STUDENT HANDBOOK

2019-2020

PERSHING PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1500 West Central Texas Expressway

Killeen, Texas 76549

Phone: 254-336-1790

Fax: 254-336-1804

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Table of Contents

Mission Statement ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Vision Statement............................................................................................................................................ 3

Arrival and Drop-Off Procedures ................................................................................................................. 4

Absences ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

Before and After School Care ....................................................................................................................... 5

Behavior Expectations .................................................................................................................................. 6

Bell Schedule ................................................................................................................................................ 6

Bicycle Riding, Skateboards, Scooters, Roller Blades, Skate Shoes, Cleats ............................................. 6-7

Birthday Celebrations ................................................................................................................................... 7

Breakfast ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

Bus Expectations ........................................................................................................................................... 7

Cell Phones ................................................................................................................................................... 8

Clinic ............................................................................................................................................................. 8

Contacting Students ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Deliveries to School ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Dismissal ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

Dress Code ............................................................................................................................................... 9-10

Extracurricular Activities ............................................................................................................................ 10

Field Trips .............................................................................................................................................. 10-11

Leaving Campus (Signing out Students) .................................................................................................... 11

Library ................................................................................................................................................... 12-13

Lost and Found ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Lunch .......................................................................................................................................................... 14

Office Hours................................................................................................................................................ 15

Parent and Family Engagement Policy / Home School Compact .......................................................... 15-20

Parties .......................................................................................................................................................... 21

Prohibited Items .......................................................................................................................................... 21

Safety Drills ................................................................................................................................................ 21

Snacks ......................................................................................................................................................... 22

Staying After School ................................................................................................................................... 22

Supply List .................................................................................................................................................. 23

Tardies ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

Telephone Use ............................................................................................................................................ 24

Tutoring ...................................................................................................................................................... 24

Visitors ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

Pershing Park Guidelines for Visitors ............................................................................................ 25

Killeen Independent School District Guidelines for Visitors ................................................... 26-28

Volunteers ................................................................................................................................................... 29

Wet/Soiled Clothing .................................................................................................................................... 30

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MISSION STATEMENT

I will do my best every day. Approved March 27, 2019

VISION STATEMENT

Through the creation of innovative and rigorous

lessons, we will inspire all students to achieve

their personal best. Approved March 27, 2019

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PERSHING PARK ELEMENTARY

2019-2020

ARRIVAL AND DROP-OFF PROCEDURES

Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 7:20 a.m.

First Bell 7:25 a.m. (Cafeteria entrance locked. Use office entrance.)

Tardy Bell 7:30 a.m.

Early Out Bell 1:00 p.m.

Dismissal Bell 3:00 p.m. (See map on back for dismissal areas.)

Note: Students may not be signed out after 2:40 p.m. due to dismissal procedures in progress

(12:40 p.m. on early out days).

All students are expected to remain on campus once they have arrived.

We have staff on duty to watch breakfast students at 7:00 a.m. It is unsafe to drop off students

before 7:00 since there will be no one to supervise them. Students may come for breakfast

between 7:00 -7:20. The breakfast lines close at 7:20. Students who arrive after 7:20 will not be

able to eat breakfast at school. However, if students arrive late to school on KISD buses, they

will be able to eat breakfast even if the bus arrives after the breakfast lines close.

Students not eating breakfast should arrive no earlier than 7:00 a.m., and they should report to

their assigned areas where staff will be available to watch them. The first bell rings at 7:25, and

the entrance to the school at the cafeteria door is locked. Students arriving after 7:25 should use

the office entrance.

Students not riding the bus who arrive between 7:00 - 7:25 a.m. should enter through the

cafeteria entrance. Parents may park and walk children to the office entrance; however, the front

entrance may not be used as a drive through drop off area. After 7:30, students should enter

through the office entrance. All bus students are dropped off in a supervised area at the rear of

the school and are directed inside the building.

All students who arrive to class after the 7:30 bell rings are considered tardy and must come to

the office for a tardy slip to enter class. Please be sure your children are on time for school

since students who are late miss valuable instruction and can have a difficult time catching up

with their peers. See section on TARDIES for procedures and consequences. (This does not

apply to tardies for medical appointments.)

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To ensure safe and controlled traffic patterns, please be mindful of the following information.

We have several areas where students may be dropped off and picked up. (See map on the back

for drop off and pick up locations.) The small Faculty Only parking lot off of Bonnie Drive is not

for drop off or pick up. Please park your vehicle in slots provided in all parking lots.

Students who are picked up from school will only be dismissed to adults who show ID and

are listed on the student’s registration card.

The south entrance bus lane is for school buses only. For the safety of students, only school

personnel are allowed in the bus lane area while school is in session.

ABSENCES

If your child will be absent, please call 336-1793 to report the absence. The attendance

clerk will answer calls beginning at 7:00 a.m. every morning, and messages can be recorded

24 hours a day. You will receive a ConnectEd automated call if your child is absent and we

have not received previous verification from you.

In addition to calling, when your child is absent, please send a note when your child returns to

school. According to State of Texas guidelines, students are counted absent for the entire day if

they are not at school at the official accounting time – 9:30 a.m. If a child is absent for a medical

appointment, you will need to provide the school with the original doctor’s note. We will accept

the original doctor’s note or a note faxed directly from the doctor’s office. (If you would like to

keep the original doctor’s note, the school will make you a copy of the original.) The absence

will not be counted as an absence if the child attends school during that day. School attendance

is extremely important to your child’s academic success. Please do everything possible to

see that your child has regular attendance. Excessive absences could result in your child's

retention and/or a request for a court appearance.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Please be aware that we do not have staff on duty to watch students in the morning until 7:00. It

is not safe to drop students off and leave them outside before that time because no adults are

there to watch them. If your child is eating breakfast, he or she may come into the building at

7:00. We have staff on duty in the cafeteria at 7:00 only for students eating breakfast. If you need

to drop your child off before that time, we have the YMCA available. The YMCA opens at 6:00

a.m. in the morning and will watch students until 6:00 p.m. after school. There is a fee for this

service. You may contact YMCA at 254-634-5445.

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BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

All students must adhere to the Killeen ISD Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of

Conduct can be accessed online at www.killeenisd.org or parents may request a hard copy from

the school. At Pershing Park Elementary, traits of good character are taught and followed. The

traits of good character are to be respectful, responsible, caring, trustworthy, fair, and a good

citizen. Expectations for behavior are written in a student / parent / teacher / principal compact

that is signed by all. Students are expected to:

1. Be in the assigned seat / area, ready to work when the tardy bell rings.

2. Have paper, pencils, books and all needed supplies every day.

3. Use appropriate manners in speech and actions. No inappropriate language, rude gestures,

teasing or put-downs are permitted. Keep hands, feet, books and objects to self.

4. Respect the rights and property of the school district and others.

5. Follow all directions, campus and classroom rules, and the Student Code of Conduct.

If students are unable to follow established expectations for behavior, administrators and

teachers will employ time-outs, buddy room, denial of a privilege, parent conferences and parent

contacts. Persistent misconduct and /or serious offenses may result in an alternative educational

placement such as an ISS Class (In School Suspension) for a varying number of days, OSS (Out

of School suspension) for one to three days, lunch detention, or assignment to an alternative

campus.

BELL SCHEDULE

Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 7:20 a.m. (Use cafeteria entrance.)

First Bell 7:25 a.m. (Cafeteria entrance locked. Use office entrance.)

Tardy Bell 7:30 a.m.

Early Out Bell 1:00 p.m.

Dismissal Bell 3:00 p.m. (See map on back for dismissal areas.)

Note: Students may not be signed out after 2:40 p.m. due to dismissal procedures in progress

(12:40 p.m. on early out days).

BICYCLE RIDING, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, ROLLER BLADES/SKATE

SHOES, CLEATS

Students may ride their bicycles to school, but riding is not permitted on the school campus or on

the bridge. Bicycles are to be walked on the school grounds at all times. The bridge is an

extension of the school grounds and bikes must be walked over the bridge. Students riding in

prohibited areas may lose the right to bring a bicycle to school.

Bicycle racks are provided for storage during the day. Be sure your child has a bicycle chain and

lock. The school will take no responsibility for lost or stolen bicycles. Only the owner of the

bicycle is to ride the bike.

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Skateboards, scooters, shoes with wheels or shoes with metal cleats are not permitted on campus.

Shoes with plastic or rubber cleats may be worn only during PE for soccer or kickball.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Parents may provide store bought cupcakes only for birthday

celebrations. Parents should provide napkins as well. No candles are

permitted. Classes will celebrate birthdays at the end of the day.

2nd 1:45-2:00

PK, K, 1st, 3rd, 4th 2:30-2:45

5th 2:45-3:00

Birthday celebrations will not be permitted if parents arrive more

than five minutes late.

No commercial deliveries are permitted to students at any time. Additionally, parents are not

permitted to bring balloons, gifts, etc. to deliver to children since these constitute a distraction.

Only family members may attend a student’s birthday celebration. Siblings may not be checked

out of class to attend birthday parties.

Children may pass out birthday invitations as long as every child in the class is invited.

BREAKFAST

Breakfast will be provided to all students at no cost. Each student will have a badge to keep at

school with a personal identification number (PIN) which must be swiped for breakfast and

lunch. Breakfast will be served between 7:00 – 7:20 a.m. Breakfast lines close at 7:20 a.m.

Students are to enter the building for breakfast through the cafeteria door. Bus students will be

directed to the cafeteria for breakfast as buses arrive. Visit the KISD School Nutrition website

for adult breakfast prices.

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BUS EXPECTATIONS

The Killeen ISD Code of Conduct applies to the students at the bus stops

and during the time they are on the bus. Students must remain seated, have

only quiet conversation and follow the bus driver's directions.

Prekindergarten and kindergarten students must be picked up at the bus stop

by an adult with proper identification who is listed on the bus release form.

Parents may not go to the bus loading area at school. If parents need to

pick up bus students from school, they must go to the front office and

check out the students before 2:40 p.m. (12:40 p.m. on early out days).

CELL PHONES

Students may carry a cell phone to school, but the phone may not be displayed, turned on, or

used during school hours to include riding to and from school on the bus. If this policy is broken,

the device may be confiscated and the parent asked to pick up the device. A student code of

conduct referral may result for misuse of cell phones or subsequent infractions.

CLINIC

A school nurse, present on a part time basis, and a full time clinic aide will attend to students’

emergency medical needs and injuries which occur at school.

Please do not expect the school nurse or aide to treat injuries that occur at home.

If your child must take medication at school, see the nurse or clinic aide to fill out the required

paperwork.

Students are not permitted to carry prescription medication with them. Prescribed medication can

be kept in the clinic and administered under medical and district guidelines. Parents may also

come to school to administer prescription medicine to their children.

Students are not permitted to carry over-the-counter medication to include vitamins and cough

drops, nor are these items kept in the clinic. Parents may come to school and administer over-the-

counter medication to their children.

CONTACTING STUDENTS

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Students may only place or receive telephone calls while they are at school with permission from

school personnel. If you have an emergency message to get to your child, it will be delivered by

the office.

DELIVERIES TO SCHOOL

No commercial deliveries are permitted to students at any time. Additionally, parents are not

permitted to bring balloons, gifts, etc. to deliver to children since these constitute a distraction.

DISMISSAL

Adults picking up students will be asked for identification. Adults may

not pick up children without identification. Prekindergarten and

kindergarten students who are released to siblings enrolled at PPE must

have written statements from parents authorizing the release.

Students may not change regular dismissal procedures without written

notification from the parent or a parent phone call to the office prior to

2:40 p.m. Please make sure there are current emergency contacts with

updated phone numbers on the registration card.

Students begin dismissal procedures at 2:45 p.m. and exit the building

at 3:00 p.m. To insure student safety, roll is checked when students

report to dismissal areas, and this takes a few minutes. (Students may

take longer exiting the building during the first few weeks of school.)

DRESS CODE for KILLEEN ISD

Students shall be dressed and groomed in a manner that is clean and neat and that will not

present a health or safety hazard to themselves or others. Clothing will be worn as it is designed

to be worn. All dress code issues will be subject to the campus administrator’s judgment.

Students who are considered to be in violation of the dress code shall be advised by the campus

administrator and shall be given an opportunity to comply. The opportunity to comply may take

a variety of forms. In most cases the student will be allowed to call parents for a change of

clothes. While awaiting the change of clothes, the student may be required to (a) wait in the

office; (b) attend ISS; (c) go to class (if not a severe violation); or (d) any other option deemed

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necessary or appropriate by the administrator. Those who then fail to comply or who repeatedly

violate the code shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Exceptions to the dress code include students who wear principal approved uniforms on

designated dates and who participate as members of official school groups or organizations.

Certain elective courses or extra-curricular activities may require more stringent dress or

appearance standards than for the general student body. The district prohibits pictures, emblems,

or writings on clothing that:

Are lewd, offensive, vulgar, or obscene.

Advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverage, drugs, or any other prohibited

substance.

Contain derogatory remarks concerning any identifiable race, color, creed, national origin,

religion, age, gender, or disability.

The following standards of dress and grooming apply except as noted:

1. Pants, slacks, and jeans are acceptable attire. Spandex pants or shorts, boxer shorts, and

shorts or pants with holes any higher than 6”above the knee are not permitted: (Grades 6-12).

Pants or shorts shall not be more than one size too large, and must be worn at the waist, with

no “sagging.” Shirts and blouses shall be appropriately sized and may not be worn in any

way that reflects gang affiliation or may conceal contraband. Shirts may not extend beyond

the student's fingertips when worn outside the pants or a skirt.

2. “Sagging” (wearing pants below the waistline or showing underwear) is not permitted.

3. As a general guideline, dress/skirt length and shorts should be no shorter than 6 inches above

the top of the knee, and must allow students to walk, stoop, kneel, and sit with modesty.

4. Apparel designed for recreation, such as tank tops, fishnet (mesh) shirts, etc., is unacceptable.

ELEMENTARY ONLY: Shorts and skirts can be no more than 4” above the knee. Tank tops

and similar apparel may be worn by students in grades Pre K-2, especially in hot weather.

5. Apparel designed as underwear or night wear may not be visible or worn as outer garments.

6. Tight and/or revealing clothing or accessories that may draw undue attention to the student is

prohibited. Clothing which is of transparent and/or see-through material should not be worn.

Students must wear tops that cover the upper body (ex. no halter tops, tube tops, spaghetti

straps, etc.) and shoulders, and extend beyond the midriff leaving no skin exposed in the

normal activities associated with school.

7. Head coverings, bandanas (in any manner), hoods, and sweatbands may not be worn inside

the building. The campus administrator must approve any exceptions to this policy for

religious or medical reasons.

8. Students must wear footwear which is appropriate for school. Examples of inappropriate

footwear, although not inclusive, are the following: house slippers, shoe skates, water shoes,

sock shoes, and shoes with metal spikes.

9. Hair must be neat, clean, and well groomed. Facial hair, if worn, must be neat and well-

trimmed. Types of apparel, including jewelry, trench coats, emblems, badges, symbols, signs,

or other items or manner of grooming which, by virtue of color, arrangement, trademark,

symbol, or any other attribute indicates or implies gang membership or affiliation, or would

substantially disrupt, distract, or materially interfere with the school environment, activity,

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and/or educational objectives, are prohibited on school grounds, or at any school-related

activity, regardless of time or location.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students participating in any activity after the instructional day may not walk home without

adult or teenage supervision. This is a safety issue.

FIELD TRIPS

Students are provided opportunities for field trips throughout the year. The KISD sponsored

trips are attended only by students and school employees as seating is limited. You may be

asked by a teacher to serve as a chaperone for field trips sponsored by Pershing Park

Elementary. In order to serve as a chaperone, you will need to fill out the appropriate volunteer

paperwork, to include a background check. Parents may accompany their own children on a

field trip; however, the parent is responsible for providing his or her own transportation,

paying his or her own entrance costs, and the parent may only interact with his or her own

child. Please make arrangements for siblings as the trips are curriculum/instruction based and

are only for students enrolled at Pershing Park.

The following guidelines will be in place for all Pershing Park sponsored field trips:

Sponsors will be Killeen ISD personnel or approved chaperones.

For a student to attend a field trip, the parent or guardian must fully agree by signing the

Killeen ISD field trip permission slip.

Teachers will take student permission slips and a student roster with them on all field trips.

Students will be accompanied by an adult sponsor with the exception of restrooms. Students

will go with a buddy when attending the restroom.

Sponsors will take student medication and epi pens on all field trips. A first aid kit will be

available.

Teachers will use a seating chart for buses.

Teachers will take frequent counts of students.

A student will be allowed to ride home with a parent or guardian if school administration has

been notified and agreed to the arrangement at least two days in advance. The parent or

guardian must have photo identification and be listed on the child’s registration card.

LEAVING CAMPUS (Signing out Students)

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Parents, guardians, and designated persons with proper identification who are listed on the

enrollment card are permitted to check out students by coming to the office. Please remember to

come to the school to list your new emergency contacts or day care providers when changes

occur. Please do not check your child out early from school unless it is for an appointment or an

emergency. Instruction is still going on. Students may not be checked out after 2:40 p.m. (12:40

p.m. on early out days) since students are in the process of dismissing from school. Neither

parents nor students leaving campus are permitted in the bus area.

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LIBRARY

Loan Policies

Each school year, students are required to return a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian

before they can begin borrowing library books.

Students in grades two through five will be allowed to borrow two library books at a time.

Students in first grade and younger will be allowed to borrow one library book at a time. The

loan period for borrowed books is ten school days. Books may be renewed. Renewals may be

limited for books that are new and/or in high demand. At times (for special projects), students

may borrow additional books.

PPES students are not charged fines for overdue library books.

A parent or guardian of a PPES student may borrow up to ten library books for 21 school days.

Please visit the library to set up an account.

Lost or Damaged Books

A student’s borrowing privileges will be restricted in the case of an overdue, lost, or damaged

library book. Please do not try to repair books that have been damaged. When possible and

appropriate, repairs will be made at school using glue and tape especially for that purpose.

Depending on the extent of damage, a fine may be assessed.

If a library book is lost or damaged beyond use in the library, a fine that reflects the replacement

cost of the book will be assessed. If the book is found in good condition, any fine paid for

replacement of the book will be refunded.

Payments for fines must be paid in cash or by check payable to PPES. If a financial burden exists

making payment of a fine impossible, please contact the librarian to discuss alternative ways that

a student may be able to satisfy the fine.

Library Behavior Expectations

Students are expected to show appropriate behavior while in the library and to follow all school

rules.

1. Follow directions quickly.

2. Talk quietly when appropriate.

3. Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.

4. Walk when moving in the library.

5. Keep the shelves neat and use a shelf marker appropriately.

6. Be respectful of both people and materials.

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LOST AND FOUND

Please mark student jackets, coats, backpacks, etc. with your child’s name in permanent ink. If an

item of clothing is lost, you may sign in at the office and check the Lost and. After a reasonable

amount of time, unclaimed possessions will be donated to charity.

LUNCH

Lunch will be provided to all students at no cost. Each

student will have a badge to keep at school with a

personal identification number (PIN) which must be

swiped for breakfast and lunch Visit the KISD School

Nutrition website for adult lunch prices.

After the first two weeks of school, extra items such as

chips and ice cream are offered for purchase to students

for lunch. Parents may deposit any amount of money

into student accounts for the purchase of extra items. To

avoid the possibility of lost or forgotten money, please

take advantage of keeping money in your child’s account. Money is to be deposited by 9:00 a.m.

daily. If a parent does not wish for a child to purchase extra items, the parent may opt out by sending

a note to the cafeteria.

You are welcome to join your child for lunch at your cost. The cost of an adult lunch can be found on

the KISD School Nutrition website. Please notify the teacher as this will allow for an accurate lunch

count for that day. We request you follow the following guidelines for the safety of children: 1. Only visitors listed on the registration card or legal guardians are permitted to eat with children.

2. Visitors must check in at the front office with proper ID.

3. Visitors may eat with students during their designated period for lunch as long as students follow

cafeteria expectations for behavior and it does not become a disruption. When the class gets up to

leave the cafeteria, the student should rejoin the class.

4. Visitors will eat at the parent tables and are not permitted to interact with other students or enter

the student area. Other children cannot be pulled to join you.

5. Staff are not available for conversations during lunch. You should schedule a conference instead.

6. The visitor’s pass is for visitation in the lunchroom only and does not include visiting other areas

of the building.

7. Visitors are not permitted in student restrooms and should use the restrooms in the front office.

8. Visitors may not take photos or video during the school day.

Lunch Room Rules 1. Food is not to be traded from one student to another.

2. Food is not to be thrown or misused in any way.

3. Students must stay in their seats, obey lunch room monitors, and raise their hands if they

need help.

4. Good manners are valued, taught, and encouraged.

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OFFICE HOURS

There is someone in attendance in the office to help you between 7:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Our busiest

time is between 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 2:40 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. If you call during morning

announcements, you will be put on hold until we are finished (approximately 7:30 a.m. -7:45 a.m.)

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY

2019-2020

The staff at Pershing Park Elementary School takes pride in doing what is best for students while

promoting a love of learning and academic growth. All parents and family members are

welcomed and valued. Our motto is, “I will do my best every day.”

Communication. We believe communication between the school and family is essential to

student success. We are one of four bilingual campuses in Killeen ISD; therefore, our

communication with families includes Spanish translation. Pershing Park uses a variety of ways

to stay in touch with families such as a monthly newsletter, student planners, flyers, KISD TV

channel, campus marquee, ConnectEd calls, a Pershing Park Facebook page and a school

website.

Parents and family members may contact staff members through phone calls, notes, letters,

emails, or the student planner. We encourage parents to contact their child’s teacher if there is a

concern. If parents need any communication translated into another language, they may call the

school. We will do our best to accommodate.

Parent and Family Member Learning. Texas has high academic standards which we will show

parents how to access and understand. Parents will receive information on KISD assessments,

STAAR and TELPAS (for ELL and bilingual students). We will help parents work with teachers

and staff and log into the Parent Access system so they may monitor their child’s academic

progress. Parents will learn strategies to use at home, including how to stay current with new

technology. Pershing Park strives to offer meetings and sessions at flexible times and dates to

include a morning and afternoon session so that parents who have other responsibilities may

attend. If parents have a suggestion for a parenting class, they may call the office and ask to

speak with our parent liaison. If parents would like to schedule meetings with teachers or an

administrator, they may call the office at 336-1790, and we will be happy to help.

Little Pumas. Younger siblings of students or future Pershing Park students ages 2-4 are invited

to come with their parents to the Little Pumas offered twice each week on Tuesdays and

Thursdays. During Little Pumas, our parent liaison provides activities that make learning a fun

experience and gives parents tips on early reading activities to do at home.

Annual Title I Meeting. Our annual Title I Meeting is held in September each year. This

meeting is offered at flexible times and dates, with a morning and afternoon session. All parents

and family members are invited to attend. We will share how we use Title I funds to ensure that

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students are successful. Parents will learn about the Parent and Family Engagement Policy, the

Home-School Compact and Parents Right to Know. We will explain our curriculum and how

parents can be involved in their child’s education. We will review KISD academic assessments

and our latest STAAR scores.

Title I Program Evaluation. Our Title I program is evaluated several times a year by our Site-

Based Decision Making (SBDM) committee, which must include at least one parent

representative. SBDM provides input on our Campus Improvement Plan and assists in making

decision about how Title funds are spent. If parents would like to serve on our SBDM, please

contact the principal at 336-1790. We value parent opinions and welcome all parents who would

like to serve. An annual evening meeting is held for the purpose of evaluating the Campus Plan

and gathering suggestions for the upcoming year. If the school-wide program plan CIP is not

satisfactory to parents, parent comments on the plan will be submitted to the Coordinator for

State & Federal Programs".

Parent and Family engagement Policy and Home-School Compact. Each spring, we enlist the

help of parents to review the Parent and Family Engagement Policy and Home-School Compact.

Parents and family members are a crucial, required part of this process. We meet to discuss and

make any changes to these documents for the next school year. Publicity about the meeting will

be available in January. Both documents are posted on our website so that parents, family

members and the community have access to them. Our website will allow you to translate any

posted information into any one of 107 different languages. The parent policy is shared during

our Annual Title I Meeting and is included in our Student Handbook. Your child’s teacher will

contact you to arrange a conference to discuss the Home School Compact and give you more

information about your child’s achievement. Parents have the right to participate in decisions

regarding their child’s education.

Volunteer Orientation. At the start of each year and throughout the year, our parent liaison will

conduct a volunteer orientation to outline Killeen ISD policies regarding volunteering in schools.

If parents would like to volunteer, please contact our parent liaison at 336-1790.

Staff Awareness. Our campus staff receives training each year about the value of parent and

family member contributions at school. We review the importance of building relationships with

parents as equal partners to ensure all students are successful in learning. The staff is kept up-to-

date about the parent programs we offer, their role in the success of parenting programs, and how

they can encourage parent participation.

KISD Parent and Family Member Classes. Killeen ISD offers classes free of charge for

English as a Second Language, computers, and GED preparation. Empowered Parents

workshops and the Parent Academy are also available. In addition, parents may attend and

participate in the KISD Parent Advisory Council. Contact the Special Programs Department at

336-0240 for more information.

Revised May 23, 2019

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HOME SCHOOL COMPACT

2019-2020

What is a Home-School Compact?

This home-school compact offers ways that we can work together to help our students achieve

the State’s high standards. It provides strategies to help connect learning at school and at home.

It is a commitment made amongst teachers, parents and students to share the responsibility for

improving student achievement.

Jointly Developed

This home-school compact is the result of continuous collaboration between our parents, families

and staff. Our Site Based Decision Making Committee meets several times a year to share ideas

and work toward common goals. In the spring of each year we hold a Title I meeting to review

and revise this compact based on the school’s academic goals and students’ needs.

Building Partnerships

Pershing Park Elementary School is committed to providing families with resources and

opportunities for learning in order to assist parents in working with their child. Please consider

joining the staff and fellow parents through some of the following events and programs:

Little Pumas – Weekly sessions for 2-3 year olds and 3-4 year olds to ready them for

school.

Survival English – Weekly sessions offered for parents to learn English

Parent Sessions – Weekly sessions offered on a variety of topics such as understanding

STAAR, helping with homework, grade level expectations, helping your child in math

and reading, and more. Parents may request specific topics of interest as well.

Volunteering

If you would like to volunteer or observe in your child’s classroom, please contact our parent

liaison at 254-336-1790.

Communication About Student Learning

Pershing Park Elementary is committed to frequent two-way communication with families about

their children’s learning. Some of the ways that parents and teachers communicate include:

Daily student planners

Parent-teacher conferences

Progress reports and report cards

Current grade checks through Home Access Center

Newsletters and updates on the school website

For questions about your child’s progress, please contact the teacher by email or call 254-336-

1790 to leave a message. The teacher will return your call during a conference period or after

school when he/she is not instructing students.

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Our Goals for Student Achievement

Campus Goals

1. By June 2020, 75 % of PK-2nd grade students will be on or above grade level in reading

and 75 % on grade level in math as measured by CIRLCE and MAP.

2. By June 2020, 80% of 3rd-5th grade students will achieve Approaches Grade Level or

higher on STAAR Reading.

3. By June 2020, 80% of 3rd-5th grade students will achieve Approaches Grade Level or

higher on STAAR Math.

Our Reading Focus

Word Structure

Reading comprehension and fluency

Vocabulary development

Critical inquiry

Our Math Focus

Number sense

Problem solving

Math computation

Our Responsibility to Our Students

To enable our students to meet the State’s academic achievement standards, our school provides

high quality curriculum and instruction to our students in supportive and effective classroom

environments. Our teachers regularly engage in a deep study of the standards and receive

ongoing professional development to refine their instructional practices. We support our students

and work hard to provide a welcoming, safe school environment.

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STUDENT COMMITMENTS

To support achievement goals, I will…

Follow school rules, participate in classroom activities, and take responsibility for my

learning.

Complete all assignments, including homework, to the best of my ability.

Set high academic expectations for myself.

Read every day for at least 20 minutes and talk with someone about what I have read.

Practice math facts and concepts using flashcards, online tools, games, etc.

Identify math in the world around me such as shapes, angles, money, etc.

To support effective communication, I will…

Talk with my parent(s) about school each day.

Ask questions when I don’t understand something or need additional help.

Seek help from my parents, teachers, and other school staff when there is a problem or

concern.

Speak positively with others and take turns both talking and listening.

Student Name: __________________________

Signature: ______________________________

PARENT COMMITMENTS

To support student achievement goals, I will…

Provide a quiet time each day for completion of homework and/or reading.

Talk with my child each day about school and homework; set high expectations for his or her

academic achievement.

Read daily with my child and talk about what was read.

Practice math facts/concepts with my child.

Include my child in opportunities for real world application of problem-solving skills such as

cooking, paying bills, repair projects, etc.

Participate in school events, workshops, and meetings.

To support effective communication, I will…

Initiate communication with school staff when there is a question or concern.

Review the weekly homework folder and other communication flyers sent home.

Respond to emails, phone calls, notes in the agenda, etc.

Participate in parent-teacher conferences and other meetings about my child and his/her

progress.

Parent Name: ___________________________

Signature: ______________________________

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TEACHER COMMITMENTS

To support student achievement goals, I will…

Develop learning goals with students and send home materials to help parents support the

learning goals at home.

Involve students in daily reading activities and provide parents with resources to practice

reading skills at home with their child.

Share with parents the math problem solving strategies used in the classroom.

Provide a positive, safe, and effective learning environment for all students.

Connect students with after-school activities that support their learning.

To support effective communication, I will…

Review the home-school compact with parents at the initial parent teacher conference.

Assist parents in understanding opportunities to volunteer.

Initiate timely communication with parents when there is a concern regarding their child’s

progress, behavior, etc.

Respond to emails, phone calls, notes in the agenda, etc.

Teacher Name: __________________________

Signature: ______________________________

Revised: May 23, 2019

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PARTIES

Classroom parties will be held at school three times a year. Pershing Park will celebrate with a

Christmas party, Valentine’s Day party and an end of the year celebration. In order to volunteer

for a classroom party, you must fill out the appropriate paperwork, to include a background

check. You can see our parent liaison for volunteer paperwork.

If you have more than one student, you will need to sign out children from their individual

classrooms after you have attended all the parties. Students are not permitted to attend a sibling’s

party.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Students are not permitted to bring electronic devices, toys, athletic equipment or games to

school without the permission of administration. Candy and gum are not permitted. Students will

receive a warning for the first offense, and a student code of conduct referral may result for

subsequent infractions. Electronic devices, toys, or games may be confiscated and the

parent/guardian asked to pick up the device. After a reasonable amount of time, unclaimed

property will be donated to charity.

SAFETY DRILLS

The campus performs safety drills each month at different times of the day. If parents come to

check out students during any of our safety drills, they will need to wait until the drill is over

before we send someone to get the student. During a lockdown, no one except first responders

are permitted to come inside the building or leave the building until the lockdown is lifted. We

will do our best to post signs on the doors letting you know we are currently in lockdown, and

we will get a Connect Ed call out to parents as soon as possible.

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SNACKS

All students may have water in a closed container while at school. Children in prekindergarten

and kindergarten are allowed one snack per day at a snack time after lunch designated by the

teacher. Snacks provided by the school or other parents must comply with nutritional guidelines

and the District Wellness Policy (FFA Local).

STAYING AFTER SCHOOL

Students will not be kept after school longer than 10 minutes unless parents have prior

notification. Students participating in after-school activities will know in advance when they are

expected to stay and how long they will stay, and should let parents know the day before.

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SUPPLY LIST

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TARDIES

Students who are tardy will be accompanied by an adult into the office. Ultimately, it is the

responsibility of the parents to see that their children are at school on time. Persistent tardies will

be treated as a discipline problem, and consequences could result in a KISD Student Code of

Conduct referral, Lunch Detention and/or Saturday Detention.

TELEPHONE USE

Students are not permitted to use the telephone at school except in an emergency. In the case of

inclement weather, please make arrangements ahead of time with your child and with the teacher

or office. If there is a change in your child’s daily routine, please call the office before 2:40 p.m.

to let us know. We will inform your child.

TUTORING

Early in the year, students needing help are identified and scheduled for interventions during the

school day.

VISITORS

At Pershing Park Elementary, we believe that education is a

shared responsibility between parents/guardians and school

personnel. Parents are welcome to observe in their child’s

classroom except during periods of testing. To ensure a positive

visit to the classroom, we ask parents/guardians to adhere to the

following Pershing Park Guidelines in addition to Killeen ISD

Guidelines:

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PERSHING PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS

For the first week of school in August, parents may walk their children to class. After the first week,

children should walk by themselves.

Check in at the school office prior to visiting in the classroom.

The parent/guardian should be the only visitor in the classroom.

Parents/guardians should not bring younger siblings or children while visiting in the classroom.

Visitors will be provided a place to sit and observe in the classroom that is separate from the

students.

Interaction with any students during visits in the classroom is prohibited.

During your visit, the teacher is responsible for instruction and monitoring students. If you want

to speak with the teacher, please schedule a conference at another time.

Visiting in the classroom shall be permitted only with the principal’s or teacher’s approval and

such visits will be permitted if their duration or frequency do not interfere with the delivery of

instruction or disrupt the normal school environment. Visits are limited to 30 minutes per visit.

Students are not permitted to bring other children to school to visit.

Pershing Park welcomes parents to attend breakfast or lunch with their children. In order not to

compromise security, we require parents to eat lunch with their children at the visitor table. At no

time is interaction with other children permitted. Only visitors listed on the registration card or

legal guardians will be permitted to eat with children. Other children cannot be pulled to eat with

your child when you are visiting at lunch.

We ask visitors to respect our dress code. If you are visiting in the classroom, appropriate attire is

expected. Please remove hats when entering the building. We also request that respect is shown for

the pledges and one minute of silence. This occurs between 7:30 a.m. – 7:40 a.m. daily.

All visitors are expected to enter the building through the front doors only, sign in at the office, show

proper ID and receive a visitor’s badge. A visitor is limited to the visiting area only, and may not

visit other areas of the school. For example, a parent eating lunch with a child may not leave the

cafeteria to go to another area such as the classroom or library. Please return your visitor sticker

when you leave.

These precautions are taken to protect your child from intruders and unauthorized visitors you have

not approved.

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KILLEEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS

The Superintendent has adopted the following Administrative Guidelines to assist staff in

providing administrative support regarding campus visits by parents and other adults.

I. Parental Rights

By statute, parents are partners in their children’s education and are to be encouraged to

participate actively in creating and implementing educational programs. Parents also have access

to all written records, the right to review all teaching materials, and access to all open meetings

of the board of trustees, unless otherwise stated by judicial restrictions.

These rights do not include unregulated access to school facilities. School officials have the

authority to control activities on school property, including denying access to parents to maintain

order and to prevent disruption. This authority includes reasonable limitations on classroom

visits and other parental activities on campus.

Also, the district takes seriously its responsibility to provide a safe school environment for its

students and staff. Recent well-publicized violent incidents on public school and college

campuses underscore the vulnerability of school children and the need for heightened security on

school campuses in regard to all visits.

This procedure is intended to protect students and to avoid disruption of instructional time by

placing reasonable limitations on campus visits by parent and other adult visitors.

II. Access Rules - Identification Required

Unless otherwise provided in this procedure, all visitors to any school campus in the district must

comply with the following access rules:

1. Upon arrival, all visitors must enter the campus through the safety vestibule and report

directly to the main office entrance and present a picture identification consisting of 1) a

current U.S. Driver’s License, 2) a current State Identification Card, 3) a current

DISTRICT ID badge, 4) a current military identification card, or 5) the visitor’s name

appears on the list of approved visitors for that campus.

2. In lieu of a driver’s license, an individual presenting a State of Texas picture

identification card, identifying the individual as an employee of a law enforcement entity

or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS), shall not be required

to provide any other form of identification.

3. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) will be required to show a picture

identification and court documentation as supporting evidence to grant access to visits

with students.

4. While on the campus, CASA and CPS service workers will display either his or her state

identification badge or shall be issued a visitor’s badge to be displayed while the visitor

remains on campus.

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5. If a visitor presents a current driver’s license or identification card, it will be scanned by

the district’s visitor identification system, and further access will be granted or denied

based on the result of the scan. Fort Hood campuses will comply with Fort Hood safety

requirements of the Random Antiterrorism Management Program (RAMP). This process

requires the driver’s license or registered picture identification card to remain in the

office until the visitor returns the adhesive badge and checks out in the office.

6. If further access is granted, the visitor will be issued an adhesive identification badge

which must be worn at all times while on campus.

7. All visitors must return the adhesive badge and check out in the office prior to leaving the

building. Principals have the discretion to require the driver’s license or identification

card to remain in the office until the visitor returns the adhesive badge and checks out in

the office.

8. All visitors who go to other parts of the campus must comply with any other access rules

established for that campus.

9. A visitor who cannot provide the requisite identification shall be restricted to the main

office and may not go to any other part of the campus.

10. The responsible campus administrator has discretion to deny access to any visitor

when information is received (from any reliable source) that the individual poses a

substantial risk to the safety of students or staff.

11. Persons who are identified as registered sex offenders shall be denied access to

the campus. Any person seeking review of this prohibition may pursue an administrative

grievance through board policy FNG (LOCAL) or GF (LOCAL).

III. Public Events

The access rules do not apply to persons attending athletic contests, assemblies, open-houses,

parent nights, and other events to which the general public is invited unless restricted by a court

order.

IV. Persons Affiliated With District

1. District Trustees. All school board members must comply with the access rules each time

they enter a campus.

2. District Employees. A district employee who is wearing a district ID badge may have

unrestricted access for work-related purposes to any campus. If accessing a campus as a

parent, the district employee is required to follow visitor guidelines. Any district

employee who cannot present a district ID badge must comply with the access rules.

3. Professional Contract Employees. All professional contract employees who visit

campuses on a regular basis, such as instructional consultants, must wear a district ID

badge. A contract employee who is wearing the badge may have unrestricted access to

the campuses where assigned. Any contract employee who cannot present a district ID

badge must comply with the access rules.

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V. Parents

All parents, including parent volunteers, are subject to the access rules.

1. Dropping Off and Picking Up Children. Each campus will have a procedure for dropping

off and picking up students, which will be distributed to parents. Parents will be required

to follow the established campus procedure. Parents identified as registered sex offenders

shall remain in their vehicles when dropping off and/or picking up their child. If they are

to pick up their children from school prior to the school day being over, the registered sex

offender must contact the campus office to make arrangements for an escort. Children

should be dropped off and picked up in the designated areas.

2. Substitutes and Dropping Off/Picking Up Children. Campus principals must ensure that a

verbal and written notification process is in place and consistently implemented to notify

substitutes of campus procedures for dropping off and picking up students.

3. Meals. If the building configuration and available supervisory staff permit, principals

may (at their discretion) waive the access rules for parents who wish to attend breakfast

or lunch with their children. This must be done without compromising security. This does

not apply to parents identified as registered sex offenders because they are denied campus

access altogether.

4. Parent-Teacher Conferences. Parent-teacher conferences should be arranged with the

teacher in advance and should be scheduled for the teachers’ conference time in order to

avoid interference with instruction. Parents must comply with the access rules for

conferences or the conference will take place in the main office. Parent-teacher

conferences involving a parent identified as a registered sex offender will take place at

the main office and should be held after school hours.

5. Classroom Observations. Classroom observations require the permission of the principal

or designee and the teacher. Parents, who wish to observe their children in class, must

call the school office in advance, make an appointment and must comply with the access

rules. This does not apply to parents identified as registered sex offenders because they

are denied campus access altogether. If it is determined that excessive visits are

interrupting the learning environment, the principal has the discretion to limit visits on a

case by case basis.

6. Parent Volunteers and Tutors. All parent volunteers and tutors must first be cleared

through a criminal background check conducted by Personnel Services and then comply

with the access rules. Parent volunteers may participate in on-campus activities and in

field trips and other off-campus activities only with the permission of the sponsoring

teacher or administrator. This does not apply to parent volunteers or tutors identified as

registered sex offenders because they are denied campus access altogether.

7. Interactions with other students. While visiting campus, parents are prohibited from

verbal or physical confrontations with students. Failure to comply may result in loss of

campus access privileges.

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VOLUNTEERS

A visitor in the classroom is different from a volunteer. A volunteer is

any adult who helps with school activities. Since volunteers may

interact with students other than their own, all volunteers are required

to attend a parenting session and pass a criminal background check.

Please let the office know if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.

Pershing Park has a large and active volunteer program for which we

are most grateful! Please consider being a volunteer in our school, if

only for a few minutes a week. We ask all volunteers to follow the

dress code. There are many ways you can help by being a part of your

child’s educational experience. Inquire in the office for information or

visit with the parent liaison to fill our necessary paperwork to include a

background check before volunteering.

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WET/SOILED CLOTHING PROCEDURES FOR KILLEEN ISD

General Information

Parents of all PK and K students must provide an extra set of clothing (to include shirt,

shorts, pants, underwear, socks and shoes) labeled with the child’s name in a grocery sack or

Ziploc bag. The clothing will be stored in the classroom. At the change of seasons, the

clothing should be sent home to be replaced by season-appropriate clothing.

If a child is unable to change his/her own clothing, the parent will be required to come to the

school to change the student’s clothing.

Before assisting any child with zippers, buttons, clasps or belts, permission from the child

will be obtained.

The school will not provide clothing for any student. The parent must provide all changes of

clothing.

If a child appears ill (no energy, pale, stomach cramps) and has diarrhea (liquid stool), they

will be sent to the clinic for evaluation.

Wet Clothing PK – 5th Grade

The teacher will allow the student to change their wet clothes in the classroom restroom.

The teacher will notify the parent. The teacher will send the wet clothes home in the bag that

was provided by the parent for the dry clothes.

If the classroom doesn’t have a restroom, a staff member can accompany the student to the

restroom where the student will change his/her clothes in the restroom.

If the child has wet his/her clothes, he or she will clean themselves with wipes, change their

clothes, place their clothes in a bag and wash their hands before returning to the learning

environment.

Most students should be able to change wet clothing by themselves. However, if the child

needs assistance with zippers, buttons, belts or clasps, a staff person can assist with a

minimal task, and then allow the child to remove the clothing by himself/herself.

If clothing is not provided and/or the child is unable to change by themselves, the parent will

bring a change of clothes and change their child.

The child cannot be sent home on the bus or to after school day care with wet clothing.

Soiled Clothing PK – 5th Grade

If the child has soiled his/her clothes, the parent will be called immediately and required to

come and take care of the child’s personal needs as soon as possible. The child will await the

parent in a campus designated area (not to include the clinic) and be given the option to stand

until the parent arrives.

The parent may take the child home to properly clean the child. The parent may return the

student back to school once he/she is in clean clothes.

The child cannot be sent home on the bus or to after school day care with soiled clothing.