LINCOLN SCHOOL  2008– 09 SCHOOL YEAR

 

Dear Parents and Guardians:

 

We welcome you and your child to Lincoln School! We look forward to work with you in providing a positive and productive learning environment for your child. With a dedicated and committed staff with many years of educational experience, we encourage you to get to know your child’s teacher. I know you will find them to be very concerned about your child’s progress and success.  It is our goal that together we can help your child to be successful and to recognize the full potential of their talents and abilities.

 

It is extremely important that you read and discuss the contents of this handbook with your child so that you both have a clear understanding of its content.  It is the basic guide for the smooth operation of our school. After you have read it, please sign the attached signature page and return it to school with your child.  Please read the privacy note carefully and return it by August 29.

 

As we realize and accept our responsibilities in educating your child, we ask for your support in assisting us so that your child can receive and benefit from what we have to offer here at Lincoln School. Welcome you to another school term. We look forward to meeting you and working with you throughout the coming year.

 

Thank you,

 

 

Steven J. Lynn, Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glendive Public Schools

Mission Statement: Glendive Public Schools are committed to providing academic and activity programs in a safe environment where our students can acquire knowledge, skills, and values that will prepare them to be contributing, constructive members of society. We are dedicated to implementing effective school practices and forming partnerships with home and community in support of quality education.

Vision Statement: Glendive Public Schools strive for excellence in education.

Values:

1.      Trustworthiness

2.      Respect

3.      Responsibility

4.      Fairness

5.      Caring Citizenship

ADMINISTRATION

Mr. Jim Germann, Superintendent of Schools – Office Phone 377-5293

Mr. Steven Lynn, Principal – Office Phone 377-2308

GLENDIVE UNIFIED SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mrs. Penny Denning, Chair

Mrs. Lanette Simonton, Vice Chair

Mr. Darrell Sackman

Mr. Tim Adams

Mr. Tom Eaton

Mrs. Jeanne Siefert

Mr. Alan Fife

Mr. Kent Shepherd

Mr. Brian Steffen

Mr. Steve Zorn

Mrs. Fay Dear, Clerk

 

Lincoln School – Inspiring you to spread your wings and embrace knowledge and beauty in the world around you.

Philosophy: The primary purpose of our school is student achievement. Students are taught skills for success in preparing them for participation in a democratic society. Equal opportunity is provided for all students to succeed. Hard work is valued, and students are encouraged to take increasing personal responsibility for their own learning as they progress through the grades.

All students are treated with dignity and respect and allowed to learn in a safe environment. Students flourish as teachers show they care while utilizing effective teaching and management practices. Clear expectations are communicated and mistakes viewed as opportunities to learn.

The partnership of school, home and community is critical if children are to become educated, productive citizens. The importance of academic achievement and social development must be stressed, not just at school, but at home and in the community.

Mission:

1.      To develop the capacity of greater understanding of others, our world and ourselves

2.      To foster independent thinking balanced with social responsibility

3.      To invite students to explore and discover their strengths

4.      To inspire students to life-long learning and adaptability in a changing world

 

LINCOLN SCHOOL FACULTY & STAFF  2008 - 09

                                    Principal                                               Mr. Steven Lynn

Early Childhood                                   Mrs. Millie Robinson

Kindergarten                                        Mrs. Corky Bruno

                                    Kindergarten                                        Mrs. Joan Temple

                                    Kindergarten                                        Mrs. Cathy Senescall

                                    Grade 1                                                Mrs. Donna Merrill

                                    Grade 1                                                Mrs. Nancy Nelson-farber

                                    Grade 1                                                Mrs. Marisa Wahl

                                    Grade 2                                                Mrs. Mary Kay Badley

                                    Grade 2                                                Mrs. Jill Carbajal

                                    Grade 3                                                Mrs. Ivy Rennie

                                    Grade 3                                                Mrs. Angie Kreiman

                                    Grade 4                                                Miss Inez Senner

                                    Grade 4                                                Mrs. Mary Jezewski

                                    Physical Education                               Mrs. Linda Cunningham

                                    Music                                                   Miss Susan Strehlow

                                    Library                                                 Ms. Eloise True

                                    Guidance Counselor                             Ms. LauraLee Moffett

                                    Resource Room                                    Mrs. Cora White

                                    Title 1                                                  Mrs. Jean Mitchell

                                    Speech Therapist                                Mr. Cashe Burrows

                                    School Secretary                                  Mrs. Karen Wallace

                                    Special Services Paraeducator              Mrs. Toni Goroski

                                    Early Childhood Paraeducator              Mrs. Kathy Cross

                                    Early Childhood Paraeducator              Mrs. Deb Lytle

                                    Sp. Services/Title I Paraeducator          Mrs. Denise Naasz

                                    Title I Paraeducator                              Mrs. Dee Miller

                                    Speech Paraeducator                            Mrs. Sue Veroye

                                    Library Paraeducator                            Mrs. Linda Galusha

School Nurse                                       Mrs. Clarice Utgaard

                                    Head Custodian                                   Mr. Randy Unruh

                                    Custodian                                            Mrs. June Lovaas

                                    Custodian                                           

                                    Head Cook                                           Mrs. Mae Storlie

                                    Cook                                                    Mrs. Karel Huether

                                    Cook                                                    Mrs. Terrie Miller

                                    Transportation Supervisor                   Mr. Gary Carlson (377-4055)

                                    Lunch Program Supervisor                   Mrs. Fay Dear  (377-2555)

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL HOURS – Starting and Dismissal Times

Kindergarten     8:10 – 11:15 A.M.         LUNCH (11:15 – 12:05)              12:05 – 3:05 P.M.

Grade One        8:10 – 11:25 A.M.         LUNCH (11:25 – 12:15)              12:15 – 3:05 P.M.

Grade Two        8:10 – 11:30 A.M.         LUNCH (11:30 – 12:15)              12:15 – 3:05 P.M.

Grade Three      8:10 – 11:35 A.M.         LUNCH (11:35 – 12:15)              12:15 – 3:05 P.M.

Grade Four        8:10 – 11:25 A.M.          LUNCH  (11:25 – 12:00)               12:00 - 3:10 P.M.

 

MORNING RECESS                                                          AFTERNOON RECESS

Kindergarten & Grade 1     9:55 – 10:10 A.M.       Kindergarten & Grade 1   1:30 – 1:45 P.M.

Grades 2 & 3                    10:10 – 10:25 A.M.      Grades 2, 3, 4                  1:45 – 2:00 P.M.

 

PLEASE REFER TO THE CALENDAR PAGE AT THE END OF THIS HANDBOOK FOR EARLY OUT DATES.  LINCOLN SCHOOL IS DISMISSED AT 1:05 P.M. ON EARLY OUT DAYS.

 

Teachers or paraeducators are on playground duty at 7:55 A.M., at recesses, noon hour and at dismissal time.  Children that are not bused to school are asked not to arrive on the playground earlier than 7:55 A.M. and to leave the school grounds immediately after dismissal. 

 

Since children will be expected to play outside except during inclement weather, they should be dressed to fit the weather conditions.  Please check your child’s attire before they leave for school each day. During extremely cold weather (below 0 degrees) or rainy weather, students may be allowed to go to their classrooms at 7:55 A.M. Signs are posted on entrance doors when this occurs. Students will remain in during noon hours on these days also if weather conditions do not change. 

 

SCHOOL VISITS

We welcome parents to visit the school at any time.  Please use the Nowlan Avenue entrance and check in at the office to receive your nametag or visitor pass. Parents are encouraged to become acquainted and involved with their child’s class.  This link between school and home can help to clarify situations that otherwise might lead to misunderstanding. Teachers are available before and after school to confer with parents.  If possible, please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

 

 

STUDENT ABSENCES

Regular school attendance is a vital part of a successful school experience. In order to maximize the educational benefits for each child, students need continuity of instruction, classroom participation, and sequential learning experiences. These can only occur when your child is in school.

Unplanned Absences - When absences are necessary because of illness or other unplanned needs, we ask that you telephone the school before 8:30 A.M. If we have not received a call by this time, we will do our best to confirm the absence. We want to insure the safety and well being of your child. When illnesses occur, we recommend that children remain home if they are too sick to go outdoors for recess. If there are extenuating circumstances, please make arrangements with your child’s teacher.

Planned Absences - Please contact the school office and your child’s teacher before any planned absence so that schoolwork can be provide.

AppointmentsMedical, dental, or other professional services should be scheduled, if possible, at times when students will not miss instructional time. If you have an appointment during the school day, please let the school know with a phone call or note.

Checking In & Out - If you need to pick your child up during the school day, please pick them up at the Nowlan Avenue entrance by the principal’s office.  Parents or guardians will need to check their child out. This form will be provided in the office. If a child is returning to school on the same day as an appointment or absence, or if they are arriving late to school, they must check in at the office. This form will also be provided. 

 

SCHOOL BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAM

Breakfast -Breakfast is offered to students every school day.  Breakfast costs $1.50 for full-price meals; $.30 for reduced-price meals and free for students who qualify.  The cost of breakfast, lunch and extra milk is taken from the student’s account.  Breakfast serving time is 7:40 – 8:05 a.m., which allows students time to eat and arrive for class on time.  Payments on student accounts can be for any amount the parent wishes. 

Hot Lunch - Full-price lunches are $1.75 per day; reduced-price is $.40 per day and extra milk is $.40 per day.  Adult lunches are $3.25 per day and adult breakfast is $2.00.  Students’ hands are stamped with a black “LUNCH TICKET” stamp when their account has two or fewer lunches left.  We discourage students from charging.  If there are extenuating circumstances, please contact the secretary about your child’s account.  Free/Reduced lunch applications are sent home with each student the first day of school.  You need to reapply EVERY YEAR for your child to qualify for this program.  Recess milk tickets are $8.00 for a 20-punch written ticket.  Recess milk is not mandatory but is encouraged.  These tickets are kept in the classrooms and the used ticket is sent home with your child.        

Cold Lunch – When your child prefers a lunch prepared at home, we ask that you carefully consider items that provide a well-balanced meal. If your child is responsible for packing their own lunch, please check to see that a good variety of nourishing choices are included. Foods with high sugar content are discouraged. Please do not include soda pop with a cold lunch!

Parents - Parents may eat hot lunch with their children in the cafeteria.  If you wish to do this please call the office by 9:00 a.m. on the day you are coming so you are included in the lunch count.  We ask that you do not bring fast food into the cafeteria for your children.

 

SCHOOL MEALS COLLECTION PROCEDURE

The Glendive Public Schools recognizes that the school lunch/breakfast program is extremely important to the well being of students.  Students are encouraged to participate in the program and it is open to all students of the Glendive Public Schools.  The following procedure will be used to deal with student accounts that are delinquent.  Those accounts deemed delinquent would be turned over to a collection agency when any of the following occur:

1.      The account is carrying a debt of $50 or more, is in excess of 30 days old, and 3 notices* have been sent to the parents/guardians.

2.      The school year has ended, 30 days have elapsed since the end of school, 3 notices* have been sent to the parents/guardians, and the account is still showing a balance due.

·          Three notices at least 10 days apart.

 

OFFICE HOURS

During the school year, two weeks after the school year ends and two weeks before the school year begins the regular office hours are 7:45 A.M. – 3:45 P.M.  The secretary is not employed during the summer months.

 

HOMEWORK

A school day is planned so that most children can get their work done in school.  However, there are certain times when extra work may sometimes be required. Your child’s teacher can be helpful in understanding these expectations in regard to homework.

Place – Designate a place where homework will be completed when it is assigned. If at all possible, this should be a location that is away from possible distractions. For example, the dining room table near the television with other family members moving in and out is not a good place.

Time – Discuss with your child when homework is to be done. This time can change from night to night as other commitments arise, but this time should be as consistent as possible.

Plan – Develop with your child a plan of how homework is to be completed. It should include what you expect of your child and what your child can expect from you. Staying on task should be an important part of this plan. Also develop a system of organization so that materials can be found easily and that communication with the school is received and returned.

 

LOST CLOTHING AND POSSESSIONS

You are strongly urged to place an identification mark on your children’s outer garments (coats, hats, mittens, boots, gym shoes) as many unclaimed articles of clothing are left at the school each year.  It is also requested that private playground equipment not be brought to school, as we cannot take responsibility for its safekeeping.  Students are asked to inquire at the office about lost articles and to bring any articles they may find to the office.  At Parent-Teacher Conference times lost articles are displayed in the main hallway.  This is an opportunity to claim your child’s lost items.

 

TELEPHONE PROCEDURES

Students are allowed to use the telephone when given permission by their teacher or another staff member if a phone call considered necessary.  Students and teachers will not be called out of class for telephone calls unless it is an emergency.  Messages will be relayed to the proper people.   Telephone messages for students must be received before 2:30 P.M. to insure they receive them before leaving for the school day.

 

APPEARANCE

Students are encouraged to take pride in their personal appearance and grooming.  Any form of dress or hairstyle which is considered contrary to good hygiene or which is distracting or disruptive in appearance and detrimental to the purpose or conduct of the school will not be permitted.  Clothing advertising alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or with obscene or questionable printing on them will not be permitted. Shorts are permitted any time during the school year, subject to individual judgment regarding weather conditions.

 

SCHOOL NURSE

We have a nurse on a part-time basis.  She has additional duties at Jefferson School and Washington Middle School.  The nurse administers first-aid; however, her main duty is to aid students in maintaining good health.  Also, the nurse carries out immunizations programs and policies for control of communicable diseases along with the county health department.  She provides a program of visual, hearing and scoliosis screenings for health appraisal, making necessary referrals, and following these referrals, making sure there has been a follow-up.

 

TRANSPORTING STUDENTS TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Please park on the playground side of the school (Taylor Avenue or Power Street) when bringing children to and from school.  DO NOT park in the bus loading yellow zone on Valentine Street.  This is a ticketed offense as is parking in the handicapped zone.  For the safety of your children, do not have them crossing in the middle of the street and remind them to use the crosswalks.  The Nowlan Avenue entrance should be used only when children are arriving late or returning to school after the school day has begun. *Please note the procedures for checking in and out on page 4.

 

REPORTING TO THE PARENTS

Report cards are sent home with students upon completion of each nine-week period.  Signed report cards are to be returned to the homeroom teacher following the first three grading periods.  A fee of $5.00 will be charged for lost report cards.  Parent-Teacher Conferences are held following the end of the first grading period and between the second and the third grading periods.  Retention will be utilized only if it is for the best interests of the child.

 

TRANSFERRING OUT OF LINCOLN SCHOOL

If it becomes necessary to withdraw your child from Lincoln School please notify the office or send a written note to your child’s homeroom teacher.  It helps to have several days notice if a student is withdrawing.  All textbooks, workbooks, library books are to be returned or paid for before records will be released.  School records will be forwarded to your child’s new school upon receipt of a signed release.  Copies of immunization records are available from the principal’s office upon request.

 

GENERAL ITEMS

All textbooks, workbooks and library books are paid for by the school district but we have to charge for damages or lost books.  Encourage children to carry their books in a book bag or back pack.  Kindergarten students must be five years of age or older by September 10 of the current school year.  First graders must be six years of age by September 10.  All teachers are certified in compliance with regulations prescribed by the Montana State Department of Public Instruction.

                       

GUN FREE SCHOOLS

In accordance with the provisions of the Gun-Free Schools Act, 20 USC 3351, any student who brings a weapon or firearm onto school property, except as provided below, shall be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year unless modified by the Board of Trustees, upon a recommendation from the building principal or district superintendent.  Firearms will not be permitted on school property.  Employees and non-student visitors will not be permitted to bring firearms on school property.  The term “firearm” shall be defined as provided in 18 USC 921.  This term shall include any weapon which is designed, or may be readily converted, to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas.  The district superintendent may allow authorized persons to display firearms or other dangerous objects for educational purposes.  Advance written permission must be received before such objects may be brought onto school property.  The firearm must be unloaded and in a condition, which renders it incapable of being, fired.  No ammunition for the firearm may be on school property concurrently with the firearm.  At the conclusion of the display, the firearm must be immediately removed from school property.  If a student violating this policy is identified as a child with disabilities either under the IDEA or Section 504, a determination must be made whether the child’s conduct is related to the disability.  If the violation of the policy is due to a disability recognized by the IDEA or Section 504, lawful procedures for changes in placement must be followed for suspensions of greater than ten days.  Any student subject to expulsion shall be entitled to a hearing before the Board of Trustees in accordance with Section 20-5-202, MCA.  Nothing in this policy shall prevent the Board of Trustees from making an alternative placement for a student in lieu of expulsion provided that such placement removes the student from the regular school program.  The district shall keep a record of all students disciplined under this policy and the circumstances surrounding their discipline, including the number of students expelled and the types of weapons involved.  This information shall be provided to other governmental agencies

 

 

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES

1.      Follow directions and respect authority.

2.      Use proper language.  No profane language is permitted.

3.      Behave in a courteous manner toward fellow students.

-Settle differences without fighting, pushing, poking, hitting, biting or other forms of physical aggression.

            -Throwing of rocks, woodchips, and snowballs will not be permitted.

4.      Care for school property,

-Vandalism of any kind is against Montana Law.

-Chewing gum, sunflower seeds, and candy are not permitted in the building or on the playground.

 

PLAYGROUND GUIDELINES

1.      Keep bicycles in the racks.

-Provide locks for your bicycles and do not ride bicycles on the playground.

2.      Use play equipment provided by the school.

-Baseballs, wooden bats, roller blades, skateboards, Frisbees, and portable radio/CD players are not permitted on the playground during the school day.

3.      Use swings properly.  Do not stand in them, jump out of them, or swing sideways.

4.      Do not play in the corridor between the gym and the old building during mid-morning and mid-afternoon recesses.

 

PLAYGROUND RULES

1.      Play safely.

-No water guns, slingshots, darts, knives, matches, or dangerous objects are allowed on the school grounds.

-Tackling and rough games of this type are not permitted.

2.      Remain on the playground.

-Permission to leave is granted with a written note from your parents or teacher or if you are picked up from school by a parent or guardian.

-Students are NOT to leave the school grounds during lunch break except when going to their own home for lunch or if a parent/adult picks them up for lunch.

 

HALLWAY RULES

1.      Keep sounds to a minimum.

2.      Walk at all times in an orderly manner.

3.      Keep hands and feet to yourself.

4.      Students will remove caps/hats upon entering the building.

 

RESTROOM RULES

1.      Use the restroom properly and quietly.

2.      Keep the restroom clean at all times.

 

 

LUNCHROOM RULES

            Follow the S.M.I.L.E. guidelines

1.      Stay seated until excused.

2.      Make sure to say “Please” and “Thank You” to kitchen helpers

3.      Inside voices must be used.

4.      Leave only when excused.

5.      Every day, clean up your own lunch space (table and floor).

 

LINCOLN SCHOOL DISCIPLINE PLAN

PhilosophyThe Lincoln School staff believes that children learn best when they feel themselves to be part of a safe, understanding, and secure community. We are committed to the development of a learning environment that promotes respect and responsibility. Students are expected to behave in a manner, which demonstrates respect for themselves and others, and to work and play responsibly.

Respect – We believe in the four R’s:

            Respect for self

            Respect for others

            Respect for the environment

            Respect for learning

Students will be respectful to and cooperative with staff members, substitute teachers, volunteers, and other students. There is not a rule for every possible action that violates the rights of others. A student can get into difficulty for doing something even when there is not a specific rule prohibiting the action. Any act that disrupts learning, is disrespectful, or causes danger to people or destruction of property is not permissible. In all communications with students, but particularly in disciplinary situations, teachers and staff understand their role in respecting the dignity of students. We recognize that children need guidance and discipline as they develop. We also understand that how we give this guidance is critical. We recognize that we set the tone through our own actions and attitudes.

Procedure – Each teacher is responsible for developing guidelines and rules for her classroom. These will be communicated to parents, discussed with students, and clearly posted in each classroom. These discipline plans teach Lincoln students to be responsible for their actions. Teachers will notify parents if a child’s behavior becomes disruptive. If a discipline referral sheet is sent home, please discuss the incident with your child. Please contact your child’s teacher for advice or clarification.

When a teacher has worked through her discipline plan, and an issue has not been resolved or a student behavior has not been corrected, the student will be referred to the principal. After conferring with the teacher, the principal will meet with the student to determine an appropriate consequence or resolution. This may include but is not limited to the following: a one-on-one conference with the student, before or after school detention, in-school suspension, development of an individual action plan, a parent meeting, referral to the school counselor or school intervention team, loss of privilege, restitution, reduced recess time, phone call to parents, a letter or verbal apology. A combination of consequences could be assigned in attempting to direct the student in changing his or her misbehavior.

Fighting, defiance of authority, abusive language or gesture directed towards a staff member, and repeated classroom disruption would be referred immediately to the principal for suspension or any other action deemed necessary by the principal.

NO TOLERANCE          - Use or possession of a weapon, explosive, or any object intended to inflict harm, use or possession of tobacco, drugs, alcohol or any controlled substance, destroying or defacing school property, physical assault, and theft are considered to be no tolerance behaviors. These behaviors would result in out-of-school suspension, contact with and intervention through the appropriate law enforcement agencies, and possible expulsion.

Due Process – Due process will be followed if a rule is broken. This means each person involved will have a chance to explain what happened.

Corporal Punishment and Restraint of Students - Montana School Law states the following:  #20-4-302 (3) A person who is employed or engaged by a school district may not inflict or cause to be inflicted corporal punishment on a pupil.  (4) A person who is employed or engaged by a school district may use physical restraint, defined as the placing of hands on a pupil in a manner that is reasonable and necessary to: (i) quell a disturbance; (ii) provide self-protection; (iii) protect the pupil or others from physical injury; (iv) obtain possession of a weapon or other dangerous objects on the person of the pupil or within control of the pupil; (v) maintain the orderly conduct of a pupil including but not limited to relocating a pupil in a waiting line, classroom, lunchroom, principal’s office, or other on-campus facility, or (vi) protect property from serious harm.

 

 

Final Note – School discipline takes precedence over extra-curricular activities. The grounds for disciplinary action apply whenever a student’s conduct is reasonably related to school and school activities. These may include but are not limited to the following:

            On or within sight of school grounds before, during, or after school hours

            Off of school ground at a school sponsored or related activity or event

            Traveling to and from school or a school activity

            Field trips

 

The principal reserves the right to modify consequences at his discretion. Parents or guardians can expect to be highly involved with the school when there are repeat actions of misconduct. Our goal is to see that the inappropriate behavior stops so that learning can continue. In many cases this requires the school and parents working together on behalf of the child.

                       

 
SAFETY ON SCHOOL BUSES AND STUDENT GUIDELINES

The safety of school bus passengers is the most important consideration of school bus operation.  Passengers must:

1.      Stand back in an orderly line at pick-up points until the bus comes to a complete stop.

2.      Enter the bus in an orderly fashion and go directly to a seat.

3.      Remain seated while the bus is in motion.