Manchester Elementary School

Manchester Elementary School Where learning never ends Yellow Jacket News August 2016

SCHOOL BEGINS 9:15 A.M. DISMISSAL BEGINS 3:45 P.M.

From the Desks of the Principal and Assistant Principal Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year. We hope all of our families are continuing to enjoy a relaxing summer. The start of school is just around the corner. Our new roof has been completed. Hopefully, no matter how much rain or snow we get this school year, our interior will stay nice and dry. After having renovation work the past three summers, we thought next summer things would get back to normal. Rumor has it we might be getting our parking lots repaved. We will keep you posted on that project. Each year we get to welcome new staff members to our school community. This year we welcome Mr. Joe Sheeler as our building supervisor. Mr. Sheeler replaces Mr. Mack who was assigned as the building supervisor at Westminster High School. Mr. Sheeler comes to us with 16 years of experience at CCPS. Due to increased enrollment we have grown a teaching position. Mrs. Sarah Ryan is joining our staff in third grade. Mrs. Ryan comes to us from Charles Carroll Elementary. Mrs. Amanda Basford and Ms. Brittani Director are joining the Special Area Team. Mrs. Basford will be teaching music two days a week and Ms. Director, art, two days a week. Replacing Mrs. Purper is our new assistant principal, Mr. Frank Klauder. Mr. Klauder has been an assistant principal in Dorchester County. We welcome all of our new staff members to the hive. With shifting enrollments at each grade comes the need to shift staffing. A complete listing of grade level teams can be found below.

Kindergarten 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Mrs. D’Anthony Mrs. Paxton Mrs. Arndt Mrs. Diggs Ms. Sanders Mrs. Kadis Mrs. Porter Ms. Tate Mrs. Ruhlman Mrs. Leppo Mrs. Fey Mr. A. Cunningham Mrs. Henn Mrs. Thomas Mrs. Stevens Mrs. Ayoub Mrs. Borzymowski Mr. B. Cunningham Ms. Amacher Mr. Fitzsimmons Mrs. Kerby Mrs. Cuneo Mrs. Haddaway Mrs. Lamb Mrs. Hummel Ms. Roy Mrs. Ryan Mrs. Fitzsimmons

Special Areas Art Music PE Media Health Mrs. Smith Mrs. Furbay Mr. Harrell Mrs. Bailey Mrs. Kumpar Ms. Director Mrs. Basford Mr. Wunder Mrs. Pierce Mr. Wunder Mrs. Rees Mr. Bien

A strong home/school relationship is very important for student success. If at any time throughout the year we can be of help, please do not hesitate to contact us at the school office. We hope everyone has a great year. The first day of school for K through 5th grades is Monday, August 29th. Pre-K begins on Tuesday, September 6th.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Hello all, My name is Frank Klauder and I am so excited to be the new assistant principal here at Manchester Elementary School! I spent eight years teaching at Pemberton Elementary School in Salisbury and two years as the assistant principal at Choptank Elementary in Cambridge. My wife (Joy) and children (Frankie and Grace) are very excited to move back to this area to be closer to our family. I have enjoyed getting to know the staff here at Manchester and can’t wait for the school year to begin so I can meet all of the students and their families. I look forward to working with you to help all students become successful learners in school and in life!

PLAYGROUND/SENSORY GARDEN UPDATE It has been a long time coming, but it looks like our new playground and sensory garden will soon be constructed. After a few last minute glitches, we are full steam ahead. At the Board of Education Meeting on August 10th a contractor was awarded the bid for the playground. Construction will begin in September. How exciting it will be for the students to see their new playgrounds built! Work on the sensory garden will begin as soon as the main playground is completed. The winning color combination will be announced to the students on the first day of school.

ELECTRONIC REPORT CARD This school year all schools will be implementing the Electronic Grade Book in grades three through five. This on-line system, available in the Home Access Center, will allow parents/guardians of 3rd to 5th grade students to not only view attendance and schedules but to see grades as well. Teachers will have up to two weeks to post grades so academic performance can be tracked and monitored throughout the marking periods. Students in kindergarten through second grade will continue to receive a paper copy of the students’ mid-quarter interims. Students in 3rd through 5th grades will receive an electronic copy. Families not having internet access will be provided a paper copy as well. More information regarding this new tool will be shared at the Back to School Nights. Third, fourth and fifth grade’s Back to School Night will take place on Thursday, September 8th.

HOMEWORK SURVEY At the end of the school year, Manchester’s School Improvement Team conducted an on-line survey regarding homework. Over 125 families responded to the survey and provided informative data. A committee of teachers and a parent representative will be formed to review all of the data shared. This committee will meet in September and work to develop some consistent homework practices/policies for our grades. If you did not respond to the survey, but would still like to do so, you will have a chance the first week of school. Information will be sent with specific instructions on how to complete the survey.

SECURITY PROCEDURES FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR For the 2016-2017 school year, the following procedures will remain in place. All visitors will be buzzed into the school following authorization. In order to enter the building a photo ID will be necessary. In order to leave the front office ALL visitors/volunteers will need to wear a visitor badge. Below please find the procedures that will be in place at all schools in Carroll County.

Visitor Entry Protocol

• All exterior doors will be locked in the morning after student arrival. • All visitors must ring the main entrance buzzer and show their photo ID to the camera • Prior to allowing anyone to enter the building, the staff member who monitors the door will ask for the visitor’s: 1. Full Name 2. Reason for visiting

• Visitors will then be allowed to come into the main office • All visitors must show a photo identification card. • All visitors must be issued a visitor's badge (Except employees with a CCPS badge).

• Contractors and service provider’s paperwork will be reviewed and verified. • Visitors must return their badge to the main office and sign out with staff when leaving.

A PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED TO BE ABLE TO VISIT/VOLUNTEER AT SCHOOL. INDIVIDUALS NOT IN POSSESION OF A PHOTO ID WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GO PAST THE FRONT OFFICE.

With the Safety/Security Procedures in place parent/guardians will no longer be able to just walk their child to classrooms in the morning. A “Kiss and Go” area has been established in the lobby. Parents/guardians walking their children into the building will need to stop in the lobby and say goodbye from there. Staff will be on duty in the lobby to assist any students who may need some extra support and encouragement getting to their classroom.

TEACHER ASSIGNMENTS Continuing a process that began a few years ago, teacher assignments are no longer being attached to the newsletter and mailed home. Instead, this newsletter is being sent electronically to all families with an email address on file. (Kindergarten and Pre-K students will receive a letter by mail which will include their bus tag). Please be sure the email address we have for you is accurate. Parent/Guardians will be able to log into the Home Access Center beginning, August 15th to see their child’s/children’s teacher assignment/s. Directions on how to log in and access the HAC and teacher assignments can be found below.

To log in, go to the CCPS website, carrollk12.org Click on “Home Access Center” on the lower left. Your username is the email address that the school has on file for you. If you have trouble with the username, contact the school and we can help. The first time you access HAC, you will need to click “Request/Forgot Password” and follow the instructions.

Teacher assignments will be mailed only to families without email addresses. The Home Access Center allows you to check your personal information for accuracy and see your child’s attendance. Please act now to become familiar with the Home Access Center so you can utilize it through your child’s years in school. Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade Families Only: Teachers in third, fourth and fifth grades will be departmentalizing their instruction. Teachers in these grades will only be teaching STEM (Math/Science) or Humanities (ELA/Social Studies). In third grade, Mrs. Ayoub and Mrs. Cuneo will be STEM teachers and Mrs. Ryan and Mrs. Leppo will be the Humanities teachers. Mrs. Diggs will be keeping her students all day and be instructing them in both STEM and Humanities. In fourth grade, Ms. Sanders and Mrs. Fitzsimmons will be teaching STEM. Mrs. Borzymowski and Mrs. Fey will be teaching Humanities. Mrs. Haddaway will be keeping her students all day and be instructing them in both STEM and Humanities. In Fifth grade, Mrs. Kadis and Mrs. Lamb will be teaching Humanities. Mr. Andrew Cunningham and Mr. Brandon Cunningham will be teaching STEM.

IMPORTANT KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION If you have a child entering kindergarten you will be receiving a bus tag in the mail. The tag contains your child’s teacher’s name and information about the child’s afternoon address, phone number and the bus number he/she will be riding in the afternoon. Please make sure the address the child will return home to at the end of the day is accurate. If any information on the tag is not accurate please put an “X” through the tag and complete the back of the tag with the correct information. Kindergarten students should wear the bus tags for the first two weeks of school. This will help staff and bus drivers make sure students are placed on the correct bus.

NEW FAMILY ORIENTATION An orientation for all new families to Manchester Elementary, with students in first through fifth grades, will be held on Thursday, August, 18th at 5:30 p.m.

OPEN HOUSE Students in kindergarten through fifth grades and their families are invited to attend an Open House on Friday, August 26th, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students will see their classrooms, meet their teachers and drop off any supplies at this time. During the Open House, please make sure to visit our outside black top area outside of the music room. Tables will be available with information from the PTA and school staff will be on hand to answer questions related to bus routes, the school lunch program, health/medical issues, etc. In addition, the PTA will have a special treat for all of the students.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)

The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy adopted by the Board of Education applies to students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades only. With greater access to the internet, comes greater responsibility for students, parents and teachers to work together to make certain this privilege is used properly. The policy does not allow for devices to be taken to the cafeteria or to be used during recess unless directed by school staff. Devices permitted at school include, but are not limited to:

Laptops Netbooks Cell phones/smart phones eReaders Tablets (iPad, Android, Windows)

The above devices must be capable of connecting to the school’s wireless network.

Expectations for Students  Devices are to be used for academic purposes  Devices are to be off when not in use  No video/audio recording or photography of students or staff is permitted  Students are not permitted to share or loan their devices to other students  Violations of the policy may result in disciplinary actions

SCHOOL HOURS Please make every effort to have your child in school and on time every day. Doors to the school open at 8:50 A.M. Students are not to be dropped off prior to 8:50 a.m. since there is no supervision and students are not able to enter the building before 8:50 a.m. Although the day begins at 9:15 a.m., if a student is being transported by car, we ask that all children arrive by 9:10 a.m. Dismissal begins at 3:45 p.m.

PTA The PTA at Manchester is very active and a great support for our students. Please consider joining the PTA. A portion of the dues will remain at the school to help fund cultural programs and other events for the students. Information on joining the PTA will be sent home in September. BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS Manchester Elementary will be conducting two, “Back to School Nights.” The first “Back to School Night” will take place on Tuesday, September 6th. This evening will be for first and second grades. “Back to School Night” for third, fourth and fifth grades will take place on Thursday, September 8th. Both “Back to School Nights” will start in the school gym at 6:30 p.m. for a brief meeting. Grades will hold two rotations of their presentations with the first beginning at 7:05 p.m.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING Volunteer Trainings will be held during Back To School Nights. Additional trainings are also scheduled. The dates of these trainings will be sent home at a later time. All individuals attending a Volunteer Training MUST HAVE a photo ID. Anyone not having a photo ID will not be able to be trained. This is a county policy.

MEDICATION POLICY Medications should be given at home whenever possible. Only those medicines necessary for a student’s medical care will be given at school. Most medicines a student needs, even those to be given three times a day, can be given safely at home. Students are not permitted to bring any medication into the school (this includes over-the-counter medications and topical ointments), or transport medication on the bus unless it is a “life sustaining” medication and it is authorized by the student’s physician. • All medication, prescription and over the counter, require a physician’s order and completed medication authorization form. Without this form on file the medication will not be given. (Exception: Ibuprofen and acetaminophen in manufacturer’s recommended over-the-counter dose and age guidelines require parent/guardian signature only) • All prescription medication must be labeled and in a current, original, pharmacy-labeled container which includes the student’s name, the name of the medication, the dose, time, route, and current date. • All over the counter medication must be in the original packaging. • All medication orders expire at the end of the school year. New medication orders are needed for the start of a new school year. • Changes in the medication, the dosage, time, or frequency of administration must have a new medication authorization form. ** Medication Authorization forms can be obtained from the school nurse and are also available on the Carroll County Public Schools website. All prescription medications that will be taken by students while at school must be given directly to the school nurse by an adult. Office staff may not accept medications at any time. NEW CHANGE TO MEDICATION POLICY This school year Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) will be implementing a nonprescription medication program called Discretionary Medications. The medications impacted by this program are Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. These medications will be supplied by CCPS. This program is designed to alleviate minor discomforts and to prevent unnecessary early dismissals from school. These medications (Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen only) are approved by the Deputy Health Officer of Carroll County Health Department and the CCPS Supervisor of Health Services. Your written consent must be obtained before any medication is given to your child. A form will be sent home that can be used to provide the written permission. The school nurse will assess your student and contact you to verify time of last dose given at home prior to administering any discretionary medication. If the nurse is unable to reach you, no medication will be administered. Discretionary medications are intended for occasional use only. If your child requires any prescription or nonprescription medication on a regular basis, is under the care of a health care provider, or has a diagnosed condition or chronic health concern, you must obtain a written order from your health care provider and supply the medication. Medications must be in the original container and marked specifically with the student’s name. Loose medication or medication not in the original container will not be accepted.

Please contact the school nurse at 410-751-3410 if you have any questions regarding medications.

KEEPING IN TOUCH School Messenger The Carroll County Public School System’s Central Office and individual schools will be utilizing the School Messenger Service to provide parents/guardians with information pertaining to their child’s school and the school system. In addition to notification when schools are delayed or closed due to inclement weather, school newsletters, lunch menus, announcements, PTA notifications etc. will all be e-mailed to families through this system. The phone number listed as the primary number for a parent/guardian on the student’s Emergency Card will be the phone number that is called by the system for emergencies, school closings or delays. When completing Emergency Cards (sent home the first day of school), please make sure these phone numbers and e-mail addresses are accurate. CARROLL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADA COMPLIANCE STATEMENT The Board of Education of Carroll County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment or provision of services, programs or activities. Information concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the Director of Facilities, 410-751-3177. Persons needing auxiliary aids and services for communication should contact the Office of Community and Media Relations at 410-751-3020 or [email protected], or write to Carroll County Public Schools, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, should use Relay or 7-1-1. Please contact the school system at least one (1) week in advance of the date the special accommodation is needed.

TRANSPORTATION Please remember that we tag students with their bus number when they get off the bus on the first day. If they should go home on a different bus than they rode in the morning, PLEASE let the school know via email, [email protected] While we have parents complete the transportation form, we cannot possibly process all the forms in one day.