The Mifflinburg Area School District's programs are open and available to all students. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national and ethnic origin, handicap or disability, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational policies and programs.

The Mifflinburg Area School District is committed to ensuring that all educational programs and personnel actions including recruitment, application, screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, furlough, compensation, benefits, training, and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, gender (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), religion, national or ethnic origin, age (except where age is a bona fide occupational qualification), handicap or disability, political affiliation, or status as a disabled veteran.

In compliance with state and federal law, the Mifflinburg Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits or the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student's abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for "protected handicapped students" are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.

For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of sciences to protected handicapped students or inquiries or complaints concerning possible discrimination, contact your school office. The office will also provide information regarding services, activities, and facilities which are accessible and usable by handicapped persons.

Publication of this announcement is in accordance with state and federal law, including Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitative Act of 1973, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. - (Refer to M.A.S.D. Policy)

Any reference to students which use the term "he" or "she" is not intended as a reflection on either gender. All such inconsistencies should be read as being gender neutral and have no gender bias connotations.

Mifflinburg Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender and disability 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 Mr. Glenn Fogel, Title IX Coordinator at Mifflinburg Area High School, First and Market Streets, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania 17844, (570) 966-8230 or Dr. Keith Ringcamp, Section 504 Coordinator, at Mifflinburg Elementary School, 115 Shipton Street, Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania 17844, (570) 966-8320. For information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by a handicapped person you may also contact Mr. Fogel at the Mifflinburg Area High School.

A MESSAGE TO PARENTS

Dear Parents:

Welcome to Mifflinburg Area Elementary Schools. I hope that this year, as in the past, parents and staff will work together to provide the finest educational opportunities for our children. Please take time to read your family handbook. It contains many of the answers to questions you may have during the year. Please feel free to let me know your feelings about the book and if there are additions you would like to have included.

Each child enters Mifflinburg Area Elementary Schools with unique abilities. Mutual participation by parents and staff enables the child to recognize and to develop these abilities to their fullest potential. I recommend that you keep in mind three great ways to participate: attend regularly scheduled conferences with your child's teacher; accept our open invitation to observe classes in action; and request an informal visit with teachers and/or principal when questions arise.

I encourage you to become involved in your child's education. Opportunities abound for you to volunteer in the classroom. Our respective parent organizations meet monthly. Please join with us and help us find more ways to work together and provide an even better educational program for your children.

This year's kindergarten class will graduate from High School in the year 2019. We need a strong partnership to provide the proper foundation for the 21st century.

Feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Leo Weidner

Elementary Principal

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

BUILDING ASSIGNMENT

Students are assigned to the respective elementary schools based upon school bus transportation routes and the need to balance class sizes.

SCHOOL HOURS

The school day at the elementary level for all district elementary schools lasts from 8:00 a.m. until 3:05 p.m. There is a slight variation in starting and closing times because of bus schedules and distances between schools. Parents are asked to not drop your child/children off at school before 7:45 a.m., as we are not able to provide supervision before that time.

Vacation days, early dismissals and school make-up days are noted on the district calendar.

TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

If your child walks to and from school please practice the safest route with him/her. Also, please make sure that your child knows what to do if a problem arises while he/she is walking.

If your child is to go home with someone else or travel on a different bus on a particular day, we must have written permission from you. This is for your child's safety! If you cannot send a note, please call your child’s school with the message. Do not rely on your child to give us the message; it can easily be lost, forgotten, or misunderstood.

At the Buffalo Crossroads, and Laurelton Elementary Schools students should be dropped off at the front doors. At the New Berlin Elementary School students should be dropped off at the double doors leading from the parking lot into the multipurpose room. At the Mifflinburg Elementary School all students being transported by car are to be dropped off at the Laney Street traffic circle. The only exception is afternoon Kindergarten students are to be dropped off at the school's front door.

At dismissal time students at the Buffalo Crossroads, Laurelton and New Berlin Elementary Schools are to be picked up at the front entrances. At the Mifflinburg Elementary Schools all students being picked up by parents are to be picked up at the Laney Street traffic circle.

At no time should students be dropped off or picked up in the lower parking lot of the Mifflinburg Elementary School. Traffic around the school building makes this a very dangerous practice.

TRAFFIC CIRCLE PROCEDURES

The traffic circle on Laney Street at the Mifflinburg Elementary School can become quite congested at dismissal times. Teachers will help load students as quickly as possible; however, you should anticipate a delay.

For the safety of our students when you use the traffic circle you are asked to:

1. Remain in line.

2. When it is your turn to pull up to the farthest colored circle available.

3. If you must leave your car do not park it at the traffic circle. Parking space is available in the lower parking lot at the front of the building.

4. Be patient, we are working with children and insuring their safety.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is a vital part of our total school program. Each child requiring district transportation is given a bus assignment including bus number, designated stop, and approximate time the bus will arrive. The bus stops are located as conveniently and safely as possible for all concerned.

No child/children will be permitted to ride home on another bus unless they have a parental permission slip signed by their parent and/or guardian.

Any changes or questions regarding busing within the district are to be directed to Mr. David Oberlin at 966-8250.

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES

All children are expected to attend 180 days of school. When absence occurs, children will be issued an excuse slip. Children should return these slips as soon as possible, preferably within 1-2 days. If the excuse slips are not returned to the teacher within five(5) days, the absences will be considered illegal. Parents/guardians of children with three(3) illegal absences are subject to legal action.

Parents may request that a child be excused from school for a preplanned educational tour or trip by contacting the elementary school office.

Students are credited with a half-day of absence on a regular school day if they miss more than 2 hours and 15 minutes of school. Any student who misses 5 hours or more is credited with a full day of absence.

STUDENT SIGN OUT PROCEDURES

1. Please make sure you have a legitimate reason for taking your child out of school.

Doctor and dentist appointments during school hours are permitted however, we encourage you to schedule them outside of school hours if at all possible.

2. When picking your child up from school prior to the regular dismissal time you need to sign your child out in the office. Since we are responsible for your children, it is imperative that we know who is taking your child and when.

3. Children may not leave the building during the day unaccompanied by an adult.

4. Do not put your child on the spot. In cases of family separation where custody has not been awarded to one parent, we cannot legally prevent either parent from picking up the child. Please do not ask us to do so.

5. Please note the following: If any person other than the parent or guardian is to pick up the child, the school should have a written statement from the parent specifying the necessary information.

CURRICULUM

It is necessary for the school district to meet the minimum curriculum standards directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. We constantly strive to offer educational opportunities beyond the minimum requirements and provide every child with the opportunity to reach his/her academic potential.

The following subjects are offered in an attempt to prepare your child for the academic and social world of his/her future.

Communications (Reading, English, Spelling, And Handwriting) - Mathematics - Science - Social Studies - Art - Music - Health – Library – Physical Education

Each subject area has a detailed written curriculum which you are welcome to review. Feel free to contact the elementary office to make the necessary arrangements.

OPEN HOUSE

Once a year, the Home and School Association holds an open house. This is not a conference time, but a time for your child to show you his or her classroom. Samples of your child’s work will be there for you to view, and we will be there to discuss activities with you. We prefer not to discuss any personal problems at this time, as conferences are held for that purpose. We hope all parents allow their children the pleasure of showing them around the classroom. This is a very proud and memorable experience for your child and for you.

HOMEWORK

Children may be assigned a reasonable amount of homework to reinforce skills that have been taught and to foster the development of responsibility on their part. Therefore, it is the child's responsibility to complete his/her homework and submit it on time.

Homework responsibilities:

Student Responsibilities: To know what homework has been assigned and to make sure the assignment is understood; Take necessary materials home to complete homework assignments; Complete assignments accurately, neatly and on time.

Parent Responsibilities: Be knowledgeable of the district's homework policy: Provide a suitable study area for the child in the home; Encourage independence in completion of homework assignments; Be available to assist in reinforcement of basic skills; Contact your child's teacher if concerns or questions arise regarding homework.

HELPING YOUR CHILD'S PROGRESS

The home and school must have mutual involvement if your child is to achieve to his/her

ability. The following suggestions will help your child’s educational progress.

1. Send your child to school ready for the work of the day after a wholesome and adequate breakfast. Be sure the child has an adequate lunch whether buying or carrying.

2. A growing body needs plenty of rest. Insist that a daily schedule be followed. It is suggested that children ages 5-9 have 10-12 hours of sleep. Elementary children do not commonly recognize a need for relaxation and are easily over stimulated. Prevent stimulating influences directly before bedtime. Even though the radio and television are important, your child's health should come first. Be sure such influences do not deprive your child of proper rest.

3. Children need to feel secure. Please try to avoid involving your child in adult problems, and other emotional tensions. These are usually reflected in the child's behavior in school. Your child needs the love, confidence, and understanding that only a home can give.

4. Your child's school day is his working day. Athletics, piano, dancing, club meetings, etc. are important and should be balanced with the opportunity for adequate relaxation and play. When your child has homework, see that he has proper equipment and a place to work free from distracting influences, such as radio, television, or a little brother or sister.

5. When homework gets to the point that your child becomes frustrated and possibly sheds tears, stop immediately. The only thing being accomplished at this point is a distaste for school and school work. Please contact your child’s teacher in order to address this problem immediately and in a cooperative, constructive manner.

6. Demonstrate to your child a genuine interest in his/her school activities. If you are concerned with some phase of your child's development, contact his teacher and arrange for an opportunity for you to meet and discuss your concerns.

7. Regardless of how much publicity is given to a new found freedom of youth, children are still basically the same as we were. Teenage problems do not begin at this age. The foundation of the child's future is being developed. Many of his/her requests are simply a test for us to see if we have the courage to say NO.

FLAG SALUTE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

It is the responsibility of every student to show proper respect for our country and flag. Students may decline to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and may refrain from saluting the flag on the basis of personal or religious belief or conviction. In refraining from these activities, they are expected to respect and not interfere with the rights of other students to participate.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

Confidential information and communications involving students and school personnel will be governed by district policies 216, 216.1 and 216.2 adopted by the school board as approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Information received in confidence from a student may be revealed to the student's parents or guardian, school administrators, or other appropriate authority where the health, welfare, or safety of the student or another person is in jeopardy.

Certain parts of the record are of a permanent nature and contain information that will remain in the school district files indefinitely. Others are of a temporary nature and their usefulness terminates at specific levels of instruction.

The Board of School Directors has primary responsibility in this district for the completion, maintenance, access to and security of pupil records. Only records mandated by the Commonwealth or federal government or specifically permitted by this Board may be compiled by the staff.

Please note that you have the right to review your child's educational record. In doing so you have the right to seek amendment to any educational records that are misleading, inaccurate or violate your child’s privacy. You have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information of a student. You also have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning failure by the school district to meet the regulations of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. A parent who wishes to review his/her child's record shall make this request known in writing to the elementary principal. A professional employee will then be made available to explain items in the records.

More detailed information regarding student records as well as district policies 216, 216.1 and 216.2 is available for your review. This information may be obtained through the elementary school office.

PARENT SUPPORT

Children need the security of routine schedules as they organize and make sense of their world. Home life should include going to bed, getting up, resting, playing and eating routines. Furthermore, academic success is enhanced when children are well rested and fed before coming to school. Parents should always expect and insist upon appropriate behavior of their children just as teachers do. A parental show of interest in student work with attendant praise for accomplishments will increase the chances for continued student academic gains.

Any elementary student who experiences consistent academic or behavioral problems may be a candidate for additional school support. This includes students beginning to display problems in regular education, as well as students with disabilities who are in regular education programs. If you have concerns in regard to any problems your child may be experiencing, please contact your child's classroom teacher or the Elementary School office.

SCHOOL GUIDELINES

GENERAL SCHOOL GUIDELINES

AT THE START OF SCHOOL - PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES WITH YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN:

1. Each morning upon arrival before 8:00 a.m., all children are to go directly to the L.G.I. or gym area in the Mifflinburg school or the multi-purpose room in the Buffalo, Laurelton, and New Berlin schools. Children arriving after 8:00 a.m. may go directly to their homerooms. They are not to leave the school property once they arrive.

2. We can not be responsible for walkers and other non-bus students who are dropped off at school before 7:45 a.m. Early arrival often causes problems with regard to proper supervision.

3. Due to approximately 90% carpeting in all elementary schools, the chewing of gum by students will not be permitted.

4. Students should move through the halls as quietly as possible at all times and always KEEP TO THE RIGHT.

5. There is to be no running in the buildings unless students are otherwise directed.

6. Eating is limited to the cafeteria area unless otherwise specified.

7. In an attempt to foster respect and proper etiquette, headwear in any form; i.e., hats, caps, etc. should be removed when entering the school building and kept off until recesses or dismissal time.

8. Students are expected to dress in clothing that facilitates personal health and safety in the classroom and on the playground. Students who come to school dressed in a manner that poses harm to their personal health or safety, or that distracts from the educational process, may be temporarily excluded from regularly assigned activities or programs. Such clothing includes bare midriffs, tank tops, excessively baggy clothing and clothing with messages and/or slogans deemed inappropriate for an elementary setting. Heavy neck chains, heavy necklaces and dog collars are not to be worn around the neck or wrist. Shoes that have the roller skate wheels in them have proven to be quite dangerous on stairs and have caused some damage to school floors. Flip-flops and strapless sandals have also proven to lead to foot injuries on the playground. For these reasons these types of shoes should not be worn.

In your child’s best interest he/she should bring a paint shirt or smock to be kept in school. The shirt or smock should be labled with your child’s name and should be large enough to protect your child’s clothes.

Also, whenever possible your child should wear sneakers on gym day. Jewelry should not be worn to gym class, particularly “hoop” or “dangling” earrings that may catch in clothing.

9. During assemblies or presentations by resource persons, students are expected to show proper respect.

10. Parents are asked to encourage children not to bring toys to school except as directed by the teacher. Radios, boom boxes, cassette players, tape recorders, video games, etc. are not permitted in school or on school property when school is in session or at any special educational events conducted on school property unless specific permission is given. Please do not send valuables and excess money to school with your child. The school cannot be responsible for missing or damaged items.

CAFETERIA

The cafeterias of the district endeavor to offer well balanced meals to all children at a nominal cost. To ensure proper record keeping the Mifflinburg cafeteria will be using a permanent meal ticket for every student.

Parents can prepay for their child's meals and/or milk for more than one week at a time. Most parents choose to prepay for two or three weeks. Please note that you do not need to calculate the total number of milk and meals for the week, just send an amount which you feel comfortable with for the time period you choose. The computer will deduct only the amount of each meal or milk that your child selects. The balance will remain until the next purchase made by your child. The cashiers will remind your child when the remaining balance becomes low and you will then need to send in additional funds.

At Buffalo Crossroads, Laurelton and New Berlin, meal money for the entire school week is collected by your child's homeroom teacher on Mondays. If possible, please have the correct change for Monday mornings. A child's lunch is $1.40, reduced lunches are $.40. Milk will cost $.35.

Pupils at any elementary school who carry their lunches from home may purchase milk at school. Children who are allergic to milk will be served another beverage with their meal; i.e., orange or grape juice if a doctor's excuse is brought in, indicating the milk allergy.

Free and reduced price meals are available to those who qualify. Applications for free and reduced price meals are distributed to all children on the first day of school and are available throughout the year upon request from each school office. These forms must be submitted annually and should be returned for processing as soon as possible.

In addition to lunch, breakfast is available to students attending the District Elementary Schools. The cost of this meal is $.85, reduced breakfast is $.30. Breakfast is served in the respective elementary school cafeterias until 8:00 a.m. Students wishing to eat breakfast are to go directly to the cafeteria upon arriving at school.

Please note that the safest way to make meal payments is to pay by check. This will help prevent lost money and will provide you with a written record of payment. Checks can be made payable to MASD Cafeteria.

PLAYGROUND GUIDELINES

1. Students should remain on school property at all times.

2. Students are expected to be respectful and cooperative with others.

3. Fighting or aggressive play is prohibited.

4. Rough play is not permitted.

5. Students should practice safety rules on all playground equipment.

6. Students who are to stay inside due to health reasons, must bring a note from the parent or guardian stating same.

BUS REGULATIONS

Children who ride the bus should know the safety and conduct rules. School bus

Transportation is a privilege and convenience that can be revoked. Student responsibility and parent cooperation are essential for everyone’s safety. Persistent disregard of school bus rules will result in a student losing the privilege of riding the bus. Should a student lose this privilege, it becomes the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide transportation. Please discuss the following with your child:

1. Children are to ride only the bus to which they have been assigned unless school permission has been granted to do otherwise.

2. Children should go to their seats and remain there until they reach their stop.

3. Students are not to put their head or arms out the windows.

4. Students may not bring animals, beverages, water guns, squirt bottles, glass containers, or firearms and explosives, etc. on the bus.

5. Children should not push or shove while standing in line or when getting on or off the bus.

6. Misbehavior will not be tolerated and will be handled accordingly. Proper discipline will be maintained by the driver, transportation director and/or principal. Remember, riding the bus, is a privilege, and as such, it can be taken away.

7. Shouting and screaming is distracting to the driver and will not be permitted.

8. Older students should be considerate of younger children at all times.

9. When entering the bus students should let it come to a full stop before entering. Students are not to move toward the bus until it comes to a complete stop.

10. At the Mifflinburg Elementary School only buses are permitted to load and unload on the ramp or parking lot in front of the building.

11. Depending upon the weather and/or traffic, buses should arrive at their scheduled stops with little variation in time. Children must be at the bus stop at the assigned time.

BICYCLES

To help insure student safety elementary students are not allowed to ride bicycles to school. This is due to the increased traffic in the vicinity of our elementary schools both in the morning and at dismissal time.

RECESS

All children are expected to go outside for recess during appropriate weather. We realize that on a rare occasion it may be necessary for your child to stay inside for medical reasons. If this situation occurs please send a note requesting that your child remain inside for recess.

If staying inside at recess becomes habitual with a child, we will require a doctor's excuse.

On days when the weather does not permit outside recess (excessive cold, rain, etc.) modified recesses will be held indoors. Please be assured that during the winter months, weather conditions are monitored by the school staff. Recess is only held outside when weather conditions will not jeopardize a child's health.

DISCIPLINE

The Mifflinburg Area School District Elementary faculty and staff believe that students learn best in an atmosphere of fair, firm, and consistent discipline. We hope that parents feel the same way.

Two very important ingredients needed to develop self-discipline are self-respect and respect for others. During this school year we are going to strongly emphasize these two ingredients in all elementary classrooms. With your help, we at school will provide a positive school environment which will have significant positive effects on all of our students.

In the event that a situation occurs where our efforts at school are not successful in helping a child develop and maintain self-discipline we will contact you, the parent. Working together we should then be able to address your child's needs.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

No student, regardless of age, may possess, consume, or exchange with another person drug substances or alcohol while at the bus stop, on the bus, in school, on school property, or during any school sponsored activity, regardless of its location. A drug or drug substance is any chemical agent which causes physical, emotional, or mental change in body function and performance. Drug substances include, but are not limited to prescription medications, marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, narcotics, cocaine, hallucinogenic, and volatile chemicals (i.e. glue and other inhalants).

No student may possess, consume, or supply to others any non-drug substance which is being represented as a drug (i.e. so-called look-alike drugs). No student may possess, make at school, or supply to others any paraphernalia which may be typically used for drug consumption.

Students in violation of these provisions, or reporting to school or to school-sponsored activities under the influence of drugs or alcohol, will be disciplined according to district policy guidelines.

SMOKING

The Mifflinburg Area School District Board of Directors recognizes that smoking presents a health hazard which can have serious consequences for the smoker and the nonsmoker. Consequently, smoking and or the use of tabacco or the possession thereof in any form is strictly prohibited on the property of the Mifflinburg Area School District, as provided by district policy number 222 entitled “Smoking”. This policy is available for your review upon request. Please note that violation of this policy may subject individuals to severe penalties.

SEARCHES

School officials have a right and responsibility to search a student's desk, handbag, book bag, or person upon a reasonable suspicion and seize items believed to be stolen, illegal, or prohibited objects and materials. Items seized may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary or criminal proceedings (District policy 226).

The student shall be notified of and given opportunity to be present when a desk, handbag, and/or book bag is searched. However, if there is reasonable suspicion that the desk, handbag, and/or book bag may contain objects or materials that may endanger the health, welfare, or safety of students, or staff, searches may proceed without prior notice.

GRADING / REPORT CARDS

Our grading program attempts to recognize the different levels of student achievement and accurately communicate this achievement to parents. To do so, report cards specifically designed for each grade are used. Report cards are issued at the end of each marking period in grades one through four. In Kindergarten they are issued twice a year, at the end of the second marking period and at the end of the school year. The dates on which report cards will be issued are found on the school calendar.

On the report cards teachers will indicate your child's progress on his/her report card as follows:

Letter Grade

Percent

Description/Explanation

92-100

Excellent: Indicates outstanding work characterized by skillful organization and thorough understanding.

84-91

Above Average: Indicates a better quality of work, characterized by careful preparation.

76-83

Average: Indicates that the required work has been completed, but there is room for improvement through more careful preparation and presentation.

70-75

Below Average: The lowest passing mark which barely meets requirements.

69-Below

Failure: Indicates failing work.

Incomplete work.

In addition to the letter grades as noted, the following marks are to be made, when applicable.

O – Outstanding

S – Satisfactory

U - Unsatisfactory

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled at the end of the first and third marking periods. A notice will be sent home with each child at that time. That will allow you to schedule a convenient time to meet with your child’s teacher.

You may arrange additional conferences with teachers and/or the principal. These conferences can be easily scheduled anytime during the school year by calling the school. We prefer to arrange these conferences within the school day (during a teacher's preparation period), or shortly after school if possible. Evening conferences are difficult to arrange, however, every effort will be made to meet your needs.

Through the course of any school year concerns may arise on your behalf concerning your child's schooling. If this happens you should contact your child's teacher as soon as possible. Your concern will be properly addressed by making this contact. In the event that your concern is not addressed to your satisfaction you should then contact the elementary principal.

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS

Forms requesting an absence for an educational experience outside the classroom are available in each school office. These forms should be submitted at least one week prior to the absence.

Educational trips will normally be limited to one per school year. These trips should not be scheduled during the first or last ten days of school or during the administration of standardized tests.

It is reasonable to expect that students should make up missed assignments.

Family vacations often meet the criteria for educational trips. Parents are discouraged from scheduling vacations during the last two weeks of school as well as during scheduled standardized tests.

CARE OF PERSONAL AND SCHOOL PROPERTY

It is important that children take proper care of their belongings. This includes school materials, specifically textbooks, workbooks, and library books, as well as personal belongings. In the event that a student damages or destroys school property his/her parents will be assessed the cost of the destroyed property.

PARENT/GRANDPARENT LUNCHES

Parents and/or Grandparents are invited to visit our elementary schools and enjoy a lunch and tour with their child/grandchild. Please contact your child's teacher for a reservation form. Parents/Grandparents are welcome to send in their reservations anytime after the second week of school. Also, please note that these special visitors are welcome to visit more than once.

CLASS PARTIES

The parent associations of the various elementary schools sponsor two parties each year. Other celebrations for special events require the approval of the elementary principal. Birthday parties during school instructional time are discouraged. However, students who would like to provide a treat for their classmates as part of their birthday celebration are welcome to do so.

Quite often one of the parties scheduled coincides with Christmas. On these occasions parents and students are asked to not provide gifts for teachers and other school personnel.

SELLING / SOLICITING

No club, organization, or individual is permitted to distribute or sell merchandise, materials, programs, etc. in any of the elementary schools without administrative approval.

EMERGENCY CARDS

During the first week of the school year your child will receive an Emergency Card from his/her teacher. This card should be kept up-to-date throughout the year. Please make certain that all portions of the card are completed. Contact the school as soon as possible when there is a change in address, telephone number, or parental status. PLEASE RETURN THIS CARD IMMEDIATELY.

VISITORS/STUDENT SAFETY

Parents and interested community members are welcome and encouraged to visit our schools. Individuals who would like to visit are asked to contact the school in which they would like to visit beforehand. This will allow visits to be scheduled at a time convenient for the class.

Please note that for student safety our school policy governing visitations in our elementary schools will be strictly enforced. All visitors are required to register at the respective building offices. No unauthorized persons will be permitted to enter the school buildings and/or grounds. Student Safety is a primary concern of the elementary faculty and staff. To insure student safety, in addition to registration of all visitors, while school is in session there will be limited access to the buildings. All outside doors will be locked with the exception of the main entrance at the Mifflinburg Elementary School. Each main entrance leads directly to the office where visitors are to register.

All Mifflinburg visitors, room mothers, chaperones, etc., should park in the parking lot in the front of the building and/or on Shipton Street. Parking is not permitted in the Laney Street area.

During the first few days of school some parents may choose to accompany their child to his/her classroom. After the first week of school parents may accompany their child as far as the office. School staff will then see that the child proceeds to his/her classroom.

Occasionally a student will have a friend visiting at home who he/she would like to have visit his/her classroom for a day. Such visits are discouraged as they may detract from the regular school routine.

WEAPONS

As per Act 26 of 1195 it is the policy of the School Board that possession of a weapon by students is prohibited on any school sponsored activity or on any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school sponsored activity. This policy shall apply to students when walking to or from school and from the school bus.

"Weapon" shall mean any instrument or implement for the infliction of or capable of inflicting bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose, including but not limited to, any knife, razor, razor blade, or other cutting instrument or cutting tool, sharpened wood, sharpened metal, nunchaku stick or other martial arts device, brass or metal knuckles, club, metal pipe, blackjack, chemical agent such as mace, laser, shocker or stun gun, any explosive device, firearm (including pellet guns and B.B. guns) gun, slingshot, bow, arrow or any other similar device from which a projectile may be discharged, including a firearm or other weapons which is not loaded or which lacks a component or device necessary to render it immediately operable. The term "weapon" shall include "weapon look-alikes", including any instrument or implement designed to look like a weapon.

PA Act 26 also provides that a school district or area vocational-technical school shall expel, for a period of not less than one (1) year, any student who is determined to have brought a weapon onto any school property."

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips can provide a valuable and worthwhile extension of our curriculum. In most instances a few parents may be asked to accompany the students as chaperones. Parental permission slips allowing a student to participate must be signed and returned to the school prior to the trip.

REMEDIAL READING PROGRAM

The remedial reading program is a Federal E.S.E.A. Title I program designed to help children with basic reading skills improvement. At the first grade level, the Reading Recovery Program is offered for students struggling in reading. Students are selected for this program based upon classroom assessments and teacher input. In grades 2 through 4 reading instructors work cooperatively with the classroom teacher in addressing the needs of the various guided reading groups.

REMEDIAL MATH PROGRAM

The remedial math program is a federally funded program designed to help children with basic math skills improvement. Students are selected for participation based on teacher evaluation. If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact your child's teacher or the Mifflinburg Elementary School office.

COMPUTERS

The Mifflinburg Area School District has always supported the use of technology where appropriate in the educational environment. School District policy number 815.1 was developed to govern the ethical use of district computers. Essentially the policy forbids misuse of district computers and computer systems, expects students to respect school district technology resources and to respect the work of others. Penalties for any transgressions of the policy range from paying restitution, loss of privileges to expulsion. A copy of this policy is available for your review upon request.

Violation of this policy may subject individuals to severe penalties.

GUIDANCE SERVICES

The Elementary School provides the services of a guidance counselor in order to meet the varying needs of students. Guidance counselor support can be provided through parent or teacher request. Requests may be made either by contacting the Guidance Office or the Elementary Principal's office at the Mifflinburg Elementary School.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

In addition to the elementary guidance counselor a school psychologist is available for counseling and testing. The school psychologist is also responsible for assessing the abilities, aptitudes, interests, achievements, and social-emotional adjustments of individual students with learning and/or emotional problems. If you observe your child having apparent social or emotional problems, please notify the guidance counselor.

The following additional services are also available through the psychologist: hearing therapist, visual therapist, physical therapist (TMR children) and social worker.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Children are all different with different learning capacities.

Special educational classes are provided for those children experiencing significant difficulty in the regular classroom and who are in need of additional individual attention and/or specialized programming.

Children having learning difficulties in certain areas are evaluated and could become candidates for the Learning Support Classes. These classes are taught by specially trained teachers. These classes do not replace the regular classroom for the pupil, but are used in a supportive role.

Children having exceptional ability may be tested to determine if they qualify for the Enrichment Program. If they qualify they become eligible for this program. This is a program specifically designed, as are the Learning Disabilities classes, to meet the specific needs of the student.

Speech and Language therapy is provided by certified speech and language clinicians for pupils in need of such services. Parents who feel that their child may be in need of such support should contact the Mifflinburg Elementary School office. Parents of students, who school personnel feel would benefit by this service, will be contacted by the school.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

EMERGENCY DISMISSAL AND CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL

If weather conditions or some other unusual circumstances cause a need for delayed opening, early dismissal or cancellation, the administration will notify the following stations:


FM STATIONS	AM STATIONS	TV STATIONS
WWBE 98.3	WPGM 1570	WBRE Channel 28
WLGL 92	WMLP 1380	WNEP Channel 16
WQKX 94	WKOK 1070	WYOU Channel 22
WKSB 102.7	WYGL 1240
WILQ 105.1	WRAK 1400

Please use these sources of information instead of tying up school lines by calling the schools. Please note, all kindergarten classes will be held in the event of either a one hour or two hour delay.

Periodically throughout the school year we will have scheduled early dismissals. The dates of these early dismissals are found on the school calendar.

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has specified that homebound instruction is to be provided for those students who are unable to attend school for an extend

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

OPEN HOUSE

HOMEWORK

FM STATIONS

AM STATIONS

TV STATIONS

WWBE 98.3

WPGM 1570

WBRE Channel 28

WLGL 92

WMLP 1380

WNEP Channel 16

WQKX 94

WKOK 1070

WYOU Channel 22

WKSB 102.7

WYGL 1240

WILQ 105.1

WRAK 1400

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION