McCollom's Parent and Student Handbook

Welcome to McCollom Elementary School. We are excited to work with you to create a positive learning environment for you and your family. The purpose of this handbook is to inform parents and students of important policies, procedures, and information relating to McCollom.

McCollom's Office Hours: 8:00AM-4:30PM

First Bell: 8:50AM          Second Bell: 9:00AM          Dismissal: 4:10PM

IF YOU DON’T READ ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS HANDBOOK…

• It is vitally important for all children to attend the full school day every day! Students who habitually arrive late and/or leave early miss valuable instructional time!

• Parents should call as early as possible the day a child will be late or is absent. Attendance calls should be made prior to 10:30 AM. Leave a message on voicemail if no one is available to answer the phones.

 • Parents must update address and emergency contact information every time such information changes.

• There is no supervision before or after school for children other than those enrolled in the McCollom School Age Program (Latchkey).

• Students are not permitted to possess medication at school.

• Children will imitate their parents and adults in their lives. Thank you for showing respect for our school, the rules, and our employees. By doing so, you are a role model for all our students.

• Anyone going beyond the office needs to bring in a valid driver’s license or ID that will be screened by our HALL PASS system. A badge will be provided to wear while in the building.

You want this year to be your child’s best year in school, but how do you help? Make sure your child is in school – every day!

According to the Kansas Compulsory School Attendance Law, as parents you are responsible for ensuring your child regularly attends school Below are the school, district and state laws and policies regarding attending expectations.

When a student is unable to attend school, please call the office at (316)973-0350. Please leave the student’s name, teacher’s name, and reason for being absent. Being on time is an important life skill. When students are late for school, they miss important instructional time. School begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. will be counted tardy. Unexcused absences will receive a call from Parent Link.

 3,5,7 Rule- Students who are inexcusably absent (unexcused) for 3 consecutive days, 5 days in a semester, or 7 days in a school year (whichever comes first), are considered to be truant. In accordance with the Kansas Compulsory Attendance Law, truant students will be reported to the Department of Children and Families.

Student Illness Policy- A student is allowed 12 student illness days per year. Once a student accumulates 12 illness days, a doctor’s note is required to excuse all future absences due to illness. A student's absence will be marked as unexcused until a doctor’s note is received, and the 3, 5, 7 rule will be applied when necessary.

Definition of Excused Absence A student’s absence is considered unexcused unless he/she has a valid excuse. A valid excuse for absence is defined as:

• Medical/dental appointment: doctor’s note required for excusal

• Student illness: only allowed 12 per school year

 • Prior approval by school principal: form must be completed prior to your absence, and the principal will determine if this will be excused or not

Medical /Dental- A student’s absence will be marked medical / dental upon the receipt of a note from the physician verifying the office visit/ illness. Without a doctor’s note, any reported absences / late arrivals due to medical and dental appointments will be recorded as student illness, unless the student has already accumulated 12 illness days. It is best practice to always bring a note after having medical or dental appointments.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures:

• Arrival: Teachers are on duty beginning at 8:50 a.m. when the first school bell rings. Students not enrolled in Latchkey will not be supervised before 8:50. The school day officially starts at 9:00 a.m.
• Dismissal: School is dismissed at 4:10 p.m. For the safety of our students, we ask that parents wait outside for students to be dismissed. Students will be dismissed in designated grade-level areas with their teachers. Any student not picked up by 4:20 p.m. will need to be picked up and signed out in the office.
• Walker arrival and dismissal: Walk to assigned grade level area / cohort location which will be designated by signs.
• Car Drop Off and Pick Up: Grades Kdg-5th will drop off and pick up in the front of the building. Please place list of students picking up with grade level on a sheet of paper in the front passenger wind shield. Drivers remain in their vehicles when dropping off or picking up student(s). Drive South to drop off/pick up each student at designated grade level area. Pull forward to “communication zone” Before moving the “pick up” zone”. Teacher will check with students Before they move to vehicle. Move indirection of arrows, following cones (U-turns are prohibited). Be patient and careful as you pull away from dropping off/ picking up your student. Taking a few extra minutes to follow procedures correctly may save the life of a student! Pre-kdg & Mixed Abilities students arrive/ dismiss in the back of the building due to buses. In case of severe weather, the students will remain in the building and staff will communicate to send out your students when you arrive to pick them up.

Breakfast Schedule:

Grab & Go breakfast will be served daily in your student’s classroom at 9:00. Please refrain from bringing outside breakfast into the school. If you prefer for your child to eat a different breakfast, have them eat before arriving.

Lunch Schedule

With 20 minutes in the lunchroom and 20 minutes at recess students have a 40-minute lunch period each day. If you would like to take your child to lunch, please come to the office and sign them out during their regularly scheduled lunchtime. Please have ID available for HALL pass when you enter the building.

Behavior Expectations:

McCollom staff support students in utilizing a consistent approach to classroom management designed to reduce student misbehavior, increase responsible behavior, and increase motivation.

CHAMPS:

The CHAMPS model is a proactive, positive, and instructional approach that is utilized throughout the district and building. CHAMPS ensures we understand expectations and we are all successful. 

B.U. F. F. S. Guidelines for Success:

McCollom is committed to having a school environment that is focused on high academic and behavioral standards.

• Be Respectful and Responsible

     • Be respectful, on time, work hard and be safe.

• Use Kind Words and Actions

     • Be kind and considerate of others’ thoughts, feelings, and belongings.

• Focus on Doing Your Best

     • Be responsible for your behavior.

• Focus on a Positive Attitude

     • Demonstrate a growth mindset and a positive attitude.

 • Strive for success

     • Follow school rules and procedures.

Positive Behavior Support:

McCollom staff strives to support students in developing and learning social, emotional, and behavioral competence. As a staff, we will develop positive, predictable, and safe environments that promote strong interpersonal relationships with students through teaching, modeling, and encouragement.

Some examples of these supports include:

● Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum

● Restorative Practice

 ● Confetti Wall

● Individual classroom initiatives

The McCollom staff is committed to ongoing partnerships with families to develop positive behavior for lifelong success. Communication between the staff and families is an essential component for individual student success. Thank you for supporting your child and the McCollom staff in these efforts.

Dress Code: McCollom parents and staff have voted for a standardize dress policy. Below is a helpful chart. You may also stop by the office to pick up a copy of the policy.

Pants/Shorts/Skirts/Jumpers: Khaki or Navy Blue

Shirts/Blouses (must have collar): Red, Navy Blue, Light Blue, or White

Socks/Tights/Leggings: Red, Navy Blue, Light Blue, White

Sweaters/Cardigans (Sweaters and Cardigans worn in the classroom must be solid uniform color. Only graphics/images allowed are McCollom's graphics or logos): Red, Navy Blue, Light Blue, or White

FRIDAY'S ONLY: McCollom T-shirt's, McCollom Sweatshirts, and Jeans, Collegiate T-shirts, Collegiate Sweatshirts and Jeans, or Standard Uniform.

McCollom STANDARDIZED DRESS CODE (pursuant to Board Policy P1474 and P1475)

Prefatory Statement: The McCollom Standardized Dress Code serves: i. To promote a positive school climate and learning environment that enhances academic achievement. ii. To value students for their character, by providing an equal socio-economic footing for all and eliminating "label competition." iii. To foster a school’s sense of "community" by enhancing self-respect, school pride and students’ self-esteem. iv. To lessen disruptions in the classroom. v. To increase campus safety and security by, among other things, making the presence of intruders immediately apparent. vi. To minimize costs to families and students.

Requirements of the Dress Code: All students attending Wichita Public Schools must comply with the general dress code requirements of Board Policy P1474. Additionally, because McCollom Elementary has adopted a standard dress code, clothing for students attending McCollom Elementary must also conform to the following requirements: a. Shirts – Plain Red, Navy, Light blue or White polo shirt b. Pants- Khaki or Navy Pants c. Skirts and Shorts- Khaki or Navy shorts and skirts that pass mid-thigh d. Tights, leggings, socks- Red, Navy, Light Blue, White e. Sweaters - Plain Red, Navy, Light blue or White f. Sweatshirts- McCollom or plain standardized color to wear over polo g. Fridays- Any McCollom T-shirt or College shirt and jeans (Blue Denim) h. Large Logos, pictures, writing on clothing not permitted i. Student dress on free dress days will remain subject to the provisions of P1475, concerning non-standard dress codes.

Exceptions: Wichita Public Schools and McCollom Elementary are committed to maintaining an environment that is free of discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, religion, disability or sex in all ways, including the administration of this dress code. The building principal may permit reasonable exceptions to a Standardized Dress Code that do not result in a burden to the school, such as a disruption of the learning environment. Exceptions shall be permitted in order to accommodate disabilities, medical conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs. Any request for an exception must be supported by documentation. Documentation submitted in support of a request for an exception to a Standardized Dress Code must (i) be authentic, (ii) identify the student, (iii) identify the exception(s) sought, and (iv) identify the condition, tenet of religious belief, or other circumstance that makes the exception necessary. In order to ensure authenticity, principals may request that documentation be sent directly to the school by the provider of the documentation. Exceptions may also be permitted temporarily for school-sponsored events or activities, or under other appropriate circumstances.

Violations – Code of Conduct Complying with the dress code is the responsibility of all students attending McCollom Elementary. Violations of the dress code will be handled as described in the student code of conduct. (https://www.usd259.org/office-behavior-management-support-oversight/student[1]code-of-conduct)

Offer of Compliant Clothing a. Staff shall be required to offer students compliant clothing if a student is not wearing clothes that satisfy the Dress Code (s). b. McCollom Elementary shall maintain compliant articles of clothing to offer students who come to school wearing non-compliant dress.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLEMENTAL PROCEDURES

Purpose

a. The purpose of the USD 259 Student Dress Code Procedure is to maintain a positive school climate, uphold standards of respect and safety, and support effective teaching and learning.

Responsibilities and Rationale

·         School Responsibilities: i. Foster academic achievement by minimizing disruptions and promoting a serious attitude towards learning. ii. Maintain a safe and orderly learning environment by setting clear standards for attire. iii. Promote community standards and positive behaviors among students, staff, and families. iv. Ensure fairness and equality for all students, without discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, disability or sex.

·         Student Responsibilities: i. Select attire and personal appearance that respects the educational setting and peers. ii. Manage personal grooming and attire to align with the principles of this dress code. iii. Maintain personal hygiene in a way that is safe, healthy, respectful, and supports the educational environment.

·         Staff Responsibilities: i. Identify violations of this policy visually and uniformly, without physical measurement or contact. ii. Approach students respectfully regarding dress code compliance. iii. Ensure consistent and fair application of the dress code policy. iv. Remain aware of the district’s guidance on attire associated with gang affiliation, if any, to enforce this policy effectively.

·         Administrative Responsibilities: i. Conduct diligent reviews of reported dress code violations. ii. Guide students in making appropriate attire choices. iii. Implement fair consequences for dress code infractions, pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct. . 12 i. Ensure consistent application of the dress code across all activities. ii. Maintain awareness of attire linked to potential safety concerns. iii. Establish clear guidelines for uniforms in sports and extracurricular activities.

·         Exceptions: i. Principals may grant dress code exceptions as described in P1474 – Standardized Dress Codes.

Dress Code Criteria

Appearance, Language on Clothing, Symbols, Tattoos, and Messages:

 i. Any items worn (including socks, belts, jewelry, and hats) in schools must not show, reference, cause, or infer: 1. Profanity, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or weapons. 2. Violence, abuse, or suggestive and/or sexual messages. 3. Language, logos, or symbols on attire that promote hatred. 4. A disruption of the school learning environment. 5. Relationship or affiliation with gangs.

 Head Coverings and Related Items:

Head coverings and related items: 1. Must not conceal identity such as face masks, ski masks, balaclavas, or hoods/stocking caps which cover the ear. 2. Exceptions shall be recognized in order to accommodate disabilities, medical conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs, as provided more fully in P1474, regarding standard dress codes. 3. This restriction does not include items that are designed for hair maintenance.

Hats 1. For elementary students, hats will be restricted to prevent disruptions , maintain focus in the classroom, and avoid hindering the development of essential classroom behavior and routines. 2. For secondary students, hats will be allowed to support personal expression and comfort, reflecting their greater maturity. However, hats must not create disruptions or safety risks. a. Visibility: The hat must not obscure the student's face, ensuring clear identification by staff and security. b. Safety: The hat must not create hazards, such by as obstructing visibility. c. Non-Disruptive: The hat should not disrupt classroom activities. . 13 .

Tops:

i. All tops must: 1. Cover the majority of the back and shoulders. 2. Cover the midriff and back when sitting or standing. 3. Be of sufficient thickness to prevent visibility of undergarments. 4. Provide coverage of personal areas. 5. Completely cover undergarments.

Bottoms:

 i. All bottoms must: 1. Cover undergarments at all times. 2. Be of a safe and appropriate length (cannot drag on the floor or expose the upper thigh). 3. Be worn no lower than the natural waistline. 4. Provide coverage for personal areas.

Outerwear:

 i. Students should not wear articles of attire that are disruptive to classroom learning environments or present safety concerns.

Footwear:

i. Footwear worn in schools must: 1. Be worn at all times. 2. Fit securely enough to the foot for safe movement. 3. Have a hard or rubber sole. 4. Not have such a high heel as to cause concern for safe movement throughout the school.

Jewelry, Piercings, Colognes, Perfumes, and Accessories:

i. Jewelry, piercings, colognes, perfumes, and accessories worn in schools must: 1. Not have an overwhelming fragrance. 2. Have no parts that may serve as a weapon.

Additional Statements:

i. Non-discrimination: The standardized dress regulations shall not include any requirements or be enforced in a manner that discriminates against a student on the basis of race, national origin, religion, disability or sex, or which otherwise violates the policies cited above. ii. Consistent Standards: This policy shall be applied and enforced consistently and uniformly. iii. Code of Conduct: Staff shall refer to the Code of Conduct for guidance in responding to violations of this policy, including non-compliance with staff direction and repeated violations. iv. Offer of Compliant Clothing: Staff shall be required to offer students compliant clothing if a student is not wearing clothes that satisfy the dress code. Each school shall maintain a store of compliant items of clothing to offer to students who come to school wearing non-compliant dress.

Birthday Policy:

To maximize instruction, student birthday parties must be coordinated with the classroom teacher. Parties should be no more than 15 minutes in length. Please be sure to check with your child’s teacher to learn if any students have food allergies prior to bringing treats. Students are not allowed to pass out birthday party invitations at school unless the entire class is invited to attend the party.

Cell Phones and Personal Devices:

It is recommended that students keep all valuable (monetary or otherwise) personal items at home. Additionally, per BOE Policy 1464 (#11), during the school day, any personal electronics (including cell phones) are to be out of sight and powered off. The school is not responsible for any personal items that are brought to school that may be damaged and/or lost. Leaving all valuable items at home will protect families from financial loss.

Field Trips: Students will have the opportunity to experience field trips. Permission slips will need to be completed for your child to attend a field trip. If you wish to attend, you may drive to the location. Volunteer Registration must be completed before the event. To complete registration visit: https://www.usd259.org/volunteerregistration. This form must be completed each school year.

Medications at School:

If a student needs to take medication to school, the following requirements must be met.

1. A written request from the attending physician must be provided.

2. Parent notification to the school concerning the medication’s intent and anticipated time span for dosage.

3. Medication must be in a clearly identified container with the student’s name, drug identification, and dosage instructions.

Medication must be stored in the nurse’s office and administered by trained school personnel only. A written record is kept of the dosages given to the student. While it might seem like a silly requirement, even cough drops need to be administered through the school nurse. Parents can bring medication to the school to give to their child. We ask that you to come to the office and have the office staff call for your child to come to the nurse’s office for you to administer the medication.

Immunizations & Vaccinations:

Kansas State Law requires that every student who is admitted to the public school must have evidence of a successful vaccination for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. A rubella/rubeola vaccination and a tuberculin skin test is also required. Students must have received their most recently required vaccine to attend school. Please contact our nurse if you have any questions.

Homework:

According to BOE Policy P6340, the purpose of homework is to reinforce classroom learning and provide opportunities for independent study, research, and creative thinking. When a student has homework, families can help by providing a quiet, comfortable environment for the student and seeing that assignments are complete. We encourage reading and practicing math facts daily. Please contact your child’s teacher with questions.

Latchkey (School Age Program)

USD 259 Latchkey Programs are state-licensed daycare facilities. We have certified teachers caring for your children and planning activities that are age appropriate and safe. Enrolling your child into our Latchkey program requires separate forms that must be completed prior to your child being admitted into the program. Fees are assessed for the amount of time a child is in Latchkey. Parents are required to walk their children into Latchkey to sign them in each morning and sign them out each evening. Please direct any questions to: Latchkey Director - Reva Hood Latchkey Asst. Director – Melissa Travis

Latchkey Hours:

Morning- 7:00AM-8:50 AM   Evening- 4:10PM-6:00PM

Lost & Found:

The school’s lost and found is located in the hallway next to the gym leading down to the cafeteria. Items in the lost and found at the end of each quarter will be collected and donated to a local charity. Please help reduce the number of items in the lost and found by labeling your child’s belongings, such as backpacks, lunch boxes, and clothing with their first initial and last name.

Pets:

Pets are not allowed on school property without prior authorization. Trained dog guides or service animals in use by a person with a disability are allowed on school grounds.

PTO, Site Council & Family Engagement:

McCollom Site Council consists of McCollom staff and parents. Meetings will be held quarterly.

Family Engagement consists of McCollom staff members who initiate community relationships and sponsors for a wide variety of programs for the benefit of our students and school. Profits from fundraising projects are returned to the school for the benefit of all students. 

PTO meets the first Tuesday of each month at 4:30. This organization consists of parents, teachers, and administration. Their purpose is to support the goals of McCollom.

Telephone Calls & Messages:

To help keep classroom interruptions to a minimum, we ask that you call the office if you need to get in touch with your child’s teacher. The office staff will ensure the message gets delivered to the teacher and/or your child in a timely fashion. 

Tobacco:

Tobacco use is not permitted on Wichita Public School property, indoors or outdoors. This includes building entrances, outdoor athletic venues, lawns, sidewalks, and school district parking lots, even if you are in your vehicle. Vape pens are also not permitted on school grounds. We appreciate your cooperation.

Toys and Valuables: Please do not allow your child to bring toys or other non-school related items to school unless it has been approved by the classroom teacher. 

Students must live 2.5 miles or more from their assigned school to qualify for transportation to that school.

For questions about WPS transportation and busing, call 316-973-2190.

The district does offer the FirstView app that helps families track their student's school bus. Families will need a security code from the school office to use the app.

Visitors Expectations: All visitors must enter through the front doors. Anyone who needs to go past the office needs to bring in a valid driver’s license or ID that will be screened by our HALL PASS system and given a badge to wear while in the building. Please place the badge on your body so it is easily visible. To help reduce classroom interruptions, please come to the office when picking up or delivering items to a student.

Volunteers: We appreciate anyone wanting to volunteer. The Board of Education Policy P2130 requires everyone who is interested in volunteering in the school to complete a Volunteer Registration Form and submit it to the office. After you complete this form, a staff member will contact you to get you set up to help. 

Volunteer Registration Form

The safety of students, staff and parents is the Wichita Public Schools' greatest priority during the threat of dangerous conditions.

Emergency plans are in place should tornadoes, lightning, hail, snow or other dangerous circumstances present a safety concern. 

If schools are to be closed or activities cancelled or rescheduled due to weather conditions, the information will be posted on the Wichita Public Schools' main webpage and displayed on all school websites.

We care so much about our students and families at McCollom Elementary! Thank you for working collaboratively with our staff, students and community to meet the goals of Wichita Public Schools to ensure our students are Future Ready!