Lovettsville Elementary School

Parent & Student Handbooks

2015-2016

Kimberly Forcino Principal TBD

Assistant Principal

49 South Loudoun Street Lovettsville, Virginia 20180

Phone: 540-751-2470 FAX: 703-771-6703

Attendance Line: 540-751-2471 http://www.lcps.org/lovettsville

2015-2016 LCPS SCHOOL CALENDAR Loudoun County Public Schools

2015 August 31 First Day of School for Students September 7 Holiday (Labor Day) October 12 Holiday (Columbus Day) October 30 End of First Grading Period November 2-3 Student Holidays (Planning/Records/Conference Days) November 25-27 Holiday (Thanksgiving) December 21-January 1 Winter Break 2016 January 4 Classes Resume January 18 Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) January 28 End of Second Grading Period

January 29 *MOVEABLE Student Holiday (Planning Records/ Conference Day)

February 15 Holiday (Presidents' Day) March 21-25 Spring Break April 14 End of Grading Period April 15 Student Holiday (Planning/Records/Conference Day) May 30 Holiday (Memorial Day) June 14 Last Day of School for Students/ End of Grading Period June 15 & June 16 Planning/Records/Conference Days

END GRADING PERIOD REPORT CARDS DISTRIBUTED October 30 November 11 January 28 February 10 April 14 April 27 June 14 June 20 INCLEMENT WEATHER MAKE-UP NOTICE: * NOTE: Parents with child-care or other weekday concerns - Dates of this Moveable Planning/Records/Conference Day between first and second semesters may change if the school calendar must be changed due to school closings for inclement weather or other emergencies.

Table of Contents 2015-2016 LCPS SCHOOL CALENDAR .................. ii SCHOOL PERSONNEL 2015-2016 ............................ 2 STUDENT ENROLLMENT ........................................ 3

Registration Requirements: ................................... 3 Special Permission for Attendance at Another Loudoun School: ..................................................... 3

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL ..................................... 3 School Hours: .......................................................... 3 Student Arrival and Dismissal: ............................. 3 Automobile Transportation: .................................. 3

ATTENDANCE ........................................................... 4 Attendance Policy: .................................................. 4 Student Absence: .................................................... 4 Notification of Absence: ......................................... 4 Frequent Absenteeism:........................................... 5 Tardiness: ................................................................ 5

Students Leaving School Early: ................................... 5 Make-Up Work:...................................................... 5 School Cancellations and Altered Schedules: ...... 5 Make a Plan and Keep it Updated: ....................... 6

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION ............................... 6 Bus Transportation: ............................................... 6 Bus Conduct: ........................................................... 6 Changing Buses and Bus Stop: .............................. 6 Periodic Changes in Transportation: .................... 6 Parking Lot Procedures: ........................................ 7 School Breakfast Program: .................................... 7 School Lunch Program: ......................................... 7 Online Cafeteria Payment System: ....................... 7 Free and Reduced Lunch Program: ..................... 7 Students Without Lunch Money/Lunch Charges: .................................................................................. 8 Purchase of Ice Cream and Cookies: .................... 8 Lunch Visitors: ....................................................... 8 Lunchroom Expectations and Procedures: .......... 8

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS IN THE CAFETERIA: ....................................................... 8

KINDERGARTEN SNACK .................................. 8 HEALTH AND SAFETY ............................................ 8

School Clinic Services: ........................................... 8 Student Emergency Cards: .................................... 9 Special Medical Needs: ........................................... 9 Health Screenings: .................................................. 9 Student Illness:........................................................ 9 Medication: ............................................................. 9 Injuries: ................................................................. 10 Communicable/Infectious Diseases: .................... 10 Student Insurance: ............................................... 10 Safety Drills: ......................................................... 10

GUIDANCE SERVICES ........................................... 10 School Counselor: ................................................. 10 Child Abuse and Neglect:..................................... 11

OFFICE PROCEDURES ........................................... 11 Maintenance of Student Records: ....................... 11 School Visitors: ..................................................... 11 Delivering Items to Students: .............................. 11 Student Photographs and Yearbook: .................. 11 Student Use of Phones, Personal Electronic Devices, and Laser Pointers: ................................ 11

Checks with Insufficient Funds: ..........................12 BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PLAN ......................12

Goals and Beliefs: .................................................12 Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS): ...................................................................12

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR .....12 Dress Code: ...........................................................13 Weapons: ...............................................................13 Drugs and Alcohol: ...............................................13 Items Brought to School: ......................................13 Gum and Lollipops: ..............................................13 Sales and Distribution of Items: ..........................13 Class Parties and Celebrations: ...........................14 Birthday Celebrations, Party Invitations and Personal Mail: .......................................................14 Playground Use and Recess: ................................14 Lovettsville Elementary Playground Structure Rules: .....................................................................14

INSTRUCTION AND CURRICULUM ....................14 Instructional Program: ........................................14 Report Cards and Interim Progress Reports: ....15 Responsive Instruction: ........................................15 Special Education: ................................................15 English Language Learners: ................................16 Instructional Assistance: ......................................16 Programs for Gifted Students: ............................16 Student Promotion and Retention: .....................16 Instructional Technology: ....................................16 “Specials” Classes: ................................................16 Library Program: .................................................16 Textbooks: .............................................................17 Homework: ............................................................17 Testing: ..................................................................17 Field Trips: ............................................................17 Physical Fitness Testing: ......................................18 Book Clubs and Student Periodicals: ..................18

HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS .................18 Parent Concerns: ..................................................18 Teacher/Parent Communication Folder: ............18 Lovettsville Newsletter: ........................................18 Telephone Communications: ...............................18 Lovettsville Web Site: ...........................................18 Use of Email: .........................................................18 Parent Liaison: ......................................................18 Parent-Teacher Conferences: ..............................19 Permission Slips: ...................................................19 Notification of Classroom & School Events: ......19

PARENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ...19 Parent-Teacher Organization:.............................19 Volunteer Program:..............................................19 WATCH D.O.G.S. ® Program: ...........................19

STUDENT ACTIVITIES .................................20 Run Club: ..............................................................20 After School Clubs: ..............................................20

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LOVETTSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PERSONNEL 2015-2016

Principal Mrs. Kimberly Forcino Assistant Principal TBD Secretaries Mrs. Carolyn Moxley Mrs. Lori Taylor School Counselor Mrs. Katie Routzahn Parent Liaison Mrs. Pam Hayba Kindergarten Mrs. Nancy Baker

Mrs. Elizabeth Morris Mrs. Janie Pruckowski Mrs. Susan Crouse, Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Paula Foley, Teacher Assistant

First Grade Mrs. Charley Brock

Mrs. Ann Negley Mrs. Dawn Snyder Ms. Christine Vergeres Second Grade Mrs. Tammy Brooks Mr. Darrell Cummings Mrs. Denise Fatz Mrs. Cheryl Mason Third Grade Mrs. Wendy Clark Mrs. Natalie Deater Mrs. Roxanna Horton Mrs. Barbara Mercer Fourth Grade Mrs. Tiffany Ciancio Mr. Michael Condon Mr. Steven Emswiler Mr. Sean Stockton Fifth Grade Mrs. Tricia Crouch

Mrs. Jodi Hillebrand Ms. Lisa Pacific Mr. Doug Wise Resource Teachers Mrs. Ruth Ann Brosh Mrs. Meagan Carey Mrs. Chanelle Hamilton

Mrs. Christina Spooner Mrs. Susan Sears Reading Resource Mrs. Theresa Rinehart Part-Time Reading Mrs. Dianne Baldwin Resource Library Mrs. Tansy Wetmore Mrs. Lucy Foit, Assistant Technology Ms. Lori Mullaney

Technology Asst. Mrs. Susan Zimmerman Physical Education Mr. Hugh Brockway Ms. Jill Olshavsky Adapted P.E. Ms. Amanda Hopson Art Mrs. Cheryl Suitor Music Mrs. Sarah Stillman ELL Teacher Mrs. Deborah Randazzo- Spangler Search Mrs. Michelle LaFollette Speech & Language Mrs. Jayme Lundy Occupational Therapist Ms. Deanne Jones Hearing Impaired Ms. Pamela Sperry Instructional Aides Mrs. Kim Fairbanks Mrs. Andrea Miller Ms. Breyhel Nocek Mrs. Stephanie Pearson Mrs. Sherri Zoldos

DARE Officer TBD Health Aide Mrs. Karen McCall Custodial Staff Mr. Aaron McDaniel, Head Ms. Zinia Bustillo Mrs. Tiffany Estep Mrs. Tami Nick Cafeteria Staff Mrs. Rose Foster, Mngr. Mrs. Bonnie Fraley Cafeteria Hostesses Ms. Debbie Fink Mrs. Rayo Carrerra-

Hernandez Mrs. Elia Sanchez

Parent Teacher Organization Board

President Mrs. Cathy Owens Vice President Mrs. Casey Dean Mrs. Melissa Barton Secretary Mrs. Natalie Metzler Treasurer Mrs. Laura Spellings Assistant Treasurer Mrs. Amanda Millard Co-Volunteer Coordinator Mrs. Jennifer Stumbaugh Mrs. Stacey Wise Publicity Mrs. Bleigh Tantlinger Principal Mrs. Kim Forcino Assistant Principal Mrs. Kelly Meisenzahl Staff Representatives Mrs. Janie Pruckowski Mrs. Sarah Stillman

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STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Registration Requirements: Any child in kindergarten through fifth grade who resides in the Lovettsville school zone may enroll at Lovettsville Elementary School. By state law, students who will be five years old on or before September 30 are eligible to enroll in kindergarten. A child with an October 1st or later birthday cannot be considered for enrollment. Students enrolling in Loudoun County Public Schools are required to provide the following: 1. Proof of residency: Parents seeking

admission for a student shall present proof that the student actually resides within the attendance area of the school in which the parent is seeking to enroll him/her. A signed lease, deed, settlement papers, deed of trust, or mortgage statement may be used as proof of residency.

2. Completed Loudoun County Registration Form

3. Original Birth Certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate

4. Valid Physical Examination Form, which: • Has been completed and signed by a

qualified physician licensed in the U.S., physician’s assistant, or licensed nurse practitioner (Health Care Professional, HCP) within twelve months prior to entry into kindergarten or elementary school

• Physical examinations for kindergarten students must include:

vision and hearing screening 5. Immunization Record: Documentation for

certain immunizations, signed by a licensed Health Care Professional • DtaP, DTP, DT, or Td – minimum 3 doses • Polio – minimum of 3 doses • Hepatitis B – minimum of 3 doses if born

after 01/01/94 • Measles, Mumps, Rubella – minimum of 2

measles, 1 mumps, and 1 rubella • Varicella – all susceptible children born on

or after 01/01/97 6. Signed permission from parents to request

student records from the child's previous school, if applicable

7. Student Expulsion form signed by parents Special Permission for Attendance at Another Loudoun School: Applications for a child to attend a school in a different attendance zone must be submitted to the Pupil Personnel Services Department of Loudoun County Public Schools. Please refer to the Parent Information section of the LCPS web site for details on the special permission request process.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

School Hours: The school day officially begins at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 2:35 p.m. Morning kindergarten is 7:50 until 10:50 and afternoon kindergarten is 11:35 until 2:35. Students who ride in cars should not arrive before 7:30 a.m. and should be picked up between 2:35 and 2:40 p.m. Supervision for students is not available prior to 7:30 a.m. and after 2:40 p.m. Student Arrival and Dismissal: Students disembark from school buses between 7:30 a.m. and 7:50 a.m. Class instruction begins promptly at 7:50 a.m. daily. Morning kindergarten students are dismissed at 10:50. Student dismissal for afternoon students begins at 2:35 p.m. Lovettsville Elementary School does not have childcare before or after school, therefore it is imperative that students do not arrive early or remain late. Halls are closely supervised during arrival and dismissal, so students are expected to walk to class without parents. Parents must sign-in at the office any time they are going anywhere beyond the office area. It is important that parents and other visitors refrain from visiting classrooms during arrival and dismissal as these are busy times for teachers and students. If you need to meet with teachers, please arrange a conference in advance. To ensure the safety of students, all car riders must be met in the gymnasium hallway and signed out by the adult with whom they will be leaving. Adults who pick up students must be included on the child’s emergency form or indicated on a note signed by the parent/guardian. Please do not meet your child outside, at the bus loop, in the lobby, in the hallway, or in the classroom for dismissal. Students are not permitted to walk or ride bikes to school. Automobile Transportation: Students who are transported by automobile may be dropped off beginning at 7:30 a.m., and no later than 7:45, so that they will be in class by 7:50. Students being picked up for dismissal may be met and signed out in the gymnasium hallway at 2:35 p.m. To ensure the safety of our students, we request your cooperation during arrival and dismissal in the following ways:

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• Always use the north parking lot (and refrain from using the bus loop) for drop-off and pick-up of students.

• Students may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. Classes begin at 7:50 a.m. sharp, so please arrive by 7:45 a.m. so that your child does not feel compelled to run to arrive at class on time.

• The Kiss and Go lane may be used to safely unload your child if you are stopping only briefly, but please be careful to look for passing vehicles before pulling out of the Kiss and Go lane.

• When dropping off children, pull your vehicle up along the curb as far as you can and have your child exit the car on the passenger side next to the curb. Do not have children get out on the other side, since traffic may be passing.

• Be alert to others during arrival and dismissal. Please do not pass automobiles that are unloading students unless you plan to park in the lot.

• If you need to talk with your child or come into the building, please park in the lot, instead of in the Kiss and Go lane. Please refrain from parking along the curb and leaving your vehicle.

• Halls are closely supervised during arrival and dismissal, so students are expected to walk to class without parents.

• Dismissal is at 2:35 p.m. Please arrive at 2:35 to pick up your child.

• Parents/guardians who are picking students up after school must sign-out students on the dismissal register and meet them in the gymnasium hallway. Please do not go to the office, classrooms or wait in other areas of the building to pick up children.

• Parking along the yellow curb or any areas with a fire lane sign is prohibited at all times. This area serves as the fire lane and bus-loading zone. Parking in the handicapped parking spaces is also prohibited unless authorized to do so.

ATTENDANCE Attendance Policy: As explained in the Loudoun County Public Schools Student’s Rights and Responsibilities booklet, students of school age have a right to a free public school education and they have a responsibility to attend school. Regular attendance is essential if students are to benefit fully from the educational opportunities provided for them. Unless excused by their principal, students are expected to be in school and on time every day.

The General Assembly of Virginia has recognized the importance of regular attendance by enacting a compulsory attendance law for students under the age of 18 years. This law requires parents or guardians to see that their children attend school for the same number of days and hours that school is in session and it provides penalties for failure to do so. Penalties are also provided for anyone, including other students, who encourages or induces students to be absent or who employs or harbors a student who should be in school. The School Board employs attendance officers who are authorized and required to file a petition in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to obtain compliance with this law.

Student Absence: As explained in LCPS School Board Regulations 8-17, recognizing there are legitimate circumstances that prevent

students from being in school, the School Board has provided that principals shall excuse students who are absent because of personal illness, death in the family, medical or dental appointments, court appearances, and religious holidays when notification or appropriate documentation has been provided by the parent. Principals are also authorized to excuse students who are absent because of illness in the immediate family or emergencies that, in the judgment of the principal, require a student to be absent. Routine family travel or vacation are rarely approved as excused absences, and will be recorded as “unexcused.” Students may not arrive late or be dismissed early on a regular basis due to appointments, lessons, or other family reasons without approval of the Superintendent or a Designee. A Request for Waiver of Full-Day Attendance Requirement may be obtained through the Superintendent’s office. Notification of Absence: Whenever a student is absent from school, documentation is required to verify the reason for the absence. Parents are required to notify the school as to the reason for the absence. This may be done through the school’s Absentee Phone line, which is 540-751-2471. Any absence not confirmed by the parent will be considered unexcused. If the parent has not called the school to verify the absence, the school will make a reasonable effort to call the parent to verify the day’s absence. Upon the student’s return to school, a written explanation from a parent or guardian is required for each absence. The note should include: date(s) of the absence, reason for

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the absence, and signature of the parent/guardian. Frequent Absenteeism: When a student is frequently absent from class, his/her achievement in school may be in jeopardy. The school counselor and school administrators closely monitor student absenteeism. If a student is absent for more than 10 days or 10% of the total number of days membership, whichever is determined appropriate by the principal, the school will send a letter to the parents requiring a physician’s note for all further absences. At the principal’s discretion, contact may be made sooner or waived due to extenuating circumstances. In accordance with the Loudoun County Public Schools Student’s Rights and Responsibilities document, at such time as a student accumulates 5 unexcused absences, a referral will be made to the Attendance Officer. Tardiness:

A student who is not inside the front door when the bell rings at 7:50 a.m. is tardy and must report to the office, with an adult, where a tardy slip will be issued.

Occasional tardiness for valid reasons is not a serious offense; however, repeated or habitual tardiness encourages the formation of undesirable personal habits and disrupts the orderly instructional process of the school. A student who is frequently late does not receive the full benefit of the initial instructions and plans for the day and interrupts the activity of the class. When a student arrives tardy, parents must escort their child to the office and assist him/her in obtaining a tardy pass to class. This is required to ensure the safety and well-being of the student. In addition, the school may require the parent or guardian to provide justification to determine the reason for the student’s tardiness. If this does not occur and documentation is not provided by the parent, as to the reason for the tardy, the tardy may be considered unexcused. If a student is tardy more than 10 times, a letter will be sent to the parent as notification of the school’s concern for the student’s tardiness, and a physician’s note may be required. If the pattern of tardiness does not improve, a referral will be made to the Attendance Officer. Regular tardiness due to routine appointments or other activities require the approval of the Superintendent or Designee via the Request for Waiver of Full-Day Attendance Requirement.

Students Leaving School Early: It is important that students attend school for the entire day; therefore we request that you attempt to schedule all appointments after school hours when possible. Parents are discouraged from taking students out of school early. Please keep in mind that all early dismissals are recorded on students’ attendance records. The end of the school day is a busy and important time for both teachers and students. Students who have early dismissal between 2:15 p.m. and the end of the school day may miss important instructions from their teacher, including information about homework and other items that need to go home. Please request early dismissal only if absolutely necessary. When a student must leave school before his/her instructional day is over, the parent/guardian must send a signed note of explanation or call in advance. Students shall not be allowed to leave school early on a regular basis until the Superintendent or Designee approves the Request for Waiver of Full-Day Attendance Requirement. Parents are requested to notify the office of the early dismissal early in the day so that the teacher has reasonable time to anticipate the instruction missed and homework to be assigned. The parent or authorized adult must meet the student in the office at the time of the dismissal. Students will remain in the classroom until the adult arrives in the office. We will not call children to the office to wait until the parent arrives. Teachers may not dismiss any student unless notified by the office. If earlier notice is not possible, we request that all changes in transportation and dismissal be made no later than 1:45 p.m. It is difficult to ensure that students will get home the right way when changes are made after 1:45 p.m. When a parent/guardian would like his/her child(ren) to leave school with another adult (or with the child’s older sibling), the parent /guardian must inform the principal in the form of a signed note. Make-Up Work: Students are responsible for making up work assigned during his/her absence. Parents/guardians may request make-up work during student absence. In the event of absence due to illness, a request must be made no later than 7:50 a.m. the day the student is absent for work to be ready at 2:35 p.m. If the absence is scheduled in advance (e.g., a religious holiday, appointment, or illness), work must be requested at least two days in advance of the absence. School Cancellations and Altered Schedules: Schools may be closed or experience delayed opening or early dismissal due to inclement

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weather or other emergencies. In the case of such situations, please do not call the school office. An automated call will be made to all school families informing them of inclement weather plans. The closings are announced over the following Washington area radio and television stations as early as 6:00 a.m. WRC (TV Channel 4) FOX (TV Channel 5) WJLA (TV Channel 7) WUSA (TV Channel 9) News Channel 8 WINC (92.5 FM) WMRE (1550 AM) WTOP (103.5 FM) WMAL (630 AM) A one-hour delay would mean that all morning programs would operate as usual except that they would start at 8:50 a.m. instead of 7:50 a.m. A two-hour delay would mean that school opening would be delayed for two hours, which would be 9:50 a.m. at Lovettsville. Kindergarten and ELL classes would be altered, with morning being 9:50 – 11:50 and afternoon sessions being 12:35 – 2:35. A one-hour early closing would mean that students would leave school at 1:35 p.m. instead of 2:35 p.m. A two-hour early closing would mean that students would be dismissed at 12:35 p.m. and afternoon kindergarten and ELL classes would be cancelled. Make a Plan and Keep it Updated: Please discuss with your children an emergency plan for their arrival home in case of early dismissal. Children need to know where they are to go and what to do if adults are not at home in such situations. This information should be recorded on the Emergency Transportation form sent home and updated (by note or phone call) as changes occur.

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION

Bus Transportation: Bus transportation is provided for all Lovettsville Elementary School students. The Director of Transportation for Loudoun County Public Schools determines the bus routes. Bus routes are posted on the Loudoun County Public Schools website. NOTE: Students are not permitted to walk or ride bikes to school. The school attendance area does not meet the criteria for a walk route at this time. Bus Conduct: All students receive instruction in bus safety rules at the beginning of each school year. Obviously, it is of great importance that students follow these safety rules at all times. Parents are asked to review bus safety procedures with their children,

especially safety at the bus stop. We encourage parents to supervise children at the bus stop. It is generally understood that when a student is walking to and from the bus stop, waiting for the bus, and riding the bus, the school is responsible for the conduct of the student and therefore the student must abide by the rules of the school. When bus rules are broken, the bus driver may refer the student to the school administrators. The administrator will take necessary disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to: special seating arrangements, parental contact, or suspension from the bus. A student suspended from riding the bus is still expected to attend school. Student Expectations on the Bus: To be respectful, I will:

Keep my hands and feet to myself Use a quiet, yellow zone, voice

To be responsible, I will: Keep my backpack on my lap or on the

floor between my legs Put trash in the trash can when I get off

the bus To be safe, I will:

Sit and stay in my seat Keep my feet on the floor Keep my head and hands inside the

window Changing Buses and Bus Stop: A student, who needs to ride a different bus or get off the bus at a different bus stop, must bring a note from his/her parent/guardian. The note must be submitted to the office and a bus pass will be issued to the student to be shown to the bus driver. In some instances, certain buses are full and other students will not be permitted to ride the bus. If a last minute change needs to be made, please call the school office as early as possible. We request that all changes in transportation be made no later than 1:45 p.m. Periodic Changes in Transportation: If a student’s transportation schedule changes for a certain period of time for personal reasons or participation in a special activity (such as Kid’s Club), a note must be sent to school each day the child’s transportation is different from the norm. For example, please do not send a note indicating that your child will be picked up every Thursday for the next eight weeks because of a club. Instead, we must receive a note every Thursday during that time period indicating the child’s transportation. It is too confusing and subject to error when teachers attempt to keep up with long-range changes.

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Parking Lot Procedures: Parents/guardians or other authorized individuals who are visiting the school or who are picking up students should park in the north parking lot. Parking along the yellow curb in front of the school and in the handicapped spaces is prohibited. SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

School Breakfast Program:

Lovettsville Elementary School participates in the brown bag or take and go school breakfast model. Students interested in getting breakfast will go directly to

the serving line when they enter school in the morning. They pick up a drink and the bagged breakfast and take it to their classroom to eat. Each classroom teacher has specific classroom procedures for students bringing breakfast to the classroom. The breakfast menu is the same each week and is listed on the menu sent out monthly. BREAKFAST PRICES Student breakfast: $2.10 Adult breakfast: a la carte NOTE: All reduced eligible children will eat breakfast and lunch at no cost to the family. School Lunch Program:

The school cafeteria staff prepares hot lunches reflecting the menu prepared by the Loudoun County Public Schools Food Services program. The lunches served in Loudoun County Schools are

planned using the Food Guide Pyramid. Every lunch contains the following: one serving of meat, three servings of fruits and vegetables, one serving of milk and at least one serving of bread or grain. Our goal is to provide 1/3 of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for key nutrients that are important for growing children. It is important for your child to select and eat a complete school lunch. Encourage your child to select all the foods necessary to build a healthy lunch and a healthy body.

Students may select from the daily entrées, yogurt and bagel or a salad plate. Along with the entrée selections, students are offered one serving of milk and grains or breads and three servings of vegetables or fruits. Students are not required to take a full lunch, but are offered all items. Students may also purchase a la carte items such as fruit, snacks and juice. A menu will be sent

home at the beginning of each month and is posted on the school web site. Menus are subject to change without notice. Members of the community will have access to a free mobile app that will have lunch menus, nutrition information, carb counts and food allergy information. Parents can sign up for the app at: www.lcpshealthycafe.org. Payment for lunches may be made in the kitchen daily, weekly, or monthly (based on the number of school days in the month). All lunch money sent in with students should be sealed in an envelope and clearly marked that it is for lunch. Sending cash with your child is strongly discouraged. When your child’s account is out of money, a note will be sent home with your child. In this instance, the account should be replenished as soon as possible. If a student’s account exceeds $20.00, charges will be stopped and students will be offered a cheese sandwich and milk in lieu of the normal lunch. LUNCH PRICES DAILY WEEKLY Student $3.00 $15.00 Adult $4.10 $20.50 A La Carte Prices Per Serving: Milk: $0.45 Juice: $0.60 Fresh Fruit: $0.60 Ice cream: $0.60 Cookie: $0.60 NOTE: A la carte prices are subject to change. Online Cafeteria Payment System: Loudoun County Public Schools participates in the My School Bucks cafeteria payment system. My School Bucks enables parents to use a web site to make payments on students’ lunch accounts. Parents may use Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card to prepay on students’ school meal accounts. Visit https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ for additional information or go to www.lcpshealthycafe.org. Free and Reduced Lunch Program: Parents/guardians of students who wish to participate in the Free/Reduced Lunch Program must submit an application to the cafeteria manager. This information will be distributed at the start of the school year. Applications will be processed and parents will be notified within 10 school days. Application forms are available from the office for parents wishing to apply for free or reduced price lunches throughout the school year. Families may also apply online for free and reduced meal benefits. Online applications are quicker to process and more secure. Visit: www.lcpshealthycafe.org for more information.

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Students Without Lunch Money/Lunch Charges: Students who forget to bring lunch or lunch money to school will be given the opportunity to contact parents to remedy the situation. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the student may charge lunch. Notification of charges will be sent home in sealed envelopes weekly. Prompt payment is requested. We realize that families may forget to send or put funds on lunch accounts occasionally, therefore we permit limited charges. Charge notices will be sent home in sealed envelopes in backpacks every Thursday and mailed at the end of every month. Please ask your children to deliver the charge notices to you. Any student with charges on the account will not be permitted to purchase additional items, including milk, snacks, second servings, ice cream and cookies until the charge is paid. If charges accumulate to $20.00, the student(s) will no longer be permitted to charge and will be given a cheese sandwich and milk for lunch. This will continue until the account has been paid. Parents who are faced with a hardship and are unable to make lunch payments should contact the principal or parent liaison immediately and we will work together to address the situation. Parents may request a copy of the lunch account information to determine the types of purchases made. Parents may send in a note to put restrictions on their child's account (such as limiting the number of extra purchases per week or not buying breakfast). Purchase of Ice Cream and Cookies:

Students in full day kindergarten through grade 5 have the option of purchasing either one ice cream or one cookie (if offered) daily. Ice cream is selected and purchased in the serving line. Parents may place

restrictions on the purchase of ice cream and/or cookies by writing a specific request to the cafeteria manager, Rose Foster, which will be noted on the student’s account. If you wish to limit the number of days per week your child may purchase ice cream or a cookie, please specify the day. For example, “Susie may purchase ice cream or a cookie on Fridays only.” Lunch Visitors: Parents and other visitors are invited to have lunch at school with students. Due to space issues, we ask that parents sit with their child at a designated visitor table, instead of sitting at the class table. Your child may invite one friend to join them at the visitor table. If you plan to purchase a lunch, please call or send a note before 8:30 a.m. so that the cafeteria staff is prepared.

Lunchroom Expectations and Procedures:

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS IN THE CAFETERIA: To be respectful, I will:

Use a yellow zone voice Use good manners Raise my hand for assistance

To be responsible, I will:

Bring only lunch items to the cafeteria Clean my area Place trash gently in the garbage can Talk only with my table mates

To be safe, I will

Eat my own food and avoid sharing food Stay in my seat Keep my hands and feet to myself

Should a student violate lunchroom rules, he/she will be reminded and may be separated from his/her classmates for the duration of the meal. Repetitive misbehavior during lunch may result in a student being given special seating arrangements. Soda for students is not permitted at all during the school day. KINDERGARTEN SNACK LCPS does not offer a kindergarten snack program. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle. Parents have the option of sending a small, healthy snack. Check Acceptance Policy: If a check that you have written to the school cafeteria as payment for your child's meals is returned for any reason, the face amount of the check will be resubmitted electronically by E-Cap, Electronic Alliance Processing Company, along with a state allowed fee. When you pay for your child's meals by check, you authorize LCPS Food Service Department and E-Cap to electronically debit your account for the amount owed up to and including any additional fees allowed by law if the check is returned for any reason. No Starter checks will be accepted and all checks must contain a printed address.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

School Clinic Services: The school clinic is located in the office area and is attended by a full-time Health Clinic Assistant. Two cots are available for

students who are ill and are waiting to be picked up by parents.

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To limit the spread of illnesses, notify the school office if your child gets head lice, strep throat, chicken pox or other contagious illnesses. It is imperative that parents inform school personnel of any medical conditions of the student, such as allergies, diabetes, asthma or seizures, or other special needs (special diets, regular medications, etc.). Emergencies resulting from accidents or acute illness may require transporting students to emergency medical facilities. School personnel will attempt to notify parents immediately of such situations. Student Emergency Cards: An emergency card with information concerning emergency care for each student is kept on file in the school clinic. This card is maintained in case a student becomes ill or is injured at school. Your emergency contact information is vital to us. It is the responsibility of parents to maintain up-dated emergency cards for their children. It is imperative that parents/guardians notify the school immediately if emergency card information needs to be changed. Special Medical Needs: If your child has any significant medical needs, please notify the Health Clinic Assistant even if the school has been notified in previous school years. If your child has asthma, diabetes, seizures, life-threatening allergies, or other medical conditions, you must obtain forms for both you and the health care provider to complete so that the school has the necessary information to address your child’s needs. Health Screenings: All third graders and students new to Loudoun County Public Schools will be screened for vision and hearing during the first two months of school. Kindergarten students who did not have distance vision screening or hearing tests with audiometers will also be screened. A dental inspection will be conducted by a dentist for those students who have returned the appropriate dental form. Fine and gross motor screenings are done within the first 60 days of entrance into school. Parents are contacted if the screenings are not within normal limits. Student Illness: When a child becomes ill at school, the parent/guardian or designated adult will be notified and requested to make arrangements for the child to go home. It is therefore very important that the information on the emergency form be current and updated as changes occur.

A child who shows symptoms of illness (fever, severe cough, etc.) or a communicable disease should not be sent to school. Children who have a fever should be kept at home until free of fever for 24 hours. Sending a child who is ill to school is unfair to the child and to other children and adults in the school. Provisions should be made for the child to remain at home until the condition resolves. Medication: A parent or guardian, not students, must transport any medicine (prescription or non-prescription) to and from the school office or clinic. Prescription Medication: The Health Clinic Assistant must have written instructions from the physician in order to administer prescription medications. These should include: • Student’s name • Type and purpose of the

medication • Dosage and time of

administration • Possible side effects and measures to take if

those occur • End date for administering the medicine • Parent/guardian signature giving permission

to administer medicine and to contact physician

• Physician’s signature A special Medication Form may be obtained from the school office or the Health Clinic Assistant. All prescription medicine must be in the original pharmacy bottle with the proper label containing the student’s name, medication, dosage, and instructions for administration. If you ask, the pharmacy will give you an extra bottle with the proper amount of medicine for school. Non-Prescription Medication: Specific procedures must be followed for the administration of non-prescription medication: • Non-prescription medication must be in an

original package with the name of the medicine and instructions; medication that is not in the original package will not be administered.

• A note from the parent must specify when and how much of the named medicine should be administered; however the Health Clinic Assistant will not administer medication in excess of the amount listed on the package for your child’s age and weight or for longer than the recommended dosage period, unless a doctor’s orders specify otherwise.

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All medicines are kept locked in the clinic and are dispensed to students by the Health Clinic Assistant or other trained office staff. Records of medicines dispensed are kept in the office. Students may not have any type of prescription or non-prescription medication in their possession (including cough drops). Injuries:

Any injury (other than superficial wounds) shall be reported immediately to the parents, guardians, or designated individual. Quick, common sense appraisal

shall dictate the sequence of actions to be taken in the event of serious injuries or illnesses that occur during school hours. The accuracy of the information provided on the emergency form is extremely critical in times of emergency. Communicable/Infectious Diseases: Students who have contracted certain infections must be treated before they are allowed in school. Should a student arrive at school with an infection, such as impetigo or “pink eye,” and the infection has not been treated, the parent will be called to take the child to the doctor. In certain cases a doctor’s note may be needed to return to school. LCPS Guidelines for Handling Head Lice: LCPS has used the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Harvard Public Health to develop the following guidelines. • According to the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (CDC) guidelines developed to assist schools "current evidence does not support the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of classroom or school-wide screening for decreasing the incidence of head lice among school children… ‘No-nits’ policies that require a child to be free of nits before they can return to school are not recommended." (www.cdc.gov/lice/head/schools.html)

• When the school is informed about a student with head lice, the student is checked for live lice when the child returns to school after treatment.

• In order to prevent the spread of head lice, we encourage parents to immediately notify the school if their child contracted lice. This information will be kept confidential.

• If the child is identified with live lice at school, the parent is called and the child is sent home for treatment.

• The child must be treated and then can return to school. LCPS does not exclude children after treatment if nits remain.

• Parents are encouraged to comb out the nits because some may remain viable after

treatment. The nits will remain on the hair until the hair falls out. These remaining nits may confuse the casual observer to believe that there is an active case of head lice.

• A child who has returned to school after treatment will be checked privately in the clinic every week for two to three weeks to be sure that no new lice are found.

• A letter may be sent home to the parents of classmates when there are multiple cases of head lice reported in the same classroom.

Student Insurance: School insurance is available for all students. The opening day packet and registration packet contains a brochure outlining the insurance policy for parent consideration. Purchase of the insurance is optional. Information on this program may be obtained in the school office throughout the school year. Safety Drills: Schools are required by law to have a fire drill once a week during September and once monthly for the remainder of the school year. Other safety procedures, such as tornado drills, bomb threat response, and lock downs, are held occasionally to provide students with the necessary practice and information in the event of an emergency.

GUIDANCE SERVICES

School Counselor:

A full-time counselor is available to assist students with social, emotional, and/or academic problems and concerns. Our counselor is Mrs. Katie

Routzahn and she may be reached at (540) 751-2470. The counselors will send a letter home to all school families early in the school year describing small group counseling services that are offered at Lovettsville. Individual counseling is also available on an “as needed” basis. The counselor visits each class regularly to provide classroom guidance activities. Students learn skills such as problem solving, stress management, organization and study skills during these lessons. The following character traits are also emphasized in the LES guidance program: • Trustworthiness • Respect • Responsibility • Fairness

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• Caring • Citizenship The counselor also assists parents and families with various issues and provides workshops on topics of interest. Child Abuse and Neglect: Under Virginia Law, school employees are required to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services. This law, which was designed for the protection of children, provides immunity from civil or criminal liability in connection with the reports, unless malicious intent is proven.

OFFICE PROCEDURES

Maintenance of Student Records: All student records are maintained in a secure location in the school office and are accessible only to staff members on a “need to see” basis.

Student records include academic information, standardized test results, health reports, discipline files, and special education information. Under the Privacy Right of Parents and Students Act of 1974, parents have the right to inspect any and all records relating directly to their child(ren). Students with written parental permission may also inspect their records. The policy provides for the release of information to others only under carefully described conditions. It also provides a procedure for challenge of the contents of a student’s record. When a child transfers to another school, a copy of the student’s records will be forwarded to the new school when the parent makes a written request to transfer the records. School Visitors: Parents and interested citizens are encouraged to visit our school to observe the instructional program, to offer volunteer services, and to attend special events. During the school day, all visitors are required to use the AIPHONE system which is located at the main entrance. All visitors are required to show a photo identification, regardless of whether staff personally knows you. You will be asked to hold your photo 3-4 inches from the camera. When advised to enter, please go directly to the office to sign in and obtain a visitor pass. The doors will remain locked at all times; therefore, it is imperative that any students arriving after 7:50 a.m. be escorted in by a parent or guardian. Afternoon kindergartners who will be driven to school by a parent or

guardian must be escorted to the office by an adult. School staff has the right to deny access to anyone who cannot provide identification or who is reasonably believed may cause a substantial disruption to the school environment. Visitors are reminded that teachers expect to continue with instruction during observations and class visits, and that unscheduled conferences that interrupt this process are inappropriate. We request that you make arrangements with the classroom teacher prior to visiting classrooms to observe instruction. School visitors are asked to turn off (or place in vibrate mode) cell phones and other electronic equipment when visiting the school and refrain from having cell phone conversations in offices, classrooms, or during programs. In addition, school visitors are asked to request permission with the classroom teacher before taking pictures in the classroom or during class activities. Delivering Items to Students: Any items (lunch boxes, books, etc.) or messages for students may be left in the office and they will be forwarded to the student. Please refrain from taking items directly to classrooms since this is an interruption to the instructional program. Student Photographs and Yearbook: Individual student photographs are taken in the fall and the spring and class pictures are made in the spring. A yearbook is available for purchase with delivery during the last grading period. Yearbooks will be pre-ordered and very few extra copies are purchased, so parents are encouraged to use the pre-order process to ensure they obtain a yearbook. Student Use of Phones, Personal Electronic Devices, and Laser Pointers: We encourage families to establish routines that enable students to leave the house in the morning with all supplies, notes, and information necessary for the school day, as well as after-school activities. We try to limit students’ use of the office telephone. As stated in the LCPS Policy Manual, students may operate cell phones and other personal communication or electronic devices on school grounds only when authorized to do so by the principal or designee. Authorization is required whether on school property, under school control or attending any school function or activity of any elementary, middle, high, academy, alternative or technical center school. School officials may confiscate such devices when a student violates these provisions.

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Elementary age students are discouraged from bringing cell phones to school. If parents determine their child should carry a cell phone, students must adhere to the following expectations at school: 1) cell phones should be turned off during the school day; 2) cell phones should remain in back packs during the school day; and 3) students should refrain from using cell phones to take or share pictures/videos during school hours, including on the bus. Students are permitted to bring personal electronic devices, such as e-book readers to support instructional activities such as reading and classroom presentations. These devices may only be used as determined by the classroom teacher and must remain in the classroom during the school day. The only electronic devices that will be allowed during lunch or recess are those that students are using to read. Students demonstrating inappropriate use of electronic devices may be subject to disciplinary action, including having their device confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian by the principal. There are no exceptions. The school is not responsible for loss, damage or theft of electronic devices. Students are prohibited from possessing laser pointers while on school property, under school control or attending any school function or activity. Any student found to possess a laser pointer in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and the seizure of the device by school officials. Checks with Insufficient Funds: Lovettsville Elementary will charge a fee of $10.00 in the event a check is returned due to insufficient funds in the account.

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PLAN

Goals and Beliefs:

The ultimate goal of school-wide behavior management is the development of responsible school citizens. Students have a responsibility for helping to maintain a school environment in which the

educational program can be conducted for the benefit of all participants. To create a positive climate for learning, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that displays respect for self, others, and all school property. Our goal is to develop students who are self-controlled and have the ability to evaluate situations and make good decisions. Failure to make good decisions and follow school policies will result in appropriate consequences. We believe that consequences should be fair and

consistent, although fair does not necessarily mean equal. Each situation will be handled based on the specific circumstances and student needs. Parental support is an important aspect of the behavior management plan. Parents and teachers need to work together to assist children to become self-directed. We encourage parents to become involved at the beginning of the school year by reviewing the handbook and discussing appropriate school behavior with their child(ren). Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS): Lovettsville Elementary uses the Positive Behavior Intervention Support approach to behavior management. Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) is an approach for teaching children appropriate behavior and providing the support necessary to sustain that behavior. PBIS is not a curriculum – it is a framework to identify needs, develop strategies and evaluate practice toward success. It reduces challenging student behavior through a proactive, positive, and consistent manner across all school settings. A team of administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents participate in training, developing the plan, and providing staff development in PBIS. The team also oversees the implementation of the plan and works with school staff, providing guidance and making necessary adjustments. The Lovettsville Elementary PBIS plan focuses on developing students who display respect, responsibility, and safety throughout the school.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR

The Lovettsville Elementary PBIS plan focuses on developing students who display respect, responsibility, and safety throughout the school. Student Expectations in the Hallways: To be respectful, I will:

Be silent Look, but not touch

To be responsible, I will: Walk in a straight, single file line

To be safe, I will: Keep moving Watch where I am going Keep my hands and feet to myself

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Student Expectations in the Restrooms: To be respectful, I will:

Give privacy and be polite Use appropriate language and volume

To be responsible, I will: Always wash my hands Put paper towels in the trash Finish quickly

To be safe, I will: Keep my hands and feet to myself Use the bathroom equipment and supplies the right way

Student Rights and Responsibilities: The Students Rights and Responsibilities is now published on the Loudoun County Public School’s web page at www.lcps.org. Hard copies are available upon request. The Students Rights and Responsibilities sets forth school division rules and expectations for student behavior. It is important that parents read and become familiar with this information and share it with their children, as appropriate. The school rules outlined in this booklet are meant to set expectations for student behavior, which will ensure and enhance an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning in our school. Dress Code: Clothing should fit, be neat and clean and conform to standards of decency. Please have your child wear sneakers or rubber soled shoes on P.E. days so that participation is safe. The primary responsibility for student dress lies with the parent, however, the school must see that the dress is appropriate for the tasks of the day. In accordance with the LCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities booklet, the school has the responsibility to see that the cleanliness, dress, and grooming of students does not present a danger to the health or safety of themselves or their classmates. In addition, it should not prevent students from performing their regular required school activities nor should it cause a disruption to the functioning of the school. Guidelines for Student Dress: • Hats/caps: Students may wear hats or caps

to school but must remove them upon entering the building. The exception to this will be on specially announced “spirit days” or other school events.

• Length of shorts/skirts: Short, skirt, and skort length should at least reach the child’s fingertips when standing with arms straight by his/her side. If fashion trends make this expectation difficult, parents are asked to provide sound guidance to their daughters.

• Beachwear: Beachwear, halter-tops, spaghetti-strap tank tops, and tube tops should not be worn to school. The shoulder

straps on all tops should be at least three fingers wide (as wide as a lasagna noodle).

• Midriff area: The midriff area should be fully covered by clothing at all times.

• Cosmetics: Wearing cosmetics is inappropriate in elementary school.

• Graphics on clothing: Loudoun County School Board Policy 8-33 prohibits the wearing of clothing that interferes with or disrupts the educational environment. Clothing with language or images that are vulgar, lewd, discriminatory, or obscene, or clothing that promotes illegal or violent conduct, the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats is prohibited.

• Proper footwear: Students have either physical education or recess daily and therefore, for safety reasons, should wear proper footwear in order to participate safely. Sneakers or rubber soled shoes that hold the foot firmly are recommended. Students are encouraged to wear shoes with backs (not flip flops), and high-heeled shoes are inappropriate in elementary school. Students who prefer not to wear sneakers all day should bring them to school for PE classes and recess.

Weapons: Weapons or toy weapons are not tolerated on school grounds under any circumstances. Any child bringing a weapon or toy weapon to school will be disciplined in accordance with school board policy. Drugs and Alcohol: Law prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of drugs or alcohol on school property. Students who violate this law will be subject to criminal prosecution as well as consequences within the school division. Items Brought to School: Children are not to bring toys or other unnecessary objects (for example, electronic games, CD players, trading cards, sports equipment, etc.) to school or on the school bus for entertainment or play. The school will not be responsible for items lost, stolen, or damaged when brought to school. Unnecessary objects may be confiscated. Gum and Lollipops: Chewing gum and lollipops are prohibited in school and on school buses. Sales and Distribution of Items: Students and adults are prohibited from soliciting or distributing items, including, but not limited to party invitations and informational fliers on school grounds. This includes Girl Scout and Boy Scout

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projects, as well as collections for charitable causes. Class Parties and Celebrations: Class parties are at the discretion of the teacher. To protect the instructional program, class parties at all grade levels are limited to three per year, must be no longer than 30 minutes and should be scheduled toward the end of the school day. We strongly discourage the attendance of siblings at classroom parties. Classroom helpers who plan the parties must adhere to the following guidelines: • All correspondence to parents must be

approved by school administrators prior to distribution.

• Student allergies must be considered when planning treats for the party.

• Food may only include items from the following: fruit, vegetables, jello cups, non-dairy popsicles or freeze pops, juice or water.

• Student gift exchange and the distribution of goodie bags or other items by students or parents are prohibited.

• The distribution of candy and home baked goods is prohibited.

Birthday Celebrations, Party Invitations and Personal Mail: All birthdays will be acknowledged by announcing each child’s name on the Morning News Show. Each student will receive a birthday pencil. No food or non-food items are to be brought in to share for birthdays at school. Additionally, we request that non-food gifts of any kind, to include pencils, stickers, goodie bags, balloons, floral arrangements, etc., not be brought to school for a child’s birthday. The distribution of all party invitations or other personal mail through students at school is strictly prohibited. For confidentiality reasons, office staff is prohibited from distributing student phone numbers or mailing addresses. Please check with your child’s teacher, as some classes create a class directory. Lovettsville Elementary School closely monitors items sent home via student book bags, limiting it primarily to school-related, PTO, and Parks and Recreation information. Thank you for understanding. Playground Use and Recess:

Recognizing the importance of physical activity, students in full day kindergarten through grade 5 are engaged to participate in recess activities daily. In the event of inclement weather,

students participate in indoor recess activities. Students are expected to follow all school rules, particularly with regard to respect for others and

property, when playing during recess. Staff members supervise outdoor recess with the following general expectations for student behavior when using the equipment: Student Expectations on the Playground: To be respectful, I will:

Include others Be a good sport

To be responsible, I will: Put equipment away after use Report inappropriate activities

To be safe, I will: Use equipment the right way Keep my hands and feet to myself Keep moving on the track

Lovettsville Elementary Playground Structure Rules: • Only use equipment under adult supervision. • Balls, jump ropes and other sports equipment

are not permitted in the playground equipment area.

• One student at a time on all climbing parts and slides.

• Students should NOT go up the slides. • All wood chips/mulch needs to stay on the

ground. • Teachers and students should report any

equipment that appears to be unsafe or broken. • Refrain from jumping off any piece of

equipment. • Refrain from running between the lily pads/blue

pods. • A maximum of 5 total students at the top area of

the big slide (near the bubble) at one time. • Appropriate shoes should be worn while playing

on the play structures (no flip-flops or sandals).

Students violating rules or playing dangerously will have consequences such as “time out” or loss of recess privileges for a short period of time. Children who play on the school playground beyond school hours should be supervised by an adult and should follow the school safety rules.

INSTRUCTION AND CURRICULUM

Instructional Program: Beginning with half-day kindergarten, the instructional program at Lovettsville Elementary School emphasizes strong basic skills in reading, language arts, mathematics, social sciences, science and health. Personal development and appreciation in the aesthetic areas are encouraged through classes in art, music, and physical education.

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Report Cards and Interim Progress Reports: Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine-week grading period. An interim report may be sent home any time during the nine-week grading period if a student has made considerable progress in a subject or if the student is currently receiving a severely declining or failing grade. END GRADING PERIOD REPORT CARDS DISTRIBUTED October 30 November 11 January 28 February 10 April 14 April 27 June 14 June 20 Literacy Instruction: In 2009-2010 LCPS initiated the transition to Loudoun’s Pathways to Reading and Writing. All elementary teachers working with grade K-2 students are required to participate in staff development based on balanced and comprehensive literacy practices. The Pathways program will continue to help teachers provide their students with specific skills to become better readers and writers. During the 2014-2015 school year, Lovettsville made the transition to the Pathways 3-5 literacy framework. This program combines staff training with new instructional materials for reading and writing. Teachers use research-based best practices in their classrooms. Resource teachers work with classroom teachers to create plans of success for children requiring additional support. Information on instructional programs is available on the website and the LCPS website. Responsive Instruction: Lovettsville Elementary utilizes a framework to identify students at risk for poor learning outcomes, to provide evidence-based interventions and adjust the intensity and nature of those interventions based on a student’s responsiveness, and to monitor student progress and adjust interventions. A portion of this program is addressed from 8:00 – 8:25 daily during Rise and Shine. Students are encouraged to “rise and shine” each morning through participation in either intervention groups or practice with basic reading and/or math skills. Intervention groups are strategically arranged to focus instruction on one weak skill area related to reading, for example; letter identification, letter sounds, blending and segmenting sounds or fluency. In September all students are given a screening to determine their early reading level abilities. Students’ scores are then compared to national averages. This information is used by a Data Team comprised of classroom teachers, reading specialist, special education teacher, educational

diagnostician, and school administrators to identify students who are not achieving adequate reading progress. The data team analyzes other data, including PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) and DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment), and running record data to determine what, if any, extra instruction students may need to enhance success in the area of reading. Once students are identified, Rise and Shine intervention groups are formed and implemented daily. Each group has approximately four to five children who receive daily, skill specific instruction. Weekly progress monitoring enables the Data Teams to determine student progress and intervention plans for each individual, making adjustments as necessary. A final screening and data analysis is conducted near the end of the school year, indicating student progress and achievement. Responsive Instruction is based on frequent assessment, monitoring student progress closely, and responding to student needs rapidly. The data gathered, not only guides instructional decisions for individual students, but enables teachers to assess the effectiveness of the program and intervention strategies being used. Parent Participation: Parents are considered partners in children’s learning experiences and are asked to encourage reading and writing at home. Each time a child reads or writes he or she is strengthening skills and fluency. Special Education: Special Education programs in Loudoun County Schools provide a free, appropriate education to eligible students with disabilities. Programs serve students with developmental delays, intellectually disabled, serious emotional disturbance, specific learning disabilities, visual, hearing, speech, orthopedic and other health impairments, autism, multiple disabilities, and severe disabilities. The process of identifying a student for special education services begins at the school level with a referral to the Child Study Team. The Child Study Team consists of the school principal or assistant principal, teachers, specialists, and parents. The team looks at all aspects of the individual’s development – educational, social-emotional, behavioral, and physical – to determine specific student needs and to recommend strategies to assist the child in the classroom. Parents are informed in advance of Child Study referrals and meeting dates and are encouraged to participate. If the Child Study Team suspects that a student has special needs, a recommendation for a full

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evaluation will be made. The parent will be notified of the recommendation and must provide written permission before the assessment may begin. Parents will be informed and must give permission at each phase of the identification process. Please contact the school principal or assistant principal if you would like additional information on assessment procedures for special education services. A countywide Special Education Parent Resource Center offers information and referral services. Contact the School Board Office or refer to the LCPS web site for additional information on the Parent Resource Center. English Language Learners: Lovettsville Elementary has an English Language Learners (ELL) class, which serves Lovettsville students. The goals of ELL instruction specify that students will demonstrate the ability to understand, speak, read, and write English in order to function in American society. Through ELL instruction, students develop English language proficiency for social and academic purposes. Students receive assistance either at their home school or at the closest school with available ELL services. ELL students spend the majority of their day in the appropriate grade level classroom. Interaction with peers provides language learners with models for language and social development. Teachers use a variety of specialized, age appropriate, high interest materials to facilitate student learning. This combination of specialized language instruction and interactions with English dominant speakers is consistent with research in how a second language is best learned. The academic and linguistic needs of ELL students differ widely, and the LCPS ELL program is designed to meet the needs of all second language learners. Instructional Assistance: Extra attention is given to children who need special assistance in developing essential academic skills. Students who are not successful in the classroom or who perform below certain levels on standardized tests receive additional help in mathematics, language arts, and reading. Small group and individualized assistance is provided by classroom teachers, the reading specialist, math specialist, and volunteers. Programs for Gifted Students: Differentiated instruction is provided to gifted students in grades K-5. The SEARCH classroom resource program is part of the K-3 gifted curriculum and a center-based program (FUTURA) serves identified gifted students in

grades four and five. Lovettsville FUTURA students attend classes one day a week at a designated elementary school. For more information on the Gifted Program, please visit the gifted website located under “academics” on the LCPS home page. Student Promotion and Retention: Loudoun County Public Schools has specific guidelines for the promotion and retention for elementary school students. Many factors are considered when making decisions regarding student promotion and retention. Retention of elementary age students is a committee decision, which includes participation of parents. Instructional Technology:

Our school division has developed plans and initiatives to expand appropriate use of technology in the classroom and to provide training for

teachers on effective use of technology for instruction and planning. All classrooms at Lovettsville Elementary are currently equipped with four computers a Promethean white board and a printer. A computer lab presents the opportunity for total group instruction in the use of technology. Students have access to the Internet for instructional purposes and are expected to act responsibly. Students and parents are expected to sign an “acceptable use agreement” at the beginning of the school year. For additional information regarding instructional technology, please contact our Technology Resource Teacher. “Specials” Classes: Students participate in classes outside of the homeroom. Specials classes include the following each week: • 3 30-minute physical education classes for

grades 1-5 • 2 30-minute physical education classes for

full day kindergarten • 2 30-minute music classes for grades 1-5 • 1 30 minute music class for full day

kindergarten • 1 30-minute library class for grades K-5 • 1 50-minute art class for grades 1-5 • 1 30-minute art class for full day kindergarten • 1 40-minute technology lab class for grades

K-5 • 1 30-minute FLES class for grades 4-5

Library Program:

The Lovettsville Elementary school library is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

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All students have the opportunity to borrow library books and materials on a regular basis. Materials may be signed out for a period of two weeks and may be renewed, as needed. Students are encouraged to have at least one level-appropriate book signed out at all times. Overdue Library Materials: Monetary fees are not charged for late items. However, if a book is lost at the end of the school year, parents will be required to pay to replace the book. Returning library books: Materials should be returned to the book drop when students attend library class. Books should not be lent to other students, returned to a cart, or put back on the shelf by the student. Textbooks: All textbooks are loaned to students free of charge. The parent assumes the responsibility of compensating the school for book loss and/or unreasonable damage. Homework: Homework primarily serves as a logical extension of the class work and/or as practice or reinforcement of the student’s learning. For a student’s experience with homework to be successful, the parent/guardian and teachers must communicate and work together. A child should be able to complete his/her work independently; however, we encourage parents to take some time to check over the child's work. The individual teacher defines the scope and style of homework. However, all homework that is assigned will be based on one or more of the following purposes: • to practice skills that have been introduced

and developed in class • to complete unfinished work or projects • to relate understandings and skills developed

at school to everyday life • to enrich the school program by pursuing

activities that can be shared with classmates the following day

Students in grades 2 through 5 are issued assignment planners to assist with organization of work and to enhance responsibility. Homework assignments and long-term projects should be indicated in the assignment planner. Homework is a practice activity that is not graded, but students are expected to complete and submit the work. Testing: Loudoun County Public Schools participates in the Virginia State Assessment Program. At the elementary level, state Standards of Learning

(SOL) assessment tests are administered in grades 3, 4, and 5. Second grade students are administered the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) during the spring of each school year. Kindergarten through third grade students are administered the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) during the first quarter of the school year. The purpose of PALS is to provide specific information about what young children know regarding essential literacy components: phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, knowledge of letter sounds, concept of word, and word recognition. With this information the teacher will know exactly what to teach to bring their children forward in reading development. The Development Reading Assessment (DRA) is administered to all students in grades K through 5. Copies of standardized assessment results are kept on record and sent home to parents. Parents may review the test results with the teacher or school administrators upon request. Field Trips:

Field trips are planned to enhance the instructional program at Lovettsville Elementary School. Parents are invited to attend as chaperones, but siblings or other children

are not permitted to attend. Parents are expected to reinforce behavior expectations for students they are supervising and to meet the time arrangements imposed by teachers. In the event that a student has had ongoing behavior problems at school, a parent/guardian may be required to accompany that student on a field trip and take responsibility for monitoring his/her behavior. The following guidelines must be followed on all field trips: • Students are not to bring CD players or

electronic games during field trips. These items are prohibited on school buses.

• Parents are requested to refrain from using cell phones while supervising students on field trips, unless used for an emergency.

• Siblings are prohibited from attending field trips.

• It is essential that students and parents arrive at designated meeting points at the assigned times to enable buses to return to school on time.

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• Unless prior arrangements are made, students must return to school on the school bus.

Physical Fitness Testing: Physical fitness testing is incorporated into the physical education program. All fourth and fifth grade students are tested twice per school year, once in the fall and once in the spring. The areas tested are aerobic capacity, abdominal strength, upper body strength, and flexibility. Based on a student’s scores, awards are given at the end of the school year. The three levels of awards are Virginia Wellness Related Fitness Award, National Physical Fitness Award, and Presidential Physical Fitness Award. The standards for achieving these awards can be found in the gym during physical education class or by going to www.presidentschallenge.org. Book Clubs and Student Periodicals: Some teachers invite students to participate in the purchase of books through various book clubs and some ask that students purchase a monthly magazine to support the instructional program. Payment for book club purchases and magazines must be made by check written out to the vendor, not the school or the teacher. Please contact the school office if this presents a hardship to your family.

HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS

Parent Concerns: Lovettsville Elementary School has an open-door policy and encourages parents to voice concerns and questions directly to school personnel. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher as soon as a problem or question arises. The principal and assistant principal are available to address concerns, answer questions, and resolve conflicts. Teacher/Parent Communication Folder: All students will have an orange teacher/parent communicator folder. Students will bring home this folder at least every Thursday. On the left side, it will contain papers that need to be returned to school such as permission slips, unfinished work, etc. On the right side, it will contain papers to keep at home such as newsletters, flyers and finished work. Parents are encouraged to view both sides of the folder, as papers are sometimes misfiled. The folder must be returned on the following day. Lovettsville Newsletter: The principal distributes a monthly newsletter, via Connect Ed, on the first Thursday, to keep parents informed of school events, and to celebrate student, staff, and PTO accomplishments. Please take time to read the newsletter and to discuss the activities with your

family. This will give you an opportunity to place important events on your calendar as you plan family outings. Please contact the school office if you wish to receive a hard copy of the newsletter.

Telephone Communications: When LCPS needs to communicate with our community, we will use the traditional methods of radio, TV, our

web site, email and the Loudoun Alert system. We can also use a telephone messaging system. The message sent will be a voice recording from the Superintendent, Public Information Officer, Principal or Assistant Principal. The telephone number(s) the message is sent to are generated from our student information system. Lovettsville Web Site: Lovettsville Elementary has an extremely informative web site that is updated regularly and includes a wealth of information. Our webmaster is our technology resource teacher, Mrs. Lori Mullaney. Information that can be accessed via the web site includes, but is not limited to: • Calendar of events • School lunch menu • Grade Level/Teacher web pages • Current events • Annual scrapbook • Student web sites • Parent Teacher Organization • Parent Liaison • Technology Our web site address is: http://www.lcps.org/lovettsville Use of Email: Teachers and parents may elect to communicate via email, as a convenient way to maintain correspondence. Please note though, that teachers are not permitted to share detailed information regarding students in e-mail correspondence. We prefer that such information be shared via phone conversations or during face-to-face conferences. Please do not email transportation or dismissal changes to teachers or office personnel. Parent Liaison: The parent liaison is a school representative who acts as an advocate for parents and families. The primary role of the parent liaison is to empower parents to become active participants in the education of their children. The parent liaison helps parents get the information and support they need to help their children be successful in school, both academically and socially. Our parent liaison is Mrs. Pam Hayba and she can be reached at our school number, 540-751-2470.

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Parent-Teacher Conferences: In order for the school year to be the most productive for students, there needs to be communication between the home and school. Our goal is to meet with each child's parent or guardian at least once during the school year. The help of the parents is requested in attaining this goal. Additional conferences are scheduled as needed, and should not be conducted during classroom instructional time. Permission Slips: Student participation in activities such as field trips and after school activities requires parental permission. The staff will make every effort to see that permission slips are sent home well in advance of the activity. We will remind students and send home additional permission slips if necessary but, ultimately, it is the responsibility of the student to return permission slips to school. Permission to attend field trips must be written and cannot be given over the telephone. Notification of Classroom & School Events: The staff will keep you informed of school programs and student concerns through notes, phone calls, and conferences. Teachers will also send home regular newsletters to keep families informed of important dates, events, and “happenings” within the classroom. Please check with your child(ren) daily to obtain messages from school. From time to time, teachers will send home notes to inform families of special events and projects that may require signed permissions and/or special purchases or gathering of materials. PARENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Parent-Teacher Organization: Lovettsville Elementary has a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that organizes activities and fundraisers to support school programs and to enhance community spirit. Membership in the PTO is encouraged. This organization gives parents and school personnel another opportunity to work cooperatively for the benefit of our students and community. Fundraising activities that involve elementary students in door-to-door solicitation are prohibited, therefore activities are planned with the family as active participants in the event. Volunteer Program: Research shows that schools that have strong relationships with school families and actively involved parents are more effective. Volunteers are playing an increasingly vital role in the entire education process. They improve instruction by permitting more individual help to students under

the direction of the classroom teacher. They enrich curriculum by adding the experience of the volunteers' special interests and hobbies to the knowledge of the classroom teachers. Because it is often a distraction, siblings are not permitted to “tag along” while volunteers are assisting in the classroom. Although sometimes it is unavoidable to bring a younger sibling to school at no time should a teacher or staff member be asked to supervise the sibling, nor should they be left unattended. The Lovettsville staff and PTO encourage you to become involved in your child’s education. There are many ways that you can help make a difference at Lovettsville Elementary. Please consider offering your services either at home or at school to support our school and to benefit our children by volunteering for classroom teachers, specialists, or office staff. Our PTO works with school staff to recruit and organize volunteers within our school. The Volunteer Survey is distributed to all school families at the start of the school year to be used to create a database of volunteers with specific information regarding how they wish to contribute. Volunteer coordinators assist to recruit and schedule volunteers for school-wide activities and events. Room parents play a vital role in the recruitment of volunteers for both school-wide events and class-specific activities, as well.

WATCH D.O.G.S. ® Program: WATCH D.O.G.S. ® (Dads Of Great Students) is an innovative father involvement, educational initiative of the National Center For

Fathering. It began in 1998 in a single school in Springdale, Arkansas and has since grown into a nationally recognized program that has brought hundreds of thousands of fathers and father figures into our nation’s classrooms and hallways. WATCH D.O.G.S. ® has created millions of “in school” volunteer hours and continues to have a tremendously positive impact on the educational process. Today more than 2,659 schools in 46 states plus DC participate in WATCH D.O.G.S. ®

The role of a WATCH D.O.G. ® is to: Always wear Official Uniform T-shirts while

they are on official WatchDOG duty. ENCOURAGE STUDENTS! (with lots of smiles

and high fives, etc.) Help with traffic flow of vehicles and students

at arrival and dismissal times Monitor hallways and entrances Monitor buildings - inside/outside Assist at lunch Assist at recess, study hall, social times

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Eat lunch with students Play or referee on the playground or in the gym Read with classes or tutor small groups of

students Work with flash cards and/or educational

games Actively and positively engage with their

student and others Speak to classes about importance of

education and career choices Be available to mentor male students Help students with test review Smile and be a hero for a day! Contact Lori Taylor in the office at (540) 751-2470 for more information on how to sign up.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES Run Club: Run Club is offered to all third, fourth, and fifth grade students to help encourage them to begin exercising on their own. It is an optional club that is offered every day during outside recess. If a student chooses, they may jog or walk laps around the school’s ¼ mile running track. The teacher will record each lap they complete on their run club lap card. A student’s total number of laps is carried over from one year to the next. Incentive awards are given based on how many laps a student completes. They are as follows: 1) The first 25 laps of the school year (every

year) = “25” toe token (worn on shoe laces) 2) The first completed run club card of the

school year (64 laps) (every year) = rubber bracelet that reads “Lovettsville Run Club”

3) Completing 100 laps (25 miles) = Run Club T-shirt

4) Every additional 100 laps = patch for the number of miles ran (50, 75, 100, 125)

5) Grade level top runner for the year (certificate)

6) Overall top runner for the entire school (medal and certificate)

After School Clubs: The school staff and PTO sponsor various special activities for students, which are planned and coordinated each school year. Such special activities include, but are not limited to, 5th grade chorus, chess club, and art club. Information will be distributed via backpacks and posted on the web site.

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