4-Year-Old Kindergarten

Parent/Student 4K Handbook 2014 - 2015

The Howard-Suamico School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, including transgender status, change of sex or gender identity, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities.

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Welcome ...... 3 Mission Statement ...... 4 4K Partnering Site Information ...... 5 Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs Statement ...... 6 Attendance ...... 6-7 Child Abuse, Neglect, and Sexual Abuse ...... 7 Child Behavior ...... 8 Child Guidance ...... 8-9 Confidentiality ...... 9 Curriculum ...... 10 Drills ...... 11 Eligibility ...... 11 ELL (English Language Learners) ...... 11 Emergency Forms ...... 11 Family Outreach Program ...... 11 Fees ...... 11 Field Trips ...... 11 Harassment ...... 12 Health Related Philosophy ...... 12 Immunizations...... 12 Injury ...... 12 Lost & Found Items ...... 12 Medication Policy ...... 12 Medical Nurse ...... 12 Newsletters ...... 13 Nondiscrimination Policy ...... 13 Parent/Teacher Conferences ...... 14 Pickup & Drop Off...... 14 Promotion/Retention Policy ...... 14 Religious Accommodations ...... 14 Reporting Student Progress/Report Cards ...... 14 Special Occasion Treats ...... 15 Student/Staff Relationships ...... 15 Theft ...... 16 Threats...... 16 Transfers or Withdrawals ...... 16 Transportation ...... 16 Volunteer Opportunities...... 17 Weather Related Information ...... 17 Additional Resources ...... 18 40 Developmental Assets for Early Childhood Ages (3-5) ...... 19-21

elcome to the Howard & Suamico 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Program

The Howard-Suamico School District has a history of collaboration with the preschools and childcare facilities located in the school district and surrounding area. The physical, emotional, social, and cognitive early learning of children are the focus of the school district as well as the community agencies. The early childhood years are very important for children and their parents. We believe that when children experience success in responsive, nurturing programs they gain skills and knowledge essential for their optimal development .

Four-year-old kindergarten programs have been growing in number throughout the state of Wisconsin. Last year over 368 school districts in Wisconsin had programs. During the 2007- 2008 school year, a committee comprised of community agencies, parents, administrators, and teachers reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of four-year-old kindergarten. The committee found that research showed that four-year-old kindergarten definitely helped the children, schools, and community.

During the summer and fall of 2008, another committee studied various preschool programs throughout the state. From the information gained and through visits made to other communities, the community-wide committee determined that four-year-old preschool was the right program to establish in the Howard-Suamico School District.

The Howard-Suamico School District is excited to continue our collaboration with our community organizations. The 10 organizations are: Big Apple Preschool & Day Care, 2645 Tulip Lane, Green Bay CESA 7 Head Start (Eligibility Required), 2153 School Lane, Green Bay Cuddle Care, Inc., 1765 Velp Ave., Green Bay KinderCare Learning Center, 600 Security Blvd., Green Bay Shining Stars, 3900 Cedar Court, Suamico Starting Point Day Care, 1750 Cardinal Lane, Green Bay Step Ahead Child Care Center, 280 Cardinal Lane, Green Bay TenderHearts Learning Center, Inc., 3508 Veterans Ave., Suamico The Shepherd’s Kids Preschool, 986 Lakeview Dr., Green Bay Tiny Town Childcare Center, 2784 Deerfield Rd., Suamico

The Howard & Suamico 4K handbook has been written to provide parents and other interested parties with information regarding our program. We hope you will use the handbook to answer any questions that may come up throughout the year. If you have questions not answered in this handbook, please do not hesitate to ask a teacher or call the school district office at 920-662- 7878.

Jennifer Trudell, 4K Coordinator (920) 662-7941 [email protected]

3 Mission Statement & Guiding Principles

Mission Statement The Howard & Suamico Early Learning Community Collaborative will provide access to quality, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for all 4-year-olds through community, school, and family partnerships.

Guiding Principles ¾ Children learn and develop best in a positive, safe, play-based, age appropriate environment.

¾ Families are recognized as their child’s first teachers and primary role models.

¾ Diverse backgrounds of children and families will be respected.

¾ The partnership between family, school, and community will support each child’s growth and development.

¾ Children are actively engaged in their learning.

4 4K Partnering Site Information

Big Apple Starting Point Day Care 2645 Tulip Lane 1750 Cardinal Lane Green Bay, WI 54313 Green Bay, WI 54313 Contact: Stephanie Nies Contact: Beth Bardouche Phone: (920) 434-9470 Phone: (920) 434-8002 Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Days: Monday - Friday Days: Monday - Friday CESA 7 Head Start (Eligibility Required) Step Ahead Child Care Center 2153 School Lane, Green Bay, WI 54313 280 Cardinal Ln (located in Suamico Elementary School Rm 214) Green Bay, WI 54313 Phone: (920) 662-9834 Contact: Nikki Matschullat Regarding Eligibility please contact: Terry Gay Phone: (920) 662-9678 at (920) 430-1153 or 662-7929. Hours: 5:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Days: Monday - Friday Days: Monday - Thursday Cuddle Care, Inc. TenderHearts Learning Center, Inc. 1765 Velp Ave 3508 Veterans Ave Green Bay, WI 54303 Suamico, WI 54173 Contact: Kathy Stachura Contact: Jean Mercier Phone: (920) 494-1156 Phone: (920) 662-2007 Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Days: Monday - Friday Days: Monday - Friday KinderCare Learning Center The Shepherd’s Kids Preschool 600 Security Blvd. 986 Lakeview Dr. Green Bay, WI 54313 Green Bay, WI 54313 Contact: Tasha Weinfurtner Contact: Jennifer Trudell Phone: (920) 434-2700 Phone: (920) 434-4899 Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Hours: M-TH 7:50 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Days: Monday - Friday Friday 8:00-11:00 Shining Stars Tiny Town Childcare Center 3900 Cedar Court 2784 E Deerfield Suamico, WI 54173 Suamico, WI 54173 Contact: Rachel Laux Contact: Mellisa Irish Phone: (920) 865-3900 Phone: (920) 713-0053 Hours: 4:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Hours: 5:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Days: Monday - Friday Days: Monday - Friday

5 Please refer to your child’s 4K/Preschool site for polices detailed in their individual policy book.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs Statement Alcohol and other drug use is prohibited at all Howard & Suamico 4K site functions including, but not limited to: x Classroom activities & field trips x Home visits with home visitors or other staff x Family Outreach programs and activities Alcohol and other drug use prior to Howard & Suamico 4K functions are strongly discouraged. Any behavior exhibited at Howard & Suamico 4K programs or activities that suggest abuse of alcohol or other drugs will result in that person being asked to leave.

The Howard & Suamico 4K locations are smoke free environments per state statutes that disallow smoking in public school buildings or on grounds or facilities housing public school programs. A smoke free environment is also required at the Howard & Suamico 4K functions, which include, but are not limited to, Family Outreach programs, field trips, or on the playgrounds.

Parents are not required to abide by the Smoke Free Policy during home visits in their own homes. However, parents are encouraged not to smoke during these home visits.

Attendance It is an expectation that each child will attend school when school is in session. The importance of regular attendance cannot be overstated; regular attendance at the four-year-old preschool level establishes healthy patterns of attendance that can last throughout the school years and into adult employment. Each location of the Howard & Suamico 4K, maintains records for enrolled children. A child’s absence is designated as “excused” or “unexcused”.

Excused absences include illness, medical and dental appointments, and certain family situations. Generally, as long as a parent/guardian calls in to inform the 4K site staff of the absence, it will be considered excused.

An unexcused absence is generally the result of the child simply not attending class and the parent/guardian has not notified the staff of the absence.

When in doubt of your child’s health condition, play it safe for your child as well as for the other children in the class. Please consider keeping your child home: x The first 48 hours of a cold or upper respiratory infection, x If the child has an infectious disease, or x If you child has a rash or spots….until you know what it is.

General criteria for parents to use in deciding if their child should attend school: x The child has a temperature of 99.6 degrees or higher. x The child has vomited within a 24 hour time period prior to leaving for school.

6 x The child has had diarrhea within a 24 hour time period prior to coming to school. x If the child has a common cold, where there is much nasal discharge or green nasal discharge. x If the child has a cough that is hacking or continuous. x If the child has skin sores which are open and draining material. This includes such illnesses as pink eye and open cold sores. The child can return to school when the drainage ceases and the sores begin to heal. x If the child has chicken pox or mumps. x If the child has a Streptococcal throat infection (strep throat). The child should remain home for two days after antibiotics have started. x If the child is complaining of an earache. x If the child has any skin diseases (such as impetigo, scabies, etc.) A doctor’s note will be required for the child to return to school.

In the event of one of the following conditions, the staff will call a parent/guardian to pick up their child: x The child has a temperature. x The child has vomited. x The child has diarrhea. x The child is continually coughing. x The child is constantly fussy and crying for an unusual amount of time for an unexplained reason.

Calling in absences: It is an expectation that children enrolled in Howard & Suamico 4K will attend every day school is in session. If students are going to be absent from school for any reason, parents are required to phone in the absence to the preschool teacher prior to or on the day of the absence. Please inform the person answering the phone of your child’s name, the reason for the absence, and that the child is attending the Howard & Suamico 4K program. Attendance is taken every day and sent to the school district office. Prompt notification of absences helps keep the record keeping accurate and fulfills licensing requirements.

Child Abuse, Neglect, and Sexual Abuse Most parents and guardians try hard to provide a caring environment for their children. They want to meet their child’s basic needs and offer support and encouragement to them. However, stresses in today’s society make it difficult for some families to cope and child abuse and neglect can occur.

We ask each parent enrolling their child in the Howard & Suamico 4K program to examine their own childrearing practices and determine what each parent can, and is willing, to do to help prevent child abuse.

All staff of the Howard & Suamico 4K program is required by state law to report known or suspected cases of abuse and neglect. It is important to realize that the staff is obligated to protect the physical and emotional well-being of our children. The Howard & Suamico 4K staff is always willing to assist parents in child rearing by providing support and assistance in parenting strategies. The staff will also refer parents to County Services when they feel additional help may be required for the family.

7 Child Behavior It is the goal of the Howard & Suamico 4K program to work in collaboration with parents or guardians in promoting positive child guidance strategies, in the classroom, in the home, and in the community. The Child Guidance Policy outlines many of the techniques used in the Howard & Suamico 4K program. Parents or guardians will receive an appropriate introduction to the policies during the Open House orientation held before school begins.

An Individual Behavior Plan will be used with those children who demonstrate repeated or significant behavior problems in the classroom. Adults will use observations of the child to document the child’s behavior in a variety of situations. Conferences will be held with staff and parents to review classroom observations and to develop appropriate intervention strategies to address the individual needs of the child.

The following procedures will be reviewed and incorporated as needed in the Individual Behavior Plan: 1. Staff documentation, including behavioral observations and anecdotal notes. 2. Conferences between staff, parents, and consultants. 3. Review of the child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) if the child has a documented special education disability. 4. Additional staff support in addition to the classroom staff. Observations and technical assistance may be provided by the Site Director, Program Coordinators, and/or consultants. 5. Modifications in the classroom setting, classroom schedule, or physical environment. 6. Changes in classroom staffing patterns (Shadowing, break times, office times, etc.) and/or transportation procedures for the child. 7. Changes in program options may be available. 8. Referral to appropriate outside agencies (School district, medical facilities, mental health agencies, family agencies, etc.) for evaluation and services.

All procedures utilized in regard to the Individual Behavior Plan will be properly documented in writing by the staff. Parents/guardians will be actively involved in and informed of all procedures.

Child Guidance The Howard & Suamico 4K promotes the philosophy of positive guidance of children where children develop self-control of their actions and increase their self-esteem. The goal in every classroom is to develop appropriate social skills so the child can become an independent and well-adjusted individual.

The classroom teachers and teacher assistants have the responsibility of guiding children’s behavior and ensuring the safety of all the children and adults in the classroom. The classroom teacher has the primary responsibility of determining what developmentally appropriate behavior guidance techniques will be used in each specific situation.

Techniques used in prevention: x Giving clear and reasonable expectations x Modeling and teaching the correct behavior x Making the children feel important and respected

Non-confrontational techniques used by staff: x Redirecting x Shadowing x Modeling x Praising x Suggesting x Changing the environment x Providing logical and meaningful consequences x Staying calm x Ignoring Adult interaction may be necessary when a child displays a lack of self-control. The child may be removed from the situation for a short period of time. The child may return to the activity when the child determines he/she is ready. Staff and parents must remember that each child develops at his/her own rate. Therefore, staff and parents must remember that each child needs to be looked at individually.

If your child becomes upset for any reason and is unable to calm themselves, all staff members have been trained in the proper measures to be taken to help comfort the child. These methods include, but are not limited to: rocking the child, singing to the child, conversation with the child, gently rubbing their back, or asking for assistance from another staff person.

Actions Prohibited: x Spanking, hitting, pinching, shaking, or inflicting any other form of corporal punishment. x Verbal abuse, threats or derogatory remarks about the child or the child’s family. x Tying to restrict movement. x Confining a child in a small space such as a closet, locked room, or similar cubicle. x Withholding or forcing meals, snacks, or naps. x Children will not be disciplined for lapses in toilet training.

Confidentiality Every family has the right to their privacy being respected and enforced. Each agency will help maintain privacy in the following manner: x Student records will not be left out for others to view. x Parents and staff are not allowed to discuss children and families with other parents. x Staff will not discuss children and families with other staff unless there is a direct benefit to the family or child involved. x Parents are asked not to talk about incidents observed in the classroom or at any other activities that involve children other than their own.

9 Curriculum The goal of our early childhood curriculum is to create an environment that promotes learning and social skills appropriate for our four-year-olds. Children learn by doing. They use all of their senses to explore and get information. The Howard & Suamico 4K Community Collaborative is committed to promoting a high quality preschool education for all children. Play is the important work of a four-year old.

The teachers for the four-year-old preschool program will use “Creative Curriculum” and the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (thinkbigstartsmall.com) as a curriculum guide. All teachers have four-year degrees in early childhood/kindergarten and are highly qualified to work with preschool children. In addition, the teachers and assistants will continue to attend conferences and workshops on early childhood education.

Each child will be given the opportunity to learn at his/her own pace and in the way preschoolers learn best …through play! Actually, what looks like play has been planned by professionals to develop specific skills that your child will need for later school years and into adult life. Your child’s daily schedule will include a balance between the following types of activities: x Active and quiet times x Large group activities, small group activities, as well as time to play alone or with others x Indoor and outdoor playtime x Time for children to select activities on their own and time for the children to participate in teacher directed activities The following are a few examples of how what appears to be play, is actually a learning experience that helps the child prepare for school!

When Children Do This……………………………..…They Are Learning To:

Put blocks in a truck and dump them out Understand size, weight, and number concepts (math and science) Put pegs in a pegboard Eye-hand coordination (reading and writing readiness) Finish a puzzle Complete a task from start to finish (study habits and self-esteem) Play beside other children Get along with others (social skills) Follow directions in a recipe by adding ingredients Understand measurements (math)

Turning pages of a book Read from left to right Scribble on paper Use writing as a means to communicate, fine motor coordination Listen to a story and talk about what happened Love to read books, remember details, express ideas (language) Put on dress-up clothes Small muscle development (imagination and self-help) Make play-dough See how materials change (science) Follow directions (listening) Comprehension & small motor development) Separate cups and plates Group objects into categories (math)

Drills Emergency Drills Fire drills, tornado drills and other safety drills are conducted at regular intervals during the school year.

Eligibility Students participating in the Howard & Suamico 4K Community Collaborative program must be four years of age on/before September 1. There will be no early admissions. Participants must be residents of the Howard - Suamico School District or apply through Open Enrollment in February.

ELL (English Language Learners) As parents register students new to our district, they are asked to complete a Home Language Survey. This survey is reviewed by the ELL coordinator at Pupil Services to determine eligibility for services. The survey is available from Pupil Services at 662-7946 or www.hssd.k12.wi.us select Parent/Student – District Forms.

Emergency Information Forms State law requires all students to have an emergency information form or data on file in the school office. New information must be compiled each year. Without emergency information or data on file, we do not have the authority to release a student from school through anyone other than the parent/guardian. With this information on file, we can contact relatives or friends as directed on the emergency sheet.

Family Outreach Program An important component of the Howard & Suamico 4K program is the Family Outreach Program. The focus on the program is to provide parents and children with opportunities to grow as a family. Throughout the school year, activities and presentations will be open to all families. Each family is encouraged to participate. Two events a month will be offered. Most of the activities will be scheduled in the evenings with some Saturdays.

Fees There are no fees required to register for the Howard & Suamico 4K program. There may be a small fieldtrip or activity fee at the time of the event to help supplement the cost to the 4K site.

Field Trips Educational field trips may be taken by the students during the school year as a part of their instruction. Parents will receive a student permission form that must be signed and returned to school in order for a student to take part in the field trip. There may also be a fee of up to $5.00 associated with the field trip.

11 Harassment Any and all forms of harassment, which include sexual, verbal, and physical are prohibited. Concerns about possible harassment situations, should be reported immediately to a staff member. Complaints will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate disciplinary action taken.

Immunizations The Student Immunization Law requires that all Pre Kindergarten students meet a minimum number of immunizations prior to school entrance. These include: x 4 DTP or DtaP or DT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) x 1 MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) first dose must have been received on or after the first birthday. x 3 Polio x 3 HepB (Hepatitis B) x 1 Varicella (Varicella/Chickenpox vaccine or chickenpox disease history is also acceptable.) Varicella vaccine is required only if your child has not had the disease (chickenpox). If your child has had the disease, you need to provide the date and the year.

Injury Any student injured at school should report to the teacher. Depending on the severity of the injury, parents will be notified so that proper provisions can be made for care or transportation to a medical facility by the parent. Please refer to your 4K center’s policy book for details. Proper completion of information on the Emergency Form is essential in cases of injury.

Lost and Found Items A lost and found is provided at each 4K site. If you or your child has lost an item, please contact your provider’s office for assistance. Due to limited space, items that are not claimed will be periodically donated to charitable organizations.

Medication Policy Please refer to your 4K center’s policy book for details on their procedures for administering medication. All medication will be dispensed from the site office. Students are not allowed to carry medication on them for their safety as well as the safety of others.

Medical Nurse The Howard - Suamico School District has two registered nurses on staff to service the schools in the Howard - Suamico School District. The nurses are available to all 4K Centers as a resource and may be contacted through the site teacher or director.

12 Newsletters Each 4K site will publish a weekly newsletter to provide families with important updates and information throughout the year. Please check with your child’s preschool for additional information or if you are not receiving a newsletter.

Nondiscrimination Policy It is the policy of the Howard & Suamico 4K that no person may be denied admission to any public school program in the Howard - Suamico School District, be denied participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any curricular, extracurricular, pupil service, recreational, other program or activity because of the person's sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, military service (as defined in 111.32, Wis. Stats.), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability or handicap as required, by Sec. 118.13, Wis. Stat. This policy also prohibits discrimination as defined by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (sex), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race and national origin), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (handicap).

The Howard & Suamico 4K encourages informal resolution of complaints under this policy. A formal complaint resolution procedure is available. To address allegations of violations of the policy in the Howard-Suamico School District or asking any questions concerning Sec. 118.13 Wis. Stat., or Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, should be directed to:

Jerome Wieland, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education/Pupil Services & Civil Rights Compliance Officer 1935 Cardinal Lane, Green Bay, WI 54313 (920) 662-7959 [email protected]

Inquiries related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap, should be directed to: Jerome Wieland, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education/Pupil Services & Civil Rights Compliance Officer 1935 Cardinal Lane, Green Bay, WI 54313 (920) 662-7959 [email protected]

Favor de contactar a Maria Montalvo al (920) 662-5087, si usted require alguna información traducida en español.

Пожалуйста, свяжитесь с Оксаной Кобзарь-Швайнер по телефону (920) 662-7960, если Вам необходима какоя-либо информация на русском языке.

Thov hu tau rau Sheng Yang (See Yaj) 920- 662-9767, yog leejtwg xav tau ntaub ntawv txais ua lug Hmoob.

13 Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent-teacher conferences are generally scheduled to take place in November, after completion of the first quarter of school and again in February. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Pick Up & Drop Off times Hours are determined by each individual center, so please be respectful of the center hours and 4K times. Due to state licensing requirements centers are unable to keep your child longer than the designated class period, however, some centers offer wrap-around-care for before or after school for an additional fee. For normal 4K class time, please drop off your child no more than 5 minutes before class and pick up promptly at the end of class.

Promotion/Retention Policy The decision to promote/retain a student can only be done after a careful evaluation of the factors resulting in the student's ability or inability to learn. In addition to academic competencies, there are other factors that enter into the decision to promote/retain a student. The following are of significant importance when evaluating for promotion/retention:

x Social Development x Existence of possible disability or x Emotional Development handicapping condition x Ability x Other Educational characteristics (age, learning style, work habits, etc.) The final placement of a student in an appropriate educational program is an Administrative decision to be made by the school. For more information, please contact the Howard - Suamico School District at 662-7713.

Religious Accommodations Howard & Suamico 4K will provide accommodations for 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 the administration.

Reporting Student Progress Student progress will be reported throughout the year using the Creative Curriculum check list.

14 Special Occasion Treats The Howard & Suamico 4K program recognizes the benefits of healthful foods in our schools and classrooms to assure that our children can grow, learn, and thrive. If parents desire to send a food item for a child’s birthday or special event, the food should be low in sugar and fat. Due an increase in food allergies in the general population, foods containing nut products or nut byproducts may not be allowed in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to send items that are more nutritious in value. Such items could include the following: Raw Vegetable Sticks Raisins Water Fresh Fruit Pretzels Party Mix Fruit Kabobs Popcorn Low-Sodium Crackers Frozen 100% juice pops String Cheese BAKED Corn Chips Bagels/Cream Cheese Dried Fruits Fat Free Potato Chips Rice Cakes Trail Mix Low Fat Muffins Granola Bars Flavored Yogurt Jell-O Snacks Angel Food Cake Fruit Parfaits Veggie Pizza Low-Fat Pudding Cups Low-Fat and Skim Milk 100% Fruit Juices Low-Fat Ice Ice Cream/Yogurt Low-Fat Meat and Cheese Low-Fat Dressings, Yogurt Dips, Low-Fat Sherbet Sandwiches Salsa NOTE: Due to the increase in nut allergies and the severity of the reactions they may cause, substances known to cause allergic reactions in sensitive children, including (but not limited to) peanuts, tree nuts, soy nuts, eggs, dairy, soy, wheat, and sulfites used in dried fruits should be avoided. Please be aware that some children may have allergies to these foods.

Student-Staff Relationships The Howard & Suamico 4K is committed to quality educational programs requiring integrity, high ideals, and human understanding. The welfare and achievement of students are dependent upon positive relationships within the school environment. To this end, employees of the Howard & Suamico 4K, as role models, are expected to develop positive relationships by: x Using discretion in handling confidential information about students; x Maintaining empathy with and respect for students; x Communicating with students in a way which fosters the development of a positive self image; x Using credible, positive feedback with students; x Implementing motivational techniques that enhance a student's self-esteem; x Modeling and reinforcing behaviors which are expected of students; x Utilizing problem-solving techniques in correcting and changing; x Helping students feel worthwhile by recognizing their strengths and abilities.

The use of sarcasm, ridicule, insults, profanity, belittling statements, sustained yelling, or any behavior, which might lessen the individual student's self-esteem, will not be tolerated in the school environment. Employees are expected to develop and expand their skills in sustaining positive student relationships.

15 Theft Theft is defined as the intent to or the taking of possessions without the owner’s consent. Entering any 4K site without consent and with the intent to commit a theft is prohibited.

Threats Students, teachers, and other staff are asked to report any comments heard relating to threats to others or threats to property. These reports should be made to the administration. All threats will be taken seriously, and follow-up will take place. Threats can include verbal threats made to or about someone, nonverbal or intimidating actions, written notes or letters, or graffiti written on walls, notebooks, etc.

Transfers or Withdrawals Any students entering or withdrawing from the Howard & Suamico 4K should notify the site as soon as possible of departure or future attendance. Please share your new address, phone number, and previous or future school information with the school office.

Transportation Transportation will be provided to each Howard & Suamico 4K child if the child lives in area specific to the site. Bussing will be provided on the same bus service contracted for the regular district bussing, Lamers Bus Lines, Inc. Families that have children riding Lamers a bus will be provided a packet of transportation information. The goal of Howard & Suamico 4K is to always provide the safest transportation to the children. Lamers Bus Lines phone number is (920) 435-5100 ext. 2.

The Howard - Suamico School District approves the use of video cameras on the school busses for the primary purpose of reducing disciplinary problems and vandalism on the bus. Cameras allow the bus driver to focus on the driving of the bus, providing students for safer transportation.

Bus Rider Responsibility Riding the school bus is a privilege rather than a right. Expectations for Behavior: Bus riders shall conform to the same standards of conduct and cleanliness that are expected of them at school. GRADES 1ST OFFENSE SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES 4K x Parent Contact x Parent contact x Other actions as determined by 4K x Possible suspension from bus Coordinator based upon offense

16 Volunteer Opportunities Parents have the longest contact with children and are recognized as their child’s first and most effective teacher. Parents are encouraged to participate as much as possible in the Howard & Suamico 4K program. In addition to participating in the Family Outreach program, parents are encouraged to attend scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Parents can also participate in other ways such as being a parent volunteer in the classroom, being a chaperone on field trips, occasionally reading a story to the class, or helping prepare classroom materials, making classroom repairs, etc.

Any adult volunteering in the classroom may be required to complete a volunteer background check form prior to assisting in the classroom. It is the policy that any volunteer charged or convicted of crimes against sexual morality involving children may not be present with children.

Weather Related Information School cancellation decisions include using the best professional meteorological information services. The most important factor considered is the direct observation of weather conditions in our area by school and bus company officials.

In addition to radio and television stations being notified of our emergency closings, we have implemented a new telephone notification service, which will allow us to leave a message at your home. When it becomes necessary for a delay in the start of school or for early dismissal, several additional factors must be considered. In a majority of families, both parents work outside of the home. Parents are asked to have alternate plans for their children’s supervision and care in the event school is closed or delayed. This is especially important for young children. It is necessary to allow adequate notice to parents before sending children home at a time when no one expects the children to be home.

To allow school administrators to communicate with representatives from the bus company and news media, please do not call the schools, television and radio stations, or bus company to find out if school is delayed or closed. The most timely information on emergency school closings would be available by tuning into the following television and radio stations:

1. WBAY-TV 2 ,WFRV-TV 5, WLUK- TV- 11, WGBA-TV NBC 26, and WACY TV UPN 32 2. Cumulus Broadcasting Radio (WDUZ-AM 107.5 & 1400, WQLH-FM 98.5, WPCK 104.9, WOGB-FM 103.1) 3. Midwest Broadcasting Radio (WTAX-AM1360, WIXX-FM 101.1, WNFL-AM 1440, WLYD FM 99.7, WNCY-FM Y100) 4. Woodward Communications Radio (WHBY 1150, WAPL 105.7, WKSZ-Kiss FM 95.95, WZOR Razor FM 94.7, 1570 WSCO The Score, 104.3 WECB The Breeze) In addition, school closings will be posted on the district web page www.hssd.k12.wi.us (there is an e-mail sign up on the parent/student web page if you wish to be notified if school is closed).

17 Additional Resources Aurora Bay Care Medical Center (920) 288-8000 Bellin Health (920) 433-3500 American Foundation of Counseling Services (920) 437-8256 Big Brothers Big Sisters (920) 498-2227 Birth to 3 (WI Program) (608) 267-3270 Brown County Mental Health (920) 391-4700 Brown County Sherriff (920) 448-4200 Brown County United Way (920) 432-3393 Community Childcare Connections (920) 432-8899 or (800) 738-8899 Crisis Center (920) 436-8888 Library – Weyers-Hilliard Branch-Howard (920) 448-4405 The Giving Tree (920) 662-8123 St. Vincent DePaul/Paul’s Pantry (920) 435-4040 Village Howard (920) 434-4640 Howard Police (920) 448-4200 Poison Center (800) 222-1222 Salvation Army (920) 497-7053 Sexual Assault Center (920) 436-8899 Suamico Police (920) 448-4200 YMCA School Age (920) 436-9675

Helpful Websites: Howard & Suamico 4K: http://www.hssd.k12.wi.us/4yearold Howard - Suamico School District: www.hssd.k12.wi.us Wisconsin Department of Instruction: www.dpi.gov/ec/index.html Wisconsin Child Care Resource and Referral: www.wisconsinccrr.org Early Childhood Education: www.thinkbigstartsmall.org National Association for the Education of Young Children: www.naeyc.org Wisconsin Community for parents, administrators, and staff for early education programs: www.collaboratingpartners.com Learning to Read-Age by Age Guide: www.aap.org/pubed/ZZZKFXV2S7.htm?&sub_cat=1 PBS Parents: www.pbs.org/parents Zero to Three Resource Site and the Power of Play: www.zerotothree.org www.zerotothree.org/bookstore/index.cfm?pubID=2559 Information for Asset Building at Home: www.search-institute.org/families Day Care Licensing: www.daycare.com/wisconsin

18 40 Developmental Assets for Early Childhood

Since its creation in 1990, Search Institute’s framework of Developmental Assets has become the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the United States.

Background—Grounded in extensive research in youth development, resiliency, and prevention, the Developmental Assets represent the relationships, opportunities, and personal qualities that young people need to avoid risks and to thrive.

The Power of Assets—Studies of more than 2.2 million young people in the United States consistently show that the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors (see table below) and the more likely they are to thrive. Assets have power for all young people, regardless of their gender, economic status, family, or race/ethnicity. Furthermore, levels of assets are better predictors of high-risk involvement and thriving than poverty or being from a single-parent family.

(Ages 3-5) External Assets

The Search Institute has identified the following building blocks of healthy development- known as Developmental Assets - that help young children grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.

Support: 1. Family support—Parent(s) and/or primary caregiver(s) provide the child with high levels of consistent and predictable love, physical care, and positive attention in ways that are responsive to the child’s individuality. 2. Positive family communication—Parent(s) and/or primary caregiver(s) express themselves positively and respectfully, engaging young children in conversations that invite their input. 3. Other adult relationships—With the family’s support, the child experiences consistent, caring relationships with adults outside the family. 4. Caring neighbors—The child’s network of relationships includes neighbors who provide emotional support and a sense of belonging. 5. Caring climate in child-care and educational settings—Caregivers and teachers create environments that are nurturing, accepting, encouraging, and secure. 6. Parent involvement in child care and education—Parent(s), caregivers, and teachers together create a consistent and supportive approach to fostering the child’s successful growth.

19 Empowerment: 7. Community cherishes and values young children—Children are welcomed and included throughout community life. 8. Children seen as resources—The community demonstrates that children are valuable resources by investing in a child-rearing system of family support and high-quality activities and resources to meet children’s physical, social, and emotional needs. 9. Service to others—The child has opportunities to perform simple but meaningful and caring actions for others. 10. Safety—Parent(s), caregivers, teachers, neighbors, and the community take action to ensure children’s health and safety.

Boundaries and Expectations: 11. Family boundaries—The family provides consistent supervision for the child and maintains reasonable guidelines for behavior that the child can understand and achieve. 12. Boundaries in child-care and educational settings—Caregivers and educators use positive approaches to discipline and natural consequences to encourage self-regulation and acceptable behaviors. 13. Neighborhood boundaries—Neighbors encourage the child in positive, acceptable behavior, as well as intervene in negative behavior, in a supportive, nonthreatening way. 14. Adult role models—Parent(s), caregivers, and other adults model self-control, social skills, engagement in learning, and healthy lifestyles. 15. Positive peer relationships—Parent(s) and caregivers seek to provide opportunities for the child to interact positively with other children. 16. Positive expectations—Parent(s), caregivers, and teachers encourage and support the child in behaving appropriately, undertaking challenging tasks, and performing activities to the best of her or his abilities.

Construction Use of Time: 17. Play and creative activities—The child has daily opportunities to play in ways that allow self-expression, physical activity, and interaction with others. 18. Out-of-home and community programs—The child experiences well-designed programs led by competent, caring adults in well maintained settings. 19. 19. Religious community—The child participates in age-appropriate religious activities and caring relationships that nurture her or his spiritual development. 20. 20. Time at home—The child spends most of her or his time at home participating in family activities and playing constructively, with parent(s) guiding TV and electronic game use.

Internal Assets

Commitment to Learning: 21. Motivation to mastery—The child responds to new experiences with curiosity and energy, resulting in the pleasure of mastering new learning and skills. 22. Engagement in learning experiences—The child fully participates in a variety of activities that offer opportunities for learning. 23. Home-program connection—The child experiences security, consistency, and connections between home and out-of-home care programs and learning activities. 24. Bonding to programs—The child forms meaningful connections with out-of-home care and educational programs. 25. Early literacy—The child enjoys a variety of pre-reading activities, including adults reading to her or him daily, looking at and handling books, playing with a variety of media, and showing interest in pictures, letters, and numbers.

20 Positive Values: 26. Caring—The child begins to show empathy, understanding, and awareness of others’ feelings. 27. Equality and social justice—The child begins to show concern for people who are excluded from play and other activities or not treated fairly because they are different. 28. Integrity—The child begins to express her or his views appropriately and to stand up for a growing sense of what is fair and right. 29. Honesty—The child begins to understand the difference between truth and lies, and is truthful to the extent of her or his understanding. 30. Responsibility—The child begins to follow through on simple tasks to take care of her- or himself and to help others. 31. Self-regulation—The child increasingly can identify, regulate, and control her or his behaviors in healthy ways, using adult support constructively in particularly stressful situations.

Social Competencies: 32. Planning and decision making—The child begins to plan for the immediate future, choosing from among several options and trying to solve problems. 33. Interpersonal skills—The child cooperates, shares, plays harmoniously, and comforts others in distress. 34. Cultural awareness and sensitivity—The child begins to learn about her or his own cultural identity and to show acceptance of people who are racially, physically, culturally, or ethnically different from her or him. 35. Resistance skills—The child begins to sense danger accurately, to seek help from trusted adults, and to resist pressure from peers to participate in unacceptable or risky behavior. 36. Peaceful conflict resolution—The child begins to compromise and resolve conflicts without using physical aggression or hurtful language.

Positive Identity: 37. Personal power—The child can make choices that give a sense of having some influence over things that happen in her or his life. 38. Self-esteem—The child likes her- or himself and has a growing sense of being valued by others. 39. Sense of purpose—The child anticipates new opportunities, experiences, and milestones in growing up. 40. Positive view of personal future—The child finds the world interesting and enjoyable, and feels that he or she has a positive place in it.

Howard & Suamico 4K

Community Collaborative