier

than 8:20 a.m. as there are no crossing guards or playground supervisors on duty before that time.

The morning bell rings at 8:40 a.m. Children are not to enter the building until the bell rings, unless

the weather is inclement. Playground supervision is not provided after school. Children are to

go directly home at dismissal.

STUDENT DRESS

Responsibility for the personal appearance of students enrolled in the Eau Claire Area School District shall

normally rest with the students themselves and their parents/guardians. Student dress or grooming shall not,

however:

a. affect the health or safety of students;

b. disrupt the learning process within the classroom or school; or

c. be destructive to school property.

In order to assure a healthy and safe school environment for students, the following student dress

code guidelines will be enforced:

1. During the school day headwear of any type is not to be worn (unless prescribed by a physician

due to medical reasons or for documented religious beliefs). Outdoor jackets and coats should not

be worn.

2. No student shall be permitted to wear any clothing or jewelry that contains pictures and/or

writing referring to alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, sexual references, profanity, promotion

of gambling, illegal drugs and/or gangs. Clothing items that cause intimidation or disrupt the

learning of others are prohibited. Students will not wear clothing that defames, insults, threatens,

harasses or injures any racial or cultural groups or individuals.

3. Students are expected to wear hairstyles and clothing that will not present a health or safety

hazard. Special requirements may be necessary in certain areas such as physical education, art,

band, science labs, kitchens, and technology education work areas; i.e. safety glasses, aprons, hair

nets, etc. Appropriate footwear must be worn unless exceptions are granted.

4. Students will dress in a way that does not endanger themselves or others and will wear clothing

that covers their stomachs, chests, backs, buttocks, and undergarments. Tops are not to be worn that

are 1) open backed or totally off the shoulder; 2) overly sheer so undergarments can be seen; or 3)

low cut so that cleavage is exposed. Tops and bottoms are to touch or overlap. There should be no

exposed midriff.

Students who violate the rules for school attire shall be asked to change or further disciplinary

action will be taken, which may include suspension. This code is not intended to limit the right of

the building and/or district administration to establish rules or restrictions regarding other

paraphernalia or dress that disrupts or threatens to disrupt the learning environment of any school. If

there is a disagreement between students and/or parents/guardians and the staff regarding the

appropriateness of clothing or other paraphernalia, the principal will use his/her discretion to make

the final decision.

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STUDENTS BRINGING ELECTRONIC DEVICES/PHONES

At our elementary schools, we discourage students from bringing electronic devices (cell phones,

iPods, video game systems, etc.) to school. If a student must carry a cell phone to school for

emergency purposes to and from school, the phone must be turned off throughout the school day

and kept in the student’s backpack. Any phones that are found in use during the school day will be

turned in to the office and the parent will be called to come pick it up. Exceptions will only be

made to this guideline for situations in which the classroom teacher asks students to bring in these

items for instructional use.

TECHNOLOGY USAGE EXPECTATIONS FOR ECASD STUDENTS For the purpose of this document, “technology” includes the use of any of the following at ECASD:

The school network

The Internet

Any sites or software that supports learning

Any technological devices that belong to the school

Any personal technological devices used while on campus (cell phones, iPods, computers,

etc.)

Any private or commercial network accessed while on Eau Claire Area School District

property

Expectations

All use of personal and District technology resources must be in support of, and consistent

with, the educational objectives of the Eau Claire Area School District.

Students are solely responsible for use, security and protection of any personal technological

devices that he or she brings onto District property or while participating in school events.

Students are solely responsible for their behavior and language at all times. All District

policies prohibiting bullying, harassment, and discrimination apply with full force to an

individual’s online and other technology-based activities and communications.

Students will follow the school rules, board policy and all applicable state and federal laws,

including adhering to the Eau Claire Community Core Values

(http://www.ecasd.us/ECASD/media/District-

Site/PDFs/Board%20Policies/boardpolicy443_7.pdf ) while using technology. (Board

policies 443.7 and 364.1)

Any attempt to circumvent security or filtering systems is a violation of school rules and

board policy.

Utilizing District technology resources for commercial purposes is prohibited.

All students have a responsibility to respect the privacy, property, including intellectual

property of others. Students will only modify data, files, communications, applications, and

other content that they own or have permission to modify. Students will always provide

citations for the work of others.

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Students will respect and comply with proper use of copyrighted text, images, video, and

music, including transmitting, downloading, reproducing, or using copyrighted material.

Students will only use their own credentials for accessing the network and will take full

responsibility for the impact that their actions and words may have on themselves and others

when using technology.

Students will carefully and critically consider their privacy and personal and electronic

safety before sharing personal information, including last name, phone number, or address.

Students should never share passwords with others.

Students will follow technology safety practices such as always logging off or otherwise

terminating network or Internet sessions before leaving any device connected to a network

and/or the Internet.

To the extent not prohibited by applicable law, monitoring of users activities may include

the use of applications, services, equipment, or other methods by which school personnel

can:

o track and review users’ Internet histories; online communication; uploaded,

downloaded, saved, or deleted data, files, applications, programs, or other content; or

other online activities;

o track and log network access and use by any person or under any account; or

o monitor fileserver space utilization by district users.

The Internet has inappropriate materials that do not support student educational or District

goals. Students will practice self-discipline and good judgment in choosing the web sites

that they visit: students will immediately notify a staff member should they see

inappropriate information or pictures while using the school network and/or Internet.

Inappropriate information includes anything that is hateful, racist, obscene, or anything else

that makes them uncomfortable.

Failure to meet the expectations established within this document or in related district

policies will result in consequences to be determined based on the infraction, and can

include suspension or expulsion. Inappropriate use of technology while at school or under

the supervision of school authorities can have non-school consequences when the conduct is

also unlawful or violates the rights of others.

TELEPHONE CALLS

Please refrain from contacting students at school unless it is an emergency. In case of emergency,

please call the school office. Students are then called to the office to receive messages. Please place

calls to teachers before 8:30 a.m. or after 3:35 p.m. Students are only allowed to make calls for

urgent issues. Please make all after school arrangements before sending your child to school. Also,

please do not call school between 3:00-3:30 in an attempt to get a message to your child (unless it’s

an emergency). This is the busiest time of day in our office and we can’t guarantee that the student

or teacher will get the message in time for dismissal.

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TITLE I

Title I is a Federal program to assist schools with meeting the needs of students who live in

households with income levels that qualify for free and reduced lunch. Last year, over 50% of

Manz families qualified for free or reduced meals at school so we are considered a Title I “School-

Wide Program” school. This means that all students at Manz are considered “Title I students”.

Through Title I, the Federal government provides additional money for staff, resources, training for

teachers, and other resources to help ensure that the students at Manz who have the highest

academic needs get the highest quality programming possible to meet their needs. Title I

requirements are also very specific about the schools’ responsibility in communicating and

partnering with parents/guardians. The Manz School Compact that you are asked to sign on

Orientation Day each year is part of that Title I communication and partnership requirement.

Because we are a school that receives federal funding through this Title I grant, the federal law

requires that we share with you the qualifications of teachers in our school. There are questions you

may ask, including:

• Is my child's teacher licensed to teach the grades or subjects assigned?

• Has the state waived any requirements for my child's teacher?

• What was the college major of my child's teacher?

• What degrees does my child's teacher hold?

• Are there instructional aides working with my child? If so, what are their qualifications?

All teachers have at least a bachelor's degree in all Wisconsin schools. In ECASD, a large

percentage of our teaching staff also have advanced degrees. In addition all of the teachers at Manz

are licensed for their assignment. If you want to see the state qualifications for your child's teacher

you may ask us or find it on the DPI website at: https://elo.wieducatorlicensing.org/datamart/publicSearchMenu.do

In addition, we have a couple instructional assistants who are funded partially through Title I funds.

These instructional assistants are qualified for this work. If you would like more information about

staff qualifications at Manz, please feel free to contact the principal.

WEAPONS POLICY

No one shall possess a weapon on school property, school buses, or at any school related event.

Any object which could be used to cause bodily injury or property damage and which has no school

related purpose will be considered a weapon. Students who violate this policy will be expelled from

the regular program for a period of not less than one year. The superintendent shall have the

authority to modify such expulsion on a case-by-case basis. A referral to the criminal or juvenile

justice system will be made for any student who brings a weapon to school.

YMCA CHILD CARE

Before and after school child care is offered by the YMCA at Manz School. Please call the YMCA

at 836-8479 to register or for more information. More information can be found at their website at:

http://www.eauclaireymca.org/2013/02/before-after-school-programs.html