School Handbook

INSTRUCTION BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 8:30AM

When the 8:25am bell rings, students walk directly to the classroom. Teachers take attendance electronically at 8:30am then begin instruction. If a child arrives in class after the 8:30am bell, the child will be marked absent. As to not interrupt instruction, children not in class at 8:30am need to get a late slip from the office. When they show this to the teacher, the teacher knows that the office has changed the electronic record to show the child is at school. Please make being on time and ready to learn a habit. Research has shown children who are frequently tardy in elementary school are more likely to have poor grades in middle school, dropout in high school, and even experience employment issues later in life. It is also stressful for students when they are late and have missed some instruction. If you are struggling to get here on time and need support please contact Jenny Yoshida.

GETTING TO SCHOOL

Getting to school on time and ready to learn sets the stage for the day. Supervision in the cafeteria begins at 8:05am, then at 8:10 students can also go to the gym, playground or library if space is available.

BUS

If you live more than one mile from school, your child may have the option of riding a bus. Parents are responsible for making sure their children get to and from the stop safely. They are to arrive 5 minutes early and are monitored while at the stop. If your child arrives BY BUS the child will exit the bus then go to the cafeteria, gym, library or playground until 8:25am.

BY CAR

If students are able to independently get in and out of the car on the passenger side, they can be dropped off in the front of the school along the yellow curb. Never drop your child off in the lower parking lot. Between 8:05-8:25am students enter through the door closest to the cafeteria then go to the cafeteria, gym, library or playground until 8:25am. If students are not yet able to do this independently, drivers should park in a legal parking space then assist the child to the building door.

BY FOOT OR BIKE

Students may walk or ride a bike to school with parental permission. Students are expected to walk bikes at crosswalks and on campus. They should lock bikes at a rack (located in front and back of the school) then go to the cafeteria, gym, library or playground until 8:25am.

Please remind your children of these basic personal safety rules:

1. Plan a safe route to and from school and explain traffic hazards and safe crossings.
   • Students crossing Rigert Road should use the crosswalk at the intersection of 158th where a school crossing guard is posted.
   • Students crossing 155th should cross with the crossing guard at Sexton Mountain Drive.
   • Students who ride a bicycle need to walk their bikes across the crosswalk.
   • Students crossing at Nora & 155th should cross with the crossing guard.
      
2. Remind children never to talk to strangers or to accept rides or presents from them.
    

3. Be sure your child knows how to safely ride a bicycle before he/she rides on the streets. Bicycles must be left in the bike rack and should be locked when they are left at school. Parents make the decisions whether a child rides a bike, walks, or rides the bus.
    

4. A note or fax from a parent/guardian to the teacher and front office is required when there is any change in a child's bus riding or walking routine. If you email the note, make sure you include the teacher and both front office staff members to ensure the likelihood that it reaches a live person. Without a note, the child will be sent home in his/her usual manner.
    

5. Be sure your child knows:

   • The first and last names of parents or guardians
   • His/her address and telephone number
   • What to do if no one is at home after school

Students are expected to be safe, respectful and responsible on the bus.

Children who behave in a way that impedes the safety of others may be suspended from bus services.

All children are to get off the bus at the stop designated by the Beaverton School District Transportation Department. To make any changes in pick up or drop off plans, a note written and signed by the parent or guardian, must be given to your child’s teacher who will sign it, have a copy made in the office then return it to your child to give to the bus driver. Children will not be let off the bus at other than their normal stop without your written permission.

After school can be the most challenging part of our routine as we reconnect kids and families.

Dismissal Time is at 3:05pm on Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday and 1:35 on Wednesday. With 500+ students leaving school at the same time there will undoubtedly be traffic congestion at times. Unless enrolled in an on-site after school program, all students are expected to go home or to an after school child care provider following school.

Students may WALK or BIKE home with parental permission. Kids are expected to walk their bikes on campus, wear helmets and ride in a safe and cautious manner.

The BUS or DAYCARE VAN waiting area is on the covered area of the playground
o Kids should know their bus number and/or the name of their daycare.
o Know that bus drivers will allow students to get off at their bus stop whether an

adult is present or not so make sure your child knows how to get home from the bus stop independently.

If students are being PICKED UP, the front of the school sidewalk is where kids are taken to wait for their ride:

• Kindergarten students will wait on the kindergarten porch for adults or older siblings to pick them up. If an older sibling picks up the kindergarten student, the sibling may walk the child to the car in the front traffic loop. When adults pick up students from the porch, adults will park in a legal parking space then walk to the porch. Cross with the crossing guard when returning to your vehicle.

• First through fifth grade students will wait in the front of the school.

• Students should look for their vehicle and alert staff members when the ride arrives.

• Drivers will remain at the wheel in the driveway and traffic circle or park legally and wait for your child on the sidewalk near the benches or bike rack. Students are not allowed to cross the parking lot crosswalks without an adult.

• Adults should wait outside for students. Adults in the classroom or pod can be very disruptive at the end of the school day as kids see adults and think that learning is done for the day.

SCHOOL NURSE

The school does not have a nurse on site. The secretaries call the nurses for advice and in case of emergencies. A school nurse visits our school approximately two hours per week. If your student has medical needs please let us know. The nurse is consult with us to make a health plan for when your child is at school.

MEDICATION

Families with children who need to take medication during the school day must have an adult bring the medication to the school office in its original container. Cough drops, pain relievers, allergy medication and other over the counter medication must be given to the office in the original container, by an adult with the “Parental Request for Medication Administration at School” form obtained in the office. No medication (prescription or nonprescription) will be given to any student unless a parent/guardian brings the medication into the office and fills out a “Parental Request for Medication Administration at School” form. Prescription medications must state the student's name, the dosage, time, prescription number, and the physician's name.

In the fall with the help of volunteers, a vision screening is completed for our students. Results will be sent home with students. Audiometric (hearing) testing is scheduled for selected grade levels (grades K and 3) and teacher or parent referrals during the first semester of the school year.

SENDING A CHILD HOME

Parents must come into the office to sign out and pick-up their child when leaving early due to illness, injury or an appointment. Students will not be allowed to wait out in front of the school for their parents. A child is never sent home from school during the day without specific parental permission (see emergency closure for exception).

INSURANCE

Student accident and dental insurance is available to all students. A brochure and application will be sent home in the first day packet or may be obtained in the school office.

HEAD LICE

We expect that families check their own kids regularly for lice or nits. Students must be lice free at school. If three or more related cases of head lice are brought to the school’s attention, a notice will be placed in our newsletter. Some experts believe that checking your child’s head weekly is a good practice because it helps to catch outbreaks early and interrupt the lice life cycle.

All students and staff will participate in emergency drills and procedures. These include evacuation, lockout, lockdown and shelter drills. When the alarm is sounded or emergency announcement made, students will be directed to follow their teacher’s instructions in a quiet, orderly manner. Visiting parents and guests will be expected to do the same. If you are at school during an earthquake drill or fire drill, please follow staff directions. Classroom teachers will teach specific drill instructions to students in the first few days of school.

FIRE or EVACUATION DRILLS

At the sound of the alarm leave the building through the nearest exit or an announcement by intercom will be made “Evacuate to the announced location.”

SHELTER DRILLS

Announcement by intercom, "Shelter-using announced type and method (ie drop, cover and hold)."

LOCK DOWN DRILLS

Announcement by intercom, "Lock, Lights, Out of Sight."

LOCK OUT DRILLS

Announcement by intercom, "Secure the perimeter."

EMERGENCY CLOSURES

Parents should emphasize with children where they will go in case school must be unexpectedly closed during the day. It is impossible to notify each parent by phone, so previous instructions by parents can help reduce student anxiety in emergency situations. At the beginning of each school year, parents will be asked to update Emergency School Closure Information on the enrollment verification form. Please keep us advised if your plan changes. Classroom teachers will keep the plans on file and will follow them as needed.

CLOSURE OR DELAYS DUE TO WEATHER

On occasion, weather conditions require that the opening of school be delayed. On a delayed school day schedule, instruction will begin at 10:30 A.M. and buses will operate two hours late. Students should report to their bus stop exactly two hours later than their usual time. If you live in a higher elevation, please know your bus service may not be available. Announcements of delayed school openings, or school closures, will be made between 6:00 and 7:30 A.M. on local radio and TV stations. The District Website also posts this information and you can register for text alerts from the school district.

We believe that students should devote some out-of-school time to their studies in order to attain their fullest potential. If a child doesn’t have homework, we encourage students to read during their home study time.

Homework is assigned for the following reasons:

• To complete work started in class

• To expand and/or enrich regular class work

• To build habits of mind related to building proficiency

• To give additional practice and application to strengthen learning

• To make up work missed due to absence

In general, students in grades one through three may have from 15-30 minutes of homework per night; the upper grade students may have from 30-60 minutes per night. Teachers plan for both short and long term but they must remain flexible and frequently have to change their instructional plans in order to meet the needs of the specific students in their classrooms. If your child will be gone for an extended time, it is often very difficult for the teacher to prepare materials in advance. Our efforts to implement best practices through an integrated and hands- on curriculum make school attendance very important.

INTERVENTION

Our intervention process starts with a universal screening of all students. We identify students struggling academically, provide evidence-based interventions and adjust the intensity and nature of those interventions depending on a student’s responsiveness. In some cases, the process helps us to identify students who might become eligible to receive special education services. Grade level teams meet regularly to formally discuss student progress. We informally talk about student progress daily. During our formal discussion, we use a range of assessments and observations to guide our discussion as we focus on our students not currently at grade level. For students not making the progress expected in order to be on track for meeting year- end goals, the team plans additional interventions and support. If the team has concerns about your child’s learning progress you will be notified.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

If a child is not making progress after core instruction in the classroom and extra interventions, he or she may be referred to the Special Education Team (SET). Teachers will communicate concerns long before referring a child to SET. At the SET meeting, parents, the teacher, school psychologist, speech pathologist, learning specialist, school nurse and motor team specialist will discuss the child to determine if the child should undergo assessment to see if he or she qualifies for extra support that falls under the umbrella of Special Education. If a child is tested AND qualifies for extra support, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be created for the child.

LEARNING SPECIALIST

For students who qualify, the learning specialist provides specially designed instruction in reading, writing or math based on a child’s IEP.

SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

For students who qualify, the Speech Pathologist provides specially designed instruction in speech or language based on a child’s IEP. The communication problems served include speech (articulation, stuttering, voice), hearing impairments, and language-learning disorders.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

The School Psychologist administers tests, helps identify students needing special education services, counsels students individually and in small groups and consults with parents and teachers. A school psychologist is at Sexton Mountain approximately two days a week.

The school has a Lost and Found located in the hall between the gym and playground. Please label all lunch boxes, hats, coats, and mittens to help us return lost items to their owner. The Lost and Found is cleaned out regularly and unmarked items are donated to the BSD Clothes Closet. Students are encouraged to check the LOST AND FOUND frequently.

BIRTHDAYS

The teacher or principal gives students special recognition during their birthday month. Do not send edible treats, balloons or flowers on your child's birthday. Their delivery interrupts the teaching and learning time. Some students like to recognize their special day by donating a favorite book to the classroom library. The child can write a special dedication inside the front cover and the teacher can share all or part of the book with students to enhance student learning. Birthday invitations may not be given out at school. We do not give out student phone numbers and addresses.

DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY

In order to meet the District goal of increasing academic achievement for each student district-wide, it is essential that the District provide an environment that fosters wellness.

To help ensure students possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthy choices for a lifetime we are working to create a school environment that will foster healthy life-long habits.

We are doing that in the following ways:

• To support children’s health and school nutrition-education efforts, school fundraising activities during the school day will use foods that meet the District nutrition and portion size standards for foods and beverages sold individually.
• We will encourage fundraising activities that promote physical activity.
• We will not use foods or beverages as rewards.
• We will limit celebrations that involve food during the school day to no more than one party per class per semester. Each party may include no more than one food or beverage that does not meet nutrition standards.

Opportunities to Get Involved 

PTC

PTC is a volunteer and parent/community organization that exists to promote and enhance the educational opportunities at Sexton Mountain, and to help develop a sense of community. All parents and interested community members are invited. Check out the PTC website for opportunities.

VOLUNTEERING

An information sheet listing many of the volunteer possibilities is included in the Back to School packet. It explains the positions and the responsibilities involved. We welcome volunteers whether it is just a few times a year or every week. All parents and community members planning to volunteer must complete the background check. Find out more on the District Volunteer page. 

VISITING OUR SCHOOL

To help with the safety and well-being of all Sexton Mountain students, we must know who is in the building at all times. In an effort to protect all of our children, outside classroom doors will be locked. To help us do this, please sign in and out at the office.

For security reasons, we ask that all visitors wear volunteer name tags or a "visitor" badge. We know that many wonderful experiences happen at Sexton Mountain. Families are invited and encouraged to visit school and/or their child's room to share in his/her experiences. Pre-school age children who come with visiting parents must be kept with parents at all times. 

Our cafeteria is a gathering place for children. Before school children find the cafeteria a nice place to visit with friends, read or have breakfast. The cafeteria will be open for breakfast and just for hanging out each morning from 8:05-8:25.

All students will have scheduled times in the cafeteria for lunch. Children may bring healthy meals from home or they may purchase meals at school. GUESTS Visitors are welcome to join students in the cafeteria but must sign in at the office first and get a visitor badge.

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

In order for mealtime to be a pleasant experience for all children we expect students to:

• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer before entering the cafeteria.
• Use appropriate table manners.
• Keep voices at a moderate level as they would at a restaurant.
• Eat only food they purchased or brought from home. Sharing food is not permitted.
• Clean up after themselves.

FOOD FROM HOME

• Food containers (i.e. lunchboxes) should be clearly marked with the student’s name.
• Students won’t have access to a microwave so plan accordingly.
• Children should be able to open their own containers (i.e.Gogurt, cheese stick, thermos, juice box).

Nutrition Services serves meals that meet USDA nutrient standards.

MENUS AND PRICES

Breakfast and lunch menus along with meal prices are posted on the Nutrition Services website.

DRINKS

Students may purchase milk to go with their lunch from home only if money has been deposited into their account. Students have access to cups and water in the cafeteria. There is no charge for a cup of water.

FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL BENEFITS

If a family is experiencing financial need, they may complete one application for meal benefits for all students in the family. Meal benefits application and instructions are available on the Nutrition Services website. Paper copies will also be available in the school office, cafeteria, or from the Nutrition Services Meal Benefits office. The application process is confidential. Families may apply for meal benefits at any time throughout the school year.

STUDENT MEAL ACCOUNTS & MAKING MEAL PAYMENTS

Each student is assigned an individual meal account which they can access using a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The meal account is a debit account, so money must be deposited into their account before they can purchase meals.

Families may deposit money by:

• Sending cash or check (payable to Sexton Mt. Café) clearly labeled with student’s first and last name and PIN. Labeled drop boxes are located in the café and office.
• Making payments either online or by a toll free number. More information is available on the Nutrition Services website.

Safe, Respectful, and Responsible Learners

Our school’s student management plan is based on helping students learn to make responsible decisions by asking themselves the following questions:

IS IT SAFE? Students are expected to act safely in all areas with all things. IS IT RESPONSIBLE? Students are expected to be accountable for their actions. IS IT RESPECTFUL? Students are expected to show kindness towards others, act with a sense of right and wrong, and play or work without hurting others physically or emotionally.

In an effort to help all students meet social and behavioral standards, we will teach expectations throughout the year. We believe in a growth mindset, and coach students to be problem-solvers and become aware of how their actions can effect the community. We will take steps to help children solve problems in a positive way. Parents will be contacted with concerns regarding behavior.

As staff we will:

1. TEACH students what it means to be safe, respectful and responsible in all school areas.
2. REINFORCE and ENCOURAGE appropriate behavior. Students can earn EAGLE EYE coupons when they are "caught" being safe, responsible and respectful by any staff member. There will be many instances when students receive verbal praise. Impromptu and intermittent recognition of positive behaviors increases the likelihood of they will recur.
3. If a student is not being safe, respectful or responsible, interventions will be used to RETEACH the desired behavior. Inappropriate behaviors are an opportunity to teach appropriate behavioral skills. Consequences for inappropriate behavior will focus on correcting the behavior and will increase in severity based on the number of previous offenses and the nature of the offense.

Possible interventions might include one or more of the following:

• Verbal reminder and re-teaching of expectations
• Use of problem solving worksheet
• Time out in another part of the classroom, in another room or office
• Loss of privileges, such as recess, field trips, Field Day, free time, Friday Fun
• Community service
• In School Suspension or Out of School Suspension as outlined in the District Student and Family Resource Handbook.

SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER

The library will be open before school and students will be able to check out books regularly during their specialist rotation. Library books are an important part of our educational program. Students are responsible for any books checked out or assigned to them. Please help students take care of the library books, so other students can continue to enjoy them in the future.

TECHNOLOGY

Sexton Mountain students and staff have access to technology. Students will have regular time in the technology lab. Computers and tablets are also in each of the classrooms, grade level common areas, and the library. Students will have access to the Internet unless a parent provides a written request otherwise. We teach students our expectations to be safe consumers and producers of technology.

MUSIC EDUCATION

Students have music class regularly. In music class, the students sing, dance and play instruments. Additionally, they learn about composers and different kinds of music.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE)

Students have PE regularly. The Physical Education program is designed to strengthen individual physical fitness and develop skills necessary for the enjoyment of life-long recreational activities. Teamwork and good sportsmanship are also emphasized. All children are expected to participate in activities. Children who are to be excused from an activity must have a written excuse from a parent. Tennis shoes are required.

ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION (APE)

APE class provides gross motor instruction to students whose Individualized Education Plan demonstrate a need for it. Fifth grade students sometimes serve as buddies and models for students during APE Class.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER (ELL)

Through our English Language Development (ELD) efforts, children who qualify are given additional English instruction during the school day. The district requires that any student living in a home in which a second language is spoken be evaluated by the ELL Intake Center. Eligibility is determined by the District's ELL Intake Center. Our school uses a Language for All model so all teachers are teaching ELD standards and our ELD teachers often supports students in the classroom.

TALENTED AND GIFTED (TAG)

16 Students can be identified as gifted in up to three areas: reading, math and/or intellectually gifted. In order to qualify, students must score at the 97% or above on a norm-referenced test. Classroom teachers are responsible for providing instruction at the correct rate and level for identified students. A TAG Resource Specialist is available at the District level as a resource and consultant. Testing for TAG is conducted once a year. Referrals for testing can be made by teachers or families.

STRUCTURED ROUTINES CENTER (SRC)

The SRC is a specialized program that provides services to students whose Individualized Education Plan demonstrates a need for communication, socialization, life skills and academic instruction as well as provision of sensory supports.

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

The counselor teaches lessons to classes each month. The Counselor also works with students individually and in small groups (with parent permission) primarily focusing on social and academic skills. Parents can also meet with the counselor to get parenting tips and referrals to other resources.

TOBACCO-FREE ENVIRONMENT

Beaverton School District is a tobacco-free indoor and outdoor environment (all District premises inside and outside). This means that all use of tobacco is prohibited on/in all school property.

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

School facilities are available for use by community groups. Facility Use Applications are available on the District Website.

VALUABLES and TOYS

We ask that students not bring valuables or toys to school. The school or district cannot be responsible for or replace personal possessions lost by students. In addition, such possessions often disrupt the educational process and therefore, are not appropriate to have at school.

PHONES

We realize that at times cellphones are necessary for safety reasons such as walking home. However cell phones must be kept off and stored in backpacks during school hours. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged cell phones. Students are allowed to use the school telephone in the office for emergency reasons. Going home with a friend after school, or staying for an after school activity must be prearranged. Only emergency messages can be relayed to students by the office staff. Students will not be called out of class except in emergencies. If a student’s after school plan changes during the day, parents should call the front office to relay this message before 2:45pm.

DOGS

District policy permits only service dogs can come to school due to the safety and health issues. Please help us maintain the safety and well-being of all students and staff by leaving your pets at home.