BWB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal

Elizabeth Forbes

Assistant Principal

Katie Beebe

Administrative Assistant

Suzanne Morgan

Kindergarten Teachers

Anina Sinclair

Leah Servis

Stacy Hadfield

Kindergarten Assistants

Jen Clark

Erin Izzo

Abigail Sullivan

Grade One Teachers

Stacy Brackett

Tori Coleman

Amanda Alder

Grade Two Teachers

Kristen Corbett

Amanda Knapton

Carly Melillo

Grade Three Teachers

Jill Parziale

Letisha Morin

Lynn Tabor

School Counselor

Aimee Smith

Social Worker

Christina Lavelle

School Psychologist

Angela Pidala

Special Education Administrative Assistant

Maggie Williams .6 W,Th, F

Special Educators

Marisa Fullam

Christine Wiley

Abby O’Connor

Ellen Zontini

Occupational Therapist

Chelsey Campbell

Speech and Language Therapist

Physical Therapist

Tiffany Rogers

Special Education Paraprofessionals

Glenda Lebel

Roseli Perfetuo

Clare Linder

AJ Kantzelis

Reading Teacher

Ellen Savage

School Nurse

Karen Pulit

Math Interventionist

Kelly Lawrence

Library Assistant

Betsy Delaney .8 M-Th

School Assistants

Katie Nese

PE/Health Teacher

Todd Jeffers

Art Teacher

Aislinn Donovan

Music Teacher

Monique Dos Santos

Science/Tech Teacher

Fred Cowan .8 M-Th

ELD Teacher

Michelle Murphy

Maura Donovan

Gateway Teacher

Alexa Wilson

Custodial Staff

Nick Mossey

Cameron Herald

Cafeteria Staff

Kelli O’Leary

Linda Spitz

Diane Eames

Building Based Subs

Alison Amster

Students may arrive at school between 8:50 – 9:00 am. No supervision is available before

8:50 am so we ask that students not be dropped off any earlier. Early Morning Day Care is available to registered families.

Any parents or other adults who escort their child to the building are asked to say their goodbyes at the front door. This allows teachers in the classroom to provide students with their undivided attention and to begin the school day on time.

Parents dropping off students by car should pull into the Basketball lot at the side of building in a single line. Children should exit onto the sidewalk or the passenger side of the car.

Please do not block buses from leaving the bus loop and do not park in the drop-off area as this impedes the flow of car traffic.

The front door to the building will be locked at 9:00 am. Personnel in the main office must buzz in all visitors and ask why you are there, prior to entering the building. You may be asked for identification upon entry.

If you wish to have your child dismissed early from school, a note must be sent in with your child. A fax or e-mail will also be acceptable. If a parent/guardian is not picking up their own child, then the note must state who will be picking up. That person must identify himself/herself to school personnel in the office and show an I.D. Students may be dismissed only to their parent or legal guardian if the request is made by phone. The student must remain in the classroom until called for on the intercom or phone. All students must report to the office before they are dismissed. We ask that any last minute requests must be made prior to 3:00 pm.

In the interest of child safety, the following procedures have been developed:

Children who are regularly dismissed to parents or authorized persons and for whom we have a note on file will be dismissed at 3:25 pm along with those who have WRITTEN NOTES for that particular day. Parents/Guardians need to be parked outside the building in the designated pick up area. A placard will be given to families so that each car can be identified at dismissal. Please pull up in the basketball court lot. Up to 6 lines can be created. Once in line, stop and turn off your engine until a staff member deems it safe to move forward. Students will be escorted out to cars by BWB staff.

Parents or other adults who have not sent in notes but who arrive at the office to pick up children will need to park their cars and enter the building to pick-up their child.

Bus dismissal will commence alongside parent pick-up. Buses normally depart BWB at approximately 3:35-3:40 pm.

It is important that all absences and reasons for absence be reported to the Health Office. You can call the school’s main number (508)362-4949 X1 for the Health Office to leave a message.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education holds each elementary school accountable for chronic absenteeism, whether or not the absences are excused. The state defines chronic absenteeism as having missed 10% or more of the number of days that the school is in session. Research shows that chronic absenteeism in elementary school is a predictor of future student success.

The Barnstable Public Schools Attendance Policy states that an excused absence from school is limited to the following circumstances:

• illness
• medical appointments that cannot be made outside of school hours
• death of a family member
• weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child
• observance of major religious holidays
• legal obligations requiring personal appearance
• other exceptional reasons with the approval of the Principal or designee

We realize some absences are for health or other necessary reasons. But, when students are absent two or more days a month (or 18 days over the school year), they can fall far behind in their learning. Excused and unexcused absences both mean missing classroom learning time.

Some Attendance Tips:

• Make sure your students keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine. School-aged children need 10-12 hours of sleep each night.

• Turn off all electronics, including TVs, phones, and tablets, 1 hour before bedtime.

• Make sure clothes and backpacks are ready the night before.

• Check with our school nurse if you are unsure when to keep your child at home due to illness or use this reference How Sick Is Too Sick?

• Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session. If unavoidable, schedule appointments early or late in the day and come to school.

• Inform teachers and counselors if your student feels anxious about going to school so we can support you and your student.

• Bus passes can be obtained from the transportation department if you need transportation. BPS Transportation

• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your student to school even if tardy.

In the event that your child is absent, an attendance letter will be sent to both parents/guardians of students who have 5 or more unexcused absences in a school year. Missing 2 or more class periods in a day will be considered an absence. At this time a plan should be developed as appropriate. Additional letters may be sent at 7 and at 10 days.

The Barnstable Public Schools has a Technology Acceptable Use Policy for all students. Before any child will be allowed to participate in any activities involving the Internet, a parent must review the policy and return a signed release. These release forms are kept on file for the grade levels covered by that particular policy. All students entering Kindergarten and Grade Three will receive a copy of the policy the first day of school. Students new to the building will also be required to have a completed Technology use policy on file.

The primary responsibility for appropriate dress at BWB lies with the student and their parents.

Please note that Sneakers are a requirement for physical education classes. They must be worn during the gym period, indoor and out. Black solid soles that leave marks on the gym floor may not be worn.

For recess and other outdoor learning opportunities, we take students outdoors, weather permitting. They must be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions of the day. Students should not wear flip flops for safety reasons.

Students are not permitted to dress in a manner that is disruptive to the educational process. Examples of items that could be considered disruptive include:

∙Extremely short skirts or shorts, halter-tops, shirts with spaghetti straps, tube tops, or other garments that reveal the midriff or undergarments

∙Clothing with language or pictures which are profane or suggestive, or which promote products (i.e. alcohol logos) or activities that are illegal or violent

∙Clothing which is disparaging to others

∙Clothing, pins, insignias, colors, jewelry, hats or emblems that identify students as a member of a gang

The principal has the authority to require a student to change their clothing in school and/or send students home to change their clothing.

There are many opportunities to become involved in our school district, from one-time events to programs that meet weekly. We are seeking to partner with parents, grandparents, family members, and community members. Our Volunteer Program aims to recruit volunteers for specific opportunities, train and recognize volunteers, and provide a meaningful experience for both the school and the volunteer. We will be using Volunteer Tracker, a software designed for school systems. Instead of a paper sign in, volunteers will be asked to sign in and out electronically through this system by using their phones. The purpose of using an electronic sign in/out is to provide a safe learning environment for all students and staff. Volunteer Tracker is a portal to find volunteer opportunities across the district.

Once you complete your application, you will be notified via email of any volunteer opportunities that match your interests. These emails will come directly from Volunteer Tracker. Please make sure to open these emails as we are excited to invite parents and community members into our learning spaces with different volunteer opportunities!

Report cards for Grade K-3 are issued in December, March and June. An explanation of the grading system is provided on the report card itself. Report cards are available on your Aspen account.

The BWB School Council is composed of elected parents and staff, the principal and a community representative. Members are elected for a two-year term. The Council serves to advise the principal in the policies and procedures, governance and operation of the school. Amongst the council’s duties and responsibilities are reviewing the school building budget, formulating a school accountability plan and carrying out building-based goals.

Members are elected in the fall and meetings usually take place once a month on a Wednesday at 5:00 pm

The Barnstable-West Barnstable Parent Teacher Association exists to enhance the communication between home and school, to promote community involvement at BWB through enrichment programs, fundraising and other events, and to create an educational atmosphere that inspires self-confidence, and a positive self-image amongst our students.

All parents who have children attending BWB are members of the PTA. Each and every one of you has a valuable contribution to offer to our students’ environment and school life. Generally, BWB PTA meetings are held each month on a Wednesday at 6:00 pm in the school cafeteria. Announcements of specific meeting dates will be sent home in advance.

• No School: If conditions are severe enough to threaten the safety of students traveling to and from school, a decision is made to close or delay school. The decision is usually made by 6 A.M. The announcement will be broadcast on local radio stations as well as television. However, in the event school is not closed, if a parent has a concern regarding questionable weather conditions use your discretion as to whether or not to send your child to school that day.

• Delayed Opening: The opening of school could be delayed by one hour, 90 minutes or two hours; depending on weather and road conditions. School will end at the normal time. All other school activities will take place at their originally scheduled times.

• Early Dismissal: In the event weather conditions or an emergency warrant an early school closing, every attempt will be made to broadcast the announcement.

The school WILL USE an automated calling system to notify parents if there is a delayed opening or early dismissal. Please make sure your child has an action plan as to what to do in case of an early dismissal.

Please monitor local radio stations and television stations for notice of no school announcements, delayed openings or early dismissals. Also check the Barnstable Public School Website, www.barnstable.k12.ma.us

The Principal in consultation with the BWB Faculty determines classroom assignments for students. Great effort is expended in looking at the individual needs of each child as well as creating balanced classroom groups.

The process for placement is involved and complex. Due to the many factors that must be considered by school personnel, parent requests will not be solicited or accepted.

Some of the criteria used in constructing heterogeneous classrooms are as follows:

• A balance of different ability and achievement levels

• Students who require specialized instruction

• Boy/girl ratios are equally distributed

• Students who require additional teacher time for redirection

• As per the policy of the Barnstable Public Schools, the building principal shall have the final decision as regards assignment of students to classes

BWB recognizes that first hand experiences, provided by well-planned field trips, are worthwhile means of learning. The teacher will provide parents with an itinerary of the trip and other pertinent information. A signed permission slip is required for each student. Students are expected to ride the school bus on school-sponsored field trips. Students not participating in a field trip should be in attendance at school.

Electronic devices such as computer games, cell phones, ipods, toys, etc. are not allowed on school grounds or the school bus. They are often disruptive to the learning process, expensive and easily broken. BWB will not be responsible for objects students bring to school. Exceptions will only be made via the written permission of the teacher.

The essence of the Barnstable Public School system’s Health Curriculum Pre K – 12 is to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to make responsible, well-informed, personal health decisions. The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics including: Nutrition and Fitness, Drug Prevention, Personal and Mental Health, Human Growth and Development, the Second Step Program and Safety and First Aid.

We strongly recommend that all students participate in the lessons scheduled for their own grade level. However, if you do not want your child to participate, you have the right to exempt your child from class when a particular issue is being taught by submitting a request in writing to the building principal.

We encourage all parents to participate in the education of their child. You are welcome to review our curriculum and related materials at our school libraries.

Specific questions regarding the elementary or middle school curricula should be addressed to Rachel Joslin, Director of Health Education Pre K – 7.

-Legal Ref: M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 32A BPS Policy IMBA, adopted 6/3/9

Students are expected to behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights of others.

BWB Elementary has adopted a behavior matrix and specific rules to create a learning atmosphere where students feel safe and learn to the maximum of their capabilities. Parents are asked to discuss and stress the importance of these expectations with their child: Be Responsible, Be Safe and Be Respectful

Our BWB School Community Values: Respect, Safety, Responsibility, Kindness, Honesty, Helping Others, Empathy, Gratitude, Effort, Consistency, Patience, Independence, Perseverance, Determination, Perspective taking, Conservation, Joy, Self-awareness, Confidence, Acceptance, Inclusion, Assertiveness, Civic Responsibility, Leadership, Collaboration, Good Manners

When an incident occurs, our approach is to target the lagging skill through interventions.

• Tier 1 is handled by the classroom or specialist teacher and they will communicate with you.

• Tier 2 is referred to the principal or assistant principal, we will reach out to you.

• Tier 3 incidents require immediate response, we will reach out to you.

For tier 2 or 3 incidents a slip will accompany the communication through your child's backpack with a short summary of what happened and what lagging skills we feel precipitated the incident. The consequences or next steps will be also indicated on the slip .Bus drivers can also issue behavior slips and those will be sent home via backpack as well. More severe incidents may result in an emergency removal or suspension in or out of school. In this case, a formal letter will be sent with an option for a hearing to present all sides of what occurred. Then a decision will be made as to the appropriate consequence and another formal letter will be sent indicating the decision. Please see part two of the students handbook for specific information on these laws and statues.

Consequences for inappropriate behavior will be based upon the seriousness of the incident. Consideration will be given to the child’s age and maturity, as well as, previous behavior patterns. Parents will be notified of all serious incidents. The following actions may be taken for inappropriate behavior.

• Loss of a privilege- When a child abuses a privilege, the logical consequence would be to take away that privilege temporarily.

• You break it, You fix it.- Students will work with faculty to take responsibility for their actions and repair or “fix” the situation

• Break- This strategy is used to help children learn self-control while keeping the classroom calm, safe and orderly. Students may take a “break” in the classroom or outside of their classroom if needed.

Director of Health Services: Alicia Bryant, MSN, RN, NCSN - bryant_alicia@mybps.us

Barnstable-West Barnstable Elementary school recognizes that student wellness and proper nutrition are related to students’ physical well-being, growth, development and readiness to learn. BWB Elementary is committed to providing learning opportunities that promote proper nutrition, regular physical activity and nutrition education as part of the total educational experience. With the adoption of our school wellness policy we hope to establish an environment in which active and well-nourished students are more likely to attend school and are better prepared to learn.

Physical Education/Activity

Our school recognizes that student participation in regular physical activities is an essential part of student wellness. BWB Elementary provides and will continue to provide opportunities for physical activity.

1. One recess period per day of 20-25 minutes (restricting participation in recess will be employed only in extreme cases)

2. One Physical Education class per week. The guidelines outlined by the Presidential Fitness Program will be incorporated at all grade levels.

3. Provide physical activity opportunities to students outside the regular school day. These could include: the PTA fall soccer program.

Food/Nutrition

All food served in the school cafeteria will meet or exceed nutrition requirements established by state and federal statute and/or guidelines. Below is a listing of how BWB will address issues such as student birthdays, fundraisers, and other special issues commonly found in an elementary school.

1. Acknowledging that birthdays are special occasions for each child, BWB Elementary does not permit food to be brought into school to celebrate birthdays.

2. A non-child geared fund raiser will have no restrictions on food sales and/or distribution. Child-geared fundraisers will promote the sale of healthy food, snacks and beverages.

3. Classroom holiday parties will have restrictions on the types of foods that are allowed. A letter outlining specifics will be provided to parents, the room parent, teacher and fundraising coordinator.

4. The sale of ice cream in the cafeteria will be allowed two days per month. Any ice cream item for sale must be fat free/reduced fat.

5. There will be no food reward systems.

For more information on the District Wellness Guidelines please follow this link: https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/family-students/wellness-guidelines

As outlined in our Wellness Policy(see pages 13 & 14), parents are asked not to send in food to commemorate the day. Alternatives to mark birthdays have been developed by each classroom teacher. Decorations, balloons, and special deliveries detract from the business of learning and will not be permitted at school.

We also ask that invitations to parties or other events not be delivered at school with the exception of when a student invites all members (all boys or all girls) of the class.

If you have questions regarding bus stops, pick-up or drop off times or other concerns please contact Five Star Bus Company 508-443-5074 or Barnstable Public Schools Transportation Coordinator, Sandy Gifford at 508-790-6498.

A child can only ride the bus to which they are assigned. No exceptions will be allowed.

SCHOOL BUS RULES

Students are expected to obey the directions of the driver, and to behave in a safe and courteous manner. The school discipline code is in effect on the school bus and when loading and unloading. Any of the following rules violations may result in a School Bus Incident Report being filed with the Principal:

**Fighting/Pushing/Tripping Destruction of property

**Throwing objects in or out of bus Hanging out the window

**Behaviors which affect the safety of self & others Spitting/Littering

Refusing to obey the driver Failure to remain seated Improper boarding/departing procedures Tampering with bus equipment

Lighting matches/smoking

Bringing articles aboard the bus of injurious objectionable nature

Rude, discourteous and annoying conduct

Consequences for Misbehavior

1. First Bus Incident Report: Discussion with the principal, a warning, parent contact

2. Second Report: The parent will be contacted, the child will have an assigned seat up front, for a period of time.

3. Third Report: The parent will be contacted, the child will lose recess privileges

Additional reports may result in a loss of the bus riding privilege.

KINDERGARTEN RETURN HOME BUS POLICY

The safety of the child is of paramount importance to the Barnstable Public Schools. Therefore, a parent or a named authorized person is expected to be out at the bus stop as the bus arrives. If the aforementioned person is not out at the bus stop as the bus arrives, the bus driver will take the youngster back to school.

The principal or her designee will make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent of the whereabouts of the child. At the end of an hour, if a parent has not been reached, the Police Department will be notified to request an officer be assigned to immediately work with school personnel in attempting to locate parents, relatives and, if it becomes necessary, an appropriate agency to take custody of the child.

The parent of a Kindergarten student, via a written note, has the right to waive this procedure. However, in doing so, the parent assumes full responsibility for the safety and well-being of the child. A telephone call is not an accepted form to waive the above policy.

Please follow this link for the Barnstable Public Schools Handbook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vStY7maRg9JV_FizQnIA8fi8DMw7Ly8rtrOy_OmxRb2Li78eHOlIPY2UyNKusMlFD7ivAe7YIySydj1/pub