Parent / Student Handbook

While at Mullenix Ridge Elementary School, each person has the right to learn, to be safe, and to be happy. Each person is expected to take responsibility for his or her actions and to strive for excellence.

Birthdays

Classroom teachers may have their own procedures for recognizing their students' birthdays. Therefore, please get prior approval from your child’s teacher to bring a store bought treat for the entire class to celebrate your child’s birthday.
WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT SEND OR BRING GIFTS, FLOWERS, BALLOONS, ETC. TO SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD. Please do not ask school staff for help in distributing birthday party invitations, or for phone numbers of other families. We are not allowed to give that information. We appreciate your cooperation with this policy.

Cell Phones

As cell phones are a source of distraction for students, it is preferred that they do not bring them to school. However, if parents require their child have a cell phone for safety purposes, they must adhere to our cell phone policy. Cell phones must be off and out of sight at all times on our school campus - see full policy on our website or ask for a paper copy at the school office. The school is not responsible for loss or damage.

Child Abuse

Cases of child abuse or neglect are often first suspected or detected by school personnel. The law is very specific in stating that in situations where any member of the school staff has reasonable cause to believe a child has had physical injury inflicted upon him or her by other than accidental means or is found to be suffering from physical neglect or sexual abuse, that staff member is required to report such incident to the appropriate authorities. Staff members who knowingly fail to do so shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. It is the intent that, as a result of such report, protective social service shall be made available in an effort to prevent further abuses, and to safeguard the welfare of the children.

Closed Campus

The School District maintains a "closed campus" policy. Students are expected to remain at school from the beginning of the school day until the end of the school day. Visitors to campus must have the approval of the building principal and are to sign in at the office upon arrival.

Delivery of forgotten items (lunches, books, etc.) should be brought to the school office. The office personnel will deliver items to your child at a time least disruptive to the classroom.

Discipline

The District Rights and Responsibilities handbook, available on the District website provides comprehensive coverage of District and state policies regarding student conduct. At Mullenix Ridge, we believe that good discipline is essential in the teaching-learning process. This is accomplished through kind and safe actions and personal responsibility.  We believe that discipline is a joint responsibility between the home and the school. Our goals are to be consistent, keep parents informed, and prevent issues.

School Rules

Students will:

1. Demonstrate kindness for self and others.
2. Take good care of all school and personal property.
3. Follow requests of all school staff members.
4. Follow safety rules at all times.
5. Not engage in actions that harm self or others.

At Mullenix Ridge we stress the rights and responsibilities of students. Our building discipline plan will instill that with Rights come Responsibilities. Therefore, the issue of discipline involves finding effective alternatives which leaves the dignity of students intact, teaches them how they have violated the rights of others, motivates them to do better and teaches them appropriate behavior.

Step 1: Student is asked to stop the inappropriate behavior. The staff member states the expectation and allows the student to follow through.

Step 2: If a student does not comply with staff member's instruction or request, the student may be written-up on a Disciplinary Report which is entered into the student’s Skyward discipline record.

Administrative Referrals

When a student is referred to the Principal for a major infraction, (see South Kitsap School District Policy #3240-Student Conduct) the Principal will use professional judgment, the individual needs of the student, and the circumstances of the offense in determining appropriate action.  Consequences are based on the seriousness of the behavior and the student's past record.  Mullenix Ridge Elementary School uses progressive discipline which protects students by due process.  Generally, no action will be taken against a student until facts have reasonably been determined.  If unsuccessful behavior continues, consequences may become progressively more severe.

Following a referral to the office, the Principal will employ one or a combination of the following consequences:

• Problem Solving Session
• Loss of privileges
• Detention (before school, during recess, after school)
• Contracts
  • Short term suspension, long term suspension,
  • Expulsion
  • Law enforcement contact

Students identified as having a disability or suspected of having a disability may have additional due process rights and safeguards. These safeguards will be taken into consideration when discipline is imposed.

Students Will:

• use appropriate language (verbal and nonverbal)
• keep hands and feet to oneself (no fighting, playfighting, kicking, pushing)
• use good manners and quiet voices
• not spit
• not have gum at school
• dress in a manner which is not disruptive to the educational process nor a threat to the health and safety of self and others
• not wear hats (or other head coverings) in the building

Students Will:

• use a pass when leaving class or playground
• show pride in their school by keeping all areas free of litter
• take care of all books, supplies, etc., that are issued from the school
• clean up their own work areas
• not throw objects
• shut locker doors quietly
• not use posters, stickers, or write on the lockers or desks
• use only his/her own locker
• help keep restrooms clean
• walk quietly in the building
• keep hands away from the art/displays on walls

Students Will:

• follow directions from staff members while waiting in cafeteria for parent pick-up
• wait in cafeteria for staff permission to go out 
• only approach the vehicles when it is stopped at the red curb
• walk directly to bus without playing, getting on Big Toy, etc.
• line up at designated areas for buses
• line up in the order in which they arrive
• only load buses when escorted or given permission by a teacher
• follow all school bus rules and directions of the drivers

Students Will:

• enter the lunchroom quietly
• once seated, remain in that seat throughout lunch
• maintain quiet voices while eating
• eat in a neat and respectful manner
• not trade or share food
• clean up his/her own eating area
• remain seated until excused by supervisor

Students Will:

• follow entrance and exit procedures quietly
• sit in assigned areas without disturbing others
• maintain sitting position and respect other's space
• be respectful listeners and only use applause to show appreciation

Students Will:

(subject to change and may not include all rules).

• play in designated areas.
• immediately stop playing after recess; put the balls and jump ropes away.
• line up quickly, and wait in line quietly.
• leave rocks, sticks, bark and other objects on the ground.
• use balls properly in designated activities and not kick the basketballs or four square balls.
• get permission to retrieve balls from off limit areas.
• use the slide one at a time, sitting position, feet first, going down only.
• not jump off of or stand on the bars or posts of the Big Toy.
• Play tag in bus lot, lower field or wood chips.
• Only “butterfly touches”.
• Go in one direction, and one at a time, when using bars and rings.
• Use ropes only for jumping.
• Not throw objects, including balls, at the ceiling, lights or roof.
• Not play in bathroom area.
• Not bring food, gum, candy, toys and personal sports equipment to recess.
• Use stairs and walkways between upper and lower play areas (no walking, playing or rolling on hill.)
• Stay off structures when closed.
• Only sit on tables and benches, no standing.
• Not jump from the play structures.
• Play only gaga ball or marco polo in Gaga Pit, Not sit on Gaga Pit walls.
• Stay out from under the deck/platform of wooden structure.
• Not play with pretend weapons .
• Stay out of woods.

Students being dropped off out front should only get out of the vehicle after 8:10, (9:00 on Wed.) and only when stopped next to the red curb, or parked in a parking space. Crossing from the parking area to the sidewalk should be done only at the crosswalk with an adult.

Upon arrival students may go to the cafeteria for breakfast, wait outside in the recess area, or to the gym for quiet reading or homework.

The hallway gate will open for students to go to lockers at 8:25 (9:10 Wed).

Students must be in the classroom at 8:35 (9:20 Wed) for attendance.

When the bell rings at 8:25 a.m., students may go to their lockers, put their backpacks and coats away, then enter the classroom at 8:30. Please remember to walk safely in the hallway when the gate and doors are opened so that nobody is hurt in any way.

Expectations of Students Riding the Bus:

Students should walk directly to the bus lines without playing, getting on the Big Toy, or going to visit with friends in another line. Students should enter the lines at the end, without cutting. Waiting students should stand in lines politely, following the school rules at all times. Students should walk quickly to the bus if it is already loading.

Expectations of Students Being Picked Up Out Front:

All pick up students will go to the cafeteria and wait to be called out front. Even though school has been dismissed, students waiting for rides are still required to follow staff instructions, be kind to each other and to staff members. When a student’s ride arrives out front a staff member will radio to the cafeteria for that student to come out. Students must NOT approach their vehicle while it is still moving. Crossing the parking lot should only be done at the crosswalk. Children should be accompanied across the crosswalk by an adult.

Dress for School

Our two major concerns in regard to proper dress are the educational climate in the classroom and the safety of students.

• Clothing worn by students should be functional, neat, clean, and presentable.
• Clothing that includes disruptive language or that advertises gang affiliation, sex, drugs and/or alcohol is not acceptable.
• Clothing should have adequate coverage. Short shorts, short skirts, halter tops, tube tops, spaghetti strap shirts, tank tops less than 3 finger widths wide, and "sagging" pants (loosely fitted pants which are not adequately tightened at the waistline) are not considered appropriate attire for school. Clothing should cover the midriff at all times without exposing undergarments.
• For safety reasons, footwear must be sturdy and cover the foot in order to protect feet during PE and recess activities (flip flops and open-toed sandals are not allowed).
• Hats may not be worn in the building.

Staff may determine if clothing/appearance is disruptive to the school environment. Students who are dressed inappropriately will be asked to cover or change their clothing, or we will call home for a change of clothing. During cold and variable weather students should have warm clothing since they spend a part of every day in outside play.

Ethnic Diversity

Students of all races and cultural diversity are represented in our student body. All students are expected to treat each other with dignity and kindness. All are encouraged to continue to develop a respect and an understanding for the contributions of all people in our society.

Homework

Practice at home of previously taught skills helps to reinforce skill development. Homework may include the application and practice of learned skills, reading, completion of work not finished during class time, and/or make-up work due to absence. We believe that the amount of time spent on homework should be relatively small.

The following guidelines have been developed for time spent on homework:

• Kindergarten-Grade 3: 0-20 minutes a night.
• Grade 4-6: 0-40 minutes a night.

Questions about homework assignments should be directed to your child's teacher. While homework is your child's responsibility, you can play an important role in making sure your child develops good study habits.

Illness and Injury

The health and safety of every student while at school is a major concern of the school staff. If a student is injured at school, he or she will be administered emergency first aid when necessary by the school nurse, office staff or principal, or 911 will be called. Parents will be notified in those cases that are serious enough to warrant communication. If the parent is unable to be reached, the emergency numbers the parent has provided will be called. It is extremely important that you provide the office with several phone numbers of persons to contact. If no one is available to come for the child, we will use our judgment on whether to call 911 or keep the child in the health room.

Children who become ill or show symptoms of illness are sent home as a protection to other students as well as themselves. Office personnel will determine if a child should be sent home. Students with an oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or above should remain at home until free of fever for 24 hours. Parents are always notified and asked to pick a child up if a health problem occurs. Parents are expected to develop an emergency plan in case they are unable to pick up a child. A school nurse is available for consultation and may be contacted through the school secretary.

Head lice and scabies are two common parasitic infestations. To prevent the spread of these conditions, please notify the school if your child contracts the problem. Children with head lice or scabies are excluded from school until treatment has been completed.

Medication

Oral medications including over the counter medications, such as cough drops, Tylenol, etc., may only be given to students for the medications and dates indicated on the "Administration of Medication at School" Form 157, which is available in the school office and must be signed by parent/guardian and a licensed health care provider. Medications must be in their original containers, labeled with student's name, name of the medication, dosage, mode of administration and name of physician. Students cannot carry medication with them during the school day. Students may bring and use their own unmedicated lip balm and sunscreen to school, but they may not share with others.

Leaving School for the Day

Early dismissal of a student may be granted at the request of the parent/guardian for reasons involving the student's health or a family emergency requiring his or her presence. Please communicate with the office, informing us of the time you plan to pick him or her up. To protect the safety of your child, teachers will only release a student if authorized by the office. In order to release students from the building, they must be signed out in the office. Upon returning, they must be signed in again. If, for any reason, a student needs to return home after reporting to school, he or she must have both parent and school permission to go home.

Lockers

Lockers are the property of the school district and are on loan to students. Students are expected to keep lockers clean, free from posters, stickers and other decorations. Students will keep their school supplies in their desk. Students will only use their lockers at assigned times. Locks will not be issued nor should they be brought from home. The school assumes no responsibility for personal items brought to school. Students are not to bring personal items, toys, electronics, video games, etc. to school. The only exception is when classroom teachers make specific requests for sharing. Cell phones must be turned off during the school day and should be kept out of sight. Our complete school cell phone policy is available on our website. Paper copies are available at the main office. Electronic e-readers, such as Kindles, are allowed at school, but at your own risk. Inappropriate items brought to school may be confiscated until a parent can retrieve them.

Lost and Found

All articles lost or found in the building or on the school grounds will be placed in the "Lost and Found". Articles left on the bus may be retrieved the same day from the driver, at the district bus garage, or possibly, at the school office. Please label personal possessions with your child's name so that we may easily locate the owner. Please check the "Lost and Found" periodically. Unclaimed items will be donated to charitable organizations if not retrieved in a reasonable amount of time.

Lunch & Breakfast Program

Lunch and breakfast are available each school day. Some students are eligible for free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches. This eligibility is determined by federal guidelines. Apply on the Food and Nutrition page on the SK District website or request a paper application from the school office.
Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their child. Please call the office before 9:00 if you will be purchasing a hot lunch. Please do not send sodas and/or energy drinks with students.
Gum is NOT permitted at school.

Parties

Classroom teachers will notify parents of parties and celebrations that may be held throughout the year.
Due to health and safety reasons, party treats must be store bought rather than home baked.

Problems or Concerns

If you have questions or concerns involving your child's education, we ask that you talk first with the classroom teacher. Many concerns can be resolved simply by scheduling a conference or classroom visitation. You may schedule a meeting by calling or emailing the teacher or school office. If a problem or concern continues, you are asked to contact the school principal for assistance.

Progress Reporting

Reporting of student progress is done three times a year on a formal basis. Parents and students are requested to attend a parent/student/teacher conference in the fall and in the spring. The specific day, time, and place will be presented to you in advance of the actual conference. Report cards are issued in November, March and at the end of the school year. You are encouraged to contact your child's teacher at any time if you feel a conference would be beneficial. Nothing is more valuable than a parent/teacher conference in giving you a clear idea of your child's progress, plus you have much information about your child that is of extreme value to the teacher. Please feel free to share this information so that we may work together to meet your child's needs.

Publication of Student Photos or Work

Throughout the school year, South Kitsap School District’s Community Relations Department, teachers, and other staff take photographs and video images of students participating in school activities. Student work may be posted on the official District web site and district-sponsored teacher web sites. Photographs and student work may also be used in the South Kitsap School District’s newsletter and other District publications, including our own school publications. School board policy specifically prohibits the posting of student address, identification numbers, or other contact information on the official District web site or District-sponsored teacher web sites. See the district’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook on the District website for opt-out information.

Textbooks and Supplies

Textbooks and most instructional materials are supplied by the school to each student. Supplies such as pencils, paper, rulers, scissors, etc. are the responsibility of the student unless notified otherwise. Individual teachers may have a list of additional items needed for their particular class. Students are responsible for all texts and instructional materials checked out to them and will be charged for the replacement of lost and/or damaged books and materials. Students are expected to demonstrate reasonable care to the facility and the equipment/materials of the school. Willful damage or destruction by a student will result in appropriate disciplinary measures. Parents will be held liable for the actions of their children.

Transportation to and from School

Students are not to arrive at school before 8:15 AM unless they are participating in a specific activity. On Wednesdays, Students should not arrive prior to 9:05 AM. Student A.M. Student dismissal time is at 3:10 p.m.

• Automobile

When students are dropped off before school or picked up after school by car, drivers are requested to use the parking lot in front of the school. The bus zone is only for buses. Please follow the parking lot pick-up and drop-off procedures for the safety of all - and to keep the traffic flow as smooth as possible. Parents must send a note or call the office when their students will be picked up by someone other than their parent.

• Bicycles

The riding of bicycles to school is limited to students in grades three, four, and five. If you allow your child to ride a bike to school, please encourage him or her to be extremely cautious. A rack for parking the bicycles is provided. It is the student’s responsibility to lock and secure the bike while at school. Students riding bicycles to school will be allowed to depart at the end of the day only after the school buses have left. Students riding bicycles or skateboards to school are required to wear bicycle helmets. Students failing to follow appropriate procedures with their bicycles may be refused permission to bring their bicycles onto school grounds.

• School Bus:
  School bus transportation is available to most of our students. Bus transportation is a privilege and students riding buses are required to obey all established rules and regulations. Disorderly conduct while riding a school bus may result in denial of this privilege. All children will be expected to ride their assigned bus regularly. If it is necessary for your child to ride a bus other than the one assigned, a note or phone call to this effect must be sent to the school office
• WALKING:
  Written authorization notifying the school that your child is allowed to walk home must be received. Parents are encouraged to instruct their children in proper walking procedures, especially since there are no defined sidewalks or pathways in our school area. If you choose to have your child walk along Mullenix Road, please encourage him or her to exercise extreme caution. At the end of the day, for safety purposes, students walking home from school along Mullenix Road will be allowed to leave only after the buses have departed.

Safety Note: Any change to your child's method of going home requires notification from the parent/guardian to the main school office Visitations

We appreciate your interest in your child's progress and learning experiences. Classroom visitations must be scheduled through the school office or classroom teacher. Individual conferences with a teacher should be scheduled before or after the school day. Students may not bring other children as visitors. All visitors are required to sign in and out at the school’s main office.

Volunteers

Volunteers make many valuable contributions to a school! We welcome your volunteer time in the office, classrooms, and the library. When volunteering, please be respectful of the classrooms by not interrupting instruction. If you have a special talent you can share with students or staff, let us know. Volunteers are required by state law to submit to a background check to ensure the safety of our students. Please contact our office for more information. 

A birth certificate and immunization record must be presented when you register a child for kindergarten. No child will be admitted without complete immunization records, as required by Washington state law. Immunization requirements can be found at Washington State Department of Health or you may inquire at the school office. Immunization Exemptions require the signature of a licensed health care provider. 

Students registering for kindergarten should be five years old on or before midnight, August 31 of that school year. Some exceptions are allowed for students transferring to the district from other areas or private schools. Early entry testing may be available through the district office.

The School District has a policy of open enrollment whereby parents may apply to allow their students to attend a school other than the one in their own service area. The decision is made by the building principal and the District Office of School Support, based on available space and other factors. Open enrollment is subject to district policy #3131.

If you move out of our school's service area, either within the school district or to a location outside of our district, please notify our school office as early as possible. This helps us process paperwork, assess fines and close our records. Student records will not be sent to the child's new school until we receive a written request from the school.