Meadowbrook Elementary School

Hopkins School District 270

Handbook for Parents2019 - 2020

Dear Families,

We’re very happy to have you as a part of our school community, and look forward to a partnership with you in support of the growth and development of your child. This handbook contains useful information about our school, including several procedures and policies with which you’ll want to become familiar. To make Meadowbrook a welcoming, safe, and stimulating place, we ask the cooperation of each member of our learning community. Please review appropriate sections of the handbook with your child. At Meadowbrook we are dedicated to offering a high quality education within a supportive learning environment. We look forward to working with you to provide the best possible learning experience for your child.

If you have questions about anything contained within this handbook, please call or email me.

Sincerely,

Greta Evans-Becker, Ed.D. Principal952-988-5101

School Phone Numbers:Assistant Principal Natalie Sawatzky 952-988-5105

Meadowbrook School Office 952-988-5100 (8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.)or through Minnesota Relay Service1-800-627-3529

Nurse Jana Balfany 952-988-5104 (9:30a.m. – 4:00p.m.)

Absentee Reporting 952-988-5110 (Voicemail)

Kids and Company 952-988-5090

Complete list of Hopkins School Board Policies can be found at http://www.hopkinsschools.org/about-us/policies

Absentee Reporting................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Arrival and Departure............................................................................................................................................................4

Attendance..................................................................................................................................................................................4

Behavior Expectations...........................................................................................................................................................5

Birthdays................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Book Replacement................................................................................................................................................................11

Calendar....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Class Assignments.................................................................................................................................................................12

Classroom Organization and Curriculum...................................................................................................................12

Communicable Diseases and Medication Information.........................................................................................17

Communication Guidelines...............................................................................................................................................13

Counseling and Guidance...................................................................................................................................................16

Dress Code................................................................................................................................................................................ 15

Health Service Information...............................................................................................................................................15

Homework Policy............................................................................................................................................................…..17

Late Start Information............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Lost and Found…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………18

Lunch and Snack Cart Program........................................................................................................................................18

Media Center and Technology.........................................................................................................................................19

Mission Statement...................................................................................................................................................................1

Offensive Behavior Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….8

Parent Teacher Conferences.............................................................................................................................................21

Pets.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 21

Playground Rules.................................................................................................................................................................. 10

PTO............................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Recess……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...………22

School Closing Announcements......................................................................................................................................22

School Hours........................................................................................................................................................................... 22

School Rules.............................................................................................................................................................................. 9

School Safety Procedures and Guidelines..................................................................................................................22

Telephones and Personal Electronics Use.................................................................................................................24

Testing......................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

Transportation....................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Visiting School......................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Volunteers................................................................................................................................................................................ 27

Weapons Policy…………...………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………27

Meadowbrook School Mission

We, the Meadowbrook communityof learners, in support of

the mission of theHopkins School District,declare as our purpose -

To prepare and encourage children todiscover and realize their dreams, in the

process of becoming contributingmembers of a global community.

In an atmosphere of mutual respect andshared responsibility, we will

• embrace the diversity of each individual;• nurture the abilities and talents of all; • challenge all students to reach their full

academic potential, through meaningful learning experiences.

2019-2020 Calendar

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September 3 First Day of School Grades 1 – 6September 4 Kindergarten beginsSeptember 12 Late StartOctober 3 Late StartOctober 11 Kindergarten Information Meeting 6:30pmOctober 14 & 15 No School: Parent Teacher ConferencesOctober 16 No School: Staff DevelopmentOctober 17 & 18 No School: Education Minnesota ConventionNovember 5 No School: Staff DevelopmentNovember 27-29 Thanksgiving Holiday – no schoolDecember 12 Late StartDecember 13 No School: Staff DevelopmentDecember 23-31 No School: Winter Break January 1-3 No School: Winter Break school resumes January 6January 16 Late StartJanuary 20 No School: Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 24 No School: Grading DayFebruary 13 & 14 No School: Parent Teacher ConferencesFebruary 17 No School: Presidents’ DayFebruary 27 Late StartMarch 12 Late StartMarch 30-April 3 No School: Spring Break school resumes April 6April 23 Late StartMay 7 Late StartMay 25 No School: HolidayJune 5 Last Day of School

For complete calendar and activity information see Meadowbrook web page: http://www.hopkinsschools.org/schools/meadowbrook-elementary/calendar

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ABSENTEE REPORTING PROCEDUREIn the event that your child will not attend school or will be tardy on a particular day, please leave a message on the attendance line or email attendancemb@hopkinsschools.org before the start of the school day. If your child is absent and you have not left a message, you can expect to be contacted by the school district and the attendance secretary to verify the absence. In the interest of your child's health and safety, we request your cooperation. The attendance number for Meadowbrook Elementary School is 952-988-5110.

ARRIVAL-DEPARTURE

Arrival at Meadowbrook. The buses begin to arrive at Meadowbrook at 9:15am. We ask that students not arrive to school earlier than that time, unless they are enrolled in the morning Kids & Co program. Teachers are not available to supervise the students before 9:15am, as they are busy preparing for the school day before that time. Students who arrive at school before 9:15am will not be allowed into the hallways. They will need to wait in the foyer at Door A until 9:15am.

School ends at 4:00pm. When picking up your child after school, please make sure you are here by 4:15pm. It is important for student safety that there not be any unsupervised children waiting for rides after that time. The bus-loading zone is north of the building and cannot be used for parking while school is in session.

You may pick-up and drop-off students at both the west (Door A) and east (Door L) entrances. We suggest that families decide on a pick-up door and make sure your child knows where it is.

If it is necessary for your child to leave school early for an appointment, you must come to the school office and sign your child out. The school secretary will call the classroom for your child. Do not go directly to the classroom or expect your child to be waiting in the office. Please allow time for these procedures for the safety of your child as well as others. Sending a note to the teacher prior to an appointment is helpful and appreciated.

When your child returns during the day from an appointment, he/she must stop in the office and let the office staff know he/she has returned.

ATTENDANCETaking your child out of school, whether for a doctor's appointment or a family trip, has some benefits for you and your child–a needed immunization, a learning experience, or family time. We understand and value those benefits, and we also know that sometimes those interruptions of the school day can't be avoided. However, we ask that you understand that when your child misses’ school, he or she is missing a learning experience that can't be duplicated, even if the work is "made up.” Our staff works very hard to make sure that time provides worthwhile learning activities. Please carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages whenever you choose to take your child out of school and avoid conflicts when possible.

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If a student is absent because of a trip, homework will be made up after the student returns unless the teacher offers to send some of the work.

If the student is ill for one or two days, makeup work will be given after the student returns to class.

If a student is out three or more days, parents may call the office in the morning and work will be ready in the office after 4:00 pm. The teachers regret they are unable to get the work ready at the time a parent stops in to obtain the work, but they need to devote their time to the class that is in progress.

Board Policy 503The School Board believes that regular school attendance is directly related to success in academic work, benefits students socially, provides opportunities for important communications between teachers and students, and establishes regular habits of dependability important to the future of the student. The purpose of the School Board Policy is to encourage regular school attendance so that learning can take place. The policy also recognizes that class attendance is a joint responsibility to be shared by the student, parent, or guardian, teacher, and administrators. This Policy will assist students in attending classes.

Examples of excused absences: Illness, family emergency, appointments, religious observanceExamples of unexcused absences/tardies: parent forgot to wake child, parent didn’t know the school schedule, child overslept, child didn’t feel like going to school, parent needed child to help at home, failure to notify the school of child’s absence, even if a child is escorted by a parent, the above reasons are unexcused

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Mission:We believe all students are capable and can be effectively taught appropriate and successful behavior. We believe optimal student achievement can be attained and supported by utilizing a proactive systems approach and consistent expectations. 

Purpose:The Meadowbrook School Community is committed to creating and sustaining a positive learning environment where everyone is kind, safe, and ready. 

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What does that mean? As a school, we have chosen character traits that define our expectations, in order to create a shared goal and language. Meadowbrook students and staff will know what it means to be kind, safe, and ready through shared words and experiences.We understand kindness by showing empathy, gratitude, and willingness to cooperate. Students and staff exhibit safe behavior through self-control, responsibility, and integrity. We show we are ready by having grit, showing assertion, and encouraging curiosity. Each month we will explore these traits and how they transfer into our lives.

How do we celebrate and enforce expectations?A key component to this framework is acknowledging positive behavior. We will continue to recognize individual student’s above and beyond positive behavior with a Golden Ticket and an invitation to the Golden Ticket Pancakes. In addition, we recognize classrooms with exemplary behavior with the following “Golden Awards”:

Golden Shoe: Exceptional behavior during PEGolden Paintbrush: Exceptional behavior during ArtGolden Tambourine: Exceptional behavior during MusicGolden Star/Estrella de Oro: Exceptional behavior in Spanish classGolden Heart: Exceptional Kindness 

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Hopkins School District 270

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OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY(Including Religious, Racial, and Sexual Harassment and Violence)

1. Everyone in the Hopkins School District has the right to feel respected and safe.

2. This OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY is intended to prevent offensive or degrading remarks or conduct about someone's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, or status with regard to public assistance.

3. Offensive behavior that is expressly prohibited by this policy includes religious, racial, and sexual harassment and violence.

4. An offender may be a student or an adult. Offensive behavior or harassment may include the following when related to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, or status with regard to public assistance:a. name calling, teasing, jokes, rumors or other derogatory remarks. b. graffiti. c. notes or cartoons. d. unwelcome touching of a person or their clothing.e. offensive or graphic posters, pictures, book covers, or clothing. f. words or actions that make you feel uncomfortable, embarrass you, hurt your

feelings or make you feel bad.

5. If any words or actions make you feel uncomfortable or fearful, you need to tell a teacher, counselor, the principal, or the District Human Rights Officer. They will help you to understand the actions you may take to get the behavior to stop.

6. You may choose to get help in resolving the problem informally, or you may make a written report and request a formal investigation of your complaint.

7. Your right to privacy will be respected as much as possible.

8. We take all reports of offensive behavior and harassment very seriously and will take appropriate actions based on your report.

9. The School District will also take action if anyone tries to intimidate you or harm you because you have reported offensive behavior.

10. This is a summary of the Hopkins School District's OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY. The complete policy is available in your school office or from Dr. Nik Lightfoot, Assistant Superintendent, 1001 Highway 7, Hopkins, MN 55305, 952-988-4028.

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Meadowbrook School Rules

1. Be Safe

Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Do not push, shove, or hurt others. Stay with your teacher and your class. Do not bring bats, hard balls, or dangerous items such as weapons or items that

look like weapons to school.

2. Be Respectful of People and Property

Listen to teachers/staff and follow instructions. No name-calling or bullying behavior. If an item is not yours, it is not yours. Do not take it. Help keep our school orderly and clean. No electronics such as iPods, cell phones or video games in classrooms,

lunchroom or halls.

3. In the Hallways

Walk silently, no running. Stay in line with your class.

4. In the Lunchroom

Wash hands before coming to the lunchroom. Remember to say please and thank you when you are served. Sit at your assigned class table. Listen to supervisors and follow instructions. Talk quietly with others at your table. Stay seated at your table until your teacher comes to pick you up or your class is

dismissed. Clean your table area.

5. Be on time

Do not come to school before 9:15am if you are not in morning Kids & Co or another activity.

If you arrive early, wait in the office. If you arrive late, stop in the office for a tardy pass.

6. Dress Code

Students are expected to wear clothes that are appropriate for school activities. Please see the Dress Code policy in this handbook.

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Meadowbrook Playground Rules

1. Be Safe Listen to and follow instructions from playground supervisors. Keep your hands and feet to yourselves. Do not push or shove. Watch out for others. Shoes must be worn to avoid glass, sharp objects, stubbed toes. Go down slides feet first one person at a time. Use jump ropes only for jumping and only on the blacktop. Keep sand and sand toys in the sandbox.

2. Be Fair Take turns. Be a good sport. Help each other. Use kind words. Clean up after yourself. Put equipment you’ve used away.

3. Use the Equipment the Right Way – Do Not: Climb on the railings or trees. Play Tag on the equipment. Throw balls at each other or at the equipment (except-Kickball balls must be

thrown below shoulders). Stand on or jump off the swings. Jump off the slides. Hang from or climb on basketball hoops, soccer goals, or frisbee goals.

4. The Playground is NOT a place for: Electronics – IPods, Cell phones, Games. Toys, balls or games from home. Human Target Games – dodge ball. Capture/War or Cops/Robbers Games or Tackling Games. Throwing rocks, sticks, sand or other objects that are not balls or frisbees.

5. Boundaries Play where playground staff/teachers can see you:

o Stay away from the bike rack. o Stay out of the trees. o Stay on the playground side of the steps that go into the bus lot.

Sitting or standing on the concrete walls is not safe and not allowed.

6. Winter Guidelines Students must wear appropriate gear. Snow banks – No pushing games, tunneling, or King of the Hill games. Keep snow on the ground. Throwing snowballs or ice chunks is not allowed.

BIRTHDAYS10

We recognize each and every child on his or her birthday through the morning announcements, unless the family prefers otherwise. Children whose birthdays fall on the weekend are recognized on Friday or Monday. Children whose birthdays fall during vacation are recognized the last day before vacation. If the child’s birthday is in the summer we recognize his or her half birthday.

Because we are a healthier school, no edible birthday treats are allowed at Meadowbrook Elementary. Schools have a responsibility to help students establish and maintain life long, healthy eating habits. Schools can help promote a positive learning environment by providing healthy celebrations that shift the focus from the food to the child. If your child would like to bring something to share on his or her birthday, items such as pencils, erasers, stickers, a book for the classroom, or a donation to the classroom that can be used by all the students, would be a good choice. We appreciate your attention to this.

We know that giving birthday invitations to friends at school is the easiest way to deliver them. However, we also know that students who are not invited to an event may feel excluded. Please keep this in mind and handle situations of this kind with sensitivity to all the students. When picking up children for after-school celebrations, please arrange to meet them near the office, rather than at the classroom, to avoid hurt feelings by those not attending. In planning for your child’s home birthday party, please do not ask teachers to supply you with the addresses and phone numbers of your child’s classmates. These can be found in the student directory.

BOOK REPLACEMENT

As we purchase textbooks and library books, we make selections we hope will serve Meadowbrook students for a number of years. Because of the investment we make in learning materials, we ask that you reimburse the school for the replacement cost of lost or damaged books. This will insure the availability of materials for current and future students.

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS11

We know that you have valuable information that is helpful to us in the class assignment process. We will be inviting your input in May. If you do not receive a questionnaire, please request one at the office. It is your child’s current team of teachers and the principals who make the final decisions on placement. Factors we consider about each student are:

Academic achievement and potential, Personality and behavior, Relationships with other people, Family input, Special learning, emotional or behavioral needs, Diversity, Learning style.

Please pay close attention to the deadline for returning the input forms. Classes are assigned right after the deadline.

CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION AND CURRICULUM

All students are in homerooms by grade level. They may go to another classroom for a variety of learning and curriculum experiences. The teachers within the grade level put forth great effort to get to know all students who are at the grade level they teach.

All students have the opportunity to work with several Curriculum Resource teachers. Our students are instructed by the vocal music teacher and physical education teacher twice a week, Spanish 90 minutes a week and sometimes the media specialist in the library. The guidance counselor works with teachers in the classrooms and is available to individual students and parents upon request. Students in grades 5 and 6 may choose to participate in either band or orchestra. Students will receive instruction on only one instrument. Our staff also includes Special Education staff, an Emergent Bi Lingual teacher, Talent & Development teachers and paraprofessionals, who work with individuals or groups of students to meet their needs. Art is taught by our art resource teacher, as well as by classroom teachers, on a regular basis.

Meadowbrook students are introduced to a broad curriculum at each grade level. Our teachers work within their own classrooms and with grade-level teams to present the curriculum most effectively. Some material is presented to the entire group of students, and reinforced with small-group and individual support. Our district math program, Everyday Math, in grades K-5 follows standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Grade 6 math is Connected Mathematics 3, which is also used in grades 7 and 8. We use a variety of materials at each grade level to introduce and practice these important concepts and skills. Children also have systematic instruction in social studies, language arts, science, art, health, music, and physical education.

Information on curriculum is available at the Hopkins website. If you have questions about the curriculum used in your child’s class, please contact the classroom teacher.

COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES

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Communication between Meadowbrook staff and families is an important element in our partnership for the benefit of our children. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice each year, and provide a wonderful format in which to share knowledge between school and home.

In our Meadowbrook student directory you will find staff phone numbers and email addresses. Feel free to use either method to communicate with our staff. We will attempt to respond to all messages as soon as we are able, usually within 1 or 2 days. Please remember that during the student day teachers will be unable to check for messages, as they are focused on instruction. If you have important information to get to a teacher or your student during the school day, please call the school office at 952-988-5100, and we'll make sure the information is relayed. To ensure that student messages get delivered to your child, please call the school office by 3:00pm. Messages left after 3:00pm or later are very challenging to deliver due to the end of the day rushThe Meadowbrook directory is also a useful tool in facilitating student friendships. Please keep in mind that the PTO provides the directory as a family resource; we ask that you do not use it to promote business endeavors.

At Meadowbrook we work hard to build partnerships with parents for the benefit of our children. As we work together to support each child, there are times when we need to speak directly to one another. We realize there are certainly emergencies where parents need to talk to staff members immediately. Because teachers use their time before and after school to prepare for instruction, frequent teacher conferences with parents about individual student needs may seem helpful, but can impact the learning opportunities for all children in the classroom. For general communication purposes, we ask that you follow these guidelines:

1. For routine or nonessential issues, please leave the teacher a written note, an email, or a voicemail message. The teacher will respond as soon as possible, within one or two days. Of course, in an emergency situation, we will make sure to reach you as soon as possible.

2. If you need to talk to your child’s teacher about an academic or behavior issue, please make an appointment at least a day ahead of time.

3. When issues arise, please raise your concern first with the teacher involved. If the matter is not resolved, then feel free to call our school counselor Mrs. Sobanski; 952-988-4443, assistant principal Mrs. Sawatzky; 952-988-5105 or our principal, Dr. Evans-Becker; 952-988-5101.

Connect–ED® messaging system

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Hopkins Public Schools is using the Connect–ED® messaging system. Connect–ED® enables the school district to personally communicate with parents about emergency situations, school events, and other issues that have an impact on their children such as attendance and school lunch balances. It allows the school district and its schools to send personalized voice messages to a family’s home, work or cell phones, and to send email messages. With this system, the district and its schools are able to reach all parents in the district within minutes. Please double check that the school district has your correct primary phone numbers and email addresses through Infinite Campus. Parents are urged to activate their Infinite Campus accounts. Parents who do not have a log–in for Infinite Campus, should complete a portal request form online. https://hopkinsmn.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/hopkins.jsp Parents can correct their own email addresses, but need to contact school to correct any wrong addresses and phone numbers. E-News from the Principal is sent by email every week with important information for families about Meadowbrook events.

COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

The counselor provides a variety of services for students, families, and groups at Meadowbrook. Each homeroom has regularly scheduled sessions of developmental guidance. Some of these classes involve presentation of our district curriculum in the areas of chemical education, building positive friendships, preventing child/sexual abuse, bullying and making healthy choices. Training in conflict mediation and resolution is also emphasized.

Some students may also be involved in ongoing small group work focused on areas such as family change, social skills, and problem solving. A parent/guardian's permission is required for participation.

A primary focus of the counseling program is to help children deal with immediate concerns and difficulties. You may contact the teacher or counselor directly to access this kind of support. Our hope is to promote a climate that educates and supports the "whole child" at Meadowbrook. If you have any questions, or need assistance, please contact Mrs. Sobanski, at 952-988-4443.

DRESS CODE

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Students are expected to wear clothes that are appropriate for school activities. Student dress should not have inappropriate language nor distract from the educational environment. We ask that the length of shorts and skirts be as long as the tip of the student’s fingers when the student’s arm is straight down at his or her side. Straps on tops should be three fingers wide in the upper grades.

We ask that students not wear:

1. Bandannas, hoods, do-rags, hats or sunglasses in the building. 2. Tube tops, tops with bare backs or string backs, spaghetti straps and tops with

only one strap.3. Shirts, skirts, pants or shorts which expose the midsection. 4. Clothing which is otherwise inadequate in its covering or overly suggestive. This

includes low-cut shirts, pants which ride below the waist, overly short skirts or shorts, and/or clothing that would expose underwear.

5. Clothing and other items, or grooming, in a manner that represents and/or promotes threat/hate groups including gangs or supremacist groups.

If students are in violation of the dress code, they will be asked to change their attire.

HEALTH SERVICE INFORMATION

Nurse’s Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (952-988-5104)

The school nurse assists students with any health related needs or allergies (food, bee stings, etc.) that may develop during the year. If, for any reason, your child cannot participate in a school activity, please inform the school nurse as well as your child’s teacher.

There are times when a child should be kept at home for the sake of his or her own health as well as the health of other children. The following information is intended to help with this decision:

If your child has a fever of 100 or more, he or she should stay home for 24 hours after the temperature returns to normal.

If your child has vomited or had diarrhea, he or she should stay home for 24 hours after the last episode.

If he or she has any rash that may be disease related or you do not know the cause, check with your family physician before sending your child to school.

If your child is ill, please call the school attendance line daily to report the illness, 952-988-5110 or email attendancemb@hopkinsschools.org

When children return from an illness we sometimes receive requests from parents to provide indoor recess. Because fatigue can be a major issue on that first day back, we can

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offer rest over recess in the health office. However, after one day of indoor recess, with parental written request, we will expect a child to participate in physical education and outdoor recess. There will be exceptions for children with extenuating health needs or circumstances.Exercise/physical activity helps children release their muscle tension after several hours in school and contributes to overall wellness, including cardiovascular and muscular strength and endurance. Recess also provides an opportunity for students to play and relax outdoors and to socialize. So, dress your child appropriately to go outdoors for recess after returning from an illness.

Communicable Diseases Information

DISEASE EARLY SYMPTOMS INCUBATION PERIOD

RESTRICTION OF ATTENDANCE OF

Influenza Fever of 100 degrees or greater, cough, sore throat

10-21 days during, 24 before and up to 7 days after the illness begins.

Exclude until fever is gone and child well enough for routine activities.

Strep Throat(with rash, it is called scarlet fever)

Fever, sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting.

2-5 days Return 24 hours after the antibiotic treatment begins and the fever is gone.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Redness, pain and itching of eyes; may have swelling of lids and purulent discharge.

24-72 hours Exclude until evaluated and treated by a physician.

Impetigo Blisters, pustules, rapidly covered with honey-colored crust.

10 days Until 24 hours of treatment and sores are drying.

Head Lice(Pediculosis)

Excessive itching of scalp, presence of lice/nits.

Eggs hatch in 7-10 days.

Until first treatment is completed and no live lice are seen.

If you have any questions about communicable illnesses, please call the school health office during school hours, or your family physician’s office.

Medications

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At times it may be necessary for a student to take medication during the school day. If a medication must be administered by school personnel, please be aware of the following:1. Written authorization by parent for both prescription and non-prescription medications.2. Written instructions and authorization from a physician for prescription drugs including dosage and frequency.3. All medications, prescription and non-prescription, must be in their original containers. Prescription medication containers should include the physician’s name and pharmacy.4. Medication that is no FDA approved will not be administered in school.5. Students are only allowed to take medication in school when it is administered by the school nurse in the health office.

For safety reasons, please do not send medications with your child in his/her backpack. They should be dropped off in the office/health office and will need to be picked up at the end of the school year. Please call the school nurse if you have questions, 952-988-5104.

MEADOWBROOK SCHOOL HOMEWORK POLICY

PURPOSE OF HOMEWORK

The purposes of homework are to encourage mastery of a skill, to provide opportunity for creative thinking, to explore special topics in order to gain information and to develop a sense of responsibility and value for one's own education. Homework may vary, depending on the grade level and teacher.

KINDS OF HOMEWORK

Completion of work assigned but not finished during the school day Extra practice to insure mastery of a skill Reports on topics of interest Creative projects where a student may use his/her own ideas and materials with

guidelines provided by the teacher Work assignments missed during an absence

GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNING HOMEWORK

Practice work will be assigned according to individual need. Date due should be indicated to students regarding assignments. Homework assignments will be coordinated by the teaching team in order to

avoid too burdensome an assignment. Religious holidays or special school events will be avoided unless students have

been negligent in completing daily assignments. Consultation with the appropriate teacher regarding homework concerns should

be done by student and parent, if necessary.

SUGGESTIONS FOR COMPLETING HOMEWORK

Students take home all resources/materials needed and directions for the 17

assignments. Parents establish regular time and workspace. Students work as independently as possible on homework assignments. Students return work as soon as it is completed. Teachers provide feedback to students.

If you feel your child has spent a reasonable amount of time on homework and has not completed the work, please write a note to his or her teacher to let the teacher know.

LOST AND FOUND Label! Label! Label!Our lost and found is located near the cafeteria. Encourage your child to check the lost and found area often. Please take a few minutes and label your child’s clothing, especially jackets, sweatshirts, hats, mittens and lunchboxes. When lost items are found with names on them, we can deliver them to the students. Items that are not claimed are donated twice a year to a local charity.

LUNCH AND SNACK CART

The Hopkins School District serves a variety of nutritious meals for lunch each day. Nutritious school meals are a vital link to the physical and intellectual fitness of students. The monthly menu will be posted on the district web site and will also be sent home with students.

State and federal guidelines require students to have milk each day with their lunch. *There are two allowable exceptions: students may bring a note from home requesting lactose-free milk or students may receive juice or an orange drink if they have a note from the doctor stating the student’s name, food allergy, and what the substitute food is to be. *In each case a new note is needed each year.

Students may also bring a lunch from home. They must follow the above milk guidelines if purchasing a drink at school.

Parents are encouraged to purchase student lunches online at www.hopkinsschools.org by using your parent portal Infinite Campus account. Parents may also pay for student lunches with cash, or check payable to Hopkins Royal Cuisine. You may drop off payment at the office or send it to school with your child. Lunch balance information is also available on the Infinite Campus parent portal. In addition, parents will be able to check their student's lunch purchases. Parents who have an existing portal account will find the food service information available on their current account. Parents who do not have a portal account should send an email to mailto:portal@hopkinsschools.org.

Each day as students go through the lunch line, their account will be updated by the amount of their purchase–a lunch or milk. They will be notified by the cashier when their account balance is equivalent to the cost of only one meal.

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We also offer the Royal Cuisine “Rainbow Snack Cart” once each school day to children whose parents have paid for participation in this program. The Rainbow Snack Cart is a district program that encourages children to eat healthy snacks by having good food choices available. The cost of this program is $95.00 for the entire school year. Students who do not participate in the snack cart are encouraged to bring a healthy snack every day. Students may join this program two times during the school year. In August and again in January.

Elementary Meal Prices (2019 - 2020)

Full Price MealsStudent Breakfast $1.25 Student Lunch $3.00

School Milk $0.55

Free Meal Benefit* Student Breakfast $0.00 (No Fee) Student Lunch $0.00 (No Fee)

Adult Lunch $4.00

*Free Price MealsStudents must have an approved 19-20 Application for Education Benefits on file to receive free meal benefits. Meal benefits are available to students whose families meet certain requirements such as: families might have either one or more children who receive MFIP, SNAP or FDPIR benefits, have a foster child or have a household income within certain guidelines. Free price meal benefit information is private data and is kept confidential. Applications for free price meals are available at www.hopkins.k12.mn.us, or online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Call Royal Cuisine at 952-988-4060, if you have questions about your application or meal benefits.

MEDIA CENTER AND TECHNOLOGY

Meadowbrook features an outstanding media center and staff. Our media center and technology resources enhance the learning experiences of all members of our learning community. We have a licensed media specialist who works with students and staff. Media paraprofessionals assist both students and staff in the media center. Our technology specialist helps to coordinate our computer lab, training, computer network, and software. We have an excellent book collection that meets a wide range of needs, and also complements our curriculum. Our resources feature electronic access to encyclopedias and interactive books. Students and staff avail themselves to many different technologies; all classrooms are linked by both computer and video networks. Watch as we continue to use media and technology to strengthen learning, instruction, and curriculum. For more information please call Tim Kennedy at 952-988-5108, or visit the Meadowbrook web site

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that is accessed through the district web address, http://www.hopkinsschools.org.

Internet UseComputers and technology are important resources in our children’s learning. Our students and teachers have many fine resources available to them via technologies that enhance, enrich, and extend learning experiences and the district curriculum.

The Internet and World Wide Web are resources that students may use for research and information. These resources provide many excellent sites for our students; however, there are places on the net that are not appropriate for children.

Our goal is our children’s safe and appropriate use of the computer and technology resources. Our school district has installed a filtering program that blocks sites that are deemed inappropriate. While these filtering programs are effective, an important part of our technology education program is teaching our students the proper, appropriate, and ethical uses of these resources. Our classroom teachers, media specialist, and school staff do this on an ongoing basis. We emphasize education, supervision by staff, clearly defined expectations, and user agreements.

We have developed the following guidelines for the use of technology and the Internet in our school:

Use of the computers, technology, and the Internet must be in support of the mission of Meadowbrook School and the Hopkins School District.

Computer and technology usage must have a learning or curriculum purpose. Internet access is intended for school-related projects and research only. Students using the Internet must have direct staff supervision. Students may not “surf the net” without a specific topic or purpose. Teachers will have preset bookmarks and home pages, if feasible. Instruction is provided for students in proper use of search programs on the

World Wide Web.

Most of our families have Internet access at home. You may want to discuss with your children safe and appropriate usage at home. The web sites www.safeteens.com and www.safekids.com provide some excellent information and guidelines.

Through education, supervision, and understanding of roles and responsibilities, our children will have continued and safe access to many technology resources.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

You and your child will be invited to participate in at least two conferences. The first will be

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in the fall when together you will plan goals for the year. A follow-up conference will be held in the winter or spring. Between conferences you are invited to contact the teacher with questions or comments regarding your child's progress with the goals.

There may be other times during the school year when communication between parent and teacher is necessary. If your child seems troubled, confused or unhappy about school, please feel free to call the teacher. Also, the student's teacher may request an additional conference with you.

If you as a parent or guardian require accommodations to effectively participate in the education of your child please contact the school or district office. Examples of accommodations may include but are not limited to: TDD at the school office, sign language interpreter, assistive listening device kit, written materials converted into large print/Braille/audio tape, or architectural accessibility at the school.

PARKING LOT AND CHILD PICKUPWe want our school and its surrounding areas to be safe for all students and families. Please drive slowly and refrain from using cell phones whenever your car is in motion on school grounds (Hands Free Law). Our parking lot is very busy and deserves your full attention. When dropping your child off or picking up at the end of the day, stay in your car, and wait for your child to come to you. Please do not arrive before 3:50pm. If you are waiting parked in line, please turn off your engine to reduce emissions.

PETSPlease make arrangements with your child's teacher when bringing a family pet for a short visit. If your pet comes along to pick up or drop off your child, please wait with the animal outside away from the entrance to meet your student. Our hallways are busy before and after school that even the calmest of pets can become frightened or agitated by the noise and activity. Thank you for your cooperation!

P.T.O.Meadowbrook School has an active Parent Teacher Organization, which provides outstanding support for our children through volunteer activities and fun community events. A few of the “extras” sponsored by P.T.O. are:

Room parents and volunteers to coordinate classroom parties and field trips Meadowbrook student directory Fall Festival, Bingo Night, and School Carnival The Book Fair Art appreciation classroom programs Meadowbrook yearbook Culture Club highlighting a variety of cultures Meadowbrook gardens Family Service Night Run Meadowbrook Run

In past years, P.T.O. has purchased playground equipment, computers, and hundreds of library books for the school. All parents are members of P.T.O. There are no membership fees. Please check the school calendar at www.hopkinsschools.org for dates of the meetings. All parents are welcome to attend to share their ideas and concerns. We also

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welcome parents to volunteer in an area of interest. The range of volunteer opportunities is broad! A volunteer sign-up sheet is sent home at the beginning of each school year.

RECESS/PlAYGROUNDStudents go outside each day for recess unless there is heavy rain or the temperature is 10 degrees below zero or the windchill is -10 degrees or below. Students are outside for approximately 30 minutes. For health and safety reasons students should wear appropriate coats, hats, mittens or gloves, boots and snow pants in the winter. Please label all outerwear clothing with your child’s name as these items often end up in the lost and found. The weather in Minnesota is unpredictable. We ask your support and cooperation in making sure your child is dressed appropriately for school each day by dress in layers accordingly.

NOTES TO STAY IN FOR RECESSAll students need to plan to go outside every day. Please do not send notes requesting students to stay in from recess as there is no inside supervision available during recess. If your child is not well enough to go outside for recess, your child is probably too ill to be at school.

SCHOOL CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTSIf Meadowbrook School is to be closed because of severe weather conditions or other emergencies, The Connect–ED® messaging system will notify parents. An announcement will also be made over WCCO radio, KSTP and KARE TV. Road conditions causing unsafe bus transportation are usually the determining factor. Early dismissal from school in session will be announced approximately one hour before dismissal.

SCHOOL HOURSSchool Office Hours 8:30am – 4:30pm Nurse’s Hours 9:30am – 4:00pmGrades K-6 9:33am – 4:00pm

SCHOOL SAFETYHopkins School District 270 and Meadowbrook Elementary School consider the health and safety of students, staff, and visitors top priority. We are committed to providing an environment that is reasonably free from crisis situations and to preparing students, staff, and visitors to respond immediately and appropriately to any crisis situation that does occur.

School staff members participate in training sessions that focus on the following:

Review of district and site security plans

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Recognizing and responding to crisis

Implementation of specific training for students

Students participate in instruction regarding emergency plans, safety and security procedures, and drills for fire evacuation, severe weather, etc. If you have any questions regarding our school or district safety procedures and plans, please call Dr. Evans-Becker, Principal, at 952-988-5101.

Minnesota State Law requires all visitors and solicitors to the school to check into the office for the purpose of explaining their visit. Visitor badges are required of all volunteers and visitors.

When there are circumstances that make it necessary for a student to arrive after 9:33 a.m. or leave before 4:00 p.m., other than for Hebrew Schools, these procedures should be followed in order to help ensure the safety of our children.

1. When a student arrives late, he/she should stop at the office and report his or her arrival. The student will be given a late slip to give to the teacher.

2. Students leaving during the school day must be picked up from the school office. Students should not wait outside. It is our policy for student safety to record in the office the names of students who are dismissed before regular dismissal time, who picks them up and for what purpose.

3. Parents who pick up students at the end of the day may wait for their child outside at door A or door L.

All Meadowbrook students are assigned to a bus route, or are transported to and from school by their families. Please discourage your child from walking or biking to school unless you can accompany them. The streets and intersections near our school are too busy to be crossed without adult supervision. The busy intersection of Xenia and Glenwood Avenue requires that an adult be present for students to cross safely.

Students should not be picked up by parents in the school bus area after school; they may be picked up at either the west entrance, door A, or east entrance, door K or L.

Below are some things to remember when picking up and/or dropping off your children: If walking with your children in the parking lot, keep them close by and remind them

to walk Say goodbyes and gather materials while waiting in line instead of when it’s time to get out of the car Don’t talk on cell phones, text or check cell phones while driving or walking Pull your car up all the way so several cars can quickly and safely unload Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians

For the safety of all students, skateboards, scooters, and shoes with wheels are not allowed in the school building, or on the playground.

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All students go outside for recess each day. Please send your child with hat, mittens, snow pants, and boots when appropriate and label each item. If the temperature or wind chill is below zero degrees, or if it is raining, the students stay inside. When children are inside, they are in their classrooms and can engage in a variety of activities including reading, drawing, playing board games, etc.

TELEPHONE & PERSONAL ELECTRONICS USE

Students do not need a cell phone in school. Because of the potential for damage and/or theft, students are strongly encouraged not to bring cell phones or personal electronic items to school. If you need to get a message to your child, please call the office at 952-988-5100 and we will get the message to your child at 3:00pm. If a cell phone comes to school, it needs to remain in the backpack and remain turned off the entire school day.

Use of cell phones or other personal electronics during the school day, including iPods and video games, disrupts the students' learning. Any cell phone or electronic item that is not turned off and in a backpack during the school day, including recess, and waiting for pick up, will be taken to the office by a teacher. When the cell phone arrives in the office, a parent will be called. We will keep the cell phone turned off and locked in the office until a parent can come and pick up the cell phone.

TESTING

Minnesota State AssessmentsMinnesota state-wide assessments are given to students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6. The purpose of these tests is to assess student, school, and district progress. MCA testing will take place in the spring. You will receive information from us about the dates of this testing. You can best support your child by making sure she or he is well rested and has had good breakfast on testing days.

MAP Testing District Measured Academic Progress (MAP) tests are computer adapted math and reading tests for all students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus transportation is available to all students in grades K-6 who live in the Meadowbrook attendance area. In the interest of safety and courtesy, appropriate behavior is expected of

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students while on the bus. Those who will not obey the driver may be excluded from the privilege of riding the bus. Students are expected to obey the following rules:

Everyone must sit Keep hands and feet off other riders and out of the aisles Use respectful language and behavior Do not carry dangerous objects or weapons, or oversized items (i.e. sleds)

The goal of the Hopkins School District is for every student to have a safe, comfortable, and orderly ride to and from school. We ask that you discuss with your child the following basic guidelines for safe bus behavior. Please remember—bus transportation is a privilege, not a right. This privilege will be withdrawn for inappropriate behavior. During the first week of school, students will receive training in bus safety and appropriate conduct. The following are the rules of safe behavior:

1. Students shall remain a safe distance back from the roadway while awaiting the arrival of the bus. They should refrain from destructive or dangerous behavior at the stop.

2. Students shall enter the bus in an orderly manner and go directly to a seat and remain seated until the destination is reached. The bus driver is authorized to assign seats if necessary.

3. Students shall keep their hands, arms, and heads inside the bus.4. Students shall not throw objects in, around, or out of the bus.5. All articles such as athletic equipment, books, musical instruments, etc., must be

out of the aisles. If the items are too large to be kept out of the aisle, the article is too large to be transported on the school bus. For safety purposes, articles that create a hazard will not be transported.

6. The emergency door must be used for emergencies only. Students shall not touch the safety equipment.

7. The school bus shall be tobacco and drug free.8. No weapons or look-alike weapons will be allowed on the bus in accordance with

the district weapons policy.9. Follow all directions given by the bus driver.10. Students are to be courteous to other students, other adults, and the bus driver,

and refrain from profane language.11. There shall be no eating or drinking on the bus except on field or co-curricular

trips when prearranged and supervised by a teacher or coach.12. There shall be no animals of any kind on the bus.13. Students who must cross the street at a bus stop shall not do so until they receive

a signal from the bus driver. If crossing a street is necessary, it shall always be done 10 feet in front of the bus. This means that the student should be able to see the face of the bus driver. The driver shall hold the bus with warning lights flashing and the stop arm extended until the crossing is completed.

14. Students shall refrain from dangerous behavior including pushing and shoving in school bus loading and unloading zones. Students shall enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner.

15. Students will be held responsible for any damage to the bus, and they will be expected to make restitution.

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16. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to review with their student on a timely basis the rules for bus ridership. It is expected that the parent or guardian will support the school in enforcement of this policy.

Please review the above expectations of conduct with your child. Also, use the diagram to remind your child about following:

Stay out of the school bus Danger Zones.

Wait for the driver's signal before crossing the street, and always cross 10 feet in front of the bus—you should see the bus driver’s face.

Never stop beside or reach under the bus—if you drop something, tell the driver, or wait until the bus leaves before picking it up.

VISITING SCHOOL

During the school day all the doors except door A will be locked. To enter the building the receptionist will open the door for you. If the receptionist is not at her desk, please push the buzzer by the office door and the office staff will open the door.We welcome and encourage parent interest in our school. When you arrive please stop at the office and register your presence. Classroom visits by other children are not recommended. Parents are encouraged to join their children for lunch, however, parent observations in the classroom or at recess are not allowed. Lunch visitors not listed in IC or on the emergency forms need to have a prior arrangement with the office ahead of time, ether via a note or phone call from home.

All visitors to the building must check in at the office or with the receptionist. All visitors must wear a visitor badge. At dismissal time, parents must meet children by the office or by the parking lot

door or in their cars. Parents may not wait outside the classrooms at dismissal time.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer support at Meadowbrook is most welcome. For the safety of the students, please register in the office each time you come to volunteer and grab a visitor badge.

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WEAPONS POLICY - DISTRICT-WIDE

It is the policy of the School District to maintain a positive, safe, secure learning and working environment. In striving to attain such an environment, the District takes the position of no tolerance for weapons in our schools or in any other school sponsored activity. All weapons or instruments that have the appearance of a weapon or may be used as a weapon are prohibited within all school environments, and at any school sponsored activity except for educational purposes as authorized in advance by the building principal or designee.

Students and non-students, including adults and visiting youths, are forbidden to possess a weapon in school, on school grounds, at school activities, at bus stops, on school buses or school vehicles, or entering upon or departing from school premises, property, or events. This prohibition applies to all school owned, leased or controlled buildings and grounds, all school owned, leased, or contracted vehicles and applies at any school sponsored event. This prohibition also applies to any vehicle brought to school grounds or school related events.

Definitions

“Weapon” is defined as any object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict harm or injury including but not limited to:

1. All firearms, whether loaded or unloaded, 2. Other guns of all types including pellet, B-B, stun, look-alike, and non- functioning

guns that could be used to threaten others, 3. Knives, switchblades or automatically opening blades, daggers, swords, razors, 4. Artificial knuckles or other objects designed to be worn over the fist or knuckles, 5. Blackjacks, clubs, nunchucks, throwing stars, 6. Explosives, incendiary devices,7. Poisons, chemicals, or substances capable of causing bodily harm, 8. Bow and arrows, sling shots, 9. Laser Pointers, 10. Any other device or instrument that is used or may be used to intimidate, threaten

or inflict harm or injury.

11. Mace may be considered a weapon under this Policy. If the student’s parents make special arrangements with the building principal for the student to check the mace into the school office upon arrival and to check the mace out of the school office upon leaving for the day, students may be allowed to carry mace under limited circumstances. Employees may make similar arrangements with the building

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principal or supervisor.

“Possession” means having a weapon on one’s person or in an area in one’s control and includes the handling, transmission and use or threat of use of a weapon. If a student discovers that he or she has accidentally brought a weapon to school and immediately takes the weapon to the principal’s office, the student shall not be considered in possession of a weapon. If a student realizes that he or she has brought a weapon to school that is in a vehicle on school grounds, and the student informs the principal or a staff person immediately, the student will not be considered to be in possession of a weapon. If a student finds a weapon on school grounds, the student shall inform the principal or other staff person immediately and will not be deemed to be in possession of a weapon.

“Zero tolerance” means the District strictly prohibits weapons on school grounds and will take immediate disciplinary action with respect to those who violate this Policy. The District takes a position of “zero tolerance” on the possession, handling, transmittal, storage, or use of any weapon or object that may be used as a weapon on school grounds or at school related events.

Consequences for Violation of this Policy by Students

A. Firearm Possession. A student who possesses a firearm as defined by federal law will be recommended for expulsion for at least one year pursuant to Minnesota statute. Pursuant to Minnesota law, the school board may modify this requirement of expulsion on a case-by-case basis.

B. Possession of Other Weapons. The following consequences may be invoked at the discretion of the principal including but not limited to:

1. Confiscation of the weapon, 2. Notification and involvement of Police or Police Liaison, 3. Notification of Parents/Guardian, 4. Suspension, expulsion, exclusion of student, pursuant to the Pupil Fair

Dismissal Act and federal and state statutes applicable to disabled students, 5. Dismissal of student from a specific class or classes, 6. Or other actions as determined appropriate by the principal and approved by

superintendent or designee.

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