McKinley Elementary School

2018 - 2019

“Every Student will Succeed”

Mr. Andrew H. Maisonneuve, Principal Ms. Lori K. Holmes, Asst. Principal

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HOME OF THE EAGLES

McKinley Elementary School 3317 BUTTERFIELD ROAD, BELLWOOD, ILLINOIS 60104

(708) 410-3600 OFFICE (708) 544-0134 FAX

Mr. Andrew H. Maisonneuve Ms. Lori K. Holmes

PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We welcome you to the 2018-2019 school year at McKinley Elementary School.

This handbook is designed to help you understand our philosophy of education and

our expectations for our students as we help guide them to critical thinking which

will encourage and motivate prosperous lives.

With so many change factors plaguing the future of our students, we must commit

to the development of a good solid foundation. This grows confidence, self-

determination and worthy goals that extend into prosperous lives and a better

world. It is with this thought that we ask you to make sure your children come to

school with a mindset to work, complete homework assignments and act in a

manner which exudes respect, responsibility and safety.

Our aim is higher this school year and we have begun to make plans to involve our

students with many opportunities that will demonstrate their understanding of best

practices. We believe with your help this can be a triumphant school year and we

look forward to your involvement in enhancing our school culture. We would also

love to take this opportunity to ask you to think about becoming a member of our

P.T.O. as we develop a team spirit throughout the school year.

We are looking forward to an exciting school year!

Sincerely,

Mr. Andrew H. Maisonneuve

Principal

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Please take a few minutes to read this handbook in its entirety and become familiar

with our policies and procedures. As always, if you have additional questions or

concerns about the content of this handbook, feel free to contact the main office at

(708)410-3600.Please return the bottom portion of the page to your school with

your signature.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HANDBOOK RECEIPT

I have received a copy of the Student-Parent Handbook. I have read and

understand its contents and agree to abide by the policies and procedures

herein.

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________Date___________

Student’s Name___________________________ Grade___________________

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Bellwood School District 88

Administrative Building

640 Eastern Avenue

Bellwood, IL 60104

(708) 544-6995

Members of the Board of Education

Sondra McClendon, President

Maria Perez, Vice President

Dorothy Clark-Smith, Secretary

Deborah Giles, Member

Lindsley Griffin, Member

Annie Copeland, Member

Marilyn Thurman, Member

Mark Holder, Ed.S., Superintendent

The Board of Education is the controlling body of the school district. They consist

of seven members, each of whom is elected by the voters. The Board of Education

establishes policies and determines the direction the district should be taking.

School board meetings are open to the public, held on the 3rd Monday of each

month and begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Committee meetings are held on the 1st

Monday of each month and begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings are held at

the District 88 Administration Center located 640 Eastern Avenue; Bellwood, IL.

District 88 Administration

Mark Holder, Ed.S., Superintendent

Ms. Karen Mitchell, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services

Mrs. Jeninne Rusike, Director of Human Resources

Ms. Victoria Hansen, Director of Curriculum

Mrs. Charlotte Larson, Director of Special Education

Ms. Jan Baptist, Director of Finance

Mr. Joseph Burdi, Building & Grounds

School administration and District administration is responsible for the interpretation and

administration of Board policies.

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McKinley Elementary School

3317 Butterfield Rd.

Bellwood, Ill. 60104

(708) 410-3600

VISION STATEMENT

McKinley Elementary School is one where children are educated via collaborative

efforts which include parents, faculty, staff, students, and community involvement.

Our school environment encourages children to take risks and become creative

producers without fear of failure. Through cooperation and a unity of spirit,

challenges can become opportunities where achievements are recognized and

celebrated. The potential of all children to become self‐directed lifelong learners

fills the beliefs of the McKinley School family.

SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of McKinley Elementary School is to provide all of our students’

equal opportunities for a quality educational experience and to progressively

challenge their individual potential so that they become successful individuals. We

believe in our students and know that with the right guidance and opportunities for

understanding they can “Become what they want to be”.

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SCHOOL HOURS

Breakfast: 7:50 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Students are allowed into the building at 7:50 a.m. and should report to the

cafeteria. We discourage arrival before this time as there is NO SUPERVISION.

At 8:00 a.m. supervision is provided for (K-2) on the small playground and (3-5)

on the large playground. In the event of rain, students in (K-2) will remain in the

cafeteria to wait to be picked up by their teacher at 8:15 a.m. Students in grades

3rd- 5th will proceed to the gymnasium to wait to be picked up by their teacher at

8:15 a.m.

Instructional Day: 8:20 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The instructional day officially begins at 8:20 a.m. and morning announcements

start at 8:25 a.m. Students who arrive after 8:25 a.m. will come to the office for a

tardy pass before going to class.

At the elementary school level, we recognize that primary students are not

responsible for getting themselves to school. Please make sure morning routines

are in place at home to help with a safe and timely arrival to school each day.

Good attendance and punctuality are indicators of success in school. Students who

are tardy miss important announcements and academic instruction. Their late entry

also interrupts students who have started their lessons.

TARDIES/ABSENCES

If your child is unable to attend school, please call the school office before 9:00

a.m. to inform us of the absence. In case of an extended absence, parents may

request assignments from teachers. Please call the school office at (708) 410-3600,

a 24-hour timeline is needed before assignments can be picked up at the school

office. If the absence is due to a contagious disease, a doctor’s statement must be

presented to health services before the child is readmitted to class. Be aware that

any prolonged absence could have an impact on the child’s learning and may

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hinder academic growth. If the student misses 5 days or more a notice will be sent

home reminding you of a state requirement; if a student misses 10% or more of

the regular attendance days, a truancy letter be sent to you and a copy will be

sent to the region where an investigation may occur. At this time a review of

data and possible retention may also be considered. We know and understand that

illnesses occur but would like for you to be aware of our policies and procedures.

To the extent possible, students should follow routines for unpacking book bags

and taking care of morning business as outlined and taught by the classroom

teachers. We thank you in advance for working with our staff to help your child

gain this independence and follow through on these expectations.

STATE ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

The State of Illinois has established the following guidelines for minimum time

requirements for creditable pupil attendance days:

• Kindergarten - Grade 1: All students must have a total of 4 hours (240

minutes) of instructional time to be credited for 1 full day of attendance. To

be credited for ½ day, the child must have 2 hour (120 minutes) of

instructional time.

• Grades 2–5: All students must have a total of 5 hours (300 minutes) of

instructional time to be credited for 1 full day of attendance. To be credited

for a ½ day, the child must have 2 ½ hours (150 minutes) of instructional

time.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Due to dismissal procedures there will be no early dismissal granted after 2:45 p.m.

Please report to the main office, if your child must leave school early due to special

circumstances, the student will be called from the classroom for dismissal.

Parents/Guardians must sign students out at the main office when they are picked

up prior to regular dismissal. No student will be released to a minor child or an

individual whose name is not listed on the emergency form.

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LUNCH/LUNCH RECESS

We have three lunch periods. Students have one hour for lunch/recess. When

weather permits, students have outdoor recess. Classes that have lunch the first

half-hour, will have recess the second half-hour and vice versa.

1st lunch: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (2nd – 3rd)

2nd lunch: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (K-1st)

3rd lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (4th – 5th)

BUS TRANSPORTATION

All bus riders are expected to follow the rules of the school while traveling to and

from the bus stop, waiting for the bus, boarding the bus, and riding the bus. The

bus drivers are responsible for administering fair and consistent discipline. A bus

conduct report will be submitted to the building administrator if such behaviors

warrant disciplinary actions. The principal/assistant principal will be responsible

for assigning consequences.

Bus Rules

• Obey the directives and instructions of the bus driver

• Arrive on time at the bus stop and wait patiently

• Remain seated in your assigned seat until you have reached your stop

• Use inside voices

• Keep hands, feet, and personal belongings to yourself

• No eating or drinking

• Swearing is not allowed

• Fighting or wrestling is prohibited

• Throwing objects is not allowed

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Students must adhere to the bus rules in order to avoid appropriate consequences

including suspension or termination from the bus. If this occurs, parents will have

total responsibility for getting the child to and from school. Parents can call the

bus barn at 708-493-9189with questions about transportation.

Consequences for Breaking Bus Rules

• First Referral: Written warning letter to parents and conference with

student.

• Second Referral: 1-day suspension from the bus and parent will be notified

by phone.

• Third Referral: 5 days’ suspension from the bus and parent conference

held.

• Fourth Referral: Terminated bus privileges for the duration of the school

year.

With each referral, the administrator and social worker will attempt to modify the

student’s behavior so that they can remain on the bus.

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ASSEMBLY/ PROGRAMS

Throughout the school year, the music teacher is responsible for

assembly/programs. The music teacher and classroom teacher will work together

to plan a program to showcase the talents and abilities of the students. This

experience helps students develop confidence while they learn how to articulate

and performing for an audience. It is our desire that all students participate in the

program; however, any student who exhibits inappropriate behavior during

practice may be excluded from the practices and the program.

ASSESSMENTS

Bellwood School District is committed to gathering and providing appropriate,

accurate and useful information about student achievement to all members of the

learning community. Assessment information is gathered at the classroom, district

and state levels to assist in maximizing the learning goals for all learners. Effective

and clear communication of achievement is essential to ensure success of every

learner.

Students will be administered the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)

assessment in the Fall, Winter and Spring. This is a test used to gather current

information about student growth performance while it set the goals for the next

test thus allowing students to understand their new goal. And while this is our

McKinley’s Policies, Procedures, and Programs

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local assessment, students in grades 3-5 will also take the PARCC assessment in

the spring which provides information to the state about the acquired skills.

CELL PHONES

Students are not allowed to bring cell phones to school. We are aware of the

society in which we live and the need for your child’s safety after school however

to reduce confusion all cell phones will be collected before class and placed into

plastic bins and returned at the end of the day. Students who do not turn in phones

and are seen using them during day will have them taken and a parent will be

asked to come to the office to retrieve it.

COMMUNICATION

We encourage you to keep in touch with your child’s teacher about his/her

progress and classroom happenings. There are several ways to have effective

communication between home and school. These include the standard written

notes, email, dojo or by phone. You should expect staff members to respond to

emails and other written communication within 24 hours. Teachers are not

available to have unscheduled conferences or to answer extended questions either

first thing in the morning or at any time during the school day. If you need to

speak to your child’s teacher about more involved concerns or questions, please

schedule a conference. When you have questions or concerns about your

child’s progress, behavior, grading practices, peer issues, and/or other

classroom issues, you should first contact your child’s teacher with your

concerns or questions and if needed follow up with an administrator.

CONFERENCES

Teachers will schedule at least one mandatory conference (two with some parents)

during the school year. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher any time

there are questions or concerns. Regular communication between the home and

school is critical.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS AT A SCHOOL CONFERENCE:

1. Decide in advance what you want to ask the teacher. Write down questions

to prepare for the conference.

2. Ask the child if there is anything he/she would like you to discuss with the

teacher.

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3. Share information about your child with the teacher. We are more effective

in working with your child when we know about him/her.

4. If you have a concern, remain calm until you and the teacher have had time

to discuss it thoroughly.

5. Ask the teacher how you can help meet some of your child’s needs at home

and try one of the suggestions.

6. Schedule conferences in advance. Teachers cannot interrupt their classes

during the day.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Parents are asked to inform the school office in writing of any change in

address or phone number so that we have accurate, up-to-date information

for all students. In the event of inclement weather, fire, tornado, or possible

lock down automated calls will be made to the primary phone listed on your

student enrollment form.

CURRICULUM

Reading, Math, and Language Arts represent the core curriculum and are taught

daily. Science and Social Studies are taught throughout the week. Students

participate in physical education twice a week. In addition, students receive Art

and Music instruction. We have a fully functioning computer lab and media

center, which is currently being update to enrich students’ learning experiences.

Pearson publishes our current reading and math series. Students are continually

assessed to determine what they know and what they still need to learn. These

assessments compliment the current Common Core Standards curriculum.

Each student will receive a Chromebook on which they will be instructed using the

Pearson digital curriculum in addition to correlated teaching materials. Parents

and students must sign the Agreement For Use Of Chromebooks and the Best

Practices For Chromebook Use before they will be allowed to use the

computer. Chromebooks are monitored by staff to ensure students use them

responsibility.

DAY-TO-DAY COMMUNICATION

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Please make sure your child understands your after-school pick-up plans or

transportation arrangements before leaving home each day. In the event of

changes please send a written note to the teacher or call the main office at 708-410-

3600 as soon as possible to ensure your child’s safety. If someone else is to pick

your child up from school, inform the teacher or the main office. Late changes to

transportation may cause confusion. There is no guarantee the teacher will have a

chance to retrieve a message from the phone in time to facilitate late transportation

changes. The teachers may be teaching and is unable to take your call for such

changes to be made in a timely manner.

DISCIPLINE

Lack of discipline undermines the educational process. A safe and orderly

environment allows teachers and students to focus on learning. Discipline should

help students develop an awareness of and respect for themselves and others. The

ultimate goal of discipline at McKinley Elementary School is to develop self-

discipline. Faculty and administrative personnel will provide structure and support

to foster this development. The school administration will assign consequences in

response to student misconduct in accordance with the Board of Education polices

and rules.

DRESS CODE

The School Board has approved a dress code for all District 88 students. When the

whole student body is wearing similar attire, there is less separation of students

based on socio-economic status and less pressure for students who cannot afford

designer clothing. The following attire has been approved by the School Board:

Jeans and shorts are not permitted. Pants are to be worn above the hip.

Young men may not wear earrings. Visible body piercing is prohibited for all

FEMALE ATTIRE MALE ATTIRE

▪ Solid black pants, skirt (no insignias)

▪ Solid white blouse (No T-shirt)

▪ Black or white gym shoes

▪ Plain dark belt for belt loops

▪ Lightweight jacket or sweater (solid

black or white)

▪ Solid black pants (no insignia)

▪ Solid white shirt (no T-shirt)

▪ Black or white gym shoes

▪ Plain dark belt for belt loops

▪ Light jacket or sweater (solid black or

white)

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students. Male students may not wear more than one part in their hair. When

a part begins to curve, it is considered a design.

The following attire, items or designs must not be worn to or in school:

• picks or combs in the hair

• outer jackets, gloves or hats inside the building

• shirts/blouses with cut-off sleeves or tank tops

• midriff or short tops with abdomen showing

• Offensive clothing (i.e., too tight, see-through, low cut, etc.)

FIELD TRIPS

Teachers are encouraged to broaden and enrich student learning by allowing them

to experience and see new and different things.

All students are expected to go on the field trips with their classes. On a rare

occasion, a student may not be permitted to accompany his/her class on a trip. If

this should happen, a parents or guardian may be asked to attend so that all

students have the experience.

GRADING SCALE/WEIGHTED AVERAGES

The grading scale as mandated by Bellwood School District 88 is as follows:

A = 93 – 100

B = 85 – 92

C = 75 – 84

D = 68 – 74

F = 0 – 67

Final grades are based on weighted averages using the following guidelines:

Grades 1-3 Grades 4-5

Tests 35% Tests 30%

Quizzes 20% Quizzes 20%

Homework 10% Homework 10%

Class

Assignments

35% Class

Assignments

25%

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Projects 15%

HOMEWORK

In order to achieve academic excellence, it is necessary for every child to complete

and bring back to school all assigned homework. Homework reinforces lessons

that are taught in the classroom. The amount of time a student spends on

homework varies by grade level.

K – 2 No more than 30 minutes per day

3 – 4 30 - 45 minutes per day

5 – 6 60 minutes or more per day

HONOR ROLL

Honor Roll is based upon the achievement grades a student receives at the end of

each grading period. The eligible grades for honor roll are grades 3-5. A student’s

grade point average (GPA) is what determines which students qualify for the

Honor Roll, Super Honor Roll, or Principal Scholar and is based on a four-point

scale (A-4 points, B-3 points, C-2 points). To attain Honor Roll, a student must

NOT have any D’s, Fs, or checks in work habits or citizenship.

PRINCIPAL SCHOLAR 4.0 (All As)

SUPER HONOR ROLL 3.50 – 3.99

HONOR ROLL 3.00 – 3.49

INTERIM PROGRESS REPORTS/REPORT CARDS

Interim Progress Reports are issued mid-point in each grading period to let

parents/guardians know the progress of the student. The progress report provides

an opportunity for your child to improve his or her grades before the end of the

grading period.

Report Cards are distributed four times each school year (approx. every 9 weeks).

Parent/teacher conferences are required for the first report card. Subsequent report

cards will be sent home with your child unless the teacher requests a conference.

Parents/guardians should keep the report card, sign the envelope and return it to

school. The signed envelope indicates that you have received your child’s grades.

Feel free to contact your child’s teacher to request a conference when you have

concerns or if you would like more information about your child’s progress.

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Progress Reports distributed:

Report Cards will be sent home

on:

September 21, 2018 November 6, 2018 (conference

required)

November 30, 2018 January 18, 2019

February 15, 2019 March 26, 2019

April 18, 2019 May 29, 2019

LOST AND FOUND

Students should leave all valuable items at home since the school cannot assume

responsibility for lost items. TOYS, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ETC. SHOULD

NOT BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL. Coats, book bags, lunch boxes, etc. should be

clearly marked with the student’s name to permit easy identification. Parents are

invited to check the lost and found area for missing items. Items that are not

claimed by the end of the school year will be donated to a local charity

organization.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

At McKinley Elementary School, we understand how important parent

involvement is to the success of all students. Simply stated, we can’t succeed

without parental support.

We would like you to consider joining our PTO for the 2018-2019 school year.

WE NEED YOU! Parents are encouraged to organize and become active

members. With the main focus being the students, we solicit and welcome your

talents in volunteer work, comments, and suggestions.

PLAYGROUND RULES

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Playground rules are designed to minimize injuries and to provide a safe

atmosphere for student activities. Children must however abide by the following

rules while on the playground:

• Play inside the school fence.

• Stay on the playground at all times.

• Permission must be granted by a supervisor to enter the school building for

washroom or drinks.

• Adult/Parent must report to a playground supervisor before approaching

children...even their own.

• Rough games and play can cause injuries. “Play fighting,” karate or

wrestling-type activities will not be permitted.

• Skateboards, Hover boards, skates and scooters are not allowed.

• No obscene or abusive language is permitted.

• Avoid leaving coats, jackets, books and lunch bags on the playground.

• The school is not responsible for toys, games or equipment brought from

home.

SUSPENSIONS

Students will be suspended for the following reasons: fighting, blatant profanity

(cursing), gambling, fire alarm tampering, possession and/or use of unacceptable

materials (cigarettes, matches, drugs, weapons, fireworks, etc.) will result in

suspension and referral to the fire or police department for proper action.

Students are expected to complete all classroom assignments while on suspension.

Students suspended from McKinley Elementary are temporarily non-members of

the student body. Students are not permitted to participate in or attend any school-

sponsored activity whether it is held on a regular school day or on a weekend.

Suspended students cannot be on school property and will therefore be considered

trespassing.

SCHOOL SPIRIT DAYS

School spirit days will occur every Friday of the week. Students may wear their

school spirit shirt with UNIFORM PANTS. If a student does not have a school

spirit shirt, they can wear a solid blue or yellow shirt with UNIFORM PANTS.

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VISITORS

All visitors, parents, guests and service persons need to come directly to the main

office to get a visitor’s pass and sign in. If you wish to speak to your child’s

teacher, please make an appointment. Teachers will not be able to hold a

conference with you during instructional time.

VOLUNTEERS

We encourage all parents to participate as school volunteers. Each of us has special

and unique talents that we can share in this educational partnership. If you are

interested, please complete a volunteer packet located in the main office. You will

be contacted once you have been cleared to volunteer by the district office. No

parent is allowed to sit in a classroom on a regular basis without administrative

clearance.

Bellwood School District 88

2018 – 2019 Calendar

August

13New Staff Orientation

14 Substitute Orientation

15-17Teacher Institute Days

20 First Full Day of School

January

1 New Year’s Day/NO SCHOOL

7 School resumes

112nd Quarter ends

15 PTO Meeting

16 Early Dismissal (11:30a.m.)

18 Report Cards distributed

21 Dr. King’s Birthday/NO SCHOOL

September

3 Labor Day/NO SCHOOL

11 PTO Meeting

19 Early Dismissal (11:30a.m.)

21 Progress Reports distributed

February

12 PTO Meeting

15 Progress Reports distributed

18 President’s Day/NO SCHOOL

19 Teacher Institute

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October

8Columbus Day/NO SCHOOL

9 PTO Meeting

19 1st Quarter Ends

March

4Casimir Pulaski Day/NO SCHOOL

12 PTO Meeting

15 3rd Quarter Ends

26 Parent/Teacher Conference/NO

SCHOOL

November

6 Parent/Teacher Conference

12Veterans’ Day/NO SCHOOL

13 PTO Meeting

21-23 Thanksgiving break/No School

30 Progress Reports distributed

April

9 PTO Meeting

17 Early Dismissal (11:30a.m.)

18Progress Report distributed

19 Good Friday

22-26 Spring Break

December

11 PTO Meeting

19 Early Dismissal (11:30a.m.)

24-31 Winter break/NO SCHOOL

25 Christmas Day

May

14 PTO Meeting

27 Memorial Day/NO SCHOOL

29 Last Day of School (FULL DAY)/4th

Quarter ends/Report Card distributed