Elementary
2006-2007
1243 West Main Street
Fax: 731-989-8151
We, the faculty and staff of West Chester Elementary School, believe that education is the joint responsibility of
the school, the family, and the community. We believe that
it is our responsibility to capitalize on every opportunity to teach respect for the feelings, rights, and properties of others. We shall endeavor to challenge students to
reach their potential in order to develop physically,
mentally, emotionally, and socially.
2004-2005
Principal Secretary/Bookeeper
Mrs. Kaye Middleton Mrs. Joyce Clayton
Secretary/Cashier Teacher Assistant/Cafeteria
Mrs. Celia Murley Mrs. Spring McCutchen
Library Assistant/Cafeteria Physical Education
Bookstore/Teacher Assistant
Mr. Craig Murley Mrs. Gail Dyer
Physical Education Guidance Counselor
Mr. Dave Kyles Mrs. Amy Eaton
Music Compass Learning Lab
Yearbook, Technology
Mrs. Denise Woods Mrs. Becky Rowsey
Character Education Librarian
Mr. Deven Hearn Ms. Teresa Conner
Custodian Custodian
School Nurses: Speech and Language:
Connie Beecham Mary Lowe
Christy Brown Heather White
Sandra Steed
Cafeteria Staff
Mrs. Cheryl Filingam, manager
Mrs. Mattie Davis
Mrs. Lisa Plunk
Mrs. Linda Coady
Classroom Teachers
Kindergarten First Grade
Mrs. Misty Hall * Mrs. Leah Beaver
Mrs. Beth Haskins Mrs. Emily Brown
Mrs. Sharon Miller Mrs. Josephine Price
Mrs. Tangie Sweatman Mrs. Renee’ Thomas *
Mrs. Susan Brown
Second Grade Third Grade
Mrs. Denise Davidson Mr. Quincy Jones
Mrs. Lisa Hardy Mrs. Marti McDaniel *
Mrs. Jean Smith Mrs. Heather Melton
Mrs. Sherry Thompson * Mrs. Janice Whitman
* Grade level chairman
First Semester
August 3 Half Day for all Students (7:55-11:15)
August 4 First Full Day (7:55-2:45)
September 1 Teachers Only (Staff Development 8:00-2:00)
September 4 Labor Day- School Dismissed
September 21 Parent Teacher Conference (3:00-8:00)
September 22 Parent Teacher Conference Continued (9:00- 12:00)
October 9-13 Fall Break- School Dismissed
Nov. 22, 23, 24 Thanksgiving Holiday – School Dismissed
December 19 School Dismissed at 10:00 for Christmas Holidays
Dec. 20-Jan. 3 Christmas Holidays- School Dismissed
Second Semester
January 2 Administrative Day- Teachers Only
January 3 Students Return- Regular Day 7:55-2:45
January 15 Martin Luther King Holiday- School Dismissed
February 19 President’s Day- School Dismissed
March 19-23 Spring Break- School Dismissed
April 6 Good Friday - No School
May 16 Last Full Day of School
May 17 Teachers Only- Records Day
May 18 Students Pick up Report Cards from 10:00-10:30
Grading Periods Report Cards Go Home
1st Six Weeks Ends September 13 September 21
2nd Six Weeks Ends November 2 November 9
3rd Six Weeks Ends December 19 January 11
4th Six Weeks Ends February 13 February 22
5th Six Weeks Ends April 4 April 12
6th Six Weeks Ends May 18 May 18
The school is open at 7:00 a.m. each morning. Please do not drop off your child until this time. There will be no supervision and your child will be unattended.
Early car riders (all grades) who arrive at school from 7:00-7:29: Please use the left front entrance of the main building. This is the door behind the flagpole. It has a sidewalk and enters the hall between the library and music room. Car riders will be allowed to sit with the bus riders until the 7:30 bell rings.
Car Riders who arrive each morning between 7:30 and 7:55:
All students should use the front main entrance or the east entrance between the gym and computer lab. DO NOT USE the gated entrance by the cafeteria or the doors that exit at the second grade classrooms.
Please do not block the lanes of traffic. If you wish to walk your child in, please find a parking place. When possible, allow your child the independence of walking to the classroom.
Car Riders who arrive after 7:55 are tardy. Anyone who arrives after 7:55 is considered late and must use the front main entrance of the school. Please do not drop off your child and drive away. Parents should park their cars, walk their child in, stop by the office, sign them in, and get a late slip. Please refer to the section Absences, Tardies, and Early Dismissals.
School is dismissed each day at 2:45. The car rider bell rings at this time and car riders are walked to their exit doors. Parents of children who are car-riders need to make every effort to pick their children up promptly or make other arrangements. We do not provide after school care.
Grades K-1- These students will exit the building using the east exit by the gym. Parents will need to form the car line in front of the building and two lines can be formed. Do not use the front door as an afternoon exit unless you plan to come inside and sign your child out.
Grades 2-3- Students will load at their building. They will be there until the bus bell rings at 3:05. At 3:05, all late car riders will be brought to the bus lines near the gym door.
When the 3:05 bell rings, afternoon bus riders and riders of Mrs. Shelia's van are walked to the gym by their teachers. Children are seated in the gym until their bus arrives.
All visitors and parents are welcomed and encouraged to visit the school. Anyone who enters the building during the school day should report to the school office to sign in. This is important, necessary, and the law. You should record the time you arrive, the reason for your visit, and the time you leave the building. You will need to obtain a visitor's tag and wear it while you are in the school building. All outside doors are locked during the school day, so you must use the main entrance.
A forgotten item, such as a lunch box, should be brought to the office where the child can pick it up. Do not go directly to the classroom.
After the first few weeks of school, we encourage parents to wait in their car for their children or outside the exit doors. We enjoy your visits, but for safety reasons we need to keep the hallways clear.
When the school year begins, we ask you how they normally get home from school. On any day that your child is to go home another day, we ask that you send a change of transportation notice. There are two copies in the back of this handbook. Your teacher will also be able to provide you with blank forms.
Please try to have all arrangements made prior to the school day. Phone calls to the office should be made as seldom as possible. If your child does not have a note, he or she will be sent home the usual way.
Chester County schools have web pages posted on the Internet. These can be found at www.chestercountyschools.org West Chester's web page can be reached by a link on the left side or you can go directly to it at www.chestercountyschools.org/westchester. Mrs. Sherry Thompson has recently taken over the web page, so check for updates in the future.
The Chester County Independent newspaper is a weekly publication that prints our school menus and school news. A faculty or staff member contributes an article each week listing school news and upcoming events. Honor rolls are also printed in the newspaper each six-week period.
If you wish to come and eat lunch with your child, you are welcome to do so. You will need to arrive a few minutes early and come by the office and sign in. The cost is $4.00 for a visitor’s lunch and it would be most helpful if you have the correct change. You will pay for your lunch in the cafeteria.
School Lunches
School lunches are available each day. Prices are as follows:
Regular Prices: $1.40 per day or $7.00 per week
Reduced Prices: .40 per day or $2.00 per week
Lunch money is due weekly and paid in the classrooms. To decrease the time your teacher must do record keeping, try to pay all lunch money on Monday mornings. You may also pay for one month at a time. If your child is absent, his or her lunch money is advanced to the next open day. Up to 5 lunches can be charged if a necessity arises; however, all charges should be paid the following week.
Lunch money should be sent to your child’s teacher in a sealed envelope labeled with the following information written on the front:
· Child’s Name
· Teacher’s Name
· Amount Enclosed
· Days Paying For
In addition to the lunch meal, A La Carte’ items are available each day in the cafeteria for 75 cents. These items include ice cream, Sunny Delights, ice cream, Capri Suns, etc. The children keep up with this money themselves and pay it at the end of the lunch line. Extra milks are available for 35 cents.
West Chester
2004-2005 Lunch Schedule
|
First Shift |
10:45-11:15 |
Sherry Thompson (L) |
|
|
|
Lisa Scott Hardy (R) |
|
|
|
Heather Bates (L) |
|
|
|
Josephine Price (R) |
|
|
|
Emily Brown (L) |
|
|
|
Renee' Thomas (R) |
|
|
|
|
|
Second Shift |
11:25-11:55 |
Quincy Jones (L) |
|
|
|
Janice Whitman (R) |
|
|
|
Heather Melton (L) |
|
|
|
Marti McDaniel (R) |
|
|
|
Jean Smith (R) |
|
|
|
Denise Davidson (L) |
|
Third Shift |
12:05-12:35 |
Susan Brown (L) |
|
|
|
Beth Haskins (R) |
|
|
|
Sharon Miller (L) |
|
|
|
Misty Hall (R) |
|
|
|
Tangie Sweatman (L) |
Breakfast is served each day that lunch is served. For example, breakfast is not served on the day school is dismissed at 10:00. Prices are as follows:
Regular Price- 65 cents per day
Reduced Price- 30 cents per day
The children also keep up with this money and pay directly to the morning cafeteria workers. Do not combine breakfast money with lunch money. Breakfast is served from 7:30 until 7:55.
The school office has basic supplies such as pencils, crayons, glue, paper, notebooks, and folders available to purchase. They also have hard to find handwriting tablets needed for first and second grade. Mrs. Celia Murley works in the store, which is beside the office. It is open from 7:45 until 7:55 each morning except Fridays. The bookstore is closed on Fridays.
Backpacks are a necessary tool for transporting things between home and school. Students are not allowed to have backpacks with wheels. We find wheeled backpacks to be a hazard in the hallways, on the bus, and they also present a storage problem during the school day. Please write your child’s name inside his or her backpack in case of loss.
Some things may be a source of disruption to instruction and are best left at home. Tape players, radios, CD players, electronic games, toys, etc. all belong at home. If such items are brought to school, they may be confiscated by the teacher (or the office) and kept until a parent comes to school to pick up the item or until the end of the school year. Items unclaimed by the last day of the school year will be discarded.
Items found that cannot be identified are sent to the office. Each winter, we have a large amount of coats that are unclaimed. You can prevent your child from losing his or her coat by writing his or her name inside it.
The school office telephone number is 989-8150. It is to be used for school business. Students should be made aware of plans for afternoon destinations before they leave home in the morning except in the case of an emergency. Please make plans to speak with teachers during their planning times. Classes cannot be interrupted for phone calls except in emergency cases.
Absences, Tardies, and Early Dismissals
Regular attendance is of the utmost importance. When a child is absent, it is the parent’s responsibility to contact the office stating the reason for the absence. The school phone number is 989-8150. Absence calls should be made as early as possible, preferably before 9:00.
It is requested that a child be free of fever for 24 hours before returning to school after an illness. This is in the best interest of all students.
Absences that are excused include:
· Illness of student
· Death or serious illness in the student’s family
· Religious Holiday
· When a student is representing the school in a school sponsored activity
· Legal court summons not related to their behavior
· Other circumstances should be discussed with the school principal in advance.
Board of Education policy requires that all students be in school for the full seven hours each day. Students are expected to be on time every day and remain at school the ENTIRE day unless situations develop which are “excusable absences.”
If you know in advance that your child must leave school early, please notify his or her teacher by note that morning. If you arrive at school to pick up your child prior to the 2:45 bell, you will need to come into the office and sign them out.
Students must remain at school until at least 11:15 a.m. to be counted present for the day. If students arrive late to school, they must arrive by 11:30 a.m. and remain the rest of the day to be counted present for the day.
You will be called if your child is sick, injured, or has an immediate need at school. The emergency notification form that you complete as the school year begins is kept on file in the office and referred to as calls need to be made. We must be able to reach parents at all times, so make every effort to keep these numbers current. If a phone number or place of employment changes, it is very important that you notify us in writing so that we can amend your child’s information.
If your child must take medication at school, the following guidelines must be adhered to:
1. Children are not allowed to carry medication. ALL medications must be brought to school by a parent or other responsible adult. Parents or guardians must also pick up all unused medications.
2. All medications require signed parental consent. In the back of this handbook, you will find medication forms. One is for prescription medication and one is for non-prescription medication.
3. All medications should be in the original container. Non-prescription bottles should be new and sealed.
4. Children who need inhalers may keep them, however, a parental consent form must be on file in the office.
The school nurse will perform a school-wide screening in all grades at the following times:
· When the school year begins
· After winter break
· Anytime a positive case is found in the classroom, all children in that classroom are checked.
If any bugs or nits are found, a parent or guardian will be called to come and get the child. The county school’s lice policy requires that ALL traces of nits, whether dead or alive, must be removed before a child can re-enter school. To re-enter school, the following checks will be performed:
· Parents or Guardians must send proof that their child was treated. This can be in the form of an empty treatment box, dated receipt, etc.
· The child will also be re-examined before entering the classroom.
The students are very privileged to have 30 minutes of physical education daily. Mrs. Spring McCutchen serves as the P.E. teacher. Craig Murley also assists with some afternoon classes.
The children play structured games both inside the gym and outside on the paved play area. They are also allowed free time on the playground equipment at times. Tennis shoes should be worn to school. Parents should inform the P.E. teacher about any student’s medical problems.
P.E. rules are established for the children’s safety. Rules should be followed at all times, including field day.
General P.E. Rules 1. Be careful on black top area.
2. Stay within teacher’s view.
3. Do not hang around doors, buildings, or windows.
4. Teachers need to know if you are hurt.
5. Do not play with animals.
6. Do not talk to strangers.
7. No fighting.
8. No clubs.
9. Use the restroom before P.E.
10. Do not tattle to the teacher about things that happen on the playground or in gym.
11. All rocks stay on the ground.
Slide Rules 1. Come DOWN slides sitting on bottoms.
2. Wait until slides are clear before sliding.
3. Don’t play at the top of the slide.
4. Do not climb on top of the yellow tunnel slide.
5. No rocks on the slides.
SeeSaw Rule 1. No Kindergarten or first graders on the seesaw. Grades 2 and 3 only.
2. Two people only
3. Take care and look out for each other.
Swing Rules 1. One person only.
2. Sit only, no standing in the swing.
3. Do not jump out of the swings.
Merry-go-round Rules 1. Keep all body parts inside the merry-go round.
2. Hold on when the ride is spinning.
Picnic Area 1.For resting in the shade only
2. No running through this area.
3. No climbing or jumping off tables.
4. If a class is in the picnic area, do not disturb them.
Physical Education Skills Tests
Second and third graders are tested two times per year in seven areas. Students are given a pretest the first grading period and are given a posttest the last grading period to determine if progress has been made. Reports will be sent home on report card day. In addition to height and weight, the seven areas that Mrs. Spring will be testing include:
1. A timed half mile run
2. Sit-ups that can be done in a one minute period
3. Amount of pull-ups that can be done
4. Amount of push-ups that can be done
5. A flexibility test (sit and reach)
6. Trunk Lift (tests upper body strength)
7. Shuttle Run (tests quickness and agility)
Students shall dress and groom in a clean neat, and modest manner so as not to distract or interfere with their class or school operation. The Chester County school board has set the following guidelines:
· Shorts, dresses, skirts, or skorts cannot be shorted than six inches above the knee when measured while the student is kneeling.
· Form fitting Lycra pants are not permitted unless proper length clothing (six inches above the knee) is worn over them.
· NO tank tops, bare midriffs, crop tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, tube tops, or sheer or see through tops, including net tops.
· No vulgarities, “hate” remarks, obscene language, suggestive remarks, or drug or alcohol related writings or logos will be permitted.
· No sweatbands, headbands, or bandanas; No hats, caps, or sunglasses inside the building.
· Cut-offs may be worn only if properly hemmed or rolled up as to show no fringe or raveling. Once hemmed or rolled up, they must fall in the above-mentioned length.
· No visible holes, tears, cutouts, or slits should appear above the six-inch guideline.
· All shorts, pants, skirts, and dresses should fit properly and not be worn sagging or backward. All straps on overalls must be fastened.
If a child wearing inappropriate attire is sent to school, a parent will be contacted to bring a change of clothes.
This year, West Chester will have three regular "picture days." They are as follows:
1. Traditional school photos will be taken in the fall. A simple background will be used and these are the portraits that appear in the yearbook. This year’s fall picture day is scheduled for Wednesday, August 25, 2004.
Fall picture re-takes are scheduled for Wednesday, September 29, 2004. If a student missed the original picture day, his or her photo will be made at this time. Also, any student who had an unsatisfactory original photo can have their retaken.
2. Each spring, a non-traditional individual portrait is made. These feature a decorative background. All students in grades k-3 will be photographed. The date for spring pictures will be Wednesday, March 2, 2005.
3. On March 30, 2004, Students in all grade levels will take a class group photo. Kindergarten students will have the opportunity to take a "cap and gown" picture on this day as well.
All picture packages are sent home to parents for viewing. You are responsible for these photos. They must be purchased or returned. As with any other debt, if payment is not received, report cards or student records will not be released.
Upon request, two portrait packages may be printed. This may be beneficial if your child has a large family or if the child’s parents are from separate homes. If you wish to have two portrait packages, please request this in writing to your child’s teacher PRIOR to picture day.
Amy Eaton creates the school yearbook each year. The yearbook will be hardcover, in color, and be approximately 48 pages in length. The expected cost will be $32-$35 each. Orders and payments will be taken up the January28-February 3. Books will be delivered at the end of the school year.
Donations of film are needed to keep the cost of the yearbook down. You may donate 35mm film (400 or higher speed preferred) Please be sure the film is not expired. These can be sent to Mrs. Amy anytime.
The PTO, also known as the Parent-Teacher Organization, meets several times throughout the year. The organization works to benefit the teachers and students in various ways. By sponsoring the Fall Festival, our largest fundraiser, the PTO provides funding for school needs.
This year’s fall festival will be held on Saturday night, November 11th. Other PTO sponsored events include the PTO membership drive, Classroom Royalty, Safety Poster contest, Cultural Arts, and Field Day. In past years, PTO has also sponsored Safety Day, Career Day, and assembly programs. Notices will be sent home about these events as the time approaches.
This year’s PTO officers are: President: Jill Egros
Vice President: Ally Rogers
Secretary: Quincy Jones
Treasurer: Denitra Ingle
Reporter:
In cases of inclement weather, school may be dismissed. Parents should listen to local radio stations (such as 91.5 or 104.1) or television stations.
If bad weather is approaching, school is sometimes dismissed early and the buses return the child home. If the weather is questionable, please stay in contact with the school so that we will know how to send your child home if the need arises.
If a parent wishes to celebrate a child’s birthday at school, arrangements should be made with the child’s teacher a few days in advance. Any parties should be held after 2:15 in the afternoon. Flowers or balloons should not be sent to school for birthdays.
Deliveries of floral gifts and balloons should not be sent to the school for holidays or birthdays. Local florists no longer deliver to the schools and buses no longer allow children to transport these items home.
Because we do not wish to hurt other children's feelings, we request that personal gifts such as flowers or balloons not be given to your child at the school. If you wish to send some type of gift to school for a holiday, a treat bag or small gift for every child in the class is acceptable.
We, at West Chester, want every child to feel included. Therefore, if you have invitations to a personal event (such as a birthday party for your child) the teacher will send them home only if:
· Every child in the class is invited OR
· Every child in the class of the same gender is invited (example: all boys)
We always welcome parents, but a well-planned lesson can be destroyed for the entire class by a well- meaning parent who “just drops by for a visit.” Conferences should be scheduled in advance. All teachers have a planning time or will accommodate you if they know in advance.
Regular Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, September 21st between the hours of 3:00 and 8:00 and Friday, September 22nd between the hours of 9:00 and 12:00. Information will be sent home prior to the conference to allow you to schedule appointments with the teachers.
The following is a list of buses that transport students to and from West Chester daily. Bus 17 is an afternoon bus that transports children across town to East Chester to load an east route bus. If you have a question about a bus route, please contact the school office.
Bus Number Driver’s Name
2 Brenda Moore
5 Christine Strohl
6 Angela Burton
7 Mark Harbin
11 James Frix
13 Angie Knipper
15 James Reddin
16 Pat Rowland
17 Becky Harbin
19 Paulette Whitman
22 Larry Whitman
24 Anthony Plunk
25 Howard Wade
The bus driver is considered a member of the faculty and the driver’s instructions are to be followed without hesitation. The driver has the authority to assign seats on the bus as necessary.
On the following pages, you will find the county’s school bus safety rules which students are required to sign. If a student violates these rules, the principal and parent are notified. RIDING THE BUS IS A PRIVILEGE and if a student continues to violate the bus rules, the student may lose the privilege of riding the bus.
We believe students can behave appropriately in school. Students are encouraged to display good conduct at all times. School personnel endeavor to use positive methods in guiding students' behavior. Discipline methods, administered with concern for the child, are used after counseling with the child to be certain that he or she understands the reason for an action to be taken.
When a child chooses to break a rule, he or she is choosing consequences that will be taken to help him make better choices. Parents are contacted to let them be aware of discipline problems. Parents should be supportive of faculty and staff. Be aware that there are always two sides to every story and your child’s version of events may not include all details. If you have a question regarding your child’s behavior, you should first contact your child’s teacher.
According to board policy, there are several offenses that fall under the zero tolerance guideline:
WEAPONS & DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS- “Students shall not possess, handle, transmit, or attempt to use any dangerous weapon in school buildings or on school grounds at any time, or in school vehicles and/or off the school grounds at a school sponsored activity, function, or event.” These include, but are not limited to “ any firearm, explosive, knives, daggers, slingshots, knuckles, etc.”
Violators shall be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school.
Students shall be expelled for a period of not less than one calendar year in cases of FIREARM POSSESSION or unlawful possession of DRUGS.
Any student who commits BATTERY upon a teacher, principal, or any other employee of the school or school resource officer shall be expelled for a period of not less that one calendar year.
The director of school has the authority to modify these expulsions on a case-by-case basis.
1. Insist on your child’s prompt and regular attendance at school.
2. Encourage and help your child to give proper attention to health, personal cleanliness, and neatness of dress.
3. Provide a place for study and homework.
4. Provide a structured schedule for your child including a set bedtime. Make all efforts to insure your child gets 10 hours of sleep nightly.
5. Insist that your child bring home communication and look for the communication from school.
6. Speak well of teachers, principals, school, and the education they are trying to provide. Be positive and don’t get caught in the “gossip trap.”
7. Take an active part in parent teacher meetings and activities.
8. If you have a concern, contact the teacher first. He or she will not be able to correct the problem if he or she is not made aware that there is one.
9. If your child is involved in a rule infraction, help him or her face the problem and take responsibility for the actions.
10. If you see something you like, tell the teacher or principal.