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Parent and Student
Handbook
2019-2020
Magnolia Trace Elementary Motivate, Teach and Engage
Magnolia Trace Elementary School 2019-20120 STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK
Student/Parent Handbook
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
Just like other schools, our school has important rules and regulations in place to protect our students and help our school run smoothly. We take the education of your child and the safety of your child, and every child, very seriously. Your cooperation and help in reviewing these procedures with your child will help us all have a wonderful and safe year. Please read the online handbook at http://magnoliatraceelementary.stpsb.org/ and discuss the contents with your student. To ensure that you have reviewed the handbook and discussed it with your child, we ask that you sign and return this sheet to your child’s teacher by Friday, August 16, 2019. If you have questions concerning the contents of the handbook, please contact Sarah Revere, Principal.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _____ We have read the Magnolia Trace Elementary School Student Handbook and agree to follow the included policies and procedures. ____ (Optional) Due to limited internet access, please provide a paper copy of the handbook for my family. ______________________________ _____________________________ Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________ _____________________________ Teacher Date
Magnolia Trace Elementary School
1405 Highway 1088
Mandeville, LA 70448
School: 985-626-8238
Fax: 985-626-0209
Cafeteria: 985-674-0958
http://magnoliatraceelementary.stpsb.org
Sarah Revere, M.Ed. ~ Principal [email protected]
Denise McCormick, M.Ed. ~Assistant Principal [email protected]
Ada McBryde, M.Ed. ~ Technology Resource Teacher
Carolina Cassimiro McClesky ~ Counselor [email protected]
Danielle Barrosse ~ Mental Health Provider (MHP)
School Hours Full Day: 8:45-3:51 School Hours Half Day: 8:45-12:51
8:15-8:40 Buses and cars unload Breakfast available for students 8:40 Transition to Classrooms 8:45 Classes Begin/Tardy Bell 11:30-12:15 2nd Grade Lunch and Recess 12:15-1:00 3rd Grade Lunch and Recess 3:51 Buses and cars load for dismissal
8:15-8:40 Buses and cars unload Breakfast available for students 8:40 Transition to Classrooms 8:45 Classes Begin/Tardy Bell 11:00-11:45 2nd Grade Lunch and Recess 11:45-12:30 3rd Grade Lunch and Recess 12:51 Buses and cars load for dismissal
Magnolia Trace Elementary
Dear Parents or Guardians,
The faculty and staff welcome you to Magnolia Trace Elementary School for the 2019-2020 school year. We
look forward to a year of learning, academic development and social growth through the implementation of
exceptional educational experiences for our students. We also look forward to a year of exciting
opportunities for students as we implement our school-wide theme, How Sweet it is to Learn at MTE!
It is our belief that students, parents, and the school all share the responsibility for the educational
development of a student. Parental involvement throughout the year is a vital component in the success of
students. We encourage you to come to school frequently, visit the classroom, get involved in our PTA,
check JPAMS, and communicate with the teachers and the administrative team at Magnolia Trace
Elementary. Your ideas and suggestions can make meaningful contributions and improvements to the overall
school climate and educational experiences afforded to all students.
Magnolia Trace Elementary has proven very successful for our students. Our faculty continues to grow,
develop and enrich our academic programs and school activities each year. Magnolia Trace is fortunate to
have an outstanding and enthusiastic faculty and staff. Everyone is ready and prepared to make Magnolia
Trace Elementary continue to stand out proudly among the best schools in St. Tammany Parish.
We will need your help this year, and I look forward to working with you and your child. The Student and
Parent Handbook is designed to provide information about school policies, PBIS program, rules, and
procedures for helping maintain a secure, safe, and caring school environment where all students have the
opportunity to learn and grow. Please take time to read over the handbook carefully and feel free to review
any parts which you feel would be beneficial to your child with him or her.
If you have questions about this handbook or other school issues during the school year, please don't hesitate
to call or email me. We strive to maintain open and productive communication with parents and welcome
your comments, questions, and involvement.
Sincerely,
Sarah Revere
Principal
Magnolia Trace Elementary School
1405 Highway 1088 ● Mandeville, LA 70448 ● 985-626-8238 ● fax: 985-626-0209
magnoliatraceelementary.stpsb.org
Sarah Revere, Principal Denise McCormick, Assistant Principal
MOTTO
Motivate, Teach and Engage
MISSION
The mission of Magnolia Trace is to create a safe and positive school climate, foster stakeholder
involvement, equip teachers to deliver effective instruction of a rigorous curriculum, and ensure that
students achieve at high levels.
BELIEF STATEMENTS
We believe that:
A positive, safe learning environment should be provided.
Students should be challenged to be problem solvers.
Students should be challenged to be team players in working on a common goal.
Technology skills are essential.
Students are individuals with different learning styles.
Communication between home and school is vital for student success.
Parental involvement plays an important part in student success.
Teachers should be equipped to deliver effective instruction in a rigorous curriculum.
Students should achieve at high levels.
Everyone should be treated with respect and kindness.
ATTENDANCE, TARDIES & CHECKOUT POLICIES Students are expected to attend school daily; however please do not send your child to school with a fever greater than 100 degrees or symptoms of a contagious illness. Students should be fever free and symptom free for 24 hours prior to returning to school. When a student is absent 3 or more hours per day:
Send a parent or doctor note within 3 days of their return. It is important to provide a written note from the parent or doctor stating the reason for the absence in order for the absence to be determined “excused” or “unexcused.” Make-up work, missed assignments and tests will be given for excused absences.
Call the office only when a child has been out 3 consecutive days. Parents may call the school to arrange a pick-up time for missed work, but must provide the office 24 hours to provide teachers the time to prepare materials.
After 10 absences not meeting the excused requirement, a student will be assigned “seat time” to make up missed class time. Seat time will be served before and after school as assigned by administration.
We strongly encourage you to schedule medical and dental appointments, vacations, etc. during school holidays or after school hours to minimize school absences.
Please refer to the St. Tammany Parish School Discipline Policy Handbook given to you at the beginning of the school year for a more thorough explanation of the Attendance Policy. If a student becomes ill during the school day, the parents will be notified via phone call and are expected to check the child out for the remainder of the school day. Students who experience the following symptoms will require check-out: temperature above 100 degrees, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, suspected communicable disease. Student Check-outs:
Sign students in/out in the front office.
ID (driver’s license) is required.
MUST occur prior to 3:30 pm. After 3:30 pm, please use car line for student pickup.
Anyone checking a student out MUST be listed on the Emergency Card.
If checking out for doctor, dentist, etc. appointment, unless the appointment takes the entire school day, students are expected to attend class both before and after the appointment.
Submit a physician note to the front office for the check-out to be excused.
Please limit check-outs to emergency situations and/or appointments. Instructional time is valuable to the success of our students.
** During crisis situations such as Shelter in Place, Evacuation, or Lockdown, students will remain in their safe locations and visiting parents will be asked to Shelter in Place, Evacuate, or Lockdown. For the safety of our students, checkouts will not be processed during the immediate crisis.**
TRUANCY Any student who is habitually absent from school or is habitually tardy will be reported as a truant child to the supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance, the family, or juvenile court, according to the provisions of Louisiana’s Children’s Code regarding families in need of services.
TARDY TO SCHOOL Students arriving after instructional time begins at 8:45 are considered tardy. Tardy students must be signed in by a parent in the front office. A parent conference with administration will be required for any student with excessive tardies or absences.
CAMPUS SECURITY & CRISIS PLANS Security cameras are currently installed throughout our campus. The cameras have been installed in strategic areas and monitor our school campus 7 days per week / 24 hours per day.
Magnolia Trace maintains a Crisis Plan to be used in the event of an emergency. During the school year we will practice each drill – Evacuation, Shelter in Place, and Lockdown – several times as required by law. We work closely with our local law enforcement, fire department, and school district liaison to constantly evaluate and make adjustments to the plans as necessary.
** During crisis situations such as Shelter in Place, Evacuation, or Lockdown, students will remain in their safe locations and visiting parents will be asked to Shelter in Place, Evacuate, or Lockdown. For the safety of our students, checkouts will not be processed during the immediate crisis. **
CHILD CARE ~ BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL Before and After Care is available to MTE second and third grade students through the Marigny Elementary Before and After Care program. Students attending Before Care will ride a bus to MTE during morning arrival times, 8:15-8:45 am. Breakfast is available in the cafeteria with breakfast fees applying. Students attending After Care will ride a bus to Marigny in the afternoon. Students must be registered for the program to attend. Before and After Care information and registration forms can be picked up in the office at Marigny or on the Marigny website.
In the event of an emergency, please ensure that changes to an afternoon routine are made by 3:00 pm. Changes can be made only via e-mail, [email protected] or fax with an attached copy of the parent/guardian driver's license. Changes can not be made over the phone. If a change is faxed or emailed, it is the parent/guardian responsibility to call the office prior to 3:00 pm to ensure receipt of the change.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION, EDUCATION, AND REPORTING PROGRAM
As mandated by the St. Tammany Parish School Board, students in grades K – 8 will receive instruction on the topic of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, Education, and Reporting. All materials used in the instruction may be previewed by contacting the school administration. We encourage you to talk with your child about this topic as well as other general safety issues.
CIVIL RIGHTS LAW COMPLIANCE In order to comply with current laws, St. Tammany Parish School Board ensures that:
1. All homeless students will be enrolled in school. 2. The civil and constitutional rights of students with disabilities will be protected. 3. Students and employees shall be protected from sexual harassment. 4. Students and employees shall be protected from discrimination of the basis of race, color,
national origin, religion or sex.
COUNSELING
Our school guidance counselor and MHP (Mental Health Provider) provide counseling services to students via whole class, small group, and individual counseling. Parents may arrange conferences with the counselor by emailing the counselor or calling the school office to schedule an appointment.
DELIVERIES Students may not receive any type of delivery (flowers, balloons, etc.) from parents or guardians at school.
DRUG FREE SCHOOL Magnolia Trace Elementary is a drug free school. The drug free zone that encompasses our school requires maximum fines and imprisonment for drug violation within that zone. Please refer to the STPSB Student Handbook for consequences for student use of illicit drugs. A resource list of available drug and alcohol counseling programs may be obtained in the school office. All St. Tammany Parish Schools are smoke-free workplaces. No smoking is allowed on school grounds.
EMERGENCY CARDS & CHANGE OF STUDENT INFORMATION It is essential that the school has up-to-date information for each child. This information is written on the EMERGENCY CARDS each school year and kept in the office IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. Please notify the school immediately if you have ANY CHANGES including phone numbers, addresses, contact names, custody, or any changes in before care or after care arrangements. Parents or guardians must come to the school office to make changes to the emergency card such as emergency contact information and who is allowed to check students in/out of school or pick up students in car line. This information cannot be changed over the phone. This information is essential in helping us provide for your child promptly and efficiently during an emergency. If your phone is disconnected, please inform us immediately. Please include cell and work phone numbers on all forms.
FIELD TRIPS
CHAPERONES Parents may be asked to help chaperone. As a chaperone, you will:
Sign in and receive a visitor badge from the front office prior to leaving for the field trip. You will need to provide your driver’s license to be scanned for the badge to be printed.
Receive a Magnolia Trace Chaperone wristband.
Provide your own transportation to and from the trip.
Abide by the rules that are the same as those on the school campus while chaperoning: no smoking, refrain from cell phone use.
Refrain from taking pictures of children other than your own or posting pictures of other children to social media.
Give full attention to the students you are chaperoning. Siblings may not attend field trips. **Students may NOT be checked out from the field trip. Students must ride the school bus to and from the trip. **
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION and FEES
Signed permission slips are required for all trips.
A deadline for payment will always accompany the permission slip. THIS DEADLINE IS FINAL because event sponsors require advanced notice.
Bag lunches are provided by the cafeteria for all students who request a school lunch if the event is held during the lunch period. The student’s lunch account will be charged for the lunch.
Students must ride the school bus to and from the field trip. Students many NOT be checked out from the field trip.
No student operated cameras or electronics will be allowed on field trips!
FOOD SERVICES / CAFETERIA Our school serves nutritionally balanced meals; a hot lunch and breakfast is served daily. Breakfast and lunch prices can be found on the school website. Payment should be made monthly, in advance, at the beginning of each month. If this is not possible, you must pay on a weekly basis. Payment must be enclosed in an envelope, labeled with the students’ name, homeroom teacher, amount, and lunch I.D. number. This is very important as teachers do not collect and record lunch payment. Envelopes are turned in at the cafeteria daily. Payschools is also available for all lunch payments. Simply go to our school’s website, www.magnoliatraceelementary.stpsb.org and click the Payschools logo. Free and reduced meal information is available on the school and district website. Applications for free and reduced lunch are online. Please visit the online application portal to apply for free and reduced lunch. For more information, please contact Mrs. Melissa Singletary, Cafeteria Manager at (985)674-0958.
Breakfast is served daily from 8:15 a.m.– 8:40 a.m. Students eating breakfast at school must report to the cafeteria immediately upon arrival and should arrive by 8:30 a.m.; however, in the event that a bus is late, students will be allowed to eat breakfast before reporting to class. A monthly calendar of lunch and breakfast menus is posted on the school website. The menu is subject to change due to availability of food items. Lunch visitors are welcome beginning August 19! Please sign in at the office when arriving to school. Parents and guests who are listed on the student’s emergency card are welcome to join students in the cafeteria for lunch time only. Bring your ID (driver’s license) so we can check you in. For the safety of all of our students, parents are asked to check back out in the office after students are dismissed to recess. If you plan on eating lunch with your child, it is helpful that you send a note to the homeroom teacher or call the school cafeteria at (985)674-0958. Please do not bring fast food, take-out, or glass bottles to the cafeteria.
GRADING POLICY Students will receive report cards each nine week grading period. The final quarter report card will be mailed. Our grading policy is as follows for reading, language, math, science, and social studies: A = 93-100 B = 85-92 C = 75-84 D = 67-74 F = 66 and below Conduct and work habits will be reported using the following: O- Outstanding S-Satisfactory N- Needs Improvement U- Unsatisfactory
Student grades are entered in JPAMS by the teachers. Using the access information (username and password) mailed, parents can access JPAMS to monitor student grades. Parents are encouraged to check grades weekly. JPAMS automated system also calls student’s primary number in the event of a school absence. JPAMS is used periodically to call student’s home in the event of emergencies, bus breakdowns, school events, etc. Please notify the office of changes in phone numbers to ensure you receive school information. We encourage you to monitor your child’s grades on JPAMS weekly.
HEAD LICE If you should find head lice or nits on your child at home, please notify the school or your child’s teacher. School personnel must check students for readmission to school. Please see the St. Tammany Parish School Board policy for more information.
INCLUSION The Magnolia Trace Inclusion Plan is designed to provide all students, including those with special needs, the opportunity to learn in the least restrictive environment that enables them to succeed. Inclusive education is the education of all students in regular education settings, with extra support from special education teachers and paraprofessionals. It allows all students to reach their maximum potential educationally and socially to ensure full and valued membership in society. Inclusion is required by law, and is fully supported by the faculty and staff of Magnolia Trace.
KIDS IN TRANSITION (K.I.T.) / MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT Education of Children and Youth in Homeless Situations The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law passed in 1987 to help people experiencing homelessness. The Act requires states and school districts to make sure students in homeless situations can attend and succeed in school. The McKinney-Vento Act applies to all children and youth who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including all children who are living in the following situations:
Doubled-up housing with other families or friends because they lost their home or their family is having temporary financial problems
Living in a motel/hotel because of economic hardship or loss of housing
Living in an emergency or transitional shelter, domestic violence shelter, or in a runaway/homeless youth shelter
Living in a vehicle of any kind; campground without running water and/or electricity; abandoned building; substandard housing; bus/train station
Abandoned in a hospital Children and youth in homeless situations have the right to the following:
Attend and succeed in school no matter where they live or how long they have lived there
Enroll in a school despite the lack of a permanent address or lack of school and immunization records or birth certificates and other documents
Receive services comparable to those offered to non-homeless children and youth
Get transportation to school, if feasible
Access educationally related support services
Should you or your child meet these qualifications; please contact your school’s main office or guidance office to complete a form for consideration.
MEDICINE Medicine cannot be administered by the school without proper forms completed by a doctor. These forms are available in the office. To ensure children’s safety, medicine MAY NOT be transported on a school bus. Children are never allowed to bring medicine of ANY kind to school.
MONRING MEETING Morning Meetings will be held each Monday morning, 8:45 – 9:10 am. This is a time for us to recognize monthly birthdays, celebrate students making good choices, acknowledge students making special achievements, and recognize exciting events going on in our school. Parents are invited to attend the Morning Meeting. When a student is receiving an award at Morning Meeting, the parent will be sent an invitation to join the event.
PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT
Parent/Guardian Involvement: CONFERENCES Communication between the teacher and parent/guardian is important for a child’s success. If you are interested in meeting with your child’s teacher, please email the teacher, send a note or contact the school office at (985)626-8238 to leave a message for your child’s teacher. We ask that any concerns you have regarding your child be brought to the attention of the teacher first before contacting the principal or assistant principal.
Parent/Guardian Involvement: PARENT VOLUNTEERS / VISITORS Parents are always welcome at Magnolia Trace! If you are able to volunteer your time and energy, please contact the school, classroom teacher, or a PTA officer directly. Any time you come to the school to volunteer, please remember that you will need your I.D. in order to receive a printed identification tag. Any classroom volunteer time should be arranged with the classroom teacher in advance. We truly appreciate all that you do to help make us a better school. Parents and guest who are listed on the student’s emergency card may eat lunch with their child; however parents are asked to check out at the office when students are dismissed to recess. All classroom/school volunteers are required to sign a CONFIDENTIALITY FORM when arriving in the front office.
Parent/Guardian Involvement: PTA
Magnolia Trace Elementary believes that parents are a vital link between student achievement and school success. We invite parents to be a part of our PTA and join us for meetings and volunteer activities held throughout the school year. There are many opportunities for parents to get involved in their child’s education and participate in numerous events scheduled throughout the year. Please look for notices to go home and check the school’s website for more information.
PARTIES
Several holiday parties and celebrations are held at school. The room mothers will ask for volunteers to send something to the party. Only Magnolia Trace students are allowed to participate in our school parties. School-aged siblings from other classes or those who do not attend Magnolia Trace should not attend. Birthday parties are NOT allowed at school. We ask that birthday invitations be taken care of at home unless the ENTIRE class will be receiving one. Individual serving items such as cupcakes or cookies may be sent to school for birthdays and will be handed out at the teacher’s discretion. Please contact the teacher ahead of time to let them know you will be sending items. Treats may be dropped in the office and will be delivered to the classroom.
Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) Plan In order to create an atmosphere in which all children learn comfortably, it is necessary that certain levels of conduct and discipline be maintained. Appropriate behavior expectations are taught daily in the classroom via PBIS meetings. Additionally, our guidance counselor provides character trait lessons and manages the Mindful Moments Lab that students may visit at recess for more guidance in self-regulation skills or sensory play. Furthermore, our students learn character building songs and have the option to participate in K-Kids Club, to develop community social skills. Our MTE Behavior and Social Curriculum includes components of programs such as: Conscious Discipline, Zones of Regulation, and Mindfulness. Each Monday, MTE assembles as a whole school in the gym to celebrate students' success in academics, behavioral/social expectations, and/or community contests. Weekly, students receive awards on stage during Monday Morning Assembly for: birthdays, "Maggie 4," "MVP," "Good Character," "TERRIFIC Kids." Parents are always welcome to come and celebrate with us at Monday Morning Assembly between 8:40 -9:10. The "Maggie4" are MTE's school-wide behavior expectations. Students caught following the "Maggie 4" will receive a Maggie Slip that could result in prizes and fun recognition. Behavior expectations for various areas of the school are also clearly defined and maintained throughout the building.
“Maggie 4” 1. Be Safe
2. Be Respectful 3. Follow the Rules
4. Make Good Choices We take pride in working with our learning community regarding accountability for appropriate behaviors, therefore daily communication about students’ behavior is provided to families. The communication correlates to the colored Bone Chart that is maintained in each classroom and sent home nightly via a Take-Home-Folder.
DICIPLINE POLICY & PROCEDURES
1. The teacher will notify the parent that a problematic behavior seems to be arising. This communication will be via phone call or through the daily Bone Chart communication. Families are requested to discuss the problematic behaviors with their child to help with understanding the root cause/motive of the inappropriate behavior, re-affirm positive replacement behaviors, and assist with restorative practices when needed. Teachers will welcome any family support and insight to better understanding the needs of their child. MTE finds that when teachers and families work together, the child has more consistency and support in understanding appropriate behavior expectations and can become successful, sooner than later.
2. If the problematic behavior continues, the teacher will schedule a conference with the family to collaborate on a modified behavior plan that is supported in school and at home.
3. After collaborating and implementing a modified behavior plan with parent input, if the problematic behavior continues the teacher will begin sending MTE Discipline Notifications home. MTE Discipline Notifications are to be signed and returned the following day. Families should keep the canary copy.
4. If a student receives 3 MTE Discipline Notifications within a 9 week quarter, the student will be referred to the Assistant Principal's office. The Assistant Principal will call the parent to discuss the matter, assign consequences in accordance with the district discipline handbook, and will record the incident as a minor/major behavior infraction on the students' cumulative record. ***Please be aware that extremely inappropriate behaviors do not progress through steps 1-4, those behaviors go immediately to Assistant Principal. These types of behaviors include: physical aggression, vandalism, theft/stealing, threats to self or others, possession of a weapon, drugs, or alcohol, teasing and taunting students. Magnolia Trace has a NO TOLERANCE policy for bullying. Such behaviors have consequences that are fair and developmentally appropriate. A child who is not behaving appropriately in school is probably not learning as he/she should; therefore, Magnolia Trace's faculty and staff are committed to doing all that we can alongside families to help students succeed both academically and socially emotionally. When students struggle with mastering behavior expectations our faculty has several intervention practices in place that provide various opportunities for changing inappropriate behavior, such as: small group counseling, MHP Services, Think Tank Reflections, Apprenticeship programs, and a “Check In- Check Out” mentoring program. By working together, a plan for success can be developed.
PETS
Students are not allowed to bring any type of pet to school at any time due to health and safety concerns of others. Permission may be granted by the school principal for an animal/pet to be brought to the classroom for a special project arranged with the teacher. Prior to the visit, the animal must have a veterinarian statement indicating the animal is disease free.
RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION CONSENT FORM The Release of Student Information Consent Forms are for students who newly register. All previously signed forms will remain in the student’s cumulative file and follow the students year to year; therefore, students enrolled in school last year will not be asked to sign the form again. Students may only be photographed, video-taped, etc. for publication if this form is signed and on file in the school office. If for any reason you do not want your child photographed, we would appreciate you calling this to our attention verbally in addition to noting this on the Release Clarification Form. Parents/Guardians/Visitors may NOT take pictures of any other student except their own while on school property or during school sponsored events (lunch, playgrounds, classrooms, school events, etc.). Please use caution during special ceremonies, such as awards and performances. Please refrain from posting pictures of other students to social media.
RESTROOM POLICY For the safety of students, adults must use the office restrooms only. Any incidence of this policy being ignored should be reported to the school administration immediately.
SCHOOL BAGS All students should bring a back pack daily. School bags with wheels cause injuries. For safety reasons at school and on the buses, wheeled bags will not be allowed at Magnolia Trace. Key chains and toys may not be attached to the school bags for safety reasons. Key chains and toys are just the right height to hit other students in the eye when kids sit down. Please check school bags nightly for important school to home communication. Please do not allow your child to load down his back pack with items that are not needed at school. Toys, jewelry, trading cards, stuffed animals, etc. should remain at home.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT The purpose of the St. Tammany Parish School Board is to provide public education for the school aged children of St. Tammany Parish, LA. Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and school board policy and will not be tolerated, condoned, or overlooked. The board requests and encourages persons associated with the school system who believe there are acts of harassment to report them to the school principal or designee. The board through the school principal shall promptly, thoroughly, and fairly investigate reports of sexual harassment and take appropriate action that is consistent with the results of the investigation and the legal requirements afforded by law. Inappropriate behavior will be handled according to the school’s discipline procedures. The school system and board will not tolerate retaliation by anyone associated with the school system against one who files a complaint of sexual harassment. Some acts of sexual harassment are considered criminal and are subject to prosecution. The board and school system will fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies and the district attorney in investigating and prosecuting such criminal offenses. Reporting of incidents need to be made to the principal at your child’s school. A copy of the policy is available in every school’s library.
TOYS & ELECTRONICS Do not send to school toys, jewelry, electronic games, or other expensive items that may be lost or damaged. Children are not allowed to bring electronic devices, including electronic watches, to school. Cell phones, if brought to school, MUST be in the OFF position and stowed away out of sight.
TRANSPORTATION
BUSES Magnolia Trace encourages students to ride the school bus to and from school. A student may only ride a different bus home if the parent first receives permission from the bus driver and sends a note to school with the child stating that permission was obtained. This note will be approved by the office and given to the child to hand to the bus driver in the afternoon upon dismissal. Please talk with your child about the importance of good behavior on the school bus. All children must comply with the bus driver’s rules. Your child may lose bus privileges if he/she does not behave on the bus. Misbehavior on the bus may result in discipline consequences such as parent conference, Think Tank referral, or suspension from the bus.
CAR RIDER INFORMATION
Morning Car Line Procedures:
Car line begins at 8:15 am. Do NOT drop students prior to 8:15 am.
Car children are to be dropped off in the front circle only.
Car line forms heading toward the school from Viola Street, in front of Lake Harbor.
For the safety of the children, while waiting in car line please remain inside the car at all times.
The duty person will signal when it is time to begin unloading children.
For everyone’s safety, and to comply with state law, please refrain from using a cell phone while in the school zone.
Please pull up under the shelter so that 3 cars may unload safely at once.
Have your child ready to unload quickly when you stop.
Please have your child exit your vehicle on the passenger side. All children go directly into the front door when arriving at school. A duty person is waiting inside to direct them.
Afternoon Car Line Procedures:
Car line begins after the bell at 3:51 p.m. and end at approximately 4:05 p.m. PLEASE BE PROMPT IN PICKING UP YOUR CHILD AFTER SCHOOL.
Car line forms heading toward the school from Viola Street, in front of Lake Harbor.
Please do not line up un Lake Harbor car and bus circles or behind the MTE cafeteria.
Do not “cut” in line.
Do not park and walk up to the school to pick up your child. This dangerous practice encourages young children to run (across traffic) to their parents. It also slows down the loading process for everybody.
For everyone’s safety, and to comply with state law, please refrain from using a cell phone while in the school zone.
We will load three cars at a time. You will need a car line sign. Be sure your child’s name is written in large DARK letters with the teacher’s last name underneath in smaller letters. Be sure we can read your child’s name from 50 feet away. If your name sign in your car is easy to read we can get your child ready quickly.
Children who are not picked up when the car line is completed will be brought to the after school care program at Marigny Elementary. The $12.00 drop-in fee will be charged.
Please do not drive past the barricade and signs to enter the bus ramp drop off area in your car. It is illegal to pass a school bus that is loading or unloading. For the safety of our students, we appreciate your strict compliance with this rule.
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES Changes will only be accepted with a handwritten, signed note from the parent/guardian
on the day of change. Phone calls will not be accepted. In the event of an EMERGENCY,
we will accept a signed fax or email, [email protected] that includes a copy of the parent/guardian’s
driver’s license. Our fax number is (985)626-0209. If a transportation change is faxed or emailed, it is the
parent’s responsibility to contact the office no later than 3:00 to ensure the change has been received.
EMERGENCY transportation changes should be for emergency use only. Please do not fax/email daily with
changes. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children safe.
VISITORS ALL visitors must report immediately to the front office upon arrival and are allowed on the school grounds only with the permission of the principal or assistant principal. Please do not be offended if we ask for identification when checking in for lunch, attending field trips, attending programs, or checking students out. It is merely a protective measure. A student will be checked out once identification is provided and a parent, legal guardian, or designated person signs the child out in the office. All visitors to our school must go directly to the office to scan in their driver’s license or state ID and receive a visitor’s pass. Everyone will
enter through the front office doors going directly into the waiting area. Visitors will return their visitor pass at the front desk when leaving. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Parents and guests who are listed on the student’s emergency card are welcome to join students in
the cafeteria for lunch time only. For the safety of all of our students, parents are asked to check
back out in the office after students are dismissed to recess.
WEAPONS POLICY
Students found using, possessing and/or concealing a knife, firearm, weapon capable of discharging a projectile, or other dangerous instruments capable of causing bodily harm shall be immediately suspended and recommended for expulsion. Police notification will be made immediately. Students using, possessing and/or concealing any look-alike object that may have the principle appearance of a weapon or dangerous instrument shall be immediately suspended from school and recommended for expulsion. Upon the recommendation for the expulsion, a hearing shall be conducted by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Students in grade five or lower who have been found in the hearing process of using, possessing and/or concealing a weapon, or look-alike weapon shall be disciplined in accordance with the decision made by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Any case involving a student in grade five or lower found in possession of a firearm on school property shall be referred to the School Board through a recommendation for action from the Superintendent.
UNIFORM POLICY
**School uniforms MUST be worn daily, Monday – Friday.** BOTTOMS
Plain tan cotton twill khaki long pants or capris
Plan tan cotton twill khaki walking shorts (fingertip length)
Plain tan cotton twill khaki jumper/
Plain tan cotton twill khaki skort or skirt TOPS
Navy polo type knit collared shirt, long or short sleeve with no logo or emblem
White polo type knit collared shirt, long or short sleeve with no logo or emblem
Navy or white turtleneck may be layered under shirt or sweatshirt
MTE navy T-shirt or plain navy T-shirt
MTE navy sweatshirt or plain navy sweatshirt or sweater
MTE navy polo shirt
MTE white polo shirt **If in the event spirit days are given, parents will be notified in writing and via robo call. Otherwise the uniform policy above is required daily. ** Outerwear (coats, sweatshirts and jackets) that does not comply with the uniform policy must be removed when children enter the classrooms. Only plain navy or MTE navy sweaters and sweatshirts may be worn inside the classrooms.
Uniforms may be purchased at any department store, chain store, uniform shop or catalog of your choice. Shirts with the school logo may be purchased in the school office if you so desire. (This is optional.) Magnolia Trace Elementary’s official school uniform complies with the St. Tammany Parish School Board dress code. We work and play hard at school, so expect your child’s clothes to get dirty. For safety reasons we ask the following:
Wear athletic / tennis shoes. Please do not wear open backed shoes, shoes with high heels, shoes with cleats, or flip-flops.
Scarves, bandanas, and hats should not be worn to school.
Shorts are encouraged as long as they meet the length requirement of fingertip length when the child is standing upright.
Umbrellas are dangerous at this age! Please opt for raincoats with hoods or rain hats instead.
Elaborate jewelry that can be distracting in the classroom is not allowed.
Please leave items such hats, combs, brushes, watches, sunglasses and purses at home to minimize classroom distractions.
PLEASE LABEL YOUR CHILD’S ITEMS THAT MAY BE LOST (sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, lunch boxes, etc.).
WEATHER EMERGENCIES School closing due to weather emergencies will be posted on the local news or the school board website, www.stpsb.org. All STPSB severe weather guidelines will be adhered to in case of emergency conditions during school hours. To stay current on the official weather alerts effecting schools, sign up for Emergency & News Alerts on the School Board website, www.stpsb.org. Instant messages may be sent to you directly from the school system in the form of text messages, phone calls, and/or e-mail.
