Ilalko Family Handbook

Ilalko Elementary | 301 Oravetz Place SE | Auburn, WA 98092 | 253-931-4748 | www.auburn.wednet.edu/ilalko  www.instagram.com/ilalko_huskies | www.facebook.com/asdilalko 

Land Acknowledgement 

Ilalko Elementary exists on Indigenous land. We acknowledge the ancestral homelands of the descendants of those who became the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, who were original caretakers of this land, keeping balance and beauty for thousands and thousands of years. 

Welcome Letter

Dear Ilalko Community, 

Welcome back to another exciting school year at Ilalko Elementary. We appreciate your support in reading through this handbook as a family each school year. In addition to being familiar with this document, we highly encourage you to read our monthly newsletter, visit our website often, and follow our Facebook page so that you can continue to stay informed about events at Ilalko. Our goal is that every student without excuse or exception will make one, or more, year's growth in reading, writing, and math each school year.

We welcome all students and families in our inclusive school environment. We strive to teach and learn together in ways that affirm each child and their family. It is our goal that your family would find our school and staff to be both physically and culturally inviting. In partnership with families, we reinforce academic development and make changes to accommodate differences in learners. Our classrooms are managed with firm, consistent, and loving control celebrating both the individual as well as the collective school community. 

We are committed to ensuring that every husky feels welcome, safe, capable, and known at Ilalko Elementary. 

Sincerely, 

The Ilalko Elementary Staff

Quick Links

Mission and Vision Statements

Ilalko Mission 

Ilalko is a collaborative community that celebrates and builds on the academic and social strengths of each student through challenging and engaging instruction. 

Ilalko Vision 

The vision of Ilalko Elementary School is to partner with families to develop students in the skills & attitudes that will maximize their potential for lifelong learning, critical thinking, positive social interactions, and responsible decision making, in the future they choose.

Ilalko Bell Schedule 

Ilalko Office Hours 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Breakfast 8:25 - 8:45 a.m.

School Starts at *8:45 a.m. (*9:45 on Mondays) 

School Ends at 3:15 p.m. 

Click Here to Review Lunch, Recess, and Specialists Time for All Grades 

Attendance Policy

Regular and punctual attendance is extremely important to your child’s success in school. We appreciate your partnership in helping your child arrive on time and attend school consistently. 

Arrival & Departure Time

Students should not arrive earlier than 8:30 a.m., as supervision is not available prior to that time.

Students are dismissed at 3:15 p.m. and should be picked up by 3:20 p.m. at the latest.

Excused Absence

Absences may be excused for the following reasons:

• Illness

• Medical or legal appointments

• Religious holidays

• Death of an immediate family member

A parent or guardian must call the office by 9:00 a.m. to report an absence. Please include:

• Student’s full name and teacher

• Date(s) of absence

• Reason for the absence

Unexcused Absence

Absences not reported or not meeting excused criteria will be considered unexcused. If a student has frequent absences, a parent conference may be scheduled to provide support.

If absences become excessive and impact a child’s right to an education, the school may be required to file a BECCA petition in accordance with Washington State law.

Late Arrival/Tardiness

To support a smooth and successful start to the day, please plan for your child to arrive on time.

Students arriving after the start of the school day must check in at the office with a parent or guardian and receive an admit slip before going to class.

When students arrive late, they often miss important parts of the morning routine, including class meetings and a review of the day’s schedule. This can leave students feeling out of sync or disconnected from their classmates and learning.

Early Dismissal

If your student needs to leave early, they will be called from class to meet you in the office. Please bring identification, as it will be checked prior to releasing your student.

To minimize disruptions to instruction and ensure a smooth dismissal process, we ask that families avoid picking up students after 2:05 p.m. unless it is an emergency. Planning ahead helps us connect students with families efficiently.

Changes to Transportation

If your child’s transportation plan changes, please notify the front office as early as possible.

Due to the busy nature of the school day, we cannot guarantee that transportation changes received after 2:15 p.m. will reach students and teachers in time. While emergencies do happen, early communication greatly increases our ability to support your request.

Student Safety Reminder

For safety reasons, students must always check out through the office before leaving school during the day. 

Health Information

Health Information

Our registered nurse is at the school at least one and a half days a week, and on call the rest of the week. Our health room technician, Mrs. Coke is here daily.

These are the following health screenings that take place in the early fall each school year:

1. Vision screening for nearsightedness

2. Hearing screening for hearing loss

3. Dental screening for possible cavities

4. Scoliosis (spinal curvature) screening for fifth grade students

5. Periodic head checks for lice may occur throughout the school year

If the nature of the illness is such that the child should go home, parents will be notified. Students will not be released to anyone except parents or their designees.

Medication at School

Washington laws require the following for administration of both prescription and over the counter medication at school:

• Written instructions from the doctor

• Written permission from the parent 

• Medication in the original container

Permission and instructions are valid for one year only

Written instructions from the doctor must include the child’s name, the name of the medication, its actions and side effect, and times and indications for administration. Forms are available in the school office. If for some reason, a doctor’s signature is unavailable, parents/guardians may come to the office and administer the medication themselves. Most medication administration can be scheduled before and after school. The medication needs to be the original pharmacy container and must be labeled with your child's name. Medication may not be sent to school with the child or on the bus.

Accidents and Illness

The health room, located in the office area, is staffed by school personnel who assist students and contact parents concerning illnesses and injuries. Necessary information must be on file in the school office in order that school personnel may contact parents during school hours, should an illness or accident occur.

Insurance

The Auburn School District does not provide medical insurance coverage for school accidents. This means parents are responsible for medical bills if a student is hurt during school activities. The district does provide information about a student accident health insurance plan, although this plan is not recommended over any other plan, as many coverage options are available.

Immunizations

All K-12 students in the state of Washington must be up-to-date with their immunizations to attend school in the 2021-2022 School Year. 

• Hepatitis B: 3 doses, dose 3 must be give on or after 24 weeks of age

• (DTaP) Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis: 5 doses (4 doses only if 4th does given on or after 4th birthday) 

• IPV, OPV (Polio) 4 doses (3 does only IF 3rd dose given on or after 4th birthday) 

• (MMR) Measles, Mumps, Rubella: 2 doses 

• Varicella (Chicken Pox) 2 doses or healthcare provided verification of the disease

If your child has not been immunized for the above vaccines, please contact your health care provider or local health department to make an appointment for your child to receive these vaccines.

We are not able to allow students who have not met this requirement to attend class. 

School Meal Program 

Students may bring their lunch from home or purchase lunch and/or milk from our cafeteria. We participate with our district in the USDA National School Lunch and Breakfast programs which can entitle qualified students to receive free or reduced –price meals. Parents and guardians may also set up a pre-paid account in any amount. This can be done online. Visit our school website to access the link to Family Access.

Breakfast - NOTE breakfast is free for all students

School breakfast is served each morning, cost is $1.50 - or no charge for those who qualify for free/reduced price meals.

Lunch - NOTE lunch is free for all students

Lunch is served every day, cost is $3.00

Reduced lunch is free for K-5, $.40 for ECE

For those who qualify for free lunch, there is no charge.

Visitor lunch is $5.00

Class Parties and Celebrations 

Classroom parties/celebrations are held and organized by the classroom teacher and/or with the assistance of room helpers. If these traditional parties/celebrations are in conflict with your beliefs be sure to inform the teacher so an appropriate alternative can be arranged.

Our school district supports healthy eating and exercise through our Wellness Policy. This policy asks that healthy options (For example: fruit, veggies, whole wheat crackers, cheese . . .) be available when desserts or other high sugar or high fat foods are brought into school for birthday celebrations or class parties. If you have questions about our wellness policy please call our school or take a look on our district website www.auburn.wednet.edu

Please do not bring balloons to a classroom celebration as they are not allowed on the bus after school and cause distractions from learning. Invitations for after school parties of any sort may not be handed out at school at any time unless every child in your student’s class receives one to make everyone in the classroom community feel included.

Visitors, Volunteers, and Field Trips 

Volunteering in a Classroom 

Our staff highly encourages parents and guardians to volunteer in their child’s classroom. Teachers greatly appreciate the help, and it can boost a student’s educational success by showing your interest! Contact your child’s teacher or the front office team to let us know that you would like to volunteer. You will be required to fill out a Washington State Patrol Clearance Form which must be processed for clearance of all volunteers. 

The clearance is valid for one year and is required by law. For your convenience, the clearance procedure is available on-line

Visiting a Classroom 

Families are always welcome to visit their child’s classroom—we value your partnership and interest in your child’s learning.

To help ensure a smooth and productive visit, please follow these guidelines:

• Schedule in advance: Please notify your child’s teacher at least one day ahead of your visit so an appropriate time can be arranged.

• Check in at the office: All visitors must sign in at the office and wear a Visitor’s Pass while on campus.

• Minimize disruptions: During your visit, we ask that you remain as unobtrusive as possible to support the learning environment.

• Teacher communication: To allow teachers to stay focused on instruction, please avoid engaging in conversation during class time. We are happy to schedule a follow-up conference or phone call if you would like to connect.

For safety and learning purposes, students may not bring friends or relatives to visit during the school day.

Please note that there may be limitations on classroom visits when confidential student information or individualized learning plans are being addressed. If you are unsure, we encourage you to check with the office prior to scheduling your visit.

Field Trips 

Field trips are planned to extend and enhance classroom experiences when opportunities and resources permit. Each participating student must have a permission form signed by the parent or guardian. Transportation is usually provided by school buses.

School Closures due to Weather 

Emergencies and weather-related problems can alter school schedules and affect bus transportation for students. You may receive an automated phone call from the Auburn School District with information about closures and late starts. You may also use the website www.schoolreport.org and search for any updates.

Most radio and television stations will broadcast information regarding operation of schools during inclement weather. Since conditions vary from one district to another, it is very important that you listen for mention of Auburn School District #408.  Radio and television stations provide school information on a continuing basis beginning about 6 a.m.

Items Not Allowed at School 

Some personal items are only acceptable for academic or show and tell purposes. These items are to be kept in the locker throughout the school day until the approved time for showing. Ilalko Elementary and the Auburn School District are not liable or responsible for items that are lost or stolen. These items are a distraction to the class and school operation. These items may be confiscated and will only be returned to a parent or guardian.

• Toys, Game Boys, skateboards, scooters, mopeds, rollerblades, personal sports equipment

• Permanent markers, white out, correction markers

• Trading cards including Pokemon

• Stickers, gum, candy

• Valuable jewelry, cameras, radios

• Do NOT bring more money than is needed at school

• Guns, knives, tobacco, matches, fireworks

Dress Code

In order to provide a safe and professional learning environment, the following dress code will be enforced at Ilalko Elementary.

• T-shirts, hats, badges, or other items of apparel which, by printed word, symbol, or display promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, nudity, violence, gang behavior, or that disrupt the educational climate are prohibited. 

• Hoods, hats, and sunglasses must be removed before entering the building, unless special permission has been granted by the administration. Religious head-coverings are always permitted. 

• Professional dress does not reveal the chest, buttocks, or belly.

• Dress and/or appearance which constitutes a clear and present danger to the students’ health and/or safety, or which causes interference with work, or creates a classroom disruption, will not be permitted. 

• For the safety of students, athletic shoes must be worn on PE days. Boots, sandals, and crocks are not permitted in PE class.

IF YOUR CHILD COMES TO SCHOOL IN INAPPROPRIATE ATTIRE - YOU WILL BE CALLED TO BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES.

Telephone Use

The school telephones are to be used only for school business. In case of an emergency or for reasons granted by the principal, secretary, or teacher, the student may use the phone. Students should make arrangements for after school social activities prior to coming to school.

Cell Phones

Cell phones must be turned off and cannot be used on campus unless permission is given by a staff member. Students must turn off and store cell phones in their backpack, and families assume the risk of cell phones being lost or damaged. Smart watches are considered a form of cell phone. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones. If we find your child using a cell phone during class or at recess we will confiscate the phone and require a guardian pick up the phone from the front office. Many families feel that cell phones increase student safety on campus, it has been our experience that the opposite is true, this is why we hold a strict no cell phones policy. 

Release of Student Information to Other Districts

Parents are advised that student records will be released to another school where the student has enrolled or intends to enroll. Other districts shall be provided with records upon official request from the district, unless the student has an outstanding fee or fine. In those instances the enrolling school shall be provided with the student's academic, special placement, immunization history and discipline records within two school days, but the official transcript shall be withheld until the fee or fine is discharged. The enrolling school district shall be notified that the transcript is being withheld due to an outstanding fee or fine. At the time of transfer of the records, the parent or adult student may receive a copy of the records at his/her expense if requested and shall have an opportunity to challenge the contents of the records.

Updating Student Records

Please notify the school office of any changes in your home or work phone numbers, address, or emergency contact persons. This accurate emergency information data is kept on each child. It is imperative for the welfare of your child that the office has current and accurate information. We must be able to contact you or an alternate person in case your child becomes ill or is injured at school.

Report Cards/Progress Reports

To keep parents informed about their child's progress in school, report cards are given at conference time in November, then sent home in March and the end of the school year. Grades can also be accessed online at Family Access .

Child Custody

In cases related to child custody, the school will respond consistent with statutes, court orders and the best interest of the student. In all cases involving contentions between parents and guardians for custody, the school will maintain a position of neutrality.

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Prevention

Our school is committed to providing a safe and civil educational environment for all students, staff, volunteers and patrons—one that is free from harassment, intimidation and bullying. All members of our community are protected from harassment on the basis of race, sex, religion, natural origin and disability. Policy 3207

Harassment is any unwelcome and unwanted behavior that interferes with a student’s privacy or makes them feel uncomfortable. If someone persists in a behavior even after they have been requested to stop, or if this behavior results in a student wanting to stay away from school, it is harassment/bullying and is against the law.

Harassing or bullying behavior is the intentional written, verbal or physical act that:

· Physically harms a person or damages their property

· Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education

· Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment, or

· Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Examples of inappropriate behaviors which will be considered harassment and bullying include:

· Using derogatory terms for a person

· Leaving others out of a game (exclusion)

· Intentionally hurting someone physically or verbally

· Spreading rumors

· Inappropriately touching another person

· Making unwanted remarks, gestures or jokes

If a student feels they are being harassed/bullied, they should either:

1) Tell the harasser/bully to stop. This may be difficult.

2) If the student feels uncomfortable or unsafe confronting the bully, they should tell an adult, teacher, counselor, and/or parent

If the situation is not resolved or retaliation occurs, the complaint will be forwarded to the principal for administrative action. Harassment or bullying of any time will result in consequences, depending on the severity of the offense (s).

Complaints of harassment/bullying will be promptly investigated, and immediate action will be taken to resolve complaints.

Positive Behavior Expectations 

Discipline System 

The foundation of our discipline plan is based on decision making and accepting responsibility for our actions. Generally, consequences are determined by the frequency and severity of the student's actions and should be appropriate to the nature of the behavior. Our student management policy is sequential in nature.

1) Everyone is expected to do his or her best at all times.

2) Behaviors and actions that help students grow and mature are encourage, taught, and practiced. 

3) Behaviors or actions that interfere with the growth and safety of others will not be tolerated. 

4) Major problem behaviors will be dealt with promptly by the staff member and/or the principal

Major Behavior Problems

The following actions constitute major problem behaviors and will be handled by our administrative team. Abusive and obscene language such as profanity towards teacher or peers, vulgar words, racial slurs, remarks about the physical appearance of another member of the community. Fighting and physical aggression including throwing objects at another person, slapping, hitting, or punching, kicking or dangerous behavior to self. Harassment and bullying including peeking in bathroom stalls, ongoing intimidation, cyberbullying, gossip which results in violence. Property damage such as vandalism which ruins school property, tagging or graffiti, inappropriate use of bathrooms. Theft, weapons, drugs, and alcohol. 

PLEASE NOTE the following behaviors require an in-person parent conference before a child returns to class - leaving campus in defiance of a staff member, intentionally causing physical harm to another student or staff member, or using racial slurs or vulgar language.

Technology Use

Today’s world and tomorrow’s jobs require a high level of proficiency with technology. To this end, the voters of the Auburn School District passed a Technology Bond to provide for the inclusion of technology in instruction. Teachers regularly use technology to enhance their teaching and the students’ learning. Students are provided experiences with technology in a number of ways including, but not limited to, internet resources, typing programs, math and reading development sites, coding, and encyclopedia resources. Students are introduced to technology as it is developmentally appropriate. Teachers provide instruction on Digital Citizenship, and students are held to a high standard when it comes to using technology responsibly. More specific information will be coming home the first month of school regarding technology.

Social Emotional Learning Program 

The staff at Ilalko understands that we are supporting the development of both academic and social skills.  We have implemented a school-wide program for teaching students important social emotional skills that promote learning and success with peers.

Grade level teachers use the Second Step program and each grade level will engage in at least one lesson during the week.

Topics address in Second Step include: 

• Empathy and skills for Learning— What does it look like to show respect and focus attention? How can we use positive self-talk?  What does it look like and sound like to be assertive? 

• Emotion Management— How can we manage strong emotions like anger or sadness? What steps can we take when we feel anxious or frustrated?

• Problem Solving— What is the difference between a big problem and small problem? How can we make a plan to solve our problems? How do we respond is someone who is being unfair on the playground or leaving us out?

For more information about the Second Step lessons you can contact your child’s teacher or the school counselor, Mrs. Kaela Church, kchurch@auburn.wednet.edu

Covid Precautions 

As we have done since the pandemic began, we will follow the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) guidelines. We acknowledge that the pandemic is not over. We are committed to student and staff safety. We will closely monitor any updated guidance. Please continue to watch for communication from our Superintendent, Dr. Spicciati. 

Family Communications

Classroom Communication
Every classroom will share their plan for communicating with families via classroom newsletter, regular emails, or classroom websites.

Skyward Family Access  
Parents can access student learning progress reports through family access, this is also where you can update your communication preferences, contact information, add money to your child's meal account and access district communications.

Monthly School Newsletter
Each month the school will send out a family newsletter including upcoming events, deadlines, celebrations and other school news. 

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Each November we hold parent-teacher conferences to review progress and goals for the year. Additional conferences may be held such as 504 plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings as needed on a case by case basis. 

PTA - Join the Pack 

The Ilalko Parent Teacher Association welcomes you!

The Ilalko Elementary School PTA is where adults and children have fun learning and growing together while creating and improving educational opportunities.

Whether you are a parent with children attending Ilalko Elementary, a staff member who wants to connect more, or if you care about children and education, PTA is for you! Our children are our most precious resource. 

Transportation

Traffic Flow

Our parking lot is large and can be very busy at various times of the day. If you drive your student to school, please follow the signs and staff directing traffic for student pick-up/drop-off for the safety of all students. 

Do not park in the bus zone or drop-off/Pick-up your student in the bus zone. The designated drop-off/pick-up zone is in the front of the building.

Please DO NOT PARK on Orvatez Place SE, along the fire lanes, or in the bus parking. 

Doing so clogs the driveway making it nearly impossible for our bus drivers to bring the busses into their place in the bus zone. We also MUST ensure access for emergency vehicles. 

Parent Drop-Off and Pick Up Zone

• Students will stay on the sidewalk behind the flag pole until an adult can cross the drop-off zone with him/her. 

• Students should remain in vehicles until your vehicle is past the crosswalk. This ensures all vehicles are forced to pull forward. 

• Parents, please park in the lot if business is to be conducted in the building. Please do not leave vehicles unattended in the drop-off areas

• Parents should encourage students to enter and exit the vehicle quickly on the driver's side to allow the flow of traffic to continue.

• Students are NOT to cross the street alone into the parking area at any time of the day! No exceptions!

Bus Routes

Bus route information can be found at the main office of Ilalko Elementary or may be accessed online at http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/Transportation/FindSchool_Bus.html

Bus Behavior

 The school bus driver has complete responsibility and authority while children are on the bus. Bus rules for the school district are in this packet. Bus slips will be issued to students who misbehave on the bus. The slip will go to the principal who may take one or more of the following actions: talk with the child; talk with the child and contact parent; contact the parent; remove the child from the bus for one or more days; remove the child from the bus for the remainder of the school year.

Transportation Changes

Every child must bring a written note to school if there is a change in how or where he/she is to go after school. If your child does not have a note we will insist that he/she follow his/her normal after school procedure. PLEASE REPORT ALL TRANSPORTATION CHANGES TO THE OFFICE BY 2:45 or at LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY.