WELCOME to Lee Elementary School! - USD 383
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WELCOME to Lee Elementary School! Dear Parents, Welcome to Lee Elementary School! I am excited to be entering my third year as principal at Lee Elementary with two additional years of experience as the assistant principal at Lee prior to becoming principal. I am proud to be a Lee Longhorn with strong connections to our Lee students, parents, and stakeholders! Lee Elementary School was built in 1953 and has experienced two majo r renovations. USD 383 passed a bond, which means there will be many improvements to our school and district facilities over the next few years. One of those changes was construction of a bus lane and new parking lot in front of Lee School in the summer of 2020. Please read and watch the videos with guidance on dropping off and picking up your children to accommodate the new parking lot and bus lane. The annexes will be demolished and a new parking lot built in their place in the summer of 2021. Please look at the enclosed map for more information. To learn more about the bond, please visit the website https://www.usd383.org/district/bond-construction. Lee Elementary is a kindergarten through fifth grade building. Due to the recent redistricting and boundary changes set to begin in August of 2021, the enrollment at Lee School will be approximately 300 students. Our school is a Blue Ribbon Award Winner. Additionally, we are a title school, which means that we have access to federal funding to help support our students. Lee School has many opportunities that are unique to our school. Students have an opportunity to participate in Boys and Girls Club, Jump Rope Club, Art Club, Newspaper Club, After-School Choir, Green Team, Chess Club, and many other activities. We hope you will encourage your students to participate in the extracurricular activities available to Lee students. While academics continue to be our focus, we know that a student’s social/emotional well - being is as important. We take time to recognize students for good character through High-5’s as well as character assemblies. Please encourage your child to display the character traits and follow the Lee Longhorn expectations at all times. It is our goal to have an inviting school with open communication, so please feel free to contact us to ensure your child is thriving academically and socially. Parents also have opportunities to participate in Lee PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), Site Council, and to volunteer in classrooms and the school. Every parent/guardian of a student at Lee Elementary is a member of the Lee PTO. Meetings are held monthly on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The first meeting is September 14, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. In addition, we are looking for Lee Site Council members for the 2021-2022 school year. Please contact me to become a member of Site Council. Thank you for considering becoming more involved at Lee Elementary. Again, welcome to Lee Elementary! Please like our USD 383: Lee Elementary Facebook page, Twitter, the Lee PTO Facebook page, and visit the website frequently to have the most updated information. We are excited for the school year and look forward to working with you to make it the best year ever. Please contact us with any questions! Your Partner in Education, Mrs. Erica Bammes ericab@usd383.org (785) 587-2050
Lee Elementary School
PARENT HANDBOOK
2021-2022
Lee Elementary School Core Beliefs
We believe students thrive in a safe, caring, positive and
accepting environment.
We believe students achieve when decisions are data-driven
within a responsive instructional and intervention system
committed to equitable outcomes for all learners.
We believe students succeed when adults model an authentic,
respectful, and honest spirit of collegiality, collaboration, and
celebration.
We believe students benefit from cooperative efforts between
home, school, and the community.
Mission Statement:
The mission of Lee Elementary is to provide a positive learning
environment that develops productive 21 st century thinkers and
fosters opportunities for students to understand other perspectives
and cultures.
Goal
Students are well equipped for lifelong success at increasingly higher
levels of academic growth, social-emotional development, and
postsecondary preparation.
Indicators of Success
English Language Arts State Assessment
Mathematics State Assessment
Kansas Communities That Care Social-Emotional Learning
Report
High School Graduation Rate
Two-Year Postsecondary Success Rate
Page 3 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021 HandbookWELCOME TO LEE SCHOOL
701 Lee Street
785-587-2050
www.usd383.org/schools/lee-elementary-school
School and District Policies
Please read this handbook carefully in order to become familiar with the expectations and policies
of Lee Elementary School and USD 383. Please share pertinent information with your student(s).
If you have questions, please call our office (785) 587-2050. All district policies can be found
on the district website, under the Board of Education district policies.
Each teacher will provide specific Lee Elementary School expectations and classroom
guidelines at the beginning of the school year.
SCHOOL HOURS
School hours are 8:40 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES
School supervision begins at 8:15 a.m. in the school gym. Students are not allowed at school
before 8:15 a.m. Please do not drop off or leave your child unsupervised at the front of the
building before 8:15 a.m. If your child needs to arrive before 8:15 a.m., he/she must join Boys
and Girls Club. To join Boys and Girls Club, please see the information in the next section of the
handbook. Club members can arrive as early as 7:30 a.m., may stay as late as 6:00 p.m., and
should enter through the cafeteria doors in the back of the school. After school action plans will
be shared with parents to complete for each student in order to ensure that the school has
information about where your child will go after school.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
Boys and Girls Club offers before and after school care at Lee. To register for this program and
pay fees, you must go to the Club’s main office located at 220 South 5 th Street. The Lee School
Office does not take money or handle any registration for Boys and Girls Club. Their
phone number is 785-539-1947 and their email is leeunit@bgclubmanhattan.com. Please
contact them if you have questions.
Boys and Girls Club morning program: Students attending the morning program enter through
the cafeteria doors behind the school. The doors will open at 7:30. Students a re not supervised
until 7:30 a.m. and no students should be onsite unsupervised before then.
Boys and Girls Club afternoon program: When school ends at 3:55 p.m., students who attend
Club go directly to the cafeteria. Club supervisors are waiting and Club time usually begins with a
snack in the cafeteria. Students have opportunities to do homework, hands -on learning, and
sports. Afternoon pickup takes place through the back entrance in the cafeteria and begins at
4:30. All students must be picked up before 6:00 p.m. or additional fees will be charged for every
minute of late pickup past 6:00 p.m.
GETTING YOUR CHILD TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Students can be dropped off and picked up in front of the school. Never leave your car
unattended in the front circle drive. Please watch carefully for students walking to and
from the buses. If you need to come into the school, you must park in the parking lot. Please
observe the NO PARKING signs posted.
Page 4 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021 HandbookMAKING CHANGES TO YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE FOR PICK-UP/DROP-
OFF
Parents must notify the school by 3:15 p.m. if there is a change in transportation plans .
Otherwise, students will be asked to maintain their regular routines. Students will only be
released to adults who are listed as emergency contacts. ALL parents or unfamiliar adults will be
asked to show I.D. when picking students up.
ATTENDANCE
Absences, late arrivals (tardies), and early departures from/during the classroom learning
experience disrupt the continuity of student progress and instruction. The benefits of classroom
instruction include but are not limited to project-based learning, class discussions, teacher and
electronic presentations, and active student participation. Many of the benefits of these
instructional opportunities are lost during extended or frequent absences or tardies and cannot be
recouped, even by other means of make-up assignments. Consistent school attendance is also
necessary to comply with state law.
The State of Kansas requires schools to have an attendance rate above 90%. By Kansas Statute
72-3120, all children between the ages of 7 and 18 are required to attend school on a regular
basis. By law, three consecutive unexcused absences, five unexcused absences a semester, or
seven unexcused absences in a year will lead to referral to the appropriate authorities (KSA 72 -
3121).
In case of student absence, a parent/guardian should call the school office by 9:00 a.m. on the
day of the absence stating the reason for the absence. If the office has not received a call by that
time, school officials will attempt to make contact to determine the reason for the absence. If the
parent is unable to take or return the call, the parent must send a note the day the student returns
to school. An unexcused absence will be recorded for the student until proper
notification/documentation for the absence has been received.
The principal will be responsible for determining whether an absence/tardy/early departure is
excused or unexcused. Contacting classroom teachers prior to planned absences is
recommended; however, teachers are not able to excuse students from school.
The principal, with appropriate documentation, may excuse the following examples of absences:
student illness, student doctor appointments, family emergencies, military family leave, etc.
Student absences will not be excused for shopping trips, babysitting, hair appointments, family
vacations, or personal business, which does not directly involve the child or could be handled
outside of the school day, etc.
When student attendance falls below 90%, a letter of concern will be sent home to the
parent(s)/guardian(s) of the child. There are three levels of notificatio n letters. These levels
include a Letter of Concern, Steps for Improvement and Notification of Department for Children
and Families (DCF).
Frequent tardies or early departures add up over time and are detrimental to student learning.
Please help us to be sure that your child(ren) does/do not miss instructional opportunities by
helping them get to school on time and stay for the duration of the day. Tardy students must be
checked in by parents in the office.
When students have accumulated three tardies or early pick-ups in a row or five tardies or early
pick-ups in a semester, due to the instructional opportunities that are being missed, parents will
receive a letter requesting a school/parent meeting to assist in resolving the situation.
Page 5 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021 HandbookYour child must be fever free, without medication, for 24 hours and/or no vomiting in order to
return to school. Please let us know the symptoms your child is experiencing when you call the
school office to report an absence due to illness as this helps the Riley County Manhattan Health
Department know what illnesses are in our community. Symptoms only are reported to the Health
Department, not student names.
CHILD CUSTODY
Legal documentation of custody arrangements, restraining orders, or court orders must be on file
with the principal in order for the school to deny access to children by their biological parents.
VISITOR POLICY
Lee’s front doors are automatically locked for the duration of the school day beginning at 8:40
am. Our building security system requires all visitors to be admitted through the office by ringing
the buzzer. Visitors should be prepared to show identification. All visitors will be asked to sign in
as a guest and wear a visitor’s badge. Visitors must check in at the office and are not permitted to
go directly to the classrooms without checking in. Please help encourage student safety by not
attempting to enter or exit anywhere other than the front office.
LUNCH & LUNCH PAYMENT PROCEDURES
Each classroom’s lunch period is 30 minutes. Parents are welcome to eat with their children.
Adults may purchase a school lunch for $3.70. The United States Department of Agriculture has
extended free meals for students through 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To view the USD 383 breakfast and lunch menu, please go to the website:
https://usd383.nutrislice.com/menus-eula.
Sharing Food: Neither school lunches nor sack lunches from home are to be shared or traded by
students for any reason.
GUM/CANDY/SOFT DRINKS
When gum, candy, or soft drinks are distributed in classrooms for a special reward, they are to
remain in and be consumed in that specific classroom only. Students should not be chewing gum
/ eating candy / drinking beverages outside of the classroom where it was received at any time.
These items are special rewards at Lee that are not given daily. If they should become a
distraction to learning or the school environment, the principal may suspend such privilege for the
school.
STUDENT CELL PHONE USE
Students who have a signed Manhattan-Ogden USD383 Technological Code of Conduct on file
may bring have their personal devices (including but not limited to a cell phone) to school. The
code of conduct can be found online at https://bit.ly/2IGHUBA. During the school day, and during
school sponsored activities before and after-school, the personal device may only be used for
school approved activities. Students are responsible for the safety and care of the ir own devices.
No devices may be charged at school. All personal technology devices must be stored in the
student’s book bag during the school day and school sponsored activities before and after-school,
unless they have been approved by the teacher(s) or staff for use.
DELIVERIES FOR STUDENTS
Deliveries such as balloons, flowers, or other gifts will be kept in the office and delivered to the
student at the end of the school day. Please do not have food delivered to the school for your
child.
COMMUNICATION
Page 6 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021 HandbookParents need to keep the school informed when cell, home, or work phone numbers are changed.
Please be sure your children know parent phone numbers too, or place a copy of those numbers
in their backpack.
The principal, faculty and staff at Lee School encourage you to call or email anytime you have a
question or concern.
Web page address: www.usd383.org
Facebook Page: USD 383: Lee Elementary School
Twitter: @elementary_lee
Phone: (785) 587-2050
Mailing address: Lee Elementary School
701 Lee Street
Manhattan, KS 66502
Please note: Internet servers are not always reliable and therefore some email may not be
delivered. If you contact the school by email and do not receive a response within 48 hours,
please call the school directly.
Your child will not be called out of class to take phone calls from parents. If you need to give a
message to your child, please call the office and one of the office professionals will ensure your
child receives the message. We want to ensure all students are able to stay focused and
instruction is not interrupted by students being called out of the classroom to take parent phone
calls.
LEE SCHOOL WEB PAGE
The Lee School Web Page can be accessed through a link on the district’s web site
(www.usd383.org/lee-elementary-school). It contains information about the school’s history, the
principal, staff email, addresses, monthly calendar, breakfast and lunch me nus, etc. The Lee
newsletter is posted on the site by the first day of each month.
HOW TO CONTACT A TEACHER
If you need to contact your child’s teacher:
Write a note and send it with your child
E-mail the teacher. Addresses are on the web site.
Call the office and leave a message. The teacher will return your call at the earliest
convenience. Office staff will not interrupt instruction time by transferring calls to
classrooms. We will take a message for the teacher so that he/she can return your
call when class is not in session.
IN TOUCH MESSAGES
The Lee Office can send automated messages to your email account if you sign up for the
service. This is an easy way to keep up with what is happening at school. You can add this
service by going to the district’s website, www.usd383.org, clicking Notifications along the top of
the USD 383 website page, and clicking the link Sign Up Here to enter your information.
LEE SCHOOL MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, “Longhorn Ledger”
The Lee School monthly newsletter, Longhorn Ledger, is posted on the school website by the first
of each month. It will also be emailed out to parents via Infinite Campus and posted on the USD
383: Lee Elementary School Facebook and Twitter pages. It will provide important information
about events, dates, PTO activities, student achievements, and other general information. Please
take time to read the newsletter each month.
WAYS TO VOLUNTEER AT LEE
Assist in the classroom
Page 7 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021 Handbook Assist with field trips
Help supervise the playground
Serve on the PTO
Serve on the Site Council
Help in the library
Assist with the Lee BBQ or help with the Lee Fun Fair
If you would like to volunteer, call the school office to talk with your child’s teacher.
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
The purpose of PTO is to promote the welfare of children and support cooperation with other
parents, teachers, and school administrators to support the physical, mental, and social education
of our children. The Lee School PTO has a long history of providing support to our children,
parents, and community members.
PTO has programs and fundraisers to support the school. Annually, PTO hosts the Chicken BBQ
and Lee Fun Fair. These are our two biggest fundraisers. With fundraiser monies, PTO supports
field trips, materials in the classroom, books for classrooms and the library, arts and cultural
events, and safety improvements to name a few. PTO also works closely with Site Council on
school improvement issues.
The PTO plans many events that build school spirit and community pride. If you enjoy working on
projects with others and want to get to know other Lee parents this group is for you!
Getting involved in PTO is easy. At the beginning of each year , volunteers sign up for activities
for which they are interested. PTO will call the volunteers to work on projects and events.
Monthly PTO Board meetings are open to all Lee parents. To find out more about PTO visit the
school office for information.
SITE COUNCIL
Site councils are advisory councils mandated by the Kansas State Board of Education. Individual
schools form their own site councils and report to their district Board of Education annually. Site
councils are made up of parents/guardians, teachers, and community members.
The Lee Site Council reviews academic progress and other building issues such as discipline,
safety, and student/parent programs.
Lee Chicken BBQ
The Lee Chicken BBQ has been held in the fall of every school year since the inception of the
school. During the 2017-2018 school year, the BBQ celebrated its 65th anniversary! We are
proud to invite you to join us in this long-standing tradition.
The date for the Chicken BBQ will be sent out as soon as it is finalized. Tickets can be
purchased at www.leechickenbbq.com. Please consider inviting your neighbors and friends to
this wonderful family celebration!
BOX TOP FOR EDUCATION
Students are encouraged to collect Box Tops for Education from food products. Most of the box
tops are digital now. In order for the school to receive credit, all you have to do is download the
Box Tops app and scan your receipts from any purchases. All eligible items from the receipt will
be added to the school. You may still clip and send the paper box tops to school with your child.
PTO sponsors several class and individual contests for this each year. Collecting box tops is a
simple fundraiser that does not require students to sell or ask for donations.
Safety Week
Page 8 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021 HandbookEvery year Lee Elementary will have a safety week where all safety drills are practiced: fire,
tornado, lock-out, lock-down and evacuation. Our evacuation site is College Heights Baptist
Church. In the event of an actual evacuation emergency, you will need to bring a photo I.D. to be
able to pick up your child at the church.
Birthday Treats/Invitations
Treats for birthdays or special occasions may be provided for the class. Parents/guardians
should make prior arrangements with the classroom teacher. Treats will be left in the office for
teacher pick-up to minimize classroom disruption unless other arrangements have been made.
The policy at Lee Elementary in regard to the distribution of birthday party invitations is the
following: If a student has an invitation for every child in their class, the invitations may be
distributed at school. If the student does not have an invitation for every child in their class,
the invitations must be distributed outside of school.
Please contact your student's teacher before sending individual or classroom snacks.
Teachers have varying policies that include food allergies.
DRESS CODE
Dress code : School dress is expected to be appropriate for all school situations and weather.
Sizing may deem clothing articles appropriate or inappropriate depending on th e situation.
Students who wear the following items to school will be required to change or cover them: Bare
midriffs, spaghetti strap tops, tube tops, low-cut necklines, see-through tops, sagging pants,
under-shirts, and shirts with product logos or social statements deemed inappropriate or
disruptive to the school setting by building administration (especially those related to alcohol,
tobacco, and those that have negative, offensive, or sexual undertones). Shorts and skirts should
be longer than the child’s fingertips when their hands are relaxed at their sides. Leggings, stretch
pants, or tights must have the waistline to below the buttocks covered with some other apparel
such as a long shirt, dress or skirt. All outer-clothing should be sufficient to cover all
undergarments. We also encourage well-fitting, comfortable clothing that has the ability to be
flexible as temperatures change. Students are encouraged to wear shoes/sneakers rather than
sandals or flip-flops; playground and gym play is more safe and enjoyable with appropriate
footwear.
Hats/bandanas, etc., must be removed when students are in the building (except during special
classroom/building activities). We respectfully request that parents and visitors model the same
practice while in the school. The only exceptions are a cultural/religious practice or medical
condition preference where the child/adult feels more comfortable wearing a head covering.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT & OTHER TOYS/DEVICES
Students should leave toys, trading cards, and all electronic games/equipment at home
unless they are being used for an educational purpose, specified by the classroom teacher
to have them at school. Items brought for sharing should stay in the student’s backpack before
and after sharing time and may not be at the student’s desk, taken to the playground, used in the
bus lines, on the bus, or in the cafeteria. Should a school faculty/staff member observe the
violation of this guideline, the items may be confiscated and held at school until parents are able
to retrieve them. Fidgets are allowed as an instructional intervention when indicated to meet a
specific learning need documented by a teacher, doctor, Student Improvement Plan (SIP), 504
Plan, or an Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
Skate boards, ripsticks, roller blades, or shoes with wheels are not to be brought to school or
used on school premises (inside or outside of the building). This is in order to maximize safety for
everyone.
Page 9 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021 HandbookLee Elementary School provides playground equipment for students. Students are not permitted
to bring equipment from home (to include footballs, jump ropes, basketballs, etc.).
INDOOR RECESS
Students will have indoor recess when the temperature is below 20° F. Teachers will provide
appropriate indoor activities for students to participate in during indoor recess.
FIELD TRIPS
Lee School is located in the center of Manhattan and the students often take walking field trips for
special events at K-State, Manhattan Zoo, and the Manhattan Arts Center. Field trips a re an
important part of the school curriculum. If a teacher and the principal believe that a student has
not demonstrated the required level of self-control and cooperation at school, participation on
trips may be withheld.
MONTHLY AWARDS ASSEMBLIES
The character development program at Lee is Second Step. We also recognize and teach the Six
Pillars of Character: caring, citizenship, trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness and respect.
Teachers work with students in developing these character traits that are truly life skills. One
character trait is designated for each month and teachers select students who exhibit the
character trait of the month. Students are then recognized at a school-wide assembly and
receive a coupon for a free meal at Applebee’s Restaurant.
LEE SCHOOL TRADITIONS
“Lee School Song” (to the tune of “Yankee Doodle”)
We live, we learn, respect each other
We all work together
Stand side by side
We are the best that we can be, go Lee!
Red and white, we stand as one
Red and white, we all have fun
Lee Longhorns we’ll always be
Join hand in hand with pride at Lee!
Class Placements
The task of assigning students equitably to classrooms is always a challenge. Balancing gender,
ethnicity, socioeconomic status and special education needs within a classroom and among all
classrooms is important. In an effort to provide equity to all students, we have created a format for
parental involvement in their child’s placement.
We do not accept parental requests for a specific classroom teacher. Instead, you can provide
information about your child to the principal, which will assist us in making a good decision about
your child’s placement.
LEE MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT (LEE MTSS)
USD 383 and Lee Elementary are committed to helping all childr en succeed. There are many
ways to help children learn and to ensure those who need additional supports are successful. The
Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) is one way schools provide those supports.
MTSS is a multi-step process of providing instruction and support to promote the academic and
behavioral success of all children. Individual children’s progress is monitored and results are used
to make decisions about further instruction and intervention. Lee Elementary uses MTSS to
address reading, math, and behavior. The key components to the MTSS process include high
quality curriculum and instruction, universal screenings, research based interventions to support
Page 10 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021
Handbookstudents in area of need, and progress monitoring. The MTSS process has three tiers. Each tier
provides differing levels of instruction. In Tier I, all students receive high quality curriculum and
instruction in the general education classroom. The teacher assists all students. In Tier II, the
school provides supplemental instructional support, usually in small groups, to students who need
additional support to what they are receiving from the general curriculum. At USD 383, ALL
students participate in Tier II through the Walk-to-Intervention Model called W.I.N (What I Need)
Time. All student’s at Lee participate in Tier II with each student’s need being met whether they
are advanced and need enrichment or high risk and need support and reinforcement. In Tier III,
intense instructional support is provided to students with the greatest needs, wit h frequent
progress monitoring. Tier III support is provided in addition to Tier I and Tier II support.
PROGRAM FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
Lee School has a multicultural population. This environment provides opportunities for students
from many parts of the world to learn and work together. At the last count, 27 different languages
were represented in the student body. Many of our students are learning English and we have a
strong English Language Learners Program (ELL Program) to help students as t hey learn new
grade-level concepts and English simultaneously. Students who are in the program are assessed
in their abilities to speak, read, listen, understand, write, and follow directions in English and
supported by ELL teachers and aides.
LEE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY
It is our goal for every student at Lee to Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. The
faculty and staff work to provide positive reinforcement whenever possible. Some examples of
positive reinforcement include, but are not limited to Applebee’s awards, High 5 tickets, weekly
High 5 winners, Monthly High 5 winners, Lee Longhorn Stampede, and individual classroom
specific rewards.
*In the rare event that a student displays an inappropriate behavior, the student will receive a
Minor or a Major Office Discipline Referral.
Minor behavior
Teachers and Students are expected to modify most of the inappropriate behavior within their
classroom before an Office Discipline Referral is completed in the office. Teachers will contact
parents if they believe poor behavior is interfering with learning. Student misbehavior will be
documented on the minor behavior form.
Major behavior – Office Discipline Referral
Major behaviors are more severe in nature. Major behavior incidents are reported on an Office
Discipline Referral form and filed in the office. A copy of the form is sent home and a phone call
to parents will be made. Email will only be used if a phone contact was not successful. Major
behavior incidents could result in in-school or out-of- school suspension for multiple days and
may involve police intervention. Examples of severe incidents are:
1. Fighting or other intentional activity that results in the physical injury of a student or staff
member.
2. Stealing or destruction of property
3. Leaving school grounds without permission
Page 11 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021
HandbookPage 12 – Lee Elementary School 2020-2021 Handbook
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Dear Parents and Families,
This letter is to inform you that USD 383 receives federal Title I funding and will comply with the
“Parents Right to Know Information” required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) /
Public Law Number 114-95. ESSA reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 “to ensure that every child achieves.” ESSA is the nation’s general education law and,
as such, has been revised by Congress many times over the years. The last reauthorization
took place in 2001 and was called the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
We are very proud of our teachers and programs to support student growth. Our educators are
ready and prepared to give your child a high-quality experience to advance their skills,
experiences and learning. Federal guidelines give you the right to know about your child’s
teachers’ credentials and school performance. We are happy to provide this information to you.
At any time, you may ask:
• whether your child’s teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for
the grade level and subject he/she is teaching;
• whether your child’s teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through
which state qualifications were waived; and
• what degrees your child’s teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional
degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.
You may ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional and, if your child
receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s
qualifications. Title I schools are also required to notify every parent when a student is being
taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a classroom teacher who is not highly qualified.
As part of our commitment to keep you informed, you may also request information at any time
on your child’s achievement on district and State assessments as well as your school’s
performance as reflected on Kansas State Department of Education building report cards and
Kansas State Assessment results. Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the
academic knowledge and critical thinking needed to succeed in school and beyond.
If you have any questions about these matters or anything else concerning your child’s
education, please contact your building principal.
Thank you.
1Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
Mission
Building foundations for dynamic futures
Vision
Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 is a public school system nationally recognized for the success of all
students.
Core Beliefs
• Acceptance: We create a climate that values diverse thinking, mutual respect, and working as a
team for the betterment of the whole organization.
• Accountability: We hold one another accountable for increasing student and staff success.
• Courage: We support courageous actions in an environment that embraces ethical and thoughtful
risk-taking.
• Joy: We enjoy our work and recognize that happiness contributes to organizational health and
generates more opportunities for success.
• Trust: We presume the good intentions of others in a culture of openness for honest input and
creative ideas.
Guiding Principles
• System Perspective: Stakeholders respect that all components of the organization are
interdependent and must be managed as a unified whole in order to achieve ongoing success
and performance excellence.
• Engaged Learning: Stakeholders share a collaborative responsibility for implementing
intentionally designed holistic and engaging learning experiences.
• Encouraging Environment: Stakeholders promote a framework encouraging grit and the courage
for students to become the best version of themselves.
• Relationship Building: Stakeholders facilitate connection and growth through safe, inclusive,
compassionate, and empathetic interactions with others.
• Foundational Skills: Stakeholders provide dynamic learning experiences to build a strong
foundation of skills necessary to be competitive in local, regional, and global economies.
• Societal Contributions: Stakeholders demonstrate a well-rounded ability to make respectful and
ethical decisions.
Pillars
USD 383 is committed to continuous improvement through dedication to four foundational pillars: student
success, culture and environment, workforce talent, and partner relations - with outcomes measured in
both traditional and non-traditional ways.
Goal
Students are well equipped for lifelong success at increasingly higher levels of academic growth, social
emotional development, and postsecondary preparation.
Adopted by BOE, 7-1-20
2Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383
ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS
Amanda Arnold Elementary 1435 Hudson Avenue 587-2020
Anthony Middle School 2501 Browning Avenue 587-2890
College Hill Early Learning 2600 Kimball Avenue 587-2830
Center
Eisenhower Middle School 800 Walters Drive 587-2880
Frank Bergman Elementary 3430 Lombard 587-2865
Bluemont Elementary 714 Bluemont 587-2030
Child Nutrition 1112 Hayes Drive 587-2851
Eugene Field Early Learning 1700 Leavenworth 587-2045
Center
Lee Elementary 701 Lee Street 587-2050
Manhattan High School West 2100 Poyntz Avenue 587-2100
Campus
Manhattan High School East 901 Poyntz Avenue 587-2150
Campus
Marlatt Elementary 2715 Hobbs Drive 587-2060
Northview Elementary 300 Griffith Drive 587-2070
Ogden Elementary 210 Elm Street 587-2080
Oliver Brown Elementary 4787 Jackies Way 587-2823
Robinson Education Center 2031 Poyntz Avenue 587-2000
Theodore Roosevelt 1401 Houston Street 587-2090
Elementary
Transportation 1120 Hayes Drive 587-2190
Woodrow Wilson Elementary 312 N. Juliette Ave. 587-2170
3Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383
NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs
and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-
discrimination policies:
Executive Director of Special Services, Robinson Education Center, 2031 Poyntz Avenue,
Manhattan, Kansas, 66502, 785-587-2000, has been designated to coordinate compliance with
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Director of Human Resources, Robinson Education, 2031 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas
66502, 785- 587-2000, has been designated to coordinate compliance with all other non-
discrimination policies.
Inquiries may also be directed to:
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Gateway Tower
400 State Avenue, Suite 905
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-5655
Kansas Human Rights Commission
900 SW Jackson, Suite 568-S
Topeka, KS 66612-1258
(785) 296-3206
United State Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
One Petticoat Lane
1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 268-0550
Revised 7-2-14; Reaffirmed 7-1-20
4Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kristin Brighton kristinbri@usd383.org 785-341-1250
Jurdene Coleman jurdenec@usd383.org 785-341-1481
Darell Edie darellje4@gmail.com 785-532-8760
Karla Hagemeister karlah@usd383.org 785-410-0132
Curt Herrman mailme@curtherrman.com 785-410-6846
Katrina Lewison katrina.lewison383@gmail.com 785-477-0762
Brandy Santos bcarter_kca@yahoo.com 785-410-7991
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
Meetings of the Board of Education are held twice a month. The Board calendar is available on
the website at www.usd383.org. The public is invited to attend these meetings.
STATEWIDE SAFETY HOTLINE NUMBER
A statewide school safety hotline, staffed by the Kansas Highway Patrol, has been established.
This hotline is available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, to report impending school violence
to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The hotline, enacted by House Bill 2489, connects to the Kansas Highway Patrol central dispatch
center. From there, information is transferred to local law enforcement who will relay information
to the local school administrator. The hotline number is: 1-877-626-8203.
We encourage parents to talk with their children and for those young people to feel comfortable
expressing concerns to their parents or school employees. If your child reports a concern to you,
please contact the school principal, or use the hotline that provides another avenue for reporting.
**********************************
This handbook is meant to be an abbreviated version of Manhattan-Ogden USD 383
policies, rules and regulations. Should a discrepancy between board policy and any
language in this handbook arise, district policy supersedes this handbook.
Board of Education policies referenced in this handbook can be found at the district
website www.usd383.org
5ADMISSION TO FIRST GRADE
Children who will be six years old on or before August 31 of the current year may be admitted to
first grade. All those entering first grade that have not attended Manhattan schools must present
a birth certificate; a social security number would be helpful. A transfer student who does not
meet the age requirement is allowed to enroll if the child, while a resident of another state, had
completed an accredited kindergarten course or had entered a state accredited first grade.
ADMISSION TO KINDERGARTEN
Children who will be five years old on or before August 31 of the current year will be enrolled in
kindergarten. All children must present a birth certificate; a social security number would be
helpful. A transfer student who does not meet the age requirement is allowed to enroll if the child
has been in attendance in a state accredited kindergarten while being a legal resident of that
state.
ARRIVAL
Children should arrive at school as near the actual starting time as possible. Students who arrive
after the start time will be counted as tardy. Students eating breakfast should arrive 20 minutes
prior to the start of school.
ATTENDANCE
Making sure your child attends school every day is one of the most important things you can do
to help your child succeed in school.
Procedure
Contact the school office before 9:00 a.m. if your child will be absent. If your child is not
in attendance, and the school has not received parent/guardian notification, the absence
will be recorded as unexcused. For the safety of the child, an attempt will be made to
contact the parent.
Tardies
Tardies will be recorded and monitored. Students who arrive late must report to the office.
If a student misses less than 90 minutes, it is considered a tardy.
Any time the student arrives during school-time, parent/guardian should sign them in – if
they do not it is an unexcused tardy.
Absences
If the student misses more than 90 minutes of class time at the beginning or end of the
school day it will be recorded as a half-day absence.
All absences will be recorded as excused or unexcused. If your child accumulates three
(3) unexcused absences or seven (7) total absences (except for school events or verified
by medical personnel), a letter may be sent home regarding student attendance. Your
child may also be referred to the Student Improvement Team to address attendance
issues.
Truancy Reports
According to Kansas Compulsory Attendance Law, when a student has unexcused
absences on three (3) consecutive school days or five (5) school days in a semester or
seven (7) school days in a school year, whichever occurs first, a report of truancy will be
made to the Department for Children and Families (DCF) for legal action.
6ABSENCES AND EXCUSES (Board Policy JBD)
When a student is absent from school an attempt shall be made to contact the parent or guardian
to determine the reason for the absence. The principal has been designated to determine the
acceptability and validity of excuses presented by the parent(s) or the student.
Approved: 5/05
EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED ABSENCES (Board Policy JBD-R)
Procedures for notifying parents on the day of a student’s absence shall be published in the
student handbook.
1. Personal illness and professional appointments.
2. Serious illness or death of a member of the family.
3. Emergencies calling for the student’s services or presence at home.
4. Obligatory religious observances.
5. Participation in a district-approved or school-sponsored activity.
6. Absences prearranged by parents and approved by the principal.
Make-Up Work
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up assignments from teachers following an
excused or unexcused absence. Homework is for the practice of mastery and is not a replacement
of instruction.
Approved: 5/05
TRUANCY (Board Policy JBE)
The building principal shall report students who are inexcusably absent from school to the
appropriate authority.
Truancy is defined as any three consecutive unexcused absences, any five unexcused absences
in a semester or seven unexcused absences in a school year, whichever comes first. Students
who are absent for a significant part of any school day shall be considered truant.
Prior to reporting to either Department for Children and Families (DCF) (if the student is under 13)
or the county or district attorney (if the student is 13 or over), a letter shall be sent to the student’s
parent(s) or guardian notifying them that the student’s failure to attend school without a valid
excuse shall result in the student being reported truant.
Waiver of Compulsory Attendance Requirements
Students 16 or 17 years of age may be exempted from compulsory attendance regulations if the
parent(s) or person acting as parent attend(s) the counseling session required by law and signs
the appropriate consent and waiver form; if the student earns a GED; or if the student is exempted
from compulsory attendance requirements pursuant to a court order.
Involvement of Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officers may return truant children to the school where the child is enrolled, to
the child’s parent or guardian or to another location designated by the board to address truancy
issues.
Reporting to Parents
If a truant child is returned to school by a law enforcement official, the principal shall notify the
parent or guardian.
Approved: 10/12
7BICYCLES, SCOOTERS and SKATEBOARDS and other modes of Transportation
K-2 grade students may ride bicycles to school when accompanied by an older sibling, parent,
guardian or adult responsible for the student. 3-5 grade students can ride independently. All
bicycles and scooters should be parked in the racks provided. Only bike and scooter riders
should be in the bike parking area. Children are encouraged to provide locks for their bicycles
and scooters. For your child’s safety, wearing a helmet is highly recommended.
A child riding a bicycle should know all the rules of the highway. Riders should observe the
following rules:
1. I will always ride singly.
2. I will have my bicycle in good working condition.
3. I will use hand signals.
4. I will observe all traffic rules.
5. I will ride single file.
Children who fail to comply with these rules may be denied permission to ride bicycles or
scooters to school. Skateboards, rollerblades, and shoes with inserted wheels are not to be
brought to school. Hoverboards are not allowed.
BULLYING (Board Policy JDDC)
The board of education prohibits bullying in any form by any student, staff member, or parent
towards a student or a staff member on or while using school property, in a school vehicle or at
a school-sponsored activity or event. For the purposes of this policy, the term “bullying” shall
have the meaning ascribed to it in Kansas law.
The administration shall propose, and the board shall review and approve a plan to address
bullying as prohibited herein. The plan shall include provisions for the training and education of
staff members and students and shall include appropriate community involvement as approved
by the board.
Students who have bullied others in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action,
up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. If appropriate, students who violate the
bullying prohibition shall be reported to local law enforcement
Approved: 11/07; Revised: 8/13; 1/16
BULLY PREVENTION HOTLINE
Anonymous Resources for Bullying Prevention
24-Hour Parent & Youth Resource Hotline
1-800-332-6378
Email or text 1800children@kcsl.org
BULLYING BY PARENTS (excerpt Board Policy KGC)
Parents participating in prohibited bullying conduct aimed at district students and/or staff
members may jeopardize their access to district facilities; district property; school sponsored
activities, programs, and events; and/or district students and/or staff members through the
district’s communication systems. As appropriate, reports to local law enforcement will be filed
to report criminal bullying behaviors.
Approved: 8/13; 1/16
CHILD CUSTODY
Good communication with the teacher and the principal are imperative to the school’s ability to
honor any special custodial arrangements. Copies of current documentation of legal
arrangements and/or restraining orders need to be filed with the principal in order for the school
to deny access to children by their biological parents.
8CHILD NUTRITION
USD383 recognizes that a child’s nutrition is very important to the successful learning
experience. Students are encouraged to participate in school breakfast and lunch programs to
receive healthy and nutritious meals that meet USDA standards. School meals for the 2021-
2022 school year will be provided to all students free of charge.
The full board approved meal charge policy can be found online at
https://www.usd383.org/departments/child-nutrition/resources
Applications for free or reduced price meal benefits and a set of detailed instructions can be
found online or at your child’s school. You may also contact the Child Nutrition Department at
785-587-2851 or stephaniesm@usd383.org with questions or to request an application be sent.
Free and reduced meal applications for the current school year are available after July 1, an
application must be completed each new school year if a family wishes to continue to receive
these benefits.
USD 383 is committed to the safety and health of all students. Many of our students suffer from
environmental, medical, or food-related allergies. We strive to provide a safe and healthy
learning environment for students with allergies and reduce the likelihood of severe or
potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. Requirements for meal modification requests
through child nutrition vary depending on whether a student has a disability or whether it is a
food allergy or intolerance that does not rise to the level of a disability. Child Nutrition will make
meal modifications prescribed by a licensed physician when a student has a disability. (See the
definition of disability on the meal modification form). When a student has a food allergy or
intolerance, or other medical condition that does not rise to the level of a disability, child nutrition
department has the option of making a meal modification requested by a medical authority.
Meal modifications will continue until the licensed physician or medical authority requests that it
be changed or stopped (Form 19-C Discontinuation of School Meal Modifications Form). For
more information regarding meal substitutions please visit our webpage at
https://www.usd383.org/departments/child-nutrition/resources
COMMUNICATION WITH SCHOOL
Communication between teachers, students, and parents is crucial to overall student success.
Schools will work with parents to:
• plan and implement effective parent involvement;
• build the capacity for strong parent involvement;
• provide full opportunities for parents who are disabled or who have limited English
proficiency;
• help parents understand the state’s content and performance standards, state and local
assessments, and other information to improve their children’s achievement;
• coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies with other district and
community-based programs and,
• participate in an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of parent involvement.
At the elementary school, we offer many ways for students and parents to stay informed about
student progress and school activities. These include: Back-to-School Night, Parent-Teacher
Conferences, school websites/social media, monthly newsletters, classroom newsletters, and
daily announcements. Parents may also contact teachers and administrators via email or
telephone. All staff email addresses are listed on the school website. In addition, all parents will
register for access to Infinite Campus Parent Portal. This district web-based student information
system allows parents/guardians to check on their child's attendance and grades. Parents are
also encouraged to sign-up for USD 383 communications, to receive important school
9announcements and updates via email or text. For more information about registering for Parent
Portal or E-Notifications refer to the Notifications tab at www.usd383.org.
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS
If a crisis occurs at a building, updates will be available through USD 383 social media accounts,
USD 383 website, Manhattan-Ogden Messages, local media (radio and print), and/or Parent
Portal email. Telephone calls to the school building slow down the notification and communication
with emergency personnel by school officials.
DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS
USD 383 no longer accepts paper flyers/posters for events for distribution through our
schools. Please do not bring paper flyers/posters to our schools. USD 383 has created a
community events page on the USD 383 website where we will list opportunities available for kids
and families in the Manhattan and Ogden area. Events must be directly related to Kindergarten -
grade 12 students and families.
DRUG FREE SCHOOLS (Board Policy JDDA)
Maintaining drug free schools is important in establishing an appropriate learning environment for
the district’s students. Unless otherwise specified in this policy, the possession, use, sale,
distribution, and/or being under the influence of illicit drugs, controlled substances, designer
drugs, and/or alcohol by students at school, on or in school property, or at school sponsored
activities or events is prohibited. Unauthorized use of over-the-counter medications or inhalants
is similarly prohibited in the aforementioned locations.
Definitions:
“Designer drug” means a synthetic version of a controlled substance (such as, but not limited to,
heroin) that is produced with a slightly altered molecular structure to avoid having it classified as
an illicit drug.
“Unauthorized use” means use in a greater quantity, at a higher frequency, or for purposes other
than as specified on the product’s label.
Possession, use and/or being under the influence of a controlled substance by a student for the
purposes of this policy shall only be permitted if such substance was:
1. Obtained directly from, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order, issued to such
student from a person licensed by the state to dispense, prescribe, or administer controlled
substances;
2. In the case of use or possession, approved and administered, if administered at all, in
accordance with board policy JGFGB and/or board policy JGFGBA; and
3. Used, if at all, in accordance with label directions.
Approved: 5/05; Revised: 4/07; 5/15
DRUG FREE SCHOOLS (Board Policy JDDA-R)
Curriculum
All the district’s students shall be made aware of the legal, social and health consequences of
drug and alcohol use. Students shall be instructed on effective techniques for resisting peer
pressure to use illicit drugs, non-medically authorized prescription drugs, non-medically
authorized inhalants, alcohol, and that the unlawful possession and use of these items is both
wrong and harmful.
The Board has adopted a comprehensive drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program as
part of the district’s curriculum. The curriculum is age-appropriate and developmentally based to
reach students at all ages and levels of education within the district.
10Student Conduct
As a condition of continued enrollment in the district, students shall abide by the terms of this
policy.
Students shall not manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use, sell, or be under the influence
of illicit drugs, controlled substances, designer drugs, or alcoholic beverages nor engage in
unauthorized use of over-the-counter medications or inhalants at school on or in district property,
or at any school activity, program, or event. Any student violating the terms of this policy shall be
reported to the appropriate law enforcement officials, and will be subject to the following sanctions
(offenses are cumulative within each of K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grades):
A student who is found to be in violation of this policy will be subjected to one or more of the
following consequences: suspension, expulsion, and/or revocation of the privilege to participate
in and/or attend school activities. Upon returning to school, the student will be required to meet
with the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coordinator, Social Worker, or Counselor for mandatory
education.
Students who are suspended or expelled under the terms of this policy will be afforded the due
process rights contained in board policies and Kansas statutes, K>S>A. 72-8901, et seq. Nothing
in this policy is intended to diminish the ability of the district to take other disciplinary action against
the student in accordance with other policies governing student discipline. Drug and alcohol
education and rehabilitation programs are available for district students. If a student agrees to
enter and complete a drug education or rehabilitation program, the cost of such program will be
borne by the student and his or her parents.
A list of available programs along with names and addresses of contact persons for the program
is on file in the principal’s office. Parents or students should contact the directors of the programs
to determine the cost of and length of the program.
A copy of this policy will be provided to all students, and the parents of all students. Parents of
all students will be notified that compliance with this policy is mandatory.
Approved: 5/05; Revised: 4/07; 5/15; 8/18
EARLY DISMISSAL OF SCHOOL/WEATHER
When school is to be dismissed at times other than regular dismissal times, the announcement
will be made several ways – USD 383 social media accounts, USD 383 website, Manhattan-
Ogden Messages, local media (radio and print), and/or Parent Portal email.
Parents should determine, however, whether it is safe for their own children to attend school.
Parents choosing to keep their children home because of severe weather conditions should call
the school and let them know of their intent not to send their child to school.
As a general policy, once students are at school, school will not be dismissed early because of
weather conditions, except in situations of extreme emergency. Parents may choose to pick up
their children at any time if they feel it is appropriate.
EMERGENCY SAFETY INTERVENTIONS (Board Policy GAAF)
The board of education is committed to limiting the use of Emergency Safety Interventions
(“ESI”), such as seclusion and restraint, with all students. Seclusion and restraint shall be used
only when a student's conduct necessitates the use of an emergency safety intervention as
defined below. The board of education encourages all employees to utilize other behavioral
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