PittsburghAlleghenyK-5
810ArchStreet|Pittsburgh PA15212 |Phone:412.529.4100
ParentHotline:412.529.4357 (HELP) |
Welcome!
Dear Parents,
WelcometoPittsburghAlleghenyK-5.Thank youfor choosingPittsburghAlleghenyK-5foryourchild’s elementaryeducation.Weknowthatyouhave chosenPittsburghAlleghenyK-5forouremphasis
onmodel writing,behavior,rigorousacademic programs and highattendanceexpectations.We welcomeyouand yourfamilytoourcommunityof learners.
Thishandbookhasbeenpreparedasasource
ofinformationwhichwillhelpyouunderstandthe policies,regulationsand servicesprovidedat PittsburghAllegheny.Please readand keepthis handbook readily availablethroughouttheyear. It
isourhopethatthishandbook willbehelpfultoyou and thatitwillpromoteaclear understanding ofthe school’sstandardsand services.
Closecooperationbetweenthehomeand schoolis essentialtopromotethebestinterestofthechild. Parents/guardiansare encouragedtovisitschool and toattendscheduledmeetingsforparentsand teachers.Mutualbenefits occur where thereis meaningfulexchangeofinformationbetweenhome and school.
Beassuredweare goingtodoeverythingpossible tomakeyourchild’stimespentatPittsburgh AlleghenyK-5bothanenjoyableand educationallyprofitableexperience.
Onceagain,welcometoAlleghenyK-5,whereevery challenge isanopportunity.
Sincerely,
Molly O’Malley Argueta,Principal
SchoolMotto
“Where everychallengeisanopportunity.”
OurVision Excellence forAll AlmaMater
Wesingwithone voice, one heartone mind
Thepastisbehind us, rightnowisourtime
Aswelooktothefuture, yourlessonprovides
TheNorthstarandAstro,toserveasourguides
Allegheny,ourheartsare truetothee Where every challengeisanopportunity Withgloryand honor,we’recalled tobe AlleghenyTraditionalAcademy
Thoughhighorlowtheroad maybe
Thepath wefollowisourdestiny
Oureducation, weowetothee
A.T.A.forever lovingly
Allegheny,ourheartsare truetothee Where every challenge isanopportunity Withgloryand honor,we’recalled tobe AlleghenyTraditionalAcademy AlleghenyTraditionalAcademy AlleghenyTraditionalAcademy
Written byourveryownMr.Stamerra
OurMission
ThePittsburghPublic Schoolswillbeone ofAmerica’spremierschooldistricts,student-focused, wellmanaged,and innovative.Wewillholdour selvesaccountableforpreparing allchildren toachieveacademicexcellenceand strengthof character,sotheyhavetheopportunitytosucceed inallaspectsoflife.
WhoWeAre
PittsburghAlleghenyK-5isamagnetschoollocated intheheartoftheredevelopment oftheNorthSide. Weare inwalkingdistanceofmany NorthShore attractionssuchastheNationalAviary,Children’s Museum,PNCPark, HeinzFieldand ScienceCenter.PittsburghAlleghenystudentsmayreside
inanyareaofthecitywithpreferencegiven to families ontheNorth/CentralAreaand toPittsburgh
Alleghenysiblings.
Everystudent,parentand teachersignstheTitleI PittsburghAlleghenycompactinwhichallcommit to‘attend,achieveand adjust’. Thestudents
wear uniforms.PittsburghAlleghenyK-5provides acomprehensivecurriculumemphasizingthe standardsinreading,math,science,social studies, art,music and physicaleducation.Studentswho needadditionalsupportmayworkwithanOASIS tutor.Studentsmayalso receiveLearningSupport Servicesand Speech/LanguageServicesthrough theProgram forStudentswithExceptionalities.
Weare atraditionalacademywithanemphasis onwriting.Studentsare introducedtoaspects of writingbeginninginkindergarten.Writingskills areembeddedacrossallcontent areasincluding
related arts. Ourschool wideinstructionalfocus is,
“Aschool wideeffortforallPittsburghAllegheny
K-5studentstoexcelaswritersbydemonstratingaconnectionbetweenreading andwritingand reflectingontheprocesses”.Ourstudent-friendly focus is:“AsawriterIthink,organize,connectand reflect”.Eachdayduring morningcommunitytime thisfocus ishighlighted.Samplesofstudentwriting piecesare displayedthroughoutthebuilding.
ATAhasbeendesignatedaTitleISchoolwhichisa stateand nationalefforttohelpmakeevery childa proficient reader.PittsburghAlleghenyK-5students havenumerousopportunitiesinthecreative and performingarts withcommunitypartnerssuchasthe PittsburghSymphonyand Saltworks.Eachstudent learnstoplaythepiano startinginkindergarten,
and ingradethreestudentsmayselecttolearn anothermusicalinstrument.Eachstudentlearnsto swimstartingingradethreeinPhysicalEducation. Studentshaveopportunitiesforextra-curricular activitieswithStudentCouncil, SafetyPatrol,Girl Scouts,WritingCluband theScienceFair.
ParentInvolvementisencouragedand parents
havenumerousopportunitiestobeinvolved through PSCC,PTO, Math/LiteracyWorkshops,Junior Achievement,FamilySwimNightsand FamilyFun Nights. PittsburghAlleghenyK-5hasmetAnnual YearlyProgress(AYP)withtheNoChildLeftBehind ActinReading, MathandAttendance.
SchoolProceduresBell Schedule
Pleasevisitourwebsite at contact ourParentHotlineat412.622.7920 forthe bellscheduleforyourchild’sschool.
Attendance
Studentscanonlylearniftheyarepresentandon timeforschool.Itistheresponsibilityofthe parent or guardiantoensurethathisorherchildisinschool andontime.Formoreinformation,refertotheCode ofStudentConductincludedinyourwelcomepacket.
Buses
PittsburghAlleghenyK-5servesfamiliesfromevery neighborhoodofthecityofPittsburgh.Wehave
morethan20schoolbusestotransport ourstudents. Keepingourstudentssafeisourprimaryconcern.It isimperativethatstudentsbehaveappropriatelyand safelyinand aroundbusesatalltimes.
Studentsmust remainseatedand talksoftlyon thebus atalltimes.Windowsmaybeopened onlyatthedirectionofthedriver.Videocameras are randomlyinstalledonschoolbusestoensure thesafety forall.Studentswillbedisciplinedand mayberemoved fromthebus forinappropriate and unsafebehavior.Parentsare responsibleto
transport theirchildtoand fromschool ifthestudent isnotpermittedtoridethebus.
Ourdistrictcontractswithnumerousbuscompanies. Pleasekeepthebusinformationsenttoyoueachfall. Youmaycontactthebuscompanydirectlyregarding manyofyourconcerns.Youmayalsocontactthe TransportationOfficeat the BoardofEducationor PittsburghAlleghenyK-5’sAssistantPrincipal.
PMdrop-offformsare availableintheschooloffice forthosestudentswhoattenddaycareorafter- school programswhen schoolisdismissed. Ittakes approximatelyone weektoprocessand youwillbe notifiedwhen thechangewilltake place.
Studentsmaynotridebusesforwhichtheyare notassignedand parentsare notpermittedtoridethe school bus. Allchangesintransportationforour studentsmust beinwriting.
DismissalProcedures
Studentsridingbusesare escortedasagroup tothebus parkedontheCommons /Arch Street bytheir teacher when thebus arrives.
Walkersand carriders aredismissedthroughthe cafeteria entrance.Thesebus studentsareescortedtotheirbus asagroup bythe‘busline teacher’ when thebus arrives.Studentsattending after-schoolprogramsare dismissedtoafter-school programpersonnel.
Earlydismissals
Awrittenparentrequestisrequiredforanearly dismissal. Normal medicaland dental appointments should bescheduledforafter school hourswhen possible. Ifitisabsolutelynecessarytoexcusea studentduring schoolhours,parentsare askedto dothefollowing:
• Notifythechild’steacherinwriting,statingthe reasonfortheearlydismissal.
• Reporttotheofficetopickupthechildatthe designatedtimetosignhim/herout.Nostudentis permittedtowaitoutdoors forsafetyreasons.
• Ifsomeone,otherthattheparent/guardian,is pickingthechildup,theofficemustbeinformed aheadoftimeinwriting.Nochildwillbereleased toanyoneotherthanaparentorlegalguardian unlesspriorarrangementshavebeenmade in writingwithadministrativeorclericalpersonnel.
Ifyouarrive attheschool early, waitforyourchild tobedismissed withhis/herclass.Pleasedonot ask officestaff topageyour child foranearly dismissal.
InclementWeather
Intheeventofinclementweather,parentsare askedtowatch KDKA,WTAEorWPXItelevision. Pleasedonotcalltheschool forinformationon delaysorclosings.
Pleasebesurethatyourchildknows whattodo orwhere togointheeventthatschoolneedsto bedismissed early due toweatheroremergency situations. Itisimperativethatwehavecurrent emergency informationonfileinourofficefor yourchild.
Ifthereisatwo-hour delay,allschoolsand buses willoperateexactly twohourslaterthan usual.For example, ifthereisatwohourdelay and yourchild normally goestothebus stop at8:20a.m. theywill automaticallygototheirstop at10:20 a.m. Classes fortheGiftedCenterand allfieldtripsare cancelled ondaysthereisadelay.
Ifclassesare cancelled fortheday, allafter-school and eveningactivitiesare automaticallycancelled forthatday.Theyare notcancelled when schools are onthedelayedschedule.
Ifthereisanemergencydue toinclementweather suchasaseveresnowstorm(during theschoolday) thefollowingprocedureswilltake effect:
• Ifstudentsmustremainatschoolpasttheendof theschooldayduetoinclementweather,therewill beadequatestafftosupervisethem.
• Studentswhowalktoschoolwillnotbereleased unlesstheschoolisnotifiedbythe parent(via telephoneorwrittennote)tosendthemhome.If possible,parentsshouldcometogettheirchild.
• Studentswhousetransportationwillremainuntil busesarrive.Ifbusesand othercarriershavenot arrivedby5:30p.m., thecafeteriamanagerand staffwillprovidedinnerinthecafeteria.
• Whilewaiting,studentswillbeengagedinavariety ofactivitiessuchashomework,reading,games, televisionandmoviestohelpcontainthestudents.
• Rememberthatallstudentswillremainatschooluntil transportationisavailabletogetthemsafelyhome.
EmergencySchoolClosing/Dismissal
Intheeventofanemergencyorcrisissituation,itis importantthataplanbeinplaceforourstudents. Wehavereviewedouremergencyplanand are providing parentswithguidelinesand procedures
toexpedite thesafeand orderly releaseofstudents fromschool should thatcircumstance arise.
Safety isournumber one concern.Pittsburgh AlleghenyK-5staffwillallstrive toremaincalmand proceedwiththenormal school routine asmuch
asissafely possible. Districtand superintendentdirectivestoallschoolsare relayedbymulti- communicationmodesduring thesesituations including telephone calls, faxmessages,visitsto schools,etc.Theadministratorsand staffwillcarry outthesafety planand proceduresasgiven. Please workwithustokeepallchildren safeand freefrom anxiety and fearasmuch aspossible.
Schoolmaybethesafestplaceforyourchildtobe insomesituations. However,should youchoose
tocome toschool totake yourchildhome,please followthefollowingproceduresforthesafetyand order oftheentire school:
• Parkat themetersontheCommonsStreetor ArchStreet. Donotblockcarsorfirelanesinour parkingareas.
• EnterthebuildingfromtheCommonssideofthe building.(Thereisabuzzeronthefrontdoor.)
• Bringyourdriver’slicenseorsomeotherformof photo identificationwithyou.
• Astaffmemberwillbe atthefrontdoor. Please showthemyourIDandtellthemwhetheryouare thereforanelementaryormiddleschoolstudent. Theywilldirectyoutotheappropriateoffice.(1st floor–elementary,3rdfloor–middle)
• Godirectlytotheoffice.Weaskthatyoudonotgo directlytoanyofourclassrooms.
• Show yourIDtotheofficestaffandgivethename and gradeofyourchild.Theywillcallthem outof theirclasstotheoffice.
• Signyourchildoutontheformprovidedincluding yourname,child’sname,relationship,dateand time.Ifyouarenotthechild’sparent,pleasehave eitheranotefromthe parentorbe preparedtocall the parent,sothatwecanverifythepermissionfor thechild’sreleaseintoyourcustody.
• Pleasedonotgiveinformationordetailsofthe situationtoother students.Wewouldlikethem to feelassecureaspossibleastheyremaininschool withouttheirownparents.
• Afteryourchildgatherstheirbelongings,please exitthebuildingassoonaspossibletoavoid congestioninouroffice,hallwaysandlimited parkingareas.
• Staytunedtotheradioandtelevisionstations
forthelatestupdates,information,possibleearly dismissalsorschoolclosings.
• Itisourhopethat wewillnotneedtoutilizethis plan.Thankyouforyourcontinuedcooperation andsupport. Wewilldoeverythinginourpower to keepallstudentssafeatalltimes.
Magnet Criteria
IfacceptedintothePittsburghAlleghenyK-5 program,studentsmust abidebythefollowing magnetschoolcriteria. Failure todosomayresult in rescindingofthemagnetprogramapplication.
Allstudentsare requiredtoadheretothemagnet school criteria policyofmaintaining90%attendance. Failure todosocould result intherescindingofthe magnetapplicationand thechildmaybereturnedto theirhomeschool.
SpecialMention
Studentswillreceiveadministrative/leadershipteam conferencingforoneormoreofthefollowingreasons:
• ReceivingaDorlessinReadingand/orMath
• Sixormore absenceswithinagradingperiod
SchoolDressCode
Amodified dresscodewas selectedby80percent oftheparentsduring the1992-1993 school year. Thiscodeisalso effectiveforthisschool year.
Girlsare permittedtowear onlyplainsolidnavy
bluejumpers, skirts, slacksorwalkingshorts.Skirts and shortsmust beatleastkneelength (apply the fingertiptest). Plainsolidwhite,lightblueornavy blueblousesorshirts withcollars orturtlenecks
are required. Undergarmentsmust bewhiteor plainand notvisible.PittsburghAlleghenypolo shirts,sweatshirtsand T-shirts maybewornas uniform.Girlsmaywear plainsolidwhiteornavy bluesweaters,vestsornon-hoodedfleeces.White ordarkcoloredsocksortights maybewornwith casualordressshoes.Backlesssandalsmaynot beworn.
Boysareonlypermittedtowearplainnavyblue trousers,slacksorwalkingshorts.Shorts mustbe atleastkneelength(applythefingertiptest).Plain solidwhite,lightblueornavybluecollaredshirts
orturtlenecksmaybeworn;PittsburghAllegheny poloshirts,sweatshirtsandT-shirtsmaybewornas uniform.Undershirtsandgarmentsshouldnotbe seenandshouldbewhite.Boysmaywearplainnavy blueorwhitesweaters,vestsornon-hoodedfleeces. Whiteordarkcoloredsocksmaybewornwithcasual ordressshoes.Backlesssandalsmaynotbeworn. Navybluetiesarealsoencouraged.
Note: Sinceallstudentsconformtoauniformdress code,parentsare stronglyencouragedtolabelall children’sclothing. Thiswillassistinidentification when itemsare lostormisplaced.
Thedresscode,createdand adoptedbyparents, isanintegralpartoftheTraditionalAcademy Agreement(contract).Studentsare expectedto
becleanand neatatalltimes. Failure tofollowthe codeisabreachofthecontract.Thefollowinglist outlinestheconsequencesforfailuretoconformto thedresscode.
1. Thehomeroomteachertelephonesthe parent as afirstwarning.
2. Aletterissenthomefromtheofficeasasecond warning and a mark is placed on the child’s STAR chart.
3. Studentscouldbesenthomeforrepeatednon- compliance.
Cafeteria
Breakfast and lunch are servedfresh dailyat PittsburghAlleghenyK-5.Costsforbreakfastand lunch arebasedonparents’ abilitytopay. Lunch money willbecollectedonceeachweek.Aletter willbesenthomeatthebeginningofeachyear
regarding specificprocedures.Allinquiriesshouldbe madetothecafeteriamanagerat412.323.4128.
Eating breakfastatschool isaprivilege.Aletter outliningcost and servingtimewillbesenthome annually.Studentsmaybeexcluded frombreakfast forimproperbehaviororforloiteringsincelawdoes
notmandateabreakfastprogram.Walkerswhoare tardywillnotbeservedbreakfast.Busriders whoaretardydue tothebus willbeservedbreakfast.
AtPittsburghAlleghenyK-5,weencourageproper eating habits forallofourstudents.Childrenwho develop proper eatinghabitswillcarrythesehealthy habits intotheiradult lives.Weare encouragingthesehabitsinourowncafeteria.Allstudents’ lunchesshouldbehealthyregardlessiftheypack or purchasealunch.
Ifyoudopack yourchild’slunch, pleasedoitas nutritionallyrichaspossible.Wewouldlikestudents toavoid consumingchips, candy,soda/pop,etc.
astheyare nota necessarypartofahealthydiet. Nutritionplays akeyroleinyourchild’slearning experience.Pleasehelptocreateahealthy environmentatPittsburghAlleghenyK-5.
AuditoriumEtiquette
PittsburghAlleghenyK-5isaTraditionalAcademy withanemphasisonwriting,andweareveryproud ofourArtDecoauditorium.Weoffercontinuous culturalprogrammingforourstudentbodyandour studentsputonoutstandingperformances.Proper audienceetiquetteisstressedatalltimes.Please
turnoffallcellphones, pagersandelectronicdevices andrefrainfromtalkingduringtheperformances.
Pleasesuperviseand remove young children who are cryingordisturbingtheperformance. Parents are askedtositintherear oftheauditoriumdue to theassignedstudentseatingarrangement.Those wishing totake photographsorvideo tapesmaydo sowithoutdisturbingtheprogramorobscuringthe viewofanotherpersonintheaudience.
Eachclasshasanassignedsectionintheauditorium. Studentssitwiththeirclassunlessotherwise instructed.Studentsmustsitsilentlyandgivetheir attentiontothespeakerand/orperformers.Children aretoberespectfulandresponsiveatalltimes.
Field Trips
AfieldtrippermissionformforwalkingtoNorth Shoreattractionswillbesignedeachfallbyparents and keptonfilesothatourstudents/teachersmay take advantageofourexcellentlocation nearthe Children’sMuseum,Aviary,and West Park, etc.
Fieldtripsarenotpartofourregularcurriculum.They arescheduledtoenhancetheeducationalprogramor toprovideopportunitiesforout-of-schoolsocialization. Attendingfieldtripsisaprivilege,therefore,ifa student’sbehavioristhoughttobepotentially disruptive;he/shewillnotbepermittedtoattendthe trip.Signedparentpermissionslipsmustbesubmitted beforeanystudent leavesourbuilding. Students
mustdressinuniformunlessotherwiseindicated.
NurseandDentalHygienist
AnursepractitionerisassignedtoPittsburgh AlleghenyK-5twodayseachweek.Anurseis availablethroughHealth Servicesforemergencies onother days.Theschool nurseperformsvarious mandatedservicessuchasphysicalexamsand vision/hearingscreenings.Thenurseiscertified
toidentifycontagiousschooldiseasesand makes referralsforparentalfollow-up.Theschoolnurse works closely withschoolpersonnelincasesof suspectedneglectorabuse.
Thedentalhygienistevaluatesthedentalhealthof students.Thehygienistalso teachesdentalhealth lessonstothestudentsand advisesparentsonlow cost orfreedental treatment.Thehygienistvisits PittsburghAlleghenyK-5forapproximatelytwo weekseachschoolyear.
Visitors
Guests,especiallyparents,are welcometovisit PittsburghAlleghenyK-5.Allvisitors mustfirststop intheofficetosecureavisitor’spassbeforegoing elsewhereinthebuilding.Inthisway,children’s safety isprotected byknowing whoisinthebuilding atalltimes.
Itisrequiredthatparentscalltoschedule appointments forconferenceswithteachers. Inorder tominimize instructionaldisruptions,
classroomobservationislimitedaccordingtoschool board policyand must befirstclearedthrougha schooladministrator.Unscheduledvisitsinterfere withvaluableclasstimeand theprofessional developmentactivitiesofthefaculty.
FireDrills
Thepurposeoffiredrillistoestablishprocedures forevacuating thebuildingquicklyand safely in caseofanemergency.Thedrillsensureproper pupiland adult reaction toemergencysituations. Firedrillsare conductedonceamonth.Allstudents are directed toexittheirclassroomsimmediately and tofollowpredeterminedroutestotheoutdoors. Itisabsolutelyessentialthatallchildren are silent, orderly and followadult direction.
Textbooks
Studentsare heldresponsibleforthetextbooks assignedtothem.Theyare expectedtotake careof allbooks and willhavetopayfortextbooksthatthey abuse.Becauseoftheenormousexpenseoflost anddamagedtexts and limitedfunds topurchase newones,studentsmaynotbepermittedtotake textbookshome.Homeworkassignments are made whichdonotrequiretextbooks.Ifaparentdesiresa textbook,however,arrangementscan bemadewith theprincipal.
Homework
Homeworkisacriticalelementoftheeducational process.InaTraditionalAcademy,emphasis isplaced upon academicachievementand acquisitionofbasicskills.Therefore,homeworkisrequiredand contributestoearnedgrades.
Homeworkprovidesmany benefitstostudents andparents.Itoffers practiceofskills,whichis necessaryforretentionand mastery.Itcan enrichand supplementclassroomexperiences.Italso providesparentswithinformationaboutwhatis being taught intheclassroomand thequalityof theirchild’swork.Besidestheacademicbenefits, homeworkprovidespracticeinbudgetingtime, meetingdeadlines,and organizingmaterials.
SupportServices
TitleIProgram
TitleIisafederalprogramtohelpstudentsinour nation’s schools.Schoolsincommunitiesthat meetcertainincomerequirements can useTitleI monies tobenefit theentire studentbody. Federal funds provideforaddededucationalservicesand programs.TitleIstaffassistsstudentstoachieve highstandards.
DevelopmentalAdvisor
TheDevelopmentalAdvisorprovidesa comprehensivesystemofstudentservices whichincludesacademic,social and emotional
development and careerawarenessbyaddressing barriers thatimpact thecognitive,physical, emotionaland social well-being ofstudents. Referrals are madebystudents,parentsorstaff when astudentisexperiencingpoorschool adjustment orfailstomakeexpectedacademic progress.TheDevelopmentalAdvisorhelpsto resolveproblems and works closely withstudents, teachersand parentstomotivateand develop maximumstudentpotential.
StudentServicesAssistant
TheStudentServicesAssistantservesasadjuncts tothecounselingteam.Theyperform awide
rangeofduties thatinclude butare notlimitedto supervisionofstudentsduring MorningCommunity times, atlunch timeand dismissal.
ResponsetoIntervention/SAPTeam
ThemissionofResponsetoIntervention/Student AssistanceTeam istoidentifythelearningneeds ofstudentswhoare experiencingdifficulty and
providing them withthetypeofacademic,behavioral and /orsocial supportneededtosucceedinschool. Parentsare importantmembersoftheteam.
SchoolPsychologist
Acertified schoolpsychologistisamemberofour Program forStudentswithExceptionalitiesand Multidisciplinary Team.ThePsychologistconducts psycho-educational assessmentsofstudentswho havebeenreferredbytheteamforlearningor behaviorproblems.ThePsychologistalso helps determine whichstudentsare eligiblefortheGifted Program.
SpeechandLanguageSpecialist
Theduties oftheSpeechand LanguageSpecialist include screening,evaluationand diagnosingcommunicationdifficulties.Referralfora communicationdisordermaycomefromaparent, teacher,supportstaff,oroutsideagency.Following areferral,anevaluationisperformedand amulti- disciplinaryteammeetstodiscusstheresults ofthe
evaluation.Placementismadebasedontheresults oftheevaluationand teamrecommendation.
LearningSupportServices
StudentsinneedofLearningSupportServices mustgothroughthestateeducationalintervention procedure priortobeing placedintheprogram. Servicesmayinclude inclusion withsupportive servicesprovidedinthemainstreamclassroomor servicesinaresourceclassroom.Studentsinthe inclusion model participateinthegeneraleducation curriculumwithmodifications,adaptationsand support fromaparaprofessional.Studentsinthe resourcemodel receive theirReading/Language Artsand/orMatheducation ontheirinstructional levelintheresourceclassroom.
Occupational,Physical,VisualHearingTherapy
Studentsinneedofoccupational,physical,visualor hearing therapy willbeevaluatedattherequestofa parentwithaprescriptionfromthechild’sphysician.
Gifted Education
Studentsinneedofenrichmentand accelerationmaybeevaluatedforGiftedSupportservices.The studentmust meetthecriteria set byPennsylvania regulationsforGiftedEducation,Chapter16.
SchoolProgramsStudent Council
PittsburghAlleghenyK-5StudentCouncilisan organizationinwhich3rd-5th grade studentsmeet weeklytodiscussvarioustopics.Thepurposeof theCouncilistoprovidestudentswithaforum
toexpresstheiropinionsregardingtheirschool experiencewhilepromotingschoolspirit.Eachyear, studentsare nominatedbyeachhomeroomteacher, basedonbehavior,academics,andleadershipskills. Studentswhoareinterestedinholdinganoffice
ontheCouncilpreparean oralpresentationwhich isdeliveredduringanassembly.Theintermediate studentbodyvotes onStudentCouncilofficers.
Studentcouncilofficersmeetwiththeprincipalona monthlybasis.Theofficersmakerecommendations regardingstudentpolicyandactivities.Theyalso
attendtheParentSchoolCommunityCouncilmeetings
onamonthlybasisandshare theircurrentevents.
SafetyPatrol
TheSafetyPatrolconsistsofselectedstudents
fromthefourthandfifthgrades.These studentsare chosenonthebasisofteacherandadministrator ratinginareassuchasleadership,dependability
andpunctuality.
TheresponsibilitiesoftheSafety Patrolsare many and varied.Patrol membersare assignedtoposts
inthehalls, atdoorwaysand outside inthemorning and atdismissal toassistinremindingstudents
towalkand tobesafe.Somepatrol members assistwithlineupprocedurestoensurethesafe andorderly movement ofclassesatlunch time. Other duties mayinclude helping during auditorium programs and servingasushersatvariousevents. Safety Patrol membersset highstandardsof excellence atalltimes forthemselvesortheywill
forfeitparticipationwiththisgroup ofschoolleaders.
Music Programs
Musical productionsoccur inDecemberand June. Eachproductionisbasedonateachabletheme and involvesevery studentintheschool.Students gainskillsinacting,dancingand singing.Allstaff
membersare involved aswell.Eachproductionisa highlightoftheschool year and iswellattendedby PittsburghAlleghenyfamilies.
ChoralEnsemble
PittsburghAlleghenyK-5Choral Ensembleisa selecttreble choircomprised offourthand fifth gradestudents.Auditions are heldeachSeptember and rehearsalsoccur twiceaweek during the schoolday. Eachyear, theEnsembleperformsat theschooland inthecommunityatthePittsburgh InternationalAirportand theAdjudicationFestival.
PianoKeyboarding
Allstudentsinkindergartenthroughgradefive receive piano keyboardinginstructionasapartof theirmusic educationprogram.
InstrumentalMusic
Studentsingradesthreethroughfivehavethe opportunitytoaudition and subsequentlyplay
amusicalinstrument.Childrenwhoexpressa desireand show aptitudeasdeterminedbythe instrumentalmusic teachermust havesigned parentpermissiontoparticipate.Approval fromthe classroomteacherisalso necessary.Anystudent whohashis/herowninstrumentmayautomatically beininstrumentalmusic classes.Available instruments include theviolin,viola,clarinet, trumpet,trombone,celloand drums.
Thestudentsare assignedone totwoinstrumental music periods perweek. Itisimperativethat
eachchildpracticesathomeand brings his/her instrumentonthedesignateddayforlessons. Studentsforgettingtheirinstruments more than threetimes,whodonotpractice, orwhofailto attendperformanceswillbedropped fromthe program.Parentsmust bearthecost oflostor damagedinstruments.
Family Swim Night
Familiescan comeand enjoy anightofswimming atPittsburghAllegheny.Parentsand studentsare encouragedtocomeand exerciseand playin
thepool.Lookfordatesand times ontheschool calendarand parentletter.
Basketball
Students have an opportunity in grades 3-5 both boys and girls have the opportunity to play basketball. However, parents are responsible for their child’s transportation.
Intramural After-schoolSwimming
There isaswimming programforfourthand fifth gradestudentsafter school inthefalland spring from3:55p.m.to4:55p.m.Aparentpermissionslip willbesenthomewiththestudentswiththedates fortheprogram.
ParentalInvolvement
Parent SchoolCommunityCouncil
PittsburghAlleghenyK-5hasanactive PSCCwhich iscomprised ofparents,schoolstaffand communitymembers.TheCouncil meetingsare heldoncea month after schoolhoursand are approximatelyone and ahalfhoursinduration.ThePSCCfunctions
asan‘advisory’group totheschool.Meetingsare informationalinnatureorare workingmeetingsto design programs,plansofaction,etc. Themeetings are alwaysopentoanyinterestedparty. Westrongly encourageparticipationbyallstakeholders.
Parent TeacherOrganization
ParentinvolvementinourPTOisstrongly encouraged. PittsburghAlleghenystudentsare providedwithmany outstanding programsand activitiesasaresult ofourhard-workingPTO. There are small aswellaslarge taskstoperform asmembers,soallcontributionsare welcome regardlessofthetimethataparent’sschedule permits.Meetingsare heldonamonthly basis.
Parent/TeacherConferences
Either aparentorteachercan initiateconferences. IfaparentreceivesanInterimProgressReport
and hassomeconcern,he/sheisencouragedto scheduleaconference.Regularcommunication betweenteacherand parentisessentialtoachild’s education. Students’strengthsand weaknesses mustbesupportedbyboththeschool and thehome tomaximizeand maintainaconstantpatternof growth. Workingtogether,teachersand parentscan determine thebestways toassiststudentssothat theyworktotheirmaximumpotential.
Junior Achievement Day
Parentvolunteersteach1-5economiclessons intheirchild’sclassroomforaday.Training, materials and lessonplansare providedbyJunior Achievement.
GuestReaderDay
Specialguestscomeand sharetheirloveforreading withourstaffand students.Thisdistinguishedgroup includesbusinessowners,localpoliticians,school boardadministrators,and communitymembers.
Take AFather/MaletoSchoolDay
Almost200men participateinthisannual event whichincludesclassroomvisitation, workshops, raffles and aluncheon.
Parent Workshops
Duringtheyear academicand personalgrowth workshops are providedforourfamilies. These workshops are designedtoassistourparentswith understanding thecurriculumthatourstudents
are given inorder tosupport theworkathome. Workshopsspecificallygeared towardourmale parentsprovideopportunitiesformen tocome together,shareand grow.
Parent ResourceRoom
Parentsare welcomeatanytimetocomeand visit theParentResourceRoom.Withtheassistance
oftheParentEngagementSpecialist,theywill findmaterials,resourcesand informationhelpfulto parents.
Annual Parent Survey
Feedbackfromourfamilies isveryimportant.Each year ourparentsreceiveasurvey.Parentscan feel good aboutknowing thattheirvoice isheardand consideredonmany levels.
Clearances
Act33andAct34Clearancesare amust inorder tovolunteertoworkwithstudentsintheschoolor tochaperoneonfieldtrips.Seethemain officefor forms.Askyourchild’steacherregardingvolunteer needsinhis/herclassroom.
CodeofStudentConduct
TheTraditionalAcademyadheresstrictlytothe
DistrictCodeofStudentConduct.Inaddition:
PositiveBehaviorInterventionsSupport(PBIS)
ThepurposeofPBISistodecreasedisruptive andunsafebehaviorswhilepromotingsocial andacademicgrowth inhome,schooland community. Andtothatend, wefollowthetenetsofthePittsburgh Pledgestrivingto:
• Have highexpectations
• Workhard
• Achieve academicexcellence
• Keep ourschoolssafe
• Set apositive example
• Berespectfuland considerateofone another
• Listen and beopentonewidea
PittsburghAlleghenyK-5willprovideahighly structured and organizededucationalenvironment sothatallchildren canlearntotheirfullestpotential. Studentswhodisrupt thelearningprocess forthemselvesorotherswillbedisciplined.The disciplinaryaction willbebasedontheseverityof theinfraction, aswellashowoften theseschool disruptionsare repeat.
Community Resource Guide
Family Resources
Alliance for Community Respite Care - 1(888) 954-2424
A collaborative network of families, providers, community members and advocates who work to ensure the availability of quality respite care.
Allegheny Family Network (AFN) - 1(888) 273-2361
Supports and partners with families raising children with emotional and mental health needs to improve their quality of life.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - (412) 622-3114
The Carnegie library has multiple branch locations offering special services such as job career and educational centers.
Child Care Information Services - CCIS of Allegheny County – City - (412) 261-2273 or 1(800) 392-3131
CCIS serves as a primary resource to assist families with child care referrals, emergency childcare, subsidized care for qualifying families, and promotes
quality child care by offering training in subjects such as early literacy.
Children’s Health Insurance Program - CHIP - 1(800) 986-5437
Pennsylvania’s program to provide health insurance to all uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance.
Family Resources - (412) 363-1702
Family Resources offers many services to help parents and children improve their relationship along with youth enrichment activities at its centers.
The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania - (412) 281-2535
Helps mentoring programs by providing training, recruiting, quality assistance, and support to increase the number of mentors in the community.
Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center - (412) 281-4404
The PEAL Center is an organization of parents of children with disabilities reaching out to assist other parents and professionals
Pittsburgh Public Schools - (412) 529-4357 (Parent Hotline)
The Pittsburgh Public Schools believes in regular, two-way, meaningful communication connecting student academic learning and other school activities;
to this end the Parent Hotline is one of a number of resources to assist parents and families in engagement.
Right to Education Task Force – (412) 529-2300
The Local Task Force provides opportunities for parents, guardians and community members to ask questions about special education services as well as address concerns that affect students with disabilities in the Pittsburgh Public School District.
Program for Students with Exceptionalities PSE/Oliver
2323 Brighton Rd.
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
United Way of Allegheny County - 211 (HelpLine)
United Way of Allegheny County provides information to families through their online resource Help Connections; agency funding, planning, and
community problem solving for health and human services agencies operating within Allegheny County.
Children’s Services
Achieva - (412) 995-5000
A world-renowned leader in the field of disabilities, known for its innovative programs, and dedication to children with disabilities and their families.
Alliance for Infants and Toddlers - (412) 885-6000
This program provides service coordination, screenings, assessments, family support services, and early intervention service coordination to families
with children between the ages of birth to three years of age.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh - (412) 363-6100 or 1-877-937-2447
Big Brothers Big Sisters increases the self-confidence of children and the probability that they will become fully integrated members of society, leading
productive and rewarding lives through mentoring and enrichment programs.
Boys and Girls Clubs - (412) 782-5710
The BGC is a unique organization consisting of 8 Club facilities, a Charter H.S., Outlet Connection retail venture, Campfire USA, and extension
programs. Our goal is to provide every child with the essential tools needed for a successful & bright future.