3298 Curtis Dr.

Temple Hills, MD 20748

Ingrid R. Williams, Ed.D., Principal

Parent/Student Handbook

Main Office: (301) 702-3831Office Fax: (301) 702-3839

SCHOOL HOURS

Students: 7:45 a.m. - 1:55 p.m.Teachers/Office Staff: 7:15 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Teacher calls are taken from 7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.- 2:45 p.m.

School Colors: Blue and White

Mascot: Eagle

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

1. Headstart2. Kindergarten – 5th Grade

3. Extended Learning Opportunities for selected students

4. Monthly Parent Academy/P.T.O. Meetings

5. Quarterly Honor Roll/Perfect Attendance assemblies

6. Instructionally based field trips

7. School Wellness Council

8. PBIS Incentive Program

9. Overlook Clubs

10. Safety Patrols

11. Overlook Choir (for students in grades 4 and 5 only)

12. ESOL

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY GOALS

Seven mission-critical goals have been identified based on a Comprehensive Needs Assessment.

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Objectives:

Goal 1: By 2013-2014, all students will reach high standards in core curricular areas, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better for each ESEA subgroup in reading/language arts and mathematics.Goal 2: All English Language Learners will become proficient in English and reach high academic standards, at a minimum attaining proficiency or better in reading/language arts and mathematics.Goal 3: All students will be taught by highly qualified teachers.Goal 4: All students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug free, and conducive to learning.Goal 5: All students will graduate from high school.Goal 6: The quality of school system service delivery will be enhanced by improving management effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability.Goal 7: Family, school, business and community relationships will be strengthened to support improved student achievement.

MANDATORY UNIFORM POLICY

Overlook Elementary School students will follow the mandatory uniform policy established by Prince George's County Public Schools (AP 0600).

 DRESS GUIDELINES

GIRLS: White collared blouse, turtlenecksWhite polo style shirt Navy blue skirtNavy blue jumper Navy blue shorts/skortNavy blue sweater V-neck or button-upNavy blue pantsJumpers, skorts and skirts need to be no shorter than fingertip level. Please see the Professional School Counselor for clarification.

Girls in Pre-K through 5th grade are discouraged from carrying purses throughout the school day. If they must bring them the school is not liable for the purse and/or its contents. Furthermore, the purse must not cause a disruption to the educational environment.

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BOYS: White collared shirt, turtlenecksWhite polo style shirtNavy blue pantsNavy blue shortsNavy blue sweater V-neck or button-u

Belt

 Dark colored

Shoes

Soft soled (preferably black - sneakers are safest on playground equipment). Opened toed- shoes (for example, but not limited to sandals) are not permitted.

NO MULTI-COLORED SOCKS.

NOTE:   Denim or jean materials are not allowed. Shirts/Blouses are to be tucked in at all times.

Jewelry

Earrings should not be any larger than the diameter of a case quarter. SCHOOL PERSONNEL WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST ITEMS.

In accordance with county policy #0600, the following steps will be taken for consistent violations:

First violation: The child’s teacher contacts the parent(s) or guardian(s) and notifies the principal that a violation has occurred.

Second violation: The teacher refers the student to the principal who contacts the parent(s) or guardian(s) by telephone and in writing that a second violation has occurred.

Repeated violations will be deemed as persistent disobedience or insubordination and will be dealt with in accordance with the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.

Headdresses can be worn indoors for religious and health reasons only.

ARRIVAL TIME

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Students should arrive at school no earlier than 7:20 a.m. to enter the school building for breakfast in the classroom.

ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES

Parents or guardians are responsible for notifying the school office by telephone on any day that your child is absent. A written notice is REQUIRED when the student returns. A doctor's certificate is required when a child returns to school after having any communicable diseases such as measles, chicken pox, etc. Parents may request assignments for students who are absent for an extended period of time.

Please be mindful of the following:

1. Teachers need 24 hours in advance to prepare assignments. 2. Work cannot be gathered on a daily basis. 3. Work can only be provided for excused absences.

 The following is a list of lawful absences from Administrative Procedure 5113;

Death in the immediate family. Illness of child. The principal shall require a physician’s certificate from the parent or

guardian of a child reported continuously absent for illness Court summons Hazardous weather conditions Work approved or sponsored by the school School sponsored activity during the school day Observance of religious holidays, state of emergency, suspension, lack of authorized

transportation, other emergency or set of circumstances, which, in the judgment of the superintendent or designee, constitutes good and sufficient cause for absence from school.

All other reasons are considered by the county as unexcused.

TARDINESS

Students who arrive after 7:45 a.m. are marked tardy. Students who are late due to the school bus being delayed are not considered tardy. Tardy students must secure a tardy pass from the office before going to class. Perfect attendance is awarded to students who are on time and present daily.

EARLY DISMISSAL

A note is required for early dismissal. The note should state why the child is leaving early and who will be picking up the child. Only parents/guardians who are listed on the family card are allowed to sign students out. Adults are to wait in the office for their child.

DISMISSAL

1. Bus dismissal begins at 1:55 p.m.

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2. Walkers will be dismissed after the bus riders 3. Car riders will be dismissed with the walkers.

DELAYED OPENING /EARLY CLOSING

Emergency Dismissal Form

Prince George's County Public School's administrative policy requires that the school have a plan for each family. The plan should describe how the child would be cared for if school is dismissed early due to an emergency situation or inclement weather. This should be a workable plan that your child understands, as the school will not be able to phone or locate every family. This written plan is kept on file at school.

SCHOOL CLOSING

When schools are closed, or closing early due to inclement weather or emergency conditions, an announcement will be made over all Washington area radio and television stations. Please check the website for up to date information at www.pgcps.org.

DELAYED OPENING

One hour - school starts at 8:45 a.m., buses also run 1 hour late.

Two hour - school starts at 9:45 a.m., buses also run 2 hours late.

THE BREAKFAST PROGRAM will take place, however, scheduled FIELD TRIPS will be CANCELLED.

PARENT CONCERNS

Parents who have questions or concerns regarding their children's education are urged to contact the teachers and principal without hesitation. The classroom teacher should be the first person contacted regarding classroom concerns. Matters taken initially to the central office personnel or to the Board of Education are ultimately presented at the local school level. Time is saved and communication is enhanced when the appropriate school based personnel are aware of the concern. When we, the staff at Overlook Elementary, cannot answer your questions or facilitate a mutual resolution that is in the best interest of the student, we will assist you with contacting the proper authorities at a higher administrative level. Our goal is to always remember that all decisions will be made in the best interest of the students.

VISITORS

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All visitors are required to report first to the office, show photo I.D., sign in, and receive a pass. Parents are not to conference with teachers during class time, as this disrupts instructional time. Parents who wish to speak with a teacher, MUST schedule an appointment.

All schools in Prince George's County Maryland are a "Drug Free Zone”. While visiting the school, please refrain from smoking in the building or on the school grounds.

VOLUNTEERS/ MENTORS

If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Professional School Counselor. All volunteers must be fingerprinted according to Prince George’s County guidelines. Call (301) 952-6775 for more information.

Volunteers & mentors help provide a quality education for all students. Parents, students, neighbors, friends, business and government employees, crafts people, retirees, and anyone who has time to share are invited to:

1. Tutor children individually or in small groups. 2. Aid teachers in all subject areas, computers and other

school activities. 3. Share skills and talents, job expertise or life experience, as

special resources for classroom instruction. 4. Assist staff in the school office, media center, health room, cafeteria, or anywhere in the

school building or on the school grounds.

Offer help from home by making instructional materials, typing, making displays, and many other activities are also very helpful.

SCHOOL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT TEAM   (SPMT)

The School Planning & Management is a committee of teachers, support staff, parents, and administrators who share in the governance and management of school activities and program. This vehicle provides an opportunity for the key stakeholders who are responsible for child development to come together to create and plan long and short term programs, solve problems and evaluate results in a "no fault" atmosphere. Success of the SPMT's efforts leads to the establishment of a positive school climate that enhances student learning and social development. Any parent interested in being a part   of this team, please call the school.

COMMUNICATIONS

We recognize that the home and school share in a mutual undertaking of aiding the total development of the individual student.  For this reason, we feel that the school and home should be communicating with each other.  In efforts to bring about a close partnership between the two, we have set up a system of reporting with the designated purpose of working with parents.

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NEWSLETTERS/FLYERS

Once a month, a newsletter will be issued providing parents with an overall summary of past and future activities.  For example, test dates, PTA meetings, dates when school is closed and pertinent information about the operation of the school system and its policies.  Please check your child’s backpack or folder for these newsletters.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

The School Communication System (SCS) gives Overlook Elementary the ability to deliver general and emergency alerts to specified phone numbers with the click of a few buttons. SCS is able to:

Notify students and parents of upcoming events. Contact you students and faculty to announce school closings. Create a better line of communication between administration and parents.

TELEPHONE

The school telephones are provided and reserved for official business and cannot be made available to students except in emergencies.  The telephone will not be used to retrieve forgotten work, instruments, lunch money, and etc.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION(PTO)

Overlook ES has developed a parent-teacher organization.  This organization provides opportunity for parents, teachers and administrators to work together on various school-related programs.  General PTO meetings will be scheduled for the 1st Tuesday of each month.

Labeling

Please label lunch bags/boxes, and articles of clothing.  All articles of clothing that can be taken off at school should be labeled with a name and a room number. (Ex. jackets, coats, sweaters, hats, etc.)

Lost and Found

All articles that are found in the school building are kept in the cafeteria closet on the stage for three weeks.  If your child loses an article of clothing, please see that an inquiry is made.

Money

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Children should only bring enough money for lunch or other predetermined needs.  A purse, sealed envelope or other means for carrying the money safely would be helpful.

School Supplies

Each grade level will send home a list of needed supplies.  Please adhere to your list of supplies and not purchase any unnecessary materials.  All supplies should be labeled with your child’s name.  Your child should have paper and 2 pencils daily.

Bookbag or Backpack

All students should have a bookbag or backpack in which to carry books, homework assignments and supplies to and from school.  Bookbags and backpacks keep students prepared for class and keep their materials organized.  We ask that backpacks and bookbags are checked and cleaned regularly. 

Overlook Elementary has a full time school nurse. The Health Room is designed to take care or minor cleaning and bandaging of wounds that occur at school, and provide a temporary place for children who are ill and need to go home. Please make sure that the school has a record of all current phone numbers in the event of an emergency so contact persons can be notified.

HEALTH MEDICATION

Should your child require medication of any kind, it must be brought by a parent, not by a student.  Medication cannot be left in the classroom, with the teacher, or in the student's possession. It is placed in the health room with a signed statement from a physician. Medicine is taken under the supervision of certified school personnel.

A Medication Authorization Form must be on file for each individual situation and can be obtained from the school. For your child's protection, each medication must be in an appropriate container and labeled with the name of the medication, name of the student, and the date. Please contact the school nurse with any questions.

ILLNESS

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If a student becomes ill at school, he/she is sent to the health room until they are able to return to class. In severe cases, the parent is notified to pick up their child from school. Parents must pick up their child or send someone who is listed on the family card immediately!

School personnel ARE NOT permitted to apply or administer medication, and/or treat injuries which occurred outside of normal school hours or off of school property. DO NOT send children to school requesting this service. Legally, services for first aid can only be provided for in-school sickness and/or accidents.

Major accidents are immediately referred to professional personnel and the child will be sent to the closest emergency center.

IMMUNIZATION

The County Health Department provides certain vaccines and tests such as Rubella and Tuberculin. If needed, parents will be given additional information about these tests. Children are unable to attend school if they have not received the proper vaccine(s). Please adhere to the immunization requirements. Please contact the Maryland Health Department for more information.

VISION AND HEARING SCREENING

Vision and Hearing Screenings are done by trained technicians. Routine vision and hearing testing are performed on kindergarten, and fourth grade students. Color vision screening is routinely performed on all fourth grade students. Written referrals from parents with children in other grades will be accepted.

CAFETERIA

                                  Regular                      Reduced

Lunch                 $2.60                $.40

Milk                    $ .55                

Maryland Meals for Achievement has been awarded to Overlook Elementary for the 2013-2014 school year. All students are entitled to eat a free breakfast provided by the school.

LUNCH

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Students may bring or buy a lunch. Each child is issued a PIN code and an account to use daily. Parents can deposit up to $99.00 at any given time on a student’s account. The school office or cafeteria CANNOT provide lunch for students. Children who lose or forget lunch money are provided with a sandwich and milk.

FREE/REDUCED MEALS

The Free and Reduced Meals Program is a federally funded program available to selected families. An application will be sent home with your child within the first few days of school. If you wish to apply, please complete ALL information requested and return to the office promptly. Please allow two to three weeks to process the application. Meeting the guidelines for the free/reduced plan is a requirement of the program.

GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS   CITIZENSHIP/CONDUCT

A student's conduct in school must be acceptable at all times; it must not interfere with the instruction of other students. Overlook ES prides itself on maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment. Students are responsible for obeying all school and class rules. Every staff member has the authority to discipline students. Students who violate these policies are subject to disciplinary action.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES  

We at Overlook ES understand that discipline is a necessity for the total benefit of all the students as well as for the success of the entire instructional program. No classroom can function effectively as a learning center when valuable teaching time is wasted on the few who cannot conform to rules and regulations set up for the safety and well being of all. We believe that consistent communication between the school and the home establishes good relationships, and will be most effective in obtaining good results. We seek parents’ and students’ cooperation in this effort. Students are required to abide by the Code of Student Conduct. Disciplinary actions will be taken in accordance with county policy for students who do not adhere to the Code of Student Conduct.

  APPLICATION OF STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT – JURISDICTION

This code and its provisions are in effect during regularly scheduled school hours as well as, including but not limited to, school-sponsored events, field trips, and athletic functions, where appropriate public school administrators have authority over students or the behavior has a direct effect on the order and general welfare of the school.

LEVEL OF OFFENSES

  Level I - Violation of General Classroom and Bus Rules  

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Minor offenses that generally occur in the classroom or on the bus and can be corrected by the teacher or driver. Academic Dishonesty/ Cheating/Plagiarism; Classroom Disruption; Disorderly Conduct; Failure to come to class prepared; Failure to Wear Identification Badge; Internet/ Computer  Misuse; Public Display of Affection; Unexcused Tardiness

Level II - Conduct Requiring Administrative Intervention

Offenses that are more serious in nature or persistent or serious Level I misconduct. Serious or Repeated Level I Offenses; Bias Harassment; Class Cutting/Truancy; Defamation; Disruptive Speech; Dress Code Violation; Forgery, Harassment; Indecent Exposure; Insubordination; Loitering; Sexual Harassment; Theft – Below $100; Threat to Person or Property; Unauthorized Departure from School; Unauthorized Sale or Distribution; Unauthorized Sale or Distribution of Printed Materials (see Admin. Procedure 5150); Unauthorized Use of Portable Communication Devices; Unauthorized use of Electronic Devices; Vandalism – Below $100

Level III - Suspension and /or Removal to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program

Serious or Repeated Level I or Level II Offenses; Assault; Bullying; Contaminating food; Disrespect; Fighting; Forgery; Gambling; Group Fight; Hazing; Inciting others to violence or disruption; Possession or Use of Fireworks; Reckless Endangerment; Repeatedly Disruptive Conduct; Theft - $100 or more; threat to a PGCPS Employee; Unauthorized possession, use, or distribution of over-the-counter medication; Trespassing; Vandalism/Destruction of Property – between $100 and $500

Level IV – Expulsion and/or Removal to a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program

Serious or Repeated Level I, Level II, or Level II Offenses; Acts of Gross Misconduct at Other Schools; Arson; Assault with serious injury; Biohazard; Bomb Threat; False Alarm; Group fight which has been planned, causes material disruption to the school day, or results in significant injury; Other Acts; Physical Attack on Prince George’s County Public Schools Employee; Possession, Use, or Distribution of Alcohol, Marijuana, Prescription Drugs, Controlled Dangerous Substances; Imitation Controlled Substances; Inhalants; Other Intoxicants; Controlled or Drug Paraphernalia; Possession or Use or Distribution of Explosives; Possession or Use of Weapons or Instruments Uses As Such; Shakedown/Strong Arm/Extortion; Vandalism/Destruction of Property – above $500 

Beepers/Portable Pagers/CELL PHONES

Maryland State Law prohibits the possession of portable pagers or "beepers" by students on public school property. Such items will be confiscated and returned to parents.  Cell phones must be turned off.

DISCIPLINE REFERRAL FORMS

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If a student is involved in a major infraction, the classroom teacher or staff member will submit a discipline referral form (PS 74) to the principal. Parents can receive a copy of the discipline form with the notation of the action taken by the administrator.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus riders are to ride their assigned bus ONLY. All other students will not be permitted on any bus. Students should be at the bus stop fifteen minutes prior to pick up.  We encourage parents to monitor students at the bus stop.   Students are monitored by the school system once they board the bus.  Riding the bus is a privilege and good behavior is required.  In order to maintain a safe environment on each bus, the school supports the driver in maintaining safe bus riding habits.  Anyone who violates the safety standards will be suspended from the bus.

RESPONSIBILITY OF A STUDENT BUS RIDER

“Don’t Lose Your Riding Privileges”

Follow these rules . . .

1. Maintain classroom conduct. 2. Keep all body parts and objects inside the bus. 3. Speak appropriately using an inside voice. No cursing or loud talking. 4. Stay in your seat while bus is in motion. 5. Keep food and drinks in your bookbag or lunchbox on the bus. 6. Place all trash in the trash can. 7. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. No pushing, shoving or fighting on or

off the bus. 8. Do not block the aisle with body or objects. 9. Cooperate with the driver.  The driver is in authority on the bus.

PROGRESS REPORT/ REPORT CARDS

Progress Reports are issued each quarter, and are given to students who are in need improvement in selected subject areas. Report Cards for grades K-5 will be issued four times a year – November, February, April and June. Parents are encouraged to access the Schoolmax Family Portal to view your child’s grades and or attendance. Please contact the Professional School Counselor for assistance /information regarding the Schoolmax Family Portal.

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GRADING POLICY

Grading policies for each grade level will be presented at “Back to School Night”. 

CONFERENCES

Parents are encouraged to request parent-teacher conferences throughout the school year. Conferences permit parents and teachers to communicate the progress of his/her child. Classroom teachers must be provided at least a 24 hours to respond and/or schedule to a conference. The classroom teacher will send written notification and/or call to schedule the conference. 

TESTING

Our school system provides countywide testing throughout the year. These assessments are delivered to assess the student programs but also our school in meeting the needs of all students and providing an education that will prepare them for success at each level. These assessments include but are not limited tothe following:

Otis Lennon School Ability :    administered to students ingrade 1 during November for Talented and Gifted

Running Records/DRA (oral reading assessment) Grades K-5 Access :  administered to our ESOL population in the Spring. Formative and Practice Assessments grades 3 through 5 Benchmark Assessment : administered quarterly Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Reading & Math : administered to students in

grades 3-5 in March (MSA) Science grade 5 administered in April Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) administered August, January and May

DEFICIENCY NOTICES

Parents of students who are making unsatisfactory progress will be sent an Interim Progress Report midpoint of each nine week grading period, or as soon thereafter as it becomes apparent that the student is not making satisfactory progress.  These notices will be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to school.

RETENTION

Retention is advised when the student has not demonstrated mastery of grade level skills. A conference must be held with the parent/guardian prior to retention. If the parent/guardian and school personnel cannot reach an agreement relative to retain a student, the Principal will make the final decision.

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LAVATORY BREAKS

Children are permitted to use the restrooms at designated times throughout the day. If a student has an extreme emergency or physical disability, the parent should notify the teacher and Health Nurse so that the child's needs can be met.

 

WITHDRAWAL/TRANSFER OF STUDENTS

If you move outside of Overlook Elementary boundary, please call the school three days prior to the move.  This will ensure that your child will have a transfer card to take to the new school.  Before receiving the transfer card, it will be necessary to clear up any textbook, library book, or other debt responsibilities.  Make sure you leave your new mailing address with the Registrar. IF THE SCHOOL BECOMES AWARE OF A CHANGE OF ADDRESS, THE SCHOOL MAY WITHDRAW THE CHILD UNTIL PROPER DOCUMENTATION IS PRESENTED FOR OVERLOOK ES ATTENDANCE BOUNDARY.

PLAYGROUND SAFETY

Our school is equipped with three sets of playground equipment for students’ use during supervised recess and physical education. Each set of playground equipment is designed to accommodate students in the Kindergarten programs, the primary grades (1-3) and intermediate grades (4-6). Students are provided instructions regarding the use of designated equipment. In addition we provide appropriate recess equipment for the students to use in playing soccer, basketball and kickball games; therefore, students are not permitted to bring any equipment (no game balls) from home. Carrying a ball to school can present safety hazards for both walking and bus riding students. Safe play and adherence to all school rules is the responsibility of every student. The teachers will review and reinforce playground/recess rules with students. During inclement weather, the recess period is confined to the classrooms where children engage in quiet games and activities.

EMERGENCY CARE FORMS

All parents/guardians are asked to complete an Emergency Care Form for each child in the household. This form is extremely important and should be completed in its entirety and returned to the school immediately.  Emergency Care Forms provide the school with phone numbers to reach you in case of an emergency and where your child must go when school closes early. It also provides emergency contacts if the school is unable to reach the student’s parent, specific instructions are important.  It is important that these forms are kept up to date.  Therefore, please make sure that your information is current.

INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS FOR SCHOOL

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Students should leave all items at home that are not supportive of the educational process.  Teachers and administrators will take such items from students if they appear on school property.  Some belongings that should remain at home are:

Expensive clothing or jewelry Excessive amount of money Toys, radios, CD/ MP3 players, IPODS Gum, candy, sunflower seeds, etc. Games, (including electronic games) Stuffed animals Balls (basketball, football) Nail clipper, file knife combinations Playing cards, dice

We believe as educators that school hours should be spent on educational activities.  The presence of toys countermands educational pursuits.

TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS

At the beginning of the year students are issued textbooks and library books for which they are held responsible. If books issued by the school are lost or damaged, parents will be responsible for the financial cost. Board Policy #6161.1 states:

Students must meet financial obligation or make payment arrangements with the Principal.

BOOK COVERS

All books MUST BE COVERED and labeled with the child’s name, teacher’s name, grade, and room number.  Book socks are highly recommended as they do not damage the books.  Do not glue, tape, or staple book covers to any books.  It is extremely important to take care of textbooks assigned to your child.

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