Linntown Intermediate School Student Handbook

Contact Information

School Telephone Numbers

Linntown Elementary School/Main Office 570-522-3256

Health Suite 570-523-3220  ext. 3005

School Counselor      570-523-3220  ext. 3010

The main office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. daily.   

Attendance Procedures

Daily attendance is an integral part of academic success for every student at Linntown.  To foster learning and achievement we encourage daily attendance.  

You may report a child's absence in one of two ways: 

1. Send an email to lnattendance@dragon.k12.pa.us

2. Call the Linntown attendance line at 570-522-3334

In the case of student absence from school, parents will receive an automated message at approximately 9:30 a.m. to notify them that their child is not in school.  Upon receiving the notification, a parent should email lnattendance@dragon.k12.pa.us or call 570-522-3334 to confirm the absence. We encourage you to use this process, as it is a convenience to you and to our efforts to keep accurate attendance records.

An absence note can be emailed to lnattendance@dragon.k12.pa.us or sent to school up to three days after the last day of the absence. After the third day following their absence, the day(s) of absence will be declared unexcused or illegal.  Students with more than ten days of absence will need to obtain a note from a medical professional in order for the absences to be excused.

District Telephone Numbers

Transportation                     570-374-5280 (Adam Transportation)

  570-522-3202 (District Office)

Food Service 570-523-3220  ext. 1021

Central Office/Main Office 570-522-3205

Email Addresses

To contact a staff member via e-mail, use the following address:

last name_first initial@lasd.us

For example: wetzel_e@lasd.us will reach the Principal, Mr. Wetzel

Health Suite

First aid and medical care provided by the school nurse are primarily for illnesses or injuries that occur during the school day. The nurse by law may not diagnose, prescribe treatment or administer medication without a doctor’s order. The nurse also assists in programs for health maintenance and the prevention and control of disease.

Screenings: Every student at Linntown Intermediate School will have height, weight, and vision screenings completed each year. In addition, all students will have their BMI (body, mass, index) calculated according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations. If you have any questions concerning BMI, you may call the school nurse where your student attends school. For additional information you may also review the Centers for Disease Control website concerning BMI at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/index.htm. Maintaining a healthy weight is an important step toward promoting a healthy lifestyle. If a student’s parent/guardian(s) is opposed to the health screening, please notify the school nurse in writing. The student’s parent(s) will be informed of any abnormal results of the vision and hearing screenings.

Illness: Please keep your child home if he or she has an elevated temperature of 100 degrees or above, is vomiting, is having diarrhea in the last 12 to 24 hours or has a contagious health condition. If your child has a contagious health condition, please call the school nurse to make her aware of your child’s condition. When excluded by the school nurse for a possible contagious condition, a physicians’ note is required for re-entry.

Emergency Forms: Please complete your child’s emergency form at the beginning of the year and return it promptly. Contact the office with any address, phone number and work place changes. Include three LOCAL emergency contacts on this form.

Health Update Forms: Please complete your child’s health update form through PowerSchool. This information will be kept confidential. The information will be shared only with your permission on a need-to-know basis. Mark your choices of “as needed” medications (see below) in PowerSchool. This will permit the school nurses/personnel to treat your child with medication if symptoms arise during the school day.

Medications: (LASD Policy and #210 and #210AG):

It is requested that parents make every effort to administer medications at home either before or after school to minimize classroom interruptions. Please talk to your physician about medication dosing schedules.

The school district will be stocking several over the counter medications in the health suites. They are listed on the health update form. These medications cannot be administered unless written permission is received on the health update form. These medications are not intended for continuous, frequent use and will be administered at the discretion of the school nurse or school personnel.

All medication, prescription and over-the-counter, must be brought to school BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN in the original container.  For prescription medications, pharmacists will provide two original containers at your request.  Medication in plastic bags, envelopes, or other unlabeled containers will NOT be accepted. If your child needs to take another medication, please complete a medication authorization form.

All medication, prescription and over-the-counter, needs the prescribing physician’s complete order and signature. (This does not include medications stocked by the school district.)

Only a written request signed by the parent/guardian accompanied by a medication order from a licensed prescriber containing the following will be accepted:

a. Date.

b. Child’s name.

c. Diagnosis.

d. Name of the medication.

e. Route and dosage of the medication.

f. Required administration time and frequency.

g. Termination date for administration of the medication.

h. Listing of all other medication being taken at present, both prescription and nonprescription.

i. Any restrictions on school activities.

j. Any particular condition or circumstances relating to this patient that should cause the school nurse not to administer the medication.

k. Any particular side effects relating to this patient that the school nurse and any school personnel should make special effort to inquire about or observe.

l. Physician’s phone number.

m. Physician’s signature.

The initial dosage of the medication shall have been administered either at the student’s home, the physician’s office, or the hospital, except in the case of an emergency. In the case of an emergency, the initial dosage may be administered in school. Initial dosage refers to the first dosage administered from the prescription.

A fax copy will be accepted when faxed directly from the prescribing physician’s office. Our fax number is 570-522-3330.

Asthma Inhalers (LASD Policy #210.2):

Students may possess asthma inhalers and self-administer the prescribed medication used to treat asthma with proper authorization. A parent/guardian must contact the school nurse to obtain the form and procedure required to obtain authorization.

Clothing: The Health Suite has a limited supply of clothing for use to replace soiled clothing until the child can get home. These loaned clothes must be laundered and returned to the school. Please contact the nurse if you are able to donate new or lightly used clothing, new underwear and new socks.

Please contact our school nurse about any health concerns. The health suite phone number is 570- 523-3220 ext. 3005. We also have available Children’s Health Insurance Program or CHIP forms in the nurse’s office if you need health insurance for your child.

The School Day

Office Hours 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Students May Enter Building 8:15 AM

Student Day 8:45 AM - 3:22 PM (Students arriving after 8:45 are marked as tardy)

Parent Pick-Up/Walker Dismissal 3:22 PM

Bus Dismissal Begins 3:25 PM

The school year operates on a six-day cycle. This allows us to schedule meetings and classes such as art, music, physical education, and library. You will receive information from your child’s teacher regarding the cycle days on which art, music, physical education, and library are scheduled.

AM Arrival of Students Being Dropped Off

Parents who drive their children to school may drop them off on the west side of the building (door #1) between 8:15 AM and 8:45 AM. A single-line procedure is used and only students should exit the car at drop-off. Parents, who wish to escort their child to the drop-off area or help their child carry items, should park their car and walk the child to the entrance using the crosswalk. If you are entering the building with your child, park in a designated visitor parking space and proceed to the west entrance of the building to sign in.  Students arriving from 8:15-8:45 AM will drop their belongings off in their classroom and then go to the playground unless they are eating school breakfast.  If the weather does not permit the students to go outside during this time then an indoor location will be designated for the students to wait until the school day begins at 8:45 AM.

PM Pick-Up of Students

Dismissal of students begins at 3:22 PM. Students riding buses will exit from the north side of the building in front of the school.  Walkers and students being picked up by parents will exit through the west door (door #1).  Parents picking up their child must follow the traffic pattern as directed by the Linntown Staff.  Parents must remain in their vehicles when picking up their children.  Parking in the parking lot and walking over to get your child creates a safety hazard.  Picking up students at 19th and Adams Avenue or in the parking lot across from the school is prohibited.

Student Code of Conduct

Guiding Principles 

The Linntown School rules are designed to promote belonging, define limits, develop responsible behaviors, develop skills in conflict resolution and decision-making, and to support instruction.  The goal is to provide students with an appropriate learning climate, as well as the tools for successful living both as children and later as adults.  The principles guiding our rules are these three beliefs:

1.  All students and staff have a right to a safe, peaceful and healthful learning environment.

2. All students have the right to learn and all teachers have the right to teach.

3. Students and staff will be respectful of one another and school and individual property.

Commendations

A variety of opportunities exist to recognize students whose behaviors are commendable.  Some of the opportunities may be classroom/teacher specific while others are school wide.  Examples of these opportunities include:  positive comments on report cards, positive comments/correspondence from staff to students regarding behavior, classroom/teacher programs, awards assembly, and other special privileges.

Four School-Wide-Rules

The four school-wide-rules listed below will be expected and enforced in all areas of the school classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, buses, etc., and posted throughout the school.  The staff will review and train students at the beginning of each school year.  Immediate and ongoing re-teaching opportunities will be provided for all students to assure that they can successfully exhibit expected behaviors.  Additional trainings will be provided to address any new situations and/or procedural changes.

1.  Be Responsible

2. Be Kind

3. Be Safe

4. Be a Learner

Additional Behavior Guidelines

• Report to school on time.

• Always follow the school-wide rules.

• Leave all toys and trading cards at home, unless otherwise instructed by a teacher for a special purpose.

• Maintain self control at all times.

• Make arrangements with parents in advance for after-school activities.

• Plan ahead for home visits with other children.

• Be responsible for books, workbooks, school issued technology, student agendas, musical instruments.

• Take school notices home immediately.

• Set aside a consistently scheduled block of time for home study.

• Refrain from chewing gum in the building.

Re-teaching and Behavioral Intervention

1.  Re-teaching – Students will be participating in re-teaching sessions regularly to assist them in demonstrating their understanding of school and classroom rules and procedures.  These re-teaching sessions will occur in a variety of ways.  A teacher may request re-teaching immediately when a difficulty arises.  Students may be asked to attend a re-teaching session in the morning, at lunch, at recess, or after school.  The decision to retrain the student immediately or at a delayed re-teaching session is left to the discretion of the intervening teacher.  After utilizing problem-solving papers, notices of concern, or other interventions, it is possible that after school re-teaching sessions will be scheduled.  The school works with the student and their family to plan and schedule these re-teachings.

2.  Behavioral Intervention – Behavioral interventions used with a student will be documented and logged in our Linntown discipline records. Inappropriate behaviors will be addressed with re-teaching opportunities and, if necessary, consequences.  The consequence will be directly related to the behavior and it will provide an additional learning opportunity for the student.  While the approach to discipline at Linntown is progressive, the level system is not a hierarchy, and entrance is permitted at any level, depending upon the behavior and severity.  It is important to note that disciplinary actions that fall under LASD school policies carry specific disciplinary sanctions.

The specific intervention or interventions will be determined by the classroom teacher and/or the principal and decisions will be made on an individual basis.  All federal and state guidelines regarding students who are identified and/or protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act will be followed.  Certain behaviors are also subject to federal and state laws as well as District policies, therefore, when addressing these behaviors, district policies and state and federal laws will supersede this document.  Copies of all LASD policies are available in the school office or on the school website (www.lasd.us)

The Board prohibits possession of weapons, weapon look-alikes and/or replicas of weapons in any school district building; on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, event, or function regardless of location; in any public conveyance providing transportation to or from school or a school-sponsored activity, event, or function; or while the student is coming to or from school. 

Working Together

You can help your child and support the school by encouraging good health habits and sufficient rest; by building a positive attitude toward school and the teacher; by providing learning materials and experiences; and by creating an interest in reading a variety of literature.  If you have any criticism of the school or the teacher, please do not discuss it in the presence of your child(ren).  Come to the school to discuss the situation with the teacher or contact the teacher directly.  By maintaining open lines of communication we can develop a greater understanding and appreciation for any given situation.  By working together cooperatively, we can resolve any situation that may occur.

Playground Rules

 The following rules are an overview of what is expected on the playground.  In addition, weather situations and/or overall group conduct may also warrant additions and/or changes in the following guidelines.  When this occurs, students will be informed by their classroom teachers regarding behavioral expectations, and training will occur.

1.   Follow all school rules.

2.  Stay within designated boundary areas.

a. Stay outside until recess ends.  You may not return to the building during recess.

b. Ask permission to retrieve equipment that is out of designated boundary areas.

c. Soccer games, football games, kickball games need to be organized and under   

         control.  Most games should be played on the grass field.

3.   Use all equipment appropriately.

Swings

a. One person sitting down

b. Swing only forward and backward, pushing yourself

c. Share the swing after counting 50 full swings

Slides

a. Sit down facing front

b. Go down the slides only

c. Sliding board must be clear before you slide

 d.      The tops of all equipment are off-limits.

 e.      When the signal is given to end the recess, line up quickly and quietly.  All balls   

          should be returned to the ball cart.

The consequences for breaking recess rules are:

1.           First offense – Warning/Re-teaching

2.          Second offense - Time-out from recess.

3.          Third offense – Written notice to classroom teacher, parent is notified and a consequence will follow such as:

· missing recess

· restricted play to a specified area

· others that may be determined by classroom teacher and recess  

  staff.

If the behavior is severe, a student may be sent to the principal.

All students must go out for recess unless re-teaching is occurring, a teacher is working with the student, students are completing missed assignments, or an excuse has been received.  When weather necessitates, recess will be held indoors.

Linntown students do go out during the winter months. Students need to come to school with appropriate outside attire including jackets, hats, and gloves.  As a general rule, shorts are acceptable during the 1st and 4th marking periods, but should not be worn during the 2nd and 3rd marking periods during cold weather.  This announcement will be made by the building principal each year according to his/her discretion based on weather conditions.  Students must also have appropriate clothing in order to be granted permission to play in the snow during recess.  Snow boots and pants along with a coat are considered appropriate clothing.

DRESS AND GROOMING - POLICY (#225)

The School Board has recognized that dress and grooming are the manifestation of personal style and individual preference.  Therefore, the Policy statement on the subject reads:  “The board grants to each student and/or his/her parents/guardian, the privilege of choosing his/her own style of dress and grooming so long as it does not cause a health or safety problem for themselves or others, does not disrupt school operations, and complies with the following guidelines.”

1. Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, applied technology classes, extra-curricular activities, or other situations where special attire is needed.

2. Students have the responsibility to keep themselves, their clothes, and their hair clean.

3. Students must at all times wear shoes, and wear garments that adequately cover the torso and are at least mid-thigh length.

4. Shorts/Bare Legs (capris, skirts without tights, etc) are not permitted during the second and third marking periods, unless permission is granted by the principal. Announcements will be made when shorts should no longer be worn and when they are permitted again.

Students may not wear:

1. Chains other than necklaces.

2. Hats or any type of full head covering inside the school buildings.

3. Tank tops or camisoles with straps less than one inch wide

4. Clothing that:

• Is gang-related.

• Insufficiently conceals undergarments.  

• Displays or suggests inappropriate messages or symbols, including but not limited to messages and symbols referring to tobacco, drug or alcohol advertisement, any substance prohibited on school property, profane language, vulgar statements, satanic or hate messages or symbols, religious, ethnic, sexual, or racial intolerance, and death, suicide or violence.

When, in the judgment of the principal, students are in violation of these guidelines, they will be encouraged to comply with a request to dress appropriately.  If compliance is not forthcoming, a parent conference will be held.  Should the situation not be remedied, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken to ensure the right of others to a quality educational program.

Cafeteria Information

The lunch program makes available a school lunch for students, or students can bring their own lunch from home. Milk may be purchased separately. 

Elementary Student: Breakfast Free and Lunch ($3.85)

Reduced Meal Prices: Breakfast Free and Lunch ($0.40)

Students have an account in the point of sale system in the cafeteria, and their account number is their six-digit student ID number. Parents can add money to their student’s account by sending cash or a check to school made out to “LASD Cafeteria”, or online through the www.ezschoolpay.com website. There is a transaction fee for online payments. Parents can use EZ School Pay to add funds, track purchases, and set low balance reminders for their student’s account.

Parents who believe their students should receive free or reduced price meals must apply each year online at www.ezmealapp.com to obtain free or reduced price meals.

If a student is in debt, they may not charge any ala carte items to their account, such as an extra milk or a snack. Parents should make a payment as soon as possible if their student owes money to their lunch account. Parents are encouraged to read school board policy #808 regarding lunch account debt, and make timely payments to keep their student’s lunch account balance positive. If a student has a low balance or owes money, reminders will be sent by email, postal mail, and or telephone calls.

Lunch prices can be found online at www.lasd.us, clicking the “Food Service” button, and then clicking the “Menus” heading.

Transportation Information

Bus routes and schedules are provided to all families whose students ride the district buses. Safe school transportation is considered an integral part of the total educational program. Riding a school bus is a PRIVILEGE contingent upon proper and courteous conduct. We recognize that safe school bus operation is only possible with the full cooperation of our parents, students and school staff. Students must get on and off the bus at their assigned stop. If for child-care or emergency reasons, a child needs to get on or off at another stop or ride another bus, the school must be provided with a written notice from the parent/guardian. This notice must be approved by the administration.

All students who ride a bus are required to go home on their assigned bus. If a student is leaving school in any other manner than normally assigned, please send an explanatory note with your child to present to the homeroom teacher who will forward this note to the main office. Please DO NOT E-MAIL as we may not receive the information. If you must make changes in transportation after the school day has begun, please call the office (570-522-3256).

If a student will be riding a bus other than his/her assigned bus to a child-care provider, an Alternative Transportation Form must be completed and approved by the Business Office. These forms are available at the school office.

The school district uses cameras at certain areas of the building for security purposes. Rohrer Bus Service also has video cameras with audio capabilities placed on school buses. The actions recorded by these devices may be used in disciplinary procedures (Policy #810).

Bus Conduct Rules

Students who ride the bus are expected to:

· Stay in their seats while the bus is in motion

· Speak in low voices, using NO profanity

· Refrain from throwing objects

· Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus

· Keep hands and feet to themselves

· Cooperate with the bus driver

· Act in a respectful manner

· Not eat or drink on the bus

Lack of self-control in following the bus riding procedures may result in a discipline report being filled by the bus driver with the principal. Consequences for bus disciplinary referrals may include conference with the principal, reteaching expected behavior, loss of school privilege, parent contact, loss of bus privilege, or other corrective action.

Alternative Bus Transportation

The school board has established special busing arrangements to alternative caretakers for children with working parents. Alternative-transportation forms, available at the Linntown School Main Office, must be completed and returned to the Director of Administrative Services at Central Office. Please refer to Policy 810: Transportation for specific procedures related to student transportation.

If you are requesting that your child ride a different bus, or that he or she ride the same bus but get off at a different bus stop for one day, the office must have a note from the parent stating the following:

· child’s name

· teacher’s name

· date

· bus number child is to ride and the exact stop at which child is to get off

Leaving a phone message does not guarantee that alternative transportation is in place.

Programs & Curriculum

Reading/English Language Arts

Our standards aligned curriculum focuses on students learning decoding, encoding and fluency skills while they build vocabulary for more complex texts and authentic literature.  Students will read and respond to works of literature with an emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and between texts with a focus on textual evidence.  Teachers use a mixture of fiction and non-fiction texts for read alouds, guided reading and independent reading.

Spelling instruction focuses on high frequency words, regular and irregular spelling patterns and frequently misspelled words.  Writing skills are incorporated into our literacy program so students progress from basic mechanics of writing to writing narratives, informational texts and opinion pieces to writing longer, more structured pieces.  Students will learn to write for different purposes and audiences with an emphasis on writing a clear and focused text to convey a well-defined perspective and appropriate content.

Mathematics

Our standards aligned curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems.  Teachers blend direct instruction, structured investigation and open exploration.  The curriculum taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is linguistically, visually and kinesthetically rich.  Seeing, touching and sketching ideas are strategies used to create pictures in the mind’s eye, helping learners construct, understand and apply mathematical ideas.  Our curriculum incorporates increasingly complex visual models,  including the Number Line and Array models, in a coherent framework across the curriculum.

Teachers use manipulatives, games/activities, word resource cards and daily practice activities called Number Corner.  The Number Corner features short daily exercises that introduce, reinforce and extend skills and concepts related to the critical areas of study at each grade level.  New pieces are added to that each day, providing starting points for discussions, problem solving and short written exercises.  Students work on skills including estimation and counting, place value, measurement and time, using data, number sense, computational fluency, graphing, fractions, decimals, geometry and algebraic reasoning.

Social Studies

Our standards aligned curriculum includes geography, economics, history and civics.  In 4th grade students learn mapping skills and Pennsylvania geography, Pennsylvania History (up until 1824) and Pennsylvania state government and economics.  In 5th grade students learn about ancient civilizations, explorers, early America/colonization, the American Revolution, United States government and citizenship and current events.

Science

Our standards aligned curriculum focuses on energy, analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations and designing solutions, planning and carrying out investigations, information processing, natural resources, coding,  ecosystems, soils, rocks, landforms, embryology, maturation, magnification and force and motion.

Homework

Homework is assigned on a regular basis, and generally is to be about 10 minutes per grade level per night. For example, a fourth grade student can be expected to complete about 40 minutes of homework per night. Homework provides reinforcement of concepts, practice of skills, and study discipline. Done with care and diligence, it is an important ingredient for success in school. Therefore, students are required to complete and hand-in all assignments.

Although parents usually assist or monitor homework, the main responsibility for completing homework rests with the child. In the absence of self-discipline, the parent/guardian needs to structure the homework time.

Consider these suggestions:

1. Have your child carry an assignment notebook to record assignments.

2. Identify a quiet place for study in your home.

3. Identify a time for daily study.

4. If your child says there are no written assignments, create a study routine.

5. Stress the importance of ongoing review and avoiding the tendency to study only right before the test.

6. Monitor the assignment log and help your child make good decisions about his/her study time.        

If a child is absent they should check their teacher's Canvas page for any homework or activities that were missed.

Art

The art program at Linntown Elementary is process oriented. Children experience a variety of media, learning new skills and building on previously learned techniques. Art appreciation is taught through looking at art, talking about art and studying various artists and cultures throughout time. The art program grows each year through this multimedia approach to creativity and problem solving.

It is strongly recommended that your child wear older clothes on art days. Although paint shirts are available, accidents do happen. Most stains are removable if they are pretreated and then laundered.

Most artwork is kept in portfolios until the annual art show in the spring. Your child’s best work is then selected for display. Other works are kept in the portfolio as a means of assessment.

You can help encourage your child’s interest in art by providing art materials at home. If the family vacation includes a trip to a city with a museum, stop in and visit! You’ll be surprised at how much your child can teach you about art!

Library/Media Center

The Library/Media Center is open during most school hours. Children are scheduled for a class visit once each cycle for story time and instruction, but are encouraged to visit the library frequently.

Books may be signed out for one cycle and are due on or before the following library class. Items may be renewed up to three times at the discretion of the librarian.

Students may borrow three books at a time. These books must be returned before borrowing another.

Overdue notices will be sent home every week and parents will be notified by phone or mail if materials are extremely overdue.

Music

At Linntown, students take part in a variety of activities in music class. These are designed to help your child develop musical skills and to know and appreciate many different styles of music. Singing activities include songs from our American folk tradition, songs from many different parts of the world, and songs that are part of musical programs in which your child takes part. Your child will listen to music written in many styles and become familiar with many kinds of performing groups. In addition, time is spent playing simple instruments and discovering basic concepts about how music is put together. Outside of the general music classroom, Linntown students have the opportunity to participate in chorus, orchestra, and band. Concerts are usually held in the winter and spring according to performance ensemble and grade level.You can reinforce what your child is learning in school in several ways. You can listen to music together, attend community concerts, and encourage your child to take part in school performing groups. Ask your child about some of the music class activities. In this way, music can be extended into your home. 

Physical Education

The Physical Education program at Linntown is designed to offer students the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities. These activities help develop motor skill performance as well as individual fitness levels. Childhood obesity is an epidemic in today’s society and our physical education curriculum includes numerous games and activities that incorporate fitness. Students will be engaged in physical activities that are developmentally appropriate and develop health. In addition, our program is designed to help students develop an appreciation for activity and games. You may continue to foster this development by playing games and doing family activities at home.  Encourage your child to wear comfortable play clothes and sneakers for class.

Student Progress and Conferences

Student progress will be reported to parents by two methods. The first report (45 days) will consist of parent-teacher conferences. Students’ progress will be discussed and parents will receive a copy of the report card. The teacher will notify you of the day and time of the conference. For the second report (90 days), the third report (135 days), and the fourth report (180 days) a report card will be sent home. An optional conference can be scheduled at the end of the third quarter (135 days) at the parent’s or teacher’s request.

Teachers will contact parents if they are concerned about academic, behavioral, or physical health needs of the student. Likewise, parents should contact the teacher if they have a concern. It is only through open communication and the cooperation of home and school that your child will receive the education that best meets his/her present and future needs.

Additional Services

The following services are available for students who qualify:

Reading/Math Support: Support provided to learners who will benefit from additional, intensive reading or math instruction. Specifically designed instruction provides students with appropriate instruction in areas they are experiencing difficulties. Students qualify for this service using the STAR assessments and other benchmark screenings.

Learning Support: Individualized educational support provided to learners eligible for special education with modifications or adaptations made in the curriculum as per the IEP.

Adaptive Physical Education: Adaptive physical education will be offered to students who are referred based on information from the physical education teachers, classroom teachers, and the learning and/or academic intervention teams.

Speech: Articulation or language composition support provided to eligible learners.

English Language Learners (ELL): Program differentiation provided to learners whose primary language is one other than English. Students are screened for these needs as they complete a home language survey at the time of enrollment, as required by law.

Gifted Support: specially designed instruction and programming supports provided to learners who are eligible for gifted identification.

School Counseling

The guidance department is an important part of Linntown Elementary. The school counselor supports students and staff by collaborating with grade level teams, serving as a member of the Crisis Response Team(s), screening students for the gifted program as well as working with students 1-1, in small groups and also through scheduled classroom lessons.

The role of the school counselor includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Support emotional awareness

• Support positive peer and adult relationships

• Support conflict resolution skills

• Support self-esteem and confidence

• Support family engagement in academic and social/emotional growth

• Support students who are experiencing life transitions such as: parental separation/divorce, deployment, loss of a loved one, incarceration, relocation, etc.

• Provide support, consultation and resources to families in need

We encourage families to share information regarding their child(ren) with the school counselor Evelyn Hornberger via phone #570-522-3220 ext. 3010 or email hornberger_e@lasd.us.

School Social Work

The Lewisburg Area School District contracts with local social workers to provide direct services to our students and behavioral consultation on their behalf. At Linntown Elementary, we have a school social worker collaborating with our building staff and students throughout the academic year.

The school social worker supports our building in the following ways:

• Providing individual and group counseling as a related service to students qualifying for special education.

• Serving on committees that support behavioral and emotional performance of all students.

• Assisting the school psychologist with Functional Behavioral Assessments and classroom observations during times of student evaluation.

• Consulting with teachers, administration, parents and staff who have data to indicate that a student (or students) is/are struggling.

• Contributing to staff development/training in the areas of mental health, suicide prevention, social and emotional learning, behavioral management, crisis response, equity and school climate.

• Facilitating social skills groups (such as, conflict resolution and team building) for students with targeted need areas and their regular education classmates.

• Providing resources and support to parents.

In the above roles, our social worker partners often with our school counselor, teachers and principal to utilize a team approach for students who need support. The intended outcome of social work intervention is for all students (including the most vulnerable) to experience a sense of love, belonging and meaningful connection during their elementary years.

Contact information for the school social worker is: Amanda Kling

Schoolwide Positive Behavior Program

At Linntown Elementary, PBIS principles are used to teach, recognize and praise the behaviors we expect to see from our students.  Additionally, behavioral data is used to identify and support students with emotional or behavioral needs.  This framework allows for all students to receive the supports they need to be successful in school.

School Wide Behavioral Expectations:

1.     Be Responsible

2.     Be Kind

3.     Be Safe

4.     Be a Learner

The four school-wide-rules listed will be expected and enforced in all areas of the school classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, buses, etc., and posted throughout the school.  The staff will review and train students at the beginning of each school year.  Immediate and ongoing re-teaching opportunities will be provided for all students to assure that they can successfully exhibit expected behaviors.  Additional trainings will be provided to address any new situations and/or procedural changes.

Staff members will reinforce and praise positive behaviors that are displayed by the students.  Staff members will also give Thrifty Thread vouchers to students for following the school wide behavioral expectations.  Students will be able to visit the Thrifty Thread store to redeem their vouchers for items of their choice on the designated days.

Collecting Behavioral Data: Referrals and Supports

Even with clear expectations and positive reinforcement, sometimes children will show behavioral need. To address inappropriate behavior, an Office Disciplinary Referral (ODR) system has been implemented.

Classroom Managed Behaviors are concerns that are minimally disruptive to the learning environment and are handled by the teacher.

Major ODRs will be used to document issues that can pose a safety concern, damage property, or blatantly violate the respect or rights of others. A major ODR may also be completed if classroom managed behaviors occur frequently or repeatedly (so that disruptions are no longer minimal). Parents/Guardians will receive notice if a child has received a Major ODR.  When a child receives numerous ODRs, a team consisting of the teacher(s) for the student, the principal, social worker and school counselor will meet to create a behavior intervention plan, which may include services, such as skill building and conflict resolution groups. These services would be available to all students with demonstrated needs, to support skill and relationship development with their same-age classroom peers.

Social and Emotional Learning
The Lewisburg Area School District has purchased the Second Step program, which provides primary students sequenced lessons on topics about understanding their emotions, developing social and problem-solving skills, and building empathy. Each teacher has materials to support biweekly 2nd step lessons at each grade level. Supplemental materials for anti-bullying and emotional regulation themes are also available to Linntown students.

Social and emotional education is provided to all students to build student skills and create community of caring throughout our building. Research shows universal, classroom-based SEL programs for children have benefits academically, socially, and over the long term. For more information about the 2nd step program, please visit: www.secondstep.org

English Language Learners

The Lewisburg Area School District provides an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for all students who qualify.

If you need information translated in your native language, please contact Michael Jones at the Lewisburg Area School District Central Office at 570-523-3220.

El Distrito Escolar del Área de Lewisburg ofrece un programa de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL) para todos los estudiantes que califican.

Si necesita información traducida a su idioma nativo, comuníquese con Michael Jones en la Oficina Central del Distrito Escolar del Área de Lewisburg al 570-523-3220.

توفر منطقة منطقة لويسبورغ التعليمية برنامج اللغة الإنجليزية كلغة ثانية (ESL) لجميع

الطلاب المؤهلين.

إذا كنت بحاجة إلى معلومات مترجمة بلغتك الأم ، فيرجى الاتصال بـ Michael Jones

في المكتب المركزي لمقاطعة لويسبورغ في 570-523-3220.

Школьный округ Льюисбургской области предоставляет программу «Английский как второй язык» (ESL) для всех учащихся, которые соответствуют требованиям.

Если вам нужна информация, переведенная на ваш родной язык, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с Майклом Джонсом в центральном офисе школьного округа округа Льюисбург по телефону 570-523-3220.

Lewisburg地區學區為所有符合資格的學生提供英語作為第二語言（ESL）課程。

如果您需要以您的母語翻譯的信息，請聯繫Lewisburg地區學區中心辦公室的Michael Jones，電話：570-523-3220。

Other Information

Communication with Teachers
Parents are encouraged to contact teachers with concerns or questions. We cannot address your concerns if we are not aware of them. The procedure is to send a note with the student requesting an appointment or to call the school office to arrange an appointment. Teachers cannot be disturbed while they are supervising children or instructing a class. Report to the office upon entering the building. A secretary will contact the teacher to see if he/she is ready for the conference. Although you may not receive an immediate response, you are also welcome to e-mail the teacher. Instructions are in the quick reference list at the front of this handbook. Please DO NOT E-MAIL teachers regarding attendance or transportation. 

If you have a concern regarding your child’s teacher, our district’s policy encourages you to first contact the teacher and work to resolve the matter. If the concern continues or you are unwilling to address the matter directly with the teacher, you may contact the building principal (LASD Policy #906).

Volunteers
There are many opportunities to volunteer at Linntown including chaperoning field trips, book fairs, and many other PSA activities. A volunteer is any individual that has direct contact with children and has the possibility of care, supervision, guidance, or control of children or routine. A visitor is any individual that has limited contact with children and is always under direct supervision of a staff member.

All volunteers are required to have the appropriate clearances on file with the district office. Please refer to the volunteer handbook for complete details (available at the Linntown office or at www.lasd.us)

The Elementary PSA realizes that paying for volunteer clearances may be a financial hardship for some. The cost of these clearances will be reimbursed by the PSA if your family qualifies for a free or reduced lunch under the National School Lunch Program and, within one school year, you volunteer for a minimum of five hours or at three events that require clearances.

To apply for reimbursement, please send the following to your building principal:

• Copies of the receipts from your clearances (PA State Police Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Criminal Background Check)

• A completed PSA reimbursement form, including the record of your volunteer hours

Documentation for reimbursement can be sent throughout the school year, but should be sent in no later than the last Friday in May. Upon approval, a check will be mailed to your residence. All information regarding your request will be kept confidential. If you have difficulty meeting these reimbursement requirements, please contact the building principal.  Classroom volunteers work under the discretion of teachers. They may also offer special skills, as needed, to enrich the classroom or school program. The utilization of the volunteer program by teachers is vital for improving the quality of education both in our schools and in our community.

The school volunteers provide the following kinds of services:

1. General help to relieve the classroom teacher or other school personnel of non-professional chores.

2. Provide special help to an individual child or to a small group of children.

3. Enrich the school curriculum in areas requiring special talents, skills or abilities.

4. Provide resource speakers for classrooms.

Volunteers MUST report to the office upon entering the building and wear a visitor badge throughout their visit at the school.

Custody
In situations where court determined custody is in effect, the school district should be given a copy of the custody order. This will enable the district to maintain its impartial and unbiased position in these matters and prevent possible disruption or embarrassment for the child. If the school has not received official court orders concerning custody, then both parents have equal rights.

Electronic Devices and Personal Items

We ask parents to not send electronic games, cell phones, or other devices to school. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to electronic devices brought to school. We also discourage students bringing personal items such as toys, trading cards, etc. to school. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to any personal item brought to school. Special show and tell opportunities may be coordinated in advance with teacher approval.

Gifts Delivered to School
The delivery of gifts, such as balloons, flowers, presents, etc. to school is discouraged. Because of the disruption of the classroom and possible problems transporting these items on a school bus, please refrain from sending gifts. If a gift is delivered to school, it will be held in the school office until dismissal and it will be the responsibility of the parent to transport the gift home.

Lost and Found

School rules indicate that students should not bring personal items to school. If students are using personal items while on the morning or afternoon bus ride, those items should remain secured in student backpacks during the school day, to prevent items from being lost in the school building.

If, in the course of the school day, students misplace clothing, books or other items that are typically needed during the school day, items will be checked for identifying marks of ownership (nametags, labels, etc.). Items that don’t have an identifiable owner will be turned into Lost and Found.

Parents may also visit Lost and Found. Lost and Found items will be on display during parent-teacher conferences and events where parents are visiting the school (e.g. Dragon Dash, Field Day). Please contact the office if you need to visit the Lost and Found at another time.  Items left in the Lost and Found after the school year has concluded will be donated to our Thrifty Threads incentive program or to charity.

Parent-Requested Early Dismissal
When your child needs to be dismissed before the 3:30 dismissal, send a note to the school stating the time you would like your child dismissed, the child’s full name, and the child’s teacher’s name. Parents should report to the office to complete a dismissal form, and the secretary will notify the teacher that you have arrived. Your child will be dismissed from the class when you arrive. Leaving a phone message, or sending an e-mail does not guarantee that the early dismissal request has been received. Parents, who are in the building and wish to take their children home early, should report to the office in order to complete sign-out procedures.

Release of Students
Children will be released to a parent or guardian who has custody of the child. Notification to the office is required when someone other than a legal parent or guardian will pick up the student.

Telephone Calls
Due to the number of students in the school, students cannot be called to the phone during the day. Parents wishing to leave telephone messages for their son or daughter should telephone (570) 522-3256 before 3:00 PM. Messages will be given to the student’s teacher from the school office. The student’s teacher will see that the student receives and understands the message. After 3:00 PM, telephone messages cannot be honored due to the dismissal procedure.  Students will not be allowed to make telephone calls from the school except in the case of an emergency.

School-Sponsored Field Trips
Each grade level at Linntown Elementary School schedules field trips for students, some of which have expenses that students incur.   District guidelines are followed for scheduling, approving, and supervising field trips. (LASD Policy #121)

Security
The school is responsible for students on school property during instructional time, during school-sponsored activities, and while they are on buses and/or school-owned vehicles. Linntown Elementary School has developed guidelines to ensure the safety of the students at Linntown during the school day and in the event of an emergency. These guidelines pertain to entering the building and dealing with various crises. Fire, tornado, and intruder drills are held throughout the year. It is our goal to maintain a safe and friendly environment for the students. We appreciate your support in this endeavor.

Entering the Building

1. Proceed to the main entrance to the building.

2. Ring the buzzer.

3. A staff member will ask your name as well as the reason for the visit.

4. You will then be buzzed in to the building.

5. You must be signed in and wear a visitor sticker or badge.

6. Show your photo ID to the office personnel upon arriving in the building, or show your photo ID if you are picking up a student.

7. Admission to the building may be denied if there is a security concern.

8. When leaving, return your visitor sticker or badge, and ask to be signed out.

Visitors to the Building

All visitors are expected to remain in the area of the building for which they have been signed in. Please refrain from visiting other areas of the building, including classrooms, without prior permission from the office and classroom teacher. These limitations are important to limit classroom disruptions and to maintain building security.

Textbooks/School Equipment
In teaching respect for property, we stress the need to care for and prolong the life of textbooks. School materials are the responsibility of each student. Books will be assigned according to a number that is recorded and maintained by the teacher. Lost or damaged textbooks will result in the student/family being billed for the book at the replacement cost. Damage to school equipment or property will also be billed at replacement cost. Parents will be notified of lost or damaged materials.

Taping or Photographing Students for Educational Purposes or Public Relations

We have the responsibility to control the educational environment, to ensure quality instructional time and protect the privacy rights of all persons. Events that can be taped or photographed include sporting events, plays, concerts, special school functions etc. Please check with the Principal and teacher for permission to tape or photograph other events. Students may be photographed during the school year for use in local newspapers, yearbooks, website, or social media site. With the exception of the yearbook, no identifying information will accompany the photos. If you do not want your child photographed or videotaped for any reason, please notify the school office in writing. (LASD POLICY #911AG)

Technology in the Curriculum

Technology in the Curriculum tools are an important part of your child’s education in the 21st Century. Teachers are utilizing a variety of websites to promote collaboration among students. During the school year, your child’s teachers may be using tools such as wikis, blogs, and other Technology in the Curriculum websites. In order to be in compliance with COPPA (the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) for students under the age of thirteen, information such as home addresses, phone numbers, or home emails will not be provided when students are creating accounts. Some sites may require a valid email address. In this case, students would use their school-assigned email addresses, which are heavily filtered and monitored. All of the sites used are ones that teachers have researched and enhance the teaching and learning process. If you wish for your child to not have access to these websites, please contact the school in writing. If you have any questions about the usage of Technology in the Curriculum tools in the classroom, please contact the building principal.

Use of Video Cameras for Disciplinary Purposes

Linntown Elementary School utilizes cameras at certain areas of the building for security purposes. Our bus service also has video cameras with audio capabilities placed on school buses. The actions recorded by these devices may be used in a disciplinary procedure.

(LASD Policy #810.2)

Crisis Plan for Linntown Elementary School

The Linntown Emergency Plan is coordinated with the District Plan and other building plans. In the event of an emergency at Linntown, the Crisis Team (consisting of the Principal (or designee), District Safety Coordinator (or designee), and Central Office Coordinator) will determine the procedures to be followed. The Crisis Team will contact appropriate outside agencies according to the district plan. The Linntown plan will be reviewed and changed as needed by the Safety Team. The plan consists of the following actions:

1. Identify immediate problem

2. Dismissal of students, staff and others to evacuation site or by regular dismissal 

3. Retention of those in building until safe conditions resume

During a time of crisis it is always very difficult for everyone. We realize that as parents you would be very concerned for your child. We are also concerned for your child. Please be assured that our plan is designed to provide safety for all students and staff at Linntown.

If a crisis occurs at Linntown that would affect the entire school, parents should NOT come to the school to pick up their children. All students will be bused home at an appropriate time. If students need to be evacuated to another site, ALL students will be bused home either from that site or they will be taken to an alternate site and bused home from there. If a crisis occurs that causes us to retain the students in the building until it is safe for dismissal, ALL students will be bused home when conditions are safe. PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD LEARN HIS BUS NUMBER AND REVIEW IT WITH YOUR CHILD FROM TIME TO TIME even if your child never rides the bus. The school district asks that ALL PARENTS follow the above guidelines in order to avoid confusion and to provide the safest procedure for all.

Distribution of Cards and Invitations

In some circumstances, students may wish to distribute holiday cards or party invitations to other students in their classroom. We request that parents only send in cards or party invitations to be distributed if all students from a class are invited. When some students are invited and others are not, some students may feel hurt feelings because of being left out. This can create a difficult situation for the teacher to address. If you wish to distribute a smaller quantity for a limited number of students, please use the PSA family directory to contact families directly.

Distribution of Materials to Parents/Guardians by Students
Students regularly receive class newsletters and papers from the school, as well as assignments from their teachers. Community notifications and events are available on the district website.

Linntown Elementary School PSA
The Lewisburg Elementary PSA (Parent School Association) is a nonprofit organization that promotes family participation in the educational process, raises funds for educational materials and enrichment experiences, and provides an unbiased forum for sharing information on issues that impact our students, with the purpose of enhancing the lives of children in the Lewisburg Area School District. Our success depends on parent volunteers willing to become involved by sharing time, talents and energy with the students and staff. The efforts of the PSA are seen in informative Arts & Enrichment student programs, book fairs, room parent classroom support and educational grants that support teacher efforts, just to name a few.

As a parent of a Linntown Elementary student, you are a member of the Parent School Association. Please take advantage of the many opportunities provided throughout year to be a part of your children’s education. Getting involved is very rewarding. The PSA looks forward to working with you to make this a great school year. For more information about the PSA, please visit the district website at www.lasd.us.

Before and After School Child Care (Dragon Care)
The Lewisburg Area School District has a before and after school child care program (Dragon Care) available for all families with elementary school children enrolled in the district. The program operates starting at 6:30 AM until the beginning of the school day and from the end of the school day until 5:30 PM. Dragon Care continues to operate for early dismissals, but not for weather delays or snow days, in-service days or vacation days. For more information, please visit the Dragon Care website at: https://www.lasd.us/parents/dragoncare

Parents are responsible for communicating any changes to their child’s dismissal plans directly to the main office (570-522-3256) before 3:00 PM.