2018-2019 - lehighton area high school · lehighton, pa 18235 610-377-7880 610-377-0908 (fax)...

Lehighton AreA SchooL DiStrict

LEHIGHTON AREA ELEMENTARY CENTER3 Indian Lane

Lehighton, PA 18235

610-377-7880

610-377-0908 (fax)

STUDENT HANDBOOK2018-2019

Lehighton Area School District 2018-2019 School Calendar

New Teacher Orientation28-30 Teacher/Para In-Service

Student Days – 0Teacher Days –3Para Days – 3

3-Labor Day Holiday4-Student First Day

Student Days – 19Teacher Days – 19Para Days – 19

8-Act 80 Day8- HS P/T Conferences(5:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.)

Student Days – 23Teacher Days – 23Para Days - 23

7-Act 80 Day7-MS/Elementary P/TConferences (5-8 p.m.)21-Early Dismissal22,23,26 – ThanksgivingHolidayStudent Days – 19Teacher Days –19Para Days – 19

21-Early Dismissal24 thru 31 Winter Holiday


1- New Year’s Holiday14- Martin Luther KingHoliday


15,18 President’sHoliday4- Teacher In-ServiceStudent Days – 17Teachers Days – 18Para Days - 17

7- HS P/T Conferences(5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)11-Act 80 Day

Student Days – 21Teacher Days-21Para Days – 21

17-Early Dismissal18-22-Spring Holiday

Student Days – 19Teacher Days –19Para Days – 19

10-Teacher In-Service27 – Memorial DayHoliday

Student Days – 21Teacher Days – 22Para Days – 22

7- Tentative Students’ Last Day7- Para Last Day10- Teacher In-Service

Student Days – 5Teacher Days – 6Para Days -5

February 2019Su M Tu W Th F S

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28

August 2018Su M Tu W Th F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

September 2018Su M Tu W Th F S

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223/30 24 25 26 27 28 29

October 2018Su M Tu W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30 31

November 2018Su M Tu W Th F S

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30

December 2018Su M Tu W Th F S

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 2930 31

January 2019Su M Tu W Th F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

March 2019Su M Tu W Th F S

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324/31 25 26 27 28 29 30

April 2019Su M Tu W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30

May 2019Su M Tu W Th F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

June 2019Su M Tu W Th F S

12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223/30 24 25 26 27 28 29

End of Marking Period: 11/2, 1/18, 3/26Act 80 Days: 10/8, 11/7, 3/11Teacher In-Service Days: 8/28, 8/29, 8/30,2/4,5/10,6/10Para In-Service Days: 8/28, 8/29, 8/30,5/10

Parent Teacher Conferences: HS 10/8, 3/7, Elem/MS 11/5**Tentative Snow Make-up Days: Jan. 14, Feb. 15, April 18

*Thanksgiving Break close of business on November 21, 2018 - Winter Break close of business on December 21, 2018 - *Spring Break close of business on April 18, 2019*Early Dismissal before Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Break will be MS 12:10 p.m., HS 12:15 p.m., Elem. 1:10 p.m.

Tentative End of Year Early Dismissal: June 6 & 7 (MS-12:10, HS- 12:15, Elem. 1:10)

184 Para Days 186 Teacher Days 180 Student Days Board Approved 3-26-18

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Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to our first year at the Lehighton Area Elementary Center. We areexcited and can’t wait for the year to begin! There will be two schools withinthe Elementary Center and we will share common areas within the Center.The Intermediate School will house students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Dr.McGalla will be the principal of the Intermediate School. The Primary Schoolwill house students in grades pre-K, Kindergarten, 1, and 2. Mr. Sebelin will bethe principal of the Primary School. This handbook was prepared specifically for the parents of children attendingboth the Primary School and the Intermediate School. We hope it is helpful toyou and answers any questions you may have about our schools. Please readthrough it carefully with your student(s) and keep it accessible to reference asneeded.

All elementary students (K-5) will continue to be offered Encore classes.Encore classes include music, art, physical education, library, and new thisyear, all students will receive computer/technology instruction as a part of theEncore rotation. Also, we will offer instrumental music lessons to students ingrades 4 and 5.

School personnel are accessible through telephone or email. A separateinformational sheet will be provided that will list staff members’ names andindividual extensions. Lastly, the Elementary Parent-Student Handbook isaccessible on the School District’s website at www.lehighton.org.

Looking forward to a great year working together.

Educationally yours,

Dr. McGallaElementary Principal

Mr. SebelinElementary Principal

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Arrival & School Hours .............................................................................................6Behavior Matrix.......................................................................................................12Busing & School Transportation / Bus Changes.....................................................11Bus Regulations .....................................................................................................23Cafeteria ................................................................................................................14

Nutrition Group’s K-12 Meal Services ...............................................................17Nutrition Group’s Online Portals........................................................................17Meal Prices .......................................................................................................17

Calendar ................................................................ ...................... Inside Front CoverElectronic Devices..................................................................................................10Dismissal During the School Day ............................................................................6Dress Code / Appropriate School Attire....................................................................7Educational Trips .....................................................................................................8Expectations of Parents............................................................................................3Field Trips ..............................................................................................................15Fire Drills / Lock Downs / Emergencies Situations.................................................10Guidance Services .................................................................................................17Homebound Instructions ........................................................................................16In Loco Parentis......................................................................................................16Internet / Electronic communications .....................................................................19Letter to Parents and Students.................................................................................1Lockers...................................................................................................................10Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)...............................................................18Non discrimination Policy .........................................................................................3Notification Letter to Students and Parents ...........................................................22Nurse .......................................................................................................................9Personnel Directory .................................................................................................4

Special Education Personnel ..............................................................................6Pictures ....................................................................................................................8Power Announcement ...........................................................................................20Promotion / Retention ............................................................................................16PTO .......................................................................................................................15Pupil Records Policy.................................................................................................3Report Cards .........................................................................................................16School Closing .........................................................................................................6School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Support .....................................21Special Education Notice .......................................................................................17Student Assistance Program (SAP)........................................................................21Student Obligations ................................................................................................10Teacher Availability / Conferences .........................................................................16Title I Program ........................................................................................................20Transfers / Withdrawals............................................................................................8Violation of School Bus Regulations ......................................................................11Weapons ................................................................................................................10

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A school should be a warm, caring place where boys and girls feel comfortableabout learning. We are anxious to promote good understanding between schooland home.

The School Will Strive To –

Provide a safe, healthy, encouraging environment in which each child can learn tolive up to his/her potential;

Provide the best programs possible, carefully planned and ever changing to meetthe needs of each child;

Provide instruction which incorporates a variety of teaching techniques, relevantlearning experiences and materials to promote the maximum development of theindividual, a formation of a positive self-concept and the recognition and appreciationof individual differences;

Help each student acquire self-discipline and a commitment to meet personalresponsibilities in education, family life and society.

expectations of parents ➘ Your encouragement and support of school objectives. ➘ Your help in exercising fair discipline, impressing upon your child the

importance of following all school rules and regulations. ➘ Cooperation with your child’s teacher in attending conferences and meetings. ➘ Make sure your child arrives to school on time each day.

Nondiscrimination is the policy in Lehighton Area School District. Admissionprocedures and instructional materials are in accordance with nondiscriminationguidelines of the Federal Government and the State of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Jonathan Cleaver, Superintendent, has been designated as the ComplianceOfficer to handle all inquiries or complaints regarding alleged discrimination on thebasis of sex, race, or disability in the educational program of the Lehighton AreaSchool District.

pupil record’s policy

The Board of Education has adopted a Pupil Record’s Policy. The policy’s functionis to allow (1) school authorities to gather information necessary to facilitate itseducational responsibility; (2) assure the student, parent, and/or legal guardian’sright to privacy. Copies of the Record Policy are available in each Building and theDistrict Office.

In accordance with the Pupil Record’s Policy, the Board of Education has approveda testing program designed to provide information concerning the proficiency of allchildren in the district on standardized tests of academic achievement, ability andaptitude.

In accordance with these guidelines, parents will be notified of the name of the test,the grade, the approximate time and purpose of the test if their child is in a classthat is being tested.

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lehighton area elementary school personnel

PRIMARY INTERMEDIATEMr. Sebelin, Primary Principal Dr. McGalla, Intermediate PrincipalMrs. Shaffer, Principal’s Secretary Ms. Simmons, Principal’s SecretaryMrs. Porambo, Building Secretary Mrs. Lilly, Building Secretary

PreK CountsMrs. Maloney Kindergarten Grade 3Mrs. Betz Mrs. BarillaMrs. Geiser Mrs. BlisardMrs. Kirsch Mrs. BonserMrs. Kocher Mrs. BreinerMrs. Rakos Mrs. GandyMrs. Scimeca Miss HoppesMrs. Smith Mr. KresgeMiss Zellner Mrs. Strausberger

Mrs. Zimmerman

Grade 1 Grade 4Mrs. Bussey-Williams Mrs. CressleyMs. Hydro Mrs. DillmanMrs. Matika Mr. FritzMrs. Petit-Clair Mrs. GerberMrs. Rodgers Mrs. HedashMr. Schaeffer Mrs. HauptMs. Zerbe Mrs. Swanson

Mrs. Wentz

Grade 2 Grade 5Mrs. Barth Mrs. DeckerMrs. Boyle Mrs. FochtMiss Cox Miss GrassoMr. Herman Mr. RabenoldMrs. Roberts Mrs. RheinhardtMiss Shafer Mrs. RupellMrs. Stahler Mrs. SchnellMs. Zehner Mrs. Weiss Title 1 Reading Title 1 MathMrs. Bruch Mrs. BoyerMrs. Cordes Mrs. NenscelMrs. LichtenwalnerMiss Simon

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Learning Support Emotional SupportMrs. Fischer Mrs. CortrightMs. Crosley Behavior SpecialistMs. Schatz Mrs. BlasiakMrs. Sirsky

MTSS GuidanceMrs. Ebbert Mr. Blakeslee

Ms. Lindh

Life Skills Support ELLMrs. Kistler Mrs. Searfoss

Encore Staff Para-ProfessionalMiss Fedor, Art Mrs. AhnerMrs. Scholl, Art Ms. BachmanMrs. Rex, Computers Mrs. BoyleMrs. Brownmiller, Library Miss BrongMrs. Kulpa, Music Mrs. CarpenterMrs. Stufflet, Music Mrs. EverettMiss Schaffer, Music Miss GermanMrs. Hudlow, Music Ms. GodekMs. Messinger, Physical Education Mrs. GrayMr. Koons, Physical Education Miss Haydt

Mrs. HayesMrs. HelmerMrs. KasperskiMrs. KlineMrs. KunkleMrs. LillyMrs. PattersonMr. Resh, Jr.Mrs. ShoenbergerMs. SteigerwaltMrs. WilletMrs. Williams

Nurse School PhysicianMrs. Blasiak, LPN Dr. Thomas E. Munshower,Mrs. German, LPN School DentistMrs. Harleman, RN, BSN, CSN Dr. Sheila Smith,

Custodian CooksMr. Hawk Mrs. Ace Mrs. FairchildMr. Koehler Mrs. Koehler Mrs. Lorah

Mrs. Peli Mrs. QuigleyMrs. Shannon Mrs. Wieteszka

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Mr. Jonathan J. Cleaver, Superintendent of Schools610-377-4490web site: www.lehighton.org

Special Education PersonnelMr. McIntyre, Supervisor of Special EducationMrs. Sassaman, Speech TherapistMr. Zarelli, Speech TherapistMrs. Schoener, Speech TherapistMrs. Koch, Secretary – Special EducationMrs. Frycklund, C.L.I.U. #21 Hearing TherapistMs. Dunbar, C.L.I.U. #21 Vision TherapistMs. Marchessault, C.L.I.U. #21 Physical TherapistMrs. Wells, C.L.I.U. #21 Occupational TherapistMs. Graziano, C.L.I.U. #21 Occupational TherapistMrs. Tilley, School PsychologistMrs. Zona-Slaw, School Psychologist

school hours: 8:05 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.Children should not arrive at school before 8:05 am All students are expectedto be prompt and on time.

School Dismissal will begin at 3:05 pm. Children should go directly home afterschool is dismissed.

A detailed letter with parent drop-off/pick-up procedures will be sent home the firstweek of school. Please obey and be aware of the traffic patterns.

Dismissal During the School Day

If for some reason you must remove your child from school during the day, pleaseindicate your intent by sending a notice (including day, time, purpose) to the class-room teacher. The child will be dismissed through the office and not from the class-room. Please adhere to this practice for the safety and welfare of your children.Parents/Guardians are required to sign the appropriate ledger in each elementarybuilding office.

school closing

Should it be necessary to close school, start late, or to dismiss early because ofinclement weather or other emergency conditions, a PowerSchool announcementwill be made. Also, notices will be listed on local radio & TV stations. You may alsovisit the LASD web site at www.lehighton.org

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dress code / appropriate school attire

The home and school need to cooperate in the matter of dress. Good groomingand dress are, first of all, the responsibility of the parents and students. Inaddition, for the health, safety, and well-being of all the students, our school is alsoinvolved in this responsibility. Proper dress is conducive toward the maintenanceof a constructive educational atmosphere. Therefore, we would appreciate yoursupport and cooperation with the guidelines that follow:

1. Clothing that may be considered a health and/or safety concern, such asoversized, baggy pants, beltless pants and/or pants that allow undergarmentsto be exposed are not to be worn. Clothing and appearance should be neat,clean, and good taste. It should not be extreme to the extent that it focusesattention on the wearer and/or disruptive to the educational process.

2. Footwear: Students are required to wear any style of footwear which includes:dress shoes, casual shoes, athletic shoes, crocs, boots, and sandals. Footwearmust be secured or strapped at the ankles. Flip-flops, high heeled shoes/boots, platform shoes, and slippers are not allowed; they are consideredunsafe for school and play activities. Pending the footwear, children may ormay not be permitted in the play area.

3. Hats should be removed upon entry into the building, with the exception ofhats/head coverings for religious and medical purposes.

4. Outerwear - Since students participate in recess year round, they shoulddress for both indoor and outdoor activities. In cold weather, students shouldwear seasonably appropriate outerwear that can be easily removed uponentering the building.

5. Ill-fitting clothing (e.g. oversized or revealing) should not be worn to school.6. Shirts - No cutoff shirts, cutoff tee shirts, or cutoff sweatshirts are permitted.

Shirts that have messages with double meanings or that are suggestive,promote alcohol, drugs, satanic cults, or other negative messages are notpermitted. Halter tops, tube tops, mesh tops worn alone, and midriff shiftswhich expose the stomach area are not allowed to be worn to school. Tanktop straps must be wider than 1 inch.

7. Physical Education - Students must wear sneakers, socks and comfortableclothing for physical education class. No zippers, no slip-ons or platform typesneakers. No jewelry or earrings should be worn for gym class.

8. Hair styles that are distracting to the educational process are not permitted.9. Shorts - Students will be permitted to wear shorts, that are modest and in

good taste. Shorts must extend past the wearer’s fingertips when placed atone’s side. The following restrictions apply to the wearing of shorts: Spandexshorts, cut-off shorts, boxer shorts, skin-tight, or short shorts are not to beworn to school. Shorts may not have holes or tears.

10. Leggings and Jeggings – must be accompanied by a top, shirt, or dress noless than fingertip length.

11. Recess occurs daily. All clothing and shoes should be playground appropriateand weather appropriate.

School staff reserves the right to individually review students’ dress and/orappearance. When deemed necessary, appropriate actions will be taken to correctthe situation.

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attendance

Parents are asked to notify the school on the morning of a student’s absencevia phone or email. An excuse blank explaining the reason for absence must besubmitted within three (3) school days of a student’s return to school. The teacherwill provide the child with an excuse blank to be completed by the parent/guardian.A parental excuse is required for every absence. Excuse blanks are also availableat the elementary school offices or online at www.lehighton.org clicking on QuickLinks “Absent Excuse Form.” All Absences will be recorded as unexcused untilwritten justification is received. Please note that any unverified absence after 3days without an excuse blank must be marked as unlawful. The responsibility formaking up work missed during absences rests with the student.

Please be aware that after ten (10) days of cumulative absence, proof for attendance at a medical or judicial agency appointment will be required as per the PA School Code.

Valid reasons for school absence are listed in the Attendance Policy located at www.lehighton.org.

An unexcused absence for a student is considered an illegal absence. For yourinformation, examples of unexcused absences include the following: missing theschool bus, visiting, oversleeping, or shopping.

Unlawful absence constitutes a violation of the school code.• Once a student is absent for six (6) school days, you will receive a warning

letter from the building principal.• After nine (9) days of unexcused absences you will receive your second letter

requiring a physician’s documentation of any further illnesses.• Unlawful absences may result in the filing of charges with the district magistrate

and Carbon County Children & Youth.

educational trip

If parents wish to take their children on an educational trip; Absences may beexcused if approved by the Building Principal prior to the trip. Parent mustcomplete a Request for Educational Trip form for approval. Please submitcompleted form to the Building Principal one (1) week prior to trip. Approvededucational trips are still considered absences and count toward 10 days ofcumulative absence. Education trip request forms are available in the school officeor online at www.lehighton.org click on “Files and Documents”.

transfers or withdrawals

If a student is moving, a parent/guardian must come to the office to sign necessaryforms. A student withdrawal form and the student’s scholastic record will be sentto the school where the pupil is going. It is the student’s obligation to report his/her intentions of moving to the classroom teacher and to the office. All books andsupplies must be returned to the various classroom teachers before the studentwithdrawal is completed.

school pictures

Individual pictures will be taken during the school year. Information will be senthome on the specific date so that you can prepare your children for the picture.

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school nurse

The school nurses are on duty during the regular school day. Please keep thefollowing rules and general information in mind when considering your child’shealth and the school:

1. When your child is diagnosed as having a communicable disease (such aschicken pox, pink eye or head lice), he/she must remain at home for therequired length of time specified by the PA Department of Health. When achild must be excluded from school for a communicable disease, the parentmust accompany the child to school for re-entry (re-admission) and mustpresent a note from the doctor that the child is no longer contagious.

2. Whenever possible, parents should administer medication to children athome. However, when this is impossible, parents must notify the school nursewith a note authorizing school personnel to give the medication.

3. All medication must be clearly labeled. The label must have the child’sname, name of medication, time medication must be given, dosage, and the doctor’s name. All medication administered at school must beprescribed by a doctor. Your child may not transport medication to or from school in their bookbag. A parent, guardian, or responsible adult must bring the prescribed medication to school and deliver it to either the school nurse or the building secretary. Appropriate paperwork must be completed for each prescribed medication.

4. If a child is too ill to remain in school, the parent/guardian is responsible forhis/her transportation home.

5. If a pupil has an injury or illness occurring during school hours that requiresimmediate attention, the parent/guardian will be contacted. It is theresponsibility of the parents to call for the child at school and arrange forfuture care, if needed. Emergency care will be limited to first aid treatmentonly.

6. Anaphylaxis is an acute allergic reaction to food, medication, insect bites,etc. Knowing that acute anaphylaxis is one of the most serious and lifethreatening nontraumatic conditions that a school nurse may have to dealwith; and knowing without prompt intervention, it can be fatal; the LehightonArea School District will act using the following standing order/protocol fromthe school physician, Dr. Thomas E. Munshower.

When symptoms of acute anaphylaxis occur, call the ambulance immediately,and administer 0.15 to 0.3 mg of adrenaline/epinephrine via auto injection(EpiPen) to victim. If a parent/guardian does not want this medicationadministered in a severe medical emergency, a signed statement to this effectshould be hand delivered or sent certified mail to the student’s school buildingto the attention of the school nurse.

7. It is the responsibility of parents to fill out insurance forms – not school personnel.

The Lehighton Area School District does not carry a health insurance policy forstudents. During the first week of school you will receive information on howto obtain insurance coverage. We strongly urge that if you do not have healthinsurance for your children, that you look very carefully at this information.

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8. Children must be able to use restroom independently & should be properlytoilet trained.

9. If a child must be excused from gym class or regular activities, a note isneeded from the doctor. Also, a doctor’s note is required to resume regularactivities and gym.

student obligations

Report cards will not be issued to any student who owes money to the schoolat the end of each marking period. Also the student and parent may be blockedaccess to PowerSchool until the obligation is met. These include damage to schoolproperty, cafeteria debts, library obligations, etc.

lockers

Each student is responsible for the cleanliness of his/her locker. The school cannotbe responsible for valuables taken from hall lockers. Student lockers are schooldistrict property and are not private. Therefore, students shall have no expectationof privacy in lockers. In addition, lockers are subject to searches.

electronic devices

Cell phones, IPods, MP3 players, and other electronic devices are not permitted atschool. If found, they will be taken by staff and be returned to parent. The schoolcannot be responsible for these items if damaged, lost, or stolen.

weapons

No student shall possess, handle, or transmit any knife, razor, ice pick, anyexplosive device of any kind, including firecrackers, tear gas canisters, smokebombs, or chains, loaded cane, sword cane, loaded or unloaded firearms, includingpellet guns, BB guns, any type of knife, implements capable of directly or indirectlyinflicting bodily injury, or other object that can reasonably be considered to be aweapon/ facsimile/look alike or dangerous instrument in any school building, on anyschool premises, or on any school bus. If a student discovers that a fishing knife orsimilar potential weapon has accidently been brought to school, that student shouldIMMEDIATELY notify teacher or principal of the situation.

fire drills, lock downs, and other emergency situations

We at the Lehighton Area Elementary Center are aware of the seriousness of schoolsafety issues and stress the need for efficient, faculty-supervised drills. Studentsare given the opportunity to practice a variety of emergency drills over the courseof the school year.

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busing & school transportation

George’s Transportation (Bus Company)610-377-5511

Please read School Bus Regulations for Students on Page 23. All school rulesapply. Student behavior on the bus should be consistent with student behavior in aclassroom. School bus regulations for proper student conduct on buses is vital toinsure that the safety of all students and the bus driver is not jeopardized. School bus transportation is a privilege not to be abused.

violation of school bus rules

Violations of these rules shall be reported by the bus driver on forms provided tothe principal/designee. The principal/designee will discuss the violation with thestudent and notify the parents or guardian concerning the violation. The child and/or parent will be financially responsible for any damages to the interior or exteriorof the bus.

If this procedure does not stop the infraction, the principal/designee has theauthority to notify parents in writing that the student will not be permitted to ride thebus for a stated period of time. During this period, the parent or guardian will beresponsible for providing transportation to and from school.

bus changes

Students are expected to ride the bus that is assigned to them at the start of theyear. Students must get on and off the bus at their assigned stop. The bus driversare not permitted to make changes in bus stops or to reassign students to otherbuses. By adhering to this policy we can assure safety and accountability for allstudents. A signed, dated note from a parent/adult must be brought from home andsigned by an administrator or office secretary if there is to be a change in how astudent gets home from school.

In the event a parent of a kindergarten student is not at the bus stop upon arrival, the child will be taken to the bus company or the school for immediate parent pick up. The school will try to notify parents.

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Rule Matrix: “WSetting →Expectation ↓

Cafeteria Playground School

Be Safe Walk at a safe pace

Keep hands, feet,and other objects

to yourself

Use equipment safely

Enter and exit inorderly lines

Remain

Hands to

Wait p

RespectfulUse your manners

Clean up your mess

Take turns onequipment

Include others

Listen todri

Be kind

AttentiveFollow staffdirections

Listen todirections

Listen for the bell

Watch your step

Sit facing

Inside v

Very Responsible

Learn your lunch number

Clean your area

Return your tray

Return equipment

Remember your belongings

Be on

Sit in assiseat

Exceptional Assist your neighbor

Help the lunchstaff

Use goodsportsmanship Be a rol

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: “We are B.R.A.V.E”

hool Bus Lavatory Hallway Classroom

n seated

o yourself

patiently

Wash hands with soap

Walk at all times

Stay to the right

Face forward

Maintain place in line

Raise hand for permission to

leave seat

Keep hands, feet, and objects to

yourself

sten to the river

to others

Respect property

Respect privacy

Keep hands off the walls

Respect learningenvironments

Raise hand for permission to

speak.

Use kind words

g forward

e voiceFocus

Face forward

Walk with a purpose

Look at the person speaking

Participate inclass/discussions

n time

assigned seats

Report vandalism

Keep area clean

Use the trash

Be patient

Follow the leader

Have materials (books, pencils,

etc.) ready

Complete allassignments

le model

Leave the roombetter than you

found it

Conserve resources

Be a role model

Hold doors

Help others

Keep your desk/area

organized andclean

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cafeteria

Students have the option of purchasing lunch from our cafeteria or bringing theirown lunch, and buying milk, water, or juice. The Breakfast Program will be offeredat the elementary center. Each month a menu is published online at lehighton.nutrislice.com so that families can plan for their children’s lunch each day. Theonline menu portal also breaks down the nutritional information of each menu item.A printed copy of the menu can be sent home per request.

Free and reduced lunch applications are available, and can be completed by anyhousehold in the district. A new application must be completed each year foreligible students. Applications can be found and completed online at https://www.paschoolmeals.com/Register.aspx. If you need a paper copy, you may stop at theschool office any time during the school year.

Elementary Student Meal Prices 2018-2019 School YearLunches $2.40, Reduced Lunch 40¢.Breakfast $1.00, Reduced Breakfast 30¢Milk 55¢

nutrition group’s k-12 meal services

The Nutrition Group is a food service management company hired by the LehightonArea School District to manage the school meal programs. We are very excited tojoin the district in their mission to serve healthy, well-balanced meals to students.The Nutrition Group transforms school breakfast and lunch into nutritious, lively,and fun programs that students and faculty eagerly participate in. Our schoolmeals are healthy, diverse, and appealing, with the main focus always being onthe student. The primary goal is to create a setting that helps them make the rightchoices and perform at their best. Eating healthy and making the right decisionsabout what to eat plays a big part in this effort. It is our intent to support themhowever possible in their growth.

The Nutrition group views our role to provide nutrition education to students asa very important one. Our nutrition education programs are designed to enticestudents to be aware of and take ownership of the food choices they make, inand out of school. But most of all, they are fun. The Nutrition Group’s own Mollythe Cow is just one excellent example of a fun learning experience for elementarystudents. She is a big, lovable character that is colorful and eye-catching. Molly’sage-specific message is that the nutrients found in dairy products like low fat milkand yogurt helps their bones grow strong.

We are actively involved in Youth Advisory Councils (YAC), Parent AdvisoryCouncils (PAC), Parent Teacher Associations (PTA), Parent Teacher Organizations(PTO) and various community organizations in providing nutritional education. Wewelcome and value any input from both the parents and students.To learn more about The Nutrition Group and the services we provide, please visitour website www.thenutritiongroup.biz. The link is also available on the districtwebsite.

nutrition group’s online portals

The Lehighton Area School District and The Nutrition Group have opted into twoonline portals to help parents and students manage their lunch accounts andmeals.

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Nutrislice: Nutrislice is a new, online, menu tool. Our district specific website,lehighton.nutrislice.com, is made accessible to all parents and students. Nutrislicealso has an app that can be downloaded to any smartphone or tablet. Boththe website and app allow you to view the monthly breakfast and lunch menus,compare nutritional information for each menu item, and view announcements forupcoming events in the cafeteria. Menus can be printed from the website, with orwithout nutritional information, and also in a variety of sizes.

School Café:School Café is a website and/or app where parents and students can manage andview breakfast and lunch account purchases and/or balances. An account must becreated using the student’s ID number. Once an account is created, you are ableto view student balances, cafeteria purchases, and make online payments. Thereis also an option to set up low-balance notifications and reoccurring payments.Please note: If you choose to make a payment online, the site will charge a processing fee of $3.95 to any payment amount. If you choose to pay by cash or check, please send all payments in a sealedenvelope marked with student’s name and teacher. All students are entitled tobreakfast and lunch. If you do NOT want your son/daughter to purchase abreakfast, lunch, or a la carte items please send a letter to the CAFETERIA or ADMINISTRATION office stating this.

Both The Nutrition Group and Lehighton Area School District are dedicated toproviding high quality, nutritious meals to our students. If you have questions orconcerns, please feel free to contact us at 610-377-4490 ext. 2200 or via email [email protected].

field trips

During the school year there will be times when the classroom teachers feel that afield trip will be of some value to reinforce the regular classroom activities. (Most ofthese trips are paid through the generosity of your PTO.)

Prior to each trip you will receive a permission slip and a letter explaining thenature of the trip. The permission slip must be signed and returned to the schoolbefore your child will be permitted to go on the trip.

Chaperones will comply with all school policies and procedures and MUST have all clearances on file. For more information on the School Volunteer Policy andhow to obtain clearances, please refer to www.lehighton.org website, PARENTStab – Volunteer Information.

PTOThe Lehighton Area PTO exists to enhance the educational programs for ourchildren. They sponsor many educational opportunities for our youngsters, familyprograms and gifts to our schools. Parents are encouraged to join, participate inthe activities, and financially support the PTO.

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report cards

Report cards are issued every nine weeks. The grading system is explained onthe report card. In addition to percentage grades, the report card also indicates thechild’s behavior and work habits. Attendance is also indicated on the report card.

Grading Scale Grades 1—5A ............. 90 – 100B ............. 80 – 89C............. 70 – 79D............. 60 – 69E .........59 or below

promotion / retention

At the end of the school year, most children will advance to the next grade.However, since learning and maturation occur at different rates, some may needadditional time and may be retained. In an effort to avoid retention, strugglingstudents that are not meeting grade level expectations will be recommended toreceive additional instruction at the expense of other subjects. Parents will benotified during the year and will be involved in this decision making process.

Parental requests will no longer be accepted for child placement in a specificteacher classroom.

teacher availability / conferences

Parent / Teacher conferences are scheduled for November 7 to give youan opportunity to discuss your child’s progress directly with the teacher. At theconference, parents of K-5 pupils will be given a progress report and an update inall academic and social areas. We encourage you to contact your child’s teacherwith any questions or concerns throughout the school year.

in loco parentis

The present School Board policy affirms the “in loco parentis” prerogative of the professional staff and permits reasonable behavioral consequences underguidelines adopted by the School Board on June 26, 1989.

homebound instructions

Homebound instruction is available for any students who are unable to attendschool because of a lengthy illness or injury. Please contact building Principal formore information.

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special education notice

In compliance with state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the LehightonArea School District that it conducts ongoing identification activities as a part ofits school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need ofspecial education and related services. If your child is identified by the District aspossibly in need of such services, you will be notified of applicable procedures.Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determinedto need specially designed instruction due to the following conditions:

1. Autism2. Deafness or hearing impairment3. Emotional disturbance4. Intellectual disability5. Multiple disabilities6. Orthopedic impairment7. Other health impairment8. Specific learning disability9. Speech and language impairment

10. Traumatic brain injury11. Blindness or visual impairment12. Gifted

If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special educationservices and related programs, or young child (age 3 to school-age) may be inneed of early intervention, screening and evaluation processes designed to assessthe needs of the child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, uponwritten request. You may request screening, and evaluation at any time, whetheror not your child is enrolled in the District’s public school program. Requests forevaluation and screening are to be made in writing to Mr. McIntyre, Director ofSpecial Services.

For further information on the rights of parents and children, provision of services,evaluation and screening (including purpose, time and location), you may contactin writing the person listed above or any building principal.

Confidentiality: All information gathered about your child is subject to theconfidentiality provisions contained in federal and state law. The District has policiesand procedures in effect governing the collection, maintenance, destruction, anddisclosure to third parties of this information. For information about these policiesand procedures, as well as rights of confidentiality and access to educationalrecords, you may contact in writing the person named above or any buildingprincipal.

guidance services

Guidance services are available to all students. The school counselor is availablefor individual counseling for students, parents, and staff upon request or referral.The guidance counselor is also available for consultation with parents regardingtest results, learning problems, referrals for psychological services, behaviorproblems, etc. There are outside agencies which may be required to meet withyour child without parental notification due to circumstances that may arise whichare out of our control.

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multi-tiered systems of support (mtss)MTSS is an early intervening program that is comprehensive, multi-tiered, and stan-dards aligned to enable early identification and intervention for students at academicor behavioral risk. The goal of MTSS is to improve student achievement using research-based interventions matched to the instructional need and level of the student. MTSS allows classroom teachers, Title I staff, guidance counselors,and administrators to identify and address academic and behavioral difficulties priorto student failure. It provides all students with grade-level curriculum concepts and competencies, data-driven instruction, and the additional support needed to achieve strong academic results.

core characteristics of mtss • Standards-aligned instruction: All students receive high quality, research-

based instruction within the regular education classroom setting. This instruc-tion is aligned to the Pennsylvania standards.

• Assessment: All students are assessed to determine academic and behaviorstatus against grade-level benchmarks. Students grades K-5 are tested in theareas of reading and mathematics during the fall, winter and spring each year.

• Shared ownership: All staff (general education teachers, encore teachers,special education teachers, Title I, ELL) are actively involved in the assess-ment of students and designing the interventions needed for success.

• Data-Based Decision Making: The MTSS team analyzes student perfor-mance data and guides school decisions on instructional changes, choices ofinterventions, and appropriate rates of progress.o Progress Monitoring: Students with academic interventions are progress

monitored frequently to assess the effectiveness of the interventions.o Benchmark and Outcome Assessment: Student progress is assessed pe-

riodically throughout the year, and at the end of the year against gradelevel benchmarks and standards.

• Tiered Intervention and Service Delivery System: Some students receiveincreasing intense levels of research-based interventions dependent uponstudent need. Instruction is differentiated to meet learner needs and consistsof:

o Research-based Interventions: Implementation of research-validatedinterventions with proven effectiveness based on assessed skill area andlevel of need.

o Flexible grouping: Students move among flexible instructional groupsbased on need and skill mastery within the master schedule at the ele-mentary level.

o Fidelity of Implementation: Teachers deliver curriculum and programcontent and use instructional strategies in the same way that they weredesigned to be used and delivered.

• Parental Engagement: Parents are notified when their child has beenreferred to the MTSS for academic and/or behavioral interventions. Par-ents will attend regular meetings throughout the year to discuss theirchild’s progress. They are responsible for completing any recommended

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interventions/plans within the home environment. Parents receive informationregarding:o their child’s needs,o a description of the specific intervention and who is delivering instruction,o clearly stated intervention goals and academic progress expected for

their child,o the amount of time spent in each tier to determine whether the

intervention is working,o regular progress or lack of progress reports, ando the right to request a special education evaluation at any time.

internet / electronic communications

The Internet is an evolving electronic highway connecting computers all over theworld. This technology will enable staff and students of the Lehighton Area SchoolDistrict to have access to electronic mail communication with people world-wideand to a vast array of information such as university library catalogs, the Libraryof Congress, public and private sector research, public domain software andshareware, political issues, current event news, etc.

With such extensive access to computers and individuals comes the availability ofmaterial that may not be considered of value in the context of the Lehighton AreaSchool District’s curriculum and programs. However, on a global network, it is notpossible to control all material, and an industrious user may discover controversialinformation. The District firmly believes that the valuable information and interactionavailable on this worldwide network far outweigh the possibility that users mayprocure material that is inconsistent with the goals of the Lehighton Area SchoolDistrict. All use of the Internet must be in support of educational goals, research,and the sharing of information and resources consistent with the purposes of theLehighton Area School District.

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. The Superintendent or his designeewill make determinations on whether specific uses of the network are consistent withthe Lehighton Area School District’s curriculum and program goals. The electroniccommunication systems are owned by the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 andthe Lehighton Area School District for its purposes only. Users have no expectationof privacy in connection with the electronic communications systems. The LehightonArea School District reserves the right to log Internet use, monitor file server spaceutilization by users, to use software to monitor Internet use, as well as the right toaccess, copy, monitor, and listen to all Internet and voice mail messages.

The Lehighton Area School District reserves the right to temporarily or permanentlyremove a user account on the network to prevent further unauthorized activity.

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title i / school wide program

The goal of Title 1, which is a federally assisted program, is to ensure that allstudents, particularly those who are low-achieving, demonstrate proficient andadvanced levels of achievement in both math and reading. All students, in theelementary center, can receive both math and reading supports throughout the yearto meet these goals.

The reading program services students in grades K-5 and is provided by the certifiedreading specialist. The math program serves students in grades K-5 and thisservice is provided by the math specialist. Parents/guardians are encouraged to beinvolved in all aspects of the program. Details of this program can be located on theDistrict’s website at www.lehgihton.org/departments.

power announcement

For the upcoming 2018-2019 school year, we are looking to enhance ourcommunication between home and school by offering the ability to get informationthrough text messaging. To guarantee the messaging system is used efficiently,you will need to confirm your contact information is accurate and up-to-date at alltimes. Confirmation of this information is made available to you through the ParentPortal through a tab called “Alert Solutions 2”. Here you will be able to see all thecontact information our school has listed to you. Within this section of the ParentPortal, you will also be able to choose your communication preferences based onmessage category, such as School Closures or Attendance, and message type(email, voice, and/or text message). You may opt-out of any message categoryexcept for Emergency Messages.

Setting up your parent preferences is your responsibility. To receive text messages,you must go to Preferences by message type and click and hold to drag the contactinformation above the appropriate boxes. By default, phone calls and email arechosen. You will receive messages to every contact field shown and every messagecategory that has all three message types chosen. Tolls and charges associatedwith receipt of messages from the school are your responsibility and not theresponsibility of the school. Please be sure to set your unique preferences if thereare any numbers or addresses you do not like to be contacted at.

Emergency messages are always sent with all three message types (email, text,and voice calls) and to every contact field shown even if you have opted out. Wecannot change this. Emergency messages will be labeled as such so you will knowit is an actual emergency. If you do not have access to log into the Parent Portal, you may contact the schooldirectly to request changes. The successful delivery of information is dependentupon accurate contact information for each student, so please make certain that wehave your most current phone numbers. If this information changes during the year,please let us know immediately.

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student assistants program information

SAP is a systemic process using techniques to mobilize school resources to removebarriers to learning. The core of the program is a professionally trained team,including school staff and liaisons from community alcohol and drug and mentalhealth agencies. SAP team members are trained to identify problems, determinewhether or not the presenting problem lies within the responsibility of the schooland to make recommendations to assist the student and the parent. When theproblem lies beyond the scope of the school, the SAP team will assist the parent andstudent so they may access services within the community. The student assistanceteam members do not diagnose, treat or refer to treatment; but they may referfor a screening or an assessment for treatment. To make a referral, please go toLehighton Elementary website and follow the links for SAP.

There are four phases to the student assistance process:1. Referral - Anyone can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about

someone’s behavior -- any school staff, a student’s friend, a family member orcommunity member. The students themselves can even go directly to the SAPteam to ask for help. The SAP team contacts the parent for permission to proceedwith the SAP process.

2. Team Planning – The SAP team gathers objective information about the student’sperformance in school from all school personnel who have contact with thestudent. Information is also collected from the parent. The team meets with theparent to discuss the data collected and also meets with the student. Together, aplan is developed that includes strategies for removing the learning barriers andpromoting the student’s academic and personal success to include in-school and/or community-based services and activities.

3. Intervention and Recommendations – The plan is put into action. The team assistsin linking the student to in-school and/or community-based services and activities.The team might recommend a drug and alcohol or mental health assessment.

4. Support and Follow-Up – The SAP team continues to work with and supportthe student and their family. Follow-up includes monitoring, mentoring, andmotivating for academic success. Refer to the Lehighton Area School DistrictsWebsite for more detailed information about SAP and the districts drug andalcohol procedures.

school wide positive behavior interventions and supports

At the Lehighton Area Elementary Center, we believe in Tribe Pride. As part of ourschool-wide positive behavior interventions and support initiative we have createda set of behavioral expectations for our students in various areas of the building.As a school we expect students to be responsible, respectful, safe and kind. If astudent exhibits these positive behaviors, they may be recognized in a variety ofways. Through SWPBIS we have other supports in place to help those studentswho are struggling with exhibiting positive behaviors. Our goal is to create a positiveschool culture in which each student feels a part of something special.

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LEHIGHTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTJonathan J. Cleaver, Superintendent

Timothy M. Tkach, Assistant to the Superintendent 1000 Union Street, Lehighton, Pennsylvania 18235

Telephone: 610-377-4490 Fax: 610-577-0032

“Partnering with students, families, and community to provide opportunities for life-long success through academic excellence and individual growth in a safe and supportive environment.”

Notification Letter for Parents, Guardians and Employees of Lehighton Area School District

Dear Parent(s), Guardian(s) and Employees,

The Lehighton Area School District uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for managing insects, rodents and weeds. Our goal is to protect every student from pesticide exposure by using an IPM approach to pest management. Our IPM approach focuses on making the school buildings and grounds an unfavorable habitat for these pests by removing food and water sources and eliminating their hiding and breeding places. We accomplish this through routine cleaning and maintenance. We routinely monitor the school buildings and grounds to detect any pests that are present. The pest monitoring team consists of our building maintenance, office and teaching staff and includes our students. Pest sightings are reported to our IPM coordinator who evaluates the “pest problem” and determines the appropriate pest management techniques to address the problem. The techniques can include increased sanitation, modifying storage practices, sealing entry points, physically removing the pest, etc.

From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals to manage a pest problem. Chemicals will only be used when necessary, and will not be routinely applied. When chemicals are used, the school will try to use the least toxic product when possible. (Applications will be made only after normal school hours.) Notices will be posted in these areas 72 hours prior to application and for two days following the application.

Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at the school. To receive notification you must be placed on the school notification registry. If you would like to be placed on the registry, please notify the district in writing. Please include your email address if you would like to be notified electronically.

If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem (ex. stinging insects), notice will be provided by telephone or email to any parent or guardian who has requested such notification in writing. Exemptions to this notification include disinfectants and anti-microbial products; self-containerized baits placed in areas not accessible to students, and gel type baits placed in cracks, and crevices or voids.

Each year the district will prepare a new notification registry.

If you have any questions, please contact Kyle Spotts, IPM Coordinator. All correspondence should be directed to the address, email ([email protected]) or telephone number listed on this letterhead.

Sincerely,

Kyle Spotts, CAADirector of Student Services and Facilities Planning

“Commitment to Excellence”

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school bus regulations for students

Proper student conduct on buses is vital to insure that the safety of all students andthe bus driver is not jeopardized. School bus transportation is a privilege not to be abused.

1. Students shall wait in an orderly fashion at the approved bus stop. It isstrongly suggested that students be accompanied by a parent or responsibleadult at the bus stop.

2. Students must wait on the sidewalk or completely off the highway until the buscomes to a full stop before attempting to get on the bus. Form a single line toboard the bus.

3. Students must go to their seats and stay there until the bus comes to acomplete stop at the school or the stop where the students get off. Nostanding or walking at any time while the bus is in motion.

4. Students shall never put hands, arms, legs, or any part of their bodies out ofthe window.

5. No regulating windows without drive permission6. No use of profane, foul, or indecent language on the bus. (5)7. No fighting, scuffling, or creating a disturbance. (5)8. Smoking, drinking, or eating is prohibited on the bus.9. Students shall not spit or throw trash in or around the bus.

10. Students shall not tamper with the bus or any of its emergency equipment.11. No use of the emergency door is permitted without driver approval.12. No throwing any objects on the bus or out of the windows.13. No use of electronic devices while entering/exiting the bus; no sharing

electronic devices (9)14. No blocking the emergency exits or aisle of the bus.15. No carrying any potentially dangerous objects such as knives, firearms,

matches, lighters, fireworks, water guns, scissors, etc.16. No transporting of any animal17. If it is necessary to cross the street after getting off the bus, students shall

cross within 10 feet of the front of the bus and wait for a hand signal from thedriver

18. Students shall respect the authority of the bus driver by obeying him/her at alltimes. Drivers have the authority to assign seats.

19. No behaving in a manner which would endanger the health, safety, or wefareof other students, or the driver from their responsibility to permeate the bus ina safe manner.(13)

20. A signed note from a parent/adult must be brought from home andsigned by an administrator or office secretary if there is to be a changein how a student gets home from school.NOTE: When bus students arrive at school in the morning, they must reportdirectly to their assigned classrooms. They are NOT permitted to leave theschool property

No boarding or departing from any stop other than your designated stopwithout written permission from school.

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Notes

Please complete, sign, and return to classroom teacher the following three (3) forms:

I have read and reviewed the 2018-2019 Elementary Student/Parent Handbook with my son/daughter and agree to cooperate with the school in all matters concerning mychild’s safety and education.

Student Name __________________________________________________________________

Grade _____________________ Teacher_____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________Date_______________

Permission to Travel within District

I give permission for my child to be transported, or walk, to any Lehighton Area School District building for any school sponsored event.

Student Name __________________________________________________________________

Grade _____________________ Teacher_____________________________________________


Individual and Small Group Photo Release:

Throughout the school year, individual and small group photographs and video recording may be taken of students as they participate in various academic and non-academic activities. These may be used to publicize and promote district activities. It is assumed that your child may be photographed unless permission is denied by checking below.

_______________ I DO give permission for my child to be photographed in individual and small group settings.

_______________ I DO NOT give permission for my child to be photographed in individual and small group settings.

Student Name __________________________________________________________________

Grade _____________________ Teacher_____________________________________________


Students’ Lunch: All students are entitled to a lunch. If you do NOT want your son/daughter to purchase a lunch, please send a letter to the Administration office stating this.

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