"To Inspire Every Student Every Day''

Prairie Woods Elementary School

Parent-Student Handbook 2019-2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome . New London-Spicer School District Mission Statement.. . Compliance of State & Federal Law Prohibiting Discrimination .. District Administation . School Board . Prairie Woods Faculty and Staff . Basic Information: Activity Tickets . Animals in the Classroom . Arrival and Departure . Attendance . Birthdays . Bussing . Communication . Community Education/Recreation .. Comprehensive Education Programs . Dress . Drills . Elastic Clause . Electronic Devices . Food Services . Helping Hands Volunteer Program . Headphones . Health . Homelessness . Homework . Internet Use & Procedures . Lost and Found . Mandatory Reporting . Money . Pledge of Allegiance . Safety and Security . School Pictures .. Special Service Notice . Student Conduct & Discipline . School Expectations ROAR . Student Placement . Telephone Calls . Distrcit Bullying /Cyberbullying Policy . District Harassment Policy . Tobacco Free Schools . Equal Opportunity . School Calendar .

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WELCOME

Dear parents/guardians:

On behalf of the staff, we welcome you to Prairie Woods Elementary School. We want your time at Prairie Woods Elementary School to be a positive experience. This handbook is a guide to inform you of our school procedures and expectations at school.

Prairie Woods Elementary School provides a safe, nurturing environment that fosters high academic and behavioral expectations. We feel that it is essential that parents and educators work together to build a solid academic foundation and meet the social and emotional needs of your child. We encourage families to participate in various school activities, assist in the classrooms, or visit the classroom to become familiar with your child's learning environment.

We look forward to a wonderful school year.

Randy Juhl Prairie Woods Elementary Principal

NEW LONDON-SPICER SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT

• Educate and enrich all students to achieve their full potential and succeed in a changing world.

Equal Opportunity

No person within the jurisdiction of this school district, shall, on the ground of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, handicap status with regard to public assistance, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity, or in regard to any employment procedures or practices. The responsibility for the implementation of the provisions of civil rights laws has been assigned to the Human Rights Officer, Paul Carlson, for the district. The Title IX office telephone number is 354-2252 (Ext 2100).

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DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

The school district employs four administrators, which include a superintendent of schools, a high school principal, a middle school principal, and an elementary principal. The names of the administrators, office telephone numbers, and email addresses are as listed below:

Randy Juhl - Elementary Principal Trish Perry- Middle School Principal Jamie Boelter - High School Principal Bill Adams - Superintendent of Schools

354-2252 ext. 2345 354-2252 ext. 2401 354-2252 ext. 2618 354-2252 ext. 2102

juhlr@nls.k12.mn. us perryt@nls.k12.mn. us boelterj@nls.kl2.mn.us adamsw@nls.k12.mn. us

SCHOOL BOARD

The school board is committed to providing the best possible education for the students of the school district. As elected officials, they are also responsible for keeping the educational costs in line with the productivity and advancement of the school district. Elected School board members serve a 4-year term, listed next to their names below. The members of the school board are:

Nancy Wehseler (2019-2022) Mark Peterson (2019-2022) Susan Lange (2017-2020) Renee Nolting (2017-2020)

Lucinda Dahlberg (2017-2020) Cherish Holland (2019-2022) Gary Danielson (2019-2022)

PRAIRIE WOODS FACULTY AND STAFF

SECRETARIAL STAFF • Mama Kallevig - Prairie Woods • Helen Gronli - Prairie Woods

Generally, all communications concerning messages to children, student absences, announcements, messages to teachers, etc. should be communicated to the secretaries. They in tum will relay all messages to the appropriate persons. (Prairie Woods - 354-2252).

KINDERGARTEN Wendy Bengtson Susan Grabow Jeanette Nienaber Pamela Ruter Amanda Steffensen Kaitlyn Swanson

GRADEl Jackie Erickson Amy Kavanagh Melissa Padgett McKenzie Quade Emily Redington

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GRADE2 GRADE3 GRADE4 Tricia Gramstad Nicole Althoff Disa Daucsavage Karen Johnson Sherri Austvold Valor Gorans Joan Klaphake Jeremiah Dahl Suzanne Hayden Alissa Kujawa Kevin Friedrich Malibu Ronneng Lisa Mueller Emily McCarthy Heather Teisinger

Gregg Teisinger

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Bruce Hixon Troy Johnson Jamie Thompson, Adaptive PE

COUNSELOR/SOCIAL WORKER Ann Dobmeier Michelle Thomas

MEDIA CENTER Julie Spors, Media Center Aide

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST Deb Hanson

ART Maria Novak

MUSIC Patricia Nelsen

SPANISH Gail Wilkey

SPEECH Lisa Gobematz Fran Oestreich

GIFTED/TALENTED Tereasa Copley-Coordinator

SPECIAL EDUCATION Sharon LaPoint-Coordinator Sara Goelz Lynn Taunton Becky A Carlson Hannah Hanson

HEALTH OFFICE Michelle Stueve-Dist. School Nurse Emily Thompson-Health Aide

TITLE I Randy Juhl-Coordinator Lisa Sieve, Teacher

TECHNOLOGY INTERGRA TIO NIST Lindsay Vernier

INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES Darlene Haney Mary Kuperus Paulette Lien

FOOD SERVICE Lisa Klabo Kris Bartley-Paffrath Nancy Peterson Darcy Rutledge Sherry Warren

ELL Becky M Carlson

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MN READING & MATH CORP Sarah Lockwood

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN Cindy Rodgers

CUSTODIANS Gary Ruter, Head Custodian Myron Lundgren Barb Smith

MANAGEMENT AIDES Cheryl Adelman Tawnya Andresen Sarah Arnold Felicia Bengtson Dana Berg Lynette Beuning Gail Bonnema Mariah Cogelow Elbert Mary Dalien Denise Dierenfeld Liz Eliason Susan Fischer Courtney Hanson Sarah Hedtke Malinda Hopp Diana Murphy Diane Murray Lori Nelson Karina Novak Jennifer Olk Trisha Terning Sarri Truscinski Jennifer Wileman

COMMUNITY EDUCATION/RECREATION John Vraa - Community Education Director Peg Peterson - Youth Services Coordinator Carla Vagle - Secretary

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BASIC INFORMATION

ACTIVITY TICKETS Prices for admission to high school events are as follows:

Single events: Students - $5.00 Adults - $7.00 Senior (over 55)-$5.00 Season Pass/year: Students - $50.00 Adults - $70.00 Senior (over 55)- $50.00 Family Season Pass/year: (Family is one household living at the same address) $150.00 62 years of age and older, who are residents of the district: Golden Pass Free -must pick up at the Community Education Office or at the ticket booth at an event.

ANIMALS IN THE CLASSROOM/PETS AT SCHOOL The elementary school strongly discourages live animals brought to school for two important reasons:

1) Several of our students are allergic or have medical sensitivity with various animals, creating a conflict with our indoor air quality program and cleanliness of the classrooms; and 2) There is always an inherent risk of injury to our students by any animal.

Please refrain from bringing any animal into the building or on the premises unless you have specific, written permission from the principal.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE The elementary school staff needs the cooperation of parents in establishing a suitable arrival time for our students. If your child is not arriving on a bus, please make every attempt to have him/her arrive by 8:15 a.m. We have supervision provided every morning, starting at 7:45 a.m.

7:45 a.m. Breakfast starts 8:05 a.m. -Morning Recess Begins* 8:20 a.m. -Morning Recess End* 8:25 a.m.- School starts*

Lunch/Recess Schedule 11:25 a.m.-12:l0p.m. 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. 12:05 p.m.-12:50 p.m. 12:20 p.m.-1:05 p.m.

Second Grade lunch and recess First Grade recess and lunch Third Grade lunch and recess Kindergarten recess and lunch Fourth Grade lunch and recess

End of Day Schedule: 3:10 p.m.- Dismissal for students being picked-up and PALS.* 3:15 p.m.- 1 Bell Dismissal (Kindergarten & Bus Duty Supervisors) 3:17p.m.- 2 Bell Dismissal (Remaining students) 3 :20 p.m.- Buses Depart

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Student Drop-Off and End-of-the-Day Pick-up If you transport students to Prairie Woods School, drop them off by driving through the parking area and having them cross at the center cross walk. You will notice that there is a 20-mph maximum speed limit the length of the entire drive from County Road #9. Please observe the drop-off speed and parking regulations for the safety of everyone.

If parents & guardians choose to transport their child to school, the most appropriate time to drop-off their child would be between 7:45 a.m.-8:10 a.m.

When picking up your child at the end of the school day, please come into the front entry (between the double glass doors) and wait for your child at dismissal.

Dismissal During the School Day If it becomes necessary for your child to be dismissed during the school day, you are asked to check-in at the elementary reception area. Once you arrive, the secretary will then notify the classroom. This procedure will allow for the maximum safety and security of your child. Contact the office via phone call/note stating who will pick up child and time of pick up.

Walking/Biking to School It is highly recommended, for safety reasons, that your child be transported to/from school by bus or Parent/Guardian. However, if you choose to have your child walk or bike to/from school, please provide a note to Helen in the Elementary Office, in advance for each occurrence.

ATTENDANCE Prairie Woods Elementary strongly believes that regular/punctual attendance directly relates to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunities for important communication between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of the student.

Regular attendance is required by Minnesota State Law. Students should attend unless excused for one of the following reasons: illness, family emergency or death in the family, an appointment that must be made during the school day, or advanced requests made by the parent/guardian for a family vacation or other special circumstances. The following absences/tardies will be considered unexcused such as, but not limited to over sleeping, late night, running late, car trouble, and no transportation. School administration has the sole right to determine if an absence is excused or not.

If your child is absent or tardy, please notify the school office the day of the absence/tardy or earlier by using one of the following methods: (1) call the attendance hotline at 354-1418 (2) send a note to the office (3) come directly to the school office to report the absence. Student attendance is recorded electronically and your call to the hotline will enable us to inform the teacher more efficiently. There is no need to call the teacher directly.

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It is imperative that you notify the office of your child's attendance the day of the absence/tardy so that the reason for the absence/tardy can be properly recorded. Failure to communicate with the school regarding your child's absence/tardy would result in your child being marked as "unexcused". Unexcused absences and tardies may result in a truancy referral to Kandiyohi County (Please see Truancy section below). School personnel are required to investigate and report unusual or questionable absences. Attendance is recorded twice daily.

Tardiness Training in punctuality and regularity of attendance is an important part of school life. Children are expected to be in school unless there is a valid reason, and they are expected to be on time. Your child will be marked tardy if he/she arrives after 8:25AM. Upon arrival at the school, the student must stop at the school office to receive a pass.

Truancy Regular attendance is so important that the state of Minnesota has established the following guidelines concerning compulsory education and truancy: A. Continuing Truant Minn. Stat. 260A.02 provides that a continuing truant is a student who is subject to the compulsory instruction requirements of Minn. Stat. 120A.22 and is absent from instruction in a school, as defined in Minn. Stat. l 20A.05, without valid excuse within a single school year for three days if the child is in elementary school. Parents will be contacted after the 3" day, unless the school is notified.

BIRTHDAYS/SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS The principal will invite students to the office after morning announcements to wish them a happy birthday. Classroom teachers may choose to celebrate the birthdays of their students.

Celebrations (birthdays, Valentine's Day, Halloween, etc.) are also very much a part of an elementary school culture and as staff at Prairie Woods we will be conscientious of what we serve to our students during these celebrations.

Students are permitted to bring treats to celebrate their birthdays and/or to classroom celebrations, with the Teachers approval. Please keep in mind that if they share treats with others that it will need to be store purchased (pre-packaged) and not homemade, also being mindful of students in the classroom with food allergies. We ask that all parents consider sending a healthy snack. Feel free to contact the office for a list of healthy snacks. Also, it is difficult for a teacher to know whether a parent approves of their child receiving a treat during the school day, therefore, the teacher may choose to send the treat home at the end of the day with the students.

Birthday invitations, balloons, or flowers should not be sent to school. Birthday invitations are best distributed from parent to parent using the PTO Classroom Communication Sheet, which provides phones numbers and email addresses for classmates, if you choose to be a part of that.

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BUSSING Student Bus Requirements Students must ride their bus to their designated destination per student verification form. If a change is necessary, the Prairie Woods office needs to receive a note/phone call from the parent/guardian authorizing this change. Students with an authorized change will then be issued a gold bus pass which the student will give to the bus driver at the time they board the bus. This will allow the student to board a different bus or get off the bus at a location other than usual.

If a student should arrive at your home as a guest of your child without you having made prior arrangements, please contact the school and the parents of that child. Unless we have complete information regarding bus changes or pick-ups, your child will be sent to his/her regular drop-off point for that day. We must have this necessary information to ensure your child' s safety and protection. Please notify the school of any bussing changes or pick-ups early so the proper forms can be filled out.

Bus Expectations In the New London-Spicer District, most students ride a bus to and from school. Bus safety must be the concern of everyone involved. Conduct on the buses which may jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of anyone, cannot be tolerated. Riding a bus is a privilege which may be revoked.

Bus Lane/Fire Lane Vehicles are not to be parked at any time in the bus lane/fire lane in front of the school.

Bus Transportation New London-Spicer Schools contracts their transportation services with Palmer Bus Company of New London. All questions regarding transportation services should be directed to Palmer Bus Company. Concerns regarding transportation that cannot be resolved after contact with Palmer Bus should be reported to the principals. The name and telephone number of the bus company is stated below: Palmer Bus Company: 320-354-2414

COMMUNICATION Notes/Messages A parent/guardian must notify the office if 1) your child is to be excused early, 2) your child will return home by a different bus or dropped off at a different location, or 3) your child will be picked up. Ifthere is no note or message for the day, your child will be placed on his/her regular bus.

Parent Newsletter Approximately every two weeks the school principal will send home a parent newsletter informing families of upcoming events. The letter will be sent home in the Thursday folder.

Parent Portal Parent Portal is an online offering for parents to track their child(ren)'s progress. Using this tool, you can check lunch account balances, attendance history, assignments, report cards, and much

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more. If you are interested in signing up for Parent Portal, please contact the elementary school office, or email Michaelene Frederickson at fredericksonm@nls.kl2.mn.us in the High School Office.

Parent/Teacher Conferences Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled during October and March. However, if parents wish to discuss the progress of their child, they may make an appointment with the teacher for a conference before or after school hours. Teachers are not available for conferences during the school day (8:00-3: 15) as they have assigned responsibilities and children under their supervIs1on.

Reporting Student Progress Prairie Woods Elementary is on a trimester schedule and report cards are given in grades kindergarten through four at the end of each trimester (twelve-week period).

Your child's progress is measured by daily participation, test scores, and success with school assignments. You are strongly urged to use conferences with teachers to supplement information on the report cards.

The marks on general development are highly important for they show how your child is learning to get along with others and how well he/she is learning to take his/her place as an individual in our society.

Thursday Folders Each week, your child will bring home an envelope we call the "Thursday Envelope". In that envelope you will find communication pieces from Prairie Woods to you. Please review the content of that envelope carefully, as it has many important papers and notices, some of which need to be completed and returned to school the following day.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION/RECREATION Throughout the year your child will have the opportunity to participate in various community education and recreation department activities. It should be remembered, however, that the Community Education and Recreation is a separate department and any information, questions, or concerns should be directed to John Vraa, Community Education Director, 354-2252, ext. 2709, or Peg Peterson, Youth Services Coordinator, 354-2252, ext. 2711.

COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS Our comprehensive education program includes emphasis on basic skills and concepts in reading, language, spelling, mathematics, science, social studies, health and physical education, environmental education, technology, as well as an excellent art, music, and foreign language program. Our curriculum is updated regularly to align with the state grade level standards by teachers, school administration, and an advisory committee that includes parents. Teachers aim to exceed state standards and stimulate and challenge students through many different programs including

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accelerated reading, junior great books, environmental education, dramatic productions, field trips, and technology. We are always striving to improve our curriculum, however, and the principal and superintendent welcome suggestions. Parents interested in serving on the District Advisory Committee should contact Randy Juhl, Building Principal.

The district also provides special services in the areas of psychological evaluation and counseling, speech therapy, hearing and vision screening. Various programs are available for students with identified physical, mental and emotional needs.

DRESS Students should be dressed neatly and be well groomed for the sake of health, safety and general appearance.

Clothing should be appropriate to the weather conditions. Students will go outside before school starts and for noon recess if the wind chill or temperature is O degrees or above. They must be dressed for the weather conditions of the day. During the winter months, students should wear snow pants, boots, hats, coats, and mittens.

Spaghetti straps or half shirts are not allowed.

Clothing with inappropriate slogans, words, or symbols is not permitted at school. Caps or any other type of head covering may not be worn in the building or classroom by either boys or girls.

Only approved court type shoes may be worn on the gym floor. There are certain black soled shoes that mark the gym floor. These will not be permitted.

Due to health & safety reasons, students are not permitted to wear sandals/flip flops to school.

When, in the judgment of the administration, a student's appearance, grooming, or mode of dress interfere with or disrupt the educational process or school activities or poses a threat to the health or safety of the student or others, the students will be directed to make modifications. Parents/guardians will be notified.

The administration may recommend a form of dress considered appropriate for a specific event and communicate the recommendation to students and parents/guardians.

DRILLS Five fire, five lockdowns, and at least one tornado (severe weather) drills will be held during the school year. Each classroom teacher will practice the drills ahead of time with the students, so everyone will be familiar with the plan. The importance of these drills must be stressed so they can be executed properly.

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ELASTIC CLAUSE Any situation or problem that may arise not covered by this handbook will be decided by the elementary principal or district superintendent.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES Students are not permitted to use electronic devices during the school day. This includes cellphones, CD players, cameras, iPods, MP3 players, OS and other electronic devices. We highly recommend that these devices stay at home, or they must be turned off and stored in lockers and backpacks. Please be aware that the school district is not held responsible for lost or stolen items.

FOOD SERVICE Breakfast Program The Prairie Woods breakfast program for grades K-4 is serving nutritious breakfast items every school morning from 7:45 - 8:15 a.m. If students would like to have breakfast, they should just walk directly down to the serving area from their bus. The lunch clerk will deduct the cost from their account later in the morning. The cost to students (grade 1-4) is $1.25 and to adults $1.80. Kindergarten students may eat breakfast free of charge. If school has a late start, breakfast will not be served.

Menu items will include fresh fruit, juice, cereal with milk, toast, cinnamon rolls or a large variety of other breakfast foods.

School Lunch and Meal The New London-Spicer School District offers a tasty and nutritious lunch program. The cost of a meal at the elementary schools is $2.25 per student and $1.50 for seconds. The cost of a meal for visitors is $3.75. If you are going to join your child for lunch, please notify the school by 9:30 am the day of your visit.

Because government regulations require a strict accounting in the lunch programs, a lunch account number is assigned to each family. Students record their number on the keypad after they've gone through the line. The lunch clerk will verify the deduction whether it's for meals, milk, or seconds. A running total is available at any time. Each day throughout the school year, family account information will be available from the School Food Service Clerk (354-2252 Ext 2607).

Money for hot lunches should be sent to school for elementary students in a sealed envelope with both the child' s name and grade printed on the envelope. Children are permitted to bring a sack lunch to school. Parents whose income status qualifies their children to receive free or reduced lunches may apply for the program. The appropriate application forms were mailed to each household early in August and are available in the school office throughout the year. No one will receive benefits

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from the program unless the appropriate forms are returned to the school and the applications are approved. Anonymity is kept as students pass thru the lunch line where the lunch clerk monitors service.

Kindergarten students will be provided with a 1 / 2 pint of milk each day for a morning milk break. Under the Minnesota Milk Program, part of the cost of the milk will be paid by the state and remaining cost will be paid by the school district. This milk will be provided at no cost to the parents. All other elementary students may purchase cartons of milk or juice at break time during the day for $0.30.

A monthly menu is available on the district's website.

ONLINE ACCESS - PARENT PORTAL FOR MEAL ACCOUNT INFORMATION www .nls.k12.mn.us

Click on "Parents/Students" Choose "Meal Account Information" Click on "Click here to login into Parent Portal for meal account information" Enter your "Username and Password" Click on "Sign In" If you are unable to access your account or need help, please contact Michaelene Frederickson by email fredericksonm@nls.kl2.mn.us or by calling the high school at 354-2252 ext.2600.

Does your child need a cold lunch for a field trip?

NL-S Food services can provide a cold lunch for your child, in the event that your child's class is going on a field trip and each student must bring a cold lunch. The amount of the lunch will be deducted from your child's lunch account.

The PW Kitchen requires a 10-day notice.

HELPING HANDS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM At Prairie Woods Elementary our Helping Hands Volunteer Program coordinates volunteers with various school needs. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the Prairie Woods office at 354-2252, Extension 2379.

HEADPHONES All students at Prairie Woods will be required to own a set of headphones for use in the computer lab. Students will have the same set of headphones during their years at Prairie Woods (provided they are handled with care by your child) and will be given back to your child for use at the Middle School when he or she moves to fifth grade. The headphones have been purchased for the students and cost $8.00. Checks should be written to Prairie Woods Elementary and given to your child's teacher. If your child breaks a set of headphones, a new set will need to be purchased from school.

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HEALTH You will be contacted if your child needs to be sent home for illness or injury according to the information you provided on your child's Emergency Contact Card. Please complete and maintain current contact information for adults living in your household. Additionally, please provide contact information for three local emergency contacts (not living with your child) in the event we are not able to reach a parent or guardian. You can call in changes by contacting the Prairie Woods Front Desk at 354-2252 X 2300.

Illness and Communicable Diseases General guidelines are listed below but exceptions can occur when there are attendance concerns or special health considerations.

A child should not come to school (and will be sent home from school) if they have: • A fever of 100 degrees F or more in the past 24 hours with or without fever

reducing medications • Vomiting or more than 2 diarrhea stools in the past 24 hours • A skin rash that may be disease related • Open/draining skin sores that cannot be covered • Severe, persistent, uncontrolled cough

For advice on diagnosis and/or treatment of symptoms, please contact your Health Care Provider.

Students treated with antibiotics should wait 24 hours after treatment begins before returning to school. Example Strep Throat.

Head Lice Action Plan: Based on the recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota Department of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Association of School Nurses New London-Spicer Schools will be implementing the following: o Your child will not be required to leave school due to head lice, however in cases of severe

infestations, the school district does maintain the right to send a child home for treatment. o You will be notified confidentially if your child has head lice. o Treatment should be initiated upon arrival home from school o Mass screenings will not be done o Notification letters will only be sent home when 3 cases have been identified in one class or

grade level within a one-month time period.

To prevent and reduce the spread of head lice, we recommend: o Encouraging your child to avoid head to head contact with others. o Avoid sharing of hats or clothing. o Check your child's head every month for signs of head lice. o Check everyone in the home if one person has head lice.

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o Notify the health office if your child has head lice.

Physical Education/Recess Excuses Generally, a Health Care Provider's (HCP) release is needed to be excused from Phy. Ed. Class or recess. In the event the HCP indicated the illness is respiratory, the student will remain in the office during outside time.

Parents need to inform their bus company or afterschool programs including sports of any concerns for their child. Palmer Bus Service 320-354-2414 NLS Community Education and Youth Services 320-354-2252

Health Screening The Minnesota Department of Health recommends health screening for students. NLS Health Services make reasonable efforts to screen:

• Grades K,1,3,5,7,and 9 for vision screening • Color vision is screened for boys in Kindergarten • Grades K,1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 11 for hearing

Immunizations The Minnesota State Law requires that all children who are enrolled in a Minnesota school be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. All students entering kindergarten need Hepatitis B series, 4-5 DPT, 3-4 OPV, 2 MMR, and 2 Varicella (given after 12 months of age) prior to school enrollment. The TD booster is recommended every ten years. Most children receive their last DPT prior to kindergarten. If your child is 12 years or older, check his/her health records, as it may be time to update the TD booster. Children entering 7"" grade are required to have a Tdap and Meningococcal vaccination. Children entering 12" grade are required to have the second dose of the Meningococcal vaccination. Parents are encouraged to consult with their physician. A record of the child's immunizations or a signed conscientious objection form must be on file in the child' s school health record.

Latex Free Policy Our school district has adopted a latex-free policy. We ask your assistance in implementing this policy. These products are not to be in school or on the school buses. An example of a latex product is a balloon.

Administration of medication in School 1. Students are permitted to take medication, (including over the counter), in school only when:

• The frequency of dosage makes it necessary for a dose or treatment to be given during school.

• A written medication or treatment order from a licensed prescriber is on file for the student.

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• A written parent/guardian authorization for the school nurse or her delegate to administer the medication or treatment is on file for the student.

• Written licensed prescriber's orders are required for all changes in medication, or dosages being given in school and must be renewed annually at the beginning of the school year.

• The medication is supplied by the family in a full-labeled original container. 2. When prescribed, medication is to be administrated by school personnel:

A. The school shall have written, dated, and signed orders from the physician and/or dentist including student's name, name of medication, dosage, route, frequency, purpose of medication, side effects, and termination date for administration.

B. Medication to be administered must be brought to school in a container labeled by the pharmacist.

C. A written request from parent authorizing school personnel to comply with physician' s order and designating time medication to be given is necessary prior to administration of medication.

D. The school nurse, health aide, principal or teacher will give oral medication. The licensed school nurse will designate the appropriate staff member to supervise the taking of medication.

3. When non-prescription (over the counter) medication is to be administered by school personnel: A. The school does not provide any over the counter medication ( example: Tylenol,

ibuprofen, cough drops, etc.) for student use. Each student will need to bring their own supply from home.

B. The school shall have written permission from the parent before medication is administered. To include name of medication, dosage, route, time to be administered, reason medication is required in school and termination date for the administration.

4. If your child has a stomachache, vomiting, sore throat, headache, fever, or a rash, it would be wise for him/her to remain at home. If such condition persists, he/she should be seen by a physician. With the occurrence of a communicable disease, please notify the school.

5. If your child is injured or becomes ill at school, we will call home FIRST. A. He/she will be cared for temporarily by the nurse or other school personnel and you will

be notified. B. If unable to contact parent, school will contact: (1) individual listed on emergency card or

(2) familiar relative in the area. C. We will render simple FIRST AID ONLY. D. If emergency medical attention is necessary, 911 will be called and the child will be

transported by ambulance to the emergency room at the hospital if necessary. The family doctor may be contacted.

Scented Oils We ask that parents not send scented oils to school with their child.

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HOMELESSNESS If you are experiencing homelessness, please contact our homeless liaison, Bill Adams, Superintendent about how the district may be able to assist you based on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (as reauthorized by Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act). Mr. Adams can be reached at 320-354-2252 ext. 2101.

HOMEWORK The staff at each grade level has developed a homework philosophy, policy and procedure that are age and grade level appropriate. A copy of the policy will be sent home with each student at the beginning of the school term. If you have questions about homework or the policy, contact your child's teacher.

INTERNET USE AND PROCEDURES You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but not limited to) the following:

A. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

B. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden. C. Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of students or colleagues. D. Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the

system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.

E. Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.

F. All communication and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property. (Complete Policy (#7015) on file in District Office or online at https://www.nls.k12.mn.us .)

LOST AND FOUND Urge your child to check the lost and found immediately when he/she has lost something. You may examine these lost articles at any time. Twice a year unclaimed articles are donated to charity.

It will help immeasurably if you will clearly mark the child's name on each article of clothing which the child removes at school.

MANDATORY REPORTING The State of Minnesota has, by law, mandated that professional educators or others who are involved with children, who have knowledge or reasonable cause to believe a student is being threatened or emotionally abused, physically abused or neglected, or sexually abused must immediately report such information to law enforcement or social services.

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MONEY Young children should be encouraged to bring all money to school in envelopes properly and plainly labeled with their full name, amount of money, and how the money is to be used. We discourage children bringing money to school unless it is for a justified reason such as hot lunch, milk, book orders, etc. This will help eliminate many problems due to lost or misplaced money.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited in our classrooms at Prairie Woods. Anyone who does not wish to participate in the reciting of The Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reasons may elect not to do so. Students must respect another person's right to make that choice. Minnesota Statutes 121A. l l.

SAFETY AND SECURITY School Closings (Emergencies) In general, schools operate every scheduled day. However, the superintendent shall have the authority to close schools in extreme emergencies. When school is closed during the school day, due to inclement weather, all activities are automatically canceled, and students will be sent home per your instructions as stated on the Student Verification Form.

It should be understood that it is left entirely to the discretion and judgment of parents as to whether children should attend school on extremely cold or stormy days. Radio stations WCCO (830), KWLM (1340), KDJS (1590), KRVY (95.3), KQIC (102.5) and other media sources will announce school closings. You may also call the weather line at 354-2252, Extension 8 for a recorded message. When weather is threatening, we ask that you please tum to one of these stations or call the weather line.

School Visitation We cordially invite you to visit school. When you arrive, please sign in at the reception desk and receive a guest sticker. We require all visitors to check in to ensure the security of all children and staff. With the best interest of our students in mind, while you visit, please be mindful of the school's procedures and schedule.

Parent/guardian(s) if you would like to spend time in your child's classroom, please call in advance to your child's teacher to make arrangements for your visit. We ask that just the parent/guardian visit the classroom to help reduce the disruption of the educational process.

Children enrolled in another school are not to visit the classroom during school hours. If you are going to have lunch at school, please make reservations by 9:30 a.m. Please refer to page 11 of the Handbook for the price of a visitor's lunch. You can pay for your lunch when you arrive at school. If at all possible, with respect to other students, please refrain from bringing in commercial food.

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Searches School lockers and desks are the property of the district and at no time relinquishes its control of these items. School authorities may conduct inspections for any reason, at any time, without notice, consent, or search warrant.

Personal possessions of students may be searched only when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of school rules or the law. The search will be reasonable in its scope and intrusiveness. After the search, school authorities must provide notice of the search to students unless disclosure impedes an ongoing investigation by police or school officials.

It is a violation for students to use lockers and desks for unauthorized purposes or to store contraband. It is also a violation for students to carry contraband or store it among their personal possess1ons.

Volunteers Volunteers are important to Prairie Woods Elementary. Parents willing to donate their time and talents to assist staff and lend a supporting hand to the education of children are truly appreciated. Volunteers may need to have a background check conducted.

SCHOOL PICTURES Each year, in the fall and spring, individual pictures are taken. The photograph taken in the fall will be used to make up a complete class composite. You are welcome to purchase the photographs either time but are under no obligation to do so.

SPECIAL SERVICES NOTICE The New London-Spicer School District provides support to students through a full range of special service programs. Students with a special need may be provided services in the regular classroom through individualized instruction in a resource room, in special classes, or in residential schools, homes, or hospitals.

A team of special and regular education personnel works with parents to determine if a student qualifies for programming and the best fit to meet the learner's individual needs. An individualized educational plan is developed cooperatively between parents and school staff.

Special services are available to students who qualify in the areas of: Autism, Title I, Deaf/Blind, Early Childhood Special Education, Emotional/Behavioral Disorder, Hearing Impairment, Limited English Proficiency, Mental Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Physical Disability, Severe Multiple Disability, Specific Leaming Disability, Speech/Language, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or Visual Impairment.

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State of Minnesota and federal funds (including PLIO-476, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) are used to help support these programs. For general information, or if you suspect that your child (birth through 21) may be in need of special services, please contact the Special Education Coordinator at 320­ 354-2252, ext. 4.

STUDENT CONDUCT & DISCIPLINE Prairie Woods Elementary focuses on rewarding positive behaviors. Each year the students are taught the school-wide expectations for the following areas: hallway, lunchroom, bathroom, playground, bus, and classroom. Teachers and staff will utilize ROAR tickets to reward students for following the school-wide expectations. Students may use their collected ROAR tickets to purchase items at our ROAR Store.

The development of responsible behavior and self-discipline among students occurs at two levels within a school. First, the classroom teacher must assume the primary responsibility for gaining the respect and cooperation of the students so that an effective learning environment may be maintained. Each teacher must apply a carefully thought out approach to classroom discipline and administer it with a sense of fairness and consistency.

At other times, disciplinary problems occur that are beyond the scope of the classroom teacher's area of responsibility (i.e. between classes, lunchtime, before and after school) or are of a serious enough nature to require further assistance. In such cases, the principal has been given the power to make reasonable rules and regulations, consistent with school board policy, concerning the conduct of the students while they are in the building and on school property.

Regardless of the setting, our school is committed to a proactive approach to discipline, which models and teaches appropriate behavior to students. It is the goal of the Prairie Woods Elementary School to provide a learning environment in which all students feel safe and respected.

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P . . W d S h I w· d E t.ti rare 00 S C 00 - I e Xpee.a1ons: Elementary

& Respect Ownership Attitude Responsibility Middle School

Classroom Listen to others Challenge yourself Cooperate Do your best

Walk quietly Be considerate Get to the Care for place Hallway in the Hallway area of

your space others you are going

Restroom Use Keep Use for Allow & intended things privacy supplies Locker room tidy correctly purpose

Use good Make Include Keep Cafeteria healthy others Cafeteria manners choices clean

Assemblies, Follow Use Show kindness Pick up School Grounds rules equipment And And

& and good return Playground directions correctly sportsmanship equipment

Listen to the Set a Be kind Keep aisles Bus good and driver example include others clear

In addition, each Prairie Woods Classroom will utilize the Wildcat ROAR expectations by showing respect, ownership, good attitude, and responsibility. This applies to all our school settings as we strive for high academic achievement and a safe school environment for all.

Student Expectations Students are expected to assume full responsibility for themselves and to lend themselves conscientiously, courteously and cooperatively to all school effort and activities.

- Parents will be contacted immediately when a student is found to be in the possession of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or large sums of money.

- Under no circumstances may students hit, trip, fight or participate in other acts of aggression.

- Gum, candy, and pop are not to be used during the regular school day. - Students are not to sell anything at school without the permission of the principal. - Students are not permitted to bring knives, matches, any type of firearms, ammunition, or any items bearing their resemblance, to school.

- The school will provide all basic textbooks needed. It is the student's responsibility to keep them in good order. Books that cannot be accounted for or are damaged

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beyond use must be paid for so they can be replaced.

- Students are not allowed to bring other students or guests to school as their visitors for the day.

Since every student at Prairie Woods Elementary School plays a very important role in our total school program, we know that we can count on each of you to cooperate in making your school the very best in every respect.

STUDENT PLACEMENT Many factors and much work go into matching students with a teacher. The placement process occurs in April for grades K-4. The classrooms are balanced by gender, academic ability, learning styles, social development, and class size. With consideration of these factors, school administration reserves the authority to make final decisions about placement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding student placement, please contact the Principal prior to April30", Due to student placement being an extremely extensive & time-consuming process, no inquiries/requests will be accepted after April30"

TELEPHONE CALLS Please do not phone your child in his/her classroom during school hours since this is a disruption of the educational process. Also, we will discourage your child from phoning you at home or work. If you need to contact your child, call the school office and we will relay a message.

School District Policies Complete copies of district policies are available at each of the schools and on the school website www.nls.k12.mn.us. You are welcome to come and read in more detail some of the procedures described in this handbook.

SUMMARY OF DISTRICT #345 BULLYING/CYBERBULLYING POLICY

A safe and civil environment is needed for students to learn and attain high academic standards and to promote healthy human relationships. Bullying, like other violent or disruptive behavior, is conduct that interferes with a student's ability to learn and/or a teacher's ability to educate students in a safe environment. Although the school district cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under the direct supervision of school personnel. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the school district and the rights and welfare of its students and is within the control of the school district in its normal operations, the school district intends to prevent bullying and to take action to investigate, respond to, and to remediate, and discipline for those acts of bullying which have not been successfully prevented.

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"Bullying" means intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that is objectively offensive and:

1.

2.

an actual or perceived imbalance of power exists between the student engaging in the prohibited conduct and the target of the prohibited conduct, and the conduct is repeated or forms a pattern; or materially and substantially interferes with a student's educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges.

Any person who believes he or she has been the target or victim of bullying or any person with knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute bullying or prohibited conduct under this policy shall report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official designated by this policy. A person may report bullying anonymously. However, the school district may not rely solely on an anonymous report to determine discipline or other remedial responses.

Upon completion of an investigation that determines that bullying or other prohibited conduct has occurred, the school district will take appropriate action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, warning, suspension, exclusion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge. Disciplinary consequences will be sufficiently severe to try to deter violations and to appropriately discipline prohibited conduct. Remedial responses to the bullying or other prohibited conduct shall be tailored to the particular incident and nature of the conduct and shall take into account the factors specified in Section 11.F. of this policy. School district action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with the requirements of applicable collective bargaining agreements; applicable statutory authority, including the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act; the student discipline policy and other applicable school district policies; and applicable regulations.

CYBER BULLYING "Cyberbullying" means bullying using technology or other electronic communication, including, but not limited to, a transfer of a sign, signal, writing, image, sound, or data, including a post on a social network Internet website or forum, transmitted through a computer, cell phone, or another electronic device. The term applies to prohibited conduct which occurs on school premises, on school district property, at school functions or activities, on school transportation, or on school computers, networks, forums, and mailing lists, or off school premises to the extent that it substantially and materially disrupts student learning or the school environment.

This is a summary of the School District Bullying Policy. The complete policy is available in the District Office or on the District Website www.nls.kl2.mn.us under policies and plans.

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SUMMARY OF DISTRICT #345 RELIGIOUS, RACIAL AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE POLICY

SUMMARY 1. Everyone at District 345 has a right to feel respected and safe. Consequently, we want you to

know about our policy to prevent religious, racial, or sexual harassment and violence of any kind.

2. A harasser may be a student or an adult. Harassment may include the following when related to religion, race, sex, or gender:

A. name calling, jokes, or rumors; B. pulling on clothing; C. graffiti; D. notes or cartoons; E. unwelcome touching of a person or clothing; F. offensive or graphic posters or book covers; or G. any words or actions that make you feel uncomfortable, embarrass you, hurt your

feelings or make you feel bad. 3. If any words or actions make you feel uncomfortable or fearful, you need to tell a teacher,

counselor, the principal or the Human Rights Officer, Bill Adams or Middle School Social Worker Lynn Dwyer.

4. You may also make a written report. It should be given to a teacher, counselor, the principal, or the Human Rights Officer.

5. Your rights to privacy will be respected as much as possible. 6. We take seriously all reports ofreligious, racial, or sexual harassment or violence and will

take all appropriate actions based on your report. 7. The School District will also take action if anyone tries to intimidate you or take action to

harm you because of your report. 8. This is a summary of the School District policy against religious, racial, and sexual

harassment and violence. Complete policies are available in the District Office upon request. RELIGIOUS, RACIAL, AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE ARE AGAINST THE LAW.

TOBACCO FREE SCHOOLS On November 1, 1987 the New London-Spicer Schools became TOBACCO FREE. Smoking and use of tobacco products are prohibited on school property. This policy includes all school buildings, grounds and property owned by the school district. Your cooperation in providing a tobacco free environment is greatly appreciated.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY No person within the jurisdiction of this school district, shall, on the grounds ofrace, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disability status with regard to public assistance, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity, or in regard to any employment procedures or practices.

The responsibility for the implementation of the provisions of civil rights laws has been assigned

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to Bill Adams, Title IX Coordinator for the district. Title IX office telephone number is 354-2252, ext. 2101.

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New London-Spicer Schools - ISD #0345 101 4th Ave SW, New London, MN 56273

320-354-2252 / www.n1s.k12.mn.us 2019-2020 School Calendar

July 2019 1 2 3 4 5

8 9 10 11 12

15 16 17 18 19

22 23 24 25 26

29 30 31

Adopted: 1/14/19

Auaust 2019 1 2

5 6 7 8 9

12 13 14 15 16

19 20 21 22 23

26 w¥ 28 29 30 Tl Tl Tl Tl NS

Conferences will be scheduled by site and

communicated to parents.

Januarv 2020 1 2 3

NS NS NS 6 7 8 9 10

13 14 15 16 17 Q2 ED

20 21 22 23 24 NSTI

27 28 29 30 31

Jan 17 End of Quarter 2 Jan 17 Early Dismissal Jan 20 Martin Luther King Day

No School-Teacher lnservice

(1) Teacher Flex Day in August

Aug 26-Aug 29 Teacher lnservice Aug 27 PM Open House * Aug 28 PWIMS/HS Open Houses

September 2019 2+· 3 4 5 6

NS 9 10 11 12 13

16 17 18 19 20

23 24 25 26 27

30

Sept 2 No School-Labor Day **Sept 3 First Day of School

October 2019 1 2 3 4

7 8 9 10 11 LS EC

14 15 16 17 18 EC AMC NS NS

21 22 23 24 25

28 29 30 31

Oct 7 Two Hour Late Start Oct 10 Grs PreK-12 - Eve Conf Oct 15 Grs PreK-12 - Eve Conf Oct 16 No School; A.M. (.5 Day) Conf-Grs PreK-12

Oct 17&18 No School-Professional Teacher Conference

November 2019 1

01 4 5 6 7 8

LS 11 12 13 14 15

18 19 20 21 22

25 26 27 28 29 Tri 1 Tl NS NS

Nov 1 End of Quarter 1

Nov 4 Two Hour Late Start

Nov 26 End of Trimester 1 Nov 27 No School-Teacher lnservice Nov 28&29 No School-Thanksgiving

December 2019 2 3 4 5 6

LS 9 10 11 12 13

16 17 18 19 20

23 24 25 26 27 NS NS NS NS NS

30 31 NS NS

Dec 2 Two Hour Late Start

Dec 23-Jan 3 No School-Winter Break

February 2020

3 4 5 6 7

10 11 12 13 14

17 18 19 20 21 NS NSTI

24 25 26 27 28 EC Tri 2

Feb 17 No School-President's Day Posslble Snow Day Make Up for Teacher lnservlce

Feb 18 No School-Teacher lnservice Possible Snow Day Make Up

Feb 27 Evening Conferences K-12 Feb 28 End of Trimester 2

March 2020 2 3 4 5 6

EC NSCI 9 10 11 12 13

16 17 18 19 20 Q3

23 24 25 26 27

30 31

Mar 5 Evening Conferences K-12 Mar 6- No School- .5 Conf . .QI .5 lnservice

Mar 20 End of Quarter 3

Mar 23-27 No School-Spring Break

April 2020 1 2 3

6 7 8 9 10 ED NS

13 14 15 16 17

20 21 22 23 24

27 28 29 30

Apr 9 Early Dismissal Apr 1 O No School- Easter Break APRIL 12th, 2020 - EASTER

Mav 2020 1

ED 4 5 6 7 8

11 12 13 14 15

18 19 20 21 22

25 26 27 28 29 NS

May 1 Early Dismissal

May 25 No School-Memorial Day May 31 Graduation

June 2020 1 2 3 4 5°

TW Tl 8 9 10 11 12

15 16 17 18 19

22 23 24 25 26

29 30

June 3 Last Day of School June 4 Teacher Workday June 5 Teacher lnservice

Q1-41 02-42

T1- 58 T2- 53

Q3-42 T3-59 04- 45 Student Days - 170; Teacher Days - 183