Welcome to another productive, positive and peaceful school year at Montpelier Elementary School. This handbook provides you with valuable information regarding the school’s policies and procedures. Please read it and retain it for future reference. If you should have any questions, feel free to contact me directly. I know that by working together we can ensure a successful school year.

- Carla Furlow –

School Mission Statement

The mission of Montpelier Elementary School is to ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and develop the skills and work habits to enable them to become productive members of society. This mission is accomplished by a school staff which maintains high expectations for all students, creates a positive and inviting school climate, ensures a safe and orderly school environment, monitors the progress of students on a frequent and continuous basis, and promotes effective home-school communications.

School Motto

Productive, Positive, Peaceful

School Hours

Student Hours: 7:45 a.m. - 1:55 p.m.

Instructional Staff: 7:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

School Office: 7:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Walking students and students driven to school should not arrive before 7:30 a.m. and must vacate the school grounds immediately upon dismissal. Students may not remain on the school premises unless registered in the Before and After School Early Learning Program or accompanied by a parent. The school is legally bound to contact the Department of Social Services if a child is dropped off prior to 7:30 A.M. or not picked-up at dismissal.

School Rules

Students will arrive at school prepared for learning.
Students will follow directions at all times.
Students will treat others with respect.
Students will respect school and personal property.
Students will bring only school-related items to school.

The discipline plan at Montpelier is modeled after the Assertive Discipline Program. This program is founded on the belief that students make decisions about their behavior, and that those decisions can produce rewards or consequences. With clear expectations, students make better decisions about their school behavior. Consequences for inappropriate behavior are imposed in a progressive manner. Each teacher will send home the grade level discipline plan during the first week of school. During the first month of school, all students will review the "Student Code of Conduct" under the direction of an official of Prince George's County Public Schools. Families may view this document by visiting www.pgcps.org and following the links on the "Students' Page."

School Uniforms

Montpelier is a mandatory uniform school. According to Board of Education policy, a complete uniform is required every day unless you receive a written communication home stating otherwise (i.e. picture day).

“My School Supplies” located at 1428 Baltimore Avenue (inside Laurel Mall), Kids For Less (City Place Mall in Silver Spring), and "Just 4Kidz" (near Marlowe Furniture) are aware of the uniform policy at Montpelier and will be happy to order any item(s) if they are not currently in-stock. Uniforms from the company French Toast can be ordered online. In addition, most items can be found at major retailers (i.e. Sears, Kohls, Wal-Mart, Burlington Coat Factory, J.C. Penny’s, K Mart, Target). Just be sure to ask for their school uniform selection to prevent purchase of non-uniform garments that may be the same color but may not meet Montpelier’s uniform code. When purchasing uniforms at the beginning of the year, please consider buying a cardigan sweater for your child. You may have trouble finding them later on in the year. You may also want to consider purchasing black tennis shoes for your child to wear. These would be appropriate for everyday wear, as well as, on days that they have Physical Education.

Parents: Be sure to label your child’s clothing with first and last names (especially sweaters) to avoid confusion.

Uniform Requirements for Girls Grades Pre-K - 6

Powder blue Long/Short Sleeve Peter Pan Blouse
Powder blue polo-type shirt (Long/Short Sleeve)
Montpelier School Spirit T shirt (May be ordered through PTA & worn on Fridays)
Navy Jumper (Pleated or Straight)
Navy Pleated Skirt
Navy Pleated Pants
Navy Pleated Shorts (1^st and 4^th quarters only)
Navy Crewneck Cardigan Sweater
Navy Peter Pan Bow Tie (Optional)
White or Navy Socks or Tights
All black closed-toe shoes or boots (including laces, soles & insignia)

Uniform Requirements for Boys Grades Pre-K - 6

Powder blue Long/Short Sleeve Oxford Shirt
Powder blue polo-type shirt (Long/Short Sleeve)
Montpelier School Spirit T Shirt (May be ordered through PTA & worn on Fridays)
Navy Pleated Pants

Navy Pleated Shorts (1^st and 4^th quarters only)

Navy V-neck Cardigan Sweater
Navy Plain Tie (optional)
Navy or White socks

All black closed-toe shoes or boots (including laces, soles & insignia)

*Montpelier School Spirit T shirt may be worn on Fridays, only.

The following are non-negotiable specifics of our uniform code.

SHIRTS and SWEATERS

There are no pockets permitted on polo shirts.
Uniform Cardigan sweaters are the only permissible outerwear over school uniforms while indoors. Sweatshirts, sweaters made from sweatshirt material, windbreakers, hoods, ribbons, large buttons, or laces are unacceptable.
Our school policy states that all students must have their shirts tucked in at all times. Some students have shirts that are too long or short and this makes tucking them in difficult. Please check to make sure this is not a problem for your child.

If your child is cold during winter months they may layer their clothing. However, no shirts or long underwear may be visible outside of the uniform. Long sleeve shirts may not be worn under short-sleeved shirts and turtlenecks are not permitted.

PANTS, SHORTS, SKIRTS AND BELTS

No cargo pants or cargo shorts (no outside pockets on the legs)
If a belt is worn it must be black. Blue, colored or decorative plastic belts are not permitted.
Shorts are only permitted in the first and fourth quarter of school. Your child should wear long pants when the weather is cooler.
Jumpers and skirts must be long enough to come to or past your child’s fingertips when their arms are at their sides.

SHOES, SOCKS and TIGHTS

Shoes must be all black (including laces, soles & insignia) It is highly recommended that your child wear tennis shoes for physical education class. You may want to purchase black athletic shoes as your child’s everyday uniform shoe for this reason.
Shoes that have non-black soles or other colored markings or patterns are not permitted (black laces, insignia, and black soles are required)
In the event of snowy or icy weather your child may choose to wear boots to school. If the boots are black, they may be worn during the school day. If they are another color, students are expected to change into their regular uniform shoes upon arrival at school.
Socks are to be plain white or navy blue for girls and plain white or navy blue for boys. No colored stripes, prints, or athletic symbols are acceptable.
Tights are to be plain white or navy blue. Patterned or lace tights or fish net stockings are not permitted.

UNIFORM ACTIONS:

Students and grade level classrooms will receive positive reinforcement and incentives throughout the year for following Montpelier’s dress code. Consequences for uniform violations can be found in the Student Code of Conduct.

Pupil Attendance and Absences

All pupils are required by the Public School Laws of the State of Maryland to attend school on a regular and daily basis. Lawful excuses for absences from school are as follows:

Death in the immediate family. Immediate family means a parent or guardian, brother, sister, grandparent, or anyone who has lived regularly in the household of the student.
Illness of the child. The principal shall require a physician’s certificate from the parent or guardian of a child reported continuously absent for illness. A continuous absence is an absence of three or more continuous days.
Court summons.
Hazardous weather conditions. Hazardous weather conditions shall be interpreted to mean weather conditions that would endanger health or safety of the student when in transit to and from school.
Work approved or sponsored by the school, the Prince George’s County school system, or the State Department of Education, accepted by the Superintendent of Schools or the school principal, any persons duly authorized by the superintendent or principal, as reasons for excusing the student.
Observance of religious holidays.
State emergency.
Suspension.
Lack of authorized transportation. This shall not include students denied authorized transportation for disciplinary reasons.
Other emergency or set of circumstances which, in the judgment of the superintendent or designee, constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school.

Parents are encouraged to telephone the Health Room (301-497-3670 and Press 3) each morning between 7:30 and 7:45 to inform the school of a student’s absence. Be aware that, regardless of whether or not you call, an automated phone system may call you if your student missed any portion of a school day (including late arrivals and early departures). This procedure helps to protect students and verify legal absences.

Upon returning from an absence, a student must bring a written excuse from his/her parent(s) or guardian(s). We are required to enter an absence as “unexcused” if a note is not received. Board of Education policy only allows students with ”excused” absences to make up missed work for credit. ALL absences count against perfect attendance. Upon returning to school, students or their parents should request the assignments that were missed. For every one day that the student was absent, one day is allowed for the completion of make-up work.

The Maryland State Department of Education requires that a student be charged a half day's absence IF that student arrives at school 61 minutes (or more) late or leaves school 61 minutes (or more) prior to dismissal. Any student arriving at or after 8:46 A.M. or a student who departs at 12:54 or earlier will be charged ½ day’s absence.

Student attendance is a factor used by the Maryland State Department of Education in assessing each school’s adequate yearly progress; this year’s goal is an attendance rate of 96%.

TARDIES: It is very disruptive to the entire school community when a child arrives late. All students must be in their classrooms no later than 7:45. If your child is late, you must accompany him/her to the office to receive a tardy slip and provide a reason for the tardiness. We encourage you to schedule appointments for after school hours or during vacation. If it is necessary to schedule an appointment during the school day, please provide a doctor's note upon return. Tardies count against perfect attendance.

Every month we will post the names of all students who have earned perfect attendance (no absences, no tardies, no early departures) in the lobby. In addition, students will receive a reward such as a homework pass.

Late Opening or Early Closing Of School

If it is necessary to delay the opening of school because of inclement weather, dangerous road conditions, or any other emergency that might arise, announcements on local radio and television stations will refer to a one- or two-hour delay. If schools open one hour late, then all buses will run one hour later than normal, and Montpelier will open at 8:45 A.M. If schools open two hours late, then all buses will run two hours later than normal, and Montpelier will open at 9:45 A.M. Additionally, if schools are delayed two hours, there will be no breakfast program and field trips scheduled prior to 10:55 A.M. will be canceled. A delayed opening will have no effect on the regular closing time for the school.

If schools close early due to inclement weather, dismissal times will be modified as shown below. All buses will operate on an advanced schedule and students will arrive home as many hours early as school was dismissed.

Delayed opening and early closing information may be accessed on the school system's web page at www.pgcps.org and at www.schools-out.com. Or, after 6 A.M., access the school system's Voice Mail Bulletin Board by calling 301-952-6000. Wait for the opening message and then press number 1. A recorded message will indicate any delayed openings or school closings. In addition, the school system's cable station 96 will broadcast a "crawl" message as soon as the decision is made. Or, Montpelier's voice mail will provide up-to-date school closing information. Dial 301-497-3670 and then press 1 for "General Information" and then press 1, again, for school hours.

Please do not call the school office, as we are not equipped to handle large numbers of phone calls.

Early Dismissal Montpelier Closes at

3 hours early 10:55 A.M.

2 hours early 11:55 A.M.

1 hour early 12:55 P.M.

Emergency Relocation

If Montpelier closes because of loss of heat, electricity, or any situation that causes the building to become uninhabitable, students will be transported by school buses to Laurel High School, which is located at 8000 Cherry Lane in Laurel. The telephone number at Laurel High is 301-497-2050. The students will remain at Laurel High for the duration of the day and/or the emergency situation and will return to Montpelier for dismissal at the normal dismissal time.

Breakfast and Lunch

NOTE: No sodas or glass bottles permitted in the lunchroom. NO FAST FOOD IS PERMITTED.

Meal pricing for the 2009-2010 school year is as follows:

Breakfast Lunch

Regular $1.25 * $2.00 *

Reduced $ .30 * $ .40 *

Milk for all students is $ .50 *

*subject to change

We encourage students to have a nutritious breakfast at home if at all possible. PGCPS's Department of Food and Nutrition offers breakfast for needy students unable to obtain breakfast in their own homes. Students eating breakfast at school should go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival. Hot breakfast will be served from 7:30 – 7:40. Students arriving after 7:40 will receive cold cereal and milk. Breakfast will NOT be served after 7:45. Late students (with the exception of those on documented late-arriving buses) cannot obtain breakfast. No outside breakfast food is permitted. Walkers/Car Riders wishing to have breakfast must arrive at 7:30 AM.

Each class will eat lunch during its regularly scheduled lunch period. Free and reduced-priced meals are available to qualified applicants. Applications are sent home at the beginning of the school year and are available in the office throughout the year.

The cafeteria maintains an account for each student. Students access their accounts by the use of a personal identification number (PIN). This number will remain the same each year unless the student changes schools.

Students receive a note to take home to their parents when their accounts are getting low so that a new deposit may be made. To fund your child’s meal account, you may:

Send payment in a sealed envelope marked with your child’s name, teacher’s name and PIN number to Montpelier Elementary Food & Nutrition Services; or
Go to http://www1.pgcps.org/foodandnutrition/

This is a new on-line service in which you may use a credit or debit card for the meal account funding. You will need your child’s name and PIN code.

It is recommended that all students keep at least $2.00 (the price of one lunch) in their account at all times in case of an emergency. If you need to check on your child’s account, please call the cafeteria between 7:00 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. or between 1:00 P.M. and 1:30 P.M. at 301-497-3670 and Press 4.

Students who do not bring a lunch from home and who do not have money in their accounts will be temporarily given a cheese sandwich and drink at no charge.

Medication

If a student needs to take either prescription or over-the-counter medications during the school day, a "Physician's Medication Authorization for Prescription and Non Prescription Medication" form is required. No other forms, letters from doctors or notes from parents will be accepted. Students who require the use of an Epi-pen need to complete a Parent's/Guardian's and Physician's Medication – EPI-PEN – for Management of Acute Allergic Reaction.

Students who require the use of an Inhaler/Mechanical Device must complete a Physician's Authorization for Medication by Inhaler/Mechanical Device.

These forms are available on-line at http://www.pgcps.org/~health/ and in the school nurse’s office. They are valid for the current school year expiring in June. All medications must be presented to the school nurse in their original packaging with the directions for administration (along with the appropriate form). All medications are kept under lock & key in the health room.

If your child has health concerns, we strongly recommend that you introduce yourself to our school nurse at the beginning of the school year so that your child's condition(s) may be addressed to your satisfaction.

Illness

A child becoming ill at school does happen and, as parents, we must develop a plan for a timely response. The school cannot allow an ill child to remain in an environment where other children may become infected. This includes the classroom and public school bus. If the nurse contacts you because your child is ill, please respond quickly and make arrangements to pick up your child as soon as possible. The sick student should not return to school until he/she has been symptom-free (without fever, nausea, diarrhea, excessive coughing, etc.) for 24-hours or provides a readmit notice from the pediatrician.

Friday Folders

In an effort to improve home-school communication, each child will receive a Home-School Connection Folder on the first day of school. Please review and complete all documents and return the appropriate forms to school in the folder on the following school day. After the first week of school, graded papers and all school communications will be sent home via the folder on Fridays. Each week, sign the folder next to the appropriate date to indicate that you acknowledge receipt and have reviewed any enclosed items. If school is closed on Friday, folders will go home on Thursday or the last school day of the week. If your child does not bring home his/her folder weekly, contact the classroom teacher immediately! In the event that your child loses the folder, you will be required to purchase another folder from the school. The replacement cost is $2.00.

Grading Policy

Effective July 1, 2008, PGCPS Board of Education adopted a new Grading Procedure including prescribed grading factors. A copy of these grading factors will be sent home the first week of school and reviewed in detail during Back to School Night. Please familiarize yourself with these important policies.

Parent Conferences:

By the end of the first grading period, teachers in elementary schools will identify those students whose progress suggests that a parent conference should be conducted in the best interest of the student and his/her achievement and school performance. Teachers will inform parents of the need for a conference. Report cards of these students may be withheld for no more than ten (10) days and may be released as soon as a conference date has been established. Report cards must be released on the eleventh (11) day.
Parent conferences are encouraged at any time during the school year if the conference will enhance a parent’s understanding of and support for their child’s schoolwork and school performance.

Progress Reports:

Interim progress reports must be issued for all students at the middle of each quarter. Individual schools may decide to issue interim progress reports with even greater frequency.
Teachers must notify parents in writing when their child is in danger of failing at any time during the grading period, even if the Interim Progress Report period established by the school system has passed. Students will receive the grade earned, regardless of notification.

Honor Roll Policy

We believe in celebrating both the academic and social achievements of Montpelier's students. At the end of each marking period, we will recognize our students’ achievements as follows:

Pre-K

Perfect Attendance -No absences. No tardies nor any early departures

Kindergarten

Perfect Attendance -No absences. No tardies nor any early departures

Most Improved -Selected by each classroom teacher starting 2nd marking period

First Grade

Perfect Attendance -No absences, no tardies nor any early departures.

Most Improved -Selected by each classroom teacher starting 2nd marking period

Citizenship – Teacher recommendation

All Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade awards are presented in the individual classrooms.

Grades 2 – 6

Principal’s Honor Roll - 4.0 GPA with no grade on the report card below an “A”

Honor Roll – 3.0 GPA or higher with no grade on the report card below a “B”

Perfect Attendance – No absences. No tardies nor any early departures

Citizenship – A or B in social skills and work habits

Most Improved - Selected by each classroom teacher starting 2^nd marking period

All second through sixth grade award winners will receive invitations to the quarterly recognition assembly. (Quarters 1-3)

Homework

The regular and accurate completion of homework assignments is an important component of the learning process. During the first week of school, each teacher will send home a letter outlining the homework policy for the students in his or her class. Please review this information carefully. Student planners (assignment notebooks) are required for students in grades two through six. They will be provided by our PTA and distributed to students during the first week of school. (If lost, there will be a $5.00 replacement charge). The purpose of the planners is to help students become and stay well organized and to provide a structured form of communication with parents regarding homework. Please check your child’s planner every day and set aside a special time and a quiet place for your child to complete homework. Take an interest in homework assignments, help your child with them when necessary, and encourage your child to return completed homework to the teacher in a timely manner.

All students are required by Board of Education Policy to maintain a monthly reading log by reading for a minimum of fifteen minutes each evening. Younger students may have someone read to them. Some teachers will send home companion books or other printed material to facilitate this independent reading. It is highly recommended that all students obtain a library card from the Prince George’s County Public Library System.

Care of School Materials

Students are responsible for the reasonable care of all instructional textbooks, musical instruments, sports equipment and media materials issued to them during the school year. All hardback textbooks are to be properly covered to protect them. Fees will be assessed for damaged or lost materials and must be paid in order to avoid penalties.

Crossing Guards

A crossing guard, trained and employed by the Prince George’s County Police Department, is assigned during the morning and afternoon hours to assist students crossing Muirkirk Road. From 7:25 - 7:45 in the morning and in the afternoon from 1:50 - 2:10, the crossing guard is on duty at the Muirkirk Road crosswalk. Students should not cross this busy street without assistance. Students should be reminded to use the sidewalks and painted crosswalk when walking to and from school each day.

School Buses and Car Riders

The Transportation Office has assigned each student who receives bus transportation to a particular bus and bus stop. Occasional exceptions may be requested by sending a signed note to the office in the morning stating the reason for the exception and the parent's/guardian's telephone number so that we may verify the request. Approval will be given by signature of the principal or vice-principal. The original of the approved request will be retained in the main office and copies given to the classroom teacher and our bus coordinator. (Teachers are not authorized to approve transportation changes.) We cannot honor any request (including a voice mail message) other than a written one to ensure the safety of all students. Emailed requests are not reliable because they may or may not be viewed prior to dismissal. While you are welcome to fax a transportation request, please ensure that it is received prior to 1:30 PM. We cannot honor last minute requests.

If you should require a permanent bus change, contact the main office for the appropriate form. Please note that the request can take up to 10 days to be processed by the transportation department.

Bus riders are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous and responsible manner both at the bus stops and on the buses. Inappropriate behavior may result in a student losing the privilege to ride the bus.

Bus stop locations, late bus information, and bus lot phone numbers may be found on the Prince George's County Public Schools website at www.pgcps.org on the School Bus Information link.

Parents are encouraged to allow students to come to school on the bus rather than transporting them themselves. Because of the design of the school driveway and the need for school bus access to the front of the school, we are unable to accommodate large numbers of vehicles dropping off students in the morning. Citizens of neighborhoods adjacent to Montpelier have expressed concerns about safety issues. We fully support the Prince George's County Police and their efforts to enforce traffic regulations by issuing traffic tickets. Please be aware of the posted speed limits, parking regulations and laws established to protect each and every one of us...especially our children.

Parents who feel they must transport their students are asked to drop them off at the “Parent Drop Off” and allow them to walk from there. From 7:30 A.M. to 7:45 A.M. and 1:55 P.M. to 2:10 P.M. (or until the last bus arrives/leaves) only school buses will be allowed to enter the lower, main school driveway. Parents picking up students in the afternoon are asked to wait in the “Parent Drop Off.” Students may not remain on the school premises following dismissal unless registered in the Before and School Early Learning Program or accompanied by a parent. The school is legally bound to contact the Department of Social Services if a child is dropped off prior to 7:30 A.M. or not picked-up at dismissal.

Transportation Contact Information

The main number to transportation is 301-952-6572; however if you know the route number you can determine which lot to contact directly. Please do not call the school when your child’s bus is late. Please contact the appropriate bus lot.

Lot Name	Route Range	Phone #
Bladensburg	306-370	301-985-1870
Brandywine	941-995	301-372-0296
Crossland	661-730	301-449-4995
Douglas FAB	001-120	301-952-7713
Forestville	531-595	301-817-0320
Friendly	871-940	301-449-4798
Goddard	241-305	301-918-8553
Greenbelt	121-240	301-513-5059
John Hanson	731-810	301-749-4201
Laurel	596-660	301-497-3665
Mullikin	371-455	301-390-0210
Ridgely	456-530	301-808-5951
Surrattsville	811-870	301-599-2550

Private Before & After Care Providers

If your child attends one of the many before and after care businesses that transport students to and from Montpelier Elementary, please notify the provider that students must arrive at school between 7:30 A.M. and 7:45 A.M. Students must depart the school between 1:55 P.M. and 2:10 P.M. Be aware of your provider’s policies when there is a delayed school openings and early school closings. In addition, notify your day care provider if your child is not attending their program on a given day. This helps the provider stay on schedule rather than delay to locate an allegedly missing child. If your provider displays a pattern of late pick-ups, permission to pick-up will be revoked!

The Main Office maintains a listing of our students who attend private before and after care programs. Complete an informational form to help us identify these students and notify the Main Office in writing of any changes.

Early Departure

Parents are strongly encouraged to schedule medical and other appointments after school hours to maximize teaching and learning. The Maryland State Department of Education requires that a student be charged a half day's absence if that student arrives at school 61 minutes (or more) late or leaves school 61 minutes (or more) prior to dismissal. If the occasion arises for an early dismissal, please come to the main office and sign your child out in the Early Dismissal Log. Children will only be released to an adult listed on the emergency form signed by the parent and a picture ID will be required. Once your child is properly signed out, the secretary will call the classroom and have the student released. A student will not be released from the classroom until the parent or authorized adult arrives at the school; therefore, please allow extra time.

In order to have a safe and orderly dismissal, we will not be able to honor early dismissals after 1:30 each day. If you arrive after 1:30, please wait in the lobby. Please be reminded that dismissal is a part of your child’s regular school day and that information is missed when children leave early.

Forgotten Items

Encourage your child to be responsible for his/her possessions by routinely organizing school materials and packing-up the night before school. This will help reduce the delivery of forgotten items to the front office, which, in turn, creates a classroom disruption when the items are delivered to the classes. Once the teachers leave (2:45), students are not permitted to re-enter the classrooms to retrieve forgotten items.

Parent Visitations

Parents are always welcome at Montpelier Elementary and encouraged to visit often. As a matter of security, all visitors are required to report to the office, present identification and sign the Visitors’ Log to receive a Visitor’s Pass. As a matter of simple courtesy, teachers like to be informed in advance of classroom visitations. This notification is done to minimize disruptions to the school’s instructional program.

Parents who wish to conference with a particular teacher or staff member, including the principal, must call in advance so that a mutually convenient conference time may be scheduled.

In addition, staff members are assigned duty posts as students enter and leave the building each day and are not usually available for conferences at these times. Conferences of any type cannot be held during instructional time.

Parents are encouraged to join their children for lunch when their schedules permit. Please model healthy food choices and refrain from bringing sodas or “fast food” when you join your child(ren) for lunch. Sodas or “fast food” may not be consumed in our cafeteria nor in the classrooms.

Family Contact Information

Parents will receive an Emergency Student Information form at the beginning of the year to complete and return to the school. Your child’s teacher, our school nurse and the Main Office each maintain a file of emergency contact information. It is imperative that we have accurate phone numbers so that we can reach you along with two (2) emergency contacts. If your telephone number or address changes during the school year, it is your responsibility to provide written notification to the school. The school should never be without a way to contact a parent.

Celebrations

To maximize teaching and learning, classroom parties may be scheduled by the classroom teachers on these 3 occasions: Fall Festival, Winter Holiday, and Valentine’s Day. If you prefer that your child not participate due to either personal or religious reasons, simply inform the classroom teacher so that an alternative activity may be provided.

Birthday Recognition

Every student will receive a birthday pencil and sticker on their respective birthdays and receive recognition on the morning television program, Wake- Up Montpelier. Students are encouraged to celebrate their birthdays by donating a book to the school library. A bookplate is placed in each donated book stating the name of the student and which birthday he/she is celebrating. Students present their books to the school on Wake-up, Montpelier. At the beginning of every month, our media specialist sends information home with each student who is having a birthday that month. Birthday parties are only permitted at the Pre- K and the Kindergarten level, must be pre-approved by your child’s teacher, and should be held the last 15 minutes of the day (1:30 – 1:45).

Field Trips

Field trips are designed to enrich, supplement, and extend the classroom-based instructional program. Parents will receive information on the destination, the departure and return times, the cost of the trip, how the students will be transported, and a request for parent chaperones. Written permission is required for students to participate.

PGCPS Administrative Procedure 4215 requires chaperones to complete a commercial background check through the school system at a cost of $8.00, annually. Please contact the Fingerprinting Office by calling 301-952-6775 to schedule an appointment.

Field trip refunds are issued in the event of an administrative cancellation, only.

Only students who have proven they can conduct themselves in an appropriate manner will be invited to attend the trip. If it is determined that your child is unable to attend, you will be informed by the classroom teacher in writing and/or by phone.

Parent Teacher Association

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is an organization of parents, teachers, administrators, and community members who work together to advance the cause of education at Montpelier Elementary School. The PTA provides cultural arts activities for the students, financial support to the school’s general expense fund, monies to allow the school to purchase or lease office equipment, programs for parents, and moral support to the staff. The PTA also has a Legislative Issues Committee involved in lobbying our policy makers regarding issues of concern.

to children and education. All parents are strongly encouraged to join the PTA as a tangible way to support the school, its mission, and its “tradition of excellence and equity.”

Every year the PTA sponsors several activities to benefit the school, its students and parents. You will receive a monthly newsletter in your Friday folder highlighting the different activities. Or, a recording of current PTA events is available by calling 301-497-3670 and Press 6.

Recess

Recess is held outdoors for students in Pre K - 5 whenever the weather permits. If it is raining, or the temperature with the wind-chill factor is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, recess is held indoors. During the winter months, students should dress warmly and bring hats, coats, and gloves to school.

Our philosophy is, if a child is healthy enough to attend school, then the child should be well enough to go outside for recess. For a student to be excused from recess participation and be allowed to stay indoors for more than one school day, he/she must have a doctor’s note that clearly indicates the illness and the duration of the recovery period. Parents may request, in writing, a temporary exclusion from recess participation for a one-day period.

Lost and Found

The “Lost and Found” collection bin is located in the school’s multi-purpose room. Any found articles (coats, hats, gloves, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc.) are placed in the bin. Found small items (keys, glasses, jewelry) are stored in the Main Office. Students may check the “Lost and Found” for lost items before or after school, or during lunch.

All items left unclaimed at the end of each academic quarter are donated to charities or are discarded. Parents are strongly encouraged to label all belongings with first and last names.

Before and After School Early Learning Program

The Before and After School Early Learning Program is designed to offer a supervised and orderly environment before and after regular school hours to registered elementary-aged children of working parents. This program compliments the regular school day’s program with planned educational enrichment and recreational activities. These may include homework centers, arts and crafts, music, drama, cooking, recreation and snacks. The program is open to students in kindergarten through grade six, only. (Pre-Kindergarten students are not eligible for the Before and After School Early Learning Program) The hours of operation are 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. with students attending school during regular school hours. Parents must provide transportation. Please contact the day care coordinator for registration fees and procedures by calling 301-497-3678.

Telephone Messages

The office telephones are for the purpose of conducting official school business. We cannot permit students to use them except in emergency situations. Emergency telephone messages from parents will be given to students when deemed necessary by the administration. Also, if you need to speak with your child’s teacher, contact your child’s teacher by voice mail, emails, in writing, or call the main office and a message will be taken. In order to maximize teaching and learning, telephone calls will not interrupt instruction. Once the teacher receives your message, he/she will return your call during non-teaching time. Please allow 24 hours for a return call. Thank you for your cooperation.

Cell Phones/Cameras

Students may carry cell-phones on public school property. However, all cell phones must be turned off (not vibrate) while the student is riding the school bus and throughout the entire school day, whether the student is in class or not. A student who sends or receives a page, call, text message, picture or other communication on the bus or during the school day will be treated as any other student who disrupts class. If the phone continues to be a disruption, it is subject to confiscation by school officials until the student's parent comes to the school to retrieve it.

Please note that Montpelier Elementary is NOT responsible for lost, damaged or stolen cell phones. Use of cameras of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Voice Mail System

We are fortunate to have a PTA-sponsored voice mail system at Montpelier Elementary. You have the ability to leave a voice message for any full-time Montpelier teacher. After dialing Montpelier's main telephone number (301-497-3670), simply press the # key. You will then be directed to enter the first 4 letters of the last name of the person you wish to contact. Once done, your call will go directly to that person's classroom (if available) or voice mailbox (if unavailable). For part-time staff members, please contact the Main Office secretaries to leave a written message. Teachers may not have the opportunity to listen to their messages until students have left for the day. Please do not leave any messages that might require an immediate response.

Main Office	301-497-3670	Press 0 or 2
School Hours & Events	301-497-3670	Press 1
Health Room	301-483-3670	Press 3
Cafeteria Contact & Weekly Menus	301-497-3670	Press 4
Guidance Office	301-497-3670	Press 5
Montpelier PTA Contacts & Events	301-497-3670	Press 6
Before and After Care	301-497-3678	Ms. Oliver
Transportation Department	301-952-6572	See list of individual lots on p.9
Closings and Delays	301-952-6000	Press 1

Internet/Parent Portal

Parents are encouraged to visit our website http://www1.pgcps.org/montpelier/ frequently to keep abreast of school news and activities. Also every teacher has an email account, which you will be provided with during the first week of school. While this does not replace face-to -face communication, it is a very effective way to keep the lines of communication open and strongly encouraged.

The Family Portal is a feature of SchoolMAX that allows designated family members to view information such as attendance records, gradebooks, and discipline incidents for their children (https://family.sis.pgcps.org). Returning Montpelier families may use the username and passwords provided during the previous school year. Newly registered families will receive letters providing each user’s name, address and activation key.

Resolving Problems

If you have a concern or a problem that needs to be addressed during the school year, the following steps are recommended:

Contact you child's teacher or the staff people in charge at the time the problem occurred and allow them an opportunity to resolve the matter.

If you are unable to resolve the matter to your satisfaction, call or make an appointment with an administrator.

Productive, Positive, Peaceful

Calendar

PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CALENDAR

2009

July 2-3 Holiday* – Independence Day

August 11-13 Professional duty days for new teachers1

August 17-20 Professional duty days for all teachers

August 22 Ramadan**

August 24 First day of school for students

September 7 Holiday* – Labor Day

September 19-20 Rosh Hashanah**

September 20 Eid Al-Fitr**

September 25 Professional Development – Schools closed for students

September 28 Yom Kippur**

October 6 First Quarter Progress Reports Released

October 16 MSTA Convention-Schools closed for students & teachers

October 29 End of First Quarter (45 days)

October 30 Grading/Teacher Planning – Schools closed for students

November 10 First Quarter Report Cards Released

November 11 Parent/Teacher Conferences – Schools closed for students

November 25-27 Holidays* – Thanksgiving

November 27 Eid Al-Adha**

December 18 Second Quarter Progress Reports Released

December 24 & 25 Holidays* – Christmas

December 28-30 Winter Break – Schools closed for students & teachers

December 31 Holiday* – New Year’s

2010

January 1 Holiday* – New Year’s

January 18 Martin L. King, Jr., Day

January 22 End of Second Quarter (48 days)

January 25 Grading/Teacher Planning – Schools closed for students

February 12 Professional Development – Schools closed for students

February 3 Second Quarter Report Cards Released

February 15 Holiday* – Presidents’ Day

March 4 Third Quarter Progress Reports Released

March 25 End of Third Quarter (41 days)

March 26 Grading/Teacher Planning – Schools closed for students

March 29 – April 1 Spring Break – Schools closed for students & teachers

March 30-31 Passover**

April 2 & 5 Holidays*Easter

April 14 Third Quarter Report Cards Released

May 10 Fourth Quarter Progress Reports Released

May 31 Holiday* – Memorial Day

June 10 Last Day for Students – End of Fourth Quarter (47 days)***

June 11 Last Day for Teachers***

June 11 & 14-16 Inclement weather make-up days

June 21 Fourth Quarter Report Cards Sent to the Mailroom

181 student days/192 teacher days (195 days for new teachers)/190 10-month employee days

*All schools and offices closed.

**Holiday begins at sunset of the preceding day. PGCPS prohibits scheduling of any meetings or activities during or after

the regular school day. (Does not apply to state or regional events.)

***Subject to change due to inclement weather.

1Date has been changed based on the Board of Education’s approval of the summer 4-day work week.

2009-2010 School Calendar • APPROVED BY THE BOARD 2/26/09

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

Telephone: 301-497-3670

Fax Number: 301-497-5431

School Web Site: www1.pgcps.org/montpelier/

Proud Principal: Carla Furlow (cfurlow@pgcps.org)

The main number to transportation is 301-952-6572; however if you know the route number you can determine which lot to contact directly. Please do not call the school when your child’s bus is late. Please contact the appropriate bus lot.

Lot Name

Route Range

Phone #