Pioneer Elementary School

Student Handbook

2015-2016

Pioneer Elementary School

2301 “M” St. SE

Auburn, WA 98002

www.auburn.wednet.edu/pioneer

Phone: (253) 931-4986

Mission Statement: At Pioneer, we dedicate ourselves to students and their

families, to inspire and empower children to achieve their greatest academic and

social potential.

Pioneer Elementary Civility Code As we communicate with staff, students, parents and members of the community we agree to:

Treat each other with courtesy, kindness and respect at all times – listen carefully and respectfully- share opinions without loud or offensive language, gestures or profanity

Take responsibility for our actions – refrain from display of temper- do not disrupt the operation of any area of the school facility such as a classroom, office or parking lot

Cooperate with one another – obey school rules for access and visitation – respect daily time constraints – share important information regarding safety issues, academic progress

If any member of the public uses obscenities or speaks in a demeaning, loud, or insulting manner the following steps will be taken:

1. Staff will calmly and politely ask the speaker to communicate civilly or notice will be given to terminate the meeting and immediately leave the premises.

2. If the speaker does not immediately leave the premises, an authorized person shall notify law enforcement to take any action necessary.

Remember: Anger is only one letter short of Danger

Enhanced Safety Procedures

In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, Pioneer has implemented additional security

measures. Beginning immediately:

All visitors must sign in at the office, fill out a visitor badge and have it visibly

displayed before entering the school campus.

Parents waiting for their students to go through the breakfast line will need to wait outside the building. If you would like to walk your student to class after they get breakfast, you are

welcome to walk them to the exterior door nearest their classroom.

Parents bringing their child to school after 8:40 AM are expected to sign the student in at the office. Office staff will then escort the student to class if necessary.

Supported By:

INTRODUCTION

An effective, child-centered elementary school must have an orderly and positive

learning climate for all students. The staff at Pioneer Elementary School is

dedicated to providing a positive environment in which all students are able to

work, play, and learn. We want every child to be successful. Rules have been

established to ensure the safety of all students and to make certain the behavior of

one student does not interfere with another child’s right to learn.

This handbook includes information on a variety of topics of interest to parents

and students including expectations for student attendance, behavior,

consequences for inappropriate behavior, and student recognition programs. The

goal of our student management plan is that students will learn responsibility and

self-discipline by seeing the relationship of consequences and rewards to the

decisions they make. We have also included information in this handbook on

procedures for daily activities such as lunch and dismissal.

Our school works closely with parents so that together we can help each child

have a positive experience at Pioneer Elementary School. We look forward to

working with you to make this a great year for your child.

Attendance/Late Arrival/Early Dismissal

1. Students need to attend school every day in accordance with the Compulsory

Education law passed by the State of Washington on June 6, 1992. Exceptions are

illness, a religious observance, or a family emergency. Regular school attendance

is essential for students’ success. Lifelong habits of responsibility and punctuality

are learned during the elementary years. Parent responsibility is essential in

helping teach this vital lesson. We work to support and encourage parents in this

role as their children grow through the elementary years.

2. Parents are asked to call the school office at (253) 931-4986 by 9:30 (earlier if

at all possible) in the morning if their child will be absent that day. Automated

calls will go out to primary numbers @ 9:40 am if no call from a parent is

received. The office must make contact with the parent either by phone or a note

when the student returns from an absence. A doctors note is required if a student

is gone 3 or more days.

a. Any absence from school up to 3 hours will be considered a ½ day

absence. Any absence more than 3 hours will be considered and

recorded as a full day absence.

3. It is very important that you do not have your child arrive at school any

earlier than 10 minutes before their designated start time, 8:30; the exception

is PLC Mondays the earliest arrival time is 9:30.

a. Students must sign in when arriving late to receive an admittance pass to

class. Parents are to accompany their child directly to the office or provide a

note indicating a reason for being tardy. Students are given a ½ day absence

if they arrive after 9:00 AM and if they leave before 3:10.

b. Parents must sign children out in the office when picking their child up early

from school. Students will not be released between 2:30 and 3:10 pm without

prior notification to the office. Please be prepared to present ID. Your

child will not be released to other siblings, relatives, or friends who are

not listed on your child’s records.

c. If a student leaves before 3:10 they will receive a ½ day absence. Please do

not take your child out of school early unless no other possible arrangement

can be made.

Attendance directly impacts educational opportunities and achievement.

When a student enters late or leaves early it is disruptive to the entire class.

Please be sure your children are in attendance and on time for school every

day.

Doctors’ and dentists’ appointments should be scheduled outside the school

day or during school vacations.

Students demonstrating perfect or excellent attendance are recognized for

their consistent efforts.

Unexcused Absences

If a child is absent from school without parental permission, or leaves school

grounds without permission from the office, or has excessive absences, a parent

conference will be scheduled and the student will receive disciplinary

consequences. These consequences could range from loss of recess or service to

school. If parents allow students to miss school repeatedly, thereby jeopardizing

the child’s right to an education, referral may be made to a juvenile court.

Unexcused Tardies Being on time for school is extremely important. When children are late, they miss

the introduction to the day and are less able to understand the entire flow of

instruction. Frequent tardies can have a major negative impact on a student’s

learning. Continued excessive tardies may result in:

Assigned service to the school during the student recess time

A parent conference and possible further disciplinary action

School Visitors

Pioneer Elementary is a RESTRICTED CAMPUS.

ALL VISITORS are required to pre-arrange visitation with the classroom

teacher & MUST sign in at the office BEFORE visiting or volunteering at the

school during school hours. All visitors/volunteers MUST wear a visitors

badge when on campus.

Student Recognition

At Pioneer, we believe strongly that students deserve recognition for achieving

high academic and behavioral standards. We have several recognition programs

designed to honor students for doing their best in school.

Accelerated Reader Reading Program Pioneer actively supports the mission of the school to improve reading through the

Accelerated Reader reading program. The ASB (Associated Student Body)

provides rewards for these students at assemblies scheduled throughout the year.

Every student at Pioneer is encouraged to meet reading goals and receive trophies,

prizes and other rewards.

Parent Involvement

The most important thing that parents can do to be involved in their child’s

education is to support the school and provide learning opportunities at home.

Study after study has shown that students whose parents read to them daily as

young children consistently achieve at higher levels than other students. Please

read to your children daily from infancy through third grade and make sure that

your child read’s at least twenty minutes a day in books of their choice in the

older grades. Show that you value reading through modeling it yourself and

expect that your child will be an excellent reader.

Another opportunity to support your child is to ask the classroom teachers about

volunteering opportunities in your child’s classroom or at school functions.

School-Wide Expectations

At Pioneer Elementary we have established a set of rules and expectations that are

inclusive in nature as opposed to specific. Each student and each situation will be

handled as unique. Violations will invite consequences that are based upon several

factors, including, but not limited to:

a. the severity of the act.

b. the situation in which it occurred.

c. the frequency of behavior problems.

d. the needs of the child.

Examples of inclusive rules:

a. Be prepared to solve any problem you make for yourself or others

b. Follow directions the first time given.

At Pioneer we have Due Process. Due Process does not guarantee that a student or

parent will get their way, but does guarantee that their thoughts and beliefs will be

heard and considered.

All students will be treated as unique individuals. Student behavior problems

will therefore be handled as unique situations. In the event that the actions of

the staff appear to be unfair, you need only visit with the staff member

involved and present your case. In the event that your case has merit,

consequences will be adjusted accordingly. This is our written guarantee that

your right to Due Process will be observed and respected in this school.

Classroom Discipline Plans

Each teacher will provide parents with a copy of the classroom discipline plan.

Warnings are given in an effort to allow students to correct their behavior. This

plan includes referral to the office as the last step. If this last step is reached,

students may be assigned recess detention or service to school on school grounds.

An out of school suspension may be assigned by the principal. Parents will be

contacted immediately when a child has earned a serious discipline referral to the

office.

Strategies for Students Pioneer Elementary promotes problem-solving methods for developing student

self-discipline. Positive behavior is encouraged by stressing respect for oneself,

others, learning, and the environment. In an effort to encourage students to learn

to settle differences that arise, students will be taught the following steps. They

will select the strategy most appropriate for the situation as they use Kelso’s

Choices to solve the problem.

1) Ignore it 6) Make a deal

2) Walk away 7) Wait-cool off

3) Talk it out 8) Apologize

4) Tell them to stop 9) Share & take turns

5) Get an adult

Please note that the acceptable responses do not include physical retaliation or

aggressive actions. Regardless of who “starts” an argument, hitting or other

physical responses will not be tolerated. Adults are always nearby in the

classroom and on the playground and are seconds away from intervening in any

situation. We are committed to teaching our students behavior that will help them

become successful adults. Hitting is not a successful adult problem-solving

technique, and it is harmful to allow children to try to solve problems in this way.

Playground Expectations

Students will:

refrain from fighting or any type of rough play which could be construed as

fighting

use appropriate language

demonstrate sportsmanship and good conduct

keep hands, feet and objects to themselves

settle differences peacefully

leave sticks, rocks, ice, sawdust, and snow on the ground

refrain from spitting

obey the playground supervisors the first time a direction is given

play within the boundaries designated for their grade level

stop playing immediately when the bell rings or the whistle blows

leave electronic games, radios, cell phones, toys, balls, and IPod’s at home

Pioneer and Auburn School District Policies

Weapons and Dangerous Instruments (Including Fireworks, smoke bombs,

bullets etc.)

It is unlawful for students to carry, exhibit or display any firearm, knife, or any

other weapon or facsimile of such, or any dangerous instrument or fireworks of

any kind capable of producing bodily harm. (This includes smoke and stink

bombs, which may cause major reactions in asthmatic children.) Penalties will

include emergency expulsion and police contact. Please review with your child

that pocket knives and squirt guns are among those items, which should never

be brought to school.

Auburn School District policy states: 3240.15 Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

Use, possession, or transmission of any weapon or object that could reasonably be considered a

weapon by any student on school property or at any school-sponsored activity, event, or function

is prohibited.

Defiance toward Adults

Any child using disrespectful language or defiant actions toward an adult will be

sent to the office and assigned immediate disciplinary consequences. Parents will

be contacted and suspension may be assigned.

Fighting

Fighting is never allowed and will result in immediate suspension. “Play fighting”

is also prohibited because of the potential danger and the tendency for play fights

to escalate. Fighting (provoked or unprovoked) will result in suspension.

Language Profane or vulgar language or gestures will not be tolerated. In addition, students

may not use any language or statements which make offensive references about a

person’s physical appearance or racial heritage, or comments of a sexual nature

about a person’s appearance, gender, or conduct. Clothing of any kind that

promotes or demonstrates the use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs or that suggests

inappropriate language or behaviors may not be worn at school. Literature,

drawings, music, book covers, notebooks, etc. that display or suggest profanity,

pornography, or gang graffiti will be confiscated.

Harassment/Bullying All students are protected from discrimination, harassment and bullying on the

basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, and disability. Behavior of this type

may result in recess detention or suspension depending on the severity of the

offense and the number of previous offenses. Racial slurs will not be tolerated.

Examples of inappropriate behaviors which will be considered sexual harassment

include: using derogatory sexual terms for a person, inappropriately touching

another person, or making sexually suggestive remarks, gestures, or jokes.

Bullying Pioneer staff is committed to a zero tolerance policy regarding bullying. Staff is

expected to consistently and effectively confront bullying behavior.

Direct anti-bullying instruction delivered in the classroom and during classroom

meeting includes the following:

A person is being bullied when: Someone intentionally hurts the person through physical contact, actions, or

words.

Hurtful behaviors are repeated and go on for some time.

The person being hurt has difficulty defending him or herself.

Pioneer students are committed to: Being a Buddy not a Bully.

Helping students who are bullied.

Including students who are left out.

Telling an adult at school when someone is being bullied.

Playground staff is expected to reinforce the preceding definition and commitment

consistently.

Playground staff is expected to use the following procedure when dealing with

bullying behavior.

1. Using a calm voice and demeanor, intercede and separate the bully from the

victim.

2. Send the bully to a time out area.

3. Pull victim aside and ask if he or she is OK. Reassure the victim that the

bully will be dealt with.

4. Remind bystanders of appropriate behavior (refer to student commitment

above).

5. Bully is given appropriate consequence.

Alcohol/Tobacco/Drugs

Use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or paraphernalia leading to

their use is not permitted on school property or at school-sponsored activities or

events. Possession will result in suspension from school and possible referral to a

law enforcement agency. Use or possession of tobacco-less chew will also result

in suspension.

Auburn School District policy states: 3240.8 Illegal Drugs/Alcohol Any student who (a) illegally uses, possesses, sells, or is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, controlled

or mood altering substances; (b) illegally uses, possesses, sells or is under the influence of medication

which is not prescribed by his/her use by a licensed doctor; or (c) illegally uses, possesses, sells, or gives

to another, drug paraphernalia on school property or at a school-sponsored activity or event, will be

disciplined. Such discipline may include participation in intervention activities, referral to law

enforcement agency, when appropriate, and/or suspension or expulsion from school.

Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Regulations

Please refer to the brochure distributed by the Auburn School District for detailed

information about many of the topics listed in this document. Students are

responsible to know the regulations in the brochure and in this handbook and

abide by them.

Transportation Riding the bus is a privilege and students are expected to conform to the levels of

behavior established to insure the safety and comfort of the students. Students are

reminded that they are to promptly follow the directions of the driver, remain

seated, and speak using a volume level of ordinary conversation. Students may

only ride the bus assigned to take them to and from school. Students who walk

may not ride the bus without a note from their parent nor may bus riders

walk home with friends without a note from their parent.

Failure to Meet Expectations

If a student repeatedly has difficulty following the school or classroom rules,

parents will be expected to meet with the teacher, counselor, and/or principal to

determine an appropriate behavior plan. Working together is a key to helping

students learn to make consistent positive choices.

Dress Code

The mission of the Auburn School District is to prepare students who have the

skills and attitude to maximize their potential to be lifelong learners and to be

socially and ethically responsible decision makers. One area where responsible

decision-making can directly affect a student’s success is appropriate dress and

grooming. Because successful students and successful schools depend on

community support, guidelines and policies in the areas of student dress,

grooming and behavior must reflect community expectations. It is also important

that such guidelines and policies be age and gender appropriate as well as

respecting the parents/guardians and student’s choices.

To this end, it is expected that students wear to school or at school- sponsored

activities, clothing which is neat, clean, appropriate, and contributes to a positive

learning climate. Extremes in clothing, hair, cosmetics, jewelry, or appearance

which may disrupt normal school operations, detract from a positive learning

climate, or create a safety or health hazard, are not acceptable.

Within these guidelines, the student and parent/guardian may

determine the student’s personal dress and grooming standards -

provided they are not disruptive to the learning environment.

Parents will be contacted if concerns arise.

Success for Everyone

Most students attending Pioneer make choices within the established expectations

and never receive disciplinary consequences. By having limits and consequences

for those times when poor choices are made, we feel we can work more effectively

with students. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the school

counselor, if we can be of assistance at any time.

Breakfast and Lunch Programs

Breakfast Program

Served every morning prior to the beginning of the school day. Students are

expected to arrive no earlier than 8:30 A.M

Price: $ 1.50 full student price

FREE for students who qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch

$ 2.50 full adult / guest price

$ 1.50 breakfast entrée only

$ .50 milk only

Students pick up their breakfast in an orderly fashion at the kitchen door.

Students eat their breakfast in their classroom.

Breakfast should be completed in classrooms by 8:50. Students are expected to eat

breakfast quickly and dispose of garbage immediately so that class can go on with

as little interruption as possible.

Breakfast containers are recycled in the appropriate bins in the unit.

Lunch

Lunch will be served beginning the first day of school.

All meals will be on a cash or check basis only which will be deposited to students

mealtime account.

Students MUST know their student number so that they can input it into the

Mealtime computer.

CHARGING OF BREAKFAST OR LUNCH WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

Application forms for free and reduced priced breakfast/lunch will be sent home

the first day or parents may apply online at https://www.auburn.wednet.edu/fma/

If a student was on the free or reduced breakfast/lunch plan during the previous

school year, they will automatically receive free or reduced lunch until September

30. New approval forms must be completed and submitted for approval each

year.

Price: $2.75 full priced student meal

Students in grades K – 3 that are qualified for reduced lunch will eat free

and students in Head Start and grades 4 – 5 will pay $.40.

$ 3.75 Adults/guests full priced meal

$ 2.50 Entrée only

Students are escorted to the lunch line and supervised by the classroom teacher

during lunch.

School lunch schedules will be included in your students “First Day Packet”

Forgotten Lunch Money or No Credit in the Computer

Students who forget their lunch or lunch money will be given a sandwich slip. This

eliminates the need to send students to the office to call home and should also help to

speed up the lunch line because the kitchen will be informed ahead of time of the need

to make cheese sandwiches.

Lunch Procedures

Students are to stand quietly in a straight line while waiting for their lunch to be

served.

Students return to their classroom to eat their lunch.

Students are to empty and stack their trays at the appropriate recycling bins.

Daily Dismissal Procedures

Please Remember -- Pioneer is a Walking School All Grades - School begins @ 8:40 a.m.

All Grades - Dismiss @ 3:10 p.m.

Help us keep our campus secure by following the dismissal procedures outlined below:

The Pioneer school parking lot is designated as STAFF PARKING ONLY

On those days that you need to drive your student to school in the morning or pick

them up in the afternoon, the church parking lot adjacent/south of Pioneer has

been designated as the Parent Parking and Pick- Up/Drop- Off Lot.

Or you may pick- up or drop -off in the back of the school on “K” Street. At

dismissal teachers lead students to these areas in assigned lines.

Again, Pioneer is a walking school! ALL children grades K-5 not assigned to

ride a bus will be dismissed to a walking route by 3:10 each day.

However, if you must drive your student to or from school on occasion please

observe the following procedures when parking in the adjacent church parking lot.

1. Pull into the parking lot south of Pioneer and park your car.

2. You must escort your child to the curbed safety island (gravel area in church

parking lot that connects to Pioneer sidewalk). Your child can continue alone to

school entry or you may accompany them.

3. AT NO TIME may your child cross a parking lot, M Street or K Street

parking area - WITHOUT an adult escort!!!

Please be sure your child knows where to meet you and that your child’s

teacher and the office are informed in writing of any changes in pick-up

plans.

Also try to avoid any last minute changes to your students’ dismissal routine

as it creates classroom disruptions and causes confusion during a very busy

time of the day. Changes made after 2:30 are not guaranteed to reach your

child.

Students may not decide to walk on some days and ride the bus on other days

unless they have a note from their parent. No note- No Change

If a student does not wish to ride the bus any longer, they must bring a note

from a parent giving the student permission to walk home for the remainder of

the year. Please notify both the office and the teacher if your child’s

transportation needs have changed.

Bike Riding

Students in grades K - 5 may ride their bikes to school.

The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged bikes.

Students MUST wear a helmet or they will not be allowed to take their bike from

campus.

Bikes are to be stored and locked in the bike stands.

At the end of the day, students who have brought bikes should walk their bikes at

the end of their class line. Only after walking to the other side of the crosswalk

may they begin to ride their bikes.

Students should walk bikes on campus at all times.

Medication at School

Administration of Medication by School Personnel

Prior to administering any medication to a student it is necessary to provide the

principal or school nurse a written request from the parent or guardian along with a

copy of the prescription as issued by a medical practitioner. This form “Authorization

for Administration of Medication at School” is available in the school office or online

at ASD website. All medication must be properly labeled, including name of student,

name of medication, dosage, and the name of the prescribing medical practitioner and

must signed by the doctor.

At the elementary school, all medication will be deposited in the health room for

safekeeping and distribution.

*This also includes over-the-counter medications (cough drops, aspirin, etc.).

Please Remember:

NO MEDICATION CAN BE ADMINISTERED TO A STUDENT WITHOUT

A DOCTOR’S PERMISSION, NOT EVEN A COUGH DROP

Conclusion

This handbook has been developed to provide important information on Pioneer’s

procedures and the management plan. The staff at Pioneer is very positive and cares a

great deal about each and every child. If you have concerns or questions about our

program at any time, please feel free to contact Mrs. Gary, Principal, at (253) 931-

4986.