Family Handbook

Hanby Elementary School

Family Handbook 2013-2014

Main Office 479-2220 http://www.brandywineschools.org/brandywood Table of Contents

1. Welcome Letter 2. District Vision & Mission 3. Hanby Pledge 4. About our School  School Profile  Staff List and Professional Qualifications  School Traditions  Parent Involvement  Programs and Enrichment Opportunities 4. School Procedures  Student Day  Arrival Procedures  Bus Routine  Dismissal  School Attendance  Tardiness  Visitors  Car Riders  Before and After-School Programs  Dress Code  Health Concerns/Nurse/Medication  Lunch and Breakfast Program  Field Trips  Crisis Response Plan  Alert Now  Weather Related Early Dismissal  School Closing/Late opening  Emergency Dismissal  Contact Information 6. Student Progress Reports & Assessments  Homework Policy 7. Behavioral Expectations  Elementary School Code of Conduct  Bus Rider, Car Rider, and Walker Safety  School-wide Expectations 8. School Calendar Embrace, Inspire and Challenge Every Child Every Day

1000 Pennsylvania Avenue  Claymont, Delaware 19703-1237. (302) 793-5000  FAX (302) 792-3814 Superintendent

A Message from the Principal…August 2013

Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year. We are excited about the events that will take place at Hanby this year.

At Hanby, we appreciate you volunteering and helping whenever you can. You can help us most of all by establishing a routine for your child. Having a routine for homework and bedtime will enable your child to come to school better prepared to learn. By working together we can ensure our students meet with success.

This family handbook has been developed to give you an accessible resource for school expectations, procedures and ways you can access necessary information. The handbook sets expectations for parents, students and staff. Please keep the book accessible as an easy reference.

I’m looking forward to working with each of you and your children to ensure that Hanby continues to be the EXCELLENT school for which we are known. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher. If the teacher is unable to answer your question(s), please call Ms. Stevens to schedule a time to speak with either Mr. Snow or myself.

Veronica Wilkie Principal, Hanby Elementary Brandywine School District Vision and Mission

The Brandywine School District Strategic Plan guides administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and students to do their best every day. This work can be summarized in the District’s Vision and Mission Statements: Vision Create a community of life-long learners so that each may excel in the world

Mission Embrace, inspire, and challenge every student every day

The District’s 2007-2012 Strategic Plan can be found on the District’s website under “About Us” at www.brandywineschools.org.

WE BELIEVE SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS IN THE BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT:  Have a positive self-concept and feel accepted  Respect all cultures, rights, and beliefs of others  Are goal-oriented and reflective in their learning  Arrive prepared and ready to learn each day  Approach tasks with persistence and confidence  Cooperatively and collaboratively learn from self and others  Take pride and care in the school facility and resources  Conduct themselves in a peaceful, safe, and responsible manner

WE BELIEVE PARENT PARTNERS IN THE BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT:  Are positive and proactive partners with the school community  Support their child’s education by communicating regularly with school staff  Ensure that their child arrives each day on-time, prepared, and ready to learn  Provide an appropriate place and designated time for homework and reading  Adhere to District and school policies, rules and procedures

WE BELIEVE SCHOOL STAFF PARTNERS IN THE BRANDYWINE SCHOOL DISTRICT:  Work collaboratively with other staff to promote educational best practices to embrace, inspire, and challenge every student every day  Are positive and proactive partners with students, parents, and the community  Support their students’ education by communicating regularly with parents  Provide a welcoming and nurturing learning environment for all students  Provide an inclusive standards-based instructional program with high expectations for all students  Adhere to District and school policies, rules and procedures Mission Statement

The Hanby Elementary School family of staff, parents, students, and the community, commits itself to a partnership in which all are working to provide a nurturing and challenging learning environment. We are dedicated to ensuring that all children grow to their full potential.

Hanby Pledge

Today is a new day at Hanby Elementary.  I will be safe.  I will be responsible.  I will be respectful of myself, others, and the world around me.  I will look for the goodness in others. By working together, we can make learning fun.

School Profile Total school population: 561 students in grade K-5

Hanby Elementary is a K-5 school located on spacious grounds in a quiet residential section of the Chalfonte Subdivision. Our curriculum is based upon the Delaware State standards. This year we will be adopting the Common Core Standards Through the curriculum students are given the opportunity to explore their world and how they are effected by each subject area. Students are given opportunities to extend their knowledge through Literature Circles, Research, and Accelerated Reader. The staff at Hanby regularly demonstrates care for the students. Come and visit and feel the warmth that comes from simply being in the building. Staff List

Principal Veronica Wilkie Assistant Principal Larry Snow Administrative Assistant Danielle Stevens Attendance Secretary Priscilla Burton Nurse Penny Husted

Kindergarten Kristine Maynard Marie Kennel Tara Souffie Christina Kilpatrick

First Grade Dana Galcyzk Mary Procacci Meggan McNulty Leandra Lewis Brooke Hughes

Second Grade Germaine Long Terry Sassaman Kathleen Frey Sandy Meredith

Third Grade Sandy Shoemaker Suzanne Hammerer Theresa Black Lindsay Berkheiser

Fourth Grade Jayna Nowell Kelly McKinney Kathi Marshall Kristi Grant

Fifth Grade Jane Laursen Sarah Rusk Shana Janicki Staff List (Continued)

Special Education Dottie Moore- 4th grade Tara Strouss- 3rd grade Jeff Northey- 1st grade Nicole Velichkov- K and 2nd grades Nichole Riccardi- 5th Grade Kelly Paugh- multi-level

Art Milton Downing Librarian Carol Murphy Music Susan Brooks Georgia Black Nichole Veater Ashley Valcante Physical Education Susan DeCarlo

Educational Diagnostician Shannon Garrison Counselor Donna Meeley Reading Specialist Anne Maffia Speech/Language Brenda Zenorini Psychologist Julianne Etayo Visiting Teacher Sylvia Sorrell Para Professionals Louise Jennings Jamond Hunt John Hennessey

Interventionist Kenny Harris

Cafeteria Joan Fehl Mary Lenzi Paula Blocksom Kathy Harding Custodial Darrell Gold Kenya Brown Wayne Fields Allen Stellman M.D. Khan

Professional Qualifications of Teachers Parents have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who provide instruction to their children. Federal law allows parents to request certain information regarding Delaware licensing and certification requirements, the teacher’s major area of study and advanced degrees, and the qualifications of our Para-educators. This information can be accessed through the Delaware Department of Education website address: http://deeds.doe.k12.de.us. Click on “find an educator” then click on “educator” and then click “search.” Scroll down for the information. Click on “profile” to view the educator’s profile. Parents without access to a computer may use one at their child’s school by first contacting the school’s main office.

Note: All of Brandywood’s teachers have received highly qualified status.

School Traditions

A variety of school traditions take place at Brandywood Elementary each year including:  Ice cream Social – Back to School Picnic  Boo Hoo Breakfast  Geography Bee  Winter Concert  Spring Concert  Spelling Bee  MS Read-a-thon  Fun Day  Math 24 Challenge  Honor Roll  Bring Up Your Grade (Bug) Awards

Each of our traditions is rooted in our mission statement. We believe these traditions enable us to build a community of learners, who value themselves and their ability to help others.

Parent Involvement

Parents are strongly encouraged to get involved in the Hanby Family. This incorporates the mission of the school; creating a partnership among students, parents, families, staff and the community. Below are several ways that parents can get involved:

PTA The PTA consists of all interested parents and teachers. Meetings are held regularly throughout the school year with programs designed to strengthen understanding and cooperation between home and school. In addition to monthly meetings, the PTA sponsors fundraising activities and family activities. All money raised by the PTA is used for programs and activities, which directly benefit the children of Hanby.

VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are an essential component to the successful operation of the school. By being an active member of the school family you are demonstrating to your children your beliefs about the importance of school and learning. There are numerous ways in which you can be of assistance. Inside the school these include classroom, library and cafeteria helper. We know not everyone is able to work inside the school but would like the opportunity to assist. This can be achieved by participating on one of the PTA’s committees that involves such things as collecting and clipping labels and box tops or cutting items for the classroom teacher. See your PTA representatives for additional ways in which you can be of service.

HOMEROOM PARENTS Each classroom teacher identifies one or two homeroom parents each year. The Homeroom Parent helps the teacher in the planning of parties, field trips, telephoning of parents and general classroom help as needed.

Programs and Enrichment Opportunities

THE ARTS The arts are an important part of the program at Hanby. All students receive art and music at least once a week. Students in grades 4-5 will have the opportunity to be a member of the chorus, band and/or orchestra.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical Education is an important part of each child’s school experience. The development of good health and exercise patterns begins early. Children participate in PE once a week in addition to regularly scheduled recess and other special activities. At Hanby, physical activity is also incorporated into the curriculum. Students may do wall push-ups while reciting their spelling words or do squats and ball passes as they name various types of trees. We believe physical activity helps to stimulate the brain and helps our students to maintain focus.

LIBRARY The library serves as a focal point for the school. Each student will attend library once a week and have the opportunity to check out books. Throughout the year various projects are incorporated into the school to promote reading.

COMPUTER LAB The computer lab is used by all of the students in the building for research, organizing data, and communicating information to others. Students are taught basic computer skills that are commensurate with their grade level. Additionally, through the use of games, students are able to enhance their reading, writing and math skills.

Our state test is computerized. Three times a year our 3rd – 5th grade students will use either the computer lab or laptop carts to participate in the Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System.

COMPASS LEARNING Compass Learning Odyssey is a web-based curriculum that delivers interactive, self-paced, challenging, engaging activities that are tied to what your child is learning at school. Activities promote exploration, individual and cooperative learning, problem solving, reflection, and real-world connections. To access compass learning, go to: http://compasslearningodyssey.com. The user name is your child’s ID no. and the password is “password.” You can track your child’s progress by signing in as a parent. The username is P and child’s ID no., the password is “password.” The school for both is Brandywine.

SPECIAL EDUCATION The Special Education program at Hanby follows the state and federal guidelines for services to children. Children with special needs have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) developed with a child study team. The classroom teacher and/or parent can refer children for special education services.

Children identified with special needs are served in an inclusive setting, taking part in the regular classroom with specialized staff support.

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM (IST) The instructional support team is an innovative program whose goals are to maximize individual student success in the regular classroom, while at the same time serving as a screening process for students who may be in need of special education services. IST is a positive, success-oriented program which uses specific assessment and intervention techniques to help remove educational, behavioral, or emotional stumbling blocks for all students in the regular classroom.

The program shifts the critical question in education from asking "What's wrong with the student?" to asking "What resources can we use to increase the student's chances for success?” IST answers this question through a team approach that provides for greater cohesiveness, coordination, and instructional continuity, complementing existing curriculum and instructional programs.

READING SPECIALIST The reading specialist assists teachers with students who are struggling with reading within the regular classroom. Students are given an opportunity to work in a small group on specific skills to increase their comprehension, fluency and/or decoding skills.

COUNSELING PROGRAM The counseling program supports students and their families as they experience difficulties. Students may be selected to participate in social, decision making and/or anger management groups among others. Additionally, the counselor meets with each class throughout the year to address issues such as bullying, peer pressure and friendship.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT Positive Behavior Support is our school wide proactive behavior program. Students are taught the necessary skills to become productive citizens. Through modeling, reinforcement and a common language, students become aware of the behavioral expectations. At Hanby our three goals are incorporated into our pledge; students should be safe, respectful and responsible. This systematic approach decreases behavioral concerns and increases time on task for learning.

At Hanby you will find that all teachers work hand in hand to support all academic and social components of the students.

Student Day All Students 8:50 a.m.-3:35 p.m. Arrival Procedures Students may not enter the building before 8:35 a.m.

Attendance/Arrivals The school day begins at 8:50 a.m. Children may enter the building at 8:35 a.m. To promote self-reliance and responsibility, children are encouraged to go to their classrooms and prepare for the day on their own.

Instruction begins immediately at 8:50 a.m. It is crucial that your child is in the classroom at this time.

The outside doors will be locked promptly at 8:50 a.m. Students arriving after 8:50 a.m. are marked tardy. Children should report to the office to get a late pass before going to class. Upon arrival at 8:35 a.m. students should walk quietly to their classrooms, gather morning materials, use bathrooms, get drinks, and get ready for the school day. Students who are having breakfast should report directly to the cafeteria. Bus Routine

Bus Arrivals and Dismissals Take Place in the Rear of the School Building

Morning - Buses will enter and drop off students at the designated area. Adults will be present to monitor arrival and assist children. Afternoon – Following afternoon announcements, students will be escorted by their grade level teachers to their assigned bus. Should your child’s dismissal arrangements change, please supply written notification to your child’s teacher. Contact BSD Transportation at 762-7181 regarding any questions about bus schedules, or to ask the protocol for a temporary bus change. Car Riders and Walkers

Morning Drop Off Car riders will enter the building through the front entrance beginning at 8:35 a.m. To keep the traffic flowing smoothly all cars are to enter by making a right turn into the lot. Students are able to be dropped off for the length of the drop off point. Cones are in place to indicate the drop off points. Please do not get out of your car and have your child prepared to exit your vehicle. If it is necessary for you to come into the building please park your car in the lot, come into the office. For safety, students should only exit the vehicles on the curb or passenger side.

Walkers may enter the building from either the front or side entrance.

Afternoon Pickup Dismissal begins at 3:25. In order to help the flow of traffic in the afternoon we ask for all traffic to enter from the right. We will be providing each parent of a student who goes home by car in the afternoon a nametag placard with your child’s name and grade. Display the placard in your window as you pull up. In this way we can more readily identify you and your child. You may want to attach the tag to your visor. If someone else is picking up your child, they must park their car, come into the school office and show identification. Please send a letter to the teacher in the morning notifying him/her of the change.

Walkers are dismissed through the side entrance at the end of the day. Parents who are waiting for students are asked to wait for your students on the side leaving the pathways clear.

The goal for everyone is to keep our children safe. We request that you do not use your cell phone while driving on school property. 8:05 a.m.-2:50 p.m.

Dismissal

A written note for early pick up of students by parents must be given to the teacher in the morning. Students will be called to the office for dismissal when the parent or designee arrives in the office. Parents must come to the main office to sign out their child, not to the classroom. We understand that early dismissals are sometimes necessary. However we ask that you attempt to schedule appointments after the school day. Our teachers are working with our children until the end of the day. Early dismissals not only interfere with your child’s academics but with each child in the classroom that is disturbed by the call from the office. Since students are in the process of moving to the designated locations, once dismissal has begun we will no longer be able to call a student to the office. You will need to go to your child’s designated area. Attendance

Excused absences require a note from a parent or guardian Under Title 14 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 27, every parent and/or legal guardian of a child between the ages of five and sixteen is required to assure that his/her child attends school. Under this law, a student in the public school system who has three unexcused absences from school in a school year is considered truant, subjecting parents/legal guardians and students to possible legal action. Please see the District Elementary Code of Student Conduct for details on required actions for truant students.

Excused Absence An excused absence is an absence for one of the reasons listed below and for which the required parental note of explanation has been provided on or before the fifth day of the student’s return to school. A student’s absence will be marked as unexcused in the Student Accounting System until the parent note is provided. If you choose, you may e-mail the excuse note to both the teacher and Priscilla Burton the attendance secretary at [email protected].

Note: Excused absences are included in the maximum number of absences permitted to meet the Delaware Department of Education’s requirement of attendance for 85% of instructional time to qualify for promotion to the next grade. Students in grades Kn – 5 may not miss more than a total of 25 days.

Absences will be excused for the following reasons: 1. Illness of student – A physician’s note may be requested 2. Scheduled appointments to a physical or mental healthcare provider, including, but not limited to, a physician, dentist, orthodontist, psychologist, or counselor 3. Contagious disease within the home of the student 4. Death in the immediate family or of a close friend 5. Legal business 6. Observance of a religious holiday 7. Remedial health treatment 8. Absence, pre-approved by the principal at least one week in advance, to participate in an educational experience 9. Emergency situations as determined by the school principal 10. Suspension from school

Following an excused absence, the student shall be allowed to make up all work missed, to take tests which were missed and to submit any assignments which became due during the absence without penalty. The time allowed for taking tests or turning in assignments shall be equal to the number of school days missed due to the absence. A teacher may extend this time if he/she deems it appropriate. Excused absences for religious observances will not interfere with achieving perfect attendance.

Tardiness

Students who arrive to school after 8:50 a.m. must sign in with the person at the front entrance and obtain a Late Pass.

Being punctual is important. Arrival after 8:50 a.m. is considered late and the student must obtain a late pass from the person at the front desk. When a bus is late, an announcement will be made over the intercom and the students will be excused.

Vacations are unexcused absences. Please refer to the school calendar prior to scheduling a vacation.

Visitors

Visitors must sign in at the Main Office to get a name tag

All visitors must sign in at the office where they will receive a visitor name tag. It is the responsibility of all building staff to remind visitors to go to the office to sign in and get a nametag. This policy is in effect at all times unless otherwise specified. Please go to the destination indicated on the sign-in sheet only.

Parents have a standing invitation to attend meetings, assemblies, Open Houses, etc. Classroom visitations MUST be scheduled with the principal or teacher.

Arrival is a very hectic time. The teachers are attempting to greet their students and to get them started on a productive day. If you have a question for the teacher you can either send a note in with your child or give the note to the secretary. The teacher will get the note and respond to you as soon as possible. In this way you can get the question answered without interruptions and with the appropriate attention.

Dress Code

Please see that your child comes to school in uniform each day.

The following Brandywine School District K-5 Dress Code is in effect from the first day of school through the last day of the school year:

 Solid color shirts with collars and sleeves (short or long-sleeved) and turtleneck shirts are permitted. Students should not wear sleeveless tank tops, or shirts with messages, characters, or pictures.

 Students should dress appropriately for the weather. During cold weather, it is suggested that students have a sweatshirt or sweater. They are to be solid colors or have the school logo. Sweaters and sweatshirts with hoods are permitted but the hood may not be worn over the head inside the building.

 Black, khaki, and navy blue pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses, and jumpers are permitted. Shorts, skirts, etc. must be finger-tip length. Students will not be permitted to wear denim except on designated days determined by the principal.

 Clothes must fit appropriately so as not to expose undergarments. Belts must be worn at the waist.

 Due to safety concerns, shoes must be tied, buckled, or Velcro-fastened. Clogs, flip- flops, mules, Crocs, and other backless shoes are not permitted. Sneakers must be worn on gym day.

 Hats and head coverings may not be worn inside the building, although exceptions will be made for religious purposes.

 Black, blue or gray sweatpants may be worn on gym days only. Students are still required to wear a collared shirt. Health Concerns

At Hanby Elementary, good health habits are emphasized so our students may participate fully in the learning experience. Children do not perform at optimal levels if they are experiencing symptoms related to colds, flu, upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chicken pox, etc. Therefore, we ask that you do not send your child to school if s/he is not in good health on any given day. No child should be sent to school with a temperature or until his/her temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours after any illness. Should your child develop an illness or an elevation of temperature during the school day, the school nurse will phone you or the person you designate on the student emergency card to inform you of his/her condition, and to request that you come to school to pick up your child. We have no facilities for the care of children who become ill during the school day.

As part of our health screening process, our school nurse will periodically examine children. Eyesight, hearing, skin and scalp will be checked. Abnormalities will be reported to you along with recommendations for follow-up care.

It is important that the school nurse be made aware of any special health problems, allergies, dietary needs, etc. about your child. We are committed to providing a medically safe and healthy environment for our students. We ask for your total cooperation in helping us maintain this standard.

MEDICATION

Please do not send medicines to school with children. All medication should be brought in to the nurse by the parent in the original container with the pharmacy label. The school nurse will dispense non-prescription medicines provided the medication is in the original container with detailed dosage information and parent signature.

The parent must bring all medications to the school nurse in the original prescription bottle. Breakfast and Lunch Programs

Good nutrition improves a child’s development, learning ability and life-long health status. Schools play a powerful role in influencing student’s dietary behaviors. The Brandywine School District School Nutrition Program is committed to protecting and enhancing our children’s heath and well-being. Our school cafeteria provides nutritionally balanced meals at a reasonable cost. Menus are sent home monthly. Should your child bring his lunch from home, we suggest it contain NO gum, soda or excessive sweets. Milk may be purchased at school.

For those children with special dietary needs such as food allergies, diabetes, chronic disease etc., an individual menu plan can be developed upon request to the School Nutrition Supervisor or Specialist. Meals will be tailored to each child’s needs with special attention toward maintaining their ability to participate in the program along with their peers.

Federally subsidized free and reduced lunch and breakfast programs are provided to income eligible families. Applications for this program are available in the Main Office and in the School Nutrition Department at District Office. If you feel that your child(ren) qualifies for this program please complete a Meal Benefit Form and send it back to the school cafeteria.

There are several options for paying for meals:  Prepay with cash or a check. Make checks payable to BSD Food Service (include student name and ID number in the memo section) and have your child take the check to the cafeteria staff. If you pre-pay for 10 lunches you will receive one free lunch.  Use the automatic payment system: www.MyNutrikids.com (See directions on the following page)  School Nutrition will allow elementary students to charge meals if the student forgets his/her money. A reminder notice will be sent home weekly with all students who owe money. If the child’s bill exceeds $20.00 a letter will be mailed home from the district’s school nutrition office. If your financial circumstances change during the school year, you can complete a lunch form which may make your child(ren) eligible for free or reduced lunch. How to register for MyNutrikids.com How to Make a Deposit

Go to www.MyNutrikids.com Click Deposit Money located next to Add Click Sign Up Now! Student Enter required information (you will need Enter an amount in the deposit column next the above ID number) to your child’s name. (If you have more than Click Complete Registration to finish the one child, enter the amount you wish to initial registration process deposit into the column next to each child’s name. DO NOT deposit money for your Add Students to Your Family Account entire family into ONE child’s account. Log in Click Calculate Click My Students from the main menu or Click Make Deposit from the blue navigation bar above You will be directed to the PayPal website to There will be a listing of your child(ren) in enter your payment information. your account. It will be empty on your (You have the option to use your existing first visit to this site PayPal account or a major credit card to Click Add Student and enter the required make your payment.) information . If you are using your PayPal account, Click Add next to your child’s name to enter your email address and PayPal continue password to continue Click Add Student to repeat the process . If you are using a credit card, enter for additional children the required information. For your protection, MyNutrikids.com will not Things to know about: store your financial information. The minimum payment amount is $10.00 Click Pay Now when finished A convenience fee of $1.75 per Click Pay once again to finish the process transaction will be charged to your account. If you have more than one child You will be automatically redirected. Please and need to make a deposit into each browse to www.MyNutrikids.com to child’s account, there is no additional fee continue. for any additional deposits. You are finished! Click Logout from the For every 10 lunch meals you prepay, navigation bar and close your browser. your child will receive one free meal

The School Nutrition staff looks forward to feeding your child(ren) nutritious meals! If you have any questions, feel free to contact their office at 793-5052. POS (Point of Sale) Registers The School Nutrition Department uses a computerized/register system that allows users to: track all purchases during meal times, maintain a history of all student transactions, alert cashiers when a student has a food intolerance or allergy, accept prepayments, etc. Students will use their assigned Student ID number as their meal pin number. This ID number will remain with the student until he/she graduates, including, transferring to another school in the district. Please encourage your child(ren) to memorize their meal pin number before the first day of school.

Practice Diagram for Young Students New Parents/Guardians in the District, (and especially for those parents with students entering kindergarten or first grade), please use the diagram below to help your child memorize his/her Student ID number. The diagram represents the exact format your child will use daily. After your child proceeds through the meal line, he/she should enter his/her Student ID number on the keypad. Your child can practice entering his/her number on the diagram after he/she has memorized it. Your assistance in helping your child memorize the Student ID number will increase the speed of the lunch line.

1 2 3 Clear

7 8 9 Enter

More information:

Brandywine School District School Nutrition Program Web site: http://brandywineschools.org/16021017105517377/site/default.asp

Field Trips

A signed parent permission must be on file for students to go on field trips. Verbal permission is not acceptable. Field trips are an important part of our curriculum, and students are encouraged to participate. A great deal of planning and coordination goes into each of these events. It is imperative that all money and signed permission slips are received by the deadline.

Crisis Response Plan

Brandywine School District prides itself on being prepared for any occurrence. Every school has developed a Crisis Response Plan. In case of an emergency where students will have an early dismissal, we will follow the procedure indicated in the dismissal section of this handbook. If an evacuation becomes necessary, we will walk or be transported to either the Church of the Holy Child or Concord High School. In either case, parents will be notified by a Connect V message and a phone call. Parents/Guardians/Designated persons must provide identification when picking up the students. Students will only be released to persons designated on their emergency dismissal cards. Please note if your child usually takes a bus to their daycare, and you would like the daycare to be able to pick up the child in case of an emergency, this must be written on the emergency dismissal form.

If you would like a complete copy of the Crisis Response Plan, please contact the office. (Refer to Emergency Plan.)

Connect V

Connect V allows the school to send important information quickly to parents via phone about district and school emergency situations, school delays and/or cancellations due to inclement weather. During the school year, Connect V will allow the school to contact parents about important school information and events, testing schedules, report card distribution, open houses, PTA meetings, and more. ALL parents and guardians of students enrolled in our schools are automatically enrolled in this communication system, and a parent message is usually sent early at the beginning of the school year to ensure that the school has the correct information for contacting parents. Any time your contact information changes, please contact the school office to make necessary adjustments to the data base. Weather Related Early Dismissal Completed early dismissal cards should be returned promptly by parents and information should be up-to-date. A parent phone tree will be activated by the school through the automated “Connect V” system. All parents will be notified. Please keep all pertinent information current.

School Closing/Late Opening When school will not be open or will open later than usual due to inclement weather or other circumstances, a posting will be put on the Brandywine School District Website (www.brandywineschools.org) and announcements will be made on radio stations WDEL (1150), WAMS (1380), WILM (1450), WNRK (1260), and WJBR (1290). Listen for Brandywine School District; Brandywood Elementary will not be mentioned. Please do not call the school!

Emergency Dismissal

Remember to keep information on your child’s emergency card up to date

In the case of an emergency closing during the school day, an attempt will be made to notify the parents and guardians through the “Connect V.” The information on your child’s emergency card should be kept current. If there are any changes to the information (cell, home, or work numbers), notify the school so we may update your records. Parents should establish with their children prearranged plans for arriving home in the event of an early closing. In emergency situations where large numbers of parents will pick up their children, dismissal will be altered. All parents must come into the school to pick up their child. Children will be called to the cafeteria to meet their parent to be signed out. Parents will not be allowed in the classrooms. Buses will be dismissed from Anson Road.

Contact Information

Nurse’s Office 479-2220 Main Office 479-2220 District Office 793-5000 Transportation Office 762-7181 Tracking Your Child’s Progress

CONFERENCES Frequent parent/teacher consultations throughout the school year are recommended to promote and maintain effective communications between home and school. These conferences may involve both telephone conversations as well as in-person contacts. District-wide conferences are held three times each year, but a parent may schedule additional conferences as the need arises. The principal or assistant principal will attend parent/teacher conferences upon request. If you desire a conference with your child’s teacher, please call the School Office or send a note with your child.

REPORT CARDS There will be three reporting periods during the school. Report cards are distributed in November, February and June.

INTERIM REPORTS Interim reports will be sent home three times a year, mid-marking period.

PROMOTION POLICY The classroom teacher will make every effort to keep you informed of your child’s academic and social progress throughout the year. Children are promoted when they demonstrate mastery of grade level objectives. Students who have not mastered grade level objectives will be administratively promoted to the next grade or retained. You will be notified in early spring of the possibility of retention, and a conference may be scheduled with you to discuss this decision. The principal will make the final decision about retention after communication with you has taken place. Criteria for promotion is explained in the Code of Student Conduct, found on the Brandywine School District Website, and in the provided handbook.

STUDENT RECORDS Cumulative folders containing each student’s permanent school records are housed in the School Office. They include test results, report cards, & registration forms. Parents can gain access to their children’s records by contacting the school secretary and scheduling a time for reviewing the cumulative folder. Folders may not be transported outside the office for review purposes, and written consent from parents is required before records can be sent to outside agencies.

HOME ACCESS The home access center gives parents the opportunity to view their children’s school information. At the beginning of the year you will receive login information. Please hold onto this so you can periodically check your child’s attendance, discipline and homework records.

Homework Policy

Homework is given to provide independent practice for the students as well as a way of communicating to you what is being done in the classroom. During Open House your child’s teacher will give you details about their grade level specific homework policy.

Behavioral Expectations

Throughout Brandywood students are expected to follow the Brandywine School District Code of Student Conduct. A copy of the Brandywine School District Elementary Code of Student Conduct will be sent home with each student. Parents are reminded to carefully read, review and discuss this document with your child, and sign and return the card acknowledging receipt.

Additionally, students are to adhere to the Hanby Pledge of being safe, respectful and responsible. In order to maintain this type of environment students are always required to keep their hands and feet to themselves and listen and follow the directions of the adults. There are specific guidelines for other areas. Students will be taught all of the guidelines in September On the bus this includes:  Sitting with their backs against the seat  Backpacks on laps  Feet out of the aisle  Speaking in a soft tone In the cafeteria this includes:  Speaking in a soft tone  Getting permission before leaving your seat  Using table manners In the cafeteria/auditorium during a program  Sit on your bottoms with legs crossed so as not to disturb the view of the person behind you. In the bathroom:  Use only the amount of soap, water and paper towels required  Place paper towels in the trash cans  Return to your class as quickly as possible In the hall:  Walk on the right  Walk quietly as not to disturb the learning of others In the classroom:  Follow the rules of the teacher On the playground:  Stay in the designated area  Be aware of your surrounding and how close others are to you when playing

Procedures for infractions:  Student/teacher conference  Removal of child from the activity  Phone call and written note to parents  Referral and conference with the principal if more than 3 offenses per marking period Types of disciplinary action:  Referral to Assistant Principal or Principal  Removal from an activity  Parent conference at school if child is removed more than 3 times per marking period  Detention  Suspension of bus-riding privileges  Suspension from school 2013-2014 Elementary School Calendar (Dates are subject to change)

August 26 First Student Day Grades 1-5, 6, 9 and 12 and Pre-K and Kindergarten orientation 27 All students attend 30 Labor Day Holiday (Schools Closed, Offices Open) September 2 Labor Day (Schools and Offices Closed) 5 Rosh Hashanah (Schools Closed, Offices Open) 27 K to Milburn Orchard 30 Interim Ends, Grades 6-12 October 4 In-service Day, Schools Closed and Offices Open 8 Interim Period Ends, Grades PreK-5 11 1st Grade to New Castle Fire School 15 Interims Distributed, Grades PreK-5 16 3rd Grade to White Clay Creek Park 17 Parent Conferences, Grades PreK-8 (Schools Closed PreK-8, Open 9-12) 18 Parent Conferences, Grades PreK-12 (Schools Closed and Offices Open) 23 K and 1st to DuPont Theater November 1 End of First Marking Period, Grades 6-12 4 Staff Professional Work Day, Grades 6-12 (Schools Closed 6-12, Open Grades PreK-5) 11 Veterans Day, Schools and Offices Closed 25 End of First Marking Period, Grades PreK-5 26 Staff Professional Work Day, Grades PreK-5 (Schools Closed PreK-5, Open Grades 6-12) 27 In-service, Schools Closed and Offices Open 28-29 Thanksgiving Holiday, Schools and Offices Closed December 5 Report Cards Distributed, Grades Prek-5 10 5th Grade to JA Biztown 11 Interim Ends, Grades 6-12 12 2nd Grade to DuPont Theater 4th and 5th Honor Roll Assembly at 2:15 13 K-2 Winter Concert at 9:30 19 Interims Distributed, Grades 6-12 23 Professional Development Day (Schools closed, Offices open) 24-31 Winter Break (School Closed, Offices Open except the 24th - 26th) 25 Christmas Holiday, Schools and Offices Closed January 1 New Year’s Day, Schools and Offices Closed 2 Schools Reopen 15 Interim Ends, Grades PreK-5 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Schools and Offices Closed 23 Interims, Distributed, Grades Pre-K-5 24 Staff Professional Work Day, Grades 6-8 (Schools Closed Grades 6-8, Open Grades PreK-5 and 9-12) February 13 K to the DuPont Theater 14 PreK-8 Parent Conferences (Schools Closed PreK-8, Open Grades 9-12) 17 Presidents’ Day Holiday, Schools and Offices Closed March 3 End of 2nd Marking Period, Grades PreK-5 4 Staff Professional Work Day, Grades PreK-5 (Schools Closed PreK-5, Open Grades 6-12) 12 Report Cards Distributed, Grades PreK-5 13 Professional Development Day (Schools Closed, Offices Open) 14 4th Grade Honor Roll and BUG awards at 2:00 17 5th Grade Honor Roll and BUG awards at 2:00 20 2nd Grade DuPont Theater 28 Staff Professional Work Day, Grades 6-12 (Schools Closed 6-12, Open Grades PreK-5) April 3 K and 1st Grades to DuPont Theater 7 Interim Period Ends, Grades PreK-5 16 Interims, Distributed, Grades Pre-K-5 17 PreK-5 Parent Conferences (Schools Closed PreK-5, Open Grades 6-12) 18-25 Spring Break, (Schools Closed and Offices Open except for the 18th) May 13 K to Coverdale Farms 22 3rd -5th Grades Concert 23 End of Third Marking Period, Grades PreK-5 26 Memorial Day Holiday, Schools and Offices Closed 27 Staff Professional Work Day, Grades Prek-5 (Schools Closed PreK-5, Open Grades 6-12) 29 Fun Day June 3 4th Grade Honor Roll and Bug awards at 2:00 4 5th Grade Move-up ceremony at 9:30 5 Last Student Day, Grades PreK-5 (Full Day for Grades PreK-5)

Please note the following for your information:

All Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the Holiday. Activities/Events must not be scheduled on these days. July 9, 2013 Ramadan begins August 7, 2013 Ramadan ends September 5 & 6, 2013 Rosh Hashanah September 15 – October15 , 2013 National Hispanic Heritage Month September 14, 2013 Yom Kippur November 28 – December 5, 2013 Hanukkah December 25, 2013 Christmas December 26 – January 1, 2014 Kwanzaa February 1 – 28, 2014 Black History Month April 15 – April 21, 2014 Passover April 18, 2014 Good Friday April 20, 2014 Easter