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Dr. Carlos Castañeda Elementary Castañeda Cavaliers: The Mark of Pride, Prestige & Perfection

2019-2020

Campus Handbook

Jessica Rodríguez, M. Ed. Principal

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2019-2020

Faculty

Vision Statement Dr. Castañeda Elementary and the McAllen Independent School District is a multicultural community in which

students are enthusiastically and actively engaged in the learning process. Students demonstrate academic

excellence in a safe, nurturing and challenging environment enhanced by technology and the contributions of the

total community.

Mission Statement The mission of Dr. Castañeda Elementary and the McAllen Independent School District is to educate all students

to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in a global society through a program of educational

excellence utilizing technology and actively involving parents and the community.

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Jessica Rodríguez, M. Ed., Principal

Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies with Specialization in Bilingual Education

Masters in Educational Leadership EC-12th

Grade

Early Childhood – 4th

Grade

4th

-8th

Grade Generalist

EC-12th

Grade Special Education

As I proudly begin my 20th

year in education as part of the McAllen ISD family, I am honored to continue reaching,

teaching and inspiring students and teachers at Dr. Carlos Castañeda Elementary. I pride myself in being a servant

leader to all my students, teachers, parents and community. My passion for education, my educational background,

personal and professional experiences have helped shape my philosophy of education. I believe in educating the

whole child from academics to developing and fostering their social emotional growth.

I was born in McAllen, but lived in Culiacán, Los Mochis and Guasave, Sinaloa. My family moved to the United

States when I was about 7 years old. I clearly remember walking across the United States and Mexico Bridge to

begin our journey for a better life. Our desire for a better life was much bigger than the many obstacles we faced as

a family and the many financial burdens we overcame. My parents’ hard work paved the way for my two siblings

and I to earn our degrees. My experiences as an English language learner and my economically disadvantaged

background drives my passion to ensure that we, as educators create the ultimate learning environment for all of

our students. I, without a doubt believe that each one of our students have all the potential to be successful.

I am not only a product of McAllen ISD; I am a proud parent as well. I am a mom to two wonderful children,

Gabby and Nick. They are my driving force. I am very blessed and proud to be their mom. As a product, employee,

and a parent of McAllen ISD, I whole-heartedly believe that McAllen ISD is the best place for all children, my own,

included. Therefore, I am fully invested and committed to building positive relationships and fostering a safe and

rigorous learning environment for all students. I look forward to a wonderful new school year.

I am available to conference by appointment. Please contact Ms. Gomez, Principal’s Secretary at (956) 632-8882 or

email me at [email protected].

In Partnership,

Jessica Rodríguez, M. ED.

Principal

Dr. Carlos Castañeda Elementary

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Dear Parents,

The faculty of Dr. Carlos Castañeda Elementary would like to express a sincerely welcome everyone back for another great

year at Dr. Castañeda Elementary. It is our mission to provide every student with a high quality education to ensure that

our students grow academically, socially and emotionally.

Castañeda Elementary has been providing exceptional education for our students since 2001. We have earned an

accountability rating of an “A” from the State of Texas and have earned 6 Distinctions in Math, ELA/Reading, Comparative

Academic Growth, Postsecondary Academic Readiness and Comparative Closing the Gaps. These extraordinary

accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication from all our teachers, staff, students, parents and

community. Without everyone’s support and commitment, this wouldn’t be possible.

This handbook addendum is written to help you understand the guidelines and policies that help us manage our campus.

Please read it carefully. To find the most up to date information, announcements and monthly calendars, please check our

school website https://castaneda.mcallenisd.org. I would also like to encourage you to visit and like our school’s Facebook

page https://www.facebook.com/CastanedaElementary and our Twitter page by following @Cavalier126. I also encourage

you download the School Messenger app and enroll to our parent group by entering the code MY86SP to receive important

school related messages from me.

Once again, we are honored to serve our Castañeda community. It is truly a privilege to be a part of a community where

parents, community leaders, teachers and students care for each other and strive to build positive relationships that support

academic and social growth.

In Partnership,


Principal




https://castaneda.mcallenisd.org/

https://www.facebook.com/CastanedaElementary

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Dear Parents,

Receive School News The Way You Choose!

McAllen ISD presently uses School Messenger to communicate with you via email, text, and voice mail. Part

of our School District’s mission is to actively involve parents and the community.

To make sure that you’re receiving school news and alerts in the ways that work best for you, the District is

launching a new communications app that allows you to modify the type of messages you receive. This app

will allow the District to comply with federal regulations and new state regulations

https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/html/SB00944F.htm.

The app allows parents to receive school news the way they choose! It also includes new features and options,

and is for both families and teachers. With the new SchoolMessenger app, staff, parents and community

members have 24/7/365 access to important school notifications such as weather and emergency alerts. In

addition, starting later in September the app can allow teachers and parents to directly communicate with each

other, individually or in groups, all from within the same app.

FAQ sheets for parents and teachers have been posted at https://www.mcallenisd.org/apps/pages/school-

messenger.

Sign up for the FREE SchoolMessenger app today to:

1. Set your communications preferences for calls, emails, texts, and more 2. Use the following code to join McAllen ISD alerts & notifications: M8RXAA.

3. Use the following code to join your Castaneda Elementary Principal’s Group: MY86SP 4. Watch for codes from your child(ren)’s teacher(s) to join classroom’s “Groups”. 5. Receive all kinds of school messages (school and district notifications & activity alerts, with classroom

and group updates coming later in September) in one single app 6. Review your messages on any device – smartphone, laptop, etc.

Go to http://go.schoolmessenger.com to download the SchoolMessenger mobile app for Apple and

Android devices or use the web-based version from your Internet browser.

Thank you for partnering with us to better serve your child(ren).

In Partnership,


Principal




https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/html/SB00944F.htm

https://www.mcallenisd.org/apps/pages/school-messenger


http://go.schoolmessenger.com/

http://go.schoolmessenger.com/

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Queridos padres,

¡Reciba las noticias de la escuela de la manera que elija!

McAllen ISD actualmente usa School Messenger para comunicarse con usted por correo electrónico, mensaje de texto y

correo de voz. Parte de la misión de nuestro Distrito Escolar es involucrar activamente a los padres y la comunidad.

Para asegurarse de que está recibiendo noticias y alertas escolares de la manera que mejor funcione para usted, el Distrito

está lanzando una nueva aplicación de comunicaciones que le permite modificar el tipo de mensajes que recibe. Esta

aplicación permitirá que el Distrito cumpla con las regulaciones federales y las nuevas regulaciones estatales:

https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/html/SB00944F.htm.

¡La aplicación permite a los padres recibir noticias de la escuela de la forma que elijan! También incluye nuevas

características y opciones, y es para familias y maestros. Con la nueva aplicación SchoolMessenger, el personal, los

padres y los miembros de la comunidad tienen acceso las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, los 365 días del año a

notificaciones importantes de la escuela, como alertas meteorológicas y de emergencia. Además, a partir de septiembre,

la aplicación puede permitir que los maestros y los padres se comuniquen directamente entre sí, individualmente o en

grupos, todo desde la misma aplicación.

Se han publicado preguntas frecuentes para padres y maestros en https://www.mcallenisd.org/apps/pages/school-

messenger.

Regístrese hoy para obtener la aplicación GRATUITA SchoolMessenger para que:

1. Establezca sus preferencias de comunicación para llamadas, correos electrónicos, mensajes de texto y más.

2. Use el siguiente código para unirse a las alertas y notificaciones de McAllen ISD: M8RXAA.

3. Use el siguiente código para unirse al grupo del director de su escuela: MY86SP

4. Esté atento a los códigos de los maestros de su (s) hijo (s) para unirse a los "Grupos" del salon de clase (s).

5. Reciba todo tipo de mensajes escolares (notificaciones de la escuela, del distrito, alertas de actividad, con actualizaciones del salon de clase (s) y grupos a partir de septiembre) en una sola aplicación.

6. Revise sus mensajes en cualquier dispositivo: teléfono inteligente, computadora portátil, etc.

Visite http://go.schoolmessenger.com para descargar la aplicación móvil "SchoolMessenger" para dispositivos Apple y

Android o use la versión basada en la web desde su navegador de Internet.

Gracias por asociarse con nosotros para servir mejor a sus hijos.

Jessica Rodríguez, M. ED. Principal Dr. Carlos Castañeda Elementary



https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/html/SB00944F.htm



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The McAllen STEAM Plus Framework for Student Learning serves to develop the whole child through academics, Fine

Arts, athletics and a set of integral skills and attitudes to prepare students to be successful in an ever-changing workforce.

The Framework is comprised of interconnected components including:

The State Curriculum Standards- standards, objectives and guidelines that drive teaching and learning

STEAM-interdisciplinary connections to the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and

Mathematics through curricular and extracurricular experiences

Plus- the necessary interpersonal and intrapersonal skills and attitudes needed for students to be successful beyond

the classroom setting

o Seven Competencies

o Emotional Intelligence

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Partners in Excellence Our Partners in Excellence work with our school and our Parent-Teacher Organization. It is through our joint

endeavors that we have strong programs, more student incentives, and the realization of special projects.

The staff and students at Dr. Castañeda Elementary are very fortunate to have dedicated partners. Partners in

Excellence is a wonderful way for businesses to become more involved in education.

If you have a business or are associated with a local business that would be interested in becoming part of our

Partners in Excellence family, please have them contact Ms. Rodríguez, Principal at (956) 632-8882 or email me

at [email protected]

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School Hours

Pre-Kindergarten – 5th

Grade 7:45a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Instruction begins at 7:50 a.m.

Tardy Bell rings at 7:55 a.m.

Supervision begins at 7:30 a.m. daily.

For the safety of our students and staff, we kindly ask for your support and cooperation by following all procedures

and traffic regulations. These procedures facilitate a fast, organized and most importantly, in safe environment.

Gates

Gates will remain locked in the morning drop off area until 7:15 a.m. It is in the best interest of our students’ safety

that you please do not drop off your child/children until a staff member is present to supervise at car drop off at

7:30 a.m.

Gates will be locked at 7:50 a.m. and will remain locked until 3:20 p.m.

We remind all drivers to adhere to all traffic regulations.

Please do not make a line on 34th

Street to wait for cones to be removed. The front of the school is for buses only.

Student Morning Drop Off

All students must be dropped off on the north side of the campus by the playground. Parents are allowed to walk

their child up until the gate entrance. Please do not drop off your child at the front of the school. There is no

supervision in that area. All students will report to the cafeteria/gym until 7:45 a.m. at which time his/her teacher

will take the entire class to their classroom. Upon arrival, students will sit on their designated classroom line.

Students can choose to read a book or work on Achieve 3000 or CC Sparks on their iPad until their teacher arrives

at 7:45 a.m.

Morning Walkers

Students being dropped off by walking also need to be walked to the playground entrance as well. Students will not

be dropped off at the front of the school. All supervision is at the playground and gym areas. Parents can park their

cars at the Target parking lot or the soccer field parking lot of the staff/visitor parking lot. For student safety, DO

NOT park at the parking lot in the front of the school. Handicap spaces are readily available at the playground area.

Please do not have your child walk without an adult from the teacher parking lot. If you choose to park in the

teachers’ parking lot, an adult must walk the student to the gate.

The front of the school is for bus drop off only.

Designated Car Pick- Up Areas

All parents will be required to show their student pick up card. If you need a card, please come by the front office

or ask your child’s teacher for one.

Afterschool Walkers

If you are picking up your child at the walker area, please use either the Target parking lot, the parking spaces of

the Soccer Field or the teachers’ parking lot. For the safety of our students, please DO NOT park in the front

school parking lot in order to have a shorter walk. The front of the school is for bus drop off or pick up only. This

area is designated for buses only. Traffic jams created by cars and adults that park in the bus area cause a safety

issue and delays in the entire district’s transportation routes. You are greatly encouraged to pick up your child by

car.

*See Drop Off and Pick Up Routes at the end of handbook.

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Bus Transportation

Students who are eligible to ride the bus must live within the designated boundaries. Only eligible students are

permitted to ride the bus. Commuting by bus calls for appropriate behavior from all students for the safety and

comfort of everyone. The bus driver will report inappropriate behavior to Ms. Rodríguez, Principal. Students must

follow all bus rules or he/she will be issued a referral and a consequence. If misbehavior continues, the privilege of

riding the bus will be denied. If you have any questions regarding bus transportation, please call the Transportation

Department (Bus Barn) at (956) 632-3211.

Expectations for Bus Stops

Bus Routes

Route 43-Red

Route 48-Yellow

Route 13- Green

Route 46B- Blue

Route 46A- Pink

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Attendance

Please review McAllen ISD Attendance for Credit or Final Grade policy in the district’s Student Handbook. The

2019-2020 Student Handbook can be found online on our district’s webpage.

Tardies

Every minute of the school day is important for your child’s learning. All students should be in their classrooms by

7:45 a.m. Classes begin at 7:45 a.m. for all students (Pre-Kinder-5th

grade). The tardy bell rings at 7:55 a.m.

Students may be excluded from participating in activities such as but not limited to classroom/school wide rewards,

events, fieldtrips due to excessive tardies. Tardies are considered when approving or revoking student transfers into

Castañeda Elementary at Principal’s discretion.

Please do not form a line on 34th

Street waiting for the cones to be removed. This causes a safety concern and a

traffic violation. School zoned traffic tickets will be issued at driver’s expense.

Absence Excuses

A parent’s written excuse is required when a child is absent from school and must be turned in to the office within

3 days of the absence. It is up to Ms. Rodríguez, Principal to excuse the absence. Only rare situations will be

considered. Only an excuse from a U.S. doctor will be considered as excused absences. Attendance verification is

done on a weekly basis. Excuses will not be taken after three days. If a child leaves school for a medical appointment

during the attendance period, he/she will be marked absent. We greatly encourage all appointments be made after

3:30 p.m. so that your child does not miss instruction. If absences exceed three consecutive days, a doctor’s excuse

is required. If students have three unexcused absences within a four-week period, a warning letter from MISD will

be sent home to parents/guardians. If unexcused absences continue, parents may be summoned to court. Students

must be present 90% of instructional days in order for student not to lose credit for the school year (see McAllen

ISD Attendance for Credit or Final Grade policy). Students may be excluded from participating in activities such as

but not limited to classroom/school wide rewards, events, fieldtrips due to excessive absences. Absences are

considered when approving or revoking student transfers into Castañeda Elementary at Principal’s discretion.

Request to Leave School Early

The instructional day is from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is required that students maintain good attendance for the

school day. When scheduling outside appointments for your child, please do so outside of the instructional day.

On occasions, it may be necessary to schedule an appointment during the school day, we ask that you bring the

doctor’s excuse the following school day. Early pick-up for appointments will not be allowed after 3:00 p.m. A child

will be released only to the parent(s) or an authorized person as per the student’s Skyward information. Only people

listed on the student’s Skyward release form will be authorized to take student from our campus. Proper State of

Texas ID will be required of anyone picking up a student.

No child will be allowed to leave campus without his/her parent or guardian showing proper State ID and signing

out in the front office.

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Behavior

Just as good behavior is rewarded, unacceptable behavior has consequences. Each teacher has classroom Essential

Agreements that outline classroom expectations. If a student does not adhere to these expectations, an infraction

will be noted in their conduct folder, which is also signed by the parent. If a student is sent to the office for a serious

infraction, detention or suspension, may be issued as a direct consequence. A copy of the referral is sent to the

parent/guardian.

Dr. Carlos E. Castañeda Elementary School

Discipline Plan

2019-2020

Dear Parents and Student,

In order to guarantee your child, and all the students in my classroom, the excellent learning climate they deserve, this Discipline Plan

will be implemented in addition to McAllen ISD’s Student Code of Conduct effective August 29, 2019.

My Philosophy: I believe all my students can behave appropriately in my classroom.

Our Class Essential Agreements: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Consequences:

Whenever a rule is broken the following steps will be followed:

*1st consequence: Redirection and Verbal Warning

*2nd consequence: Unacceptable behavior will be noted on the six weeks’ discipline calendar and a conduct citation will sent home.

*3rd consequence: Parent/Teacher Conference

*4th consequence: Send to Principal’s Office

Severe Misbehavior: These behaviors will warrant an automatic referral and will be sent immediately to the Principal’s Office.

1. Physical fighting

2. Damage to school property

3. Vulgarity

4. Aggressive behavior that substantially disrupts the learning environment

*Student will receive a referral for severe misbehavior and will automatically earn a “U” for conduct for the six weeks.

Consequences are determined by Principal Rodríguez on a case by case basis and may include student nonparticipation and/or

removal of and/or suspension of extracurricular activity(ies) including but not limited to clubs, organizations, field trips at the

discretion of Principal Rodríguez.

Conduct Grade:

The six weeks conduct grade is based on the number of infractions received.

Infractions Conduct Grade

0-2 E (Excellent)

3-4 S (Satisfactory)

5-7 N (Needs Improvement)

8-or more U (Unsatisfactory)

Discipline folder will be sent home at the end of the day. Please review, sign, and return by the following school day. It is in your

child’s best interest that we work together in regard to his/her schooling. I will be in close contact with you regarding your child’s

progress in my classroom.

Sincerely,


Principal



Castañeda Cavaliers: The Mark of Pride, Prestige & Perfection


See grade level agreements found on student Discipline Folders.

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Change of Address, Telephone Number or Transfer

If you change your address, contact phone number or parent’s work phone number, please notify the school office

as soon as possible. If you move to an address outside of the Castañeda zone, you must request a Transfer to remain

at Castañeda or register your child at the school in which he or she is zoned to.

Withdrawal from School

Notice should be given to the teacher and front office personnel three days in advance in order to have time to

average grades and get the student’s record in order. All textbooks, iPads, iPods and library books must be returned

upon withdrawing.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued the Wednesday after the end of each six weeks’ period. Progress Reports are sent home

the Monday of the fourth week of period.

Textbooks

Students are responsible for their textbooks, library books and iPads. Textbooks should be covered. iPads should

always be in their protective case. Lost or damaged books must be paid for at the time of withdrawal from school

or at the time such books are collected.

Backpacks

Backpacks with wheels are a hazard. They also cause a major storage problem since they do not fit in classroom

cubbies. Backpacks with wheels are allowed only for major medical reasons. Principal Rodríguez must sanction

permission for the use of this type of backpack. Please encourage your child to take home only those books and

materials that is needed for that evening. Please label your child’s backpack with their name.

Campus Visitors

All visitors to McAllen Public Schools are asked to report to the main office when they arrive at the building. All

visitors must present a valid state ID to be scanned by our Raptor System, sign in and receive a Visitor’s badge.

Visitor’s badges must be worn on the upper shoulder to be visible and must be returned to the front office before

leaving campus in order to be logged out. We are using the V-soft Raptor system, which helps track visitors,

students, faculty, contractors and volunteers at our campus; thus, providing a safer more monitored environment

for our students. When visitors, volunteers or contractors check-in, they will be asked to present a valid state

issued ID (driver’s license) for entering into our campus. The system has the ability to provide alerts on people

who may jeopardize the safety of the campus.

Telephone Calls/Telecommunication Device Use

School office phones are to be used for official school business only. Students will be allowed to use these phones

for school business only after they have received permission from the office staff. Students are not allowed to have

cellular phones in their possession during the school day and/or while in care of campus personnel. If a student

uses a telecommunication device without authorization, the device can be confiscated at discretion of campus

personnel. The parent/guardian may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from the Principal’s office

for a fee of $15.00. Students are not called out of class to answer the telephone. Telephone calls requesting that a

student be told a change in transportation, afterschool care, or pick up time are not accepted. Relaying telephone

messages is disruptive to the learning process. It is also extremely difficult to relay these messages at the end of

school day.

Deliveries During School Hours

There may be times when parents need to “drop off” items such as student lunches, snacks, money, permission

slips, books, etc. for students. Please keep in mind that we need to minimize disruptions to the instructional day.

If you will be dropping off lunch for your child, be sure they are aware so they may pick it up in the office on the

way to lunch.

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Castañeda Cafeteria

Routines and procedures will be taught to our students the first 3 weeks of school. Therefore,

visitors will not be allowed during lunch times in order to allow our students to focus on

learning our school routines and procedures. Parents will be able to join their child/children for

lunch as of Monday, September 16, 2019.

At Castañeda Elementary, Parents and Guardians:

Agree to be principled and go straight to the cafeteria and not go to another area of the campus.

Agree to respect cafeteria rules and guidelines such as enforcing that their child and any other child brought

along sit properly and behave accordingly.

Agree that children are independent at Castañeda Elementary; therefore, if student needs to use the

restroom, the student will go on their own and/or allow campus staff to assist.

Agree that if any conflict arises, school personnel on duty will be notified immediately and will address the

situation.

Agree that electronic devices are for parent/guardian personal use only.

Agree that lunchtime is not suitable to discuss student related issues with any teacher or staff member. Make

an appointment in the front office to see the teacher during their conference time.

Breakfast

Breakfast is provided each morning to all students in the classroom from 7:45 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Please make sure your

child is here by 7:45 a.m. to benefit from the school provided breakfast.

Lunch

All students will eat in the cafeteria at their respective lunch times. All students receive district provided lunch free

of cost; however, you may choose to pack your child lunch from home if you desire. Please do not pack carbonated

drinks with your child’s lunch. If dropping off lunch for your child, food items must be brought in 10 minutes prior

to the student’s lunchtime and labeled with their name and grade level. Restaurant deliveries will not be accepted.

Dropping off lunch to any other child other than your own will not be allowed.

Eating with Your Child

Parents/guardians are allowed to eat with their child in the cafeteria. Parents will enter through the front office to

obtain a visitor’s pass after showing proper State of Texas ID and being cleared by our Raptor System. Visitors must

exit back through the front office to return their pass. The pass issued allows for access to the cafeteria only, please

do not enter other areas of the building. Parents are only allowed to eat with their child at the designated Parent

Table. Please do not hold conversations with students that are not your own, do not share food with them or bring

them to the designated parent table.

Peanut Aware School

Several students here at Castañeda Elementary have allergies to peanuts and/or tree nuts.

Reactions can range from mild to severe and may even be fatal.

We need your help in providing the safest environment possible for these children.

Please be mindful as you plan lunches and snacks. Parents, staff and students are asked to refrain from sending or

eating peanuts, nuts or food items containing peanuts or nuts.

What is Peanut Allergy Aware?

Several of our students have a severe allergy to peanuts/tree nuts. This allergy can be life threatening and for these

students strict avoidance is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction. Accidental contact or ingestion can be fatal.

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School Parties

According to new federal/state guidelines to help address the increasing problem of childhood obesity, schools must

serve nutritious meals during the school day. McAllen ISD Board Policy allows for 2 days in the school year for

school wide parties. Information will be provided on designated days.

Student birthdays

One of the milestones each year for your child is celebrating their birthday. You are welcome to celebrate in your

child's classroom the last 20 minutes of class. On your child's birthday, you may bring store-bought cupcakes,

cookies or donuts.

Our celebrations will be from 3:05– 3: 25 p.m. for PK-4th

graders and 2:30-2:50 p.m. for 5th

graders.

Do not block traffic or impact other classes during the celebration.

Balloons and flowers are not allowed.

Pizza is not allowed.

Please be sensitive to children who are not allowed to take part in parties for

family or religious reasons.

Picture taking of any child that is not your own is prohibited.

We have many students with a wide range of severe, life-threatening allergies

to various nuts, milk products, wheat, soy, fruit, eggs, and much more. Food

should be store-bought and pre-packaged and may not contain any peanut

products or products that students in your child's classroom may have an allergy to.

Only the parents/guardians of students are allowed. This includes no siblings

and other children.

Please coordinate all plans in advance with the classroom teacher to avoid any hurt

feelings, misunderstandings, or scheduling conflicts.

Although we are very diligent about monitoring the treats that come into the office, it is exceedingly difficult to verify

the ingredients in every food product that is brought to school. Children have had life-threatening allergic reactions

at school to food products that have been brought to school to share on special occasions.

We appreciate your support and understanding as we continue to reflect on how to provide all students with a safe

and healthy environment.

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CASTANEDA CLINIC Nurse Garcia

Taking Medication at School

1. Medication must be in the original container and be accompanied with a current prescription date.

2. Medications, including over the counter medication must be delivered and picked up by parents only.

Students are not allowed to have medication in their possession under any circumstance.

3. A signed and dated parent note with the student’s name, medication name, the time and amount to be given

must accompany the medicine.

4. Medication from a foreign country, i.e. Mexico will not be administered at school.

5. A medication administration form must be completed.

Dismissal Due to Illness

Should it be necessary to send your child home at any time, the school will call home first. Please be sure you have

provided the school with an updated phone number for you and an emergency contact. In the event we are not able

to reach you, our staff will contact people you have listed as emergency contacts. A student will not be allowed to

leave campus without anyone that is not listed on the child’s Skyward contact information.

Your child will be sent home for the following conditions, but not limited to:

Chills

Fever-100 or above

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Cold symptoms

Contagious skin conditions

Serious accidents

Incomplete immunization

Lice

If your child has any of these symptoms before coming to school, please see your physician and submit the excuse

upon returning to school. If you are not sure if your child should stay home, you may bring them to school to be

assessed by our school nurse to determine if he/she is able to stay for the school day or if they should see their

physician.

Emergencies

In case of a serious illness or accident and you or your designee cannot be located, an ambulance will be called to

transport your child to the hospital at your expense. A school representative will remain with your child until you

arrive.

Please ensure we always have working phone number where you can always be reached.

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Dr. Carlos Castañeda Elementary’s

Safe and Secure Program We know it is important to have a safe and secure after school environment after school for children of working parents. Our

Safe and Secure program is available every day after school from 3:30-6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria/gym. The cost of the program

is $5.00 a day, payable on a monthly basis at the beginning of each month. We do not accept drop-ins. Students have a

homework/study time as well as indoor and outdoor playtime. Staff will provide a daily dinner from our McAllen ISD Food

Services. If you have any questions regarding our program, please call Ms. Gomez at (956) 632-8882.

DR. CASTANEDA ELEMENTARY SAFE & SECURE

Application and Contract

I am interested in enrolling my child in the Safe and Secure After School Care Program at Castañeda Elementary. I understand that there is a fee associated with

the program (refer to the payment schedule below.) I am aware that there is a one-time registration fee of $10.00 and that ALL PAYMENTS ARE NONREFUNDABLE.

In addition, I agree to pay a $5.00 late charge for any payment received after the due date. Late payments must be received no later than five days after the

established payment due dates for 2019-2020. Failure to pay within the five-day period will result in your child being removed from the Safe and Secure After School

Care Program. After full payment is received (no proration on days missed due to late payment) your child will be reinstated to the program.

PAYMENT

SCHEDULE

2019 - 2020

MONTH DAYS PAYMENT DUE DATE AMOUNT DUE

Registration / August / September

5 + 21

At Time of Registration Reg + Aug + Sept

$10.00 + $25.00 + $105.00 = $140.00

October 22 October 1 $110.00

November 15 November 1 $75.00

December 14 December 3 $70.00

Total for 1st ½ Year 77 August – December $395.00

January 19 January 8 $95.00

February 19 February 1 $95.00

March 16 March 1 $80.00

April 21 April 1 $105.00

May 19 May 1 $95.00

Total for 2nd ½ Year 94 January – May $470.00

Total for Year 171 August - May $865.00

There will be no After School Care on:

Furthermore, you must understand and agree that McAllen Independent School District does not provide medical insurance.

If my child needs medical attention, I will pay for medical services or utilize my personal insurance.

Program Hours: 3:30-6:00 p.m.

Good behavior is expected of all children in the program. If my child does not follow the rules and/or instructions while in the program, he/she will be dismissed from the program and no fees will be refunded.

Pro-rated tuition is for new students only.

If your child is absent on the “Payment Due Date” you are responsible to arrange for payment to avoid late charges.

When making monthly tuition payments with cash or check the exact and full amount must be paid. Please check the “Payment Schedule” for the exact amount. Having the correct cash amount will ensure that your payment is received on time and will avoid the late fee.

We cannot accept partial payments or overpayments for credit to be applied to the following month.

If I am late in picking up my child, I agree to pay $5.00 for the first 15 minutes that I am late. I will pay $10.00 for every additional 15-minute block of time. The “Late Pick-Up” fee schedule goes into effect when you pick up your child after 6:00 p.m.

At 6:01 p.m., we lock the breezeway gates to the cafeteria. At this time, late pickup fees are applied. Your child/children are taken to the front office where you will need to come in and sign them out for pick up. Payment for late pick-up fees are due at time of pick-up and these fees will follow the late pay procedures.

Student must be picked up my parent personally at the door each day LATE PICK-UP FEE SCHEDULE 6:01 – 6:16 pm $5.00 6:17 – 6:32 pm Additional $10.00 6:33 – 6:48 pm Additional $10.00

There is an additional $10.00 added to every 15-minute block of time

Early Release Days

Teacher Work Days

Professional Learning Days

School Holidays

Inclement Weather Days

Power Outages in Effect

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iPads

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Dr. Carlos Castañeda Elementary ’s

Dress Code

Our dress code is established to instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for

authority. 1. Hair must be cleaned and neatly combed and styled in such a manner that it is not distracting.

Headwear to include but not limited to bandanas, caps, hats and sweatbands will NOT be worn

unless approved by Principal Rodríguez. Items that cause a distraction will not be allowed.

Hoodies will NOT be worn on the head inside the building.

2. Appropriate footwear must be worn. The following is NOT permitted.

Footwear with steel, hard plastic or similar materials.

House slippers, flip-flops, beach sandals, shoes with wheels, or other open-toe shoes that do not

have straps to secure them.

3. Shorts, skirts dresses and skorts are permitted but:

They must NOT be shorter than 3 inches above the knee and may be worn over tights.

Skirts may have a slit/pleat, which opens no longer than 3 inches above the knee.

Skirts must be worn at the waist.

4. Any clothing that causes distraction is prohibited.

Distractive apparel to include but not limited to, tank tops, tube tops, muscle shorts, halter tops,

spaghetti straps, exposed backs, or midriffs are prohibited.

5. Clothing with inappropriate advertising or statements that are lewd, offensive, vulgar, obscene or

inflammatory (e.g. alcoholic beverages, sex, tobacco, drugs, gangs, etc.) are prohibited.

Clothing with patches, emblems or drawings that cause disruption are prohibited.

6. Over size clothing is prohibited.

Apparel to include but not limited to, “baggy” or “sagging pants” are prohibited.

All pants are to be worn at the waist.

Tight fitting pants (e.g. bicycle pants or spandex pants) are prohibited.

Pajamas or pajama like clothing are prohibited.

7. Shirts must fit well and not be oversized or undersized. Shirts, which are not tucked in must have finished

edges and must not extend below the pocket line.

8. Gang related attire is not permitted.

9. Body piercing jewelry, tongue rings, and tongue studs, “grills” or temporary decorations on teeth are not

allowed. Allowed-rings, studs, and traditional jewelry worn on the ear.

Special Days or Events:

Principal Rodriguez has the authority to allow all or part of the student body at the campus to vary from the

dress code requirements for special occasion days or for a particular school sponsored activities.

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Public Notice Child Find The McAllen Independent School District will offer a free and appropriate education to all individuals with

disabilities ages 3-21 (0-21 for children with visual or hearing impairments), who will qualify for special

education. Private school children, religious school children and home schooled children with disabilities that

reside within the district’s jurisdiction will have the opportunity to access special education services. For Child

Find information or to make a referral contact Maribelle Elizondo, Special Education Director at 2604

Galveston Avenue in McAllen or call (956) 632-3285. If you know or suspect a child, ages 3-21, living within

McAllen ISD, of having a disability, please contact the MISD Special Education Department at (956)632-3285.

Maribelle Elizondo

Special Education Director

Designation of Coordinators Title IX

504

McAllen Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin,

sex or disability in providing educational service. John Wilde, Director of Student Support has been designated

to coordinate compliance within a non-discrimination requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendment

of Education of 1972, as amended, for students. He has also been designated to coordinate requirements or

Title IX for adults. Dr. Rosalba De Hoyos has been designated to coordinate compliance with the non-

discrimination requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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MORNING DROP OFF ROUTE

NORTH

Av

ailable for

Park

ing

Available for Parking


Crosswalk *street closure

Car Drop Off

Buses ONLY

Do NOT form a car line until cones are removed to avoid car drop off line

Gates open at 7:15 a.m.

Supervision begins at 7:30 a.m.

ALL students report to the gym

Gates close at 7:50 a.m.

Tardy bell rings at 7:55 a.m.

Breakfast is served 7:45- 8:00 a.m.

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AFTERNOON PICK UP ROUTE

NORTH

We strongly encourage that student be picked up by car at car line pick up area.

Av

ailable for

Park

ing



Crosswalk *street closure

Car Drop Pick UP

Buses ONLY

Do NOT form a car line until cones are removed to avoid car drop off line

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