2017-2018 family handbook - oconto falls school district · 2017-2018 family handbook abrams...

2017-2018 FAMILY

HANDBOOK

ABRAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The mission of the Oconto Falls School District is to provide a high quality

comprehensive education program for all students.

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Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year at ABRAMS!

This summer has been a busy one around Abrams. We have a new piece of playground equipment that was installed on the back playground. This was the first phase of a multi-year project working on our playgrounds. We will continue to meet throughout the year to make some long range plans to move us forward. We also had the opportunity to have some flooring replaced as well as new sound system installed in our gym. Summer school was another success. Many kids took part in the classes offered and had fun learning about some new things like coding and the outdoors.

You should have received a letter from the district regarding online registration which is new for our district. This process will simply the beginning of the year for everyone. It eliminates many of the papers that you take home at open house to fill out each and every year. I highly recommend that you do the registration online before you come to open house this way if you have any questions, we will be available to assist you that night. We will have computers available for you to use.

With all of that work done, we start settling in and getting ready for the 1st day of school. We welcome 3 new staff to our building. Mrs. Tammi LaLuzerne joins us as our special education teacher; Ms. Celena Williams joins us teaching art; and Ms. Amber Pulvermacher joins us to teach Kindergarten. We are excited that they have joined our team so please be sure to give them a warm Abrams welcome when you see them.

Last year the staff worked to develop our school mantra. A mantra is a motivating statement that people use to help with concentration and to keep them going in tough times. Our school mantra is: TOGETHER --We Learn We Achieve We Grow. Throughout the year we will communicate more with families about what we are doing to use this mantra to help motivate us as a staff and then in turn how we use this with the kids to provoke motivation and perseverance. To start the year we need to focus on the TOGETHER piece. We are a team and in order to achieve greatness we need to work together to get anywhere in life. Please help us guide your child and we will in turn help you guide your child.

I am looking forward to a fantastic 5th year here at Abrams. I hope everyone has had time to rest and have some summer fun and that you are all as ready as I am for the school year to begin. If you have any questions at any time or just want to chat, please just contact the office and Mrs. Bauer or Mrs. Radke will get something set up. I can’t wait to see all the smiling faces at our open house on Wednesday, August 30 from 3:30 until 6:00 PM. Cordially, Mrs. Joanne Michalski Principal, Abrams Elementary School 3000 Elm Street Phone: 920-826-5819

The Oconto Falls School District shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, political affiliation, physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities, handicap, gender, gender orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, marital or parental status, ancestry, color, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.

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Abrams, WI 54101 [email protected] (my email) https://ofpanthers.com/schools/abrams-elementary-school/(our website) ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS

Students in grades 1 - 5 are required to purchase an assignment notebook through school for $3.00. These are a very important tool in helping students be organized and responsible. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child's daily work through the planner and are asked to sign them each night. Students who lose their notebook will be responsible for the cost of a replacement. ATTENDANCE

Children are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time. Students who have good attendance generally learn more, earn higher grades, and enjoy school more than those with irregular attendance. In addition, regular school attendance helps students to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility that are important throughout one’s life. Wisconsin state law requires regular school attendance for all children between the ages of six and eighteen. Also, please note that state statutes require students who are enrolled in 5-year old kindergarten to attend school regularly if so enrolled.

Obviously there are times in which it is necessary for a child to miss school. If a child is truly ill, please keep the child home – it will help facilitate a speedy recovery and will reduce the chance of passing along the illness to others. Family vacations are important, and we realize that sometimes these must be scheduled during the school year. Ultimately, parents are responsible for their child’s attendance and for making decisions within the guidelines set by the state and by the school. But the simple truth is that when a child is absent from school, he/she misses out on learning as well as socialization. For this reason, we ask that parents attempt to minimize school absences to every extent possible.

All students are required to go outside for recess. Parents should not send notes requesting their child be kept in during recess for "runny noses, sore throats or colds." Please keep your child at home if they show flu type symptoms or have a temperature of 100º or higher or are vomiting. Teachers have outdoor responsibilities and cannot be responsible for students that are ill and ask to stay in the classroom. Excused Absences

Illnesses, professional appointments, family emergency, funeral, etc. require the following procedure be followed so school knows and can be accountable for all students each day.

● Parents or guardians should phone the school (826-5819) and inform the office of the student's absence before 8:15 A.M. on the day of the absence. If the school does not receive a call, they will call parents after 8:30 to check on the whereabouts of the student.

**Statistics show that the average student is absent from school for approximately six (6) days per year. Using this total as a guide, and understanding that some students may exceed this average because of serious medical conditions and/or unique circumstances, we have established the limit for total student absences (all types) at no more than fifteen (15) days during the school year. If this threshold is reached, subsequent absences will be excused only for documented professional appointments OR with prior administrative approval.

Other Excused Absences Planned absences (vacations, hunting trips, extended holidays, etc) for families can be

facilitated by notifying the teachers and the office two weeks prior to the date of the vacation so teachers can prepare work for the student.


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**As per state statute, excused absences are limited to not more than ten (10) days per school year.

Unexcused Absence/Truancy These include absences for which the school has not been contacted by the child’s parent as

per the reporting procedures; absences for reasons other than those indicated above; and/or absences in excess of the stated limits

When a child accumulates five (5) unexcused absences in a semester, the school will begin the truancy referral process. Tardiness

When a student arrives late to school between 7:55-9:20 a.m. for reasons other than professional appointments, the student is considered tardy. Students arriving after 9:20 will be marked ½ day absent as we can only record days absent in ½ day increments. Regardless of the reason for your child’s late arrival, please stop in to the office to sign your child in. Homework requests

Requests for homework should be made at the time the absence is called in. Requests made after the lunch hour will not be able to be completed in time for after school pick-up. Homework will be available to be picked up at the end of the day only.

Attendance notices and meetings:

1. When a child begins to accumulate a considerable number of absences, the school will send the parent an attendance notice. This first notice is to let parents know of the number of days the child has been absent. Sometimes we find that parents are not always aware of the total days absent.

2. If a student reaches the point in which subsequent absences will require professional documentation, another notice will be sent to the parents requesting a meeting with the child’s teacher and the principal.

3. If a child accumulates five (5) unexcused absences in a semester, a truancy notice will be mailed to the parent and a meeting with the principal requested to discuss the problem and ways to solve it. If the truancy continues, the matter will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for follow up.

BASIC SCHOOL INFORMATION

Oconto Falls School District 200 Farm Road, Oconto Falls, WI 54154 (920) 848-4471

Board of Education: Ron Leja (President), Jan Stranz (Vice President), Clint Gardebrecht (Clerk), Ken Harter (Treasurer), Tracey Krumrei, Pam Engel, and Lisa Peiterson.

Superintendent: Dr. Dean Hess School (District) Colors: Black & Orange School Logo/Mascot: Baby Panther School Song: "Abrams School Song"

1999 Lyrics by Abrams Students and Mr. & Mrs. John Dessart. Music - traditional melody ("If you want to be a Badger")

Oh we come from homes in Abrams and Little Suamico. We come to Abrams School


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where we study, learn, and grow. We all work together to do our very best. People say we're the friendliest. Oh we love Abrams School! We love Abrams School! Let the school bell ring to show we love Abrams School! Raise the flag on the flagpole and follow every rule. We're proud to be part of Abrams School! A-B-R-A-M-S GO ABRAMS!!!!

BIKE RIDERS

If your child rides their bike to school, it must be locked up in the bike rack in the back of the school. We cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen bikes. Scooters will be treated like bikes and must remain outside the building. Skateboards and things like it will be kept in the office. This will avoid any mishaps of riding it in the hallway or being stolen out of a locker. BREAKFAST

Eating breakfast daily is a key to educational success of each child. Children cannot think well if they are hungry. Many studies have been done that show higher achievement and success rates for those children that eat breakfast at school. Studies also show that school breakfast can exhibit a decrease in visits to the nurse, increases in attentiveness, and decreases in behavior problems. Some students get on the bus early or have hectic schedules before arriving at school so allowing your child to eat at school might help alleviate some of that stress and worry.

Breakfast will be handled like last year where it will be a “grab and go” format. All students will go outside from 7:35 until 7:45 to run around for 10 minutes. Upon entry to school the students will be able to grab a breakfast on their way to class. He/She will be given time in the class to eat. This is available to the students in grades 4-Year Old Kindergarten through fifth grade. The cost for breakfast is $1.95 per day. The cost of each breakfast is electronically deducted from the prepaid family lunch account. BUS INFORMATION

Information is sent to parents in August explaining rules, pick-up and drop-off places and times, along with a color-coded tag. This tag MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK so staff can see where a student belongs. Bus rules should be reviewed and signed online withing Skyward. Please go through the rules with your child, since behavior problems on the bus can potentially endanger the safety of everyone on the bus. Consequences for not following the rules may include being moved to a front seat or possibly even being removed from the bus for a time period.

Students will not be allowed to ride a different bus or go home with someone other than a parent/guardian without prior notice to the child's teacher. If your child needs to go home on a different bus or get dropped off at a different location, please send a note to your child's classroom teacher the day of the change or call the school office PRIOR to 2:00 P.M. If your child has a change in bus routine for multiple days, please send a note each morning with the appropriate change. There are times that classroom teachers are absent and a guest teacher doesn’t see the note from a previous day. By sending a note each day we will eliminate confusion on the adjusted plan. Without prior notice, your child will be sent home on their regular bus. Once a child is on the bus, they will not be allowed to get off until their designated stop. If you have any specific questions regarding bussing, please contact transportation at 848-4460. CHAPERONES


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Only parents or guardians are allowed to serve as chaperones. No brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents will be allowed. Sorry if this causes an inconvenience. We try to rotate chaperons so that all parents get a chance to go along. So please don’t be offended if you are not selected for a particular trip.

Field trips are designed to enhance or supplement a unit of study in the classroom. Parent chaperones are an important asset on field trips to assist the teacher in maintaining good order and safety. To ensure a positive experience for everyone involved, the following guidelines are to be followed. Chaperones should:

1. Be directly responsible to the teacher in charge. 2. Assume only those duties designated to them by the teacher. 3. Never use or possess any tobacco, alcohol, drugs or weapons while on a field trip. 4. Abide by all procedures and directions outlined by the teacher in charge. 5. Never transfer their responsibilities to another chaperone, even for a short time. 6. Never hold or administer any child's medication 7. Set a good example and be a positive role model for the students.

COMMUNITY PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (C.P.T.O.) The C.P.T.O. is a voluntary organization made up of parents and teachers from Abrams School. There are no dues or fees. Meetings are generally held throughout the school year on the first Monday of the month and are open to everyone. The C.P.T.O. works hard to enrich and improve the educational experience for all Abrams students - and to have some fun along the way! All parents and teachers are members and are encouraged to attend. The information below is designed to inform you of the many activities the C.P.T.O. is involved in. There is also a Facebook page you can belong to. Search for: ABRAMS ELEMENTARY CPTO

FUNDRAISERS:

In order to sponsor special events and activities for the students, the C.P.T.O. organizes a number of fundraising events throughout the year: Fall Fundraiser - This is traditionally our biggest fundraiser and is usually held in October. The type and date of the fundraiser are determined by parents at the C.P.T.O. meetings. Popcorn and Healthy Snack Sales - Once each month, C.P.T.O. volunteers organize either a popcorn sale or a healthy snack sale. Popcorn is popped and bagged by the volunteers and sold for $.25. For the snack sale, the C.P.T.O. purchases a variety of healthy snacks for students to choose from. These are sold for $.25 each after lunch, as a special once-a-month "treat" for students. Seroogys Candy Sale - Each spring, prior to Easter, information is sent home for families and friends to order Seroogys Candy or Coffee. There are no requirements to sell anything and only paid orders are called in for delivery. Various Collections - Throughout the year, items such as Campbell's Soup (Campbell’s Labels for Education) and Milk Moola (Kwik Trip) are collected, organized and redeemed by C.P.T.O. volunteers. In return the school receives money from these various organizations. Please save these items year round and turn them into your child's classroom teacher at any time or place them in the containers located in the school lobby.


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SCRIP Program – A gift card program that benefits the school. You can purchase a gift card to a store or stores you regularly shop at (i.e. Festival Foods, Kohl’s, Shell, etc.) and use it for the full amount. The store donates a percentage of the amount back to the school. It’s easy to use and no cost to the parents.

NON PROFIT SALES Throughout the year, the C.P.T.O. organizes events which are not fundraisers but which allow students and families to purchase items for special activities or events. Holiday Gift Shop - During the beginning of December, the C.P.T.O. sets up a Holiday Gift shop filled with inexpensive gift items for children to purchase for their parents and families. Information and forms are sent home in advance regarding spending limits etc. C.P.T.O. volunteers assist younger students with their gift selection and wrapping. Scholastic Book Fair -At Parent Teacher Conference in the fall, the C.P.T.O. sponsors a book fair. Hundreds of different titles are available for students and parents to purchase. A wish list is provided by classroom teachers to allow parents an opportunity to purchase books. The C.P.T.O. receives 50% profit in books, which they donate to our library and the classrooms. A spring “Buy One Get One Free” sale is also held.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROJECTS Throughout the year, the C.P.T.O. sponsors a number of special events and activities that supplement the curriculum, improve the school or are just plain fun. Information is sent home prior to each event and everyone is invited to attend. For four year old kindergarten students, if a program is held while they are not in school, they are welcome to attend with a parent. Assemblies - Throughout the year, the C.P.T.O. may sponsor a variety of educational entertainment events such as musical performances, plays; science demonstrations, etc. Field Trips - Each year students in grades 4K - 5 may have the opportunity attend one musical or play performance at an area performing arts center. The C.P.T.O can also assists with costs of an additional field trip as determined by the school. Dental Health Program - In February, the C.P.T.O. arranges to have a dental health professional speak with all the classes about good dental hygiene. Students in 4K-grade 2 receive a small bag of dental related sample items to take home. Christmas Ornaments - The C.P.T.O. provides every child in the school a personalized ornament each year. The ornament has the child's name and year on it. Santa drops in to hand them out. (If there is a reason you do not want your child to receive one, please let a C.P.T.O. officer know) Teacher Donations - The C.P.T.O. gives each teacher a cash donation to help in covering some of their out of pocket expenses for extra items such as stickers, awards, treats, etc. Big Ticket Items - Occasionally, depending on need, the C.P.T.O. focuses all its energy and resources on one main project. They have been responsible for such things as replacement of playground equipment, purchase of room air conditioners, books for the library, extra items for teacher’s classrooms, IPads, and much more.


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Movie Night - The C.P.T.O. provides families with an opportunity to gather and enjoy a movie together. The event is held on a Friday evening with no admission charge. A small concession stand is open with items such as popcorn, water, candy bars, hot dogs and more. Look for notes to go home on dates, times and the movie choice.

The C.P.T.O. is dedicated to helping improve and enhance the educational opportunities for all our children. Everything we do is aimed at that goal. We encourage you to get involved in helping us help our children. OFFICERS FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR President: Heather Petty-Borst Vice-President: Jackie Saari Treasurer: Melissa Nicholson Secretary: Laura Treichel SCRIP: Crysal Berg

DROPPING OFF/PICKING UP/PARKING

Please use the Visitor Lot when dropping off or picking up your child. If this lot is full, please exit the Visitor Lot and enter the Main Lot using driveway #2, closest to the corner of Elm and Main Street.

➢ ALWAYS drive slowly through the curve and parking area ➢ Stay close to curb if dropping off your child in the morning ➢ Pull up just past the curve and main doors ➢ Have your child exit onto the sidewalk –if at all possible, do not have children exit to the left

into traffic ➢ Once your child has exited, proceed slowly through the rest of the curve, through the

parking area and out of the lot ➢ If you must come into the building in the morning or at the end of the day, please pull

through the curve in the inside lane, park in the Visitor Lot in designated parking stalls and walk with your child. DO NOT PARK IN THE CURVE.

➢ If the Visitor Lot is full, please use the Main Lot. ➢ Please do not park along the fence or along the side of the building.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES/PHONES Electronic devices, as well as cell phones, are not allowed to be used during the school day.

While we understand that music players and some games are nice for children to have on long bus rides, the school can’t be responsible for these expensive devices. If you choose to send this with your child for use on the bus, it is expected that it be put in the child’s backpack for the school day. They cannot be used during recesses or class time. If a device is seen by a staff member, the child will be told to put it in his/her backpack. If the student is seen with it again, the device will be taken and given to the office where the child can pick it up at the end of the day. If a third offense occurs, the office will call home to have a parent come and get it. Students are not to be taking pictures with electronic devices on the bus or at school. We respect the right of the student to have a music player or game on the bus but it cannot become a distraction at school. The school assumes no The Oconto Falls School District shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, political affiliation, physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities, handicap, gender, gender orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, marital or parental status, ancestry, color, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.

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responsibility for electronic devices and phones. ENDING THE DAY

Students are dismissed at 2:55 P.M. Teachers escort their classes to the lobby area where students will be dismissed to the person designated to pick the child up. All students walking or riding their bike home are asked to wait by the principal to be dismissed. Teachers then escort the rest of the class to the bus exit. Teachers will wait in the lobby area until busses are dismissed.

For safety and security reasons, parents picking students up for rides at the end of the day MUST come into the school to meet their children. This ensures that students are riding home with the correct person and that they are not outside unsupervised in end of the day traffic. Walkers and bike riders must wait in the lobby until all busses and most cars are gone. Students staying after school for dance, scouts, etc., MUST HAVE A NOTE FOR EACH TIME they stay. Without a note, students will be sent home on their regular bus. Again, this is to ensure that parents know what their children are doing after school and that they will be here to pick them up at the appropriate time. On an EARLY DISMISSAL day, students are dismissed at 12:55 P.M. and there is no afternoon 4K class. FOOD SERVICE

Breakfast and lunch are served daily at Abrams School. Free/Reduced applications are available in the office and will be distributed at Open House. All students who qualify for free or reduced lunches (one reimbursable meal per day per student) automatically qualify for free or reduced breakfasts also.

Lunch consists of meat, grain, fruit, vegetable and ½ pint of milk. Milk for cold lunch or extra milk with a meal is 40¢. Students must take ½ cup fruit or vegetable or combination for it to count as a meal. DAILY LUNCH PRICES DAILY BREAKFAST PRICES $2.50 4K & 5K $1.95 All Grades $2.75 Grades 1 – 5 $2.35 Adult 40¢ Reduced 30¢ Reduced $4.00 Adult: also any second student lunch

Visitors and guests must check in at the office for fees and procedures in order to purchase a

lunch ticket. The cafeteria will not accept cash or charge. Please purchase guest meals as early as possible to allow the kitchen time to prepare.

The Oconto Falls School District has a computerized prepayment system for our Food Service program. Students must have money in their accounts to purchase breakfast, lunch, or extra milk. If parents do not wish their student to buy extra items out of the family account, they are requested to notify Food Service in writing or by phone.

Families need to prepay into their family account. We have many payment options available: cash, check, online credit/debit payments, and online check payments. Cash and checks should be in an envelope and labeled with your child’s name, grade and amount of money enclosed. Payments can be dropped off at the school office or mailed directly to: Amanda Sonnenburg, Food Service Secretary, 210 N. Farm Rd, Oconto Falls, WI 54154

This is a pre-pay system and we request that you maintain a balance of $10.00 in your family account. When your account falls below $10.00 you will receive an automated phone


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message reminding you to make a payment. You can also view your account activity online. Purchases will not be allowed for any deficit accounts.

Family account balances at the end of a school year will be carried over to the next school year. Refunds may be requested in writing only if the youngest child in your family is graduating or if your children will not be attending the Oconto Falls School District the following year. Deficit accounts from the previous year will be denied service until the balance is paid in full.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call: Amanda Sonnenburg, Food Service Secretary at 920-848-4467. 4-YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN & 5-YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN SNACK MILK

Milk will be available for snack time again this year. The cost is $31.50 per semester or $63.00 per year. Please put this in a marked envelope with your child's name and "Snack Milk" on the outside. Snack milk will only be sold on a semester or full year basis. If you don’t wish your child to have milk please let your child’s teacher know in writing and send a water bottle for your child to use. GRADING/REPORT CARDS

Report cards will be sent home three times throughout the year, in December, March, and June. The Abrams staff works hard to inform parents of their child’s academic progress. Our report cards reflect the academic learning standard we are working toward and your child is assessed to show if he/she has reached the learning target. The information below explains how these report cards will look. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the principal.

4-YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN - There is no formal report card or grading system in 4K. Informal narrative reports are sent home periodically in addition to parent-teacher conferences.

KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 5 – Students will be assessed on skills through both formal assessments along with teacher observation and daily class work. Skill levels for Art, Music and Physical Education are also located on the report card. Students will receive a 1, 2, 3, or a 4 in many areas. These are NOT to be equated with A, B, C, D or F. Over the course of the school year students are introduced to concepts that they may not understand right away, but over time they gain confidence and a deeper understanding. These types of grades will reflect growth rather than saying they are failing. Below is what each number indicates:

1 = Does not meet grade level expectations at this time 2 = Partially meets grade level expectations at this time 3 = Meets grade level expectations at this time 4 = Exceeds grade level expectations at this time

HEALTH ROOM

Students who complain of not feeling well will be sent to the health room to have their temperature taken. If their temperature is normal, they will be allowed to rest for a few minutes and then sent back to class. Parents will be called immediately if the temperature is 100º+ or the student is vomiting. Minor bumps and scrapes will be dealt with appropriately. Head bumps and more serious injuries will result in an immediate call home. The Oconto Falls School District shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, political affiliation, physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities, handicap, gender, gender orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, marital or parental status, ancestry, color, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.

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HOMEWORK

Homework is an essential part of the learning process. It provides students the opportunity to reinforce and review skills learned in class. It allows parents to monitor their child's progress and to know what they are studying. Parents are encouraged to help their children find a quiet, well-equipped place to do homework and to set aside a consistent time for doing homework each night. If there are no assignments due, reviewing, studying or pleasure reading should be done during this time. As a rule of thumb, students would have no more than 20-50 minutes of homework per night.

Requests for homework due to absence should be made at the time the absence is called in. Requests made after the lunch hour may not be able to be completed in time. Homework will be available to be picked up at the end of the day only.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Any updated information on immunizations your child has received must be reported to the school. Children entering kindergarten are required by law to have a second dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Oconto County Department of Human Services can provide this vaccine at one of their clinics. To find out dates and times of the nearby clinics, call 834-7039. Any questions about immunizations please call the school nurse at 848-4466 - Extension 6. IMPORTANT DATES These are just some of the events going on at school. Notes do come home for all events including these as well as any others. Picture Day:

September 19, 2017 Future Phoenix:

October 19, 2017 (grade 5) Grandparents Day:

October 6, 2017 Parent-Teacher Conferences

November 2, 2017 1:30 – 7:00 March 6, 2018 3:30 – 6:00 Music Concerts

4K Holiday Concert - December 7, 2017 (9:30 AM and 1:30 PM) 5K-5 Holiday Concert – December 14, 2017 (9:30 AM and 1:30 PM) 5K-5 Spring Concert --May 10, 2017 (9:30 AM and 1:30 PM)

Last Day of the Trimesters Dec. 1 (59) Mar 7 (59) June 5 (60)

Weidner Center Field Trips 4K: Nov 29th All DAY 5K:Nov 29th All DAY 1st: March 15th AM 2nd: April 12th PM 3rd: Jan 25th AM 4th: Jan 25th AM

INCLEMENT WEATHER

School closing or early dismissals due to inclement weather will be announced on these radio stations as well as an automated phone call to the primary phone number listed within our school’s data system.

WOCO (Oconto - 1260 AM or 107 FM) WOZZ (Green Bay – 93.5 FM) WDUZ (Green Bay - 1440 AM or 107.5 FM) WRVM (Suring - 102.7 FM)


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WTCH (Shawano - 960 AM or 99.3 FM) WLST (Marinette - 95 FM) WIXX (Green Bay - 1360 AM or 101.1 FM) WNFL (Green Bay – 1440 AM) Cancellations are listed on the following television stations: WBAY; WLUK; WFRV;

and WGBA. You may also check cancellations online at www.cancellations.com Just type “Oconto Falls Area Schools” in the “partial name” box. We are part of the Oconto Falls School District so listen for the district name.

On days of inclement weather resulting in icy roads or drifted driveways, a parent or guardian makes the ultimate decision as to whether a student will attend school or not. The absence will be excused with a note from the parent or guardian stating it is their decision to keep their child home because of the weather. Parents should make sure their child knows what to do or where to go should school be dismissed early.

An "Emergency Dismissal Plan" form will be sent home in November to be completed and returned to school.

KID'S STATION - SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE

A fee-based, school-aged child care program is available for students attending Abrams and Oconto Falls Elementary Schools. The program runs from 7:35 a.m. - 6:00 p.m at Abrams Elementary and 3:20 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Oconto Falls Elementary. A pamphlet describing the program is included with all registration materials. You may also call the school office for more information or talk to the principal. LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY

If you need to pick your child up during the school day for an appointment, etc. please report to the office. Do not go to your child's room, cafeteria, or playground. You will need to sign your child out on the sign out sheet in the office. A note to the teacher will help them have your child ready to leave. However, students will not be called to the office until you arrive. The secretary will call them to the office at that time. LICE

Head lice are a fairly common problem in school age children. It is most prevalent among preschool and elementary school age children and their household members or caretakers. While head lice is a nuisance it does not pose a significant health hazard. Head lice can be acquired anywhere in the community and may not be identified until weeks or months after exposure. Having head lice is not related to cleanliness of the person or their environment. If a child is assessed as having head lice, confidentiality will be maintained so the child is not embarrassed. We will discreetly check other family members within the school district. The child's parent or guardian will be notified as soon as possible. The child will stay in the office until he or she can be picked up from school. Educational information will be given and reviewed with the family regarding safe and effective treatment of head lice. The child will be allowed to return to school after proper treatment. Upon the student's return, the school office personnel or school nurse will re-check affected students to ensure they do not have live lice. The school will also periodically recheck this student within the next 7 to 10 days to ensure the head lice treatment was successful.


http://www.cancellations.com/

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If several cases of head lice occur in the same classroom the principal or school nurse may choose to send a letter home notifying classmates’ parents that a case of head lice is suspected and asking them to check all of their children for head lice. All students in the classroom/grade will not be checked unless unusual circumstances warrant it. The school will continue to keep a clean environment and extra vacuuming and washing/cleansing will be done in the classrooms when head lice cases are detected. Parents have the ultimate responsibility for their children. This includes assisting in the prevention and management of head lice cases by regularly checking their children's hair and immediately treating when head lice is detected. LOST AND FOUND

Lost articles of clothing are put on display in the lobby throughout the year. If you child has lost something, please be sure to check the display area or ask in the office. Unclaimed items will periodically be donated to Goodwill. LUNCH

Students in grades K-5 will have a 45-minute lunch period and noon recess between 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Students are NOT allowed to have soda with their bag lunches. We also ask that students not share any part of his/her lunch due to potential allergies. A microwave for student use is available but a consent form must be filled out and a note sent on the item stating how long it should be warmed. Please do not send items that need to be warmed more than 2 minutes. There can be times when there is a line of food to be warmed and we don’t want children to not have enough time to eat. MEDIA CONSENT FORM

Last year all families turned in Media Consent Forms. These forms are not being filled out online for ease. Please remember that if you take a picture of students at school, you should not automatically post this to websites like Facebook as you don’t know which parents have asked that their children not be photographed. Please see the office if you have any questions regarding this policy. MEDICATION POLICY

If a student needs medication administered at school, whether for prescription or non-prescription medication, they must have a parental permission form on file in the office. The district has a "Medication Policy" which includes the consent form. These forms are available in the school office. We cannot give medication without having this form filled out and signed by the parent or guardian and/or physician. Students will not be allowed to carry any medication themselves but will be allowed, per state law, to carry albuterol inhalers. If your child needs medication, we are asking that you do NOT send it with him/her in the backpack. Please bring it in yourself. Prescription medication must be brought to school in the original pharmacy labeled bottle. This will eliminate it being lost or taken by mistake. The district nurse can be reached at 846-4466 - Extension 6 for any questions you may have regarding this policy. Note: The school can no longer administer “school supplied” Tylenol, ibuprofen, etc (per WI Act 160).


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MICROWAVE -Student use

A microwave has been provided by the Abrams CPTO for students to use during their lunch break. We will make every attempt to allow all students wishing to use the microwave, ample time to warm food. If lines become too long, parents will be notified that there is not sufficient time to warm food and eat. We need to ensure that students have enough time to eat so please limit what you are sending to less than 2 ½ minutes. Hot pockets and mac and cheese take a long time to heat up, and if too many kids have these there is not enough time to warm them all and give kids the appropriate time to eat. Please be sure to send food in a container that is safe to put into the microwave. A note is required DAILY to inform staff regarding how long the food needs to be warmed for. This note is needed daily for each individual food choice that we are sure we are not warming food too long making it extremely hot with the potential to burn the student. We appreciate your cooperation with this. If you have questions, please contact the office.

NEWSLETTERS

A bi-monthly newsletter will be emailed to every family. Its goal is to keep you informed on the happenings at Abrams as well as the community and school district. All school notes will come home on Thursdays as they did last year. This is to help with the busyness of Fridays. Each family will receive a plastic folder for these notes. Please go through them when it comes home and send the folder back so it can be reused.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent/Teacher conferences will be held in November and March. Notices will go out to parents via the school newsletter giving the dates and times when parents meet with teachers. We will be going to an online registration for conferences so look for information on how to register to talk with your child’s teacher. PARENT ACCESS SYSTEM

Parents can now access a variety of student information such as lunch account balances and attendance on-line through the Parent Access System. All that is needed is a secure login code and password, which are available in the school office. PAWS PROGRAM

You might be asking yourself, “What is the Panther PAWS program?” As a result of implementing the Panther PAWS program at Abrams Elementary School we will establish positive and consistent expectations for all students, the staff, families and the community. By teaching students how to meet these expectations we will provide them with the tools and resources necessary to demonstrate growth in character and help them to become valued and contributing members of the school community, thus creating a healthy and positive school culture where all students feel a sense of belonging which fosters social and academic growth. School expectations for students which are reinforced daily:


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POSITIVE ATTITUDE ACT SAFELY WORK HARD

SHOW RESPECT

When the school expectations are followed students have an opportunity to be recognized for their efforts by receiving Panther PAWS. When school expectations are not followed, specific consequences result based on the behavior. Behavior incidents will be tracked by teachers and the office for data purposes. PROBLEMS AT SCHOOL

Whenever you or your child has a concern about something happening at school, in the classroom, or on the playground, we encourage you to call or stop in to check it out. Don't let small problems grow into major issues. Please talk directly to the teacher or staff member involved, as many concerns turn out to be simple misunderstandings, and most if not all, others can be quickly resolved with a brief conversation. If the situation remains unresolved, please contact the principal for further assistance. SAFETY DRILLS

For the protection of our students, safety measures such as fire drills, tornado drills, intruder alerts, and emergency evacuation procedures are reviewed and practiced throughout the year. SCHOOL HOURS

The school day for students begins at 7:50 AM and ends at 2:55 PM. Students whose parents provide transportation to school, are to arrive no earlier than 7:35 A.M. If it is necessary to drop your student off early, please send a note in advance to the office or call the office. The telephone number is 826-5819. Teachers are available from 7:30 AM to 7:45 AM; 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM each day to talk if you need to speak to them.

The morning 4-Year Old Kindergarten class runs from 7:50 A.M. to 10:50 A.M. The afternoon 4-Year Old Kindergarten class runs from 11:55 to 2:55 P.M. STARTING THE DAY

Students arriving on busses will exit the bus upon arrival. After coming into school students will then go directly outside to the back playground. Supervision will be provided in the hallways and on the playground. Students being dropped off should come through the main entrance and walk outside just like students coming on a bus. This is a time for students to get some exercise and relax a bit from bus rides so they are in a better state of mind to start learning. Student expectations will be taught at the beginning of the year so everyone knows what to do and how to behave during this time. Breakfast will be offered to all students as they enter the building. Staff will give students time within the classroom to eat. Afternoon 4K students arrive at about 11:45. STUDENT DRESS

Clothing which advertises or promotes tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs is not permitted. Neither is clothing which portrays suggestive, offensive or obscene sayings or pictures.


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Students should wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for our Wisconsin weather.

Boots, mittens, hats, snow pants or a snowmobile suit must be worn in winter by your child so he/she can enjoy and comfortably play in the snow at recess time. Children who are not dressed accordingly are confined to the blacktop area. All students are outside at recess every day that the temperature is zero or above. Please see that you child is dressed appropriately for each day's weather.

In warm weather, clothing which is too revealing, too short, or too tight, is not allowed. Items such as half-shirts, tank tops, short shorts, tube tops, and similar apparel would be considered inappropriate. Roller skates and “heelies” are also not allowed at school for safety reasons. Flip flops can’t be worn for recess for safety reasons, so additional shoes should be brought for recess times.

Students who come inappropriately dressed will either be given a replacement article to wear from our fashionable office collection ☺, or the office will call home to have a new item brought in to wear. In the classroom, students are not allowed to wear their hats, coats, mittens, boots, etc.

A reminder that tennis shoes are required for gym use. These are listed on the school supply list. These do NOT need to be fancy, high-priced shoes, just a pair for gym use only. This is done to protect our gym floor from damage caused by dirt, pebbles, mud, and snow. VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS

Anyone other than staff and students are required to report to the office upon entering the building. Parents, tutors, and ALL VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS must pick up a badge to wear while in the building as well as sign in and out. Students from other schools are not permitted to visit the school or sit in on classes without prior approval from the principal. WELLNESS

The district has created a comprehensive wellness policy for students and staff in the district. The goal is to create an overall school and community environment which promotes better understanding, beliefs and habits related to good nutrition and physical activity. The wellness policy is just another piece of the “big picture” designed to help every student be prepared to do their best at school.

One part of the overall policy involves promoting healthy snacks and treats in the classroom. Items such as raw veggies and fruit, low fat cheese and crackers, trail mix, low fat muffins, yogurt, 100% fruit juices, low fat pudding cups and popcorn are recommended as simple, yet healthy treats to bring to school for special occasions.

A FEW REQUIRED ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM OUR FRIENDS IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT!

Oconto Falls School District Annual Notice of Special Education Referral and Evaluation Procedures August 2017

Upon request, the Oconto Falls School District is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all


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children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district. A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Terri Olsen, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education, Oconto Falls School District, at 920-848-4443 ext. 1, or by writing her at: Oconto Falls High School; 210 N. Farm Rd.; Oconto Falls, WI 54154. OFFICIAL NOTICE - NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of the Oconto Falls Public School District that no person may be denied admission to any public school in this district or be denied participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any curricular, extra-curricular, pupil service, recreational or other program or activity because of the person's gender, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy or learning disability or handicap as required by S. 118.13, Wis. Stats. This policy also prohibits discrimination as defined by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The District encourages informal resolution of complaints under this policy. A formal complaint resolution procedure is available, however, to address allegations of violations of the policy in the Oconto Falls Public School District.

Any questions concerning this policy should be directed to: Dean Hess, District Administrator Oconto Falls Public School District 200 N. Farm Road Oconto Falls, WI 54154 (920) 848-4471

Grievance Procedure

In the event of apparent disagreement with a staff member, school, or other related issue, the following procedures are outlined for resolution:

● All conflicts should be resolved at the lowest level possible (the person or staff involved) before moving on to the next step.

● The parent must appeal in writing to the Principal within five school days of the disagreement. ● If the parents still are in disagreement with the situation, they may request, in writing, the

opportunity to meet with the Principal. The Principal will schedule a meeting with the staff involved following the receipt of the written request to meet.

● If disagreements still exist, the grievant(s) may request a meeting with the Superintendent. This request must be written, and the meeting will be scheduled within three school days following the receipt of the written request. If the Superintendent is unable to satisfactorily resolve the complaint, it shall be referred to the school board, whose decision shall be final.

Religious Accommodations

Abrams will provide for reasonable accommodations of a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs with regard to academic requirements and testing. Concerns regarding these matters should be brought to the


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attention of the student's teachers and principal. Lockers

A hall locker is provided for students to store books, coats, and other personal belongings. Valuables should not be brought to school or stored in lockers. Lockers are the property of the school and are provided as a convenience and a privilege. They may be opened or inspected by school personnel at any time. Students are not allowed to put locks on lockers. Pupil Records

Pupil records are maintained in the interest of the student to assist the school in providing appropriate educational experiences. Retention and destruction of student records will be done in accordance with school district policies and DPI guidelines. Parents may inspect, review, and amend a student’s educational record in accordance with FERPA guidelines. Tobacco Use on School Grounds by Staff Members, Visitors, and Other Adults

The Oconto Falls School Board is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable, productive environment for staff, students, and citizens. The School Board is concerned about the health of its employees and recognizes the importance of role modeling for students during formative years.

Therefore, tobacco use is prohibited on or in school district property. This will include school buildings, grounds, school owned vehicles, and all property owned by, rented by and/or under the control of the Oconto Falls School District. This ban is in effect at all times including vacations, holidays, summer, etc. and therefore is not limited to the school year or school day. Harassment

The Oconto Falls Area School District does not tolerate harassment in any form and will take all necessary and appropriate action to eliminate it. Concerns or complaints regarding potential incidents of harassment should be reported to the building principal. Cell Phones/Paging Devices

Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day. For most elementary school students, there is not a need to bring a cell phone to school. In some cases, a parent may wish a student to have access to a cell phone –for use after school hours. In these cases, we ask that the parent contact the classroom teacher or principal to discuss this. Inappropriate use of these items will result in confiscation of the device and a request for a parent to come to school to pick it up. Electronics, Toys, Games, etc.

Electronic handheld games, iPods, MP3 players, laser pointers, toys, trading cards, etc. are not discouraged at school. The risk of breakage, loss, theft, “bad trades”, inappropriate use, etc. makes these items a major source of distraction and disruption in a school setting. Items that cause disruption to the learning environment or playground will be held in the office. Personal music devices are allowed on the bus for the duration of the bus ride, but should be put away in a backpack and not taken out at school.


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Abrams Staff (2017 – 2018)

Mrs. Joanne Michalski, Principal Grade 5 Mrs. Lacey Manthei 127 Mrs. Melissa Leja 124

Learning Disabilities Mrs. Tammi LaLuzerne 304 Ms. Carol Zeh -- Aide

Secretaries 100 Mrs. Erika Bauer Mrs. Holly Radke

Grade 4 Mr. Scott Schroeder 125 Mrs. Karen Ingram 123

Speech/Language Mrs. Tara Foht 106

Custodian Mrs. Rose Zempel

Grade 3 Mrs. Danielle Baade 118 Mrs. Chris Ingold 121

IMC – Library 200 Mrs. Penny Stuiber Mrs. Barb Dryja – Aide

Maintenance Mr. Bob Wirz

Grade 2 Mrs. Shana DeBaker 301 Mrs. Jennie Albrecht 302

Classroom/Playground Aides Mrs. Janell Kirkpatrick Mrs. Judy VerVelde

Housekeepers Mr. John Meyer

Grade 1 Mrs. Danielle Peterson 407 Mrs. Heather Skarban 402

Kids Station 306 Mrs. Traci Kamps Ms. Jackie Christensen

Food Service Mrs. Diane Cyr 202 Mrs. Paula Gonnering Mrs. Donna Faccio

Kindergarten Mrs. Sarah Nieminski 105 Ms. Amber Pulvermacher 107

Bus Drivers Mrs. Dawn Deneys Mrs. Jackie Saari Mrs. Pam Erdmann

4-Year Old Kindergarten Miss Samantha Lesniak 308 Mrs. Michelle Toutloff – Aide

DISTRICT PERSONNEL

Physical Education Mrs. Jackie Rochon 202 Art Ms. Celena Williams 201

Technology Mr. Corey Jeffers Ms. Tammy Gaertig Mrs. Jan Griesto Mr. Ron Sturm

Music Mr. Jesse Baumgart 500

School District Nurse Mrs. Lynette Donart 100D

Guidance Ms. Patrice Fick 419

School Psychologist Mr. Derek Johnson

Keyboarding Mrs. Cheri Burkhalter 417

Reading Support Mrs. Valerie Burd 400

Reading Specialist Mrs. Crystal Beaman


2017-2018 family handbook - oconto falls school district · 2017-2018 family handbook abrams...

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