Dear Parents and Student,

Welcome to school year 2007-2008. I am excited about the coming school year and hope you are also. If you are new to Wiley, let me extend a welcome to Wiley Elementary School from the existing staff, students, and parents. It is our desire that your year at Wiley will be a successful learning experience.

Please read and discuss this Handbook as a family. Research supports the fact that children do the best in school when their parents are involved as part of the educational team. Please take an interest in your child’s learning and become involved in school at Wiley Elementary. I expect every parent to be an active participant in our classrooms and school activities.

The Parent-Teacher Organization is one way parents and educators may work together. I encourage you to join and become involved in this organization. There are many ways parents can assist the PTO and the classroom teacher, so please volunteer your ideas, time, and effort.

My office door is always open to you. Please feel free to just drop in and visit. If your communication style is to schedule an appointment, call and schedule a convenient time. You may also contact me at home by calling 241-6313. I realize that evenings and weekends are sometimes the most convenient times for parents to communicate with me.

I wish you all a successful school year. I will be here to help facilitate that success.

Cindy Cooprider
Principal

Wiley Elementary School
            Wiley Elementary School was built in 1953, and named for Mr. V. M. Wiley. Currently, we are enrolling some children of former Wiley students and hoping that a Wiley tradition is developing.
            The Wiley students have selected the raccoon as the school’s mascot, so be prepared for the paw prints and raccoons that represent our school. The children also chose the school colors, blue and white. On Spirit Day (first Friday of every month), the students wear blue and white clothing.
            Children who demonstrate academic achievement, appropriate behavior, or service to the school and community are rewarded for their efforts. Recognition is given for safety patrol service. Students in attendance every day are recognized for perfect attendance. Students who qualify for the Presidential Academic Excellence Award are honored. Other awards are presented to students who have excelled in contests and projects.
            We encourage all children to take full advantage of their opportunity to achieve, and we strive to challenge all students. Sixth grade students at Wiley have an opportunity to participate in band and orchestra instruction; the instruction is provided at the school during the school day. Sixth graders qualifying for the transition math program are provided advanced instruction that is appropriate for their developmental level of understanding in mathematics
            The North Central Accreditation (NCA) accredited Wiley Elementary School during the spring of 2006. We use a systematic approach to school improvement by using the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA). Information is shared at each Site Council/PTO.
            We are interested in helping students develop to their full potential in academics, leadership, and service. Our mission statement states, “The Wiley School Community will strive to provide for children’s academic, social, personal and problem solving skills. We will encourage an awareness of the students’ rights and responsibilities in their community, country and the world. This will occur in a safe and orderly environment”.

Wiley Elementary School Staff
2007-08

Principal:                                               Mrs. Cindy Cooprider
Secretary:                                             Mrs. Georgia McGonigle
Food Service:                                        Mrs. Sarah Smith
Kindergarten:                                        Mrs. Kaylene Geurian, Room 101
K-3 Support:                                          Mrs. Margo Miller 101
First Grade:                                           Mrs. Terri Oyler, Room 102
                                                            Mr. Martin Vierya, Room 103
Second Grade:                                      Mrs. Judy Brown, Room 104
Mrs. Carol Stockton, Room 105                         
Third Grade:                                          Mrs. Rachel Hill, Room 106
Mrs. April Haas, Room 107
Fourth Grade:                                        Mrs. Emily Strobel, Room 111
Mrs. Amy Allen, Room 113                                            
Fifth Grade:                                           Mrs. Audry Geiman Room 110
                                                            Mrs. Amy Foos Room 109
Sixth Grade:                                          Mrs. Kathleen Barker Modular Unit
                                    Mrs. Lisa Trostle, Room 112
                                                           
Hearing Impaired:                                   Mrs. Jean Eldridge Room 114
Inter-related:                                          Miss Meisha Cockerill, Room 114
Reading Support:                                   Mrs. Janice Hoppes Room 116
Gifted Education:                                   Mrs. Nancy Birgen
Psychologist:                                        Mrs. Carla Smalley
Speech and Language:                           Mrs. Jodi Ruda                                     
Counselor:                                             Mrs. Verna Ploutz
Nurse:                                                   Mrs. Vickie Quick
Nurse Med Aide:                                    Mrs. Tasha Wessel
Librarian:                                               Mrs. Carla Honeycutt
Vocal Music:                                         Ms. Amy Tolle
Physical Education:                               Mr. Glen Fasnacht

Band:                                                    Mrs. Joyce Phillips
Orchestra:                                             Miss Michelle Wolf
                       
Para-Professionals:                                Mrs. Janet Simmons
                                                            Ms. Julie Alexander
                                                            Mrs. Christina Rose
                                                            Mr. Sean Bueford
                                                            Ms. Christinia Caraway

Custodians:                                           Mr. Steve Reimer
                                                            Mrs. Carolyn Davies
                                                                       

Agendas
            Grades 3-6 students are required to use an agenda. Each day students fill in assignments and mark whether the assignments are completed or not. Agendas are taken home for parents to view and sign. We believe this is another important communication tool between the classroom teacher and the parent.

Attendance
Tardiness
            Students are considered tardy when they arrive after the beginning of the morning or afternoon session, 7:55 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Students will report to the office for a tardy slip before coming to the classroom. (A student is considered absent if half a session (1 1/2 hours) or more is missed.)
            Excused tardies: Medical appointment with a note from the medical office.
            Unexcused tardies: All other tardies.
            The building principal will make final decisions on excused/unexcused reasons.
            After three unexcused tardies, parents will be notified.
            (Optional) After six unexcused tardies, the counselor or the principal will meet with the student and parents to develop a written plan.
            After Nine unexcused tardies, the principal will meet with the student and parents to resolve tardiness issues.
            Continued unexcused tardies will be reported to appropriate authorities.

Breakfast and Lunch Programs
            Children in K-6 grades may eat breakfast at the school from 7:20-7:45 each school day. It is very important for students to be on time when eating breakfast so that the gym can be made ready for P.E. Lunch is served for students in 1-6 grades.
 
Cell Phones
            Students may bring cell phones to school, but they must remain off and in their backpacks during the school day. If students use the phones during the school day, the phone will be taken away and parents will need to retrieve them from the office.

Curriculum
Wiley’s teachers instruct students in the district’s adopted curriculum in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, physical education, and music. State standards are aligned with the district’ Teachers use their choice of strategies to meet the students’ needs. There are special curriculum units in several grade levels and you will be receiving information on those.

Dress Code
            Following are the guidelines developed for Wiley School:

1. Is the manner of dress decent?
2. Does the manner of dress distract from the educational process?
3. Does the manner of dress create a concern for the safety and health of the individual or others?
4. Does the manner of dress cause classroom disruption?
5. Is the manner of dress destructive to school property?

            Students are encouraged to use good personal hygiene and come to school in clean clothing, which is appropriate for the season and all school activities, including physical education and recess. Students whose grooming or clothing appears to be in violation of the dress code will be asked to make arrangements for better grooming or appropriate attire. Classrooms in the building are air conditioned during warm months. Students are advised to dress for moderate room temperatures. Some children are more comfortable with a light sweater or jacket that can be worn as needed. Parents and students should plan on outside play during the day and the children need to dress accordingly.

1. Shorts and skirts, which are mid-thigh in length, may be worn.
2. Tank tops, fish net shirts, and cropped tops (midriff showing) may only be worn with another shirt underneath or over them.
3. Clothing that advertises drugs, tobacco or alcohol or displays inappropriate writing or pictures will not be allowed.
4. Baseball caps and hats will be removed when the student is inside the building. Exceptions to this dress code would be headgear for costumes worn for a specific event.
5. Clothing and shoes, which are hazardous to the health and safety of students or disruptive or distracting in the school environment, are deemed inappropriate. Items deemed unsafe would include, but not be limited to jeans dragging on the ground and shoes with higher heels. Slide-on or very loose fitting sandals are inappropriate for recess and gym activities.
6. Sagging jeans or shorts are deemed inappropriate for school.

Field Trips
            Parents may be asked to accompany students on field trips throughout the year. We recommend that you do not bring extra children with you due to space limitations and supervision of students.

Homework
            Parents may request homework for a student who has missed at least two days of school. The parent should call the school office (665-4685) and request the homework by 11:00 a.m. The homeroom teacher will notify the other teachers from whom homework has also been requested. All homework is to be picked up in the classroom at 3:10 unless other arrangements have been made. If the teacher cannot meet with the parent at 3:10, the work will be available in the office. All homework will be independent practice or reading for comprehension. No new skills or concepts will be introduced through homework.
            Please call again in the afternoon before coming for the homework. This is to make sure there actually is some homework available for your child.

Indoor Recess Requests
            If your child must stay inside during recess, please send a note to the teacher stating your request and the reason.

Library Materials
            Please help your child remember to bring library materials to school. It is important that books and magazines be returned when the student has finished. Flexible scheduling makes it possible for students to checkout or return materials every school day. If you move out of the Wiley area, please be sure all library materials are returned. If you enroll in another Hutchinson school and find that you have a Wiley book, just send the book to the new school’s office and they will return it to Wiley.

Lunch Money
            When sending lunch money to school with your child, please place the check or cash in an envelope; please mark the front of the envelope with the student’s name, room number (printed on the lunch statement), and number of lunches you are purchasing.
            Lunches will not be served on credit, so please mark the days on your calendar and watch for the notices stating that money is due. If your child eats hot lunch regularly, he/she will bring home a lunch payment envelope when the student’s account runs out of funds. Please pay the amount shown. Please call the secretary if you have questions.

Lunchroom Behavior
            Courteous lunchroom behavior is mandatory at Wiley School for the safety and well being of all students. Misbehavior in the lunchroom will not be tolerated. Should several attempts to encourage proper conduct be necessary without improvement, the student may eat in isolation or the student’s lunchroom privileges will be revoked for a period of time. Parents will be notified before the student’s lunchroom privileges are withdrawn.

            The lunchroom rules are: Use good manners. Keep hands, feet, and objects to self. Please do not give away food, and eat only your own food. Obey the lunchroom supervisors.

Moving In or Out
            If during the school year you must move your child, please let us know as soon as you can. If you are moving to another school within USD 308, letting us know early helps staff to work together and ease the transition between schools. If you are moving out of district, it allows us to get your student records to your new school on a timely basis. Should you move or change your telephone number and stay at our school, please let us know that information as well. That will keep important communication lines open between you and the school.

Parent Involvement
Parents are encouraged to become involved in the education of their children. You are welcome to visit the school at your convenience. We ask that you check in at the main office when you arrive. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the principal or your child’s teacher. The staff is dedicated to the academic success and well being of all students. You may be active in the PTO, Parent Volunteer groups, art projects, and classroom projects. Just let the school know of your interest in helping.
 
Parking and Passenger Loading Zones
Traffic flow and student safety is enhanced if the following guidelines are followed.

1. Kindergarten through third grade students are let off in the One Minute Parking area on Tyler Street.
2. Grades fourth through sixth grade students are let off in the One Minute Parking area in front of the school on 21st Street.
3. No students should be let off in the parking lot to the north of the school.
4. Handicapped parking is marked on 21st Street. Please do not use this spot as a delivery spot for your child. Traffic violations may be written if this spot is not honored.
5. This is parking on the curbs across from the school. If you chose to park in these areas, encourage your child to use the cross walks at the corner. The Safety Patrol will help insure that your child crosses the street safely.
6. Bus Zone – the yellow curb area is reserved for buses to load and unload students.

Parties
            Many parents enjoy giving birthday treats on their child’s special day. Birthday treats need to be made in an approved kitchen i.e. Dillons, Wal-mart, etc. We ask that you advise the teacher several days in advance so that time can be planned for the occasion. When planning treats, we request that you refrain from a treat that could be considered “messy.” Please refrain from red or grape drinks and dark colored colas, which stain the new carpeting. We suggest ice water, lemonade, Sprite, or 7-Up. All birthday parties are limited to 15 minutes.
            Unless all children in a classroom are being invited to a private birthday party, parents may not send birthday party invitations to school with a child to pass out to his/her friends. Instead, we ask the invitations be mailed to avoid hurting the feelings of those children who are not invited.

Playground Rules

Appropriate games and activities for primary students

Appropriate games and activities for intermediate students

Report all injuries to the playground supervisor.

Power School (4th – 6th Grade)

            The district uses a web-based information system to provide you real time information on your child. Parents can access Power School via internet connection. The log in address is ps.usd308.com. A letter is sent home within the first week or two of school with user name and password information.

Safety Patrol
            Fifth and sixth grade students may be Safety Patrol volunteers. All students must obey safety patrol officers on duty and follow these rules:

1. Walk on the sidewalk.
2. Use the crosswalks and walk, not run, when crossing.
3. Stand behind the yellow line at the crosswalks.
4. Follow all directions of patrol officers on duty.

School Hours

           
            Students are expected to be in the classroom promptly at 7:55 and 12:00; failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions, tardy slips, and loss of perfect attendance awards. There is not student supervision after 3:20, so please make sure you pick up your student(s) before that time.

School Resource Officer
            In a cooperative program with the Hutchinson Police Department, a school resource officer has been assigned to our school. Officer Darrin Cox will work with all students, using the school resource officer curriculum designed jointly by USD 308 and the Hutchinson Police Department. You may contact the SRO through the school office.

Security for Students and Staff
            Unfortunately, we are reading too often about tragic and violent incidents in public buildings. In an attempt to provide a safe environment for your child and the staff, access to the building will be limited during the school day. You will need to come to the entrance on 21st Street during the day when you wish to enter the building; the other doors will be locked to prevent any intruder’s direct access to the classrooms. You have our apologies for the inconvenience, but the safety of our students is our priority.
The custodian will lock the doors after 8:00 a.m. If your child arrives after 8:00, he/she will need to use the 21st Street entrance, which will remain unlocked all day.

The students may use the following plan for entering before 8:00 a.m. and leaving the building:

Student Conduct
            The students at Wiley Elementary have good behavior and demonstrate cooperative and caring attitudes that contribute to the school’s positive learning environment. The staff believes the children respond well to praise and recognition of their efforts and acts of kindness. As our children are human and learning to make choices, the students act occasionally before considering the consequences of their behavior.

1. Students learn best in a safe, orderly environment.
2. All adults will help children be in control.
1. In control means respecting others’ rights by speaking kindly, playing fairly, and listening to other students.
2. In control means allowing others to learn by moving with care, keeping noise and talking appropriate for the time and place, and waiting your turn.
3. In control means supervising you by knowing what to do and doing it.
4. In control means respecting the property of the school, other children, and the community by allowing others to have their possessions, picking up after you, and taking good care of school property.

            If a student chooses not to be in control, consequences will be given. Consequences may include:

1. Conference, which may include the principal, student, teacher, parent, and other appropriate people.
2. Detention, during or after school.
3. Loss of privileges.
4. Quiet time away from other students.
5. Restitution for damages.
6. Suspension, in-school or out-of-school.
7. Expulsion.

Detentions
            Teachers may withhold privileges or use a student’s recess time to complete work. Students may be detained after school for disciplinary reasons or to complete assignments. If a student is kept longer than 10 minutes, the parents will be contacted by telephone. If the parents cannot be contacted, the child may be detained at the end of the next school day.
Students’ Awareness of Expectations
            Wiley students are aware of the expectations for their behavior and the school rules. The rules are discussed on the first day of classes by the principal and the teachers; the staff reviews the rules with students as the need arises. New families to Wiley during the year are encouraged to discuss the behavior expectations with their children. Each classroom teacher will send parents a copy of her/her class rules and consequences for breaking the rules. Each teacher will post the rules in the classroom. Additionally, at dismissal time the children are expected to leave the playground area promptly and report home or to their caretaker. Parents may accompany children after school to the playground. The school does not provide playground supervision before 8:00 a.m. nor after 3:10 p.m.
           

            Students who play on the Wiley playground on the weekends or evenings with a parent’s permission should not attempt to climb on the roof to retrieve balls. This practice is dangerous and all students are forbidden to be on the roof. Students may ask the custodian to retrieve the ball on the next school day. Students will be disciplined for being on the roof.

Student Directory
            Student directories, which are compiled by your PTO, will be available in September. The directory will list each student, the name of his/her parents or guardians, the home address, and the telephone number.
            NOTE: If you do not wish to have your child listed in the directory, you will be given an opportunity to state your wishes on the order blank.

Telephone
            Children and teachers will not be called from class to speak on the telephone. The school secretary can pass a message to the student or teacher. Teachers may return your call when they are not instructing children or after school. The phone number is: 665-4685. Students will not be allowed to use the telephone to call out unless it is very important. The school lines must be kept open. Teachers will permit students to come to the office to use the phone if he/she deems the reason a necessity.

Valentine’s Day or Birthday Gifts/Flowers
            When parents send gifts or flowers to the school for their child, the gift will be kept in the office until 3:00 p.m. The classroom teacher may send the student to the office to receive the gift at 3:00 p.m. This practice has been adopted because of the number of gifts arriving at school for the secretary to deliver to the classrooms and sensitivity for students who do not receive gifts from their parents.

Vandalism
            The board shall seek restitution according to law for loss and damage sustained by the district. When a juvenile is involved in vandalism to district property, the superintendent shall contact the parents and explain their legal responsibility. The parents shall be notified in writing of the dollar amount of loss or damage. Juveniles or their parents shall make restitution payments to the business office, and accounts shall be kept. If necessary, provisions may be made for installment payments. Accounts not paid in full within the specified time may be processed for legal action.

Visitation
            Parents are welcome to visit the school. If you plan to eat a hot lunch with your child in the lunchroom, please call the office before 8:30 a.m. to notify us of your plans--we need to order your lunch. Please pay for your lunch in the Wiley Office.