Mount Horeb 4K Family Handbook 2021-2022

MOUNT HOREB 4K FAMILY HANDBOOK 2021-2022

The Mount Horeb Area School District does not discriminate against pupils based on sex, race, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability/handicap in its educational programs or activities. If you believe you have been discriminated against based on a protected class, a complaint may be filed with the District Administrator or his/her designee by calling (608)437-7010.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Vision of MH4K……………………………………………………………………….….…….4 The Mission of MH4K………………………………………………………………………………4 Belief Statements……………………………………………………………………………………4 Curriculum of MH4K Learners Our Learning Philosophy……………………………………………….…………….5 Our Learning Standards……………………………………….…….……………….5 MH4K Daily Activities…………………………………………………..……..………5 Contact Information……………………………………………………………………………….6 Calendar of Events………………………………………………………………………………….7 MH4K Programming Information Eligibility……………………………………………………………………………………..8 Program Days and Hours.…………...…………………………………..………….8 4K Supplies…………………………………………………………………………..……..9 Accidents/Injuries/Illness First Aid………………………………………………………………….…………………10 Ambulance/Physician Contact……………………………………….……….…10 Administration of Medication…………………………..…………………….…10 Home Referral…………………………………………….………….…………………10 Arrival/Dismissal Bus Riders……………………………………………………………………………….…11 Child Drop Off and Pick up at Sites………………………….………………..11 Transportation Policies for Families………………………………….….11-12 Transportation Guidelines for Students………………………...... 12 Attendance Guidelines…………………………………………………………………………….…..13 Absence Call-In…………………………………………………………………..…….13 Safe Calls…………………………………………………………………………….…….13 School Withdrawal……………………………..…………………………….……….13 Behavior Expectations………………………………………………………………….……….14 Birthdays…………………………………………………………………………………………..….15 Child Abuse/Neglect……………………………………………………………………………..15 Closings of School………………………………………………………………………….………15 Concerns/Comments Procedures………………………………………………….………16 Curriculum Information………………………………………………………………….……..16 Dress Code…………………………………………………………………………………………….16 Family Outreach Program………………………………………………………..…………..16

Health/Nursing Services Student Immunization……………………………………………………………….17 Indoor Recess Requests…………………………………………………………….17 Medications……………………………………………………………..…….……17-18 Lost and Found……………………………………………………………………………….…….18 Pictures…………………………………………………………………………………………………18 Progress Reports and Conferences Progress Reports..………………………………………………………….………….18 Conferences………………………………………………………………………..…….19 Records………………………………………………………………………………………………...19 Snack Break Program Food Allergies………………………………………………………………….………..20 Wellness Policy………………………………………………………………………….20 Student Services Services Offered to Children with Special Needs……………………………….….20 School Psychologist…………………………………………………………………….….…….20 District Nursing Services……………………………………………….…………….………..20 Social Worker Services……………………………………………………………….…………21 Visitors/Volunteers……………………………………………………………………………….21

THE VISION OF MH4K

All four-year-old children in the Mount Horeb Area School District will have access to a developmentally appropriate program using a whole child approach to learning through a collaborative partnership between home, community, and school.

THE MISSION OF MH4K

The Mount Horeb Area School District and collaborating early childhood partners will provide a high quality collaborative model of care and education to four-year-old children in the community.

MOUNT HOREB FOUR-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN BELIEFS STATEMENTS

We believe… • all children are capable and competent. • early relationships matter. • a child's early learning and development is multi-dimensional. • expectations for children must be guided by knowledge of child growth and development. • children are individuals who develop at various rates and follow his/her own unique path. • children are members of cultural groups that share developmental patterns. • children exhibit a range of skills and competencies within any domain of development. • children learn best through play, problem solving, and the active exploration of their environment. • parents and guardians are children's first and most important caregivers and educators. • classroom environment should nurture a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth and development. • children should experience success in their learning environment. • a classroom climate should foster respect, dignity and trust for self and others. • collaborative partnerships between parents/guardians and teachers can foster lifelong learning skills.

CURRICULUM OF MH4K LEARNERS

OUR LEARNING PHILOSOPHY

The goal of our early childhood curriculum is to create an environment that promotes learning and social skills appropriate for our four and five-year-olds. Children learn by hearing, seeing, and doing. They use all of their senses to explore and get information. They then bring their own interpretations of situations, experiences, and events to their learning through play. Children love to play, and their play often mirrors what is important in their lives.

The MH4K Program will be based on the philosophy of intentionally designed play-based instruction. Through play children can understand the world around them and interact with others. There is a well-established consensus among early childhood professionals that play is an essential element of developmentally appropriate, high-quality early education programs. Play is not a break from the curriculum; play is the best way to implement the curriculum.

The 4K day will be designed to stimulate development of skills in the area of social and emotional growth, communication and literacy, fine and gross motor, and cognition. These areas make up the developmental domains of the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.

OUR LEARNING STANDARDS

The teachers for the MH4K program will use the Wisconsin State Early Learning Standards as a curriculum guide. All teachers will have four-year degrees in early childhood, pre-kindergarten, or 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.

MH4K DAILY ACTIVITIES

Each child will be given the opportunity to learn at his/her own pace and in the way preschoolers learn best which is through play. What looks like play has been planned by teaching staff to develop specific skills that your child will need for later school years and into adult life. Your child’s 4K programming will include a balance between the following types of activities:

 Large Group Experiences and Learning  Small Group Experiences and Learning  Individual Experiences and Learning  Child-selected activities; teacher-directed activities  Indoor and outdoor time  Schedules, routines, transitions  Snack time; restroom breaks

CONTACT INFORMATION

DISTRICT INFORMATION

Mount Horeb Area School District Nicole Tepe, 4K Coordinator 1304 East Lincoln Street Office Location: Early Learning Center Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Phone: 608.437. 7692 Fax: 608.437.4027 [email protected]

Colleen Kittleson, MH4K Secretary Office Location: Early Learning Center Phone: 608.437.7606 Fax: 608.437.4027 [email protected]

MH4K SITE INFORMATION

Agape Christian Preschool Academy of Little Vikings 4K & Childcare 315 East Main Street 1991 Commerce Ave. Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Center Phone: 608.437.7100 Center Phone: 608. 237.1826 www.agapechristianpreschool.com www.littlevikings4k.com Director: Amy Kellesvig Owner/Administrator: Brenda Fritz Director: Adrienne Bahler Hearts & Hands Children’s Center 8900 Ridgeview Road Children’s Community School Mount Horeb, WI 53572 211 Parkway Drive Center Phone: 608.437.6401 Mount Horeb, WI 53572 Center Message Line: 608.437.6400 608.437.4121 www.heartsandhandschildrenscenter.com/ www.ccsmounthoreb.com Owner/Administrator: Julie Hamm Director: Kim Treamer Director: Martha Pfaff

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MH4K 2021-2022

September 1 First Student Day September 6 Labor Day—NO SCHOOL October 25 4K Monday Session October 28-29 No School Nov 9 & 11 Parent/Teacher Conferences (estimated dates, this will vary on teacher and parent schedules) November 22 4K Monday Session November 24-26 Thanksgiving Break – NO SCHOOL December 20 4K Monday Session Dec 23-Jan 2 Winter Break – NO SCHOOL January 3 First day after Winter Break January 17 Teacher Inservice—NO SCHOOL January 21 No 4K (Early release for Kindergarten – 12th grade) February 25 NO SCHOOL – (Makeup Day if needed) March 10 Parent/Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL) March 28-April 1 Spring Break – NO SCHOOL April 14 No 4K (Early release for Kindergarten – 12th grade) April 15 Break day—NO SCHOOL May 30 No School (Memorial Day) June 9 Last day of 4K (last day K-12 is June 10—early release) June 13 Make-up day, if needed

*Calendar changes are possible during the year. Notifications of changes are eblasted. ** Each 4K site will have additional family-oriented events and activities during the school year. ***Family Outreach opportunities will be announced as they arise***

MH4K PROGRAMMING INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

Students participating in a MH4K program must be four years of age on or before September 1. There will be no early admissions. Participants must be residents of the Mount Horeb Area School District or apply through open enrollment, if eligible.

If a parent elects not to send a child to regular kindergarten, it is possible for students who are five years old and who have not attended a 4K program in the past to attend MH4K. Children should only attend 4K for one year, ideally the year immediately preceding kindergarten.

PROGRAM DAYS AND HOURS

Our 4K program will meet the DPI requirements of a minimum of 437 instructional hours and 87.5 hours of parental involvement.

Program Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday There will be no 4K AM or PM on Mondays, with the exception of 10/25, 11/22, and 12/20.

Program Hours: AM Session: Agape 8:05 am-11:10 am Hearts & Hands, Little Vikings, and CCS 8:15 -11:20 am PM Session: All sites 12:10 pm-3:15 pm

Children arriving or remaining more than 15 minutes before or after the defined 4K hours may be subject to childcare fees which will be assessed by the 4K site. Sites are allowed to charge a prorated fee of their current childcare or programming rate. Both your 4K site and the school district prefer prompt arrival and departure times that align with the above program hours. If arriving or remaining more than 15 minutes before or after the define 4K hours becomes a problem, the 4K Coordinator will contact the family.

SUPPLIES Below lists the supplies needed for each 4K student. All students will need to bring the essential supplies; additional supplies are divided alphabetically as indicated. These items should be brought to your child’s MH4K Family Information Night in August. Please contact Nicole Tepe, MH4K Coordinator if financial assistance is needed in securing school supplies.

Bring Daily (Label All Items Below)  Backpack that fits standard folder size o NO SMALL BACKPACKS PLEASE—this will hold extra clothes and winter gear as needed.  Heavy duty pocket folder (Labeled w/ name)  Extra clothing in a Ziploc bag  Light weight coat (fall and spring)  Winter coat, snow pants, hat, gloves, boots (winter)  Play doh 4 pack 4 oz (please label but will be kept at school)

Classroom community use, no need to label  Markers (Crayola washable)  4-5 Glue sticks  Dry Erase Markers (2 pk) Any Color  24 count box of crayons  Watercolor paints (1-2)  Kid-sized scissors  1-2 small glue-bottle  Ream of white paper  2 boxes of Kleenex  2 rolls of paper towels

Additional Supplies (classroom community use, no need to label)

Students w/ last names A-L  Dixie cups (5-7 oz)  2 Scotch tape refill or roll  White Cardstock

Students w/ last names M-Z

 Paper plates  2 Masking tape roll  Gallon ziploc bags

ACCIDENTS/INJURIES/ILLNESS

FIRST AID

Our staff will attempt to call a parent of any child who becomes ill and/or sustains a significant injury while at school. Emergency aid will be rendered as is deemed appropriate and necessary. To help ensure immediate and appropriate response and communication, parents are asked to keep the school district office informed of any phone number, name or address changes that occur within the school year.

AMBULANCE/PHYSICIAN CONTACT

The district nurse, MH4K coordinator or site director/administrator shall have the authority to call the EMS whenever the student or staff member is in a life-threatening situation or otherwise requires immediate medical attention and treatment. The cost for involving the EMS and/or physician shall be assumed by the injured party or their parents. Members of the emergency team will provide assistance when the district nurse is not available.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

The Medication Consent Form must be completed and submitted to the school office before any type of medication can be given to a student. This includes over-the-counter drugs, as well as prescription drugs. Medication Consent forms are available from your 4K site office, our district website, (www.mhasd.k12.wi.us) or your medical provider.

All medications are kept in the office and dispensed by office personnel. An MH4K refrigerator is used to store ice packs and medications that must be kept cold. In-service training will be provided to staff on Epi-Pen injection procedures. Trained staff are allowed to give Epi-Pen injections to students who have them.

HOME REFERRAL

The 4K site will contact the student's parent/guardian if it is determined that a student should go home during 4K programming (illness, accident, contagious ailment, etc.). No student shall be sent home unless appropriate contact has been made, and in no case will a student be sent to an unsupervised home.

If you are unsure whether to send your child to school, refer to the “When to Keep Your Child Home” guidelines at the end of this handbook.

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

BUS RIDERS

The bus pick-up and drop-off will be at a designated area for each MH4K site.

 Agape Christian Preschool: At rear door.  Hearts & Hands Children’s Center: At front door.  Little Vikings 4K & Childcare, LLC: At front door.  Children’s Community School: At front door.

CHILD DROP OFF AND PICK UP AT SITES

Drop-off and pick-up procedures varies by site. Specific procedures will be shared at the August Family Information Night or through each 4K site’s Director.  For safety reasons, parents should only release their child to a staff member at this drop off point.  After the session is over, if child has not been picked up, the site will contact the parent or emergency contact. If the parent is not reached, the site will contact the 4K Coordinator who will contact the parents and emergency contacts. The local authorities or proper county agencies may be contacted to intervene as well.

TRANSPORTATION POLICIES FOR FAMILIES

1. The school district's responsibility shall be limited to one pick-up and one discharge address based on a time period duration of one week provided seats are available. Families who have varying schedules have a responsibility to provide their own transportation for children when schedules vary from the above rule. Advance notice, by Wednesday of the preceding week, must be given to the Transportation Department in order to make a change to the student's schedule. Multiple or alternate day pick-up or drop requests will not be honored. 2. We will require an adult that you deem responsible, have visual contact of your 4K child when picked up or dropped off by the bus. The bus will not drop off your child unless the adult is within close visual distance. If driver does not see an adult to meet the child, the bus will finish the route and the child will be brought to the bus garage. Every effort will be made to make contact with a parent/guardian or listed emergency contact. If this occurs more than two times, bus transportation will be revoked and the family will need to provide transportation. 3. Children should wear their name tag which will be provided by the school daily to assist bus staff in pick-up/drop-off. These will be distributed during the August Family Information Night. Please contact Nicole Tepe if you need a replacement tag. 4. All 4K children will be required to ride in the front of the bus and they will be checked on and off the bus by the teacher once at the 4K site. 5. Please call Brian Toth, the Director of Transportation, at 608.437.7106 or Jennifer Mason, Transportation Administrative Assistant at 608.437.7056 if the student will be 11

absent (in addition to notifying the 4K site). The bus will not stop at your student’s bus stop. 6. Children should be dressed and ready to board when the bus arrives. If the child misses the bus, it is the parent’s responsibility to take the child to school. 7. Toys should not be sent with the child on the bus. The only exception would be for special activities designated by the teaching staff. 8. If the child becomes ill on the bus, the child will be returned to the parent(s) if possible. If it is not possible to return the child to the home, the parent will be notified and asked to pick up the child at the Primary Center for morning sections and the 4K site for afternoon sections.

TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS

Parents are to call Brian Toth, Transportation Coordinator, at 437-7106 with questions or concerns. The bus rules are:

1. Follow all adult directions. 2. Talk quietly (Level 1). 3. Sit in your seat until the bus stops at your bus stop. (Bottom to Bottom, Back to Back) 4. Enter and exit the bus safely. 5. Keep body and belongings to yourself. 6. Keep the bus neat and clean. 7. Use kind and polite words. 8. Keep things in your backpack. 9. Watch for your bus stop.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is an important factor in school success. The activities and learning that occur during the day are not easily made up since the experiences cannot be duplicated. Therefore, it is important that absences be kept to a minimum. Parents may log into and access their child’s attendance and other records through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Please note that attendance may not be completely updated until 4 pm each day. Questions should be directed to the Early Learning Center school office 437-7606.

GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

A student should remain at home if any of the following apply:  Vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours and the student cannot tolerate a regular diet.  A temperature of approximately 100 degrees or higher and the student feels ill.  Ill enough not to be able to participate in class and school activities.  Uncontrollable cough or running nose that cannot be cared for in a sanitary manner.  Untreated contagious disease (strep throat, influenza, pink eye, etc…).  An injury that causes significant discomfort and distracts from class or activities.

We encourage parents to send students to school each day if injury or illness does not significantly compromise the student’s health or the health of others.

ABSENCE CALL-IN ***Contact your child’s 4K site

It is an expectation that all children enrolled in MH4K 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 child’s 4K site office prior to or on the day of the absence. Pre-planned absences should be reported to the 4K Secretary. Please inform the site the following information: the name of your child, 4K teacher’s name, and session (AM or PM) along with the reason for the absence. Prompt notification of absences helps keep your child safe and accounted for. The 4K teachers will continue to take attendance first thing each day in their classrooms; this information will automatically be sent to the Mount Horeb Area School District.

SAFE CALLS Your call is important to help us protect the safety of your child and to ensure accurate attendance records. If a student is absent and we do not receive a call from home, the 4K Secretary or 4K Coordinator will call the home/work or emergency contact numbers to verify the absence as part of our safe call checks. If the parent is unable to be reached, a school district employee may visit the home to verify the student’s attendance and safety.

SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL

Parents are to notify the 4K Coordinator and classroom teacher if students are withdrawing from school. If the student enrolls at another school, parents can request that records be sent to the new school as part of the enrollment process at the new school. 13

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

The MHASD 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 4K classroom is to develop appropriate social skills so that the child can become an independent and competent learner. MH4K is implements the Pyramid Model, which is a framework for supporting social emotional competence in infants and young children using evidence based practices. Additional information and resources about the Pyramid Model will be provided throughout the year. 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 or guidance techniques will be used in each specific situation.

Techniques used in prevention:  Giving clear and reasonable expectations  Tucker Turtle technique for anger management  Problem Solving using the Solution Tool Kit  Teaching the correct behavior and/or replacement behavior  Making the children feel important and respected

Non-confrontational techniques used by staff:  Ignoring  Praising  Redirecting  Suggesting  Shadowing  Changing the environment  Modeling  Providing logical and meaningful consequences

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.

Individual Child Behavior It is the goal of the MH4K program to work in collaboration with parents or guardians in promoting positive child guidance strategies, both in the classroom, in the home, and in the community. An Individual Behavior Plan may be used with those children who demonstrate repeated or significant behavior problems in the classroom. Staff 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.

BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays come only once a year but when they do, they are often special occasions for students at school. Parents are asked to work with their child's 4K site director to follow the site policy and procedures regarding shared food, as we need to keep all children, especially those with life threatening allergies, safe. Some parents may wish to celebrate by donating a birthday book to the classroom library on behalf of their son or daughter, along with a suitable inscription inside the book.

CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT

If child abuse or neglect is suspected, it is mandatory by law that the suspected abuse is reported. The 4K Coordinator and/or district social worker will be informed immediately in order to assist with the necessary contacts to county level social services.

CLOSING OF SCHOOL

As soon as the district administration determines that the schools must be closed or delayed due to inclement weather or special circumstances they will call selected radio and TV stations. The announcement will be made over the following radio and TV stations:

WXXM 92.1 FM WMGN 98.1 FM WYZM 105.1 FM WTSO 1070 AM WHLK 93.1 FM WIBA 101.5 FM WMMM 105.5 FM WIBA 1310 AM WJJO 94.1 FM WNWC 102.5 FM WWQM 106.3 FM WLMV 1480 AM WOLX 94.9 FM WZEE 104 FM WDMP 810 AM WTDY 1670 AM WMAD 96.3 FM WTUX 1550 AM

TV Stations Channels: WISC-TV 3 TV-15 TV-27

Announcements will also be made over these stations during the day if school must be canceled or dismissed early because of bad weather or building emergency. If a late start is called, there will be no AM 4K, but PM 4K will still be held.

School closing information will also be on the district website; email and/or text communication will be sent out to families. You can arrange to receive text messaging regarding school closing by contacting Tammy Beranek at [email protected] or 608.437.7018.

Parents are asked to have arrangements in place, in advance.

CONCERNS/COMMENTS PROCEDURES

Parents with comments or concerns are encouraged to contact the appropriate school personnel. A parent with a student-related situation should contact the classroom teacher first to discuss the problem.

Comment Level Contact Person Phone Number Classroom/Student Teacher see site phone number Building 4K Site Director see site phone number District Nicole Tepe, 4K Coordinator 608.437.7692 Transportation Brian Toth 608.437.7016

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

Parents are welcome to look through curriculum materials at any level and for any subject. Please contact Nicole Tepe, 4K Coordinator, so that we can best accommodate your requests.

DRESS CODE

Students are expected to attend school wearing attire that does NOT disrupt the learning of others. Students are expected to come to school prepared for outdoor play. Flip-flops and open toe shoes will restrict your child’s outdoor play options. It is the student and parent's responsibility to make choices that ensure physical safety and well-being.

FAMILY OUTREACH PROGRAM

An important component of the MH4K 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, presentations, and workshops will be open to all families. Each family is encouraged to participate as much as possible. You will be informed of activities via flyers, notes, eblasts, and information on our web site.

HEALTH/NURSING SERVICES

Christy Staats is the Mount Horeb Area School District’s Nurse. Parents are to contact Christy Staats, District RN, at 437-7543 with questions or concerns regarding health information.

STUDENT IMMUNIZATION

Parents are to present written evidence of immunization against certain diseases for each of their school age children. The State-required immunizations are available from your family doctor or Dane County Public Health provides free immunizations on a walk-in basis at locations throughout the county. Call 246-4516 for more information. Schools are required to contact the office of the District Attorney if written evidence is not submitted for new students within 30 days of the first day of school.

SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

PreK (2 yrs through 4 yrs) 4 DTP/DTaP/DT 3 Polio 1 MMR(1) 3 Hep B 1 Varicella (chickenpox)

1. MMR vaccine for all students. MMR vaccine must have been received on or after the first birthday. 2. DTP/DTaP/DT vaccine for all children entering 4K. Your child must have received one dose after the 4th birthday (either the 3rd, 4th, or 5th dose) to be compliant.

INDOOR RECESS REQUESTS

Based on consultations with medical professionals, our position with regard to students staying in from recess is that, if students are properly dressed and well enough to attend school, they should be able to go out to recess. Individual exceptions will be made when necessary. A note from the child's physician will be required in cases in which parents request that a child needs to stay in from recess for an extended period of time.

MEDICATIONS

NO medication will be administered by school personnel without a completed Medication Consent form. Appropriate signatures are required. Be sure to check the notes below for specific guidelines.

Prescription Medication - 2 signatures - Distribution requires both the signature of the physician and parent/guardian. Prescription containers also require the physician's written instructions, as well as the following label information: * Name of pharmacy * Student's name * Name of physician * Name of drug

* Dosage to be given

Over-the-Counter Medication - 1 signature - Distribution requires the parent/guardian signature only. Medications must be in original container or packaging to ensure that the parent's instructions do not exceed manufacturer's dosages. Student's name will be written on the container by the parent/guardian to ensure proper distribution.

Medication Administration Considerations  Medication Consent forms and medications will be kept in the 4K site office. A record will be kept of when the medication was administered and by whom.  Parents will be requested to provide no more than a month's supply at a time.  Forms must be renewed annually for students on long-term medication.  Medication should be scheduled around school hours if at all possible (before school, after school and at bedtime).  Medication Consent forms are available from your 4K school office, the MHASD web site (www.mounthorebschools.org), or your medical provider.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found items will be kept at the sites “Lost and Found” location. Periodically, a special lost and found table will display lost and found articles near the front entrance door. All unclaimed articles will be donated to a local charitable agency.

PICTURES

Sites will arrange to have a professional photographer take 4K student pictures. Specific procedures and schedules will be distributed shortly before each picture day.

PROGRESS REPORTS AND CONFERENCES

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports are designed to provide a clear reflection of how students are developing. Great care is taken to ensure that the completed report includes fair and objective information. The progress reports are designed to more clearly communicate your child's developmental progress. Progress reports will be available through your family’s Infinite Campus Parent Portal at the end of the second and fourth quarters. Paper copies will also be sent home.

CONFERENCES

Formal conference times are provided for parents during the fall and spring. Information will be displayed at 4K sites to confirm dates and times. Additional conference time is also available throughout the year, based on parent request and/or student need. Parent-teacher conferences are a vital link in home/school communications! Our staff appreciates your attendance and your feedback. To get the most out of the time allotted, please take a few minutes before your conference to write down any questions you may have. Remember, it is important to focus on your child’s overall progress.

RECORDS

It is the policy of the Mount Horeb School District to maintain the confidentiality of all pupil records kept by the district. The policy (#347) is quite lengthy and outlines all parent and student rights regarding student records. A copy of this policy is available in the school offices or online. It is required that behavioral records be shown in the presence of a person qualified to explain the content of the records. Parents may contact the 4K Coordinator or the Director of Pupil Services to make arrangements for this service.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Each year the District will provide public notice to students and their parents of its intent to make available, upon request, certain information known as "directory information." The Board designates as student "directory information": student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and athletics, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance at Mount Horeb Schools, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the most recently previous educational agency or institution attended by the student. In 4K, classroom directories are created and shared with parents.

This directory information shall be considered public information and may be released for any purpose unless the parent, guardian or adult student informs the school that all or any part of the directory information may not be released without the prior consent of the parent, guardian or adult student. Once a “Request to Withhold Directory Information” form is completed, that document shall stay in effect until changed by the parent(s), legal guardian(s) or adult student.

SNACK BREAK PROGRAM

Each site will vary how snack break will be handled during the MH4K program. All students will receive the option to take a snack during the 4K session.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Sites do not knowingly serve products containing peanuts or tree nuts. However, it is increasingly common for product packages to contain disclaimers such as “may have been processed in a plant with peanut/tree nuts.” These types of disclaimers and hidden potential allergens can also impact other types of food allergy exposures such as dairy and gluten or wheat. Therefore it is imperative that parents/guardians of students with food allergies review the snack menu and continue to consult with the 4K sites before their child eats a classroom snack.

WELLNESS POLICY When bringing snacks to school, we encourage you to make healthy choices. Contact Nicole Tepe to receive a copy of the school’s Wellness Policy.

STUDENT SERVICES

SERVICES OFFERED TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Children who have been identified as having a need for special education services are included in the MH4K site classrooms. The district Special Education Teachers and other support service clinicians will work with sites to offer inclusive programming. To receive these services, a child must have a need that is identified on the child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

The school psychologist’s role includes consultation, individual assessment, program planning, and intervention on an individual, family, or classroom level. We are currently emphasizing a pre-referral intervention program in dealing with a student’s learning or behavioral changes. The school psychologist, may as a member of a team, discuss a student’s behaviors and learning styles with parents and teacher(s) while considering interventions.

DISTRICT NURSING SERVICES

District nursing services are available via phone consultation.

SOCIAL WORKER SERVICES

The district social worker can provide the following services and information for families:  Community-based counseling/therapy for children and/or parents.  Accessing community resources such as free or low cost health care and insurance, housing programs, food pantries, and other economic support programs.  Parent education.  Accessing school supplies or car seats.  Facilitating communication between home and school.

VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS

Parents are encouraged to visit and/or do volunteer work in our classrooms. Contact your child's teacher to make arrangements for your time at school. All potential volunteers are to complete a Volunteer Background Check Form (available on the district website) at least 72 hours before they begin volunteering in our schools. Background checks will also be required prior to accompanying your child on any 4K fieldtrip. All visitors and volunteers are to check in and out of the of the visitor log book located at each 4K site.

Updated 7/27/2021 2:47 PM