Parkers Prairie Elementary Family Handbook 2021-22
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Parkers
Prairie
Elementary 2021-22
Family
Handbook
Mission Statement:
Learning. Leadership.
Kindness. Respect.
Community.
PARKERS PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY CLASSIFED STAFF
OFFICE HOURS
Bettermann, Mary – Teaching Assistant
7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Christian, Kathy -Teaching Assistant
Christman, Justin, Custodian
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PHONE NUMBER Doyle, Janda- Teaching Assistant
Fyhrie, Elaine - Teaching Assistant
218-338-4079 Harstad, Teresa – Teaching Assistant
Hoffman, Carol - Teaching Assistant
Yocum, Dean - Superintendent….. ..ext. 151 Hubbling, Kathleen –Teaching Assistant
Radtke, Steve - Principal..................ext. 400 Kellen, Cheryl - Media Assistant
Eggert, Melissa – Secretary.............ext. 402 Kingston, Sharon - Head Cook
Henning, Lori - Secretary................ext. 401 Klimek, Charles - Teaching Assistant
Koep, Anne - Cook Assistant
Nelson, Janet – Teaching Assistant
Olson, Kristi – Teaching Assistant
Price, Carrie – Teaching Assistant
ELEMENTARY CERTIFIED STAFF Rewitzer, Roger – Custodian
Seibel, Sharon- Cook Assistant
Springer, Elaine - Teaching Assistant
Beach, Allison – Kindergarten Warren, Andrew – Teaching Assistant
Brever, Melisa - Early Childhood Special Ed Weber, Laura – Teaching Assistant
Burnham, Jeremiah – 3rd Grade Woodbridge, Janell – Teaching Assistant
Denny, Derek – Sixth Grade Woodwick, Amy – Teaching Assistant
Denny, Rachel – Third Grade
Horn, Caleb - Music
Kellen, Leah – Kindergarten
Kisthart, Larami - First Grade
Lorine, Michael - Second Grade BOARD OF EDUCATION
Lovrien, Heather – Fourth Grade
Marquette, Ashley – Fifth Grade Cornish, Glenn – Director
McDaniel, Kari - Second Grade Euteneuer, Nancy - Director
Noga, John - Physical Education Inwards, Steve - Vice Chairperson
Plasek, Dale – Instrumental Music Moeller, Judy – Clerk
Plasek, Heidi – School Readiness & Hart, Christy - Treasurer
Early Childhood Family Ed Oeltjenbruns, Lyle - Chairperson
Sansness, Amanda – School Readiness Wagner, Scott - Director
Schoeneck, Marlene – Science
Steinhorst, Becky - Special Education
Toov, Jessie - Social Worker
Toyli, Gloria - 4th Grade
Truax, Christina – First Grade
Wagner, Bill – Sixth Grade
Wagner, Kris – Fifth Grade
Wicklund, Shannon - Art
Wippler, Ramona - Early Childhood Family Ed
Yrjo, Brady - Physical Education
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Because student safety and well-being are an absolute priority at Parkers Prairie Elementary School, we believe it is
extremely important to define and follow arrival and departure routines carefully. We need the help of all families in
order to help us maintain a safe environment.
Arrival Routines available, these students will be dismissed to the
Although we will provide limited supervision in the playground and/or can also visit the library to
cafeteria starting at 7:50, the recommended arrival select books.
time for students is after 8:00. This is when Special Note: Please understand that although we
supervision is available on the playground as well as in would like to be able to accommodate the unique
the cafeteria and library. Because we realize it is schedules of every family, we do not have the
impossible for all students to arrive after 8:00, supervision resources available to do this. We
additional options are available. cannot have any unsupervised students in our
building in the morning. If a student is
Buses consistently arriving at school before supervision is
Buses will be dropping students off on McCornell available (7:50) a family contact by the building
Ave in front of the school. Students will enter the principal will be made to discuss alternative
Main Entry Doors - Door A or the 6th grade doors - arrangements.
Door B. Families should not drop students off on
McCornell Ave. before school.
8:00 – 8:20 - General Arrival – Students
arriving at this time have three choices. They may
Drop Offs
go to the cafeteria to eat breakfast, the library, or
Student drop off before school should be done
the playground. These are the areas of the school
on West Oak Street on the north side of the
where supervision is provided. Breakfast is served
elementary. Students should enter the Main
at 8:00.
Office doors - Door A or the doors near the
gym/childcare center - Door N. Please do not
drop students off on McCornell Ave before 8:20 – 8:25 – Start of the School Day –
school as this is a bus unloading zone. Students arriving during this time should go
directly to their classrooms.
6:00 – 7:50 – Panther Kids Club Arrival –
Students arriving during these times should enter After 8:25 – Late Arrival – Students arriving
the building with a parent and go directly to the after 8:25 are considered tardy and should report
Panther Kids’ Club. All other students entering the directly to the office before going to their
building during this time need to enter through the classrooms for a tardy slip. Students who are in
main doors and report directly to the office. the building, but arrive at their classroom after 8:25
will also be counted tardy. Please assist your
child(ren) in developing good habits in this area.
7:50 – 8:00 - Early Arrival – Students are Parents must accompany their child to the office to
allowed only in the cafeteria at this time. Students
sign them in.
should be dropped off at the main door (northeast)
side of the building and go directly to the cafeteria. No
playground, classroom, or library supervision is
available at this time. At 8:00, when supervision is
Departure Routines
Students Riding the Bus - At
Leaving the Building - Students are dismissed the close of the school day, students who ride the
to leave the building at 2:58. All students are bus will exit through Door A, main office doors,
expected to leave the building promptly and follow and Door B, 6th grade doors and board the bus on
the arrangements that have been made with their McCornell Ave in front of the school. If the busses
caregivers. Parents picking up their children are late, or are not ready to be boarded, students
should wait at the main entrance by the office at will wait inside the school in the hallway until
the end of the day. No students are allowed in the busses are in place.
building after school without supervision.
Changes in After School Plans Students Getting Picked Up –.
We understand that from time to time Students who are getting picked up by a driver
circumstances arise that cause a change in after should exit the school through the north doors by
school plans for families. We want to help the gymnasium - Door N. Parents who are
communicate that information to children. picking students up are asked to park on
However, this is a practice that we need you to W. Oak Street. Students should not be picked up
help us keep to a minimum. on McCornell Ave. after school as this is a bus
loading zone.
Calls from parents with changes in after school
arrangements can create uncertainty and stress Students should only cross the street using
for students and staff, especially when they come the crosswalks.
late in the day. These messages also create
interruptions to the instructional day.
You can help in the following ways:
▪ PLEASE communicate after school plans Students Walking – All students who
to students BEFORE school whenever are walking to a destination in town should exit the
possible. school grounds by crossing with the help of a
▪ If you have an unexpected change in plans, crossing guard. Walkers should exit the school
please call as early in the day as according to the following guidelines:
possible.
▪ After 1:00, ONLY emergency messages ● North Walking Route – Exit through
will be delivered. Please don’t ask us to northeast doors (by the office).
make exceptions to this. This allows ● South Walking Route – Exit through
enough time to contact staff and students southeast doors (by the 6th grade).
before the rush at the end of the day. ● West Walking Route – Exit through
northeast doors (by the office)
By working together in this way, we can make our
school a safer and more stress free environment
for students and staff.
ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is the foundation for academic achievement and success. Please make regular
attendance a priority for your family. If you need support with your child’s attendance please contact Steve
Radtke at 218-338-4079 ext. 400. We are here to help! Otter Tail County is in the process of updating the
attendance policy for schools in the county. That policy will be added to the handbook when it is complete.
If your child is going to be absent from school, please notify the school office
before 9:00 a.m. 218-338-4079 ext. 402
Tardiness - Students who arrive at
school after 8:25 should report directly to the office
Appointments - Parents are asked and will be counted tardy. Students who are at
to schedule appointments outside of the school school prior to this time, but are not in the
day. However, if it is necessary for a child to leave classroom ready for instruction may also be
school during the day to attend an appointment, a counted tardy. Late busses are the exception, of
phone call or written note is required. course. Students arriving after 10:00 am will be
considered absent ½ day am. Students leaving
Excessive Absences - If excessive absences before 1:30 pm will be considered absent ½ day
become a problem for your child, parents may be pm.
asked to provide documentation from a health care
professional for additional absences. The truancy
coordinator or building principal will contact
families if students have excessive absences.
Picking up Children During
the Day - When picking children up during the
day, parents must park and come into the
Notifying the School – Parents are school office to sign their child out. Parent
expected to notify the school office of an absence parking is allowed on McCornell Ave. from
by 9:00 am. Without notification the absence 8:25-2:45. Children are not allowed to leave the
may be considered unexcused. school building during the day without a
parent/guardian or other adult that the family has
designated. Children are not allowed to wait
outside for pick-up.Leader in Me
We’re grateful you’re here at our school and we’re excited to partner with you and your child.
As a Leader in Me School, we believe that every member of your family has greatness and we can’t wait to
learn and grow from you! Leader in Me(LiM) is an evidence-based, comprehensive school-improvement
model—developed in partnership with educators and Franklin Covey—that empowers students with the
leadership and life skills they need to thrive in a global community. Our school has chosen to operate through
a uniquely different lens. Leader in Me is about empowering your child to reach their full potential while
ultimately finding their voice. As a school, the staff in this building have made five core commitments to your
child. We call these our Core Paradigms. In these paradigms you will find the belief and way we view all
students.
At this school we see that:
Everyone is a leader.
Everyone has genius.
Change starts with me. We empower students to lead their own learning. Educators and families partner to
develop the whole person. Not only do these paradigms apply to your student, they apply to all of us! Leader
in Me provides our school with the vision and language to lead the school in a way that addresses all areas
of development. As each child discovers and develops their unique gifts and talents, they are given
opportunities to lead. As leaders, they become active, engaged partners in their own education, and their
self-confidence, responsibility, and initiative grows. The children quickly understand the benefits of different
gifts and talents; they learn to listen to new ideas, work together to achieve results, and motivate one another
to be the best.
We hope your school enjoys sharing these new opportunities. Together, we will see each child grow
throughout the year.
As part of Leader in Me the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People are taught to students. Here is a quick look
at those habits and what they mean.Habit Basic Definition Highly Effective Practices Additional Principles and
Concepts
1. Be Proactive You’re in Charge ● Use Proactive ● Responsibility,
Language choice,
accountability,
initiative, and
resourcefulness.
2. Begin With the End Have a Plan ● Define outcomes ● Long term goals
in Mind before you act ● Vision,
● Create and live by a commitment, and
personal mission purpose
statement
3. Put First Things Work First, Then Play ● Focus on highest ● Focus, Integrity,
First priorities Discipline, and
Prioritization
4. Think Win-Win Everyone Can Win ● Have an abundance ● Mutual benefit,
mentality fairness, and
● Consider other abundance
people’s wins as
well as your own
5. Seek First to Listen Before You Talk ● Practice empathic ● Listening with the
Understand, Then to listening intent to understand
be Understood ● Respectfully seek to ● Ask clarifying
understand questions
6. Synergize Together is Better ● Value Differences ● Creativity,
● Seek 3rd cooperation,
alternatives diversity, humility
● Build on strengths
7. Sharpen the Saw Balance Feels Best ● Achieve the Daily ● Renewal,
Private Victory continuous
improvement,
balance
● Body, mind, heart,
and spiritDefinitions of School Discipline Responses - The following is a list of
definitions for the most commonly used responses by school staff toward students who violate school
behavior standards. Individual circumstances, teacher and administrative judgment are considered with
selecting appropriate responses.
Student Conference – A verbal interaction Out-of-School Suspension – An action taken by
between a school staff member and a student. It the school administration to prohibit a student from
may be as informal as a conversation between a attending school for a period of time from one to
teacher and student in the hallway, or as formal as ten days. An additional 5 days may be added with
a scheduled meeting between the principal and superintendent approval.
student in the principal’s office.
Expulsion - An action taken by the school board
Notification of Parent or Guardian – A to prohibit a student from attending school for
conversation (in person or on the telephone) period not to extend beyond the school year.
and/or written contact between a school employee
(usually a teacher or administrator) and a student’s Exclusion – An action taken by the school board
parent or legal guardian. to prevent enrollment or re-enrollment of a student
for a period not to extend beyond the school year.
Parent Conference – A scheduled meeting
between a school employee and a student’s parent Other Responses
or legal guardian.
Fine – A financial penalty assessed by the school.
Detention – A requirement for a student to remain
in school or attend school outside normal school Restitution – Compensation or compensatory
hours. service required of a student who has damaged,
taken, or destroyed school or personal property.
Removal from Class – Any action taken by a
teacher, principal, or other district employee to Notification of Police – Contact by the school
prohibit a student from attending class or activities administration with the local police department to
for a period of time. inform them about an illegal misbehavior engaged
in by a student.
In-School Suspension – An action taken by the
school administration to prohibit a student from Reasonable Force – May be used by a teacher or
attending one or more school classes or activities other school employee when necessary to restrain
for a period of time. a student to prevent harm to him/herself or to
another.
Dismissal – Dismissing a student from school for
less than one day.COMMUNICATION
We believe that in order for children to experience the greatest success possible at school, parents and
teachers must work as a team, communicating in a variety of ways. We want to listen to you and also share
information with you. Communication between home and school helps both parents and teachers better
understand, support, and encourage the child.
After School Arrangements
If after school arrangements for your child change
during the day, please let us know by or before Concerns - If you have concerns,
1:00 pm, so we can communicate that information please feel free to contact us. Only when we know
with your child’s teacher. The end of the day is a about a problem or concern can we take steps
busy time for everyone and we want all students to toward resolving it. Of course, there are times
feel comfortable with their after school plans when we cannot respond to a concern in the exact
before leaving the building. way a parent hopes. We will, however, work with
you to alleviate problem situations to the best of
If your child has after school arrangements that our ability. We want to:
change frequently, please try to do the following: ● Listen
● Review the arrangements with the child ● Provide information
each morning. ● Identify possible solutions
● Send a written note to the classroom
teacher designating where the child is to When contacting the school about a problem or
go. concern, please try to contact the adult closest to
● If there is a set pattern, make a small chart the source of the concern.
for your child that can be posted in his or
her locker as a reminder.
Birthday Parties - As much as possible, we Conferences - Conferences offer
discourage the distribution of party invitations at parents and teachers a chance to sit down
school. If your child is having a party on a school together and share information about the child and
day, and other students will be leaving school with his/her progress at school. Conferences also
him/her, please provide a list of party attendees to provide an important opportunity for parents to
the classroom teacher on or before the day of the learn more about the grade level curriculum,
party. Additionally, each child attending the party expectations, and activities. Conferences are held
needs to bring a note verifying change of plans two times each year, Back to School conferences
after school to the classroom teacher. If you plan and fall conferences. However, we encourage you
to bring birthday treats for your child’s classroom, to contact us at any time if you wish to schedule a
treats need to be store bought. conference.Dropping Off Items for Your Child – Office Hours (cont.) - On days when school is
If it is necessary to drop off an item your child has not in session, office hours are more limited.
forgotten at home, please do so by bringing it to However, you can always leave a message and
the school office. This will minimize interruptions someone will return your call.
to the instructional day and help keep our school a
safe place for all children.
Many families find it helpful to develop a practice Release of a Child to another Adult -
of having students pack their backpacks before If someone other than a parent will be picking your
going to bed at night. This gives more time to child up during the day, please be sure that we
think about what is needed, and eliminates the have written permission from you in advance.
possibility of things getting forgotten in the morning Although this can be an inconvenience at times, it
rush. is an important way to safeguard children.
Duplicate Information - If your family
requires that information be sent to more than one
parental address, please make sure we have on
file the correct mailing information for both Restrictions on Child Release to
addresses. Items that are mailed to families will Family Members - Under Minnesota law, both
then be mailed to both addresses. parents have the right to pick up their child, unless
a court document restricts that right. A parent who
chooses not to allow the other parent to have
access to a child, must file an official court
Messages during the School Day - document with the school (restraining order,
The staff of Parkers Prairie Elementary greatly custody order, or divorce decree). Without legal
values student instructional time. If you need to documentation, the school cannot refuse release
get a message to your child during the day, please of a child to their own parent.
call the front office. The receptionist will take your
message and deliver it to your child’s teacher at an
appropriate time. Students will only be called from
the classroom in case of an emergency. As much School Visitation - We welcome visitors
as is possible, we ask that you communicate to our school. When you come to visit during the
pertinent information to your child before arrival at school day, enter through the front door and sign
school. the Visitor Registry in the office. You will be
asked to wear visitor identification. To maintain the
high quality of our educational program, we ask
that classroom visits are arranged with the teacher
Office Hours - On school days the in advance.
office is open from 7:00 – 4:00.
During those times feel free to stop in or call with
any questions you may have. We are here to help!DRESS GUIDELINES
Clothing - We want students to
come to school dressed comfortably and Shoes in winter - During winter boot
practically. Please help your child to select season, it is especially important for students to
clothing for school that: remember to bring shoes along to school. For
● Allows for comfortable movement during safety reasons, students who do not have shoes
physical education and recess will be required to wear their boots throughout the
● Can be worn for messy activities such as day, which is not practical or comfortable.
painting or science.
● Does not cause undue attention or detract In order to avoid the possibility of forgetting to
from the education program. bring shoes in the winter months, students are
● Is free of inappropriate messages or encouraged to bring a pair of shoes that can be left
advertisements. in their locker so that they are accessible every
● Does not expose the midriff, or under day.
garments.
● Is appropriate for varying temperatures.
Outdoor Winter Clothing
Shoes - Students are required to wear Minnesota’s winter weather requires that each
shoes in the school building at all times. We child have several warm items with them when
encourage students to wear shoes that are they come to school each and every day of the
comfortable and practical. winter.
Necessary items for winter include the following:
Gym Shoes - Elementary students participate in ● Warm jacket
physical education every day. Appropriate shoes ● Mittens or Gloves
are required. When choosing gym shoes please ● Hat
consider the following: ● Boots
● They must have Velcro or lace ● Snow pants
● Laces must be tied properly
● Must fit the foot properly Students without these items will have restricted
● Should be “non-marking” when scuffed on play at recess. If your child is in need of any of the
hard surface items listed above, please contact the office. We
will help to arrange for your child to receive the
Although appropriate shoes are required for needed items.
participation in physical education, please note
If you have extra winter clothing items that your
that your child CAN wear these shoes to and from
children have outgrown, please consider donating
school. An extra set of “gym shoes” is not required
them to the school so they can continue to keep
unless your child wears another kind of shoe the
children warm.
rest of the day.ITEMS FROM HOME
Animals - Due to health and safety
concerns, students cannot bring pets/animals from home
School Supplies - Each year the school
without advance permission from the principal. Any
provides a list to families of the school supplies needed at
approved animal visits will likely take place outdoors.
each grade level. Teachers at the grade level have given
careful consideration as to what supplies will be required to
Dangerous Items - Students should never bring help children succeed with the curriculum at that grade
potentially dangerous items to school. This includes but is level.
not limited to such things as:
● Matches/lighters Because all children in a grade level are asked to bring the
● Weapons of any kind same supplies, it is especially important to label your
● Toys that look like weapons of any kind child’s supplies in order to avoid confusion.
Some items, such as calculators, planners, and
headphones are available for purchase at Back-to-School
Labeling Personal Items - Please Night, or through the office during the year. If the purchase
of school supplies creates hardship for your family, please
label all of your child’s items before contact the elementary office.
sending them to school. This includes
such things as: Valuable Items - Valuable items should be left at home to
● Outdoor clothing avoid the risk of loss or damage. The school will NOT
● Backpacks accept responsibility for the loss of personal property.
● School supplies Electronic items of all kinds should be left at home. At no
● Clothing items that might be removed during the time may student cell phones or electronic devices be used
day to record audio or video interactions in the school setting.
If it is necessary for a student to have a cell phone for use
after school, the student has the option of leaving it in
his/her locker or dropping it off in the school office in the
Lost and Found - All found items that are identified
morning and picking it up after school. The school will NOT
with the child’s name will be returned. Items found that are
be responsible for cell phones stored in student lockers.
not labeled will be placed in the lost and found. Although it
Students will not be allowed to carry cell phones with them
is our hope that all lost items can be returned, many are
throughout the day. Students not adhering to these
never identified. Please encourage your child to check for
procedures will be subject to the following consequences:
lost items. Periodically, throughout the year, unclaimed
items are donated to charitable organizations.
1st offense – device taken, can retrieve at end of
day
2nd offense – phone held in office, parent called,
parent may claim device
3rd offense – parent conference
Collections, such as trading cards, should also be kept at
home as their value is high. Students bringing trading
cards will be asked to keep them at home.MEDIA CENTER
As we attempt to instill in our children a life-long love of reading, the school’s media center plays an
important role in the life of all students at Parkers Prairie Elementary. You can help us in this endeavor
by encouraging your child to visit the media center often and by setting aside a daily time to read to and/or
with your child.
Media Center Rules - When using the
media center, students need to remember the
Media Center Hours - Each class following rules:
will visit the media center at least two scheduled ● Use the library only for book checkout,
times during the week. Students may also visit reading, homework, and AR tests.
the library independently before and after school. ● Use quiet voices at all times.
The library is open to students to check out ● Handle all books and equipment with
materials, read, complete homework, and take care.
Accelerated Reader tests during posted hours. ● Select books for checkout according to
the following age guidelines:
o Kindergarten – 1 book
o 1st grade – 1 book
o 2nd grade – 2 books
o 3rd grade – 3 books
o 4th grade – 4 books
o 5th grade – 4 books
o 6th grade – 4 books
● Books can be checked out for up to two
weeks, and then renewed if necessary.
● Students with overdue books will have
their lending privileges limited.MEAL PROGRAMS
Nutritious meals are offered at both
breakfast and lunch for all students who chose to Special Diets - If your child has been determined
participate. We want mealtime to be a pleasant by a physician to have a disability that prevents
social experience for all students. the child from eating the regular meal, we will
make modifications or substitutions prescribed by
Breakfast -The serving line for breakfast opens the physician at no additional charge. Contact
at 8:00. Students who plan to eat breakfast at the office to pick up the necessary
school are expected to go to the serving line as documentation forms.
soon as possible after arrival so that they can be
in their classrooms when class begins at 8:20. Cafeteria Rules
The only exception to this is students who ride a 1. Wait in line in a quiet and orderly manner.
bus that arrives late. 2. Treat everyone with respect.
3. Speak in a quiet voice at all times.
Lunch - All students go the cafeteria for a 25 4. Be seated at the table designated for your
minute lunch period. Students who are eating class, in line order.
school lunch pass through the serving line. 5. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
Students who elect to bring a lunch from home 6. Do not share food.
may purchase milk to go with their meal. 7. Do not throw any items.
8. Stay seated until you are dismissed by the
supervisor.
School meals Breakfast and lunch including milk, 9. Take care of your own tray and trash at
will be free to all students this 2021-22 school year. the end of the meal.
However if your child brings a home lunch and wants 10. Do not take food out of the cafeteria,
a milk there will be a charge $ 0.30 per carton. Milk at except with staff permission.
milk break (morning or afternoon snack time) will 11. Walk when leaving the cafeteria.
have an additional charge.
Families are still encouraged to apply for benefits.
Each eligible student qualifies the district to
receive additional funds to be used for the
education of all children.
To apply for free or reduced-price school meals,
request an Application for Educational
Benefits by calling 218-338-4079 ext. 401.
When families apply and/or qualify for
Educational Benefits all information provided is
kept confidential.MILK PROGRAM RECESS
A twenty-five minute recess period is provided to all
children each day either before or after their lunch period.
We offer milk to all students in the building as an Recess is considered an important part of the school day.
option during their classroom break or snack We believe that recess benefits children by providing an
time. The milk break is one way we are opportunity for:
responding to the growing concern about the
● Physical exercise
health and nutrition of our students.
● Fresh air
● Social skill building
Students can participate in the milk program by ● Independent choice making
purchasing a milk pass for the semester or the ● Problem solving
entire year. Students will have the option of
drinking either 1% or Skim. No chocolate milk Children who participate in recess return to the classroom
more ready to participate in the academic curriculum.
will be offered during the milk break.
Participation - Children are expected to participate in
recess every day. At times extreme temperatures, rain,
or other weather related conditions, require that all
MILK PROGRAM PRICES Year children stay indoors during recess. Occasionally, there
are circumstances that prevent individual children from
Students on Full Pay Meals $52.00 going out for recess, but for the most part, children who
are able to participate in the rest of the school day should
Students on Reduced Meals $26.00 be able to participate in recess.
Students on Free Meals $0.00
A daily note, stating the reason a child is not able to go
outdoors for recess is required. If your child needs to stay
in for more than two consecutive days, please provide a
doctor’s note specifying the reason. Because indoor
supervision requires special arrangements, we ask your
help in keeping this practice to a minimum.
We will strive to make recess a positive experience for all
children. In return, we ask your support in stressing to
your child the importance of this part of the school day.
No Charge for milk break for students in kindergarten. Getting Along with Peers on the Playground - Recess
is a time to learn and practice skills for problem solving,
working together and getting along with peers.
Equipment is limited, so students need to find ways to be
sure everyone who wants a turn gets one. There are no
“closed games” on the playground. Students need to
work together to find ways to include everyone who wants
to participate in an organized game.
Items from home – Please limit bringing items from
home to the playground.Playground Safety Rules
Common sense and safety are the general rule regarding student behavior on the playground. These
rules apply anytime a student is on the playground.
● No twisting of swings together or
1. Be respectful at all times on the playground. individually is permitted.
● Follow directions of the playground ● Individual swings are to be used by only
supervisors. Their job is to help you and one person at a time.
keep you safe.
● Use school appropriate language at all
times.
● Be kind to other students.
8. The tire swing is used only in a safe manner.
2. Running is not permitted when entering or leaving the ● No more than three people can ride on
building. the swing at one time.
● Only one person may spin the tire swing.
3. Check items brought from home with the classroom ● Students near the tire swing must stay
teacher before taking them on the playground. No behind the archway poles.
hard baseballs or bats are allowed on the
playground. 9. Never leave the playground area without permission
during recess.
4. No throwing of stones, snowballs, ice-chunks, dirt, ● If a ball leaves the playground area,
wood chips, etc. inform a supervisor.
● If you have an injury or emergency, get
5. Fighting and/or rough games that include tackling, the help of a playground supervisor
and wrestling, pushing or shoving are not allowed. before going into the building.
6. Slides are used only in a safe manner. 10. Food, candy, gum, or beverages are not allowed on
● Do not walk up the slides. the playground during the school day.
● Slide down only after the person before
them has gotten safely off the slide. 11. When the bell rings, students should re-enter the
● Never block another student from coming building in an orderly fashion.
down the slide.
7. Swings are used only in a safe manner.
● No standing or jumping off swings is
permitted.SCHOOL PROPERTY
Parkers Prairie Elementary School is a facility we are proud of and want to take care of by working to
gether to keep it in good condition. We ask students to clean up after themselves in all areas of the
school and also to be willing to clean up any litter they find left behind by others in common areas
including hallways, cafeteria, bathrooms, library, computer labs, playground, classrooms, and
gymnasiums.
Computer Use - We believe that Desks, Lockers, Textbooks and
helping students learn to use technology responsibly is Materials - Each year students are assigned
an important skill for success in education and in the certain items of school property to be “their own”
society in which we live. Students at Parkers Prairie for the year. These include such things as
Elementary are fortunate to have multiple opportunities to desks, lockers, textbooks and other classroom
use computers and other technological devices
throughout the school day and year. Technology tools
materials. We trust students to treat these items
are used for a variety of purposes and are located respectfully, as they would any valued personal
throughout our school. item. If students lose or knowingly damage items
assigned to them, a replacement or repair fee
Every student is assigned a network account on the may be assessed.
district network. Students may only access the district
network and/or internet by using their assigned network
account. Use of another person’s account is not allowed
The teachers and administration reserve the right
unless approved by an adult. to check students’ lockers and desks for reasons
of health, safety or violations of school or civil
Students using technology should only engage in the laws. The school urges students not to leave
tasks that have been assigned or approved by the money or valuable items of personal property in
instructional staff supervising them. their desks or lockers.
Technology is a privilege that is extended to all students
who demonstrate the ability to use the district’s tools
responsibly. Students engaging in inappropriate or
irresponsible activities while using technological
devices will lose their privileges. Telephone - Telephones are
available in the office for students who need to
call home for a reason approved by their teacher.
However, we wish to limit the practice of calling
home during the school day as much as possible.STUDENT HEALTH
Keeping all children safe and healthy is an important priority at Parkers Prairie Elementary. Please keep
the school informed of any short or long term health concerns your child may have.
Allergies - It is extremely important that school
personnel know of any type of allergy your child
Administration of Medication - has, especially to bee stings or foods. This
Whenever possible, we ask that medications be information should be provided on the Health
administered at home. If it is necessary for Information Form. The health aide will then
prescription medication to be administered to notify any staff members that need to be aware
your child at school, you will need to complete a of the allergy.
Prescription Medication Authorization form
that provides the necessary information and
permission. The child’s medication will be stored
in the health office and will be administered by Health Information Form - All families
the school health aide at the prescribed time. will be asked to complete a Health Information
Be sure to notify the school if there are changes Form for each of their children each year.
in the prescription or dosage. Completing this form provides the school with
important health related history and information.
Information reported on this form will alert staff to
any medical conditions that your child has that
may need special attention, treatment, or
No medications will be administered
planning in the school setting.
without the proper permission and information.
This is an important health safeguard for
students. Students should not keep any
prescription medication or over-the-counter
Health Plan - Students who have
medication in their possession during the school
individual health concerns of any kind need to
day. This includes such things as aspirin or
have a Health Plan on file in the school office.
aspirin substitutes, ointments, cold tablets, etc.
This plan allows us to better understand potential
Inhalers and Epi-pens®, with the permission of
risks, treatments, and emergency procedures.
the physician, are the only exceptions to this rule.
If your child has a health condition that requires
Medication must be brought to school by a
staff to be aware of specialized treatment or
parent. Please do not send medication with
precautions, please take time to visit with the
your child. Medication must be in a properly
classroom teacher, principal, or health aide about
marked bottle that is left at school.
this condition.Illness - Students who are running a
fever or experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, Medical Emergencies - Please
should stay home from school until they are make sure your child’s contact information is
symptom free for 24 hours without fever reducing current in the parent portal in JMC. This list
medication. This is an important precaution to provides us with the information needed for
prevent the spread of illness to other students. contact and decision making in an emergency.
Other communicable conditions, including Also, it is important to update the school if
COVID-19, may also require exclusion from changes to your contact information occur
school. during the school year.
If there is a medical emergency involving your
child, the principal or designee will attempt to
notify the parent as quickly as possible. Action
that is reasonably necessary to stabilize the child
will be taken. The child may be taken by
Immunizations - Your child must have ambulance, or otherwise transported to a medical
a complete record of the required immunizations facility if necessary.
for entrance to school. The health aide checks
immunization records each year and will contact
you if there are required immunizations your child
still needs.
Release of Information- In some
cases you may be asked to consider providing
permission for a school staff member to obtain
Head Lice – As a school we take multiple
information from the medical community about
precautions to limit the spread of head lice.
your child’s health status. By signing a Release
If lice have been detected on your child you will
of Information form you can give school staff
be asked to pick your child up from school. Your
permission to exchange information with outside
child may return after he/she has had an
agencies in order to better understand and help
appropriate head lice treatment. The office staff
care for your child.
is available to assist you in recommended
procedures.STUDENT SAFETY
Data Privacy Within the School
Emergency School
Information provided through the JMC parent
Closings - In the event of inclement weather or
contact information screen may be shared with
other emergency situations, school delays and
elementary staff. Student educational data and
closings will be announced via Instant Alert &
health information is considered private and
over the following radio and TV stations:
shared with staff members on a “need to know
basis”.
Radio Stations
KIKV Alexandria 100.7 FM
Data Privacy Beyond the School
KXRA Alexandria 1490 AM Photos and names may be shared on school
KX92 Alexandria 92.3 FM publications, the school website and in the local
Television Stations media.
WCCO CBS
KARE NBC If you do not want this information disclosed
KSTP ABC for some reason, you must notify the school
KVLY NBC in writing.
WDAY ABC
For more information, refer to the Protection and Privacy
Please keep your information updated on the of Educational Rights section of the handbook and the
parent JMC web page. www.isd547.com district website for more information about the school’s
data privacy practices and your right to inspect your
child’s educational records.
There may be times when it is necessary to
dismiss school during the day because of an
Locked Doors - In an effort to insure the safety
emergency. Please make sure your child’s
of all students throughout the school day,
contact information is current in the parent
Parkers Prairie Elementary will limit door use and
portal in JMC.
accessibility. All doors will be open before and
after school. Between the hours of 8:45 and
Drills - Throughout the school year all students
2:45, only the front door by the office (northeast)
in the building will participate in mandatory safety
will be open.
drills. Drills practiced include fire, tornado,
evacuation, and lock down drills. These drills are
Security Cameras - Parkers Prairie Elementary
an important means of insuring that all adults and
has a number of security cameras in place to
children know how to respond quickly and
help monitor our building for safety. These
responsibly in the event of an emergency.
cameras may be used to view real time activity in
Conversation about the drills and their purpose is
the building as well as to review past activity.
done with sensitivity toward children.SUPPORTING LEARNING
Academic Honesty - At Parkers Prairie
Elementary we value academic honesty. Some
Homework - Homework provides an
learning experiences are designed to be
opportunity for parents to become partners in their
completed in groups, or with partners. Other experiences
student’s learning process. You can help your child
and assignments are meant to be completed
succeed with homework by providing a quiet place, away
independently. When assigned work is meant to be done
from the distractions of siblings and T.V. to complete the
independently, we trust that students will not do work for
work. If your child is routinely spending more than an
others, will not have others do work for them, and will not
hour on homework, at any grade level, please discuss it
take the work of others and present it as their own.
with your child’s teacher. Since the needs of each child
are different, homework assignments may vary from child
to child within the same class.
Intervention Squad -
The Intervention Squad is a group of professionals who
work together to design interventions to help students Panther Parents group consists of elementary school
who are struggling with some aspect of the school parents and building staff members that work together to
experience. Referrals to Intervention Squad may be make great things happen for our students. The group
made by parents or school personnel. If you have a meets monthly during the school year and once during
concern about your child, contact the child’s classroom the summer months. All parents are invited to join the
teacher to discuss whether a referral may be appropriate. organization and any level of participation is
welcomed. For more information call the elementary
office.
Panther Parents Mission Statement
Child Study Team - The Child Study Team is Our mission is to support the educational experience of
a group of special education teachers that review student our students and to strengthen connections between
information prior to and following a special education school, parents, and community.
assessment. All special education referrals must be The Panther Parents will do this by:
processed through the Child Study Team. This team ● Developing and supporting extra-curricular
helps to verify the appropriateness of the referral, which programs that enrich our students’ educational
special assessments should be administered, and experience.
whether or not the student meets Minnesota criteria for ● Organize school events that deepen our
special education services. community connection and support the school
environment.
● Advising the Targeted Assistance Program.
● Addressing the needs of our students, parents,
Field Trips - Field trips are an important school and community.
extension of our school curriculum. In order for all ● Provide recommendations & development of the
children to benefit from these activities, appropriate Parent Involvement Plan.
behavior from students is necessary. Students are ● *A copy of the plan is available on the District
typically transported to field trips outside of the district on Website.
busses owned and operated by Michael Arvidson. Parent
permission for field trips needs to be given in advance of
participation. Students will be released during field trips to
parents or guardians only. These releases should be
arranged in advance by submitting a written request to
the teacher or advisor in charge of the trip.● Targeted Services - The Targeted Services
Minnesota Academic Standards - program provides assistance in extended day
Academic standards in language arts, and extended year classes for qualifying students
math, science and social studies have who need extra support with reading, writing,
been adopted for K-12 students in and/or math. Students qualify for these services
Minnesota. Each set of standards defines specifically through recommendation by a classroom
what students should know or be able to do within a teacher. If you think your child needs additional
particular subject area. Instructional staff members at assistance with reading, writing, or math, contact
Parkers Prairie Elementary continually work to the classroom teacher.
incorporate these standards into the local curriculum.
● Targeted Assistance Program – Title One
professionals provide interventions to students at
the elementary school for students meeting
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments program criteria in the areas of reading & math.
(MCA III’s) - Third through sixth grade students take the They work cooperatively with classroom teachers
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCAs) in the using data and a team process to determine
spring of each year. The tests evaluate student skills in student needs. If you think your child needs
reading and math and are based on the Minnesota supplemental instruction contact his/her
Academic Standards. Fifth grade students also complete classroom teacher.
a computer based science test. The scores are used to
see how children are progressing and to evaluate our ● Special Education Services - Students who
school’s instructional program. Student attendance on demonstrate special educational needs and meet
testing days is very important. No Child Left Behind, the disability criteria as defined by the state of
federal education law, requires that districts have at least Minnesota are eligible for special education
a 95 percent participation rate on these tests. Student services. Special education services are
results from the MCAs are mailed directly to parents or provided at the elementary school in the setting
guardians. Testing dates can be found on the district that is determined to be least restrictive for the
website. www.isd547.com student.
● Minnesota Reading Corps – Students in
Preschool through grade 3 participate in a
screening used to determine eligibility for MRC.
Panther Kids Club – School Age Child Students work 1:1 with a trained MRC member to
Care are - In an attempt to offer a safe, convenient option improve their reading abilities. The program is
to parents of school aged children, Parkers Prairie designed for students to enter and exit
Elementary has an onsite childcare program. Panther throughout the school year.
Kids’ Club provides supervision from qualified and
nurturing staff both before school (6:00 – 8:00) and after
school (3:00 – 6:00). Care is also available on most
school holidays, early dismissals, and during the summer
(6:00 – 6:00). For more information about Panther Kids
Club, call Molly Pauly at: 218-338-4079 ext., 500.
Student Support Services -Parkers
Prairie Elementary School provides academic support
services to students through the following programs:TRANSPORTATION
We are pleased to be able to provide safe and reliable 5. Tobacco, tobacco related products, alcohol and
transportation to eligible students. However, riding the drugs are strictly prohibited on the bus.
bus is a privilege. The bus driver is in charge of the bus 6. Never extend any part of your body out of the
and students on it at all times. Any student who violates bus windows.
the bus rules may be denied the privilege of riding the 7. Do not open windows past designated marker.
bus and is subject to other disciplinary action determined 8. Do not throw or pass objects on, from or into the
by the principal. Riding the bus is an extension of the bus.
school day. All school rules apply on the bus. 9. Only bring objects onto the bus that can be held
in your lap. Large musical instruments are the
Route Information exception to this.
Rural students and students living in an area of the city, 10. No living creatures are permitted.
whose walking path to school is considered to be 11. No glass containers of any kind are permitted.
potentially hazardous, will be transported by the district. 12. Small balls, of all kinds, must be kept in
Routes from year to year are similar, but not identical. backpacks, as they can create a hazard if they
are on the floor or around the driver’s pedals.
13. Treat bus equipment as you would treat furniture
Changes in Pick-Up or Drop-Off
in your home. Keep the bus clean. Vandalism
If you have information that affects your child’s pick-up or
and graffiti writing will result in loss of riding
drop-off, please contact Michael Arvidson by calling
privileges and potential restitution.
338-6079.
14. Remain quiet at railroad crossings while the bus
is completely stopped.
Bus Rules 15. When riding the bus, avoid carrying or wearing
Please review the following bus rules with your child: objects that dangle (strings, backpack
attachments, etc.)
1. Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus
is scheduled to arrive. The bus is not able to wait
for late students.
2. Go directly to a seat and remain seated, keeping
aisles and exits clear at all times while the bus is
in motion.
3. Be courteous and respectful to other students
and to the bus driver.
4. Loud talking or noise making, excessive
horseplay or fighting are not allowed since these
things can distract the driver.Bus Passes –
Bus passes will not be issued for students to
ride a bus they are not scheduled to ride on.
Birthday Parties/Group Events -
If your child is having several children come home
after school for a birthday party or other social
gathering, please arrange for other transportation.
We are not able to issue bus passes for these
events.
School Vans -
Some students are transported by van, rather
than by bus. All rules for the school bus also
apply to students who ride a school van.You can also read
