Lewisburg Pre-K Counts Student Handbook

Pre-K Counts Grant Program

Add details about Pre K Counts

Enrollment Plan

This plan outlines Lewisburg Area School District's process for recruiting, enrolling, and retaining eligible children in the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program, ensuring enrollment decisions are equitable, transparent, and responsive to community need.

Community Analysis

LASD reviews community-level data to identify children and families most in need of Pre-K Counts services within the district's service area. This data informs recruitment priorities and the prioritization worksheet used during enrollment.

Data sources reviewed include:

•       District residency and enrollment trends from the Registration Office

•       Data shared by the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC)

•       Coordination with SUM Child Development to identify overlapping community    

      need and avoid service gaps

•       Historical waiting list data maintained by the program

•       Input gathered through Kelly Elementary and Central Office inquiries

Based on this information, LASD prioritizes families who are district residents, children turning four by the Kindergarten eligibility cutoff, siblings of previous Pre-K Counts students, and children with identified risk factors or Early Intervention needs.

Recruitment 

The Pre-K Counts program is included in all LASD program materials and promoted across various media platforms. Parents and community members can inquire about the program through the Assistant Superintendent's Office (LASD Central Office), Kelly Elementary Office, or District Registration Office.

During the initial conversation, staff provide a program overview, explaining income eligibility guidelines as a primary criterion. Parents are informed of additional prioritization factors, which are also included in the first mailing.

Screening & Eligibility

Eligible students are placed on a waiting list based on initial identification information. Parents are informed that this list is not a ranked queue but an initial collection of potential candidates. A spreadsheet is maintained with the child's name, birthdate, and date of request.

Parents are advised they must provide proof of income and are asked whether they are considering other Pre-K providers, including SUM Child Development, to prevent duplicate enrollments. Families are contacted again in early spring (late March-early April) to confirm their interest and eligibility before completing full registration.

Enrollment is prioritized based on:

•       District residency

•       Children aged 4 (eligible for Kindergarten by Sept. 1 of the following year)

•       Siblings of previous Pre-K Counts students

•       Risk factors shared by families

•       Early Intervention students, if applicable

•       Coordination with SUM Child Development for overlapping services and daycare needs

A prioritization worksheet is in use, developed in collaboration with the program's OCDEL Point of Contact. Recent revisions reflect the OCDEL Inclusion Announcement and Guidelines, and work is underway to develop a program philosophy document to enhance communication with parents and community stakeholders.

Timeline & Communication

In early March, LASD confirms the continued enrollment of returning students, determining how many slots will be available for new applicants. In March, the program calls all families on the waiting list to reconfirm interest and eligibility.

If families confirm participation and meet eligibility requirements, they receive an email containing:

•       Cover letter

•       Application forms

•       Risk factor assessment

•       Ethnicity questionnaire

•       Emergency and health forms (including immunization requirements)

•       Letter of agreement

•       Income guidelines and proof documentation explanation

•       District transportation forms

Follow-up phone calls continue through April to ensure all required documents are received. LASD typically enrolls just under the maximum of 18 students by late May, reserving 1-2 spots for late summer enrollments due to community transience.

Data Management

LASD maintains enrollment records for Pre-K Counts through both internal tracking tools and the PELICAN system. The District Registration Office is responsible for entering and reviewing enrollment data to keep records accurate and current.

Data management practices include:

•       Entering and updating enrollment start dates, waiting list status, and eligibility documentation in PELICAN

•       Maintaining a working spreadsheet of waiting list candidates, including name, birthdate, and date of request

•       Reviewing enrollment and waiting list data ahead of the March returning-student confirmation to determine open slots

•       Coordinating data updates between the Registration Office, Kelly Elementary, and the Assistant Superintendent's Office as enrollment status changes

Retention Plan

LASD supports consistent participation for enrolled Pre-K Counts families through ongoing communication and early identification of barriers to attendance.

Retention strategies include:

•       Monitoring attendance at Kelly Elementary and following up with families when concerns arise

•       Maintaining open communication between classroom staff and families following the Kindergarten Orientation/welcome event

•       Connecting families with district or community resources when attendance or engagement barriers are identified

•       Coordinating with SUM Child Development where families use overlapping child care and Pre-K services, to support continuity

Refilling Vacancies

LASD reserves 1-2 spots for late summer enrollments due to community transience, drawing from the waiting list maintained by the Registration Office. When a vacancy occurs during the program year, LASD follows a rapid response process to refill the seat and sustain enrollment at or above 90 percent.

•       The Registration Office reviews the prioritized waiting list to identify the next eligible child based on established prioritization factors (residency, age, sibling 

      status, risk factors, Early Intervention needs)

•       Families are contacted to confirm continued interest and current eligibility

•       If a family confirms interest and eligibility, enrollment paperwork is completed promptly to minimize lost instructional time

•       If a family declines or cannot be reached, the next eligible family on the prioritized list is contacted

•       Contact attempts and family responses are documented, and the waiting list is updated to reflect current status

Contact Information

School Telephone Numbers

Kelly Elementary School/Main Office:  570-522-3292

Kelly Elementary School Fax:  570-522-3296

Health Suite:  570-522-3287

School Counselor:  570-522-3247

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 Kelly.  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 klattendance@dragon.k12.pa.us.

2. Call the Kelly attendance line at 570-522-3335

In the case of student absence from school, parents will receive an automated message at approximately 10:00 a.m. to notify them that their child is not in school.  Upon receiving the notification, a parent should email klattendance@dragon.k12.pa.us or call 570-522-3335 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 klattendance@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.

Please call or email the office before 8:45 AM with homework requests due to absence.  Homework can be picked up after 3:00 PM in the office.

District Telephone Numbers

Transportation: 570-374-5280 ext. 60 (Adam Transportation), 570-522-3202 (District Office)

Director of Student Services:  570-522-3202

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@dragon.k12.pa.us

For example: wetzel_e@dragon.k12.pa.us will reach the Principal, Mr. Wetzel.

Please DO NOT E-MAIL regarding attendance or transportation.

Please send a note, or call the office. 

Health Suite

Health Services

First aid and medical care provided by the school nurse are primarily for illnesses or injuries that occur during the school day.  By law, the nurse 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.

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.

All medication, prescription and over-the-counter, must be brought to school BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN in the original container.  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:

• Date.

• Child’s name.

• Diagnosis.

• Name of the medication.

• Route and dosage of the medication.

• Required administration time and frequency.

• Termination date for administration of the medication.

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

• Any restrictions on school activities.

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

• 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.

• Physician’s phone number.

• 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 570-522-3296.

The School Day

Office Hours:  8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Students May Enter Building:  8:20 AM

School Day:  8:45 AM - 3:30 PM

Student Code of Conduct

School Wide Behavioral Expectations

Behavioral expectations at Kelly Elementary center around four basic principles that tell us “What do dragons do?   They D.A.S.H!”

D - Do Kind Things

A - Always Try Our Best

S - Stay Safe

H - Hold Ourselves Responsible

Teacher Managed Behaviors

Teachers will generally manage lower level behaviors such as:

• work refusal

• frequently out of seat

• distracting/interrupting others

• not following bathroom/cafeteria expectations

• unsafe/rough play

• and other minor offenses

Office Managed Behaviors

These behaviors tend to be more serious and require administrative involvement (such as):

• fighting/physical aggression 

• property damage

• major class disruption

• profanity

• stealing

• bullying/harassment

Playground Rules

1. Follow directions the first time they are given.

2. Go to and from the playground in a quiet, orderly, and prompt manner.

• Always walk in halls, through doors, and on playground walkway.

• When in line: remain quiet, face the front of the line, and keep hands and feet to yourself.

3. Use equipment and playground properly.

• No running or tag games within mulched area or on the equipment.

• Only go up on ladders.

• Only down on slides.

• Go around games in progress.

• Keep off the fence.

• Walk only on steps to field.

• No climbing or sitting on the handrail of steps.

• Field is for organized games or jogging.

4. Use positive words to address others and resolve conflict.

5. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.  Rough play, such as tackling, grabbing, wrestling, kicking, hitting, or pushing another person will not be permitted.

6. Once outdoors remain outdoors.

• Students need permission from adults to go inside, if needed.

• Play away from windows, doorways or walkways.

7. Dress for the weather.

• Boots must be worn to go in snow.

• Snow pants must be worn to slide down hills.  (If not dressed properly students must remain on cleared areas.)

• Sneakers are recommended (safest footwear option).

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.

Student Clothing

Our school recognizes that individual student’s attire is a choice of personal style and individual preference.  However, we strongly encourage families to consider the health, safety, and educational programs of students when selecting appropriate clothing for school.  Student clothing or attire:

• should be safe for the child or others;

• should be appropriate for weather conditions and/or season;

• should promote a safe learning environment that is free from disruption.

While School Board Policy #225 does not specify the acceptable types of shoes at school, children should wear comfortable shoes that can be used on playground equipment and in gym classes.  The shoes should have an ankle strap and no platform.  Flip flops, slides, and clogs are strongly discouraged for safety reasons.  Shoes need to be safe for wear on mulch, gravel, uneven field surfaces, and gym and playground equipment. Your child may not be permitted to play on the playground equipment without proper shoes.   Sneakers are best if it is at all possible for your children to wear them.  No shoes with inserted wheels are permitted.

Cafeteria Information

The lunch program makes available a school lunch for students, or students can bring their own lunch from home.  Parents may occasionally dine with their child if prior arrangements are made with the principal’s office.

Prices

Elementary Student: Breakfast Free and Lunch ($3.85)

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

Adult:

Lunch (entrée, fruit, vegetable, and milk) $5.50

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 a la 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 menus can be found online at www.lasd.us, clicking the “Menu” 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 (570-522-3292) by 2:45pm.

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

The school district uses cameras at certain areas of the building for security purposes. The buses also have video cameras with audio capabilities placed on them. 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 on the school district website under the Transportation Department, must be submitted prior to the day you would like the alternative transportation to begin.  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

• dated

• 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.

Family Engagement Plan

Family Engagement Plan, Attendance Plan, Plan to Reduce Suspension/Expulsion, and the Transition Plan.

Attendance Plan

At Kelly Elementary, 

Preventive Measures to Reduce Suspension/Expulsion

MTSS is 

Transition Plan

The Lewisbur

Volunteers

There are many opportunities to volunteer at Kelly including Kid Writing, 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 Kelly 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.