McKinley Elementary School

2016 - 2017

“Every Student can Succeed”

JoAnn Scott, Ed. D. (ABD) PrincipalAndrew Maisonneuve, Asst. Principal

HOME OF THE EAGLES

2

McKinley Elementary School

3317 BUTTERFIELD ROAD, BELLWOOD, ILLINOIS 60104(708) 410-3600 OFFICE (708) 544-0134 FAX

MS. JOANN SCOTT, Ed. D (ABD) Andrew Maisonneuve.ACTING PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We welcome you to the 2016-2017 school year at McKinley Elementary School. This handbook is designed to help you understand our philosophy in education and our expectations for our students as we help guide them to critical thinking which will encourage and motivate prosperous lives.

With so many change factors directed to the future of our students your children we must commit to the development of a good solid foundation. This grows confidence, self-determination and worthy goals that extend into prosperous lives and a better world. It is with this thought that we ask you to make sure your children come to school with a mindset which says they are prepared to work, have completed homework assignments and act in a manner which exudes respect, responsibility and safety in their actions for others and themselves.

Our aims are higher this school year and we have begun to make plans to involve our students with many opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of newly learned skills. We believe with your help this can be a triumphant school year and we look forward to your involvement in developing our new school culture. We would also love to take this opportunity to ask you to think about becoming a member of our P.T.A. as we develop a team spirit throughout the school year.

We are looking forward to an exciting school year!

Sincerely.

JoAnn Scott, Ed.D. (ABD)

Principal

3

Please take a few minutes to read this handbook in its entirety and become familiar with our policies and procedures. As always, if you have additional questions or concerns about the content of this handbook, feel free to contact the main office at (708) 410-3600. Please return the bottom portion of the page to your school with your signature.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HANDBOOK RECEIPT

I have received a copy of the Student-Parent Handbook. I have read and

understand its contents and agree to abide by the policies and procedures

herein.

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________Date___________

Student’s Name___________________________ Grade___________________

4

Bellwood School District 88Administrative Building

640 Eastern AvenueBellwood, IL 60104

(708) 544-6995

Members of the Board of Education Marilyn Thurman, PresidentKatie Ross, Vice President

Sondra McClendon, Secretary Juliette Elliott, Member

Patricia Crawford, MemberAnnie Walker, Member

Dorothy Clark-Smith, MemberRosemary Hendricks, Superintendent

The Board of Education is the controlling body of the school district. They consist of seven members, each of whom is elected by the voters. The Board of Education establishes policies and determines the direction the district should be taking.

School board meetings are open to the public, held on the 3 rd Monday of each month and begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Committee meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month and begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings are held at the District 88 Administration Center located 640 Eastern Avenue; Bellwood, IL.

District 88 AdministrationRosemary Hendricks, Superintendent

Dr. Kisha McCaskill, Director of Human ResourcesMs. Barbara Burnett, CurriculumMrs. Bernice Biggs, CurriculumMs. Alexis Wallace, Curriculum

Mrs. Elaine Holmes, Special EducationMr. Joseph Burdi, Building & Grounds

Mr. Algarnon Stamps, TechnologyMr. Chip Carswell, Transportation

5

School administration and District administration is responsible for the interpretation and administration of Board policies.

McKinley Elementary School3317 Butterfield Rd.Bellwood, Ill. 60104

(708) 410-3600

VISION STATEMENT

McKinley Elementary School is one where children are educated via collaborative efforts which include parents, faculty, staff, students, and community involvement. Our school environment encourages children to take risks and become creative producers without fear of failure. Through cooperation and a unity of spirit, challenges can become opportunities where achievements are recognized and celebrated. The potential of all children to become self‐directed lifelong learners fills the beliefs of the McKinley School family.

SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of McKinley Elementary School is to provide all of our students’ equal opportunities for a quality educational experience and to progressively challenge their individual potential so that they become successful individuals. We believe in our students and know that with the right guidance and opportunities for understand they can “Become what they want to be”.

6

MCKINLEY STAFF /ROOM ASSIGNMENTS2016 – 2017

NAME ROOM/ASSIGNMENTMs. Marisol Ruiz 101 KindergartenMrs. Terra Pringle 102 KindergartenMrs. Mary Jennifer Palermo 106 KindergartenMrs. Diana Pappas 107 KindergartenElnora Dorsey 106/107 Kdg. Classroom AssistantMrs. Ericka Green 201 1st

Ms. Sheryl Heiman 202 1st

Ms. Beatrice Jones 203 1st

TBA 205 2ndMrs. Carranza 206 1st & 2nd BilingualMs. Wylinda Williams 207 3rd

Mrs. Ramona Webb-Blair 208 Reading SpecialistMrs. Rhonda McClain 209 2nd

Mrs. Mirella Perez 211 2nd

Ms. Mary Santi 301 Special Education 3-5Mrs. Megan Carr 302 3rd InterventionTBA 303 3rd

Ms. Beverly Perkins 304 4th

TBA305 4th

Ms. Dawniel Clark-Hamilton 306 5th

Ms. Patrice Annan 307 5th

Mr. Carl Vaccaro 308 School PsychologistTBA 309

Ms. Anna Pack 311 MusicMrs. Jessica Renovales 312 ESL ResourceTBA 313 Special Education ResourceMrs. Katherine Foster 324 A Social WorkMs. Emily MacNeil 324 B SpeechMr. Dewan White Gym Kdg. -5Ms. Michelle Prusko Gym Kdg. - 5

7

Ms. Ameliah Tyler Library Kdg. – 5Dr. Joann Scott Office PrincipalDr. Casandra Holliday Office Assistant PrincipalMrs. Jill Gardner-Swilley Office SecretaryMrs. JoAnn Hampton Office ClerkTBA Office NurseLunch Room Staff 118 CafeteriaMr. Edward Carney 109 CustodianMr. Stan Hallom 109 CustodianMr. Isaac Ashe 109 Custodian

8

SCHOOL HOURSBreakfast: 7:50 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.Students are allowed into the building at 7:50 a.m. and should report to the cafeteria. We discourage arrival before this time as there is no supervision. At 8:00 a.m. supervision is provided for (k-2) on the small playground and (3-5) on the large playground. In the event of rain, at 8:00 a.m. students in (k-2) will go to the gymnasium to wait in their assigned line until they are picked up by the teacher at 8:15 a.m. Students in grades 3rd- 5th will remain in the cafeteria until 8:15 a.m. when they will be picked up by their teachers.

Instructional Day: 8:20 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The instructional day officially begins at 8:20 a.m. and morning announcements start at 8:25 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:25 a.m. will come to the office for a tardy pass before going to class. At the elementary school level, we recognize that primary students are not responsible for getting themselves to school. Please make sure morning routines are in place at home to help with a safe and timely arrival to school each day.

Good attendance and punctuality are indicators of success in school. Students who are tardy miss important announcements and academic instruction. Their late entry also interrupts students who have started their lessons.

TARDIES/ABSENCES

If your child is unable to attend school, please call the school office before 9:00 a.m. to inform us of the absence. In case of an extended absence, parents may request assignments from teachers. A 24-hour timeline is needed before assignments can be picked up at the school office; parents please call the school office at (708) 410-3600. If the absence is due to a contagious disease, a doctor’s statement must be presented to health services before the child is readmitted to class. Be aware that any prolonged absence could have an impact on the child’s learning and may hinder academic growth. If the student misses 5 days or more a

9

notice will be sent home reminding you as a state requirement; if a student misses 10% or more of the regular attendance days, a truancy letter be sent to you and a copy will be sent to the region where an investigation may occur. At this time a review of data and possible retention may also be considered. We know and understand that illnesses occur but would like for you to be aware of our policies and procedures.

To the extent possible, students should follow routines for unpacking book bags and taking care of morning business as outlined and taught by the classroom teachers. We thank you in advance for working with our staff to help your child gain this independence and follow through on these expectations.

STATE ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

The State of Illinois has established the following guidelines for minimum time requirements for creditable pupil attendance days:

Kindergarten - Grade 1: All students must have a total of 4 hours (240 minutes) of instructional time to be credited for 1 full day of attendance. To be credited for ½ day, the child must have 2 hour (120 minutes) of instructional time.

Grades 2–5: All students must have a total of 5 hours (300 minutes) of instructional time to be credited for 1 full day of attendance. To be credited for a ½ day, the child must have 2 ½ hours (150 minutes) of instructional time.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Due to dismissal procedures there will be no early dismissal granted after 2:45 p.m. If your child must leave school early due to special circumstances, please report to the main office. The student will be called from the classroom for dismissal. Parents/Guardians must sign students out at the main office when they are picked up prior to regular dismissal. No student will be released to a minor child or an individual whose name is not listed on the emergency form.

10

LUNCH/LUNCH RECESS

We have two lunch periods. Students have one hour for lunch/recess. When weather permits, students have outdoor recess. Classes that have lunch the first half-hour, will have recess the second half-hour and vice versa.

1st lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (K-2nd)2nd lunch: 12:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (3rd-5th)

BUS TRANSPORTATION

All bus riders are expected to follow the rules of the school while traveling to and from the bus stop, waiting for the bus, boarding the bus, and riding the bus. The bus drivers are responsible for administering fair and consistent discipline. A bus conduct report will be submitted to the building administrator if such behaviors warrant disciplinary actions. The principal/assistant principal will be responsible for assigning consequences.

Bus Rules Obey the directives and instructions of the bus driver Arrive on time at the bus stop and wait patiently Remain seated in your assigned seat until you have reached your stop Use inside voices Keep hands, feet, and personal belongings to yourself No eating or drinking Swearing is not allowed Fighting or wrestling is prohibited Throwing objects is not allowed

Students must adhere to the bus rules in order to avoid appropriate consequences including suspension or termination from the bus. If this occurs, parents will have

11

total responsibility for getting the child to and from school. Parents can call the bus barn at 708-493-9189 with questions about transportation.

Consequences for Breaking Bus Rules

First Referral: Written warning letter to parents and conference with student.

Second Referral: 1 day suspension from the bus and parent will be notified by phone.

Third Referral: 5 days suspension from the bus and parent conference held.

Fourth Referral: Terminated bus privileges for the duration of the school year.

With each referral, the administrator and social worker will attempt to modify the student’s behavior so that they can remain on the bus.

McKinley’s Policies, Procedures, and Programs

12

ASSEMBLY/ PROGRAMS

Throughout the school year, each grade level is responsible for a program. Classroom teachers and specialists work together to plan a program to showcase the talents and abilities of the students. This experience helps students develop confidence while they learn how to articulate and performing for an audience. It is our desire that all students participate in the program; however, any student who exhibits inappropriate behavior during practice may be excluded from the practices and the program.

ASSESSMENTS

Bellwood School District is committed to gathering and providing appropriate, accurate and useful information about student achievement to all members of the learning community. Assessment information is gathered at the classroom, district and state levels to assist in maximizing the learning goals for all learners. Effective and clear communication of achievement is essential to ensure success of every learner.

Students will be administered the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment in the Fall, Winter and Spring. This is a test used to gather current information about student growth performance while it set the goals for the next test thus allowing students to understand their new goal. And while this is our local assessment, students in grades 3-5 will also take the PARCC assessment in the spring which provides information to the state about the acquired skills.

CELL PHONES

13

Students are not allowed to bring cell phones to school. We are aware of the society in which we live and the need for your children’s safety after school however to reduce confusion all cell phones will be collected before class and placed into plastic bins and returned at the end of the day. Students who do not turn in phones and are seen using them during day will have them taken and a parent will be asked to come to the office to retrieve it.

COMMUNICATION

We encourage you to keep in touch with your child’s teacher about his/her progress and classroom happenings. There are several ways to have effective communication between home and school. These include the standard written notes, email, dojo or by phone. You should expect staff members to respond to emails and other written communication within 24 hours. Teachers are not available to have unscheduled conferences or to answer extended questions either first thing in the morning or at any time during the school day. If you need to speak to your child’s teacher about more involved concerns or questions, please schedule a conference. When you have questions or concerns about your child’s progress, behavior, grading practices, peer issues, and/or other classroom issues, you should first contact your child’s teacher with your concerns or questions and if needed follow up with an administrator.

CONFERENCES

Teacher will schedule at least one mandatory conference (two with some parents) during the school year. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher any time there are questions or concerns. Regular communication between the home and school is critical.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS AT A SCHOOL CONFERENCE:1. Decide in advance what you want to ask the teacher. Write down questions

to prepare for the conference.2. Ask the child if there is anything he/she would like you to discuss with the

teacher.3. Share information about your child with the teacher. We are more effective

in working with your child when we know about him/her.4. If you have a concern, remain calm until you and the teacher have had time

to discuss it thoroughly.5. Ask the teacher how you can help meet some of your child’s needs at home

and try one of the suggestions.

14

6. Schedule conferences in advance. Teachers cannot interrupt their classes during the day.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Parents are asked to inform the school office in writing of any change in address or phone number so that we have accurate, up-to-date information for all students. In the event of inclement weather, fire, tornado, or possible lock down automated calls will be made to the primary phone listed on your student enrollment form.

CURRICULUM

Reading, Math, and Language Arts represent the core curriculum and are taught daily. Science and Social Studies are taught throughout the week. Students participate in physical education twice a week. In addition, students receive Art and Music instruction. We have a fully functioning computer lab and media center, which is currently being update to enrich students’ learning experiences.

Pearson publishes our current reading and math series. Students are continually assessed to determine what they know and what they still need to learn. These assessments compliment the current Common Core Standards curriculum.

Each 3rd, 4th and 5th grade student will receive a Chromebook on which they will be instructed using the Pearson digital curriculum in addition to correlated teaching materials. Parents and students must sign the Agreement For Use Of Chromebooks and the Best Practices For Chromebook Use before they will be allowed to use the computer. Chromebooks are monitored by staff to ensure students use them responsibility.

DAY-TO-DAY COMMUNICATION

Please make sure your child understands your after-school pick-up plans or transportation arrangements before leaving home each day. In the event of changes please send a written note to the teacher or call the main office at 708-410-3600 as soon as possible to ensure your child’s safety. If someone else is to pick your child up from school, inform the teacher or the main office. Late changes to transportation may cause confusion. There is no guarantee the teacher will have a chance to retrieve a message from the phone in time to facilitate late transportation

15

changes. The teachers may be teaching and is unable to take your call for such changes to be made in a timely manner.

DISCIPLINE

Lack of discipline undermines the educational process. A safe and orderly environment allows teachers and students to focus on learning. Discipline should help students develop an awareness of and respect for themselves and others. The ultimate goal of discipline at McKinley Elementary School is to develop self-discipline. Faculty and administrative personnel will provide structure and support to foster this development. The school administration will assign consequences in response to student misconduct in accordance with the Board of Education polices and rules.

DRESS CODE

The School Board has approved a dress code for all District 88 students. When the whole student body is wearing similar attire, there is less separation of students based on socio-economic status and less pressure for students who cannot afford designer clothing. The following attire has been approved by the School Board:

FEMALE ATTIRE MALE ATTIRE Solid black pants, skirt (no insignias) Solid white blouse (No T-shirt) Black or white gym shoes Plain dark belt for belt loops Lightweight jacket or sweater (solid

black or white)

Solid black pants (no insignia) Solid white shirt (no T-shirt) Black or white gym shoes Plain dark belt for belt loops Light jacket or sweater (solid black or

white)

Jeans and shorts are not permitted. Pants are to be worn above the hip. Young men may not wear earrings. Visible body piercing is prohibited for all students. Male students may not wear more than one part in their hair. When a part begins to curve, it is considered a design.

The following attire, items or designs must not be worn to or in school: picks or combs in the hair outer jackets, gloves or hats inside the building shirts/blouses with cut-off sleeves or tank tops midriff or short tops with abdomen showing Offensive clothing (i.e., too tight, see-through, low cut, etc.)

16

FIELD TRIPS

Teachers are encouraged to broaden and enrich student learning by allowing them to experience and see new and different things.

All students are expected to go on the field trips with their classes. On a rare occasion, a student may not be permitted to accompany his/her class on a trip. If this should happen, a parents or guardian may be asked to attend so that all students have the experience.

GRADING SCALE/WEIGHTED AVERAGES

The grading scale as mandated by Bellwood School District 88 is as follows:A = 93 – 100B = 85 – 92C = 75 – 84D = 68 – 74F = 0 – 67

Final grades are based on weighted averages using the following guidelines:

Grades 1-3 Grades 4-5Tests 30% Tests 30%Quizzes 20% Quizzes 20%Homework 20% Homework 15%Class Assignments

30% Class Assignments

20%

Projects 15%

HOMEWORK

In order to achieve academic excellence, it is necessary for every child to complete and bring back to school all assigned homework. Homework reinforces lessons that are taught in the classroom. The amount of time a student spends on homework varies by grade level.

K – 2 No more than 30 minutes per day3 – 4 30 - 45 minutes per day5 – 6 60 minutes or more per day

HONOR ROLL

17

Honor Roll is based upon the achievement grades a student receives at the end of each grading period. The eligible grades for honor roll are grades 3-5. A student’s grade point average (GPA) is what determines which students qualify for the Honor Roll, Super Honor Roll, or Principal Scholar and is based on a four-point scale (A-4 points, B-3 points, C-2 points). To attain Honor Roll, a student must NOT have any D’s, Fs, or checks in work habits or citizenship.

HONOR ROLL 3.00 – 3.49SUPER HONOR ROLL 3.50 – 3.99PRINCIPAL SCHOLAR 4.0 (All As)

INTERIM PROGRESS REPORTS/ REPORT CARDS

Interim Progress Reports are issued mid-point in each grading period to let parents/guardians know the progress of the student. The progress report provides an opportunity for your child to improve his or her grades before the end of the grading period.

Report Cards are distributed four times each school year (approx. every 9 weeks). Parent/teacher conferences are required for the first report card. Subsequent report cards will be sent home with your child unless the teacher requests a conference. Parents/guardians should keep the report card, sign the envelope and return it to school. The signed envelope indicates that you have received your child’s grades.

Feel free to contact your child’s teacher to request a conference when you have concerns or if you would like more information about your child’s progress.

Progress Reports distributed: Report Cards will be sent home on:

September 23, 2016 November 8, 2016 (conference required)

December 9, 2016 January 27, 2017February 24, 2017 March 31, 2017April 28, 2016 May 31, 2017

LOST AND FOUND

Students should leave all valuable items at home since the school cannot assume responsibility for lost items. TOYS, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ETC. SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL. Coats, book bags, lunch boxes, etc. should be clearly marked with the student’s name to permit easy identification. Parents are

18

invited to check the lost and found area for missing items. Items that are not claimed by the end of the school year will be donated to a local charity organization.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

At McKinley Elementary School, we understand how important parent involvement is to the success of all students. Simply stated, we can’t succeed without parental support. We would like you to consider joining our PTA for the 2016-2017 school year. WE NEED YOU! Parents are encouraged to organize and become active members. With the main focus being the students, we solicit and welcome your talents in volunteer work, comments, and suggestions.

PLAYGROUND RULES

Playground rules are designed to minimize injuries and to provide a safe atmosphere for student activities. Children must however abide by the following rules while on the playground:

Play inside the school fence. Stay on the playground at all times. Permission must be granted by a supervisor to enter the school building for

washroom or drinks. Adult/Parent must report to a playground supervisor before approaching

children...even their own. Rough games and play can cause injuries. “Play fighting,” karate or

wrestling-type activities will not be permitted. Skateboards, hoverboards, skates and scooters are not allowed. No obscene or abusive language is permitted. Avoid leaving coats, jackets, books and lunch bags on the playground. The school is not responsible for toys, games or equipment brought from

home.

SUSPENSIONS

19

Students will be suspended for the following reasons: fighting, play fighting, blatant profanity (cursing), gambling, continuous class disruption, fire alarm tampering, missing detentions, disrespect toward school personnel or classmates, etc. Possession and/or use of unacceptable materials (cigarettes, matches, drugs, weapons, fireworks, etc.) will result in suspension and referral to the fire or police department for proper action.

Students are expected to complete all classroom assignments while on suspension. Students suspended from McKinley Elementary are temporarily non-members of the student body. Students are not permitted to participate in or attend any school-sponsored activity whether it is held on a regular school day or on a weekend. Suspended students cannot be on school property and will therefore be considered trespassing.

SCHOOL SPIRIT DAYS

School spirit days will occur every Friday of the week. Students may wear their school spirit or character counts shirt with jeans. If a student does not have a school spirit or character shirt, they can wear a solid blue or yellow shirt with jeans.

VISITORS

All visitors, parents, guests and service persons need to come directly to the main office to get a visitor’s pass and sign in. If you wish to speak to your child’s teacher, please make an appointment. Teachers will not be able to hold a conference with you during instructional time.

VOLUNTEERS

We encourage all parents to participate as school volunteers. Each of us has special and unique talents that we can share in this educational partnership. If you are interested, please complete a volunteer packet located in the main office. You will be contacted once you have been cleared to volunteer by the district office. No parent is allowed to sit in a classroom on a regular basis without administrative clearance.

Bellwood School District 88 2016 – 2017 Calendar

20

August

15-17 New Staff Orientation18-19 Teacher Institute Days22 1st Full Day of School

January

1 New Year’s Day/NO SCHOOL5 School resumes16 Dr. King’s Birthday/NO SCHOOL20 2nd Quarter ends27 Report Cards distributed

September

5 Labor Day/NO SCHOOL23 Progress Reports distributed

February17 Early Release Day/11:30 dismissal20 Presidents’ Day/NO SCHOOL24 Progress Reports distributed

October

10 Columbus Day/NO SCHOOL21 Early Release Day/11:30 dismissal28 1st Quarter Ends

March

6 Casimir Pulaski Day/NO SCHOOL24 3RD Quarter Ends31 Report Cards distributed

November

8 Election Day/ Parent/Teacher Conferences 12-711 Veterans’ Day/NO SCHOOL23-25 Thanksgiving break/No School

April

3 Parent-Teacher Conferences/ NO SCHOOL14 Good Friday- NO SCHOOL17- 21 Spring Break28 Progress Report distributed

December

9 Progress Repots Distributed16 Early Release Day/11:30 dismissal22-31 Winter break/NO SCHOOL25 Christmas Day

May

26 4th Quarter Ends30 Memorial Day31 Last Day of School (Full Day) Report Cards distributedJune 1- Teacher Institute

21

It is my belief that we the “professional community” which includes all staff members, parents’, guardians, students and community should

seek and strive for the best for your children, our students and never stop.

Acting Principal,JoAnn Scott, Ed.D. (ABD)