Cottonwood School

1. Cottonwood School 2009-2010

3. Welcome to Cottonwood

4. School Hours Breakfast 8:00 A.M. Classes Begin 8:30 A.M. Morning Kdgn Ends 11:25 A.M. Afternoon Kdgn Starts 12:30 P.M. Classes Dismissed 3:25 P.M.

5. Mission I believe I can learn the skills necessary to become a caring, creative, and productive person. I believe I can demonstrate: *Independence, responsibility, and healthy self-esteem *A positive attitude *Proficiency in reading, math, written communication, social studies, science and technology *Academic and social problem solving skills

6. Be Safe Use the crosswalks when crossing the street and look both ways (Parents - look-out for the children)

7. Information for Parents, Guardians and Students Mission Statement for Cottonwood: I believe that I can learn the skills necessary to become a caring, creative, and productive person. I believe I can demonstrate: • Independence, responsibility, and healthy self-esteem • A positive attitude • Proficiency in reading, math, written communication, social studies, science and technology. • Academic and social problem solving skills • Staff, parents, and the community will provide the support necessary to achieve this mission.

8. Cottonwood Motto “Working Together – Learning Together”

9. Student Arrivals/Dismissals Office Hours Attendance/Absence School Safety Student Behavior/ Discipline Threats of Violence Weapons Crisis Management Harassment School Closing Visitors Parent/Teacher Group Guidance Services Summer School General Information Index

10. Make-Up work Illness Helping Students Succeed Birthday Parties Animals/Plants Electronic Mail & Internet Contact Position/ Person for Cottonwood Contact Person for district-wide concerns Contact Person for Board of Education Policies General Information continued

11. Student Arrivals/Dismissals 8:00 Breakfast begins at Cottonwood 8:20 a.m. Doors open/ First bell rings 8:30 a.m. All morning classes begin 11:25 a.m. Morning kindergarten dismissed 12:30 p.m. Afternoon kindergarten classes begin 3:25 p.m. Dismissal

12. Office Hours at Cottonwood Elementary office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

13. Attendance/Absences • Please contact the school office by 9:000 a.m. on the day(s) your student will be absent. • The student’s absence will be marked unexcused if no contact from home is made to the school prior to 9:00 a.m. • Unexcused absences on 3 consecutive school days, or 5 days in a semester, or 7 days in a school year will result in a report of truancy.

14. School Safety • All doors will be locked by 9:00 a.m. except for the Main (southwest) door at Cottonwood School. • Report any safety concerns to school staff. • Kansas School Safety Hotline # is: 1-877-6262-8203.

15. Student Behavior/Discipline • Courtesy, respect, and self-discipline is a mutual responsibility of the home and school. • Cottonwood school wide discipline plan includes the following: • Student conferences/student action plans • Detention • Parent/Student conferences • Suspension, and/or expulsion if necessary

16. Threats of Violence • All threats (verbal, written, or physical) are taken seriously. • There is no such thing as ‘just joking’. • 1. Threats should be reported immediately • 2. Administration will investigate the seriousness of the threat. • 3. Disciplinary action will follow district policy.

17. Weapons • Dangerous weapon means any article not commonly or commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm. • Students found in possession of a weapon will be subject to disciplinary action including expulsion and will be referred to law enforcement.

18. Crisis Management • Cottonwood has a Crisis Management Plan in which to deal with catastrophic events such as: • Tornados • Weapons • Fires • Bomb threats • Sudden death situations

19. Harassment • Racial and sexual harassment will not be tolerated in the USD 305 District. • 1. Harassment should be reported immediately to authorities. • 2. School/District will promptly investigate all complaints of harassment and take corrective action.

20. School Closings • In the event of bad weather or other emergencies the Superintendent of Schools may make the decision to close Salina Public Schools. • Listen to radio stations: KSAL/KY94, KINA/KSKG, KQNS, KZBZ, KSAJ, KCVS, KILS and KHCC/KHCD

21. Visitors • You are always welcome to visit your child's classroom. • Please make an appointment by sending a note or by phone. • Stop by the office to let staff know when you arrive and pick up a visitor’s badge.

22. Parent/Teacher Association • Cottonwood has an active PTA • Previous fund-raisers included: • Bingo • Chili Feed & Book Fair • Popcorn Sales • JT Enterprises • Contact PTA Co-Presidents, Karina Reinert or Bevin Welsch, for further information.

23. Guidance Services • Counseling can be initiated by a request of the student, parent, or school personnel. • Counseling services can be individual and/or group counseling. • Mrs. Heath is our counselor

24. Extended Learning • The extended learning program is designed for remedial help in reading. • Information regarding extended school programs will be available in the Spring, contact the Principal, Jerry Baxa

25. Make-Up Work • Two days are allowed to make up work missed for each day of absence. • Specific questions regarding student’s homework, please contact the teacher.

26. Illness • When students are ill, they should remain at home. • Students returning to school need to have a written excuse if normal school activities are to be limited. • If a student becomes ill during the school day, the designated adult will be contacted. • Please keep emergency phone numbers and contact persons’ names updated.

27. Helping Students Succeed • Encourage and expect high performance • Show interest in what your child does • Provide proper conditions for home study • Limit time spent watching TV • Provide proper supervision at home if you are unable to be there • Attend parent meetings

28. Parties & Celebrations • Schedule with teacher in advance to bring simple birthday treats. • Carbonated Beverages are not allowed. • Healthy snacks are encouraged. Please limit the amount of candy. • Treats MUST be pre-packaged.

29. Animals/Plants • Cottonwood follows the Animals in Kansas Schools Guidelines prepared by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. • Students must receive prior permission from teacher and building principal. • Proper care & handling procedures will be followed.

30. Electronic Mail & Internet • Students must demonstrate responsible behavior when accessing the Internet on school computers. • Parents must sign a permission/agreement form before students are allowed electronic mail or internet usage.

31. Contact Position/Person for Cottonwood: 309-4600 • Principal: Jerry Baxa • Lead Teacher: Vicki Scanlon • SFA Facilitator: Patricia Huerta • Counselor: Mary Jo Heath • ESL Interpreter: Ana Gonzalez • Nurse: Mary Lou McKenzie

32. Contact Position/Person for Cottonwood: 309-4600 • Psychologist: Mike Williams • Social Worker: Kim Stoeber • Volunteer Coordinator: Renee Corn • Secretary: Debbie Shirack

33. District contacts Dr. Peg Dokken-Opat, Executive Director of Administrative & Student Services 785-309-4721 Or Dr. Rob Winter, Superintendent of Schools 785-309-4727