2018-2019 Family Handbook Abrams Elementary School

2018-2019 FAMILY HANDBOOK

ABRAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The mission of the Oconto Falls School District is to provide a high quality comprehensive education program for all students.

Welcome to the start of the 2018-2019 school year at ABRAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

It has been another busy summer around here. We received an entire new roof in June, the main office was moved as part of some security updates and wireless updates happened in August. All of this happened while summer school was going on and of course cleaning. The school is a busy place all year. We will continue to utilize online registration each fall to verify family information. Please take the time to do this as soon as you can so the school is sure we are communicating with you in the appropriate manner. We will again have computers available at open house if you’d like to do your registration at that time. Each child will have a set of forms online for you to go through. This year we welcome 2 new staff to our building. Ms. Anna Jagodzinski will be teaching Kindergarten and Mrs. Megan Pierquet will be teching Art. Stop by and welcome them. Each year to fine tune our PAWS work so that we are continually teaching the kids our expectations both behaviorally and academically. We recognize students that are doing what we expect and help reteach the expectactions to those not understanding. If you have any questions about PAWS or academics, please contact your child’s teacher, Ms. Fick or myself. We all would be happy to help you. This is going to be another awesome year, I just know it! We are always open to helping students and families in any way we can. Contact Mrs. Bauer or Mrs. Radke to set up a time for us to talk. I am so excited to see everyone in the coming weeks. It is going to be a great year in the Oconto Falls School District.

Cordially,

Mrs. Joanne Michalski Principal, Abrams Elementary School

3000 Elm Street Phone: 920-826-5819 Abrams, WI 54101 [email protected] (my email) https://ofpanthers.com/schools/abrams-elementary-school/(our website)

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

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

ATTENDANCE Children are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time. Students who have good attendance generally learn more, earn higher grades, and enjoy school more than those with irregular attendance. In addition, regular school attendance helps students to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility that are important throughout one’s life. Wisconsin state law requires regular school attendance for all children between the ages of six and eighteen. Also, please note that state statutes require students who are enrolled in 5-year old kindergarten to attend school regularly if so enrolled. Obviously there are times in which it is necessary for a child to miss school. If a child is truly ill, please keep the child home – it will help facilitate a speedy recovery and will reduce the chance of passing along the illness to others. Family vacations are important, and we realize that sometimes these must be scheduled during the school year. Ultimately, parents are responsible for their child’s attendance and for making decisions within the guidelines set by the state and by the school. But the simple truth is that when a child is absent from school, he/she misses out on learning as well as socialization. For this reason, we ask that parents attempt to minimize school absences to every extent possible. All students are required to go outside for recess. Parents should not send notes requesting their child be kept in during recess for "runny noses, sore throats or colds." Please keep your child at home if they show flu type symptoms or have a temperature of 100º or higher or are vomiting. Teachers have outdoor responsibilities and cannot be responsible for students that are ill and ask to stay in the classroom. Excused Absences Illnesses, professional appointments, family emergency, funeral, etc. require the following procedure be followed so school knows and can be accountable for all students each day. ● Parents or guardians should phone the school (826-5819) and inform the office of the student's absence before 8:15 A.M. on the day of the absence. If the school does not receive a call, we will call parents after 8:30 to check on whereabouts of the student. ● Statistics show that the average student is absent from school for approximately six (6) days per year. Using this total as a guide, and understanding that some students may exceed this average because of serious medical conditions and/or unique circumstances, we have established the limit for total student absences (all types) at no more than fifteen (15) days during the school year. If this threshold is reached, subsequent absences will be excused only for documented professional appointments OR with prior administrative approval. Other Excused Absences Planned absences (vacations, hunting trips, extended holidays, etc) for families can be facilitated by notifying the teachers and the office two weeks prior to the date of the vacation so teachers can prepare work for the student. **As per state statute, excused absences are limited to not more than ten (10) days per school year.

Unexcused Absence/Truancy These include absences for which the school has not been contacted by the child’s parent as per the reporting procedures; absences for reasons other than those indicated above; and/or absences in excess of the stated limits When a child accumulates five (5) unexcused absences in a semester, the school will begin the truancy referral process. Tardiness When a student arrives late to school between 7:55-9:20 a.m. for reasons other than professional appointments, the student is considered tardy. Students arriving after 9:20 will be marked ½ day absent as we can only record days absent in ½ day increments. Regardless of the reason for your child’s late arrival, please stop in to the office to sign your child in. Homework requests Requests for homework should be made at the time the absence is called in. Requests made after the lunch hour will not be able to be completed in time for after school pick-up. Homework will be available to be picked up at the end of the day only. Attendance notices and meetings: 1. When a child begins to accumulate a considerable number of absences, the school will send the parent an attendance notice. This first notice is to let parents know of the number of days the child has been absent. Sometimes we find that parents are not always aware of the total days absent. 2. If a student reaches the point in which subsequent absences will require professional documentation, another notice will be sent to the parents requesting a meeting with the child’s teacher and the principal. 3. If a child accumulates five (5) unexcused absences in a semester, a truancy notice will be mailed to the parent and a meeting with the principal requested to discuss the problem and ways to solve it. If the truancy continues, the matter will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for follow up.

BASIC SCHOOL INFORMATION Oconto Falls School District 200 Farm Road, Oconto Falls, WI 54154 (920) 848-4471 Board of Education: Ron Leja (President), Jan Stranz (Vice President), Clint Gardebrecht (Clerk), Ken Harter (Treasurer), Tracey Krumrei, Pam Engel, and Lisa Peiterson. Superintendent: Dr. Dean Hess School (District) Colors: Black & Orange School Mascot: Baby Panther School Song: "Abrams School Song" 1999 Lyrics by Abrams Students and Mr. & Mrs. John Dessart. Music - traditional melody ("If you want to be a Badger") Oh we come from homes in Abrams and Little Suamico. We come to Abrams School where we study, learn, and grow. We all work together to do our very best. People say we're the friendliest. Oh we love Abrams School! We love Abrams School! Let the school bell ring to show we love Abrams School! Raise the flag on the flagpole and follow every rule. We're proud to be part of Abrams School! A-B-R-A-M-S GO ABRAMS!!!!

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

BIRTHDAY TREATS Some children like to bring in a treat on their birthday or half birthday, for those with a birthday in summer. We too like to celebrate with each child but ask that parents do not send a full cake. Please send individual snacks for your child’s classroom only. Please do not send balloons or flowers to school as these can be very disruptive to the learning enviornment and can’t be taken on the bus. Great treat ideas: cupcake, cookie, cut brownies, individual bags of vegetables with dip, fruit tray with serving plates, crackers and cheese are just some ideas.

BREAKFAST Eating breakfast daily is a key to educational success of each child. Children cannot think well if they are hungry. Many studies have been done that show higher achievement and success rates for those children that eat breakfast at school. Studies also show that school breakfast can exhibit a decrease in visits to the nurse, increases in attentiveness, and decreases in behavior problems. Some students get on the bus early or have hectic schedules before arriving at school so allowing your child to eat at school might help alleviate some of that stress and worry. Breakfast will be held so that they may exit the bus first to allow them time to eat and still get outside. They will eat in the new Community Room. This is available to the students in grades 4-Year Old Kindergarten through fifth grade. The cost for breakfast is $1.95 per day. The cost of each breakfast is electronically deducted from the prepaid family lunch account.

BUS INFORMATION Information is sent to parents in August explaining rules, pick-up and drop-off places and times, along with a color-coded tag. This tag MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK so staff can see where a student belongs. Bus rules should be reviewed and signed online withing Skyward. Please go through the rules with your child, since behavior problems on the bus can potentially endanger the safety of everyone on the bus. Consequences for not following the rules may include being moved to a front seat or possibly even being removed from the bus for a time period. Students will not be allowed to ride a different bus or go home with someone other than a parent/guardian without prior notice to the child's teacher. If your child needs to go home on a different bus or get dropped off at a different location, please send a note to your child's classroom teacher the day of the change or call the school office PRIOR to 2:00 P.M. If your child has a change in bus routine for multiple days, please send a note each morning with the appropriate change. There are times that classroom teachers are absent and a guest teacher doesn’t see the note from a previous day. By sending a note each day we will eliminate confusion on the adjusted plan. Without prior notice, your child will be sent home on their regular bus. Once a child is on the bus, they will not be allowed to get off until their designated stop. If you have any specific questions regarding bussing, please contact transportation at 848-4460.

CHAPERONES Only parents or guardians are allowed to serve as chaperones. No brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents will be allowed. Sorry if this causes an inconvenience. We try to rotate chaperons so that all parents get a chance to go along. So please don’t be offended if you are not selected for a particular trip. Field trips are designed to enhance or supplement a unit of study in the classroom. Parent chaperones are an important asset on field trips to assist the teacher in maintaining good order and safety. To ensure a positive experience for everyone involved, the following guidelines are to be followed. Chaperones should: 1. Be directly responsible to the teacher in charge. 2. Assume only those duties designated to them by the teacher. 3. Never use or possess any tobacco, alcohol, drugs or weapons while on a field trip. 4. Abide by all procedures and directions outlined by the teacher in charge. 5. Never transfer their responsibilities to another chaperone, even for a short time. 6. Never hold or administer any child's medication 7. Set a good example and be a positive role model for the students.

COMMUNITY PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (C.P.T.O.) The C.P.T.O. is a voluntary organization made up of parents and teachers from Abrams School. There are no dues or fees. Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month and are open to everyone. The C.P.T.O. works hard to enrich and improve the educational experience for all Abrams students - and to have some fun along the way! All parents and teachers are members and are encouraged to attend. The information below is designed to inform you of the many activities the C.P.T.O. is involved in. There is also a Facebook page you can belong to. Search for: ABRAMS ELEMENTARY CPTO FUNDRAISERS: In order to sponsor special events & activities, the C.P.T.O. organizes a few fundraising events: Fall Fundraiser - This is traditionally our biggest fundraiser and is usually held in October. The type and date of the fundraiser are determined by parents at meetings.

Popcorn and Healthy Snack Sales - Once each month, volunteers organize either a popcorn or healthy snack sale. Popcorn is popped and bagged by volunteers. For the snack sale, the C.P.T.O. purchases a variety of healthy snacks for students to choose from. Each are sold for $.25.

Seroogys Candy Sale - Each spring, prior to Easter, information is sent home for families order Seroogys Candy or Coffee. There are no requirements to sell anything and only paid orders are called in for delivery.

Collections - We collect Labels for Education. In return the school receives money from this organization so save these and turn them into a classroom teacher or place them in the containers located in the school lobby.

SCRIP Program – A gift card program that benefits the school. You can purchase a gift card to stores you regularly shop at (i.e. Festival Foods, Kohl’s, Shell, etc.) and use it for the full amount. The store donates a percentage of the amount back to the school. It’s easy to use.

NON PROFIT SALES Throughout the year, the C.P.T.O. organizes events which are not fundraisers but allow families to purchase items. Holiday Gift Shop - During December, the C.P.T.O. sets up a Holiday Gift Shop filled with inexpensive gift items for children to purchase for family members. Information and forms are sent home in advance. Volunteers assist students with gift selection and wrapping.

Scholastic Book Fair -At Parent/Teacher Conferences in the fall, the C.P.T.O. sponsors a book fair. Hundreds of different titles are available for purchase. A wish list is provided by classroom teachers to allow parents an opportunity to purchase books for the classroom. The C.P.T.O. receives 50% of the profit in books, which are donated to our library and classrooms. A spring “Buy One Get One Free” sale is also held.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROJECTS Throughout the year, the C.P.T.O. sponsors a number of events & activities to supplement curriculum, improve the school or for plain fun. Information is sent home prior to each event and everyone is invited to attend. For four year old kindergarten students, if a program is held while they are not in school, they are welcome to attend with a parent. Assemblies/Movie Night - Throughout the year, the C.P.T.O. may sponsor educational entertainment events such as musical performances, play, science demonstration, or an evening movie. Look for notes to go home on dates and times.

Field Trips - Each year students in grades 4K - 5 may have the opportunity attend one musical or play performance at an area performing arts center. The C.P.T.O also assists with costs of an additional field trip as determined by the school.

Dental Health Program - In February, the C.P.T.O. arranges to have a dental health professional speak with classes about good dental hygiene.

Christmas Ornaments - The C.P.T.O. provides every child in the school a personalized ornament each year. The ornament has the child's name and year on it. (If there is a reason you do not want your child to receive one, please let the office or C.P.T.O. know)

Teacher Donations - The C.P.T.O. gives each teacher a donation to help in covering some of their out of pocket expenses for extra items such as stickers, awards, treats, etc.

Big Ticket Items - Occasionally, depending on need, the C.P.T.O. focuses its energy and resources on a larger project. They have been responsible for such things as replacement of playground equipment, purchase of room air conditioners, books for the library, IPads, and much more.

The C.P.T.O. is dedicated to helping improve and enhance the educational opportunities for all our children. Everything we do is aimed at that goal. We encourage you to get involved in helping us help our children.

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

Treasurer: Melissa Nicholson Secretary: Laura Treichel SCRIP: Crysal Berg

DROPPING OFF/PICKING UP/PARKING Please use the Visitor Lot when dropping off or picking up your child. If this lot is full, please exit the Visitor Lot and enter the Main Lot using driveway #2, closest to the corner of Elm and Main Street. ➢ ALWAYS drive slowly through the curve and parking area ➢ Stay close to curb if dropping off your child in the morning ➢ Pull up just past the curve and main doors ➢ Have your child exit onto the sidewalk –if at all possible, don’t have children exit into traffic ➢ Once your child has exited, proceed slowly out of the lot ➢ If you must come into the building, please pull through the curve, park in the Visitor Lot in designated parking stalls and walk with your child. DO NOT PARK IN THE CURVE. ➢ If the Visitor Lot is full, please use the Main Lot. ➢ Please do not park along the fence or along the side of the building. Change of a student’s dismissal plan ➢ Students will follow regular plans unless a parent has notified the school with a note or phone call. Parents may change a student’s plan with a note or a phone call up until 2:00 that day. After 2:00, plans may not be altered and the student will follow the regular dismissal schedule for that day as planned. This is to ensure a mistake is not made with last minute changes. ➢ Parents that email a teacher must also email office staff of changes but this must be done before 1:00 PM. If a teacher doesn’t respond, that means that the message didn’t get seen so a phone call is necessary. Student pick up location ➢ Students being picked up will be located in the old office area. ➢ A staff member will be in that room to dismiss student as a parent arrives. ➢ Students will not be able to be picked up as the class walks through to load the bus. ➢ Students cannot be picked up outside by the busses. Student clubs or practices ➢ Students going to a club or practice must have a note to stay after school. ➢ Students going to a club or practice will go to the meeting area and will not leave that location until the busses have been dismissed.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES/PHONES Electronic devices, as well as cell phones, are not allowed to be used during the school day. While we understand that music players and games are nice for children on bus rides, the school can’t be responsible for these expensive devices. If you choose to send this with your child for use on the bus, it is expected that it be put in the child’s backpack for the school day. It cannot be used during recesses or class time. If a device is seen by a staff member, the child will be told to put it in

8 his/her backpack. If the student is seen with it again, the device will be taken and given to the office where the child can pick it up at the end of the day. If a third offense occurs, the office will call home to have a parent come and get it. Students are not to be taking pictures with devices on the bus or at school. We respect the right of the student to have a music player or game on the bus but it cannot become a distraction at school. The school assumes no responsibility for electronic devices and phones.

ENDING THE DAY Students are dismissed at 2:55 P.M. Teachers dismiss pick up students to go to a designated area to be picked up by the appropriate person. Teachers then escort the rest of the class to the bus exit. Teachers will wait in the lobby area until busses are dismissed. For safety and security reasons, parents picking students up for rides at the end of the day MUST come into the school to meet their children. This ensures that students are riding home with the correct person and that they are not outside unsupervised in end of the day traffic. Walkers and bike riders are dismissed after busses are gone. Students staying after school for practice, scouts, etc., MUST HAVE A NOTE FOR EACH TIME they stay. Without a note, students will be sent home on their regular bus. Again, this is to ensure that parents know what their children are doing after school and that they will be here to pick them up at the appropriate time. On an EARLY DISMISSAL day, students are dismissed at 12:55 P.M. and there is no afternoon 4K class.

FOOD SERVICE Breakfast and lunch are served daily at Abrams Elementary Schools. Free/Reduced applications are available at all school offices and will be distributed in each student’s folder at Back to School Night or on the first day of school. All students who qualify for free or reduced lunches (one reimbursable meal per day per student) automatically qualify for free or reduced breakfast. If your child qualifies through direct certification there is no need to fill out a paper application. An application needs to be filled out every year. An application can be filled out anytime throughout the school year. Please return them as soon as possible. DAILY LUNCH PRICES DAILY BREAKFAST PRICES $2.50 EC-5K $1.95 all grades $2.75 Grades 1-5 $2.35 Adult $0.40 Reduced $4.00 Adult $0.50 extra milk Lunch includes the Fruit and Vegetable Bar and one milk daily.

Visitors and guests must check in the office to purchase a meal ticket. The cafeteria will not accept cash or charges for meals. Visitor breakfast is $2.35 and lunch is $4.00. We encourage you to come and enjoy a meal with your child.

Oconto Falls School District has a computerized prepayment system for our Food Service program. Students must have money in their accounts to purchase breakfast, lunch or an extra milk. If there is no money in the account, students will be given a peanut butter or cheese sandwich for lunch until the account has sufficient funds. If parents do not wish their student to buy extra items out of the family account, they are requested to notify Food Service in writing or by phone.

Families need to prepay into their family account. We have multiple payment options available: cash, check, online credit/debit payments, online check payments. Cash and checks should be in an envelope and labeled with your child’s name, grade and amount of money enclosed. Payments can be dropped off at any school office, kitchen or mailed directly to: Food Service 210 N. Farm Rd. Oconto Falls WI 54154 This is a pre-pay system and we request that you maintain a positive balance in your family account. When your account falls below 15.00 you will receive an automated phone message reminding you to make a payment. You can also view your account activity online within Skyward Family Access. Purchases will not be allowed for any deficit accounts.

Family account balances at the end of a school year will be carried over to the next school year. Refunds may be requested in writing or by phone if your children will be leaving the Oconto Falls School District. Deficit accounts from the previous year will be denied service until be balance is paid in full.

If you have any questions please feel free to call: Amanda Sonnenburg, Food Service Secretary OR Jennifer Faccio, Food Service Director 920-848-4466 ext. 3 920-848-4466 ext. 1

GRADING/REPORT CARDS Report cards will be sent home three times throughout the year, in December, March, and June. The Abrams staff works hard to inform parents of their child’s academic progress. Our report cards reflect the academic learning standard we are working toward and your child is assessed to show if he/she has reached the learning target. The information below explains how these report cards will look. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the principal. 4-YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN - There is no formal report card or grading system in 4K. Informal narrative reports are sent home periodically in addition to parent-teacher conferences. KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 5 – Students will be assessed on skills through both formal assessments along with teacher observation and daily class work. Skill levels for Art, Music and Physical Education are also located on the report card. Students will receive a 1, 2, 3, or a 4 in many areas. These are NOT to be equated with A, B, C, D or F. Over the course of the school year students are introduced to concepts that they may not understand right away, but over time they gain confidence and a deeper understanding. These types of grades will reflect growth rather than saying they are failing. Below is what each number indicates: 1 = Does not meet grade level expectations at this time 2 = Partially meets grade level expectations at this time 3 = Meets grade level expectations at this time 4 = Exceeds grade level expectations at this time

HEALTH ROOM Students who complain of not feeling well will be sent to the health room to have their temperature taken. If their temperature is normal, they will be allowed to rest for a few minutes and then sent back to class. Parents will be called immediately if the temperature is 100º+ or the student is vomiting. Minor bumps and scrapes will be dealt with appropriately. Head bumps and more

10 serious injuries will result in a call home.

HOMEWORK Homework is an essential part of the continued learning process. It provides students the opportunity to reinforce and review skills learned in class. It allows parents to monitor their child's progress and to know what they are studying. Parents are encouraged to help their children find a quiet, well-equipped place to do homework and to set aside a consistent time for doing homework each night. If there are no assignments due, reviewing, studying or pleasure reading should be done during this time. As a rule of thumb, students would have no more than 20-40 minutes of homework per night. Requests for homework due to absence should be made at the time the absence is called in. Requests made after the lunch hour may not be able to be completed in time. Homework will be available to be picked up at the end of the day.

IMMUNIZATIONS Any updated information on immunizations your child has received must be reported to the school. Children entering kindergarten are required by law to have a second dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Oconto County Department of Human Services can provide this vaccine at one of their clinics. To find out dates and times of the nearby clinics, call 834-7039. Any questions about immunizations please call the school nurse at 848-4466 - Extension 6.

IMPORTANT DATES These are just some of the events going on at school. Notes do come home for all events including these as well as any others. Open House: Wed., August 29, 2018 3:30– 6:00 (first day of school Sept. 4) Picture Day: September 18, 2018 Future Phoenix: October 11, 2018 OFHS Homecoming: September 21, 2018 - 7:00 PM football game Grandparents Day: October 5, 2018 Fire Safety Day: October 19, 2018 Parent-Teacher Conferences October 26, 2018 1:30 – 7:00 March 21, 2019 3:30 – 6:00 Music Concerts 4K Holiday Concert - December 13, 2018 (9:30 AM and 1:30 PM) K-5 Holiday Concert – December 20, 2018 (9:30 AM and 1:30 PM) K-5 Curriculum Concert – May 16, 2019 (9:30 AM and 1:30 PM) Testing Dates State Assessment (gr 3-5): April 2019 PALS (4K - 2): September, February, May STAR (grades 2-5 Math & grades 3-5 Reading)

Last Day of the Trimesters Nov 30 March 7 June 7 Progress Report Dates – Report Card Dates October 23 : progress report/goal setting Dec 6; March 14; June 7: report card Early Releases Sept. 26 Nov 23 June 7 Non Student days: Professional Development Days (PD) August 27, 28, 29 Nov. 5 January 21 March 8 May 28 Weidner Center Field Trips 4K & 5K Feb 18 All day GR1 &GR2 March 12 AM GR3 & GR4 April 12 AM

INCLEMENT WEATHER School closing or early dismissals due to inclement weather will be announced on these radio stations as well as an automated phone call to the primary phone number listed within our school’s data system. WOCO (Oconto - 1260 AM or 107 FM) WOZZ (Green Bay – 93.5 FM) WDUZ (Green Bay - 1440 AM or 107.5 FM) WRVM (Suring - 102.7 FM) WTCH (Shawano - 960 AM or 99.3 FM) WLST (Marinette - 95 FM) WIXX (Green Bay - 1360 AM or 101.1 FM) WNFL (Green Bay – 1440 AM)

Cancellations are listed on the following television stations: WBAY; WLUK; WFRV; and WGBA. You may also check cancellations online at www.cancellations.com Just type “Oconto Falls Area Schools” in the “partial name” box. We are part of the Oconto Falls School District so listen for the district name. On days of inclement weather resulting in icy roads or drifted driveways, a parent or guardian makes the ultimate decision as to whether a student will attend school or not. The absence will be excused with a note from the parent or guardian stating it is their decision to keep their child home because of the weather. Parents should make sure their child knows what to do or where to go should school be dismissed early. An "Emergency Dismissal Plan" form is included at the beginning of the year with your online registration.

KID'S STATION - SCHOOL AGE CHILD CARE A fee-based, school-aged child care program is available for students attending Abrams and Oconto Falls Elementary Schools. The program runs from 7:35 a.m. - 6:00 p.m at Abrams Elementary and 3:20 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Oconto Falls Elementary. A pamphlet describing the program is in both school offices.

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

LICE Head lice are a fairly common problem in school age children. It is most prevalent among preschool and elementary school age children and their household members or caretakers. While head lice is a nuisance it does not pose a significant health hazard. Head lice can be acquired anywhere in the community and may not be identified until weeks or months after exposure. Having head lice is not related to cleanliness of the person or their environment.

If a child is assessed as having head lice, confidentiality will be maintained so the child is not embarrassed. We will discreetly check other family members within the school district. The child's parent or guardian will be notified as soon as possible. The child will stay in the office until he or she can be picked up from school. Educational information will be given and reviewed with the family regarding safe and effective treatment of head lice. The child will be allowed to return to school after proper treatment. Upon the student's return, the school office personnel or school nurse will re-check affected students to ensure they do not have live lice. The school will also periodically recheck this student within the next 7 to 10 days to ensure the head lice treatment was successful.

If several cases of head lice occur in the same classroom the principal or school nurse may choose to send a letter home notifying classmates’ parents that a case of head lice is suspected and asking them to check all of their children for head lice. All students in the classroom/grade will not be checked unless unusual circumstances warrant it.

Parents have the ultimate responsibility for their children. This includes assisting in the prevention and management of head lice cases by regularly checking their children's hair and immediately treating when head lice is detected.

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

LUNCH Students in grades K-5 will have a 45-minute lunch period and recess between 11:05 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Students are NOT allowed to have soda with their bag lunches. We also ask that students not share any part of his/her lunch due to potential allergies.

MEDIA CONSENT FORM This is a form that is included with your online registration each year. Please remember that if you take a picture of students at school or on a field trip, you should not automatically post this to websites like Facebook as you don’t know which parents have asked that their children not be photographed. Please see the office if you have any questions regarding this policy.

MEDICATION POLICY If a student needs medication administered at school, whether for prescription or non-prescription medication, they must have a parental permission form on file in the office. The district has a "Medication Policy" which includes the consent form. These forms are available in

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

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

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

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

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

PAWS PROGRAM You might be asking yourself, “What is the Panther PAWS program?” As a result of implementing the Panther PAWS program at Abrams Elementary School we will establish positive and consistent expectations for all students, the staff, families and the community. By teaching

14 students how to meet these expectations we provide them with the tools and resources necessary to demonstrate growth in character and help them become valued and contributing members of the school community, thus creating a healthy, positive school culture where all students feel a sense of belonging to foster social and academic growth. School expectations for students reinforced daily:

POSITIVE ATTITUDE ACT SAFELY WORK HARD SHOW RESPECT

When the school expectations are followed, students have an opportunity to be recognized for their efforts by receiving Panther PAWS. When school expectations are not followed, specific consequences and a reteaching of the desired behavior result based on the behavior. Behavior incidents will be tracked by teachers and the office for data purposes. Parents are notified if multiple small incidents occur in 1 week.

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

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

SCHOOL HOURS The school day for students begins at 7:50 AM and ends at 2:55 PM. Students whose parents provide transportation to school, are to arrive no earlier than 7:35 A.M. If it is necessary to drop your student off early, please call the office. The telephone number is 826-5819. Teachers are available from 7:30 AM to 7:45 AM; 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM each day to talk if you need to speak to them. The morning 4-Year Old Kindergarten class runs from 7:50 A.M. to 10:50 A.M. The afternoon 4-Year Old Kindergarten class runs from 11:55 to 2:55 P.M.

STARTING THE DAY Students arriving on busses will exit the bus upon arrival. After coming into school students will then go either to breakfast or outside to the back playground. Supervision will be provided in the hallways and on the playground. Students being dropped off should come through the main entrance and walk to breakfast in the Community Room or outside. This is a time for students to get some exercise and relax a bit so they are in a better state of mind to start learning. Student expectations will be taught at the beginning of the year so everyone knows what to do and how to behave during this time. Afternoon 4K students arrive at about 11:45.

STUDENT DRESS Clothing which advertises or promotes tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs is not permitted. Neither is clothing which portrays suggestive, offensive or obscene sayings or pictures. Students should wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for our Wisconsin weather. Boots, mittens, hats, snow pants or a snowmobile suit must be worn in winter by your child so he/she can comfortably play in the snow at recess time. Children who are not dressed accordingly are only able to be on the blacktop area. All students are outside at recess every day that the temperature is zero or above. Please see that you child is dressed appropriately for each day's weather. In warm weather, clothing which is too revealing, too short, or too tight, is not allowed. Items such as half-shirts, short shorts, tube tops, and similar apparel would be considered inappropriate. Roller skates and “heelies” are also not allowed at school for safety reasons. Flip flops can’t be worn for recess for safety reasons, so additional shoes should be brought for recess times. Students who come inappropriately dressed will either be given a replacement article to wear from our fashionable office collection ☺, or the office will call home to have a new item brought in to wear. In the classroom, students are not allowed to wear their hats, coats, mittens, boots, etc. A reminder that tennis shoes are required for gym use. These are listed on the school supply list. These do NOT need to be fancy, high-priced shoes, just a pair for gym use only. This is done to protect our gym floor from damage caused by dirt, pebbles, mud, and snow.

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

WELLNESS The district has created a comprehensive wellness policy for students and staff in the district. The goal is to create an overall school and community environment which promotes better understanding, beliefs and habits related to good nutrition and physical activity. The wellness policy is just another piece of the “big picture” designed to help every student be prepared to do their best at school. One part of the overall policy involves promoting healthy snacks and treats in the classroom. Items such as raw veggies and fruit, low fat cheese and crackers, trail mix, low fat muffins, yogurt, 100% fruit juices, low fat pudding cups and popcorn are recommended as simple, yet healthy treats to bring to school for special occasions.

A FEW REQUIRED ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM OUR FRIENDS IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT! Oconto Falls School District Annual Notice of Special Education Referral and Evaluation Procedures August 2018 Upon request, the Oconto Falls School District is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district. A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Terri Olsen, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education, Oconto Falls School District, at 920-848-4443 ext. 1, or by writing her at: Oconto Falls High School; 210 N. Farm Rd.; Oconto Falls, WI 54154.

OFFICIAL NOTICE - NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY It is the policy of the Oconto Falls Public School District that no person may be denied admission to any public school in this district or be denied participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any curricular, extra-curricular, pupil service, recreational or other program or activity because of the person's gender, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy or learning disability or handicap as required by S. 118.13, Wis. Stats. This policy also prohibits discrimination as defined by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The District encourages informal resolution of complaints under this policy. A formal complaint resolution procedure is available, however, to address allegations of violations of the policy in the Oconto Falls Public School District. Any questions concerning this policy should be directed to: Dean Hess, District Administrator Oconto Falls Public School District 200 N. Farm Road Oconto Falls, WI 54154 (920) 848-4471

Grievance Procedure In the event of a disagreement with a staff member, school, or other related issue, the following procedures are outlined for resolution: ● All conflicts should be resolved at the lowest level possible before moving on to the next step. ● The parent must appeal in writing to the Principal within five school days of the disagreement. ● If the parents still are in disagreement with the situation, they may request, in writing, the opportunity to meet with the Principal. The Principal will schedule a meeting with the staff involved following the receipt of the written request to meet.

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

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

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

Pupil Records Pupil records are maintained in the interest of the student to assist the school in providing appropriate educational experiences. Retention and destruction of student records will be done in accordance with school district policies and DPI guidelines. Parents may inspect, review, and amend a student’s educational record in accordance with FERPA guidelines.

Tobacco Use on School Grounds by Staff Members, Visitors, and Other Adults The Oconto Falls School Board is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable, productive environment for staff, students, and citizens. The School Board is concerned about the health of its employees and recognizes the importance of role modeling for students during formative years. Therefore, tobacco use is prohibited on or in school district property. This will include school buildings, grounds, school owned vehicles, and all property owned by, rented by and/or under the control of the Oconto Falls School District. This ban is in effect at all times including vacations, holidays, summer, etc. and therefore is not limited to the school year or school day.

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

Cell Phones/Paging Devices Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day. For most elementary school students, there is not a need to bring a cell phone to school. In some cases, a parent may wish a student to have access to a cell phone, for use after school hours and we ask the parent contact the school to discuss this. Inappropriate use of these items will result in confiscation of the device and a request for a parent to come pick it up.

Electronics, Toys, Games, etc. Electronic devices and item like trading cards are discouraged at school. The risk of breakage, loss, theft, “bad trades”, and inappropriate use makes these a major source of disruption in a school setting. Items that cause disruption to the learning environment will be held in the office. Personal music devices are allowed on the bus, but should be put away and not taken out at school.

Abrams Staff (2018 – 2019) Mrs. Joanne Michalski, Principal Grade 5 Learning Disabilities Secretaries 100 Mrs. Lacey Manthei 127 Mrs. Tammi LaLuzerne 304 Mrs. Erika Bauer Mrs. Melissa Leja 124 Ms. Carol Zeh -- Aide Mrs. Holly Radke

Grade 4 Speech/Language Custodian Mr. Scott Schroeder 125 Mrs. Tara Foht 106 Mrs. Rose Zempel Mrs. Karen Ingram 123

Grade 3 IMC – Library 200 Maintenance Mrs. Danielle Baade 118 Mrs. Penny Stuiber Mr. Bob Wirz Mrs. Chris Ingold 121 Mrs. Barb Dryja – Aide

Grade 2 Classroom/Playground Aides Housekeepers Mrs. Shana DeBaker 301 Mrs. Janell Kirkpatrick Mr. John Meyer Mrs. Jennie Albrecht 302 Mrs. Judy VerVelde Mrs. Patti Notz

Grade 1 Kids Station 306 Food Service 202 Mrs. Danielle Peterson 407 Mrs. Traci Kamps Mrs. Andrea Radtke Mrs. Heather Skarban 402 Ms. Jackie Christensen Mrs. Paula Gonnering Mrs. Donna Faccio

Kindergarten Bus Drivers Mrs. Sarah Nieminski 105 Mrs. Dawn Deneys Ms. Amber Pulvermacher 107 Mrs. Jackie Saari Ms. Anna Jagdozinski 113 Mrs. Sarah Heimke Mrs. Heather Wellnitz

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

Physical Education Technology Mrs. Jackie Rochon 202 Mr. Corey Jeffers Ms. Tammy Gaertig Art Mr. Ron Sturm Mrs. Megan Pierquet 201

Music School District Nurse Mr. Jesse Baumgart 500 Mrs. Lynette Donart 100D

Guidance School Psychologist Ms. Patrice Fick 419 Mr. Derek Johnson

Keyboarding Reading Support Reading Specialist Mrs. Cheri Burkhalter 417 Mrs. Valerie Burd 400 Mrs. Crystal Beaman