A is for Absences, Absence Policy, Addresses, Agenda Books, Allergies, Arrival, and Attendance
Absences—One of the most important things your child can do to achieve academic success is also one of the most basic: going to school every day! We are building language, working on auditory development, and using hands-on materials to enhance learning. These activities cannot be duplicated for students who are absent. Excessive absences and tardies hinder a child’s progress.
A written excuse MUST also be sent when your child returns to school, but no later than 3 instructional days after return to school. Include the following information: Your child’s name, teacher’s name, date(s) of absence, reason for absence, and signature. Excuses may also be submitted daily on the school’s website at https://www.harcoboe.net/o/wmes
Absence Policy
Excused Absence defined; absence verified in writing by parent or doctor and provided no later than 3 days after return to school.
Unexcused Absence defined; absence not verified by parent in writing, any suspended days out of school, or any expelled days out of school.
Five (5) days of parental excuses are permitted during a school semester. Parental excuses over the 5-day limit will be unexcused.
EXCESSIVE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES during the school year may prohibit students from attending field trips and/or reward celebrations.
Address Updates—Please notify the school secretary of any address change that occurs during the school year. All updates must be submitted in writing to the school office.
Agenda Books—Agenda books will be used by all students 1st-5th grade to increase school/home communication. The agendas will be used to record assignments, important dates and schedules, and behavior updates. Parents/guardians are asked to check their child’s agenda book nightly.
Allergies—If your child has any allergies, please make sure that the school nurse and teacher are aware of them, especially food allergies and insect bite reactions.
Arrival—All students go directly to the cafeteria upon entering the building. All students are admitted to the building beginning at 7:00AM.
The instructional day begins at 7:45 a.m. We ask that your child arrive on time daily. We know mornings can be difficult; however, it will set the tone for the entire day and late arrivals miss out on learning and interrupt instruction for those in class.
Attendance-A successful school experience is the responsibility of the child, parents, and the school. Your child’s progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great degree by daily participation. Regular attendance without tardiness AND/OR early outs is critical. Students who leave school for any reason during the school day are counted absent (full day or ½ day depending on sign out time.)
B is for Band, Birthdays, Book Bag, Book Orders, Breakfast, Bus Number/Bus Supervision, and Bus Tags
Band—Fifth grade students have the opportunity to participate in a band elective. Students that are not in band will have music. The chosen elective remains throughout the school year.
Birthdays—We do not distribute or allow students to distribute party invitations at school. Staff cannot share student addresses, email addresses, or phone numbers with other families. This must take place outside of school.
Book Bag—Each child will need a book bag to carry his/her papers and folder. Please label book bag with your child’s name. We discourage wheeled book bags as they do not fit in lockers.
Book Orders—Some teachers may send home Scholastic book orders each month. If you want to place an order, please make checks payable to Scholastic. Books will arrive in approximately two weeks.
Breakfast—Our school serves breakfast in the cafeteria beginning at 7:10 am. Students go straight to breakfast upon entering the building. All enrolled students at West Milford Elementary are eligible to receive free breakfast (and lunch). Grab and Go breakfast begins at 7:45 am.
Bus Number/ Bus Supervision —You will need to provide your child’s bus number and stop before the beginning of school. If you need assistance with this please check with the school office or transportation department. Bus Supervision-- Parents are responsible for providing supervision for all students 3rd grade or younger at all bus stops until the bus arrives for both pickup and delivery. A parent of a PreK, K, 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade student is responsible for the supervision of their child at their designated bus stop. Parents may arrange a responsible person or older sibling (parent designee) to meet their child at the designated bus stop. If the driver foresees a safety concern or lack of appropriate supervision for a child, the driver is instructed to return the child to their school and the parent will be responsible to arrange transportation for their child.
Bus Tags—PK and Kindergarten students will be issued a transportation bus tag that attaches to their book bag. This tag will include name, address, bus stop, and names of persons allowed to pick up your child at the bus stop. It is mandatory that these tags remain on the student’s book bag throughout the school year. Please keep information current.
C is for Calendar, Cell Phones, Change in Routine, Choir, Contact Information, and Custodial Issues
Calendar—Harrison County provides a calendar that gives an overview of school closings, early dismissal dates, parent conference dates, and other important information. Please keep this handy to refer to during the school year. Calendar is available at HARCOBOE.net
Cell Phones—Student cell phones must remain in their backpacks on silent or turn off during the school day. Anyone that has a cell phone on their person and/or out during the school day will be asked to forfeit their phone and a parent/guardian will be required to pick the electronic device up from the administration following Harrison County’s Policy.
Change In Routine—Any change in going home procedures MUST be in writing, signed, dated, and received the morning of change. If there is no note, the child will be dismissed from school in the usual manner. SAME DAY PHONE CALL DISMISSAL CHANGES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER 1:30 PM. IF you do need to pick up your child early, it must be done prior to 2:15PM and will be coded as a half-day absence.
Choir – Fourth and Fifth grade students will have the opportunity to join the choir. This is an extracurricular activity held after school once a week.
Contact Information—It is imperative that Harrison County Schools maintain regular contact with parents. Parents are strongly reminded to update contact information, including a current telephone number and address, by contacting your child’s school on the next available school day to report the change(s). ALL CHANGES IN CONTACT INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE. From time to time, it is necessary to contact parents/guardians regarding a child’s illness, an emergency, or disciplinary offense and action, or for student pickup. The school administration will make every attempt to contact all telephone numbers on the student’s contact sheet in serious matters as deemed necessary by the principal. If the school is unable to communicate with a parent/guardian in a timely manner (30 minutes), the child will be placed in the custody of an appropriate agency, including law enforcement and/or Child Protective Services at the end of that same school day.
Custodial Issues—The school must have on file all copies of court orders and custodial concerns, signed and dated.
D is for Detention, Dismissal, Dress, and Drop-Off
Detention—After School Detention Program is only assigned following Harrison County’s Discipline Policy and is designed to emphasize that education in a safe environment is a priority and behaviors disruptive to the learning environment will not be tolerated. The time that students spend in detention will be academically enriching and emotionally supportive. It is the parent/guardian responsibility to pick up their child from detention.
Dismissal—PreK, K, and 1st grade walkers dismiss at 2:15pm, 2nd grade walkers dismiss at 2:20pm, 3rd grade walkers dismiss at 2:25pm, 4th and 5th grade walkers dismiss at 2:30pm, and buses begin picking up students beginning at 2:30pm. It is imperative that parents/guardians pick up their child at their grade level walker’s dismissal to keep everyone safe. In our efforts to ensure a safe dismissal for all, parents needing to sign students out early must do so prior to 2:15 pm as no one will be admitted to the building after this time.
Dress—Please dress your child comfortably for school, so he/she can participate in all activities inside and out. Appropriate footwear needs to be worn so that toes and ankles are protected. Flip-flops can be unsafe; therefore, we discourage the students from wearing them. All students must follow Harrison County’s Dress Code Policy which may be found at harcoboe.net. Absolutely no weapons, blood, violence, or anything that is disruptive to the school environment. Shorts/skirts must be appropriate in length, and any tops showing the stomach are prohibited.
Drop Off—Student safety is our #1 priority. To drop off your child, please turn down School St., and follow the drop off line to the sidewalk where your child/children step out of the vehicle, and you continue down School St. to keep traffic moving.
~Parents who wish to park their vehicle and walk their child to the main entrance MUST USE THE PARKING LOT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SCHOOL.
We encourage you to consider your children riding the bus to school each day. Not only would it help alleviate traffic congestion, but it would also assure prompt arrival at school.
Be your child’s best example. Please be courteous and follow all safety guidelines at all times.
Morning Main Entrance Drop-Off-- Parents who walk their child up to the main entrance may drop off at the front door. Parents cannot walk their students to the classroom. School staff are positioned throughout the building to assist students as needed. We encourage independence for our students, and saying short goodbyes at the entrance is a great way to send them on their own way to class.
E is for Early Dismissal and Email
Early Dismissal—Please keep in mind that it is very disruptive to learning when a student leaves early. We realize that occasionally appointments are only available during the school day; however, academic time is lost when a child leaves during the school day. Students who leave early will be counted as a full or ½ day absence depending on their sign-out time.
Please be aware that Harrison County has scheduled early dismissal days in the school calendar throughout the year. Be sure to note these on your calendar.
Email—A great way to keep in touch with teachers/staff is through email. Email addresses can be found on the website.
F is for Field Trips, Flower Deliveries, Folders, Forms, Fragrance-Free, Fundraisers
Field Trips—Throughout the year, we will schedule field trips to enhance our curriculum. Permission slips, medical forms, and requests for fees will be sent home prior to each trip. If permission forms are not returned by the due date, there will only be two reminder notices sent home. Please note that discipline infractions and/or poor attendance may prohibit a student from attending a field trip and/or celebration. Only board-approved parent chaperones can assist with supervising students on a field trip. Please submit your form by the due date to be eligible to chaperone future field trips. No siblings may accompany us on our trips.
Flower Deliveries—(PK-5) West Milford Elementary will not accept flowers, gifts, or balloon deliveries for students on any occasion. Any floral delivery will be returned to the business for store pickup. This policy is implemented in an effort to minimize classroom disruptions and to avoid safety hazards on the buses. Additionally, flowers and/or balloons may trigger allergy attacks in students and staff.
Folders (PK-5)—Every day your child will bring home an ORANGE folder. All schoolwork and communication will be sent home in this folder. Please make it a routine to check your child’s folder daily. Look for homework and other important information that may be included. Send all notes and/or money to school in this folder.
Forms—Beginning-of-year information and forms will be sent home with your child. Please complete and return all forms.
Fundraisers—Proceeds from all fundraisers will be used for Reward Programs and for student/staff incentives.
G is for Goals and Grading
Goals—Students will set academic and behavior learning goals at the beginning of the school year. They will assess their progress each grading period and continually work on achieving their goals.
Grading—Grading reports are made four times a year at 9-week intervals.
H is for Hands-on Learning, Harrison County Schools App, Health Clinic, and Homework
Hands-on Learning—Our classrooms are active learning environments where important concepts are learned by doing meaningful hands-on activities.
Harrison County Schools APP—To stay up to date with school news and announcement alerts, download the Harrison County Schools APP.
Health Center—Our school has a School-Based Health Center operated by Community Care of West Virginia. This center is available to serve students and staff with their healthcare needs in the school setting. Parent Consent forms will be sent home at the beginning of the year. The consent form provides information about the student, including health conditions, medications, allergies, contact information, and insurance information. The clinic operates at West Milford Elementary on Fridays only.
Homework—The purposes of homework are to reinforce classroom curriculum, to enrich and extend the school experience, and to develop responsibility. It is important for homework to be completed and returned when assigned. Please be sure to check your child’s folder daily for homework. In addition to assignments, please spend 10 minutes reading nightly with your child. If you notice your child taking excessive time or struggling with homework, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
I is for Illness, Independence, Instructional Hours, and Internet Usage
Illness—It is important to keep your child home if he/she is ill. This helps to make them more comfortable and prevents others from becoming ill. Children function more effectively when they are healthy. Please be sure to submit an absence excuse for any day(s) absent.
Independence—Independence is a goal for students because it builds self-esteem and self-confidence. We encourage them to do as much as they can for themselves in the classroom.
Instructional Hours-- The instructional day is from 7:50 am-2:30 pm.
Internet Usage—Students will have many opportunities to use the internet. We will go to the computer lab weekly. Students will also be given an iPad to utilize as needed at school. ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS/GUARDIANS must sign and return the HCBOE Acceptable Use Policy 5602 and the iPad Pledge.
J is for Joyful Learning
Joyful Learning—Children learn best when they are feeling loved and encouraged to try new things. Our classrooms build a feeling of mutual respect, being risk-takers, and supporting each other even when we make mistakes. Happy faces are so important!
K is for Kindness
Kindness—Students in our classrooms are encouraged and expected to treat all classmates, as well as others, with kindness and respect. Bothering others, bullying, and interrupting learning will not be permitted.
L is for Labeling, Library, Lice Policy, and Lunch
Labeling—Please label all personal items that your child brings to school, especially his/her lunch box, backpack, clothing, and outerwear.
Library—We have a scheduled library time that allows students to check out books to read at home. Please be sure to read these books with your child and return them to school on their due date.
Lice Policy—When a student exhibits symptoms of head lice, he/she will be checked by the school nurse. The parent will be notified, and the student will be sent home if live head lice are found. When treatment is completed, the parent must accompany the student to school for examination by the school nurse. In order for a student to return to school, hair must be live lice-free.
Lunch—All enrolled students at WMES receive free lunch (and breakfast). Students bringing their lunch should have a lunch box/bag clearly marked with his/her name.
M is for Medication, Meetings, and Money
Medication—All medication that is to be administered to a child at school, physician ordered and over-the-counter, must have a permission form completed for each medication. Forms may be obtained from the school nurse. All medication must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian.
Meetings—Please respect that teachers are not available before or after school unless you have a scheduled appointment. As you can imagine, our schedules are quite full with school obligations and supervision duties before and after school. So please contact the teacher to schedule a meeting that is convenient for both parent and teacher.
Money—Please send any money collection in a sealed envelope with the following information on the outside: your child’s name, the teacher’s name, and what the money is for.
N is for Newsletters, Nightly Readings, Non-Traditional Instruction, Notes, Nurse
Newsletters—The school newsletter will be sent home weekly via text message. Classroom teachers have their own forms of communication to keep you informed, including newsletters or updates on their classroom app. You can also access our school newsletter at our website: www.harcoboe.net.
Nightly Reading—Nightly reading is essential for future success. Reading to your child is just as important as your child practicing their independent reading. Aim for at least 10 minutes per day.
Non-Traditional Instruction – These days are used for inclement weather. Your child(s) NTI Pack will come home at the beginning of the school year. Please keep this in a safe place, easy to find. All assignments are due the next traditional learning day after the NTI day.
Notes—Your child will receive an orange take-home folder on the first day of school. Any notes for the teacher as well as money for fundraisers/events should be sent to school in this folder.
Nurse—Our school nurses are Kerry Dean, RN, and Tiffany Griffith, LPN.
O is for Office Staff, Open Communications
Office Staff—Meet our office staff:
Mrs. Lowther, Principal, and Ms. Traci, Secretary
Open Communications—Maintaining open lines of communication between school and home can be a key factor in boosting your child’s academic progress and building self-confidence. It is our hope that both school and family can share this responsibility and together build a strong foundation to support your child’s learning. A timely response to school communications via email, Gradebook, Seesaw, Remind, phone call, etc. is required.
P is for Parent Involvement, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Phone Numbers, Photos, Positive Behavior Support (PBS), Progress Reports
Parent Involvement—We welcome Parent Involvement! Please be involved in your child’s school year as much as you can. Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school.
Parent/Teacher Conferences—Formal conferences are scheduled once during the school year. “Drop-by” conferences cannot be held with teachers. They cannot leave their classrooms while instructing or supervising students to have a conference. Please do not wait on a Parent/Teacher Conference if you have a concern for your child. Our staff will make time to meet with you; just call and schedule an appointment.
Phone Numbers-- Please keep the school informed of updated telephone numbers so we can reach you at all times. If the school is unable to communicate with a parent/guardian in a timely manner (30 minutes), the child will be placed in the custody of an appropriate agency, including law enforcement and/or Child Protective Services at the end of that same school day.
Photos—Due to privacy and safety concerns, no one is permitted to take photos and/or post photos/videos on social media outlets of any student who is not your own child. This includes all school-related activities and field trips.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports—The mission of our PBIS program is to provide a safe, disciplined environment where students are focused on learning. The intent of PBIS is to teach desired behaviors that will promote lifelong learning, success, and good citizenship.
Progress Reports—Progress reports shall be sent home to all students in the middle of each 9-week grading period.
Q is for Questions
Questions—Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education. We will meet with you and discuss your concerns. It is our job to work together as partners to help your child have a successful year.
R is for Report Cards, Restrooms
Report Cards—We are on a 9-week grading period, and report cards will be sent home four times a year. It is our hope that we have ongoing communication with you regarding your child’s learning. Please take every opportunity provided to understand how your child is achieving at school: completed work in folders, behavior calendar, class newsletter activities, and communication with the teacher.
Restrooms (PK-2)-Children are allowed to use the restrooms as needed. Unfortunately, accidents can happen. Keeping an extra set of clothing in your child’s backpack is a good idea in case it is needed.
S is for Safety and Snacks
Safety—Your child’s safety is our top priority. We will take every precaution when your child is in our care. Please be sure the office always has your updated emergency contact numbers (work, cell, home) and the numbers of your emergency contacts in the event you cannot be reached. The school administration will make every attempt to contact all telephone numbers on the student’s contact sheet in serious matters as deemed necessary by the principal. If the school is unable to communicate with a parent/guardian in a timely manner (30 minutes), the child will be placed in the custody of an appropriate agency, including law enforcement and/or Child Protective Services at the end of that same school day.
Snacks—Please send in a snack from home that is nutritious. Kindergarten will send home a plan for when parents/guardians send in a snack for the class.
T is for Tardiness and Truancy, Title I, and Toys
Tardiness and Truancy—Students late to school (after 8:50 am) are considered tardy. Excessive tardies are disruptive to the class as well as your child’s learning. If a student is tardy, the parent/guardian is required to walk your child into the office and sign in.
Title I—Title I is a federally funded reading and math support program. Our school-wide Title I program enhances academic achievement in core subject areas for all students, especially those most in need.
Toys —Students are asked not to bring toys from home. These items become a distraction and may cause hurt feelings. Your child will be told to put the toy or item in their bookbag if they have it out on school property.
U is for Unique
Unique—Each child in our classes is unique and wonderful! We love to learn about how we are unique and special, and we celebrate our differences and similarities.
V is for Videos, Visitors, Volunteers
Videos-- Due to privacy and safety concerns, no one is permitted to take videos and/or post videos/photos on social media outlets of any student who is not your own child. This includes all school-related activities and field trips.
Visitors—All visitors and guests are required to check in at the school office and sign in using the RAPTOR system. Visitors will be asked to present a valid state-issued ID to enter the RAPTOR system. The system will then issue a visitor’s badge for you to wear while in the building. When your school visit is over, sign out in the office. Also, please do not open the doors or hold open the doors for people coming in after you. It is the goal and responsibility of the school to create a safe learning environment.
Volunteers—Parents/Guardians and Grandparents are welcome to volunteer in our school. Please understand that siblings and/or younger children are not permitted to attend school parties or be present during volunteer times. Only Harrison County Board-approved volunteers can assist with supervising students on a field trip or school activity. Please submit your completed volunteer form following the procedures listed under “Forms” on www.harcoboe.net.
W is for Water Bottles and Website
Water Bottles—Students may bring their own water bottles to keep in their classroom. Please make sure these are spill-proof and water only.
Website—Our school has a website that can be accessed at www.harcoboe.net. It is full of useful information including lunch menus, school and district calendars, staff email addresses, grade level information and links, and much more.
X is for X-tra Special and eXciting
X-tra Special and eXciting— Each child is eXtra special to us, and we will guide them gently and consistently all year long. Thank you for sharing them!
Y is for You and YMCA Child Care Program
You!—You are your child’s first and most important teacher. You can help to make your child feel successful this year by discussing your child’s school day with them. Ask questions like, “What did you learn today?”, “What was the best part of your day?”, “What are you getting better at?”, Ask your child about reading, math work, stations. Show an enthusiasm for learning. It is contagious!
Z is for ZZZZZZZZs
Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them to be alert and ready to learn each day.
This handbook is not intended to be all-inclusive of all rules, customs, or practices applicable to conduct or miscellaneous procedures at West Milford Elementary. It contains most major or typically common rules and procedures.