St. Marys Area School District Elementary School Handbook
Kindergarten - Grade 5 8:35 AM - 3:15 PM
A child who arrives after the scheduled beginning of the day (8:35AM) will be considered tardy. A note of explanation is required from the parent.
ALL Visitors must report to the office.
Parents are encouraged to visit school frequently and actively
participate in the education of their child. We request that parents avoid
conferences with the teacher during such visits, but rather schedule a
conference for a mutually acceptable time.
All visitors must enter the school by means of the main entrance. For the protection of the students, all visitors are to report to the office immediately up on entering the building and receive a visitor's pass. Please do no go directly to the classroom.
If you need to give your child a message, medication, homework, lunch money, supplies, etc., please go to the office. Place the name of your child and the teacher's name on the item. Interrupting class hampers valuable instruction time. Also, standing in the hall while waiting for your child or the teacher may be disruptive to the learning environment. Your cooperation will be appreciated.
All elementary buildings are fully handicapped accessible. If you need further information or assistance, please contact the school.
The St. Marys Area School District is tobacco-free and all persons (students, employees, independent contractors, members of the general public, and other individuals) are prohibited from using any tobacco products in or on school district premises, property, or in vehicles, including vehicles parked on District property.
The safety of your child is a home and
school concern. To keep accidents at a minimum, the home and school must help
children to build proper habits of safety. Having your child practice and
observe the following rules will help avoid accidents.
Every child who walks to school should:
1. Start for school early enough to avoid the rush to arrive
on time.
2. Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no walk or path, walk on
the left side of the road and face oncoming traffic.
3. Cross streets at intersections or where a policeman is on
duty.
4. Walk directly to and from school.
Registration for students enrolling in Kindergarten is held before the close of school in the spring. Time and place of registration is published in The Daily Press and the Courier Express.
Pupils entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years of age on or before the fifteenth (15) day of August. Pupils entering the first grade must be six (6) years of age on or before the first (1) day of September. Evidence of date of birth, social security number and record of immunizations should be presented at registration.
The St. Marys Area School District has implemented an optional school breakfast program at each elementary building. Students who will be participating in the breakfast program should report directly to the cafeteria upon arrival at school.
If you are not participating in the breakfast program and arrive at school before 8:20 AM you must report to the cafeteria at the school. In all cases, students should not arrive at school prior to 7:50 AM. We have no one available to supervise students prior to this time. The tardy bell rings at 8:35 AM.
Emergency School Closing or Delays
If weather conditions make it too dangerous for busses to travel, the schools will be closed OR the start of school will be delayed. Notice of closings or delays will be given over WKVE, WKBI, WCED, and channel 14 of St. Marys Cable TV. Information may also be obtained by calling 834-8746. Telephone calls to the school office are unnecessary.
In the event of a two hour delay, the
school schedule will be:
Kindergarten -
Grade 5........................10:35 AM - 3:15 PM
Occasionally, early dismissals occur for parent conferences, in-service workshops, or weather emergencies. When possible, notices will appear in The Daily Press in advance of these dismissals. In the event of an emergency early dismissal, we will contact major employers so that they may make announcements and we will utilize local radio stations. Upon dismissal, students will leave the school ground immediately. Please be sure that your child knows where to go in the event of an early, emergency dismissal if you may not be home.
If a student has been absent and fails to produce an excuse within three (3) school days after returning, the absence automatically becomes illegal regardless of the reasons for absence.
Any student who is absent from school for a total of fifteen (15) days, excluding physician's excuses, approved educational trips and suspensions/expulsions, will receive a warning letter.
Any student who is absent from school for a total of twenty (20) days, excluding physician's excuses, approved educational trips and suspensions/expulsions, will be required to present a physician's excuse for each absence thereafter within three (3) school days of that absence.
For students of compulsory school age whose parents have been notified of the physician's excuse requirement, each absence over twenty (20) days that is not substantiated by a physician's excuse within three (3) days after that absence shall be considered illegal, and the provisions of the School Code shall be enforced.
Regardless of the accumulated number of days of absence, the school principal, attendance officer, or superintendent may require a physician's excuse for a questionable absence.
The Board of School Directors considers
the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school:
1. Illness
2. Quarantine
3. Recovery from accident
4. Death in immediate or near family
5. Religious holidays
6. Required court appearances
7. Approved family educational trips
8. Emergency farm employment
9. Approved school/class tours and/or trips
10. Approved medical and/or dental appointments
11. Other "urgent reasons" to be considered only as they directly affect
the pupil and as agreed to by the principal.
Unlawful absences shall include:
1. Absence from school with parents' consent for reasons other than those
considered excusable.
2. Leaving school during school hours without permission
3. Truancy
4. Absence from school without a parent's written excuse.
State Attendance Policy
Students of compulsory school attendance age (age 16 and under) who have irregular school attendance will be referred to the Office of Children and Youth. Under Act 29, Section 1333 P.S.C., for compulsory school age, student's fines may be up to $300 and require parent education and/or student community service.
Parents desiring to take their child on an educational trip must submit to the administration a description of the educational value to be gained by the student. This request must be submitted a reasonable time prior to departure for proper review. Students are responsible for making arrangements with their teachers to make up all work. No trip shall be approved for any student with three or more unexcused absences or for any student with more than ten (10) days of absence per semester or twenty (20) days of absence overall, whether the absences are legal or not. Principals shall have the authority to limit the number of days of excused absences for parent-sponsored educational trips if, in their judgment, these absences would be detrimental to the student's educational progress. (Request forms for educational tour/trip may be obtained from the school office).
When a field trip is to be taken, your child will bring home a permission form giving the destination and date. This form MUST be signed and returned to the teacher before your child will be allowed to go on the trip. Please be sure to return this permission or your child may be required to stay with another class and miss out on the educational trip.
Pupils who are unable to attend school for an extended time period because of their health may secure home instruction. A parent who seeks such instruction for a child should write or call the Guidance Counselor.
Truancy is defined as student absence without a parent's or guardian's knowledge and/or permission. A pupil who has been truant is subject to making up the time he/she was truant.
Taking Your Child Out Of School
If, for any reason, such as a doctor or dentist appointment, you need to take your child out of school during the school day, please follow this procedure:
1. Send a note to your child's teacher stating the reason your child is to be released and the time you will call for him/her.
2. Prior to taking you child from the school, please sign your child out on the SIGN-OUT/SIGN_IN sheet in the office. Upon returning, the child should sign-in. This procedure is designed to protect your child.
3. If you have someone else
pick up the child, please identify the person who will be coming and have that
person come to the office - NOT to the child's classroom.
NOTE: 1) Please make every attempt to schedule appointments
during non-school hours
2) Please make every attempt to have your
child return to school as promptly as possible after appointments, unless the
appointment is scheduled at the end of the school day.
Communication between parent and teacher is extremely important in addressing the varying needs of children. A Parent/Teacher Conference Day will be scheduled near the conclusion of the first marking period. Additional information will be sent home prior to the scheduled date. In addition to this planned conference day, parents may initiate conferences, at any time throughout the year, by contacting either the teacher or the school office.
If it becomes necessary for a child to
temporarily ride another bus, a one day pass will be issued to the student by
the principal's office under the following conditions:
1. Prior written or verbal permission is received from the parent.
2. There is space available on the bus requested.
3. There are no pending disciplinary actions against the student for
bus related incidents.
4. The request is for a scheduled stop of that vehicle.
Bus drivers will not accept notes from parents; students must have a pass from the school to board a bus to which they are not assigned. This permission is for one day only. All other requests for permission to transfer from an assigned vehicle must be submitted to the Transportation Office located in the High School. (telephone: 781-2109)
1. Wake up early enough to get ready
for school without rushing.
2. Walk to the bus stop and arrive at least five (5) minutes before the bus is
scheduled to arrive.
3. Behavior at the bus stop:
a) Stand at the bust stop at least three giant steps from the roadway.
b) No running, pushing, throwing objects
c) Be polite with the other students and adults at all times.
4. When getting on the bus, go immediately to your assigned seat and remain
seated until it is time for you to get off the bus.
5. While on the bus there should be no yelling, no pushing, no hitting or
throwing of objects. Always keep your head, hands and all other objects
inside the bus. Keep aisle ways clear of objects.
6. LISTEN TO THE DIRECTIONS OF THE BUS DRIVER.
7. When it is time to get off the bus, wait until the bus comes to a complete
stop before standing and walking to the front of the bus.
8. Get off the bus in an orderly manner. Walk at least three steps away from
the bus before walking to the left or right.
9. If you need to cross the street after getting off the school bus, always
walk in front of the bus and be sure to walk far enough in front of the bus to
clearly see the driver. (At least ten steps in front of the bus). Wait for the
bus driver to give you the all clear signal before crossing the roadway.
10. Go straight home so your parents/guardians know where you are.
11. Do not have items dangling from your backpack, school bag or personal
clothing.
12. Never attempt to pick up items dropped near the bus. Tell the bus driver.
Failure to follow the established bus safety rules may result in the suspension of a student's bus privilege.
To avoid the hazards of traffic congestion, students are urged to walk to school or ride district-provided transportation. The district does permit the riding of bicycles to and from school, provided parent/guardian permission has been given. Children must wear an approved safety helmet.
Please observe your child carefully for signs of illness before sending him/her to school. Protect your child and his/her classmates from the spread of communicable diseases.
Please inform us of any special health problems your child may have.
Please notify the school of any fractures, communicable diseases, allergies, or medication your child may require. *
* Long-term medications which must be
administered at school must be accompanied by a prescription from the doctor and
a completed School Medication Form. School Medication Forms are available at
the Nurse's Office/Main Office in all schools.
* Medication which must be given to your child at school for a short period of
time must be accompanied by:
1. Written request by the student's parent
/ guardian for school
personnel to administer the medication.
2. Medication must be marked with the
following information:
a. Name of the prescription.
b. Dosage of medication to be given.
c. Time(s) that medication should be given.
d. Doctor's name who prescribed the medication.
In the absence of the school nurse, the school secretary will dispense the medication.
BE SURE THE SCHOOL OFFICE ALWAYS HAS YOUR CURRENT TELEPHONE NUMBER AND THAT OF ANOTHER DESIGNATED PERSON SO THEY MAY BE CONTACTED IN THE EVENT OF YOUR CHILD'S SUDDEN ILLNESS. PLEASE BE CERTAIN THE SCHOOL KNOWS WHERE YOUR CHILD IS TO GO IN THE EVENT THAT YOUR CHILD IS TOO ILL TO REMAIN IN SCHOOL. IF YOU MOVE OR CHANGE YOUR PHONE NUMBER, PLEASE MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO NOTIFY THE SCHOOL.
Parents are urged to inspect their children for head lice prior to the start of the new school year. During the summer months, children can come in contact with head lice from a variety of sources and parents should not be embarrassed if they are discovered.
Having head lice does not mean an individual is unclean. The lice are usually transmitted by direct contact with another person having lice or by the common sharing of combs, hats, scarves, coats, etc.
It is recommended that you examine your child's head under a good light and look for tiny whitish eggs adhering to hair shafts or tiny grayish crawling forms. Head scratching and itching are common symptoms of head lice. If there is evidence of head lice, parents should contact a pharmacist or physician to obtain a special shampoo. If head lice are found, all other family members should be examined.
Should you discover that your child has head lice, please report this to the school. Do not blame the school; we are doing everything possible to prevent the spread of lice. We must depend upon all families to do their part in discovering, reporting, shampooing and providing follow-up care.
Our school nurse may routinely examine all students and will also inspect all students in a classroom where head lice are discovered. We ask for your patience, understanding, and cooperation in this matter. Head lice are an annual problem that must be discovered, treated, and controlled immediately or many students suffer.
School accident insurance will be available soon after school opens in the fall. Further information on this matter will be sent home at that time.
The St. Marys Area School District has an excellent hot lunch program. Complete, well-balanced lunches (including milk) are served.
Your child's health and school progress are influenced greatly by the kind of meals he/she eats. By encouraging him/her to use the school hot lunch facilities, you are assured that your child will have an adequate lunch. Students may carry a lunch from home and purchase milk. Students are not permitted to bring soda pop. We highly recommend milk or a juice product.
All students will be given the opportunity to purchase a second milk. Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during the lunch period.
It would be convenient if your child pays for the entire week on Monday mornings. This avoids carrying money to school each day. Lunch bills will not be allowed to accumulate.
Applications for free and reduced price lunches will be sent home with your child at the beginning of the school year. If you feel that you may be eligible for a free or reduced price lunch, please complete the application and return it to the school as soon as possible.
The elementary schools in the St. Marys Area School District have a school breakfast program. All students are invited and encouraged to use the breakfast program. The application for free and reduced price lunches also covers the breakfast program. Only one from per child needs to be completed if you feel that your children may be eligible for a free or reduced lunch/breakfast.
Please do not send treats to school for the children unless you receive the permission of the teacher or you are asked to do so.
The St. Marys Area Board of School Directors has adopted a dress and grooming policy. Please review these guidelines as you consider the selection of school garments for your child. The best way to view the policy is to take a common sense approach and select garments that are neat, clean, conservative and tasteful in appearance. You should avoid clothing that is immodest or extreme in style. Grooming standards also fall under the same common sense, good taste rule. Hairdos should be trim, neat and clean. All students should dress in a manner that will not distract other students' attention while in school.
The following are examples of clothing to avoid. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing. If you are in doubt about something, please contact the school principal for specific clarification. Should a student's appearance be considered inappropriate, the home will be contacted and necessary adjustments will have to be made.
Examples of immodest garments include short shorts, short dresses, mini-skirts, tight-fitting garments, tube tops, bare-backed garments, see-through garments, mesh garments, halter tops, low-cut tops, tank tops, garments showing bare midriffs.
Examples of garments which are not tasteful are those with imprints containing beer, drug, cigarette, logos; offensive words; improper expressions; provocative sayings or provocative pictures. This includes phrases such as "hottie", "2 cute", etc. on the backside of jeans or shorts.
Examples of garments that are extreme in fashion are cutoffs or form fitting fashion wear.
Students are permitted to wear proper length shorts during the months of May, June, July, August and September. Proper length is best determined by making certain that the finger tips of the arms held at each side touch the lower edge of the garment.
Shoes or sneakers are to be worn. Students are not permitted to wear flip-flops or high heels.
Hats or other headwear may not be worn inside the building.
Coats and jackets designed for outdoor wear are not to be worn in school buildings during the school day.
All students should dress appropriately for physical education classes. Boys and girls are required to wear sneakers. Boys will wear regular school attire. Girls will wear slacks and an appropriate top.
All students should dress in a manner
that maximizes safety. Therefore, we ask all parents not to allow their
child/children to wear items such as: platform shoes, high heeled shoes, chains
dangling from waist, objects dangling from back packs, long drawstrings on
jackets, pants that are too long and baggy.
The above listing is not inclusive, but is intended to bring to your attention
possible safety hazards in clothing and other apparel. Please think about your
child's safety when dressing your child for school and the fact that he/she will
need to: exit the school building quickly during fire drills, climb stairs, walk
narrow aisle ways, etc. during the school day.
The St. Marys Area School District has adopted a policy of Student Rights and Responsibilities. As part of this policy, the district has developed a Student Conduct Code for the elementary student. Please read the code and discuss it with your child.
St. Marys Area School District
977 South St. Marys Road
St. Marys, PA 15857
STUDENT CONDUCT CODE - ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
When children enter schools, they become students; and their primary goal is to learn. Because the best learning occurs in orderly places, students must behave properly and be considerate of others. Students whose conduct is described in the four areas listed below will be corrected or disciplined.
1. Attendance
a. Disobeying school attendance laws.
b. Being late or absent from school often without good reason.
c. Being tardy to classes or skipping classes.
2. Citizenship
a. Disobeying state and local laws, fire and safety rules, school rules and
regulations.
b. Disobeying, being rude to, or challenging the authority of teachers and
other school staff members.
c. Misbehaving
d. Swearing, using profanity, or being obscene.
e. Having with you, using, or selling intoxicants, drugs, look-alike drugs,
or narcotics.
f. Having with you or using tobacco.
g. Being dressed in a way that causes health/safety problems or disrupts
school.
3. Safety
a. Distracting the bus driver or not sitting quietly.
b. Refusing to obey the directions of school crossing guards.
c. Coming to school when sick or diseased.
4. Property
a. Keeping property that belongs to another person.
b. Being in a place or refusing to leave a place where a student should not
be.
c. Destroying or harming other people's property.
d. Setting fires on or to school property.
The above listing of examples is not meant to be all-inclusive. Additions to the misconduct listing may be made by the Board of Education or school administrators to insure an orderly and safe school system.
School officials are responsible for students' behavior in school buildings, on school property, and at school-sponsored events, on or off of school property. School officials are also responsible for the conduct of students on school buses.
The seriousness of the misconduct and the previous deportment of the student will determine selection of correctional procedure.
All school books and regular school supplies are provided by the St. Marys Area School District. Pupils are expected to give reasonable care to all books, school property and equipment. The textbooks should be covered. If textbooks, library books, or any other materials owned by the school are damaged beyond normal use, students will be expected to reimburse the school for such damage.
During the upcoming school year, your child will be utilizing a reading text. This reading series is phonetically oriented. Comprehension, vocabulary, and decoding skills are presented systematically to enable students to read successfully and independently. Thorough development of these skill areas allows students to apply what they learn in order to understand what they read. We encourage all parents to read to their child/children, listen to your child/children read and have your child/children see you reading.
Our elementary schools also make use of the Accelerated Reader Program. This program provides students with the opportunity to enhance their individual reading skills through literature-based reading practice. Research proves that the more anyone practices a skill, the better they become at that skill. Literature-based reading practice is what makes the difference between struggling and proficient readers.
Each child takes two (2) periods of physical education per week. All students must take physical education unless extended illness forbids it and a doctor has indicated that the student should be excused. If a parent wishes to have their child excused from an individual gym class, a written excuse should contain the date, the reason for the excuse, and the parent's signature.
Any injury occurring in gym class should be reported to the gym teacher immediately. Injuries occurring outside of gym class should be reported to the gym teacher to prevent further aggravation.
Instrumental music training begins in the fifth grade for children who elect the program. The program features activities, small group lessons and ensemble playing opportunities. School lessons take place either before or after the school day or during the regular school hours.
Homework is identified in national and state reports on education as a vital factor in increasing student achievement. It is an integral part of the learning process.
There are many reasons for assigning homework: to increase learning time and to reinforce classroom lessons are among those reasons. Homework develops independence, self-discipline, as well as good work and study habits. It serves to enhance home and school communications by giving parents an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the skills being taught.
Parents play an important part in the completion of homework. Listed below are some suggestions to aid parents in their efforts to encourage student success:
Parent's role in homework:
1. Provide a quiet, well-lighted study area, adequate workspace, and
necessary materials such as pencils, paper, and a ruler.
2. Establish a regular time for homework.
3. Limit television viewing and avoid television and radio listening during
study time.
4. Encourage your child to do his/her best work.
5. Inquire about your child's homework. Make suggestions toward
budgeting time for its completion.
6. Supervise the completion of your child's homework and offer help.
Avoid doing it for him/her.
Student's role in homework:
1. Make sure he/she understands the assignments; its purpose, when it
is due, and how it should be done.
2. Ask for further explanation if the original directions are not
completely understood.
3. Write down all assignments.
4. Budget time to complete your assignments.
5. Request help when needed.
6. Do you homework neatly and hand it in on time.
7. When absent from school, make arrangements to get and/or makeup
missed assignments. If you are interested in picking up your child's
assignment during the day, please call prior to 9:30 a. m. and expect to
pick up the assignments during the afternoon hours.
Elementary guidance is provided by our guidance counselor. This is for all children, not just the problem or troubled child. The function of guidance counseling is preventive, not remedial in nature.
The elementary counselor is concerned with the development and use of meaningful personal and group experience in order to help each child develop a realistic self-concept. The service also provides individual counseling with parents in relation to the pupil's school experience and his/her efforts to meet the needs of all children.
The success of a guidance program depends upon the cooperation of all persons involved with the pupils. Close communication between parents and the school is necessary.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
In addition to the counseling services provided by the school guidance counselor, small group counseling sessions are conducted, during the school year, by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc. Attending any of these small group sessions does not imply that the student or family has alcohol or drug related problems. Rather, this service is provided to our district to help serve the needs of all students. The general focus for these student discussion groups is on topics related to: decision making, consequences, self-concept, plans for change, peer pressure, stress, coping and refusal skills. Additional information relative to these services may be obtained by contacting the school guidance counselor.
In conjunction with the Dickinson Mental Health Center, the elementary schools in our school district offer a unique program that is designed to assist parents in working with at-risk children. The major focus of this program is to facilitate intensive interaction among student, parent(s), and school in order to address those behaviors that affect the child's education. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the guidance counselor.
IST stands for Instructional Support Team; this is a collaborative team approach designed to maximize individual student success in the regular classroom.
Any elementary student, who is experiencing difficulty in functioning successfully in the regular education classroom, due to consistent academic or behavioral problems, may be a candidate for IST.
The Instructional Support Team (IST) at each elementary building consists of a core group that usually includes: the parent, support teacher, classroom teacher, principal, reading specialist, guidance counselor, and an additional primary or intermediate teacher. Parents are an essential part of the IST process, as they know their child better than anyone else. Other school personnel or outside agencies can be part of the team, depending on the needs of the child. Once the team is formed, it meets to determine what strategies should be implemented to help the student achieve success in the regular classroom environment.
IST is not a "pull out" program. The support teacher works directly with children ONLY to assess student needs in the classroom and to model strategies for teachers, parents, and others who may provide direct support. The strategies are put into effect in the regular classroom setting. As student mastery in the identified area of need occurs and subsequent success results, the instructional support teacher "fades out" of the process. If the child needs to continue receiving support services, they are provided. If the student shows little or no progress following the implementation of the action plan, alternative intervention strategies can be tried.
No student in the regular classroom can be referred by a teacher or guidance counselor for a Multidisciplinary Team Evaluation (MDE), and possible placement in a special education class until the IST process has been completed. If a parent requests that their child undergoes an MDE then that request will be honored.
In summation, IST is a success-oriented program that follows specific assessment and intervention tactics to help youngsters be successful in the regular classroom through the efforts of a team approach.
When parent(s) feel their child may be "exceptional," the recommended first step is to discuss their concerns with the classroom teacher, guidance counselor, or Instructional Support Teacher (I.S.T.). These staff members, with parental support and involvement, will attempt to meet the child's educational needs in the regular classroom. If, after making accommodations/adaptations, the parent(s) or any staff member believes a child to be exceptional, then parental permission for formal evaluation must be obtained in writing. If the parent(s) orally request an evaluation, the school district will provide the parent with the appropriate forms. After written parental permission is submitted, the Multidisciplinary Evaluation (M.D.E.) Process will begin.
The evaluation will be conducted by a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The team will include the parent(s) and appropriate school personnel. Information from all members of this team will be included in the team evaluation. As a result of this evaluation, the MDT will make recommendations as to whether or not the student is exceptional. A meeting may be held, but is not required. A Comprehensive Evaluation Report (CER) is prepared with recommendations, based on the input of each individual team member. In order to recommend that the child should be identified as "exceptional", the MDT must conclude that the child has a disability (or is gifted) and is in need of a special education program and/or service(s). If any member of the team disagrees with the report, a written Dissenting Opinion is submitted and attached to the report (CER).
After the MDT makes its recommendations, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) team develops, an Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.). The IEP is a written plan that describes the child's educational program, including goals, objectives and related services. Parents are members of the IEP team and are an integral part of the IEP team meeting.
Upon completion of the written IEP (or in the case of a nonexceptional student, an IEP meeting summary), a Notice of Recommended Assignment (NORA) will be issued to the parent for signature. The parent must indicate whether he/she agrees or disagrees with the recommended placement. If the parent disagrees with the NORA, then a prehearing conference may be held. Both the parent(s) and the school district have the right to "waive" the prehearing conference. If the prehearing conference is held, it is conducted between parent(s) and school personnel in an attempt to informally resolve the disagreement.
Pennsylvania law contains other procedures for resolving disagreement. Options include Mediation, Pre-hearing Conference, and Due Process Hearings. For further information please contact the Director of Student Services at the St. Marys Area School District at 781-2120.
Students are subject to review for possible retention when the following circumstances occur:
1. A student fails, or is achieving below grade level, in Reading and one other major subject in grades 1 and 2.
2. A student fails, or is achieving below grade level, in two major subjects in grades 3, 4, and 5.
Major Subjects
Grades 1 & 2 Grades 3 - 4 - 5
Reading
Reading
Mathematics Mathematics
English English
Social Studies
Science
We have a very successful parent volunteer aide program. We find the aides to be extremely helpful, as we work together, meeting the needs of the children. Information about the parent volunteer aide program will be sent home, during the first week of school. If you would like to become a volunteer any time during the school year, please contact the school office.
The school laws of Pennsylvania require that each school building have at least one fire drill each month. Our students are taught to leave the building quickly and safely. Drills during inclement weather announced to give students an opportunity to put on proper clothing.
In addition to the monthly fire drills, a weather emergency drill is conducted on a yearly basis. The purpose for this drill is to instruct all students and staff on the proper procedure to follow in the event of a weather emergency, such as a tornado.
If you find it necessary to telephone a message to your child, someone will be available for relaying your message. When possible, all instructions should be given to a child before he/she leaves for school. Phone calls to students should be limited to those which are absolutely necessary. Students may not call home unless deemed urgent.
A lost and found box is kept near the office area. The students are reminded to inquire first in their classroom for lost articles. Articles that are properly marked with the child's name will be returned immediately. Articles and items remaining after the close of the school year will be discarded.
No soliciting is permitted in the schools. If chances, candies or other items are to be sold, it must be off school grounds.
The collecting of money for the purpose of buying the teacher a gift is forbidden. Peer pressure is often great in matters of this nature and some students cannot contribute. Private party invitations, addressed to selected individuals, are not permitted to be distributed in school. This type of activity disrupts the learning process and often singles out children who are not invited. Only the distribution of invitations given to all students in a classroom is permissible.
The St. Marys Area School District will issue formal reports to the parents/guardians four times throughout the school year. Notices of unsatisfactory work or significant improvement may be mailed to the parents between grading periods. Issuing of report cards is the first line of communication and cooperation between school and home.
School lockers and student desks are and remain the property of the school district. Students should have absolutely no expectation of privacy in regard to school lockers and student desks. The school district retains the right to search lockers and/or desks for any reason, at any time.
Each of the elementary schools contains a minimum of one computer lab for use by students in grades Kindergarten through grade three. Students in grades four and five have access to computers located in their respective homerooms. The computers will be utilized primarily to provide computer assisted instruction in the curricular areas of reading and mathematics. Additionally, the computers serve as research tools for gaining information through use of interactive encyclopedias and "screened" internet access.
South St. Marys St. Elementary School has a NO PET POLICY. If for a particular reason a child desires to bring a pet to school, the pet MUST be in a cage. Prior approval from the student's teacher and principal MUST be given in order to allow a pet to be brought into the school.
Students are discouraged from bringing personal items to school. Often students are proud of their personal possessions and wish to show them to other students at school. When these items are brought to school there is always the chance that something will happen to them. Whether these personal possessions are trading cards, Pokemon cards, electronic toys, yo-yos, laser lights or any other non-school related item, the sole responsibility for these items belongs to the student and parent. Therefore, please encourage your child to leave his/her personal items at home. There are ample things for a child to do at school without bringing personal items from home.
Please Note: The use of laser lights can be determined to be illegal. (Senate Bill 850, session of 1990), Therefore, laser lights are strictly prohibited from school.
What is Title I?
Title I is the largest federal aid program for elementary and secondary schools and is included under the regulations of the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB) that was signed into law by President Bush on January 8, 2002. Under the Title I program, school districts receive federal funds through a multi-step allocation process. The federal funds are allocated according to a legislative formula based mainly on the distribution of low-income children. Once the funds reach the participating schools, children in those schools are selected for services on the basis of low academic performance, regardless of income. The Title I program may differ from one school to another. Each school receiving Title I funds makes use of these funds to address the identified needs of the school in regard to student performance.
The goal of the Title I program is to provide extra help and instruction to students who are experiencing difficulty with reading and/or mathematics in order that they may be successful in the regular classroom. The Title I and classroom teachers work together to plan instruction that will best meet the student’s academic needs. Students are selected for participation in the Title I program based on their performance on tests, class work, and recommendation from parents and/or teachers.
Students may be Title I participants for a brief period of time or for longer durations of time, depending upon their individual progress in attaining the skills necessary to be proficient at their grade level. Student assessment is on-going and provides the necessary information to develop current and future learning goals for the student.
Parents are an integral part of the Title I program in that the support given by the parent in helping their child is an essential component to student success. Effective communication between home and school is very important. The Title I program requires the development of a Home/School compact that describes how the teachers, parents, and students will work together to enhance academic success. In addition to the Home/School Compact, Title I programs require the development of a Parent Involvement Policy. This policy describes the procedures that the school will utilize to encourage and support parent involvement activities throughout the school year.
Under the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB), parents of children attending schools that use Title I funding have a right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their children’s teacher(s) or paraprofessional(s). This notice is to inform you of your right to ask for the following information about your children’s classroom teachers or paraprofessionals:
-
Whether Pennsylvania has licensed the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.
-
Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which Pennsylvania licensing criteria have been waived.
-
The teacher’s baccalaureate degree major and whether the teacher has any advance degrees, and if so, the subject of the degrees.
-
Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
If you would like to receive information regarding the qualifications of your child’s teacher or paraprofessional, please contact your school principal
Our district is fully committed to the success of your child. We appreciate your partnership in our efforts to provide the best education for your child.