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Parent Newsletter - Summer 2021
West Middle School 2700 Harvard Road
Lawrence, KS 66049
www.usd497.org/west
Telephone: (785) 832-5500
A Note From Mrs. Branson
Dear West Middle School Families,
I want to officially welcome all Warhawks to the 2021-2022 school year! After
serving West Middle School the past 28 years as a teacher, athletic director,
and assistant principal, I am honored to now have the opportunity to serve as
Interim Principal. It is truly a privilege to be a part of a community where
parents, teachers and students care for each other and strive to build positive
relationships that support academic and social growth. I look forward to
working with all of you doing the work that makes West best as we return to
school following a year we will not soon forget to make this school year a
success.
Sincerely,
Kathy Branson
Principal, West Middle School
Kathy Branson
Principal
Therese Brink Edgecomb
Assistant Principal
Important Phone Numbers:
Attendance/Athletics/
Social Media/Receptionist
Dawn Salisbury
330-2229
Finance
Patti Taylor
330-4620
Student Services
Lynne Oyler
330-4884
Nurse
Chanda Sheedy
330-2178
Kitchen/Food Service
Samantha Jones
330-2510
Page 2 of 24
Student Services News
Our school counselors and other Student Services staff members are here to support students. If you have
questions or concerns about your child’s academic success or emotional health, we are here to help! Not
sure who to call? Start with your student’s assigned counselor and they will assist you.
Why contact your student’s counselor?
Academics & Study Skills
Emotional Health and Wellness
Scheduling & Enrollment
Peer/Social Concerns
Family Changes/Address Changes/Moving
Medical Concerns (also contact school nurse)
Successes & Accomplishments
If you have questions about a specific class, we suggest you start by speaking with the teacher directly first, as
they will have more information on the situation. If the issue continues, we are happy to help!
Tiffany Fike .......... Counselor, Last Names A-K ...................direct line: 330-2145
Carla Schmidt ...... Counselor, Last Names L-Z ..................direct line: 330-4470
Lynne Oyler ….................................. Secretary ...................direct line: 330-4884
Julie Ohse ..................... School Social Worker ...................direct line: 330-2757
Jenny Storck …................ School Psychologist ...................direct line: 330-2168
Jody Smith.....................................WRAP Specialist .............direct line: 330-2140
Jennifer Georgie…Student Support Facilitator…………….direct line: 330-2126
Chanda Sheedy………………….Nurse……………………….direct line: 330-2178
Student
Services
Staff
Page 3 of 24
Page 4 of 24
Important Dates and Information
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, August, 16, 4:00-7:00 P.M. - Warhawk Warm-Up
Monday, August 16 (PM) and August 17 (AM) – Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, August 18, 8:00-11:15 A.M - 6th Grade Orientation
Thursday, August 19 – First Day of School
Thursday and Friday, September 9-10, 2021- Picture Days
Monday, September 6 - No School – Labor Day
Thursday, October 14 - End of First Quarter
Friday, October 15 - No School
Wednesday, October 20 and Thursday, October 21 - Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, October 21- Monday, October 25 - No School
6th Grade First Day:
Wednesday, August 18th, 8:00AM – 11:15AM
Our incoming 6th Grade students are the only students who attend the first day of school so that we can help
them acclimate to the new school! The cafeteria will offer breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m. but no lunch. Buses
will be running normal routes. There will be a welcoming assembly, meeting the 6th grade teachers, students
follow their schedules and have a Q&A with their advisory teacher! Students should bring their backpack and
school supplies, and iPads IF they have them. Students new to USD 497 will get their iPads on this day. Families
should drop their students off at the north doors off Yale Road.
Page 5 of 24
Warhawk School Supply List
For the 2021-2022 school year, West is using the AVID recommended student supply list for all grades.
What is the purpose of the AVID binder?
Organization is an important skill in school, career and other aspects of daily life. The AVID binder is an
organizational tool to help students maintain notes and school work in one place. Students are expected to
maintain a binder and to keep it organized using the AVID methods they have been taught.
Students will be evaluated on organization and whether they have all of their materials for every class in their
binder. The binder will be evaluated weekly. It should be a red flag to parents if their student spends two or
more hours the night before a binder check trying to put it together.
For the shell of the binder:
o 2.5 inch OR 3 inch, 3-ring hard binder (will hold materials from all classes)
o 1 package of 8 tab notebook dividers (label one tab for each class)
o 3 hole punched pencil bag or pouch
Inside the pencil pouch as needed:
o Pencils (two dozen #2 pencils recommended)
o Highlighters (two colors, set of 4)
o Dry Erase Markers (set of 4)
o Pens (red and black)
o Colored pencils (one package)
Additional School Supplies/Binder Contents:
o 3-hole punched folder with pockets (two folders, keeping one for backup)
o Lined notebook paper (two packages)
o Two composition notebooks (Math)
o Two spiral notebooks (Science)
o Index cards, 3x5 (one package)
o Earbuds
o Kleenex (two boxes – collected in Advisory)
Optional School Supplies:
o Binder 3-hole punch (optional, but highly recommended)
o 6 inch Ruler
o Two inch binder (optional, only needed if taking Spanish)
Lockers: We will not be using lockers for the 2021-2022 school year. Students may carry
a backpack with them during the school day.
Physical Education: Students will not be dressing out for PE this year. On the days your
student has PE, they should be dressed in attire that is appropriate for participating in
PE, including footwear that can be worn in the gymnasiums.
Page 6 of 24
Athletic News
For those students wanting to participate/try out in sports at West Middle School they will need the following
paperwork before the first day of tryouts. This is a KSHSAA rule and must be followed. All forms can be found on
the WMS website, under the Athletics tab, or in the WMS office/foyer.
KSHSAA – Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation Form
o Note: Physical must be dated after May 1, 2021
Athletic Insurance Compliance Form (must be notarized)
KSHSAA – Concussion & Head Injury Form
Code of Conduct Policy and Form
Tryout/Participation agreement
There is a $50.00 Activity Participation Fee when you make the team. (If you have been approved for
free/reduced fees, this fee is waived). This activity participation fee will be added to your school fees bill that
the school district sends out monthly.
Football
Football is available for all 7/8th grade students
No tryouts required
Coaches: Rob Garner (head coach); Jamar Reese (Assistant Coach)
Parent meeting: August 9, 2021 6:30-7:30 p.m.
1st Practice will be August 17, 2021
Girls Tennis
7th and 8th grade girls interested in trying out for tennis this fall can or if parents have questions, can email Mr.
Brown and if parents have any questions they can also contact at [email protected] for more information.
Come try out! Even if you have never played tennis before – We accept ALL skill levels! More information will
be sent out at a later date. Practice usually begins the first week of school and the season goes through the
end of September.
Basketball (7/8th Grade Boys) Basketball (7/8th Grade Girls) Cheer (7/8th Grade)
Football (7/8th Grade) Tennis (7/8th Grade Boys) Tennis (7/8th Grade Girls)
Track (7/8th Grade) Volleyball (8th Grade Girls) Wrestling (7/8th Grade)
Cross Country (7/8th Grade)
Page 7 of 24
Volleyball
2021 Volleyball: 8th Grade Girls (ONLY)
Parent Meeting: Thursday, Aug. 12th at 6:00pm in the library.
Try-Outs: In the Warhawk Gym. MUST attend all 3 days.
Wednesday, Aug. 18th. 3:15-5:15
Thursday, Aug. 19th. 3:15-5:15
Friday, Aug. 20th 3:15-4:45
All athletic paperwork must be turned in before try-outs on Aug. 18th.
Cheer
The first practice for the Cheer team will be on August 23rd right after school, 3:30-5:00, to discuss the season,
expectations, and decide on a schedule for practices. This is a required first practice unless I hear from
parents. They will meet me in my classroom, Room 330. If parents have any questions they can contact Mary
Krieger @ [email protected]. Remember, the sports packet MUST be turned in BEFORE any practice
takes place (by August 23rd)!
Cross Country
Head Coach: Elaine Mellenbruch Contact Info: [email protected] 785-842-7995
Parent Meeting:
Tuesday, August 10th at 6:30 pm; West Library (enter in through the main south doors.)
Physicals:
You must have the sports packet completely filled out before the first practice. Make sure the insurance page
has been notarized. Patti Taylor, administrative assistant, is a notary.
Practice Times:
First day of practice is Monday, August 16th.
Practice on these days starts at 3:30 on the front porch, which is the main entrance
on the south side of the building. (The reason is because it is before the first day of school.)
Starting August 19, we will meet at my room, after school, in the 7th grade wing (220) and head to the
track from there. Athletes can get dressed in the bathrooms close to my room. They may keep their
things in my locked room until after practice.
Meet Schedule:
TBD
I am so excited for this year. To better prepare for the season starting, mark out a mile somewhere and run it
every day. Make sure you stretch before you run. This will alleviate shin splints when the season starts.
Page 8 of 24
Fine Arts News
Band/Orchestra
Band: Paul Morgenroth, [email protected]
Orchestra: Heather Madgwick, [email protected]
Parent Meeting: Thursday, August 19 6:30 p.m. in Rooms 445 (Band) and 450 (Orchestra)
6th Grade students who are enrolled in Band or Orchestra: Please plan on attending the Warhawk Warm Up.
Band and Orchestra directors will be in their rooms between 5:00-7:00 p.m. to answer questions regarding
performances, dress codes, supply lists and instrument rental.
RENTING INSTURMENTS
6th Graders will have an opportunity to rent instruments from the school while supplies last.
7th and 8th Graders may be able to rent the following instruments from the school as supplies last: violin, viola,
cello, bass, French horn, baritone, tuba, saxophone, bass clarinet, bassoon, oboe and percussion.
If you do not rent an instrument from the school, there are also opportunities to rent from local vendors. Please
contact directors for more information regarding instruments.
Junior Players
Auditions for the 6th Grade Play, Game of Myths, will take place August 19 and 20th after school. There is an
online parent/student information meeting on Tuesday, August 17th at 5:30 in Mr. Williams' WebEx Room.
Audition information, crew information, and links are all available on the Junior Players
Website: wmsjuniorplayers.com
Please contact Mr. Williams, Director ([email protected]).
Page 9 of 24
Nurse’s News
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Page 11 of 24
News from the Lunch Room
Free School Meals
All Kansas Students can receive a free breakfast and lunch through the National School Lunch Program
Seamless Summer Option each school day in the 2021-2022 school year ensuring they are fueled and ready to
learn.
*There isn't a Child Nutrition application for free and reduced lunches this school year.*
Competitive Food Rules – Competitive food is any food or beverage service available to students that
is separate and apart from the districts nonprofit federally reimbursed food service program. The school board
has adopted the following policy:
Building Sales: Competitive food service shall not operate in competition with the district’s food service
program and shall be closed for a period beginning one half hour prior to and remain closed until one half hour
after the last regular scheduled school lunch and/or school breakfast period on the campus where the school
lunch and/or breakfast is served.
Fast Foods: Fast foods in the building detract from the emphasis placed upon the Child Nutrition Program
and District Wellness Initiatives. The district encourages students to participate in the district’s meal program.
However, parents have the option to send food for breakfast or lunch if they prefer not to participate in the
district’s meal program. The district does not recommend students or parents bring fast foods to school;
however, if fast foods are brought to school, they may not be in the original packaging.
Questions? You may call the Food Service Office, 832-5000, for assistance during the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 4:30
p.m.
Page 12 of 24
Parent Organizations
School Site Council
The West Site Council meets on a quarterly basis to discuss issues of importance concerning
all aspects of West Middle School. There are several openings for interested parents. If you are interested in
serving on the Site Council or are willing to volunteer to help in other ways, please call the office, and we can
add your name to the list.
Parents of West Warhawks Want to get involved at West as a parent? Are you good at organizing, getting donations, planning fun events
for staff & students, and generally just bringing the school spirit? Well, the West POWW is the place for you! The
POWW is a group of West Warhawk parents who want to continue to be involved with their student’s school at
the middle school level. Yes, even middle schoolers don’t always mind when you are around to plan fun
stuff! All parents are welcome to join and POWW is completely FREE! Even if you don’t have time, but just want
to stay informed for when you do have some time, join and get on the email list! There will be a sign up table at
Warhawk Warmup night on August 16. There will also be forms in the front office and one can be emailed to
you, as well. Please help us reach our goal of being the absolute best middle school parent group in Lawrence
& let our Warhawk Pride shine!
Also, follow us on Facebook at Parents of West Warhawks (POWW)
Teacher sponsor: Sally Peters
8th grade Resource
Team Epic
Page 13 of 24
What Every Parent Needs to Know
Please Call Us If Your Student Will Be Absent – Attendance information may be called into the office
during business hours or left on the answering machine outside regular business hours. Attendance
information should be called into the office by 9:00 am on the date of the absence. If a parent/guardian
does not call in an absence, a written excuse that includes the student’s name, date of absence and reason
for the absence must be submitted to the main office within three school days of the absence, or the
absence will be considered unexcused. A student is considered truant when they receive: (3) unexcused
absences in a row; (5) unexcused absences in a semester; (7) unexcused absences in a school year.
Late to School – If your child is going to be late to school, please make sure that they have a written note
signed by a parent/guardian, or feel free to call the school and leave a message. If a child is late and does
not have a written note or a telephone message by the beginning of school the next day it will be counted as
an unexcused tardy.
Authorization to Release Student -- Students are released during the day only to the parent/guardian
listed in the student’s PowerSchool information. Students will not be released to an individual other than the
parent/guardian unless this completed form is on file in the WMS office. (To obtain this form, it can be found in
the front office.)
How To Check My Student Out – Send your child with a note written by a parent/guardian stating the
time and reason for leaving early, they will show it to their teacher, bring it to the office, sign out and meet
you outside. If no note is provided and no authorization is on file only parents/guardians, will be allowed to
check a student out.
Deliveries & Messages to Students – Parents/Guardians bringing items to be delivered to students
during the day should label the item with the student’s name. The school will not accept flower
arrangements, balloons, or other such personalized deliveries for students. Students will be notified only of
emergency calls from parents/guardians. Please communicate non-emergency messages (i.e., after school
ride arrangements, after school appointment information, etc…) to your student before school.
When Your Child Gets Sick at School – If your child becomes sick during the day, please instruct them
to go to the clinic and see the nurse. The nurse will assess your child and contact you.
Parking for Visitors -- If you need to park and go into the building, please park in a designated Visitor’s
space located in the south parking lot at the front of the building. If no spaces are available, you may
parallel park in front of the school. We only ask that you pull to the end of the drop off lane so not to block
the entrance for drop offs.
Traffic Concerns -- When picking up or dropping off students, please help keep traffic moving by puling
forward in the designated drop off lane and out of the way of the flow of traffic. Our primary concern is to
keep our students safe when entering or exiting school.
Page 14 of 24
The speed limit is 20 miles per hour in a school zone
At all crosswalks, pedestrians have the right of way. Please do not stop in or block a crosswalk.
The parking lot on the north side of the building (Auditorium side) is a one way only - please enter
from Yale Road.
WMS Website – Please make sure that you check out our website at: https://www.usd497.org/west it will
include upcoming events, links to contact teachers by email, sport schedules, as well as directions to all
games, athletic forms, daily menu, etc. Information is updated on this link as soon as it becomes available.
HyVee Dollars for Scholars Program – Please save your HyVee receipts and send
them to WMS. We earn money for our school based on a percentage of your purchases.
Receipt collection boxes are located in the office.
Boxtops for Education – Please clip and save Boxtops for Education or download the
Boxtops for Education app. Our school earns $5.00 for every 50 boxtops turned in. Please
turn them into the office anytime throughout the school year. Thanks for your support.
Office Depot – Every time parents, students and school supports give your school’s 5%
Back to Schools ID number to Office Depot, our school receives credits equal to 5% of the
qualifying purchases to use for Free Supplies. Our school ID# is: 70038536
Dillons – Use your registered rewards cards at Dillons and the school receives funds based
on your purchases! Simply log into your account on the Dillons website and search for West
Middle School by name, or by using code AT824, and click “Enroll”.
Page 15 of 24
Crisis Management Plan
Safety is a priority at West Middle School. A crisis management plan is in place for use in the event of an
emergency. Building crisis response team members are identified and their roles are defined. School safety
procedures are practiced by staff and students.
Parents play a key role in ensuring safe schools by encouraging open communication with their students at
home. Please contact the school administration if you have safety concerns. In addition, safety hotlines
have been established for the anonymous reporting of threats or safety concerns. The Lawrence Crime
Stoppers Hotline is 843-TIPS (8477). The Kansas School Safety Hotline is 1-877-626-8203.
Notice of Accessibility Lawrence Public Schools provide services and programs to individuals with disabilities in the most integrated
setting possible.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II, the director of special operations, safety and
transportation has been appointed as the ADA Director. Please call for information on accessibility, ADA
compliance procedures or special accommodation. In order to facilitate participation, reasonable
accommodation will be made on an individual basis. If you would like to attend a Board of Education
meeting or other public event of the district and require a special accommodation for a speech, hearing or
mobility impairment, please contact the ADA Director at Lawrence Public Schools, 110 McDonald Drive,
Lawrence, KS 66044. (785) 832-5000 or through the Kansas Relay Center, 1-800-766-3777, at least 48 hours in
advance.
Safety is a priority at West Middle School. A crisis management plan is in place for use in the event of an
emergency. Building crisis response team members are identified and their roles are defined. School safety
procedures are practiced by staff and students.
Page 16 of 24
Mission Statement
West Middle School is dedicated to providing a stimulating, safe and developmentally appropriate
environment where all students may build self-reliance, enhance academic skills and strengthen a sense of
responsibility to self and to community as foundations for their future success.
The following belief statements reinforce the mission of West Middle School:
We believe that a safe, orderly and productive environment is crucial to the attainment of any goal.
We believe in maintaining high educational standards and providing the support and resources
necessary for students to meet/exceed our expectations.
We believe in the ideal of mutual respect throughout the entire school populace.
We believe in the achievement of understanding and acceptance of individual differences among
students and staff.
We believe in the premise that for our educational goals to succeed, students, family, teachers and
others in the community must work together and accept their full share of responsibility.
est Warhawks
lways
espect differences and
onesty, model a positive
ttidude and
ork with best effort to show
indess to
elf and others
Page 17 of 24
War3hawks
WAR3HAWKS is West Middle School’s Comprehensive Integrated Three-tiered (CI3T) model of prevention! Our
faculty and staff are committed to the program goals:
create a school-wide framework in which all teachers, staff, parents, and students are clear about
academic, social, and behavioral expectations for all students to be successful;
provide a consistent and responsive system using current data to inform and drive decisions related
to student performance and intervention;
cultivate a positive school climate.
What is a CI3T plan?
A Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-tiered (CI3T) model of prevention has at its base a school-wide primary
prevention component. Each and every student participates just by virtue of attending our school. The goal of
this school-wide plan is to equip students with meaningful academic, behavior, and social skill sets that will
support successful school and life outcomes.
Behaviorally, students will be taught the 3 R’s (Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to Learn), provided
opportunities to practice these school-wide expectations, and through the use of our WAR³HAWK program,
receive positive reinforcement for demonstrating the expected behaviors. The WMS Expectation Matrix defines
what each expectation looks like in each school setting.
If the primary plan is not sufficient to meet some student’s needs academically, behaviorally, or socially,
additional levels of support are planned. For example, some students may benefit from small groups
(secondary support) whereas others may benefit most from individualized supports (tertiary support). We aim
to foster a positive learning environment for all students and support every student to the extent necessary for
academic, behavioral, and social success.
Thank you for your support and commitment to our school, our students, and our staff. We look forward to
implementing our CI3T plan, and the successes of our students during the coming school year. Once the new
school year begins, we hope that you will hear more details about this plan from your student. Please do not
hesitate to contact WMS if you have any questions and/or comments. More information about our plan will be
available throughout the school year.
Page 18 of 24
RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE READY
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Page 19 of 24
Notification of Rights Under the
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing
purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas if
the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education:
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered
by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for
hearing, vision, scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or
to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other
distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under state law.
Lawrence Public Schools USD 497 has developed and adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these
rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the
collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes.
USD 497 will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any
substantive changes. USD 497 will also directly notify parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific
activities or surveys and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the
specific activity or survey. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5901.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
(Release of Student Directory Information to the Public and/or Military Recruiters)
Page 20 of 24
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents* certain rights with respect to their student's
education records. These rights are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request
for access. Parents* should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.
The school will make arrangements for access and notify the parent* of the time and place where the records may be
inspected.
(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent* believes are inaccurate.
Parents* may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the school principal,
clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to
amend the record as requested by the parents,* the school will notify the parents* of the decision and advise them of their
right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records,
except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational
interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff
member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a
person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical
consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance
committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational
interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a
student seeks or intends to enroll.
For purposes of FERPA, USD 497 has designated certain information as “directory information,” which may be disclosed for
any purpose without prior consent. The primary purpose of this designation is for district use of the information in school
publications, such as newsletters, drama playbills, recognition listings, graduation programs, sports team rosters and
yearbooks. USD 497 considers the following “directory information:” student name, address, telephone number, date and
place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of teams, dates of
attendance, honors received, the most recent previous school attended, class designation and photographs.
Release of Student Directory Information to Military Recruiters
In addition, two federal laws: Section 9528 of ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
(P.L. 107-110), and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002
(P.L. 107-107), require educational agencies to provide military recruiters, upon request, students’ names, addresses and
telephone listings.
Parents* wishing to withdraw consent for release of directory information must complete a Non-Disclosure of Student
Directory Information form available upon request at any school, the district office and Web site. USD 497 assumes there is
no objection to the release of directory information if this signed form is not returned to the school by August 24, 2011 (or
upon enrollment during the school year).
(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by USD 497 to comply
with these requirements. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office,
U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-5901.
*parents, legal guardians and students age 18 or older
Page 21 of 24
District COVID Protocols
After a thorough review of back-to-school guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kansas
Department of Health and Environment, Kansas State Department of Education, and Lawrence-Douglas County Public
Health, Lawrence Public Schools will implement these COVID-19 prevention measures during the 2021-2022 school year.
Students benefit from in-person learning and safely returning to in-person instruction in the fall of 2021 is a priority. These
mitigation strategies will assist in maintaining safe learning environments for all students and staff.
The district will continue to work in collaboration with federal, state, and local health officials to monitor information about
COVID-19 spread.
Mitigation strategies are subject to change.
Promoting Behaviors that Reduce the Spread of COVID-19
Vaccination
o The district strongly encourages staff and students eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to be vaccinated prior to the
start of school or as soon as possible.
The district will continue to:
o Provide educational information to students, staff, and families about COVID-19 vaccination.
o Work with local public health officials to provide vaccination opportunities for staff, students, and families.
Staying Home When Appropriate
The district will:
o Continue to educate and encourage staff, students, and families to follow public health and safety measures in
and out of school.
o Encourage staff to use a Daily Self-Assessment to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of illness.
o Encourage families to use a Daily Assessment to monitor students for signs and symptoms of illness.
o Provide staff information about recognizing COVID-19 signs and symptoms.
o Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever (100.0), cough, or shortness of breath, should stay home
and seek medical advice, as necessary. (The district will follow its attendance protocols for staff and students.
Families should contact their child’s school to report absences. Staff should report absences through Frontline/Time
Clock.)
o Staff and families should notify school officials if they or their children have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for
COVID-19, are waiting for test results, or had exposure to someone with symptoms or a confirmed or suspected
case while not fully vaccinated.
Hand Hygiene & Respiratory Etiquette
Schools will continue to educate and encourage students and staff to:
o Wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or if soap and water are not available, to use hand
sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
o Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, throw tissues in the trash, and immediately wash hands or use hand
sanitizer.
Page 22 of 24
Cloth Face Coverings, Masks, & PPE
(Revised 7/27/2021 per CDC/LDCPH updates.)
o Everyone ages 2 and older must wear masks when indoors on school district property.
o Staff will provide mask breaks for students.
o Masks do not need to be worn when outside, while eating, or during designated mask breaks.
o The district prohibits the use of masks with vents or valves, per CDC guidance.
o Special education teams will work with families to determine appropriate use of personal protective
equipment based on student individual needs.
o Staff will work on a case-by-case basis with individuals unable to wear a mask. (See Request for Mask
Exemption.)
The district will make available:
o Masks, face shields, and gloves for staff and students, as needed.
o N95 NIOSH masks for staff, as needed.
o Gowns for staff performing procedures where contact with bodily fluids is likely.
Temperature Screening
o The district encourages staff, students, and visitors to use devices provided for temperature checks when needed.
o Schools will conduct temperature checks when staff or students report COVID-19 symptoms.
COVID Testing
o The district will provide saliva-based PCR test kits upon request.
o Schools will provide saliva-based PCR test kits when staff and students report COVID-19 symptoms.
Defining Cases
o Staff will send individuals with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case of COVID-19 home to isolate until test
results.
o Individuals with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case of COVID-19 should complete public health isolation
requirements (10 days from symptom onset and fever-free for 72 hours OR 10 days from collection of the specimen
if asymptomatic).
o Probable Case: Either clinical evidence and epidemiological link OR presumptive lab result with epi link or clinical
symptoms.
o Confirmed Case: Meets PCR lab-confirmed criteria. (See Case Definitions.)
Infection Periods
o Positive Cases: 48 hours prior to symptom onset (or 48 hours prior to specimen collection) to 10 days after symptom
onset (or 10 days after specimen collection).
Close Contact
o Fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from quarantine, unless symptomatic.
o Anyone not fully vaccinated who is within 6 ft. of an infected individual for longer than 10 minutes.
o Anyone not fully vaccinated with direct respiratory particle exposure, even if less than 10 minutes (e.g. coughing on
someone).
o Anyone not fully vaccinated with household contact with an infected individual.
o Cloth masks do not eliminate close contact.
o Quarantine for close contacts is 10 days following the last exposure.
Page 23 of 24
Advising Staff & Families of Student Illness
o In accordance with state and local laws and regulations, the district will notify local health officials, staff, and
families of reported cases of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
o The district will follow Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health guidelines for quarantine and isolation.
Separation While in School/Care Rooms
o Each school will have a room or space separate from the clinic where students or staff who may have COVID-19 or
another communicable disease will wait for evaluation or for pickup.
o Schools will inform parents to pick up their child immediately if the child becomes ill at school.
o Families should keep emergency contact numbers updated in PowerSchool by notifying the school office.
Household Exposure for Students & Staff
o Quarantine affects direct contacts who are not fully vaccinated. It does not affect secondary contacts.
o Example: If there is a positive case named Leo, Leo's unvaccinated family members will be in quarantine.
Leo's unvaccinated classmates will be in quarantine. Leo's classmates' families are secondary contacts and
will not be in quarantine.
o Fully vaccinated close contacts are not subject to quarantine, unless symptomatic.
Isolation & Quarantine
o The district will follow Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health guidelines for isolation and quarantine due to
COVID-19.
o Staff will provide remote or hybrid instruction from the classroom via Webex and online resources when necessary
due to student isolation or quarantine.
o The district will provide Webex training for all new staff.
Returning to School
o The district will follow Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health guidelines for returning to school after isolation or
quarantine.
Page 24 of 24
Lawrence Public Schools – USD 497
West Middle School
2700 Harvard Rd.
Lawrence, KS 66049
West Middle School
2700 Harvard Rd.
Lawrence, KS 66049
PHONE:
(785) 832-5500
FAX:
(785) 596-6558
WEBSITE:
www.usd497.org/west
FACEBOOK:
/westmswarhawks
INSTAGRAM:
@westmswarhawks
TWITTER:
@westwarhawks
During the school year, we have an
online newsletter (The Warhawk
Weekly) that is emailed out to parents
and students every week. For more
information on The Warhawk Weekly,
please contact the WMS main office
at (785) 832-5500.
