Cottonwood SchoolCottonwood School

2009-2010

Breakfast 8:00 A.M.Classes Begin 8:30 A.M.

Morning Kdgn Ends 11:25 A.M.Afternoon Kdgn Starts 12:30 P.M.Classes Dismissed 3:25 P.M.

MissionI believe I can learn the skills necessary to become a caring, creative, and productive person. I believe I can demonstrate:

*A positive attitude

*Proficiency in reading, math, written communication, social studies, science and technology

*Academic and social problem solving skills

*Independence, responsibility, and healthy self-esteem

Be Safe

Use the crosswalks when crossing the street and look both ways

(Parents - look-out for the children)

Information for Parents, Information for Parents, Guardians and StudentsGuardians and Students

Mission Statement for Cottonwood: I believe that I can learn the skills necessary to become a

caring, creative, and productive person. I believe I can demonstrate:

Independence, responsibility, and healthy self-esteem A positive attitude Proficiency in reading, math, written communication,

social studies, science and technology. Academic and social problem solving skills Staff, parents, and the community will provide the support

necessary to achieve this mission.

Cottonwood Cottonwood MottoMotto

“Working Together – Learning Together”

General Information IndexGeneral Information Index

Student Arrivals/Dismissals

Office Hours Attendance/Absence School Safety Student Behavior/

Discipline Threats of Violence

Weapons Crisis Management Harassment School Closing Visitors Parent/Teacher Group Guidance Services Summer School

General Information continuedGeneral Information continued

Make-Up work Illness Helping Students

Succeed Birthday Parties Animals/Plants Electronic Mail &

Internet

Contact Position/ Person for Cottonwood

Contact Person for district-wide concerns

Contact Person for Board of Education Policies

Student Arrivals/DismissalsStudent Arrivals/Dismissals 8:00 Breakfast begins at Cottonwood

8:20 a.m. Doors open/ First bell rings

8:30 a.m. All morning classes begin

11:25 a.m. Morning kindergarten dismissed

12:30 p.m. Afternoon kindergarten classes

begin

3:25 p.m. Dismissal

Office Hours at CottonwoodOffice Hours at Cottonwood

Elementary office hours are from

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Attendance/AbsencesAttendance/Absences

Please contact the school office by 9:000 a.m. on the day(s) your student will be absent.

The student’s absence will be marked unexcused if no contact from home is made to the school prior to 9:00 a.m.

Unexcused absences on 3 consecutive school days, or 5 days in a semester, or 7 days in a school year will result in a report of truancy.

School SafetySchool Safety

All doors will be locked by 9:00 a.m. except for the Main (southwest) door at Cottonwood School.

Report any safety concerns to school staff. Kansas School Safety Hotline # is:

1-877-6262-8203.

Student Behavior/DisciplineStudent Behavior/Discipline

Courtesy, respect, and self-discipline is a mutual responsibility of the home and school.

Cottonwood school wide discipline plan includes the following: – Student conferences/student action plans– Detention– Parent/Student conferences– Suspension, and/or expulsion if necessary

Threats of ViolenceThreats of Violence

All threats (verbal, written, or physical) are taken seriously.

There is no such thing as ‘just joking’.1. Threats should be reported immediately2. Administration will investigate the

seriousness of the threat.3. Disciplinary action will follow district

policy.

WeaponsWeapons

Dangerous weapon means any article not commonly or commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm.

Students found in possession of a weapon will be subject to disciplinary action including expulsion and will be referred to law enforcement.

Crisis Management Crisis Management

Cottonwood has a Crisis Management Plan in which to deal with catastrophic events such as: – Tornados– Weapons– Fires– Bomb threats– Sudden death situations

HarassmentHarassment

Racial and sexual harassment will not be tolerated in the USD 305 District.

1. Harassment should be reported immediately to authorities.

2. School/District will promptly investigate all complaints of harassment and take corrective action.

School ClosingsSchool Closings

In the event of bad weather or other emergencies the Superintendent of Schools may make the decision to close Salina Public Schools.

Listen to radio stations: KSAL/KY94, KINA/KSKG, KQNS, KZBZ, KSAJ, KCVS, KILS and KHCC/KHCD

VisitorsVisitors

You are always welcome to visit your child's classroom.

Please make an appointment by sending a note or by phone.

Stop by the office to let staff know when you arrive and pick up a visitor’s badge.

Parent/Teacher Association Parent/Teacher Association Cottonwood has an active PTAPrevious fund-raisers included:

– Bingo– Chili Feed & Book Fair– Popcorn Sales– JT Enterprises

Contact PTA Co-Presidents, Karina Reinert or Bevin Welsch, for further information.

Guidance ServicesGuidance Services

Counseling can be initiated by a request of the student, parent, or school personnel.

Counseling services can be individual and/or group counseling.

Mrs. Heath is our counselor

Extended LearningExtended Learning

The extended learning program is designed for remedial help in reading.

Information regarding extended school programs will be available in the Spring, contact the Principal, Jerry Baxa

Make-Up WorkMake-Up Work

Two days are allowed to make up work missed for each day of absence.

Specific questions regarding student’s homework, please contact the teacher.

IllnessIllness

When students are ill, they should remain at home. Students returning to school need to have a written

excuse if normal school activities are to be limited.

If a student becomes ill during the school day, the designated adult will be contacted.

Please keep emergency phone numbers and contact persons’ names updated.

Helping Students SucceedHelping Students Succeed

Encourage and expect high performanceShow interest in what your child doesProvide proper conditions for home studyLimit time spent watching TVProvide proper supervision

at home if you are unable to be there

Attend parent meetings

Parties & CelebrationsParties & Celebrations

Schedule with teacher in advance to bring simple birthday treats.

Carbonated Beverages are not allowed.Healthy snacks are encouraged. Please

limit the amount of candy.Treats MUST be pre-packaged.

Animals/PlantsAnimals/Plants

Cottonwood follows the Animals in Kansas Schools Guidelines prepared by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Students must receive prior permission from teacher and building principal.

Proper care & handling procedures will be followed.

Electronic Mail & InternetElectronic Mail & Internet

Students must demonstrate responsible behavior when accessing the Internet on school computers.

Parents must sign a permission/agreement form before students are allowed electronic mail or internet usage.

Contact Position/Person for Contact Position/Person for Cottonwood: 309-4600Cottonwood: 309-4600

Principal: Jerry BaxaLead Teacher: Vicki ScanlonSFA Facilitator: Patricia HuertaCounselor: Mary Jo HeathESL Interpreter: Ana GonzalezNurse: Mary Lou McKenzie

Contact Position/Person for Contact Position/Person for Cottonwood: 309-4600 Cottonwood: 309-4600

Psychologist: Mike WilliamsSocial Worker: Kim StoeberVolunteer Coordinator: Renee CornSecretary: Debbie Shirack

District contactsDistrict contacts

Dr. Peg Dokken-Opat, Executive Director of Administrative & Student Services

785-309-4721

Or

Dr. Rob Winter, Superintendent of Schools

785-309-4727