Connoquenessing Valley Elementary

Connoquenessing Valley Elementary

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2016-2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome to Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School

2016-2017 CONNOQUENESSING VALLEY ELEMENTARY CALENDAR

SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Seneca Valley School Board Members for 2016-2017

Seneca Valley School District Administrative Personnel

Seneca Valley School District Mission Statement

Seneca Valley Non-Discrimination Policy

Connoquenessing Valley Elementary Staff Members

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Morning Arrival 8:15 – 8:40 AM

Tardy Student

3:10 PM Dismissal/Walkers and Special Pick-Ups

Early Dismissals

ATTENDANCE

Absences

Automated Attendance Notification Program

Weather/Emergency School Closing or One/Two Hour Delays

Modified Kindergarten Hours During a Two Hour Delay

Weather/Emergency Related Early Dismissals

Pre-Planned Educational Trips

Homework Requests

Withdrawal From School

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Five-Day Schedule

Specials

Support Services

Youth Education Support Services (Y.E.S.S.)

School Counseling

TRANSPORTATION

Bus Transportation

Audio and Video Monitoring

Temporary Change for Student Transportation (Exceptions)

Custody Agreements or Daycare (Alternate Stops)

Lost Items on the Bus

Bus Behavior

Transfer Buses (ECMS students only)

SCHOOL BEHAVIOR

Behavior Expectations

Discipline

In-School Suspension or Office Detention

Out-of-School Suspension

Bully Prevention

Harassment Policy

Sprigeo

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Neglect, etc.)

Communicable Diseases

Comprehensive Allergy Management Plan

Food Brought from Home for Personal Consumption

Daily Classroom Snacks

Food Brought from Home for the Consumption of Others

Special School Events

Use of Food as a Reward

Health Room

Homebound Instruction

Immunization Policy

Medications

Prescriptions

Non-Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medications

DISTRICT FOOD SERVICES

Cafeteria POS Program Information

Pay StudentMeals Online

Breakfast Program

Lunch Program

(BYOT) BRING YOUR OWN TECHNOLOGY

Student Guidelines

BUILDING OPERATIONS

Seneca Valley Portal

Report Cards

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Classroom Observations

Faculty and Paraprofessional Qualifications

Custody/Court Orders

Building Visitor Procedure

Classroom Visitation by Parents or Guardians

Volunteers

Parent/Teacher Organizations – PTO

Holiday Parties

Birthday Recognitions

Birthday Lunch Visits

Invitations to Home Parties

Dress and General Appearance

Lost and Found

Damaged Textbooks

Electronics and Personal Belongings

Media - Pictures or Interviews with Students

Solicitation

Personal Belongings

Recess

Pet Policy

Safety Drills

Illegal Substances

Tobacco Usage

Weapons Policy

SENECA VALLEY CLASSROOM PARTY/CELEBRATION APPROVAL FORM

Nutritious Celebrations – Party Platter Information

Dear CVE Family,

On behalf of the C.V.E. Family, we welcome you to Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School. As you walk through our school you will see smiling students engaged in learning activities tailored to meet their developmental needs. Dedicated to educating the whole child, our dynamic staff strives to provide each student with personalized learning goals in an intellectually challenging environment that is both physically and emotionally safe.

Whether you are new to Seneca Valley joining us with your first child in Kindergarten or a seasoned member of the C.V.E. family, I encourage you to become actively involved in our school community. We welcome your support of student learning each day. Feel free to contact your child's teacher to see if they need classroom volunteers. We also have an outstanding Parent/Teacher Organization. You can learn more about CVE/PTO volunteer opportunities by visiting their Facebook page at CVEPTO.

Please take time to visit each of the pages on our website to learn more about our talented staff and the wonderful activities taking place in our school each day. Feel free to contact us if you need assistance or would like to discuss how your child's needs may be met by the C.V.E. Family.

We will do everything possible to ensure that our young learners have a positive educational experience this school year!

With Care,

Mrs. DeeAnn Graham, Principal

Mrs. Tina Francis, Assistant Principal

2016-2017 CONNOQUENESSING VALLEY ELEMENTARY CALENDAR

August 17New Family Orientation – Grades 1-4,10:00 AM

August 17Building Visitation –11:30 AM to 1:00 PM (self-guided tour)

August 22Kindergarten Classroom Visitation – 1:00 PM (Morning classes)

2:00 PM (Afternoon classes)

August 22Kindergarten Parent Orientation - 6:00 PM (AM Parents only)

6:50 PM (PM Parents only)

August 23Grades 1 & 2 – Meet the Teacher – Parents and Students invited

August 24First Day of School

August 25Grade 3 & 4 – Meet the Teacher – Parents and Students invited

September 5Memorial Day(No School for Students)

September 15Olweus Anti-Bullying Kick-off

September 22CVE Picture Day

October 10Act 80 Day (No School for Students)

October 26End of First Nine Weeks

Fall Family Fun Night/PTO Book Fair, 6:00 p.m.

October 31Fall Parties 1:30 PM

November 2Report Card/Mid-Term Grades Posted

November 11Parent/Teacher Conferences (No School for Students)

November 23 In-Service Day (No School for Students)

November 24 – 28Thanksgiving Break(No School for Students)

November 29Beginner Band Parent Night - ECMS

December 5-9PTO Holiday Shop

December 22Holiday Breakfast 9:45 AM

December 23 – January 2Winter Holiday(No School for Students)

January 12End of second nine weeks

January 13In-Service Day(No School for Students)

January 16Act 80 Day (No School for Students)

January 20Report Card/Mid-Term Grades Posted

February 14Valentine Parties1:30 PM

February 20Act 80 Day (No School for Students)

March 17In-Service Day (No School for Students)

March 21End of third nine weeks

March 27-30Kindergarten Registration

March 29Report Card/Mid-Term Grades Posted

April 14-17Spring Break(No School for Students)

May 2Art Show/Open House 6-7:30 PM,Grades 1 & 3

May 4Art Show/Open House 6-7:30 PM,Grades K, 2 & 4

May 8Beginner Band Concert 7:00 PM

May 12Act 80 Day (No School for Students)

May 16Band tryouts – Daytime and Evening sessions

May 19Field Day

May 25Rain date for Field Day

May 29Memorial Day Holiday (No School)

May 30Water Safety Day

May 31Last day of school for students

June 9Report Card/Mid-Term Grades Posted

Order of Snow Make-Up Days:

1. February 17
2. April 13
3. Flexible Instructional Day
4. Flexible Instructional Day
5. Flexible Instructional Day

SENECA VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Seneca Valley School Board Members for 2016-2017

Eric O. DiTullio – President

James Nickel – Vice President

Susan Harrison

Jeanette O. Lahm

Rev. Reid Moon

Timothy Hester

Kathy H. Whittle

Frederick Peterson Jr.

James K. Welsh

Seneca Valley School District Administrative Personnel

Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Tracy Vitale, Ext. 1644

Assistant Superintendent 7 - 12

Dr. Matthew McKinley, Ext. 1636

Assistant Superintendent K - 6

Dr. Sean McCarty, Ext. 1623

Director for Human Resources and Pupil Services

Mrs. Kyra Bobak, Ext. 1646

Director of Financial Services

Ms. Lynn Burtner, Ext. 1615

Director of Special Education

Mr. Gerald Miller, Ext. 1633

Assistant Director of Special Education

Mr. Cecil Crouch, Ext. 1631

School Psychologist for CVE/ECE

Dr. Mallory Eyles, Ext. 1611

Transportation Director

Mr. James Pearson, Ext. 1637

Seneca Valley School District Mission Statement

In collaboration with family and community, the mission of

the Seneca Valley School District is to provide an academically

rigorous learning experience in a progressive environment,

emphasizingcivic responsibility and global awareness.

Seneca Valley Non-Discrimination Policy

The Seneca Valley School District will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or any other legally protected classification in the employment or in the administration of any of its educational programs and activities. Announcements of this policy is in accordance with the state and federal laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To inquire about, obtain a copy of or to file a complaint relating to this policy, contact the Administrative Assistance for Human Resources, Seneca Valley School District, 124 Seneca School Road, Harmony, PA 16037 or call (724) 452-6040, ext. 1646.

Connoquenessing Valley Elementary Staff Members

Administrative Staff
Mrs. Graham / Principal /
Mrs. Francis / Assistant Principal /
Kindergarten
Mrs. Cooper / Kindergarten / Room 2 /
Mrs. Rupik / Kindergarten / Room 3 /
Mrs. Allen / Kindergarten / Room 5 /
Miss Schultz / Kindergarten / Room 7 /
First Grade
Mrs. Kessler / Grade 1 / Room 4 /
Mrs. Richard / Grade 1 / Room 6 /
Miss Brandon / Grade 1 / Room 8 /
Mrs. Zorn / Grade 1 / Room 11 /
Miss Grant / Grade 1 / Room 12 /
Mrs. Morgan / Grade 1 / Room 13 /
Miss Frissora / Grade 1 / Room 14 /
Second Grade
Ms. Wylie / Grade 2 / Room 17 /
Mrs. Dorsch / Grade 2 / Room 19 /
Mrs. Holmes / Grade 2 / Room 21 /
Mrs. Walter / Grade 2 / Room 22 /
Mrs. Sporrer / Grade 2 / Room 24 / ,
Mrs. Peffer / Grade 2 / Room 25 /
Mrs. Cabecinha / Grade 2 / Room 26 /
Third Grade
Mr. Rupik / Grade 3 / Room 31 /
Mrs. McCormick / Grade 3 / Room 32 /
Mrs. Schaefer / Grade 3 / Room 33 /
Mrs. Power-Boylan / Grade 3 / Room 34 /
Dr. Koch / Grade 3 / Room 35 /
Mrs. DeFabbo / Grade 3 / Room 37 /
Ms. Blackburn / Grade 3 / Room 38 /
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Kalan / Grade 4 / Room 43 /
Mr. Burgess / Grade 4 / Room 44 /
Mrs. Jacobs / Grade 4 / Room 46 /
Mrs. Tobin / Grade 4 / Room 47 /
Miss Smelscer / Grade 4 / Room 49 /
Miss Peaco / Grade 4 / Room 51 /
Miss McMaster / Grade 4 / Room 53 /
Special Teachers
Miss Scott / Learning Support /
Miss Gnalian / Learning Support /
Miss Bondi / Learning Support /
Mrs. Stewart / Language Support /
Mrs. Benner / Language Support /
Mrs. Huffman / Speech and Language /
Mrs. Cuccaro / ESL Instruction /
Mrs. Herlihy / Autistic Support /
Miss Pferdehirt / Gifted Education /
Mrs. Humes / Art /
Mrs. Dinger / Music /
Mrs. Albert / Technology Facilitator /
Mrs. Sterba / School Counselor /
Mrs. Kelly Del Greco / Librarian /
Mrs. Glass / Instrumental Music /
Ms. Lesney / Instrumental Music - Strings /
Mrs. Householder / School Nurse /
Mr. Grove / Physical Education /
Mrs. O’Brien / Gifted Education /
Mrs. Vokes / Speech Therapist /
Mrs. Novakovich / Reading Specialist /
Mrs. Cavanaugh / Reading Specialist - CVE/EC /
Mrs. Wimer / Instruction and Intervention Specialist /
Office Staff
Mrs. Williams / Secretary /
Mrs. Salak / Secretary /
Maintenance and Custodial Staff
Mr. Cady / Maintenance /
Mr. Miller / Custodian /
Cafeteria
Ms. Wells / Cafeteria Manager /

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

The school opens at 8:15 a.m. as the first bus arrives. Students should NOT be dropped off at school prior to that time as supervision is not available. All teachers are in the school building until 3:30 p.m.

School hours are:

8:15 a.m.Student Arrival begins

8:15-8:40 a.m.Breakfast offered in the cafeteria

8:40 a.m.Classes begin (tardy bell)

*Note: A student arriving after 8:40 a.m. is considered tardy

11:20 a.m. AM Kindergarten dismissal

12:30 p.m.PM Kindergarten arrival

12:37 p.m.PM Kindergarten classes begin

3:10 p.m.Dismissal (walkers & special pick-ups)

*Students will not be called for special pick-upat 3:10 p.m.

Morning Arrival 8:15 – 8:40 AM

Parents bringing children to school between 8:15 and 8:40 a.m.will drop them offin the inner circle located outside of the main entrance. Please do not pass cars that are dropping students off.

Tardy Student

A student is considered tardy if he/she does not arrive by 8:40 a.m. (12:37 p.m. for afternoon kindergarten students). An excuse from the parent/guardian is required when a student is tardy.Parents must walk their child into the school and provide a written excuse for children who are tardy to school. Students arriving after 11:40 a.m. will be recorded as “Late Arrival/1/2 Day Absence.”

3:10 PMDismissal/Walkers and Special Pick-Ups

• Walkers are dismissed at the end of the day exiting through the front main lobby doors. Parents of walkers may meet them outside by the flag pole. We ask that adults meeting walkers not cross and stand in front of the school doors as it causes a safety concern.
• Students who regularly ride a bus home are not permitted to walk to the home of another student. Students who are scheduled to ride the bus must be signed out by an authorized adult as special pick-up.
• Special pick-ups are dismissed from the cafeteria. Adults may park in the North Lobby parking lot

show their photo identification, entering through the doors by the cafeteria.

• Students are NOT permitted to ride a different bus home other than the assigned bus issued by the Transportation Department.

The following details the end of day pick up procedure:

• Parents/Guardians must have photo ID to pick up a student from the school.

• When picking up a student at the end of the day, a PM dismissal form must be completedfor each student unless it is for siblings in the same classroom. A signed and completed dismissal form may be turned in by the student in the morning. It must be completely filled out, signed by the parent, and have the printed name of the person that is picking up the student. At the end of the day, the parent or other authorized personwill be required to show their ID. Staff will then compare it to the dismissal slip toverify the process.
• If you did not send a PM Dismissal form with your child and arrive at the end of the day to pick them up, blank forms will be available for you to complete at that time. At this point, the students who are being picked up will have their names announced and directed to the cafeteria. Below is a sample of the dismissal form.

The following is a sample of our new PM dismissal form:

CVE – 3:10 PM DISMISSAL PICKUP FORM /

Date: ______

Student Name: ______Room # ______

Student Name: ______Room # ______

Parent Name (printed): ______

Parent Signature: ______

If you are not personally picking up your child/children, please (1) sign above and (2) print the name of the person picking up your student below. Photo ID is required for pickup.

Provide a phone number where you can be reached: ______

Print Name of Pickup Person: ______

Signature of Adult Pickup Person: ______

(If picking up someone else’s child, do not sign until you show your ID at the school.)

Early Dismissals

Dismissal of a student from school prior to 11:40 a.m. will be recorded as an “Early Release/ Absence”. If a student isexcused from school between 11:40 a.m. and 12:10 p.m., it will be recorded as “Early Release/Half Day”. A student released between 12:10 p.m. and the end of the day will be recorded as an “Early Dismissal.”

A child will only be dismissed from the building with the parent/guardian or with another authorized adult upon presentinga picture ID. Requests for released time for dental and medical appointments will be honored; however parents are urged to make appointments after school hours and on non-school days. Release requests for other reasons will be subject to approval by the administration.

In a case of family dissension, requests to prohibit one party from taking the child from school shall be honored only if legal status is established. Copies of court ordered custody papers must be on file in the principal’s office. Without custody papers on file, students will be dismissed to either parent. Request letters from lawyers do not constitute an established legal status.

The following are regulations governing early dismissal of pupils:

• A parent desiring an early dismissal of a child must send with the child, on the day he/she is to be excused, a request note which includes the date, the time the pupil is to be excused, the reason for the early dismissal, and the means of transportation (i.e. being picked up at school or is to walk home if he/she is normally a walker). These notes are to be given to the homeroom teacher who in turn, sends them to the office for recording.

• Students will be called to the office for dismissal when the parent arrives at the office. No student will be dismissed unsupervised to get into a car in the parking lot under any circumstances. This rule is to ensure the safety and security of each student.

• In the event of an emergency and a written request is not possible, the parent may phone the school office at (724) 452-8280 to provide information for the early dismissal. The call may be verified on the basis of information given on the student registration card.

ATTENDANCE

Absences

School attendance and prompt arrival to school are the responsibilities of the students and their parents/guardians. In order to learn the expected skills, regular school attendance is required. A child cannot learn these skills when frequent absences occur. Students are expected to attend 180 days of school during the course of a school year.

The Seneca Valley School District recognizes two types of absences:excused absences and unexcused absences. Excused absences, according to state law, are those that entail missing school for the following reasons:

• Religious holiday
• Medical related absences
• Sudden illness or other emergency situation
• Pre-planned educational trips
• Death in immediate family
• Inclement weather or impassable roads

In order for an absence to be considered excused, a written excuse must be turned in within 5 days of the absence. The student’s parent or guardian is required to submit a written statement that specifically states the reason for the absence. The date of the absence(s), child’s full name, and detailed reason for the absence must be listed on the written statement. The written statement should be sent to the school with the child and given to the child’s teacher within five days of his/her return to school. This statement may be written by a medical doctor or a parent/guardian. Any absence without this written statement will be considered unexcused.

An absence is considered to be unexcused if a child would miss school for any reason other than what is listed under excused absences or if a written statement regarding the excused absence is not submitted.

Students who miss greater than 10 percent of the days of school will receive a letter of concern from the administrative team. Students who miss greater than 20 percent of the days of school will be required to submit a formal note from a medical doctor regarding his/her subsequent absences.

Being absent from school does not excuse a student from any work or assignments which were assigned during his/her absence. It is the student's responsibility to see each his/her teacher(s) to request make-up work. Please contact your child’s teacher(s) for classroom specific absent assignment policies.

In the event that a child is absent from school on the day of a school sponsored event (field trip, assembly, after school activity/club/meeting), regardless of whether that absence is excused or unexcused, he or she is not permitted to attend that event.

A child who is excessively absent or tardy will be required to provide a doctor’s certificate for each absence. Students who are absent/tardy 10 percent of school days in session will receive a letter of concern from the school district. If a child’s absenteeism reaches 20 percent of school days in session, the parent/guardian will be required to submit a doctor’s excuse for each absence thereafter or the excuse will be recorded as unexcused.