Student & Family Handbook 2021-2022 391 HOOKER ROAD WEST SUNBURY, PA 16061 (724)637-2321 Preparing Moniteau students to achieve their fullest potential as they face the challenges of life. STUDENT HANDBOOK RECEIPT Student/ Parent Acknowledgement We have reviewed the online copy of the 2021-2022 Dassa McKinney Elementary School Student & Family Handbook including general information, rules and regulations, Title I Parent and Family Compact and Parent Involvement Plan, and the School-Wide Positive Behavior expectations. Our signatures below indicate that we accept responsibility for being aware of its contents. This handbook can be found on the Moniteau School District website at www.moniteau.org. I understand that my son/daughter is expected to abide by the rules, policies and procedures as set forth in the 2021-2022 Student & Family Handbook. Date: Student Name: Student Signature: Parent Name: Parent Signature: Teacher Name: PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS SIGNED FORM TO YOUR CHILD’S HOMEROOM TEACHER BY SEPTEMBER 3, 2021. Thank you! CONTENTS Board of Directors 1 STUDENT CONDUCT TITLE IX, Section 504 Policy 1 Student Discipline 38 Administration 2 Acceptable Use of Technology Policy 39 Purpose of Handbook 3 Child Internet Protection Act 42 Hazing Policy 42 ATTENDANCE School-Wide Positive Behavior 46-54 School Hours 4 After School Detention 55 Tardy to School 6 Arson 55 Early Dismissal 6 Bomb Threat 55 Truancy or Unlawful Absence 6 Bullying/Cyber Bullying 55 Student Excusals 7 Cheating 56 Unexcused Absence 7 Chewing Gum 56 Proceedings/Penalties 7 Container Regulations 56 Attendance Practices 8 Controlled Substances/Paraphernalia 56 School Delays/Cancellations 9 Searches 58 Disrespect 58 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Disruption 75 8 Privacy Rights of Parents and Students 9 Dress Policy 59 Chapter 15 9 Dress Guidelines 59 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support 10 Drug / Alcohol Procedures 60 Response to Instruction and Intervention 10 Fighting 62 Special Education 10 Food & Drink 62 Gifted Support Program 11 Incendiary Devices 62 Learning Support Program 11 Insubordination 62 Speech & Language Support Program 11 In-School Suspension 62 Annual Public Notice 11 -15 Language 62 StudentStud Assistance Program 15 Misconduct 62 Homeless Students 17 Nondiscrimination Practices 62 Off School Property 66 HOME-SCHOOL Student Use of District Devices 66 COMMUNICATNotice to Parents I&ON Gu ardians 18 Prohibition of Electronic Devices 66 Notice of Family Engagement Policy 18 Restrooms 67 Title I Parent & Family Compact 19 Search Policy 67 -68 Assignment Book/Planners 26 Selling 68 Change of Address or Telephone 26 Tobacco / Nicotine Use Policy 68 Homework 26 Suspension & Expulsion 69 Grading Scale 26 Terroristic Threats/Acts 70 Library 27 Theft 71 Parent Conferences 27 Toys 71 Report Cards 27 Unlawful Harassment 71 School Visitation 27 Vandalism 73 Volunteer Guidelines 28 Violence 73 Volunteer Clearances 28 Weapons Policy 73 Background Checks 29 TRANSPORTATION Transportation Policy 29 FOOD SERVICE Bus Pass Policy 30 Account Procedures 74 Bus Pass Form 32 Free & Reduced Meals 74 Breakfast 74 HEALTH SERVICES Lunch 74 Medication Policy 33 Cafeteria Prices 74 Possession/Use of Asthma Inhalers 34 Cafeteria Discipline 74 Epinephrine Auto-Injectors 34 Student Wellness Policy 75-80 Health Examinations Policy 35 Dental Examinations 35 Immunizations Policy 36 OTHER SCHOOL INFORMATION Arrival and Dismissal Procedures 81 Building Use Policy 81 Field Trips 82 Fire Drills 83 Flag Salute 84 Lost & Found 84 Parking 84 Parties 84 Party Invitations 84 Posting/Displays 84 Public Attendance at School Events 84 Recess 85 Registration 85 Restitution 85 Retention Policy 85 Safety Drills 86 Safe2Say Something 86 Safe School Affidavit 86 Student Complaint Process 86 Technology 87 Video Surveillance 87 Website 87 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Michael Panza, President Mrs. Joann Duke, Vice President 1140 Branchton Road Box 174, 111 Webb Road West Sunbury, PA 16061 West Sunbury, PA 16061 Mrs. Trixie Heck Mr. Randy Armagost P.O. Box 421 125 Grubb Road Harrisville, PA 16038 Boyers, PA 16020 Mrs. Linda Dillaman Dr. Michael Baptiste 1835 West Sunbury Road 255 Claytonia Rd. West Sunbury, PA 16061 Butler, PA 16001 Mrs. Jennifer Rottman Mr. Mark DeMatteis 120 Sullivan Ln. 212 DeMatteis Rd Hilliards, PA 16040 Boyers, PA 16020 Mr. Matthew Zietz 121 Minson Rd. Butler, PA 16001 TITLE IX, SECTION 504 POLICY The Moniteau School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures contact the Title IX Coordinator, Section 504 Coordinator, at 1810 West Sunbury Road, West Sunbury, PA 16061. For information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and useable by handicapped persons contact the Superintendent at (724) 637-2117. DISCLAIMER The administration reserves the right and is entitled to the authority to determine consequences and render decisions for situations not specifically addressed within this handbook. 1 ADMINISTRATION Thomas Samosky. ……………………………………………….. Superintendent [email protected] Dustin M. Thompson…………………………………………… Elementary School Principal [email protected] Nicole A. Fox….………………………………………………. Assistant Elementary Principal [email protected] Elementary Director of Attendance Dan Lance Fox……………..…………………………………… High School Principal [email protected] Aubrie L. Schnelle……………………………………………… Assistant High School Principal [email protected] Secondary Director of Attendance Peg Burdick ……………………………………… Business Manager [email protected] Paula Bredl………………...………………………………………. Director of Special Education [email protected] Jeff Campbell ……………………………………………………… Director of Building and Grounds [email protected] Carrie Plecher………..………………………………… Director of Food Services [email protected] Luke Kunkel……………………………………………….. Director of Transportation [email protected] David DiCaprio…………………………………………………….. [email protected] Director of Online Learning & Curriculum & Instruction Administrative Office 1810 West Sunbury Rd. West Sunbury, PA 16061 (724) 637-2117 ▪ Fax (724) 637-3862 www.moniteau.org Moniteau Jr/Sr. High School Dassa McKinney Elementary School 1810 West Sunbury Rd. 391 Hooker Rd. West Sunbury, PA 16061 West Sunbury, PA 16061 (724) 637-2091 ▪ Fax (724) 637-3878 (724) 637-2321 ▪ Fax (724) 637- 3877 Campbell Bus Company 1650 West Sunbury Road West Sunbury, PA 16061 (724) 637-9920 2 Purpose of Elementary Student Handbook The handbook is designed to assist parents, guardians, and students with the policies and procedures of Dassa McKinney Elementary and the Moniteau School District. The Elementary Discipline Policy will be included within each area it applies to or where appropriate for the specific response to infractions. The main purpose of the handbook is to ensure effective communications between the home and school. Any item not specifically addressed in the handbook will be handled by the building principal. In a situation where provisions of the handbook contradict school board policy, the policy shall prevail. The following basic guidelines are recommended procedures for parents/guardians with concerns or questions: 1. Parents/guardians should first communicate with teachers or with the school personnel involved concerning the problem. 2. Appointments for private conferences with teachers or other school personnel should be made in advance by contacting the teacher or the school office. 3. Problems that are not solved during parent-teacher conferences can be taken to the school principal. 4. If problems are not resolved at the local building level, parents/guardians have the recourse of contacting the Superintendent. 5. Board members may be contacted about school matters if the procedures outlined above do not help solve problems. 3 Attendance School Hours School arrival time should be between 8:45-9:05 am. The instructional day begins at 9:05 am and concludes at 3:35 pm. Students should not be dropped off at school by their parent/guardian before 8:45 am. There is no supervision available for students prior to that time. Students must report to their respective homerooms upon arrival at school. With teacher permission students can use the restroom, go to the library, use the computer lab and participate in other school related activities. Attendance (Moniteau School District Policy 204) The Board requires that school age students enrolled in district schools attend school regularly in accordance with state laws. The educational program offered by the district is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation in order for students to achieve academic standards and consistent educational progress. All children between the ages 6 and 18 must be enrolled in and attend school on a regular basis. If a parent/guardian begins a child’s education prior to the age of 6, the child must remain in school as prescribed by law. Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in district schools during the days and hours that school is in session, except that a principal may excuse a student for temporary absences when receiving satisfactory evidence from a practitioner of the healing arts for mental, physical, or other urgent reasons that may cause the student's absence. Urgent reasons shall be strictly construed