“Catch the
spirit!”
2010-2011
383 South
Jennersville Road
West Grove,
PA 19390
610-869-9803
Dear Parents,
I look forward to the journey this year and welcome all new
members to our community. The faculty
and staff will work together with you to maximize your child’s potential for
intellectual and emotional growth. We
thank you for sharing your child/ren with us this year.
Please check your students’ backpacks regularly to keep
current with our weekly newsletters.
Also, please watch for important communications from their
teachers. In addition, our PTA
provides you with a newsletter and updates.
Also, check the school district website to access up-to-date
information.
“Catch the spirit!” exemplifies the
possibilities in store for all who enter.
Just imagine all the places we will go to learn and to grow with
children’s imaginations, quality teaching, and parents who are involved in
their children’s learning!
Please remember that the door is always open; we are always
listening, and we appreciate your support.
Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions, concerns, or
ideas to offer.
Sincerely,
Marie DiGiulio
Principal
MISSION STATEMENT
The Penn
London Elementary School exists to create and implement
experiences for children that will prepare them to interact and function
confidently and responsibly in their world.
The elementary schools’ vision is to embrace a holistic approach in all
areas of development, in order to create an environment in which all children
achieve to their potential.
The primary beliefs of the Penn London School staff are that
every child deserves excellence; everyone has the potential to be a successful
learner, and it is the school’s responsibility to discover what the learners
already know and help them make connections with what we believe they need to
know.
The school must provide a literacy-enriched environment
where learners have the opportunity to develop and use language and literacy
routines associated with authentic, everyday activities. We must also provide the students with an
in-depth understanding of mathematics so that our children make the connection
between math concepts and skills learned in school to their everyday lives.
It is essential to maintain open lines of communication
among school, family, and community.
Open communication, mutual respect, and active involvement by school,
family, and community will enhance a child’s school experiences and help to
establish the environment needed for a child to become a more successful
learner.
Parents need to be aware of individual goals set for their
child and understand that these goals will be realistic. We believe that the students should be taught
at their developmentally appropriate level, regardless of grade placement, in
order to enable each child to achieve their highest potential. Assessment is ongoing, examined in multiple
contexts, and focused on a variety of behaviors.
It is our belief that only when children have both
self-respect and respect for others can they utilize their assets to the best
of their ability. To reach this end, the
children will take part in activities that involve cooperation and, at the same
time, foster self-esteem.
In order to successfully instruct and interact with all
students, staff members need to be child-centered individuals who are able to
use multi-dimensional instructional approaches.
To keep our staff on the cutting edge of education, individuals are kept
abreast of innovative, successful methods of instruction.
Through developmentally appropriate activities, experiences
and social interactions, our students will
develop an interest in learning which will enable them to
become active learners and responsible members of the community.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Avon Grove
School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not
discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices
on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, religion,
ancestry, sexual orientation, handicap/disability, union membership, or other
legally protected classification.
Announcement of this policy is in accordance with
state and federal laws, including Title VI, Title IX, and
Section 504. All inquiries should be made to Ms. Wendi Lee Foltz,
Director of Personnel, Avon Grove School
District, 375 South Jennersville Road, West Grove,
PA 19390. (Telephone 610-869-2441)
ADMISSION POLICY
All students attending elementary school in the
Avon Grove School District must reside within established geographic boundaries
as formulated by the Avon Grove School District, as well as produce proof of
residency and a current immunization record.
Original entries must produce a birth certificate.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
(In accordance with Avon Grove School District
Policy
204)
Absence
Attendance is essential for success at school. Every effort should be made to attend school each day it is in session.
The following are the only reasons that a student
will be excused from school:
a.
Illness
b. Death in the immediate
family
c.
Religious holidays
d. Health care appointments
e. Educational family trips *
f.
Urgent family reasons
g.
Court appearances
*Every
attempt should be made to schedule vacations/trips around the school
calendar. All work from any absence is
to be made up in the time frame of the same number of days as the student is
absent. It is not always possible to
provide work/homework in advance of the trip.
If you know that your child must be out for a trip, you must write a note to the principal for approval at least one week in advance. Please include the educational value of your trip in the note. Approval may be granted as long as previous absences have not been excessive. Ten percent of the school year is considered excessive.
* A maximum of ten parental excuses may be provided per school year. Once a student has reached 10 parental excuses, all remaining notes must be from a doctor or the absences will be considered unlawful.
* An absence will become unlawful if no written excuse is brought in within 3 days of the student’s return to school.
* An excessive number of absences hamper the student’s academic performance. After an accumulation of 3 unexcused absences, you and/or your parent are liable for legal action.
·
An initial warning letter will be sent
if a student has reached any of the following:
o
More than 3 unexcused absences by
December 1st.
o
More than 9 unexcused absences by April
1st.
o
More than 12 unexcused absences after
June 1st.
o
When a student has reached 10 parental
excuses.
·
If the student continues to accrue
unlawful absences after the initial warning letter is sent, a second notice
will be sent requiring all future absences be excused by doctor or physician.
·
If the unlawful absences persist after
the second notice is sent, the student and/or the parent is subject to receive
a citation and appear before the district magistrate.
Students must be present in school for at least
half of a regular day to participate in any school related activities.
Perfect
attendance is defined as being
present, in school, on each scheduled school day.
Students are expected in their classrooms by 8:30
a.m. If a student arrives late, a
parent, who will sign the student into school, must accompany him/her. If a
parent does not sign in a student, the lateness will be considered unexcused
and will count against perfect attendance.
If the student arrives after 10:30 a.m., he/she must be accompanied by a
parent with note of explanation. The
time and reason will be recorded and the student will be given a late slip to
give to the teacher. Excessive tardiness
disrupts the educational program of all students.
We discourage dismissing students early and
advocate everyone riding the bus. Having parents pick up their children early
cuts short their classroom instruction.
Please try to schedule your appointments after school hours or on
non-school days. Parents can request, in
writing, early student pick up for an occasional appointment, but should not
request an early dismissal on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. If your student must be picked up during the
day or at dismissal time, you must send a note with him/her. The note must include the reason and the time
of the pick-up. The adult picking up
the student must use the sign out forms and wait in the designated area. Students will be called to the office when
the parent arrives.
ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS
(In accordance with
Avon Grove School District
Policy 216)
Avon
Grove School District has established procedures both to provide
parents/guardians with access to their child's educational records and to
protect any personally identifiable information in those records. By request, parents/guardians may review the
education record of their student within forty-five (45) calendar days of the
receipt of the request to do so. The
right of inspection includes:
1. reasonable requests for an explanation and
interpretation of these records by school district personnel;
2. providing copies of the records if circumstances
effectively preclude the parent/guardian from inspecting or reviewing the
educational record. Note, the District
may charge a modest per page fee for copying;
3. having the educational records inspected and reviewed
by a representative of the parent/guardian’s choosing upon presentation of
proper documentation.
A parent/guardian may request in writing
that the District amend any portion of an educational record that he/she
believes is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right to
privacy. Within thirty (30) school days
of the receipt of the written request to amend the record, the parent/guardian
will be notified in writiting whether the District will amend the record. Should the District determine that it will
not amend the record, the parent/guardian has the right to request in writing
an informal hearing before a disinterested school official to challenge the determination.
Parents/guardians will receive an annual FERPA notice.
BULLYING/HAZING
Bullying and intimidating have a negative effect
on the school climate. Every student has
a right to an education and to be safe in and around school. Therefore, it is the policy of the district
to maintain an educational environment in which bullying/hazing is not
tolerated. (See insert—Avon Grove School
District Bullying/Hazing Policy 252)
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Request for school bus pick up/drop off at other
than a home stop must be submitted in writing each year by July 31 to the
Transportation Secretary, Avon Grove School District, 375 S. Jennersville Road,
West Grove, PA 19390.
In any school year, when pick up and/or drop off
have been arranged for a day care/babysitter care center, if transportation to
the care center have been terminated at the request of the parent/guardian,
transportation to any location other than home will be honored only on a space
available basis as determined by the transportation department.
No crossing of attendance lines will be permitted
except to attend Special Education classes.
No student will be transported to day care facilities outside the
district lines.
Questions concerning transportation should be
directed to the Transportation Secretary at 869-2441.
BUS BEHAVIOR
All students must conduct themselves in such a
manner that protects their own safety and the safety of others. For this reason, the following rules must be
observed:
At the bus stop:
1. Students must arrive 10 minutes prior to their
scheduled pick up time. Others are
depending on the bus to keep its schedule.
2. Always
conduct yourself in an orderly manner.
3. Wait OFF the highway, out of the way of
traffic.
4. Do not
play games or chase anyone. Someone may
run out into the street or highway in front of traffic.
5. Be sure
the road is clear and wait for the driver's signal before you cross the road.
6. After
the bus comes to a complete stop, line up to get on the bus in an orderly
fashion. Take your seat immediately upon
entering the bus.
On the bus:
1. All students must obey and cooperate with the bus driver.
2. All students shall line up to get on the bus in an orderly fashion and take a seat immediately upon entering the bus. Students are required to ride facing forward at all times.
3. All students must allow other students to sit anywhere on the bus unless there is assigned seating. Three to a seat is required when necessary. Two to a seat is permissible when the bus is not crowded.
4. All students are to refrain from being loud or using abusive or vulgar language on the bus.
5. Students should refrain from talking to the driver while the bus is in motion.
6. Students must not tamper with the bus, its equipment or any property on the bus. They will be liable for any damage.
7. Students are to keep arms, hands, legs, or any other part of the body inside the bus at all times.
8. Students are to refrain from throwing anything on or from the bus.
9. Students must remain seated when the bus is in motion.
10. Students are only permitted to get off the bus at their assigned stops unless they have written permission from an administrator.
11. Students may not transport animals except by special written permission of school authorities.
12. Guests are only permitted to ride a bus with written permission from an administrator.
13. Any large objects that could block the aisle are prohibited from being brought on the school bus. If students must bring any item to school, (i.e for musical instruction, show and tell, class projects etc.) parents are expected to transport the student.
14. Students are not permitted to eat, drink, or smoke in the bus.
15. No weapons are allowed on the bus.
16. Any
offense not listed that the building administration believes is applicable is
punishable.
Riding
the school bus is a privilege. A student who does not respect the rights of
others endangers his/her life and the lives of others. The student will be disciplined. Major discipline infractions (those that
could result in physical harm to passengers or drivers or destruction of
property, i.e. smoking, striking matches, improper opening of doors, throwing
objects, fighting, standing, changing seats, etc.) may result in the suspension
of bus privileges and charges for damages.
BUS DISCIPLINE
1. Verbal
Warning: If a student misbehaves while
riding on the school bus, the student shall be told by the driver, or another
person designated by school authorities, that such behavior is inappropriate
and constitutes a safety hazard for everyone on the bus.
2. First
Written Bus Conduct: If a student
continues to misbehave after the verbal warning, the bus driver will give the
building principal a written Bus Conduct Report stating the misbehavior. The principal and the student will discuss
the incident. A copy of the Bus Conduct
Report will be sent home so that the parents are informed.
3. Second
Written Bus Conduct: Please be aware
that if the student receives a second written Bus Conduct Report, at any other
time during the year, he/she may lose the privilege of riding the bus for at
least one day. For students in grades
K-2, the principal may determine the student is to receive school punishment OR
removal from the bus for one day. Any
future incidents may require additional school punishment or removal from the
bus for a minimum of three (3) days.
TRANSPORTATION WILL THEN BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS OR
GUARDIANS. Bus removal does not excuse a
student’s absence from school. The
principal will contact the parent so that they can arrange for them to transport
the child to and from school.
4.
Additional written Bus Conducts Reports will result in additional days
off the bus.
Notwithstanding, the above standards, the
District reserves the right to implement the terms of the discipline policy, in
full or in part, as to any misconduct occurring on a school bus.
BUS PASSES
Students who wish to ride the bus home with
another P.L.E. student must bring in a written note from their parent/guardian
to the office. The other student must
also bring in a written note from their parent or guardian. The office will
issue the pass if there is room on the bus.
NO BUS PASSES WILL BE ISSUED until we ascertain actual bus counts. Faxed or email requests for bus passes may
not be accepted.
CAFETERIA
A monthly menu is sent home with every
student. Students may buy their lunch in
the cafeteria or bring lunch from home.
We encourage healthy lunches. NO
sodas are permitted. The cafeteria aides
will encourage students to eat all that is brought from home. Snacks are available for students to purchase
after finishing their lunch. Children
are not permitted to go home during the lunch hour. For the purpose of security, no visiting
adult is permitted in the lunch or recess areas.
Applications for free or reduced cost lunch
programs are sent home with every student at the beginning of each school year. Extra forms are available from any school
office if a change in circumstance occurs during the year.
The cafeteria requires a health care provider's
note if your child has an allergy that requires him/her to make any
substitutions (e.g. no dairy products). For the purpose of security, no adult is
permitted in the lunch or recess areas.
COMMUNICATION
Please read the school newsletters for important
information.
Please visit the Penn London Elementary School
website for current information regarding programs and curriculum.
CONCERNS
Any concerns should be in writing and addressed
to the Principal. You may also express
your concerns over the phone. Constructive criticism is welcomed. Complaints will be shared with all parties
involved in order to come to a satisfactory resolution of the problem.
CONFERENCES
Conferences provide the opportunity for teachers
and parents to share knowledge and gain insights about students. Conference appointment slips are sent home
with each student. Parents return these
slips suggesting a convenient conference day.
The classroom teacher will confirm date and time of the scheduled
conference. Parents are encouraged to
take advantage of this opportunity to meet with your child's teacher to discuss
student progress. Check the school
newsletter for dates.
DRESS CODE
Students are
expected to dress appropriately for school.
Offensive or obscenely inscribed apparel or any clothing that is
disruptive to the learning process is UNACCEPTABLE. No apparel displaying, depicting or promoting
violence, alcohol, drug or tobacco use is permitted, as we are a drug free
school. For safety reasons, students are
not permitted to wear any accessory or apparel which could constitute a
potential safety hazard or disrupt the educational environment.
DRUG, ALCOHOL & SMOKING
The Avon Grove Board of School Directors
recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical,
and social implications for the whole school community. As the educational institution of this district,
the schools should strive to prevent drug abuse. The educational program should address the
physical and psychological dangers caused by drug and alcohol use/abuse. (See
insert- Avon Grove School District Alcohol and Drug Policy 227).
EMERGENCY CLOSING
Official notification of emergency school
closings or late openings/early dismissals can be heard on local radio stations
WCOJ (1420am), WCHE (1540am), WDEL (1540am), KYW (1060am), WJBR (99.5fm), and
(WSTW 93.7fm), as well as local television stations. The District code is #859. Information is also posted on the District
website.
Please be sure to talk with your child about what
he/she should do in case of an unexpected, early school closing. Plan together where your child should go if
you work and school is dismissed early due to an unforeseen problem.
HEALTH INFORMATION
It is important that the emergency medical
information card be completely filled out and returned immediately. Should your child have an accident, this
information is necessary to reach parents/guardians. Should any information need to be updated on
the emergency medical information card, please notify the school
secretary. In addition, the information
returned on the cards is used to update Edulink (the Avon Grove School District
automated phone calling system).
Students are required to have dental evaluations
upon school entrance and in 3rd and 7th grade. If you DO NOT wish your child to be evaluated
by the dental hygienist at school, at no cost to you, please send a letter to
your school nurse. You will then be
responsible for having your private dentist complete these evaluations.
Students are required to have scoliosis
evaluations in 6th and 7th grade. If you DO NOT want to have your child
evaluated for scoliosis at school, please send a letter to your school
nurse. You will then be responsible for
having your private provider complete these required evaluations.
EXPULSION FOR WEAPON POSSESSION
(In accordance with
Avon Grove School District
Policy 218.1)
Students are prohibited from possessing any
weapon. A weapon is defined to include,
but not be limited to, "any knife,
cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, a replica
of a weapon and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting
serious bodily injury." The
District shall expel for a period not less than one (1) year, any student in
violation of the weapon’s policy.
FIRE DRILL
Each building is required to hold at least one
fire drill each month. Evacuation
directions are posted in each room.
(In accordance with School Board Policy 137)
Home
education programs for residents residing in the District shall be conducted in
accordance with federal laws and regulations, state laws and regulations, and
Board Policy 137.
INSURANCE
In the fall, parents are given the opportunity to
enroll their children in a group insurance plan as approved by the Board of
School Directors. Brochures with an
application are sent home with every student.
Participation is voluntary.
Participants will receive appropriate accident forms. Any accident should be reported to the school
office at once. You may wish to purchase
this insurance if school accidents are not covered by your homeowner insurance.
IST
Instructional Support (IST) is a collaborative
process which focuses on assisting classroom teachers in planning and
implementing strategies that are designed to produce success for students
experiencing some difficulties in the classroom.
The IST process involves five steps:
§ A teacher, parent, or the principal can refer a
student to IST.
·
Once
referred, a student's needs are identified through a data collection process.
·
At the TEAM
MEETING, an intervention plan is developed.
·
The
interventions are implemented and success is monitored.
·
At the
follow-up meeting, the IST team and the parent make decisions concerning
further evaluation based on the success of the intervention plan and the degree
of need of the student.
Any
student experiencing academic or behavioral problems may be a candidate for
IST.
If a student loses an item
belonging to the library or an item is damaged beyond repair and can no longer
be circulated, the student shall be responsible for paying the replacement
cost. The replacement cost shall be the
current cost to Penn London Elementary School to purchase a new copy of the
item, in the same format, as determined by the librarian. Students may, with permission of the
librarian, individually purchase a new replacement copy of the item. Due to the age of some items, they are no
longer available for purchase. In such
situations, the librarian shall select a comparable replacement item and the
student shall pay the replacement cost.
An item for which the replacement cost has been paid or for which a student has provided a replacement, shall be the property of Avon Grove School District. If a “lost” item is found in good condition, within the same school year, it may be returned to the library for a refund of the replacement cost paid to the school or a return of the replacement item provided by the student.
LOST AND FOUND
A lost and found is located in each
building. Please have your child check
here periodically for lost items. Items
not claimed throughout the year are donated to a charitable organization. NAMES SHOULD BE PLACED ON ALL POSSESSIONS AND
ARTICLES OF CLOTHING FOR EASIER IDENTIFICATION.
LUNCH
Each student has been issued a
student number for cafeteria purchases.
Lunch can be purchased with cash on a daily basis or be subtracted from
a pre-deposited amount in their student account. Students will be notified when their account
is low. A print out of all purchases is
available at the parent’s request.
If a student should forget to bring a lunch,
money for lunch, or has a zero balance in his/her cafeteria account, the
cafeteria will allow the student to charge lunch. Charges should be repaid the following school
day. Students are permitted up to a $4
charge, after which they will receive PBJ and milk at the cost of a regular
lunch. Children who owe lunch charges are not permitted to purchase a snack
until that charge is paid.
MONIES AND VALUABLES
Students should not carry more money than
required to meet immediate needs.
Teacher cannot be held responsible for items of value. Cases of theft should be reported immediately
to the classroom teacher. Helpful
suggestions:
-Label
all possessions and clothing with the
student's name.
-Toys
and/or electronic games should be left at
home. The school will not be
responsible for these
items
should they be lost, broken or stolen.
NURSES/HEALTH/MEDICATION
The school has a
nurse on duty during regular school hours.
All school related injuries must be reported to the nurse. Parents are encouraged to discuss any illness
or disability with the nurse that might affect school performance.
During the school year, children are weighed,
measured, and have their eyes tested.
Hearing tests are conducted in Kindergarten through third grade and at
any other time that it is deemed necessary.
A report is sent home if any screening indicates that further medical
evaluation is necessary.
Health care is limited to first aid in case of an
in-school accident or illness. If
necessary, parents are called and the child may be sent home, to the doctor, or
to the hospital.
School nurses work under written orders of the
school doctor and will not diagnose injuries or illness. They are available to provide immediate,
temporary care to students who sustain accidental injury or illness during
school hours. School nurses are not to initiate treatment for any injury or
illness suffered at home and will refer such cases to a health care provider.
Pennsylvania requires the following:
-medical examinations upon initial entry into
school;
-tuberculin tests upon initial entry into school
or negative TB questionnaire;
-all children entering public school must have
the following immunizations before entry:
3 or more doses of oral polio vaccine
4 or more doses tetanus-diphtheria vaccine – 4th
dose
must be on or after the fourth birthday
1 doses of rubella vaccine (German measles)
2 doses of measles vaccine
1 doses of mumps vaccine (or history of the
illness)
3 doses of Hepatitis B
1 dose of Varicella
vaccine (Chicken Pox) (or history of the illness)
-dental examinations in 1st grade.
Medication
(In accordance with Avon Grove School District Policy 210)
Medication shall be
defined as prescription medication approved by a parent and prescribed for the
student by a health care provider or an over-the-counter medication approved by
the parent and provided by either the parent or authorized school district
employee.
Before any medication
may be administered to any student by district personnel or self-administered
by a student during school hours or school-related activities, it is required
that:
·
Parents shall
make every effort to give all doses of medication at home.
·
Medication
orders are valid until the beginning of each new school year and can, upon
written request, be extended to include summer programs.
·
A written order from both the health care
provider and parent shall accompany any changes to the medication order during
the school year.
·
Within the parameters set by HIPAA and FERPA,
medication orders may be transmitted by fax to the attention of the school
nurse. All faxes shall be sent to the school nurse’s office fax machine to
ensure confidentiality.
Parents shall be encouraged not to allow their children to carry medication to school. Parents/students must bring the medication immediately to the school nurse upon arrival, if the medication is to be administered during school hours.
·
All prescription
medication shall be clearly marked with a label bearing the student's name, the
name of the medication, dosage, schedule of administration times, method of
administration, potential side effects; and any special instructions (i.e.
refrigeration). All medications shall be provided in an original container.
·
Any parent who wishes to come to school and
administer/dispense medication may do so in the school nurse’s office. The
parent must comply with School Visitor Policy 907 upon entry onto the school
grounds. The parent must bring in the medication bottle since the medication
must be properly documented in the student’s health care record and medication
form.
·
Students will
not be permitted to carry or take medication on their own during school hours
or during school related activities, unless the need is documented by a health
care provider. Emergency medication will be permitted to be self-administered
by the student if the following procedure has occurred:
o The medication is properly labeled in accordance with the
above guidelines;
o The health care provider has provided a written statement that
provides: (1) the name of the medication; (2) the dose; (3) the times when the
medication is to be taken; (4) the diagnosis or reason the medication is needed
unless the reasons should remain confidential; (5) the potential of any serious
reaction that may occur to the medication, as well as, any necessary emergency
response; and (6) a statement that the student is qualified and able to self
administer the medication;
o
The student
shall (1) provide a competent demonstration to the school nurse on the proper
use of medication; and (2) demonstrate that he/she is able to respond to and
visually recognize his or her name, identify his or her medication, measure,
pour and administer the proper dosage, and be able to demonstrate knowledge of
when the school nurse or emergency personnel are to be notified if the
medication does not provide relief of the student’s symptoms during a time of
emergency usage.
·
No student shall carry another student’s
medication or administer medication to another student.
·
Only emergency
medications will be permitted to be taken on class trips unless otherwise
ordered by a health care provider. Students must be able to self-administer
medication in accordance with the above self-administration guidelines.
·
It is the responsibility of the parent to notify
the school immediately, in writing of any changes in the student's health
status, or if there is a change or cancellation of medications.
NURSE'S
NOTE ON CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
State
regulations require a specific period of exclusion for some illnesses. Students cannot attend school with the
following illnesses:
INFECTIOUS REENTERING
CONDITIONS SCHOOL
Chicken Pox all
lesions scab over and no fresh
lesions.
A parent note is required.
hours
if ordered by health care provider
German Measles note from health care provider
Impetigo note
from health care provider; antibiotic ointment for at least 24 hours.
Measles minimum 6 days free from
symptoms;
note from health care provider
Mumps free
from swelling; note from health care provider
Pediculosis after treatment at home and
(head lice) examination by school nurse
Strep Infection after taking antibiotics for 24
hours
Ringworm after
using anti-fungal medication for 24 hours
Scabies note
from health care provider and skin treatment
Scarlet Fever after taking antibiotics for 24
hours
Whooping Cough note from health care provider
The duration of absence from school for other
illnesses depends on the illness of the child and the discretion of the
attending health care provider.
In order to help control contagious diseases, you
should keep your child home when he/she has a sore throat, nausea, skin rashes,
discolored nasal discharge, persistent cough, inflamed eyes, enlarged glands or
earache. If your child has a fever or
has been vomiting, he/she should remain at home until he/she has been fever/vomiting
free for twenty-four (24) hours before returning to school.
OFFICE
Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
daily. The office staff can address or
direct all concerns, questions and compliments to the appropriate staff member.
OPT-OUT PROVISIONS
The Avon Grove School District recognizes
parents' rights to preview planned courses and curriculum, including the texts
and materials to be used during classroom instruction. Written parental requests to the principal
that their child be excused from parts of the curriculum that deal with
controversial topics will be considered.
PTA
Parent participation is crucial for our
elementary schools. Our school PTA is
outstanding in the educational, moral and financial support provided to our
children, staff and schools throughout the year. Please join these organizations and read
newsletters and PTA publications for information about meetings and other
activities.
The following policy will be observed as weather
conditions dictate for student recess:
25 °F and above (to include Wind Chill Factor) -
outdoor recess
25 °F - 15 °F - half outdoor recess/half indoor
recess
15 °F and below, rain, snow - indoor recess
All children must go outside for recess barring
disciplinary or valid medical conditions that justify remaining indoors. A health care provider’s note is required to
excuse outdoor recess.
REPORT CARDS
K, 1, 2 report cards are presented to parents
during Fall and Spring conferences. The
final report card is sent home on the last day of school with the student.
SCHOOL DAY
The academic school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and
ends at 3:05 p.m.
Students may not enter the school building prior
to the start of the school day. Between
8:10-8:30 a.m., teachers and students are in their classrooms to interact on an
informal basis and make preparations for the day. It is important that parents support and not
interrupt this process. Please do not
attempt to meet with teachers at the start of the school day. Do not expect teachers to have even a short
meeting/discussion during the morning arrival period. Teachers will gladly meet with you at any
other pre-arranged time
If you drive your student to school, please
observe the following safety rules and posted signs when dropping off your student:
Dismissal
At 3:00 p.m., the children pack up their book
bags, etc. and wait for buses to be called.
In an effort to promote student responsibility,
students may not return to the building after dismissal to retrieve forgotten
items.
Late
Opening
If there is a late opening due to snow or ice,
buses will pick up students either one or two hours later than usual according
to the media announced delay in opening.
PM Kindergarten students should report to school
at their regularly scheduled time.
SCHOOL BOARD
The Board of School
Directors meetings are usually scheduled for the second and fourth Thursdays of
each month. Please check the district calendar,
the district web page, and the school newsletters for meeting times and dates
SEARCH PROCEDURES
To maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, the Board reserves the right to authorize school officials to search a student, lockers, automobiles, and/or school property in certain circumstances and may seize any illegal or unauthorized materials discovered during the search.
SELLING IN SCHOOL
Students, parents and staff are not permitted to
sell chances or items in school or on the bus.
Every school must have specific rules and
regulations so that a peaceful atmosphere exists. We believe that no one has the right to
disrupt the teacher's ability to teach or the student's right to learn. There are "must behaviors" we feel
every child must exhibit and that hopefully will be reinforced at home.
Our "must behaviors" are:
1. We
respect others in our language.
2. We
respect other people in our actions.
3. We respect
each other's property.
4. We respect and obey the people
who teach, supervise or help us.
5. We
respect ourselves.
6. We
dress appropriately.
Parents need to review these rules with their
children. These behaviors will be
enforced easily if children know you support these ideas and believe we are
working as a team.
Students may participate in extra-curricular
activities as long as they are exhibiting "must behaviors."
If a "must behavior" is not followed:
1. The
teacher/supervisor will talk to the student about the problem and may:
a. isolate the student
b. remove privileges
2. If this
behavior continues, the teacher will contact the student's parents/guardians,
inform the principal and may:
a. isolate the student
b. remove privileges
3. If this
behavior continues, the child will be sent to see the principal. The principal may:
a. isolate the student
b. remove privileges
c. call the parents/guardians
d. assign child to internal
suspension.
4. Serious
rule breaking (student actions that endanger themselves or others) or a
continual pattern of behavior will result in immediate contact of
parents/guardians and possible suspension.
Following a suspension, a parent conference must be held.
SUPPORT SERVICES
The following support services are available: Academically Talented Teacher
Instructional
Aides
Dental
Hygienist
English
as Second Language Teacher
Guidance
Counselor
Home
and School Coordinator
Instructional
Support Teacher
Migrant
Education
Nurse
Occupational
Therapist
Physical
Therapist
Psychologist
Reading
Specialist
Speech
Therapist
Hearing
Therapist
TECHNOLOGY
All students
must abide by the Avon Grove School District Acceptable Use Policy,
which must be signed by a parent/guardian before a student may use the
Internet. Students may only access the
Internet after appropriate training and only under the supervision of a teacher
or other certified staff member. Access
to the network is a privilege, not a right.
TELEPHONE/FAX
The school telephone is for official school
business. Students will not be permitted
to use the phone for left-at-home assignments, lunches, articles of clothing,
etc. In an URGENT situation, permission
may be granted. Parents may not
interrupt the classroom lessons with "forgotten items." These items may be left in the office for the
student to pick up at a convenient time.
UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT
The Avon Grove School Board strives to provide a
safe, positive learning environment for students in the schools. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the
district to maintain an educational environment in which harassment in any form
will not be tolerated (See Insert—Avon Grove School District Unlawful
Harassment Policy 248)
USE OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
A Facilities Use Permit is required before use of
buildings or grounds. Applications may
be obtained from the school office.
Please check with the secretary for available times and locations before
submitting to the principal for initial approval.
(In accordance with Avon Grove School District Policies 816 and 907)
All visitors to the school, adult or student, must sign in at the
office. This includes, but is not limited to, parents, students, tutors and
helpers. All visitors will be issued a “Visitor’s Pass” which they will need to
display while they are in the building.
To further ensure a safe school environment, Avon Grove School District has implemented video surveillance systems in accordance with Board Policy 816. The Board recognizes the need to provide a safe and orderly learning environment for students and staff and to protect district property and equipment. The proper use of video surveillance cameras can be a tool toward achieving those ends.
The administration, under the direction of the Superintendent, shall
coordinate the placement and use of video surveillance systems; the use of
video cameras for surveillance by others is not permitted unless authorized.
Generally, placement is appropriate to monitor activity in hallways, common
areas, cafeteria, gymnasium, parking lot, and grounds, but is not appropriate
for bathrooms and
changing areas. Video surveillance systems may also be
placed, pursuant to the direction of the Superintendent, on District owned or
District-contracted school buses.
Placement of video surveillance systems on District-contracted school
buses shall be by agreement with the contracted bus company.
Signs or placards will be posted
in various locations and on school buses to inform students, staff, and the
public that video surveillance cameras are in use.
Only
District Administrators authorized by the Superintendent shall be permitted to
view monitors and tape recordings. Only
those individuals authorized by the Superintendent shall be permitted to
control the video monitor.
Unless
authorized by appropriate law enforcement or judicial authorities, video
surveillance shall not include any audio recording or listening component. The use of video recordings from surveillance
cameras shall be subject to other policies of the district, including policies
concerning the confidentiality of student and staff records.
Any activities which may be detected through the
use of video surveillance cameras and that present a breach of security,
discipline policy or possible criminal activity will be reported immediately to
the building principal or, as to bus surveillance, to the Business Manager. The
principal, or Business Manager as the case may be, shall promptly report such
activity to the Superintendent and an investigation shall be commenced.
Video
recordings may be used as a basis for any disciplinary action by the School
Administrator for any violation of law and/or school rules. Further, video
recordings may be furnished to police in regard to possible criminal violations
and to protect school property and services.
The use of video surveillance cameras and equipment by the
district shall in no way place any duty on the district to regularly monitor
live images and/or videotapes and it shall not place on the district any
additional duty in regard to providing a safe facility.
In
order to assist teachers in the educational program and to give students the
benefits of exposure to the diverse talents and skills represented in this
community, the Avon Grove School District shall encourage a program of school
volunteer assistance.
Training and direction will be provided by the district and volunteers will be advised of their protection and responsibilities under the district’s rules, laws, and insurance provisions.
The principal (or his/her designee) shall assume the same general authority over volunteers which s/he maintains over the employees in his/her school.
Building level administrators are responsible for ensuring that all volunteers having direct contact with children shall undergo and complete criminal background and child abuse clearance checks prior to serving. Such clearances are to be maintained by the principal at each school. Volunteers shall be reimbursed for the cost of these clearances (Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151 clearances, as well as, any other clearance required by law) after filing appropriate receipts. The clearance requirement shall not apply to a volunteer for a single event where the volunteer will have no contact with children, other than under the direct supervision and in the physical presence of district staff.
The Superintendent shall maintain supervisory control over the program, and shall provide for the development of administrative guidelines in the implementation of volunteer service in each district school.
If a parent volunteer has obtained valid clearances during a previous school year, and has volunteered in any capacity in the Avon Grove School District during the 2006-2007 school year, their clearances will remain valid for the 2007-08 school year, and can be used at any school during the year. Volunteering at any Avon Grove school at least once during the school year maintains the validity of the clearances.
The Avon Grove School District will reimburse the cost of the clearances one time only; if a volunteer obtained reimbursement for clearances, but did not volunteer during the 2006-2007 school year, and therefore needs to obtain new clearances, the volunteer will not be reimbursed a second time.
This handbook is also available online at www.avongrove.org.
What
does our PTA do?
PLE PTA supports activities that directly benefit our children at Penn London Elementary:
After School Enrichment - We run a multi-class program
offering activities such as languages, sports and the arts.
Artist and/or Author in
Residence - We
fund artists and authors to work with our children to help them understand what
a career in these fields would be like.
In the spring of 2010, Lulu Delacre came to visit the students. She is a wonderful children’s author and
illustrator.
Book Fair – Twice a year, we bring in a quality
book vendor who offers a wide selection of children’s books. The PTA sponsors
book certificates to children whose families may not be able to provide funds
for a book purchase.
Environmental program - We pay for nature trail maintenance
and a large portion of the environmental education program. The PTA does volunteer recruitment for nature
trail maintenance.
Field Trips - We fund transportation for field
trips and pay for entrance fees for those who need financial help.
Holiday Gift Shop - We run a store so that children may
buy gifts for their family and friends at holiday time.
Reflections - This is a national PTA competition
honoring the arts – musical composition, photography, visual arts, and
literature. This competition is held
each fall and begins locally and continues to the national level and includes
awards. Children are encouraged to
participate in their preferred medium.
School Products - We coordinate the sale of clothing
and other spirit-wear items with the school logo or school name.
PTA promotes programs and activities that benefit families and children:
Country Christmas – The PLE and AGIS PTAs organize and
run this community event that offers an indoor craft fair, food, and
entertainment. PLE classrooms contribute
by participating in the donation of theme baskets that are raffled off. Each year the baskets become more elaborate
and creative. This is one of our annual
fundraisers.
Family Night Out – Organized activities are offered so
that families can have fun together and enjoy discounts on ticket admission and
food. Last year we coordinated a
Phantoms Hockey night and a Family Fun Night at the end of the year.
No Cook Nights - Families can have a night out for
dinner and support our school. Local
eateries and businesses donate a portion of their proceeds by hosting a PLE No
Cook Night.
Special Projects – When fundraising exceeds our
expectations, the PTA may decide to fund special projects. In the Summer of 2009, we replaced the
existing wood mulch on two of our playgrounds with a safer rubber mulch.
Student Directory - We publish a directory of students
with names, addresses and phone numbers.
There is one directory published for both PLE and AGIS. (Families can opt to not have their personal
information printed.)
Theme
Park Tickets – Dutch Wonderland and Hershey Park
tickets are sold at the reduced group rate to allow PLE families a fun day at a
lower price. Free tickets earned were
given to PTA members via drawings from the membership.
The Sunshine Fund – The Sunshine Funds enables the PTA
to reach out to individuals and families within our school community who are
facing a difficult time.
Here are some of the ways we raise money for this:
Cash Back Programs - We collect Box Tops. They are redeemed for cash. Last year we raised nearly $4,600 from the
Box Tops program. We also coordinate an
inkjet and laser-jet recycling program.
Fundraisers - The Executive
Committee explores the different options available for fundraising and presents
their suggestions to the membership for their input and support. Generally, one fall and one spring fundraiser
are planned as the primary events each year.
Market Day - We run a monthly sale in each
school, offering frozen food, including many kid favorites. Last year, Market Day raised over $8,000.
Additional Ways the PTA supports our school:
Birthday pencils – Each child receives a pencil on or
close to their birthday. The principal
personally gives it to your child and wishes them Happy Birthday!
Indoor and Outdoor Recess
Equipment - We
buy balls, chalk, jump ropes, etc. - all those things that kids wear out and
need to be replaced frequently throughout the year. We also supply indoor recess equipment and
games.
Kindergarten Supplies – The kindergarten received
additional supplies in lieu of Scholastic News.
Kindergarten Tours – We provide tours to families upon
registering their child(ren) for kindergarten.
Note-to-School notepads – We sell Note-to-School pads that
make requesting a bus pass or completing a tardiness note as easy as 1-2-3,
just fill in the blanks! Sold for $2
each or two for $3.
Principal’s Fund - We supply $1000 to the principal
for school-wide events.
Scholastic News – This year we provided Scholastic
News to all 1st and 2nd graders with money collected from
the Box Tops 4 Education program.
Teachers’ Fund - We provide $75 to each teacher for
their use in their classrooms.