2015 SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2016

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission at Pleasant Glade Elementary is to work with our community to ensure all students

master high academic and social standards

1920 Abernethy Rd. NE

Lacey, WA 98516 (360) 412-4620

Pleasant Glade

Elementary

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL…

Dear Parents, Students and Community,

Welcome back to Pleasant Glade Elementary. I hope your summer has been full of fun adven-

tures and wonderful books. We are looking forward to a great year at PGE and hope you will

join us on our journey.

Our mission at Pleasant Glade Elementary is to work with our community as important part-

ners, ensuring all students master high academic and social standards as well as maximize their

potential as unique learners.

We believe that the road to college for every Panther begins at Pleasant Glade Elementary. Our

staff is skilled and cares greatly about providing the best education possible to our students.

Every staff person is responsible for the success of every student. Teachers create lessons that

are exciting and meaningful which helps students to succeed academically. Our staff takes the

time to get to know each student as an individual, fostering a climate of care, respect, and com-

passion. Our staff is dedicated to looking for the positive in each child and celebrating success.

We thank you in advance for your help and support this year. We encourage you to join us on

our journey to college by getting engaged and staying informed. Staff welcomes volunteers

knowing that together we can make a difference for all of our students. Every staff member is

here to assist you. Please call us with your questions, ideas, and concerns. Together we will

ensure our students are safe, learn each and every day, and enjoy

their time as a proud Panther.

Sincerely,

Andrew E. Pitman Proud PGE Principal

Telephone and Personnel Directory

Main Office ………...……..360/412-4620

Principal ………..Mr. Andrew E. Pitman

Office Professionals ……...Ms. Linda Montgomery & Ms. Lorrie Richmond

Counselor ……...…...…..Ms. Alice Curtis

General Assistant ……….....Ms. Mona Michaelis

Custodian ………...…..Mr. Will Frazier & Mr. Kam Sopraseuth

Behavior Assistant …….…Ms. Margaret Douglas

Nurse …..…Ms. Susan Zoccola, R..N.

Health Room Assistant …………....…Ms. Fabby Perea

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS NTPS District Office ………………360/412-4400

Transportation ……………....360/412-4540

Special Education/Student Support ……….……...360/412-4466

NORTH THURSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEBSITE:

www.nthurston.k12.wa.us

Please keep your child’s blue card updated to we know who may/may not pick up your child from school. For the

safety of Pleasant Glade students, students will not be

released to anyone not listed on the Blue Emergency Card.

Welcome to Pleasant Glade Elementary

Proud Home of the Panthers Welcome to what will be a fabulous year here at

Pleasant Glade Elementary! The staff and students have

enjoyed a terrific start to the school year. We look forward

to watching the tremendous successes that will come from

your Panther. Pleasant Glade has a rich history of school

pride and well respected students. As a part of making that

history, we encourage you to get involved and stay

informed about ways you can support PGE and your

child’s learning.

2015-2016 Building Hours

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m – 3:30 p.m

School Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Early Release: 8:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Half Day: 8:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

In case of inclement weather

Important Radio Stations: KGY 1240AM,

96.9FM or Mixx 96.1FM

TV Stations: Channel 4, 5, 7, or 13

NTPS will activate the School Messenger Phone

System

to notify families of school delays or closures.

You may also check the North Thurston Public Schools Website

at: www.nthurston.k12.wa.us

Pleasant Glade Mascot - The Panther School Colors: Purple and Yellow

Absences

Call the school office, or report your child’s absence

online at www.nthurston.k12.wa.us/pleasantglade

Good attendance is essential for students to learn. Students must come to

school in accordance with the State Attendance Law. At PGE, we value

learning. Verification of student absences is a check on a student’s safe

arrival at school. Parents/guardians are required to send a note explaining

the reason for each absence. The note should include the day of

absence, nature of illness and the parent/guardian signature. We would

appreciate a call to the office the day of the absence. We are required to

document absences and follow procedures when excessive or unexcused

absences or late arrivals occur.

Tardy Policy

The Pleasant Glade school day starts at 8:15 am!

It is very important that students are in their classroom when the second bell

rings at 8:15am everyday. When students are tardy to school it impacts not

only the student arriving late but all other students in the class. Instructional

time is lost when teachers are interrupted by late students. Unexcused

absences will be dealt with following the State

guidelines, which are available in the office. The policy

outlines the procedures for addressing unexcused

absences. Parent(s) and student(s) must report directly

to the office if they arrive to school late. Please walk

your child into the office to sign your student in.

Planned Absences

Please complete a pre-planned absence form if you know in advance your

child will be absent. We encourage regular attendance and hope you will

limit vacations and appointments to outside the regular scheduled school

days whenever possible.

Early Student Dismissal

At PGE we make every moment valuable. Students who arrive late or leave

early disrupt the flow of the classroom for all students. We

ask for your assistance in this matter by making every

effort to arrange appointments on non-school days to

allow your child to have every opportunity to be engaged

in learning. If a student needs to be dismissed early from

school, he or she must bring a note from home signed by

the parent. (A phone call from the student’s parent is also acceptable).

When the student’s parent arrives at school he or she must come to the

office to sign the student out. Elementary schools are closed campuses

and students may not leave the school grounds unless due authorization

has been given by the principal or by his designee.

Upon reentering school the parent and student must report directly to the

school office and notify the office staff that he or she has returned by

signing in. Following this notification he or she may report to his or her

class.

Visiting School

Parents are welcome and

encouraged to visit PGE. For

the protection of children, all

parents are required to check

in at the school office when

coming to school. Every

visitor must wear a visitor

badge. If you are not

wearing a visitor badge you

will be asked to return to the

office to receive one. For

liability reasons and

interruptions to the

educational process, we

cannot allow friends or

relatives of our children to

visit the classroom or to go on

field trips. Thank you for

keeping Pleasant Glade

Elementary a positive,

productive, and safe place to

learn.

When visiting a room, look

for the following points,

which are indicators of your

child’s success in school.

Ability to listen

Independent work

habits

Success while working

with others in group

activities

General attitude (is

your child happy and

well adjusted?)

Attitude toward

suggestions or

comments by the

teacher

Willingness to

cooperate and share

Changes in Routine

All students must have a note if they are going to be doing anything

different from their normal after-school routine. The notes will be sent to

the office and a dismissal slip will be given to the student. If a student

does not have a note we will assume he/she should follow their normal

routine.

Accidents - Illness

If a child is ill or injured at school, he/she will be given

first aid treatment and parents may be called. If parents

cannot be reached at home, the “emergency contacts”

listed on the blue “Emergency Card” will be called.

Please let the school office know when this

information changes. If no one is available to come

for your child, we will use our best judgment on whether to call a doctor

or to keep the child in the nurse’s office.

All illnesses and accidents receiving care through the health room will be

documented. An accident report may be completed depending on the

nature of the injury.

If your child experiences diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever above 100

degrees, please keep your child home until at least 24 hours after

symptoms are gone. Unless excused by a note, every student in

attendance is expected to participate in all school activities including

recess.

Medication

Washington State Statute (RCW28A210.260) defines the parameters for

giving medication in the public schools. Any medication, even over the

counter, requires a form from the physician if a child is to

take medication at school. These forms are available from the

school health room. Both physician and parent permission is

required before medication will be given.

MCKINNEY-VENTO

(HOMELESS) ACT

Students who are homeless

or who are in transitional

housing may be entitled to

certain services from the

school district. Please

contact the school counselor

for additional information on

the McKinney-Vento Act.

Moving? Let us know!

Change of Address

Students must submit a change of address and tele-phone number upon mov-ing. Parents must provide the office with current home and work numbers.

Breakfast and Lunch Program

Breakfasts and hot lunches are available to PGE students.

Your student may be eligible for our free and reduced meal program.

Please contact the PGE front office for more information.

Meal Prices

Breakfast $1.60

Reduced Breakfast FREE

Milk $0.50

Lunch $2.75

Reduced Lunch (K-3) FREE

Reduced Lunch (4-12) $0.40

We recommend that you pre-pay for meal purchases via:

e-Funds for Schools

Cash sent to school with your student

Check sent to school with your student

You may view your student’s meal account balance and purchase activity using e-

Funds for Schools through FAMILY ACCESS on the NTPS website. The system

is user friendly, gives you the flexibility to make payments 24 hours a day, and will

notify you when your student has a low lunch account balance.

MORNING

DROP-OFF RULES

Please drop-off and pick-up your

student at the front entrance to our

school everyday. Do not drop-off your

student in the morning before 7:50am.

Please DO NOT park in the back of

the building, it will interfere with our

bus service. Thank you!

PGE Staff TAP- Ms. Maasjo K- Ms. Black Ms. Lippert Ms. Pawlik Ms. Riedl 1st- Ms. Brown Ms. Shellgren Ms. Trotter Ms. Isaacson Ms. Williams 2nd- Ms. Bowden Ms. Larson Ms. Metzger Ms. Statler 3rd- Ms. Mortinson Ms. Brandenburg Ms. Hill Ms. Hitchman 4th- Ms. Brennan Ms. Campbell Ms. Ramsey 5th- Mr. Brandenburg Mr. Landers Ms. Wyatt

Homework Philosophy

And Purpose

As an extension of classroom work,

homework fosters development of

independence, self-discipline and

responsibility, and may conserve class time for those lessons better

taught with close teacher guidance and supervision.

The intent of homework is to provide an appropriate challenge for

students of all abilities, recognizing individual and group needs.

This guideline is to emphasize the importance of homework, not to

insist on a preset number of hours per grade level or class.

Definition of Homework: Homework may be defined as school

work tasks to be done on a student’s own time. Homework is

expected at both elementary and secondary levels. It represents

opportunities for:

Practice or drill for skills or concepts already taught

Completion of assigned work not finished in class

Extension or transfer of a skill or concept to a new situation

Preparation for material to be presented or taught

subsequently

Creativity requiring integration of many skills and concepts

Student Recognition

All PGE staff seek to acknowledge students who exhibit “Panther-

ific” behaviors and actions. Students receive PAWS tickets signed

by staff members identifying their positive actions and behaviors

that follow our PAWS principles of...

Practice Safety

Act Responsibly

Work Together

Show Respect Students place these slips into a designated

box by the library. Throughout the year, tick-

ets are drawn for prizes and other special activities.

PGE Staff Specialists- Ms. Waldon - Music Ms. Hales - Library Mr. Emmons - P.E. Ms. Collins -Art

Band- Mr. Johnson

Orchestra- Mr. Sears

ESL- Mr. Bailey Ms. Beacon

Learning Support/Title 1- Ms. Sebring Ms. Johnson Ms. Annis Ms. Barklow Ms. McLaughlin Ms. Milholland

Resource/Success Plus- Ms. Solomon Ms. De la Cruz Ms. Worth Ms. Dunsmoor

Mentoring/Home Visitor- Ms. Girard

Primary TAP - Ms. Clark Ms. Brett

Library- Mrs. Avery

Itinerant Faculty- Ms. Lapastora, Psychologist Mr. Van Dusen, PT Ms. Hewitt, Speech Ms. Reimer, OT

Playground- Ms. Michaelis Ms. Fox

Food Service Staff- Ms. Clayville Mrs. Bigler

Demonstrating

The Panther Way

Everyday!

At Pleasant Glade, we expect every child everyday to

demonstrate the “Panther Way.” The Panther Way

represents our four PAWS principles that help promote a

positive atmosphere for teaching and learning.

Practice Safety

Act Responsibly

Work Together

Show Respect

All students at Pleasant Glade receive ongoing instruction in

appropriate behavior throughout the school. Adults teach,

model and practice the Panther Way in all environments at

PGE, including the classroom, playground, and assemblies.

Ms. Douglas and Ms. Curtis provide direct instruction to

students in all grades. They teach students appropriate ways

to handle conflicts, manage emotions, and make friends.

Please contact Ms. Curtis if your child is struggling with

emotional or social issues. She can connect you with

community resources for assistance.

If your child expresses concern about an incident at school,

please contact the classroom teacher. Your child’s teacher

wants to know about problems and will work with you to

resolve the situation. Working together as a team, we can

create a positive learning environment for all students.

Emergency Preparedness

At Pleasant Glade, your child’s safety is our top priority.

We have developed comprehensive coordinated plans with

Thurston County Emergency Responders as well as the City

of Lacey to ensure PGE is prepared for any situation. Each

month, your child will practice at least one of the following

emergency drills.

Earthquake with Evacuation

Fire

Full School-wide Lockdown

Partial School-wide Lockdown

Behavior Expectations

And Responses

Classroom Rules:

Each classroom will develop their

own rules to follow during the

year. These rules support the

school-wide rules. Students are

expected to behave respectfully

throughout the school.

Inappropriate Behavior:

Students behaving inappropriately in school will be asked

the following questions:

1. What are you doing?

2. What are you supposed to do?

3. Were you doing it?

4. What are you going to do now?

Students are expected to respond appropriately and change

their behavior.

Progressive Discipline

Depending on the severity of the infraction or the number of

times the student has behaved inappropriately, progressive

consequences may result in one or more of the following:

Loss of recess privileges

Parent contact

Office referral

Student/parent/principal conference

Loss of participation in an event

School/community service

In-school suspension

Suspension

Expulsion

If you have any questions regarding your student’s behavior

at school, please contact your student’s teacher.

VOLUNTEERS

HELP MAKE

PLEASANT GLADE

GREAT!

Volunteers are essential for the

success of every student at PGE. We

invite all parents and community

members to join us!

All volunteers must complete a

Volunteer Application and be cleared

through the District and the school

office before volunteering. Our

building volunteer coordinator for the

2015-2016 school year is Leah Clark,

parent volunteer here at Pleasant

Glade.

We have a positive and strong

volunteer program at PGE. Some of

the opportunities to volunteer are:

Classroom Help

Mentoring

Library

Workroom

Field Trips

Please join us! The students need your

help! Please contact Mrs. Clark at

pleasantgladevc@nthurston.k12.wa.

us if you are interested in

volunteering.

Panther Projects

Student activities and awards

at Pleasant Glade Elementary

are designed to provide

incentive for increased student

achievement, to foster school

spirit, to involve students in

the school, and to recognize

those accomplishments of

which we can be proud.

Clubs and Activities

Leaders of Learning Mighty Milers

Food 2 Flowers Leadership

Garden Helper Reading Buddies

5th Grade Track Team

Pleasant Glade PTA

Our Pleasant Glade Elementary PTA offers some

wonderful enrichment programs, but these programs are

possible only with the support of our cherished

volunteers. There are opportunities for you to volunteer

a little of your time and be a part of your child’s

elementary school memories. You can choose to

volunteer at PGE or from home - there are lots of ways

we can use your help!

Here are some of our PTA-sponsored activities:

Fall Festival Evening of the Arts

Field Day Fundraising

Monthly Movie Nights Staff Appreciation Events

To inquire about any of our programs, volunteering, or

simply to put your name on our e-mail list for upcoming

events, please send an e-mail to membership:

Contact our PTA President:

Samantha Hansen shansen0210@yahoo.com

We’d love to have you join us - we promise a very rewarding experience!

Go Panthers!

Volunteers

Needed at

Pleasant Glade

Elementary!

Whether it’s an hour a day

or an hour a week -

We can use your help!

We Love Volunteers - Help out at school or at home!

- In a Classroom - Mentoring - In the Workroom

- In the Library - Field Trips - PTA Activities: Fall Festival,

Fundraising, Movie Nights, Field Day

Get started today! Go to: http://www.nthurston.k12.wa.us/volunteer

to complete your

volunteer application Questions? Contact 360/412-4418 for assistance

All NTPS volunteers MUST complete the volunteer application