Prince George's County Public Schools
Lunch Menus | PGCPS Calendar | Bus Schedules | Google Mail | Intraweb

 

 

Laurel Elementary School

Student/Parent Handbook

paw

 

 

Dear Parents/Guardians:

            This handbook is intended to serve as a reference to the day-to-day policies/procedures of Laurel Elementary School.

            The staff is confident you will find the school instructional program exciting and challenging, assuring quality and equity for all.  Many hours have been spent creating a curriculum that continues to enhance instruction through the incorporation of critical thinking skills collaborative decision making, cooperative learning  infusion of multicultural education, thematic units with performance assessment.

The success of our students will heighten as we continue our partnership in this educational endeavor.  The staff encourages your active participation.  Our motto is:

          I BELIEVE I Can Learn

           I CAN Learn

            I WILL  Learn

                                                          Sincerely,

                                                        Ms. Melinda Lee

                                                          Principal

clockSCHOOL HOURS         

         8:15 a.m. 2:25 p.m. – Grades Pre K- 6

bellATTENDANCE

            We encourage all students to be in attendance and on time each and every day, unless they are ill.  We are required to monitor attendance very closely.  The following is a synopsis of the law in our state:

STATE OF MARYLANDCOMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW

DUTY OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN

            Each person who has under his control a child who is 6 years old or older and under 16 shall see that the child attends school regularly.

UNLAWFUL ABSENCE

          Unlawful absence and/or truancy is defined as the act of a pupil being absent from school for a day or any portion of a day or from any individual class or portion of a class for any reason other than those defined as a lawful excuse for absence from school.

LAWFUL ABSENCE

A.    Death in immediately family.

       Illness of the child – A physician’s certificate will be required for continuous absence for illness.

C.    Quarantine - A physician’s certificate certifying the time of absence necessary as a result of the quarantine will be required.

D.    Court summons.

E.     Violent storms - Only those conditions of the weather which would endanger the health or safety of the child when in transit to and from school.

F.     Observance of a religious holiday.

G.    State emergency.

PENALTY

            Any parent or guardian violating the Compulsory Attendance Law is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50.00 for each day their child is unlawfully absent from school.

            If your child will be absent, please call the Nurse at (301) 497-3656 between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. 

          In addition to the call, please send a note when the child returns to school so we can credit him/her with a legal absence.  The principal and Pupil Personnel Worker will be following up on students who are absent excessively.

            Make-up work may be requested after an extended illness of 3 or more days.

            Many incentives and awards are provided for attendance, since it is so vital to your children’s learning process.

     ARRIVAL AT SCHOOLbus

          Students may arrive at school at 7:45 a.m. and line up either at the front of the building or at the entrance by the second grade pod.  If you transport your child to school by car, please turn onto Sixth Street and make a left into the Sixth Street Driveway and drop your child off by the steps where a staff member will be waiting to receive him/her.  Your child can then proceed to the entrance by the second grade pod.  For safety reasons, the circle and parking lot will be closed to cars until 8:15 a.m.  Students will be admitted at 7:55 a.m.  In the event of inclement weather (precipitation or temperatures below 32 degrees F) all students will be admitted to the building at 7:45 a.m.

DISMISSALfoot prints

          Bus students are dismissed beginning at 2:25 p.m. so they can board buses and leave the grounds at 2:30 p.m.  As soon as buses have departed, walkers and car riders are dismissed.  For student’s safety, the circle and parking lot will be closed to cars from 2:20 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.  We recommend, for safety reasons, that you pick up car riders at the Sixth Street Driveway.  Instruct your child to exit the building by the second grade pod.  You may either park on the side streets and walk to meet your child, or line up at the Sixth Street Driveway with the first car parking at the steps.  A staff member will be present to help supervise your child as he/she enters your vehicle.  Some parents prefer to park on Fifth Street and meet their children there.  In the interest of safety, no child will be permitted to cross Fifth Street unless accompanied by an adult, unless he/she crosses at the corner of Fifth Street and Montgomery Street, where a crossing guard is in attendance.  Please be patient during the first week of school, because students are learning new routines and dismissal takes much longer.  By the second week of school, routines are generally established and departure occurs in a much more timely fashion.

 stoplightSAFETY OF STUDENTS

          If your child rides the bus, please remember that the school system does not have the facilities for monitoring bus stop behavior.  It is the parents responsibility.  Bus drivers will monitor behavior of riders as best they can while paying attention to traffic and driving.  Volunteer student bus patrols serve on each bus.  If a problem occurs on the bus, the bus driver will write a discipline referral and the principal will confer with the student to resolve the problem.  Riding the bus is a privilege and bus suspension can occur if a student exhibits behavior problems on the bus.

            For walkers, crossing guards are posted at Montgomery Street and Fifth Street, Montgomery Street and Seventh Street, Montgomery Street and Eighth Street and Main Street and Fifth Street.  Volunteer student patrols assist in crossing children.

            Students riding bicycles to school must have written permission on file in the office.  Laurel Elementary School takes no responsibility for stolen bikes.  There are bicycle racks in the front of the school. STUDENTS SHOULD LOCK THEIR BICYCLES.

early depEARLY DEPARTURES

            Please send a note if you will be picking up your child before 2:25 p.m. or if someone other than the parent or guardian will be picking up your child.  For safety reasons, we will not be able to release students to persons other than the parent or legal guardian without a note from you.  

  CHANGE IN STUDENT’S DESTINATION

            Whenever your child will be leaving school, for another destination other than his home or regular sitter, a note is mandatory.  If he/she will be riding a bus to go home with another child, we need notes from both parents so we know both parents approve of the situation.  No student will be allowed to alter his/her normal departure without the above procedures.  We will not be able to accept permission by the telephone for safety reasons.

VISITORS AT SCHOOL

We encourage you to visit the school.  We have “Back to School Night” in the beginning of the year and “Open House” during American Education Week.  If you would like to visit your child’s classroom at another time, please phone his/her teacher for a convenient time.  We reserve classroom privileges for parents and guardians.  Grandparents, relatives and friends are most welcome to attend Honors Assemblies, PTA, Programs, American Education visitations and Student of the Month Teas.  ALL VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL MUST SIGN IN AT THE OFFICE AND OBTAIN A VISITORS’ PASS.

 

ACADEMIC PROCEDURES

flipping book

 

pencil2HOMEWORK

          Homework is a part of our school program and also a part of the grade for the subject.  We use homework to reinforce learning and develop responsibility.  Students should be able to do the homework assignments with ease.  If there is a problem, please let the teacher know.

            Guidelines for approximate amount of time spent on nightly homework are as follows:

            Pre K - 1 grade    10 - 30 minutes

            2 - 3 grade    30 - 45 minutes

            4 - 6 grade    45 - 60 minutes

            However, please remember that students vary greatly in their working pace.  Some children will be able to finish an assignment very quickly, while others work more slowly.  It helps to provide a quiet spot for your child to work.

            Sometimes long term projects will be assigned.  Students will need to plan their time carefully, rather than leaving everything until the last minute.   

           If you have questions about homework, please discuss them with the teacher.  Homework should be turned in on time. If it si late, it will lose 10 points per day.

pinblueREPORTING PROCEDURES

            Report cards are issued quarterly for grades 1-6.  Parents are invited to at least one conference yearly and additional conferences may be scheduled by contacting your child’s teacher.  Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten are issued second and fourth quarter report cards.

            Report cards for grades  K-2 use a number system to indicate progress.  Letter grades are used for Grades 3 - 6.  A check is used to indicate skills needing more work.

 INTERIM PROGRESS REPORTSteacherwritchalk

          By carefully monitoring your child’s papers which are sent home and by communicating with the teachers, you will be able to stay informed about his/her progress.  Periodically interim progress reports are issued for students who might receive a D or E to indicate that a problem exists and work needs to be done right away to affect improvement.  These reports are not part of the child’s permanent record, they are simply a vehicle to keep parents informed.  

Please see the county's calendar for the dates of interim progress reports and report cards.

nurseHEALTH ROOM   (301) 497-3656

            The medical care of students is, of course, the primary responsibility of the parents.  Therefore, specific regulations limit the school’s treatment of students who are ill or injured at school.

(1) First aid, consisting of cleaning and covering the wound is the ONLY treatment allowed.

(2)  A student needing medication (prescription or non-prescription) must administer it to himself/herself under a staff member’s supervision.  It must be in its original

      container with student’s name, date and directions for administration and we must

      have a form (PS51) on file for the original medication or any change in dosage signed

      by a doctor.  Parents must administer the first dose.  NO VERBAL OR WRITTEN

      DIRECTIONS CAN BE ACCEPTED FROM PARENTS.

(3)  A PARENT OR RESPONSIBLE ADULT MUST BRING ANY CONTROLLED

SUBSTANCES (example:  Ritalin, Dexedrine, Cylet, etc.) TO SCHOOL.

(4)  Medication not retrieved by parents by the last day of school will be destroyed.

(5)  Notify the school of any allergies your child may have (foods, bee stings, etc.).

            Students who are ill should not be sent to school.  Contagious conditions such as pink eye, impetigo, scabies, ringworm, etc. require a statement from the doctor before returning to school.

            IN CASE OF INJURY OR ILLNESS, THE SCHOOL MUST BE ABLE TO REACH PARENTS OR GUARDIANS, THEREFORE, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE HAVE CORRECT PHONE NUMBERS.  Please remember to update these numbers immediately whenever there is a change.

            A physical, with form SR-6 completed, is required for all students entering Prince George’s County Public Schools for the first time.

            Students in K and Fourth grade receive vision and hearing screenings, as well as any student new to Prince George’s County or who received borderline results last year.  A written referral form to be completed by the doctor, will be sent to parents whose children do not pass screenings.

            Scoliosis screening will be done for all Sixth grade students.  If any sign of scoliosis is noted, a referral form will be sent to the parents for further evaluation by a doctor.

spinning bookREADING ASSISTANCE

            Since reading is such a vital skill, we have two full time teachers to help with our reading program.  One is a reading specialist who monitors our instructional program, tests students new to the school and assists students with special reading problems.  Our  Reading Recovery teacher works with First grade students who exhibit problems in learning to read.

 

eyeOPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTSeye

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

          Parent volunteers serve in many capacities at Laurel Elementary School.  We encourage volunteers to utilize their special talent and abilities either in reinforcing basic skills or in helping with the enrichment or remedial programs.  The direct assistance given to students by parent volunteers acting as teacher assistants is invaluable.  We welcome volunteers at any time.  Some work, such as typing and telephoning, can be done at home.  Interested volunteers should contact the school office or the PTA President.

PTAkidsinline

We have a very active Parent Teacher Association.  We hope you will join and work to help the school.  Information about PTA will be sent home early in the year.  Memberships will be available at Pr-K, Kindergarten and new student Orientation, Back to School Night and the Ice Cream Social.

OFFICERS FOR 2009-2010

President: Eileen Collins

First VP: Elizabeth Vargas

Treasurer/  Secretary: Kara Weinstein

 

 

$ signFUNDRAISING

            Fundraising activities are conducted to help the school.  The moneys raised from these activities provide:

*      instructional materials for science experiments, etc.

*      supplemental reading and math materials

*      educational software

*      plays, concerts for all the students

*      field trips

*      incentives for students

We ask the parents to help with this work.

 

SPECIAL SERVICES

 chefLUNCH AND BREAKFAST spatula 

            Meals, both breakfast and lunch, are served daily at school.  Students can participate in these programs.  Breakfast costs $1.10 and lunch costs $1.75.  Milk is available for those who bring their lunch at $.40 per carton.  Free and reduced price meals are available for children who qualify.  Information on qualifications is sent home with every child.  Forms should be completed as quickly as possible in September.

            Our cafeteria is computerized and each student has a private PIN number.  We encourage you to send in money for several days or weeks at a time.  This money goes into the student’s account.

            Menus are sent home monthly.  If lunch money is lost or forgotten, your child must notify the teacher immediately.  The school will provide a sandwich and milk.  The school will not loan money for lunches.  If you wish to have other arrangements, please let us know in writing.  BREAKFAST WILL NOT BE SERVED ON DELAYED OPENINGS OR SCHEDULED EARLY CLOSINGS.

Parents are able to join their children for lunch.  Adult lunches may be purchased through the cafeteria.  If parents choose to bring in a fast food lunch for their child, the parent and child must eat the lunch at the table outside of the front  office.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

            We have programs available for students who have special learning problems.  Any student having difficulty with the regular instructional program is reviewed by a team of specialists.  Further testing may be recommended before an appropriate program can be determined.  Parents are kept informed about recommendations and must give permission before placement is made.

3 kidsBEHAVIOR

            We believe our primary responsibility is to help children learn.  This can only be accomplished in an orderly setting.  We expect students to follow the established rules.  There is a Code of Student Conduct that is reviewed with the students and parents each year.  In addition there are behavior standards for the school and the classroom.  The classroom teacher will share this information with the student and with you.

            If behavior problems arise in the classroom, you will be contacted by the teacher.  In the event of recurring problems, or a severe problem, you will be contacted by the principal, to enlist your cooperation in seeking a solution.

            If it becomes necessary to remove a child from the classroom and/or school for a period of time, we will contact parents and arrange for a conference.  With working together, we can ensure a safe and orderly learning environment.

INTERNET USEmouse

Each classroom has computers for Internet access.  Permission slips will be sent home in the fall.  All students are expected to access only those sites sanctioned by the teacher.

  starroll THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM    starroll 

  

          We use the instructional program mandated by the Board of Education of Prince George’s County.  The textbooks and guides used are authorized by the system.  All materials are available for your review.

            Students are assigned to a homeroom teacher in each instructional pod for attendance and are regrouped for instruction in reading and other instructional areas depending upon their level of development.  The student may have more than one teacher for instruction throughout the day.

            Groups are determined by performance on tests as well as daily work.  If you have any questions about your child’s grouping, please contact the teacher.

trumpetINSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

            Lessons are provided for students in Grades 5 and 6 two times per week.  Students have the opportunity to perform at concerts twice annually.  Our instrumental teacher will be sending home detailed information in September.

CHORUS

          Ms. Henry conducts a chorus for students in Grades 5 and 6.  All students are welcome to try out.  Programs are presented at least twice a year.

 birthdayBIRTHDAY BOOKS

            In order to celebrate/recognize your child’s birthday in a special way, we encourage you to contribute money to be used for the purchase of approved media books.  This is accomplished by sending a contribution of $10.00 (cash only) to purchase one book.  A bookplate will be placed in the book recognizing the student and his/her birthday and a colorful bookmark will be given to each child to keep.

            The book will be presented to the child on the closed circuit TV program WLES.  Following this, he/she may share the book with the family and return it to the Media Center so that others may enjoy it.  This procedure will take place in lieu of birthday parties.

YMCA BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

            The YMCA provides a before and after school program for children of working parents.  The program operates in our school building.  Please call (301) 262-4342 for further information.

GUIDANCE SERVICES   (301) 497-3655

            There are guidance services available for students and parents.  The counselor provides counseling for children in understanding one’s self, making decisions, solving problems and communication.  Parents may use this service to help with parenting problems.

            It is important to call the school for an appointment.  If the counselor is not available at that time, a return call will be made as soon as possible.

flameRECOGNITION OF STUDENTS

            Progress is celebrated for grades 3 - 6 at quarterly honors assemblies.  Awards are as follows:

Perfect Attendance: May not include students who are tardy or dismissed early from school;

Honor Roll: GPA must be 3.0 or better, A's and B's only. Includes all grades

Citizenship: Students must have a A in both Social Skills and Work Habits .

Most Improved: Teachers decide who earns this award.

You will be invited to attend these celebrations. Please feel free to bring relatives and friends to honor and support your child.

            Every month a student from each class is selected as “Student of the Month” and a tea is held in honor of his/her achievement.  Parents are invited and you may bring grandparents or other relatives to participate in this joyous occasion.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

EXCUSES FROM RECESShula

          Because recess is an important part of a child’s day, it is stressed that a child participate in outdoor play.  In the event of inclement weather, indoor play is provided.  Notes from home requesting that a child remain indoors are discouraged because of supervision problems.  A doctor’s note is required for an extended (3 or more days) excuse from recess.  Recess is held for 30 minutes daily.

bouncebll EXCUSES FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION

            All requests for children to be excused from the physical education program must be in writing from the parent to the physical education teacher.

            Any request for more than 3 days must be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate (STANDARD COUNTY FORM).  Please inquire at the office.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONSfish

            Students are not permitted to bring toys, games, radios or other personal possessions to school.  These are distracting to the instructional environment.  The school system provides play equipment for use while at school.  If personal items appear in school, they will be held by the teacher or principal until their return is requested by the parent or until the end of the school year.

collegeLOST AND FOUND

            The lost and found department is located in the multipurpose room.  Parents are urged to check the lost items.  Please label all articles that might be lost or left in school, especially coats, jackets, hats, gloves and lunch boxes.

book redTEXTBOOKS

            The school system supplies textbooks for the student’s use.  All school materials must be returned at the end of the school year or when a student withdraws.  Textbooks are expensive.  Please assist your child in covering the books and caring for them.  Fines will be assessed for lost and damaged books.

paperboxSCHOOL RECORDS

            All school records concerning your child are available for inspection by parents.  Please call the office and arrange an appointment with the principal if you wish to review them.

starrollTALENTED AND GIFTED PROGRAM (TAG)

          We have a program for students who meet the county’s definition of talented and gifted.  The TAG program will be grouped for pull-out instruction.

            There are definite admission criteria.  Students who appear to meet the criteria are tested and the results are viewed by a committee.  Parents and teachers are encouraged to recommend students for testing.  Parents will be notified before placement in the program is made.

dollarMONEY AT SCHOOL

            Please do not give your child excess money to carry to school.  Money for field trips, lunch, pictures, etc. should be sent in an envelope labeled with your child’s name, teacher and purpose.  Cash or Money Orders only accepted.

 

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

weatherINCLEMENT WEATHER

            School may close early or open late because of severe weather conditions.  If it is excessively hot or snowstorms are predicted, keep your radio tuned to WMAL or WTOP. Many television stations also carry the news of changes in schedule.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL.  Breakfast will not be served in the event of a delayed opening.  If schools are closed for the day, afternoon and evening programs scheduled to be held at the school will be canceled.

EMERGENCIES

            Our school may not be able to continue classes if there is a problem with heating, power or water.  If such emergency occurs , the students will be transported to Laurel High School.  It is impossible to contact all parents if an emergency occurs.  Please understand that the safety of the children is our first concern.  If the children and staff are relocated, they will be dismissed and transported at the normal time, 2:25