Family Handbook

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2023-24 school year!  This handbook is intended to bring you on board with some general information about Des Moines Elementary, to familiarize you with many of our policies and procedures, and to give you a framework of daily operations.  Understanding the contents of this handbook is the first step in our partnership.  Please take the time to read through and discuss the relevant items in this handbook with your child, then sign and return the Agreement for Success to school.  The following are other tried and true measures that communicate to your children that you place high value in their education and that you are in a partnership with Des Moines Elementary:

1) Attend parent/teacher conferences and other school events.  When your child knows you are in close communication with their teacher, his/her education is seen as a priority.

2) Monitor your child’s homework.  Your child should have a regular time and place to complete their homework.  Establishing this routine makes a strong statement concerning your value of education.  Refer to the homework section in this handbook for guidelines.

4) Read, read, read with your child!  All students should read independently and/or be read to for a minimum of 20 minutes each evening.

5) Volunteer – Join the PTSA, or ask your child’s teacher about ways that you can support the classroom.  We can always use more tutors during the day.  If your schedule does not allow, there may be classroom materials to prepare or other activities that can be done during the evening to support our teachers.

6) If questions or concerns arise, please talk openly with your child’s teacher as a primary problem-solving strategy.  A positive partnership between family and teacher is essential for a positive learning experience for your child.

 

The following is what we promise in return:

1) An outstanding education for all of our children.  We promise to focus on research-based “best practices” in both instruction and behavior supports.

2) Frequent communications concerning your child’s progress and school events.

3) A strong focus on moving every child “to standards and beyond” in all academic areas.  We also promise to celebrate/honor individual student’s growth as a valid and important measure of success.

4) Family access to our support staff if needed: our counselor, multi-disciplinary team, and academic support staff are here for students and families.

Together, we will provide the best education possible for your children.  I look forward to working closely with you throughout this school year.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Williams
Assistant Principal                      

                        

Class Lists

At the beginning of the each new school year we sometimes have changes to class lists based on enrollment. During the month of September, class lists are reviewed based on number of students in each class at each grade level. If classes are either too large or too small, we need to reconfigure to maintain balance. Accordingly, there may be changes to which teacher or classroom a student may have based on this process. Although it is always our hope not to make numerous adjustments, I wanted you to be aware that there is a possibility that this could occur. All class lists will be finalized by October 1^st.  Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and support. 

Front Office Hours:  8:15-4:10                       

Teacher Workday:  8:45-4:15            

Student Day:

Monday – Thursday Student Day: 9:15 a.m.- 3:45 p.m.

Friday - 9:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Bell and Recess Schedule:
Entry Bell: 9:10AM
Tardy Bell: 9:15AM
2nd Grade recess: 10:45AM-11:00AM
Kinder Lunch: 11:00AM-11:20AM
Kinder Recess: 11:20AM-11:40AM
1st Grade Lunch: 11:20AM-11:40AM
1st Grade Recess: 11:40AM-12:00PM
2nd Grade & IAC K-2nd Lunch: 11:40AM-12:00PM
2nd Grade & IAC K-2nd Recess: 12:00PM-12:20PM
3rd Grade & IAC 3rd-5th Lunch: 12:00PM-12:20PM
3rd Grade & IAC 3rd-5th Recess: 12:20PM-12:40PM
4th & 5th Grade Lunch: 12:20PM-12:40PM
4th & 5th Grade Recess: 12:40PM-1:00PM
1st Grade Recess: 2:00PM-2:15PM
3rd Grade Recess: 2:15PM-2:30PM
4th & 5th Grade Recess: 2:30PM-2:45PM
Dismissal bell: Mon.-Thurs. 3:45PM Fri. 2:15PM

Dolphin Pride

We communicate a weekly ABC focus through Monday morning announcements.  Classrooms will also have the opportunity to select a “Dolphin Pride Student of the Week” – a student who worked hard to exemplify the targeted behaviors/characteristics of that week. These students will also be recognized on Friday mornings announcements and will be invited to lead the Flag Salute and have their photo taken.

For remote learning recognition will sent out the following Monday.

Behavior expectations at Des Moines are guided by our ABC’s:

-          Always Try

-          Be Respectful and Responsible

-          Cooperate with Others

As a Positive Behavior Interventions/Support school, we work diligently to create a positive learning environment for all of our students, staff, and visitors.

The ABC’s are our behavior plan at Des Moines and will be discussed briefly each year prior to the beginning of the school year.  Students are taught at the beginning of the year and upon return from each major break (Winter, Mid-Winter and Spring), as well as other times as recommended by the PBIS Team.  The ABC’s of Des Moines are: Always try, Be Respectful and Responsible, and Cooperate with others.

Other School Rules

-          Please plan arrival time at school between 8:50 and 9:05 am.

-          Students will line up with their classes when the bell rings (9:10).

-          Gum, candy, toys (including widget spinners), and electronics are not allowed at school or in the bus line/on the bus. This includes smart phones/smart watches.

-          Cell phone and smart watch use is NOT permitted by students on school grounds, and phones, are brought to school at one’s own risk. Students are encouraged to leave cell phones at home.  If they are needed for any reason, they are to be stored in the child’s backpack and not seen or heard during the day.  If a cell phone is a disruption, it will be stored in the office until it can be picked up by a parent.  The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones.

Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying. Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

Learn More

Bicycles, Skateboards, and Scooters

Students in grades 4 and 5 may use bicycles or scooters as forms of transportation to and from school.  The items are to be walked or carried while on school grounds.  Please emphasize the importance of safety and talk with your child about safe riding habits.  Bikes and scooters must be secured in a campus bike rack with a personal lock.  Skateboards may be stored in the classroom or the office.  These items are brought to school at one’s own risk.  HELMETS MUST BE WORN by any student riding on a bicycle or scooter. Students should not share bicycles or scooters with others for risk of injury.  In-line skates, skate shoes and skateboards are not allowed on campus at any time.

Student Privacy/Social Media

To protect student privacy, please remember to follow these rules when you take photos at our school events:

1. Parents should take pictures of only their students and students whose parents they know.
2. Parents should check with their student’s teacher to see if any students in the class or event have photo restrictions on file.
3. If parents do take photos that include students that they do not know, we ask that they DO NOT share them on social medial. Instead, parents should share them privately.
4. Students are not allowed to use or bring electronics, toys or cameras to school. This includes spy watch video recorders or any form of recording devices.

Enrollment

Please enroll through ParentVUE, our online portal for families at https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/enrollment-transfers/student-enrollment .

Please upload the following documents to your registration: 

• Proof of age (birth certificate, hospital certificate or passport)
• Immunizations (transferred to our district form)
• Proof of Address (current utility bill, rental agreement or mortgage statement). If you are living with someone, a verification of residency form will need to be completed with the owner’s current utility bill attached. 

If you are unable to upload these documents, you can email them to the office at Mitzann.williams@highlineschools.org, Michele.simmons@highlineschools.org or Candy.yarbrough@highlineschools.org  or call 206.631.3700 to arrange to bring them in. The teacher will get a 24-hour notice before the student starts in the classroom.

Withdrawing for School

Please notify the office when you are aware that you will be withdrawing your student form school. This allows the school to give you information needed to successfully transition and enroll your student in the next school. 

Please remember:

• All library and school/district textbooks must be returned 
• All fines owed must be paid. Fines or fees will follow the student through to high school

Website

Go to: www.highlineschools.org then to schools, elementary, Des Moines. Find information on Fieldtrips, Schools News and more!

ParentVUE Portal

ParentVUE lets parents and guardians view their child’s assignments, grades and attendance, message teachers and review student information. You will be able to see records for all your children at any Highline school with a single login. You can also send messages in your own language, and they will be automatically translated.

We encourage you to keep your contact information up to date at all times. This includes your phone number, email address and mailing address. If your contact information changes, please update it within the ParentVue Online Portal.

To update the information, log into your ParentVUE account using an internet browser on a phone or laptop. In the upper right corner, you will see a tab titled Online Registration. Select this tab and follow the prompts to review and update information including your home address, phone number, emergency contact information and health information. This feature is not currently available through the ParentVUE mobile app, you must use an internet browser.

If you haven’t activated your ParentVUE account, contact your school office 

School Messenger

Using robocalls, text messages and emails, we keep families up to date with the latest information about their children's school. Check with our office to make sure your contact information is current in our student information system. Want phone calls for some messages, but only email or text messages for others? You can manage your communication preferences online:

• Visit go.schoolmessenger.com
• Select Sign Up on the top right of the page and create an account using the email on file at your child’s school
• After you log in, select 'Preferences' in the menu and update how we connect best with you!

If you are having difficulties logging in, make sure your email address is on file at your child's school. Check with your school office to make sure we have accurate information on file.

eFlyers

Paper flyers are now posted on our peachjar site. Make sure the email we have on file is your email of preference. These eFlyers can also be viewed by clicking on the eFlyers button that has been placed on each school's website homepage. This "green" initiative saves our schools tons of paper and reduce copy costs by thousands of dollars. 

No action is required on your part.  You do not need to login to receive or view eflyers.

This system is used exclusively for distribution of school-approved flyers. Your email address will not be shared or used for any other purpose. Thank you for helping us save time, money, and lots of trees!

The purpose of the dress code is to reinforce and uphold the idea that the Des Moines Elementary staff, students, and volunteers are involved in creating a positive environment for academic study.

Dress Guidelines

-          Shoes must be worn at all times.

-          Clothing must be clean and in good condition without tears, holes, or damage.

-          Pants must be hemmed and in good repair.  No cutoffs or frays.  Rips should not show more skin than the average pair of shorts.  Long pants must be off the ground.

-          Shorts, skirts and dresses are to be long enough to maintain modesty while standing or sitting. These items should reach mid- thigh.

-          Clothing must fit properly and be worn in the manner for which it was designed to be worn.

-          Shirts should meet the waistband of skirts or pants, even when students move or bend. Undergarments are to be covered at all times. 

-          Pants should not have to be held up with a hand when walking. The waistband of the pants must be worn at the waist.

-          Tank top straps must be at least two finger-widths wide – no “spaghetti strap” style tank tops or dresses.

-          Revealing clothing such as low cut shirts and blouses, half shirts, clothing made from “see through” material and clothing with cut outs are not allowed.  Modesty and good taste are required.

-          Clothing or tattooing with inappropriate language or any reference to tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or gang affiliation (including bandanas) is not allowed.

-          Wearing heavy chains such as wallet-waist attachments and other long, large, noisy items or inappropriate symbols is not allowed.

-          Hats and hoods are allowed outside, but not inside the building. Bandanas are not to be worn at school.

-          We discourage the use of face makeup for students.

Parents will be asked to bring a change of clothing if a student comes to school inappropriately dressed.

Weapons Policy

Under RCW9.41.280 it is a gross misdemeanor for any person (student, staff, parent, and patron) to carry a dangerous weapon,  firearm or related paraphernalia onto public school premises.  This includes school buses and non-school facilities.  Signs are posted indicating gun free zones.  This law also requires that a student who violates the statute follow regular due process to be expelled from all public schools in the state.  School administrators are required to notify law enforcement promptly of any violations of this law.

Pets on Campus

Unauthorized animals are not allowed on school grounds, as per School Board Policy.  Please leave pets at home when coming to school to visit, volunteer, or drop off/pick up your child.

Homework Policy

The statement below expresses the general purpose, guidelines, and philosophy of homework at Des Moines Elementary in accordance with School Board Policy.   Specific homework routines and procedures are established by each classroom teacher.

Philosophy and Purpose of Homework: 

 Instill in the student the willingness to accept responsibilities for his/her own learning, including the responsibility for completing work not finished in class and make-up work for time missed.

 

• Provide a means for children to practice and reinforce what they have learned.
• Supplements and extends individual interests.

Although it is clear that children benefit from study at home, it is important that elementary children have time for play and family activities. Family times for reading together, playing games, talking together, participating in sports and other child-related activities are an important part of a child’s life. During the school year, homework assigned will emphasize reading.  Other subjects, including math, will also be reinforced through daily/weekly homework assignments. Every classroom at every grade level will have reading as homework Monday through Thursday (a minimum of 20 minutes nightly).   Additional work should take a total of approximately 10 minutes per grade level (ie- 10 minutes in grades K and 1, 30 minutes in 3^rd, etc.) per night.  If you find your child is spending significantly more time completing homework on a regular basis, please consult with your child’s teacher.

*Teachers are not required to provide student work for vacations taken during the school year.

 

Please know that classroom and office phones are intended for adult use for school business. Therefore, student use will be limited to emergencies only.  Students will NOT be allowed to call home for permission to go to a friend’s house or other similar types of reasons.  These types of arrangements should be made at home the night before.

Cell phone and smart watch use is NOT permitted by students on school grounds, and phones, are brought to school at one’s own risk. Students are encouraged to leave cell phones at home.  If they are needed for any reason, they are to be stored in the child’s backpack and not seen or heard during the day. Students may only use their cell phone after school dismissal when off campus.  If a cell phone is a disruption, it will be stored in the office until it can be picked up by a parent.  The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones.

Students are not allowed to use or bring electronics, toys or cameras to school. This includes spy watch video recorders or any form of recording devices.

Student Privacy/Social Media

To protect student privacy, please remember to follow these rules when you take photos at our school events:

1. Parents should take pictures of only their students and students whose parents they know.
2. Parents should check with their student’s teacher to check for any students in the class or event that may have photo restrictions.
3. If parents do take photos that include students that they do not know, we ask that they DO NOT share them on social medial. Instead, parents should share them privately.
4. Students are not allowed to use or bring electronics, toys or cameras to school. This includes spy watch video recorders or any form of recording devices.

Visitors and Volunteers

We love our visitors & volunteers!  When arriving to campus, always make sure to stop in the main office first to sign in on the visitor IPad and get a visitor’s badge.  While we may know many of you, some of our students or other visitors may not.  Volunteers are required to have a clearance form on file.  Please check with the school office to ensure your forms are up to date.  When visiting your child’s classroom, please be conscious of instruction and make arrangements with the classroom teacher ahead of time. Volunteers on fieldtrips should make other arrangements for siblings as they are not allowed on fieldtrips.

 

The habit of regular and punctual attendance is strongly related to student success. We ask that you help your child to acquire good work habits. The school reserves the right to call and validate the excuse and call a conference (please see the following “Becca Bill” information next pages).

Absences

Parents are to notify the school either by email, please send to michele.simmons@highline schools.org and cc: candy.yarbrough@highlineschools.org  prior to absence or call 206-631-3700 by 9:30 AM each day your child is absent. Please send a note when the student returns to school indicating the reason for absence as back up for the cum file. If you find that your child must be absent for an extended period of time, please inform your child’s teacher and the office. Keep in mind that vacation during the school year is no longer considered excused by the state of Washington. It can be pre-planned, discussed and assessed by the principal for approval with a vacation pre- approval form.

Late Arrivals

Tardiness not only causes disruption in the classroom but also means the students miss out on instructional time and opportunity.  Students who arrive at school late for any reason other than excused illness, medical or dental appointments will be considered “unexcused” and may be asked to make up missed work during recess.    Parents should accompany their tardy student and sign them in at the school office where they will get an admission slip to class.  If you are unable to accompany your child, please send a note with your child and remind them to report directly to the office.

Early Dismissals

We discourage requests for students to leave campus early except in case of illness or for medical/dental appointments. In the event that early dismissal is necessary, please send a note stating the time you will be picking your child up. Upon arrival on campus you need to come to the school office to sign out your student.  You will be required to show picture ID to sign your student out.  Do not go to the child’s classroom. The office staff will locate your child. These procedures are for the safety and security of our children.

Please make sure to communicate ahead of the early dismissal with your child’s teacher.  This can be done via email, phone or note.

Consider utilizing our early dismissal on Fridays for scheduling appointments.    Then your child will not miss valuable instruction time.

Messages/Change of Plans

The main office is very busy, particularly just prior to dismissal.  We are not always able to accommodate requests to relay personal messages to students, changes regarding pick up/ meeting times and places.  These details need to be established at home, prior to your student’s arrival at school.  We ask that you refrain from calling for these reasons unless it is an emergency and in that case please call in early on that day to give the office ample time deliver the message.

Breakfast and Lunch

Student Breakfast Full Price = $1.75

Student Breakfast Reduced Price = No Charge with approved meal application

Adult = $2.75

Milk Only = $0.50 / Soy or Lactose Free Milk = $.75

Student Lunch Full Price = $3.00

Student Lunch Reduced Price (All Levels) = No Charge with approved meal application     

Adult with milk = $4.00

 

Add money to a student’s Highline Public Schools meal account with a computer, smart phone or mobile device at www.mymealtime.com .  You will need to have your child’s Student identification Number to deposit money in their account.  Please contact the office for their Student Identification Number from the phone number that we have on file so we can verify identity for confidentiality reasons.

 

Alternatively, checks can be sent to school and be made out for any amount and should be made payable to Des Moines Elementary School.  Please do not put your child’s pin number on the check, as they should be kept private.  We do ask that you write your child’s full name and room number on the check.  If you want to pay for more than one child on the same check, write all names and room numbers.  When your account runs low, your child will receive a reminder from our school cashier.

 

For more information visit https://www.highlineschools.org/departments/nutrition-services. Monthly lunch menus are also available at this site.

 

Lost and Found

Please mark all your child’s personal belongings with his or her name.  All found items will be held on the stage in the Multi-Purpose room (smaller or more valuable items may be held in the school office).  Items not claimed in a timely manner will be donated to a local shelter 3 times per year after each quarter ends. Please check the lost and found areas for any lost items as soon as possible!

Medicine at School

A child taking medication at school must have a “Medical Authorization” form completed and signed by the medical provider.  The medication must be kept and dispensed from the office by trained office/clinic staff only.  This includes cough drops and aspirin, even if the parent has made a personal request. While on a fieldtrip, only the teacher or the parent of that specific student (if chaperoning on the trip) can dispense the authorized medication.

Closed Campus

Students are not to leave school grounds unless a parent/guardian or sibling over 18 signs them out in the office.  If a student is signed out, the office will notify the teacher. Under-aged older siblings that are picking up after school must wait off campus.

RULER is an approach to integrate social and emotional learning in ways that promote student growth by simultaneously enhancing the emotional skills of the students and adults involved in their education and creating an optimal learning environment. RULER teaches the skills of emotional intelligence—those associated with Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotion. The four pillars, or “Anchor Tools” of RULER are: the Charter, the Mood Meter, the Meta-Moment, and the Blueprint.

Behavior expectations at Des Moines are guided by our ABC’s:

-          Always Try

-          Be Respectful and Responsible

-          Cooperate with Others

As a Positive Behavior Interventions/Support school, we work diligently to create a positive learning environment for all of our students, staff, and visitors.

The ABC’s are our behavior plan at Des Moines and will be discussed briefly each year prior to the beginning of the school year.  Students are taught at the beginning of the year and upon return from each major break (Winter, Mid-Winter and Spring), as well as other times as recommended by the PBIS Team.  The ABC’s of Des Moines are: Always try, Be Respectful and Responsible, and Cooperate with others.

DISCIPLINE

School-wide discipline is everyone’s responsibility.  To that end, we encourage parents, teachers and students to talk about and work together to solve problems.  Our goal is to “catch kids doing the right thing.”  Dealing with student behavior is an opportunity to teach. School rules are our ABC’s (see below) and should be reviewed periodically.

 

When a student needs to visit the principal for repeated violations, please remember:

·         The teacher will make every attempt to solve the problem.

·         The principal will know the circumstances of the problem.

·         The principal will know what past problems have occurred and what actions have been taken.

 

Printable Document: BehaviorMatrix.pdf

Drop Off / Pick Up / Parking Lot Etiquette

Please help ensure the safety of all our children and minimize traffic congestion adhering to the following procedures. If you do live on a bus line, we strongly encourage the use of bus transportation to cut down on the number of cars at arrival and dismissal.

Parents/guardians who drive their children to and from school are expected to abide by the following expectations:

Morning Arrival/Drop Off: 

• Arrival time is between 8:45 and 9:15am (there is no supervision before 8:45). Please make every effort to be on time. students may be dropped off in the drop off zone in front of the school off 16^th. There is NO PARKING or WAITING in this area and we ask that cars move all the way to the drop-off zone before allowing children to exit the car.
• Drop-off / Pick-up lane is ONE WAY – single lane.

·         Please have your child ready to exit the car QUICKLY on the passenger side, take care of the hugs and kisses before you get in the car at home.

• To park & walk to school: Family parking is located south of the school off 240^th. (see map on next page). We discourage parking along 240^th or 16^th and in the surrounding neighborhoods.  Students WILL NOT be allowed to cross the street on their own, unless in designated crosswalks.
• Students walking to school must use designated crosswalks and safe walking paths (see map on next page).
• Upon arrival, student is to go directly to the cafeteria if eating breakfast at school or straight to the blacktop area on the playground or covered area if not having breakfast.

Afternoon Dismissal:

·         Dismissal is 3:45pm except Friday dismissal is 2:15pm. If you arrive before dismissal (3:45, or 2:15 Fridays) we recommend parking in the family parking lot off 240^th and walking to the school entrance.  You may line up in que in the drop off/pick up zone but are not allowed to leave your vehicle unattended.

• We encourage parents to utilize the parking lot on 240^th to park and pick up students.
• Students are to be dropped off and picked up within the drop-off / pick-up zone only. Always pull forward to fill gaps between cars.
• Students are instructed to remain on the balcony until their ride is in the zone. We will not allow students to walk across the parking lot or drive-thru to meet their ride.
• Drivers must remain in their cars unless parked in a designated parking space.
• Do not park behind other cars parked in a designated parking space. Back up cautiously; there are many people coming and going.
• No cell phone use while in the drive thru.
• Cars are not allowed in the bus loop or staff parking lots at any time.

 

Do not park in the in the bus loop or staff parking lots to pick-up or drop-off students.

The back lots and bus zone are designated for Highline School District faculty, staff, buses and visiting nurses ONLY.

The parking lot off 240^th may be used by visitors and families of Des Moines Elementary.

Drive Through Map

Des Moines Elementary Agreement for Success 2020-21

Please take time to read over this agreement with your child, print and sign the document attached and return to your teacher.

- We have read and discussed the 2020-21 Des Moines Elementary Family Handbook, and understand the school and district policies outlined.

- We understand the ABC’s of Des Moines Elementary:  Always Try, Be Respectful and Responsible, and Cooperate with Others

-  We are committed to doing our part to ensure a successful 2020-21 school year!

 

As a Student…

At home I will:

-          Have a good night’s sleep, dress properly for school, and eat breakfast.

-          Unload my backpack and give important papers to my family.

-          Cooperate with adults and complete my homework.

 

At school I will:

-          Follow the ABC’s.

-          Come to school regularly and on time.

-          Respect others and their property.

-          Refuse to bully others or let others be bullied.

-          Follow school and classroom rules.

-          Solve problems in an appropriate way.

-          Ask for help if I can’t do it on my own.

-          Strive to do my very best.

-          Listen carefully.

-          Complete my work on time.  

As a Parent/Guardian…

At Home I will:

-          Read TO my child, read WITH my child, and listen to my child read

-          Provide my child space, supplies, and time to complete homework.

-          Sign off on required forms.

-          Ensure adequate rest and nutrition.

-          Support the idea that school is my child’s “work place”, and is a priority.

-          Make learning a family responsibility.

-          Support the discipline and citizenship efforts of the school.

 

At school I will:

-          Provide necessary supplies (ie backpack, pencils, etc.).

-          Make regular, on time attendance at school a priority.

-          Prioritize attendance at school functions (conferences, curriculum night, music performances, etc.)

-          Communicate openly with the school about any concerns or situations at home  that may affect my child

As a staff Member…

I will:

-          Provide consistent and clear expectations.

-          Provide a safe and caring environment to learn.

-          Respect and learn from different cultures, personalities, and learning styles of each child.

-          Provide reasonable and meaningful homework.

-          Communicate any concerns to family members at the earliest possible time.

-          Expect the best for and from all students.

-          Continually update my skills in order to help all students be successful.

-          Make learning enjoyable.

-          Teach what is expected to be taught at each grade level (State and District Standards)

Des Moines 2020-21 Agreement for Success

20-21StudentCalendar_.doc