Student Handbooks
Zahnow Elementary

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter From The Principal     ------------------------- 1
Mission Statement    --------------------------------- 2
Philosophy     ------------------------------------------ 3
Children Learn What They Live        --------------- 4

ACADEMIC & GRADE REPORTING
Areas of Study         -------------------------------------- 5
Progress Reports       -------------------------------------- 5
Report Cards  --------------------------------------------- 5
Retention                -------------------------------------- 5
Speech and Language Services       ------------------------ 5
Standardized Testing -------------------------------------- 6
Student Records       -------------------------------------- 6

ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Absences/Excused    ---------------------------------------- 7
Absences/Planned     ----------------------------------------7 Absences/Reporting/939-3458  --------------------------- 7  
Absences/Unexcused          --------------------------------- 7
Activity Participation ---------------------------------------- 8
Appointments Dental/Medical          -------------------------- 8
Arrival Times  ----------------------------------------------- 8
Attendance Awards   ---------------------------------------- 8
Leaving School During The Day       -------------------------- 8
Tardies          ---------------------------------------------- 8
Truancy        ----------------------------------------------- 9

BUS INFORMATION
Bus Garage   …   939-8877   -------------------------------- 10
Daycare/Transportation To   -------------------------------- 10
Eligibility        ---------------------------------------------- 10
Pass to Ride Another Bus     --------------------------------- 10
Rules   ----------------------------------------------------- 10

CAFETERIA
Calling - 939-3458 - Press 1, 1 - Ext 120 ---------------- 11
Cafeteria Rules         --------------------------------------- 11
Free and Reduced Lunches   -------------------------------- 11
Lunch Program Information   ----------------------------- 11/12
Menu            ---------------------------------------------- 12

CLASSROOM/DISCIPLINE POLICIES  
Assertive Discipline    --------------------------------------- 13
Classroom   Rules     -----------------------------------------13
General School Rules           --------------------------------- 13
Playground and Recess Rules--------------------------------- 14

ENROLLMENT
Birth Certificates       ---------------------------------------- 15
Registration    ----------------------------------------------- 15
Textbook Rental       ----------------------------------------- 15

GENERAL INFORMATION
Announcements  … 939-3458 … Press 1, 4 -------------------- 16
Birthday/Celebrating  ---------------------------------------- 16  
Building Security       ---------------------------------------- 16
Calling the Office … 939-3458 …  Press 1, 0 ------------------  16
Dismissal of School    --------------------------------------- 16
Electronic Communications System  /Use of ------------------ 16
Field Trips      ---------------------------------------------- 16
Homework – Requesting       -------------------------------- 17
Insurance – Student  --------------------------------------- 17
Labeling Personal Items       -------------------------------- 17
Library          ---------------------------------------------- 17
Lost and Found        --------------------------------------- 17
Parent Teacher Conferences --------------------------------17
Personal Appearance           --------------------------------18
Puppy Press   ----------------------------------------------18
Reading Aloud To Children    --------------------------------18
Recess          --------------------------------------------- 18
School Closings:
TV: 2–4–5–30 & Radio: KMOX 1120 AM --------18
School Property        ------------------------------------- 19
Sex Discrimination     ------------------------------------- 19
Social Work Services ------------------------------------- 19
Teacher Qualifications         ------------------------------ 19
Telephone - Public Use        ------------------------------ 19
Visiting the School    ------------------------------------- 20
Volunteering at School        ------------------------------ 20
Web Site       -------------------------------------------- 20

KINDERGARTEN SECTION
Age Requirement       ------------------------------------- 21
Alphabet Formation   ------------------------------------- 21
Encourage Your Child To      ------------------------------ 22
Enrollment      -------------------------------------------- 22
How Parents Can Prepare Their Child For  ------------------ 23
Learning Centers       ------------------------------------- 24
Name Printing           ------------------------------------- 24
Orientation Day        ------------------------------------- 24
You Can Help Your Child By  ------------------------------ 25
Your Child Will Learn Through         ----------------------- 26

NURSE – Office Hrs: 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Calling-939-3458 – Press 1, 1 – Ext 176 -----  27 
General Information   ------------------------------------- 27
Immunizations            -------------------------------- 27/28
Medication ---------------------------------------------- 28
Physicals       ------------------------------------------- 28
Pink Eye        ------------------------------------------- 29
When To Keep Your Child Home     ----------------------- 29

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
PTO     ------------------------------------------------- 30
ZIP Program      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

PHYSICAL EDUCATION  
Grading Scale           ------------------------------------ 31
Non-Participation      ------------------------------------ 31
Physical Education Class      ----------------------------- 31
Shoe Requirements    ------------------------------------ 31

SPECIAL EDUCATION  
Behavioral Intervention Procedures (BIP)    --------------- 32

Dear Parents:

We sincerely hope that your summer vacation was relaxing and refreshing.  Now it’s time for your children to begin another exciting year of learning, growing, and developing knowledge and skills.

 Working with parents, we need to establish and develop a spirit of cooperation with each and every parent.  Together, we will provide the support and structure required for the best possible educational opportunity for your children.

  We have established a tradition of “Excellence in Education”.  But, we are not satisfied to live on past tradition.  We will provide our best each and every year.  Your children deserve it.

 Enough said!  Now, let’s get busy and work together to provide the best for your children.

Sincerely,

Tim L. Morris

Principal
W.J. Zahnow Elementary

Waterloo Community Unit School District #5
Mission Statement

The mission of Waterloo Community Unit School District #5 is to produce well-adjusted citizens who are capable of making positive contributions to society by providing educational experiences for the total development of the individual.

Belief Statements

We Believe That:

1. All community members, parents, staff, and students must feel ownership in the schools.
2. Self worth is essential.
3. Every decision is to be based upon what is best for children.
4. All children can learn.
5. The education of our youth is the foundation of our future.
6. Academic excellence is to be our primary focus.
7. Effective leadership is essential.
8. Society must provide the necessary resources for a quality education.
9. School personnel must provide moral and ethical leadership and a positive example.
10. Every individual is worthy of respect.
11. A safe and healthy physical environment is essential.
12. There is no teaching without learning.
13. Each student has the right to reach his/her maximum mental, physical, and social potential.
14. Decision making skills are important for students.
15. Schools must be fiscally accountable.
16. Parents must be involved in their child's education.

Philosophy

We, in the W.J. Zahnow Elementary School believe that:

• Each child differs from all others in his requirements & interest.
• Each child is basically good & has a desire to learn.
• Each child is entitled to a happy, successful school experience.
• Each child has a unique & ever changing learning rate & learning style.
• Each child needs intellectually stimulating challenges.
• Learning should serve the whole child.  Education should help each child develop a positive self-concept.  Experience should be provided for each child to develop physically, mentally, & socially.
• Success in a school program is best guaranteed by continuing successful experience on an appropriate level.
• We can provide the best educational program if we think creatively about each child's needs & dedicate ourselves to working cooperatively toward the fulfillment of these needs.
• A school environment should keep each child's urge to learn alive; should respect his creative impulses; & should recognize his right to think & question.
• We can provide the best educational program with individually guided instruction, which fosters self-direction and self-discipline.  Educational goals should be developed for each child by a team of teachers & the child should assist with this process.
• We can provide the best educational program when it is planned in advance, evaluated continuously & reported to parents in terms of each student's strengths & weaknesses.
• The years a child spends in school are to be aimed at preparing him for a successful, mature life as a citizen.
• We can provide the best educational program when all school personnel have a common basic philosophy & interact purposefully.
• We can provide the best educational program when a child, his parents, & the school personnel are in agreement concerning his education.

Academic and Grade Reporting

Areas of Study

The W.J. Zahnow Elementary School curriculum includes the following subject areas:  reading, phonics, spelling, language, handwriting, creative writing, math, science, social studies, health, art, music, and physical education.  Curriculum committees periodically review the current areas of study.

Progress Reports

Classroom reports are sent out at mid-term of each quarter.  The report may reflect a student’s outstanding work, notable improvement, or an academic problem.  If an academic problem is indicated, parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Zahnow office and set up a conference with their child’s teacher.  Plans for remediation can be discussed at this time.

Report Cards

Report cards and mid-term progress reports will be issued 4 times each during the school year.  Please refer to the school calendar handed out at registration for specific dates.

Kindergarten students will receive report cards that communicate the child’s progress in school.

Students in Grades 1 and 2 are graded by the following scale:   

A        100 – 92 %

B           91 – 85 %

C           84 – 73 %

D           72 – 65 %

E        Below 65 %

Report cards will be held at the end of each quarter for unpaid balances for textbook rental, cafeteria charges, lost/damaged books, library fees, and or insufficient checks.

Marks are given for areas of specific skills in reading, math, language, and spelling, handwriting, social studies, science, music, art, physical education and behavior work habits.  There is also a section to communicate if the student is working on, above, or below grade level and if the student is exhibiting good, satisfactory, or poor effort.

There is a teacher and parent comment section for each grading period.  Parents are encouraged to write their opinions and questions to the teacher.

Retention

Students, who fail two or more academic courses for the year, will be evaluated by teacher and principal for possible retention after consultation with parents.

Speech and Language Services

We provide speech & language services to any child in the district who is in need of such services.  These services include, but are not limited to:

1. Screening of school age and pre-school children to identify those with speech and/or language impairment.
2. Providing therapy for children with impairments of oral language, comprehension, production, or usage, including diagnosis of fluency, phonation, resonance, articulation, and oral language formation.
3. Consultation and counseling with teachers, other school personnel and parents.
   

Standarized Testing

Standardized testing will be given to all second grade students.  The test results will be provided to the parents at the following fall registration.

Student Records

The principal maintains permanent records on all students.  These records include personal, educational, attendance, and health information on each student.  These records are maintained for a minimum of sixty (60) years.

This is the information that is forwarded to a school when a student transfers out.  A signed release by a parent or guardian is normally necessary for such a release. 

Parents may view, release, and/or copy this material.  If a copy is requested, it will be provided at 35¢ per sheet.

Temporary records are anecdotal in nature and are not transferred.  These records are normally destroyed and not transferred unless specifically requested by the parent.

A completed copy of our records policy is available in the principal’s office and will be furnished to new families as they move into our school district.

Attendance Policies

Absences - Excused

An excused absence allows all work to be made up without penalty.  All absences are made a part of the student’s permanent record.  Excused absences are given for the following:

1. Illness of the student; however, repeated illness could justify a medical excuse being requested by the principal.
2. Death in the immediate family
3. Emergency or Acts of God situations
4. At the discretion of the principal.

Absences - Planned

If, for any reason, other than illness, your child will be absent for two (2) or more consecutive days, please obtain and complete a Planned Absence Form.   This form should be completed, signed by the parent and submitted to the principal for approval.  If approved by the principal, the teacher will then be notified, and the homework for the days to be missed will be given to the student in advance of the absence.  The homework should be turned in upon his/her return to school.

A planned absence will only be approved for a maximum of five (5) days.

If your planned absence is approved, you DO NOT have to report the absence on the Absentee Mailbox.

Absences – Reporting       Call 939-3458 … … … Press 1 … … … Press 2

If your child is going to be absent, for any reason, report the absence on the Absentee Mailbox prior to 8:30 a.m., which is operable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  This call is the parent’s responsibility.  If your child is absent more than three (3) days due to an illness, an explanation from his/her doctor is required upon return to school.  Office personnel will call the home and/or office to locate the parent/guardian of the student who has not been reported absent.

• Leave the student’s name
• Your name and your relationship to the student
• Teacher’s name
• Why the child is going to be absent
• Do you want homework
• Do you want to pick it up in the office  (from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Do you want it sent home with another Zahnow student?  If so, leave that child’s name and teacher (if you know it).

Absences – Unexcused

The classroom teacher may require missed work to be made-up without credit.  The following are examples of unexcused absences:

• Haircuts and beauty shop appointments
• Baby-sitting
• Oversleeping
• Needed at home  (Must have principal approval to be excused)
• Any absence if the student fails to check out through the office
• At the discretion of the principal
  

Activity Participation

Students who are absent due to illness during the day will not be allowed to attend a school sponsored evening activity.  This will also be the case for unexcused absences during the day.  Excused absences for reasons other than illness will not cause a student to miss evening activities.

Appointments – Dental & Medical

Parents should make every effort to schedule student appointments during after-school hours or on Saturday, when possible.

Arrivals Times

All students must be in the classroom and ready for instruction at 8 AM!

7:30 – 7:45 a.m.      Students report directly to the Multi-Purpose Room  (Gym)

7:45 a.m.                Students released from the gym to report to their classrooms

7:45 – 8:00 a.m.      Students proceed independently to their classrooms

After 8:00 a.m.        Students must report to the office to sign in and obtain a tardy slip BEFORE going to their classroom.

Attendance Awards

In the past, the attendance award was given only for “Perfect Attendance”.  Students would attend school on days when it would have been in their best health interest if they had remained at home.  We admire and salute these students and parents, but understand that health and family consideration are needed.

The requirements have been revised as follows:  Students can now “earn” an Attendance Award” if they miss 4 or fewer days per school year for any reason.

We still encourage good attendance.  Our average student misses 3 or fewer days per school year.  Research supports that schools with high attendance rates have students that show excellent achievement in school.  This is certainly the case at W.J. Zahnow Elementary School.

Leaving School During the Day 

When a student leaves the building, for any reason (lunch, doctor or dentist appointment, etc.), the parent/guardian of the student must come into the office and sign the student out before leaving.  If the student will be returning that same day, the parent/guardian must sign the student back in at which time he/she will be given a “back to class” pass.

Tardies

Any student who arrives after the 8:00 a.m. bell will be marked tardy.  All students who are tardy MUST report to the office to “sign in” and receive a “pass to class” for the teacher.

Tardies are a disruption to the entire class.  Unexcused tardies are indications of an unbusiness-like approach to a time obligation.  The principal and the Regional Office of Education will address excessive tardies.

Please refer to Board of Education Policy 7:70 for further information and documentation.    

Truancy

Truancy is defined as the absence from school without the knowledge of the parent or without justifiable excuse.  If a truancy problem exists, the principal will contact the parents of the student.  Chronic truant cases will be referred to the Regional Superintendent of Schools.

For further information, refer to Board of Education Policy on Truancy 7:70.

Bus Information

BUS GARAGE … Laidlaw Bus Company … 939-8877

Daycare – Transportation To and From

If your child needs transportation to and/or from daycare, before and/or after school, and if the location of the daycare is on an existing bus route, a “Special Request For Bus Transportation” form MUST be completed by the parent or guardian.  This form must be submitted to the office PRIOR to the day service is to begin.  The Special Request may be denied due to over-crowded bus routes.

Once this form is completed and returned to the office, it will NOT be necessary for your child to get a bus pass from the office.  If there is any change in your child’s regular schedule, please send a note to the teacher advising her of the change.

Eligibility

Students who live 1½ or more miles from the school they attend are eligible for school bus service.  Students who are eligible for bus service will automatically receive a bus assignment before school begins in the fall.

Pass to Ride Another Bus

A student wishing to ride a different bus than the one he/she is assigned to, whether it be one day or more than one day, MUST HAVE A BUS PASS FROM THE OFFICE.  This pass will only be issued when a note or phone call from the parent or guardian is received.  If a note or phone call is NOT received, it is school policy that the student will be sent home in the usual manner. 

There are certain buses that are at the legal passenger limit and we are not allowed to issue any additional passes for students NOT living on that particular bus route.  It is always best to send in a note PRIOR to the day you want the pass for, just in case that bus is full and other arrangements will need to be made.

Rules

Each student will receive a list of bus rules from their bus driver.  Compliance with the bus rules will keep our children and buses safe.  Parents will be notified if their children are having difficulties by receiving a referral.

The following system will be used to address referrals:

Referral #1, #2, #3 …         Student talks with the principal and the referral notice is sent home.

Referral #4 ………       Student talks with the principal, the referral notice is sent home, and the student is suspended from riding the school bus for a period of three (3) school days.

Cafeteria

To call the cafeteria direct without going through the Zahnow Office:

939-3458 … Press 1 … Press 1 … Ext 120

Cafeteria Rules

1. Line up as directed and follow the lines
2. Use good table manners
3. Take care of trays, plates, silverware, napkins, and paper containers.
4. See that the place where you have eaten is cleared.
5. Keep your voice low while in the lunchroom.
6. Once seated remain seated, unless given permission by a supervisor to leave.

Free and Reduced Lunches

Our school participates in the Free & Reduced Lunch and Breakfast Program.  Applications for the program may be obtained from the office.  Applications can be completed and submitted at any time during the school year.  We encourage all those students entitled to free or reduced meals to utilize the benefit as often as possible.  Please note that this entitlement includes 1 free or reduced breakfast and 1 free or reduced lunch per day.  Any other purchase, other than a full meal, will be charged to the student’s account at the current rate.

Lunch Program

Students eat their noon meals in the cafeteria.  Students may purchase school prepared meals, or bring their lunch from home.  Beverages are available to all students.  The beverage is included in the cost of the school prepared meal.  Students who bring their lunches also have the opportunity to purchase milk or juice.

COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM and PIN NUMBER

Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 has a computerized meal accounting system.  This computerized system increases efficiency; thereby decreasing the amount of time your child will have to stand in line for lunch each day.  Each child will be given his/her own personal pin number.  This pin number and more information about it will be sent home at the beginning of the new school year in the fall.

Money that is remaining in the student’s account at the end of the school year may be carried over to the following school year, or a request for reimbursement in writing can be submitted to the office at the end of the school year. 

If your child’s account balance is a negative $7.75 or more, a hot lunch will not be provided to your child.  He/She will be given a peanut butter sandwich with either milk or juice.  If the balance due is more than $1.25, a beverage will not be provided at break time.

Report cards will be held at the end of each quarter for those students with an outstanding balance.

MILK or JUICE BREAKS

All students attending W.J. Zahnow will have a milk (juice) break each day.

 SENDING LUNCH and MILK BREAK MONEY

Lunch and milk money should be sent on the first day of each week.  Students are encouraged not to pay on a daily basis, either weekly or monthly.  When sending money to school, always put it in the cafeteria envelope, which is provided by the school.  If using a plain envelope, please write your child’s name and teacher’s name, indicating the amount of money included. 

Parents are notified by a computer generated letter, when the student’s account balance has reached +$2.00.  This letter is sent home with the student.  Account balance information can also be obtained by contacting the cafeteria on any day lunch is served at 939-3458 … press 1 … press 1 … extension 120.

Breakfast is not available on school days with early dismissal.

Menu

A monthly menu is sent home with the students or you can view it on our web site @ www.wcusd5.net ; click on the picture of Zahnow; click on Lunch Menu.

Classroom and Discipline Policies

Assertive Discipline

The Waterloo School District has adopted a process entitled Assertive Discipline.  Assertive Discipline was established by a well-known psychologist, Dr. Lee Canter, and has been used successfully in many school districts throughout the United States.

For teachers, Assertive Discipline is a caring stand.  It is a competency-based approach to discipline designed to provide teachers with the skills and confidence necessary to enable them to maximize their needs without violating the wants of the children.

For students, Assertive Discipline is a positive approach to learning self-responsibility.

For parents, Assertive Discipline is a successful solution to an area that many parents have voiced a concern.

On the first day of school, the general school rules, playground, cafeteria, bus, and classroom rules will be clearly explained.  Limits will be clearly set and the positive and negative consequences will be communicated.  The rules will be consistently followed.  The rights of students and their best interests will in no way be violated.

W.J. Zahnow is a success-oriented school.  Our goal is to create a positive learning environment.  This process includes parents, teachers, and students working together in support of one another.  Each teacher will pattern his/her classroom rules around this concept of discipline.

We have established a library for parents that will help you understand Assertive Discipline and implement the process at home if you wish.  If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to call the principal or your child's teacher.

For further information, refer to Board of Education Policy on Student Discipline 7:190.

Classroom Rules

All teachers will determine the rules of their classrooms.  The rules will be taught and modeled to the students.  Positive and negative consequences will be clearly defined.  All teachers will send home their classroom rules, and the positive and negative consequences, so that parents can be fully aware of the classroom expectations.

All teachers have discussed their plan with the principal and each plan has been approved.

The focus of the classroom rules is to acknowledge students’ appropriate behavior and to praise them for it; however, there may be times when a repeated student behavior problem may occur.  If this were to transpire, a conference will be held with the child, the teacher, and the principal, to identify the problem and make plans for positive change.

General School Rules

The following rules have been established for the W.J. Zahnow Elementary School:

• Follow directions of all school personnel respectfully.
• Treat others with kindness, courtesy, and respect.
• Respect school property.
• Walk quietly in the building.
• No fighting.
• Gum is not allowed in the classroom or on the playground at recess. 

Playground and Recess Rules

Students are expected to use the recess times in a healthful, positive manner.  They are expected to behave on the playground in such a way that they do not interfere with the well-being and rights of other children.  Students are expected to share the facilities, grounds, and equipment fairly.  Students are expected to behave in such a manner that they will not damage the equipment or school grounds.

Playground specifics will be explained to the students by their teachers.  If a student breaks a rule, or is unable to conduct himself in a socially acceptable way, he may be required to forfeit recess time or be sent to the principal.  Gum, suckers, and candy are not allowed on the playground during recess.

If a student brings game balls from home, they should be labeled with the child’s name.  Baseballs and hardballs are NOT permissible.

Enrollment

Birth Certificates

A copy of your child’s “certified” birth certificate MUST be submitted to the office PRIOR to the first day of school.  If you bring in the original a copy will be made for you at no charge.  Hospital complimentary copies are not acceptable. 

All transfer students must provide a copy of their certified birth certificate or other governmental documentation of his/her identity and an affidavit explaining the inability to produce a copy of the birth certificate.

Registration

The registration process begins in the spring at our Kindergarten Screening/Registration.  After the screening, teachers provide data on each student screened to the principal who will then assign students to classes for the following school year.  Assignments are made to insure that each classroom has similar groups.

Students transferring from other schools must make provisions with the principal for enrollment and placement. 

In accordance with Section 2-3.13a of the Illinois State School Code, all public school districts are required to provide the Illinois State Board of Education Student Transfer Form (ISBE 33-78) to any student who is moving out of the school district to verify whether or not the student is “in good standing” and, whether or not their medical records are up-to-date and complete as defined in Section 2-3.13a.  “In good standing” means that the student is not being disciplined by an out-of-school suspension or expulsion, and is entitled to attend classes, as of the date of this form.  No public school district is required to admit a new student unless they can produce this form from the student’s previous Illinois public school district.

A medical examination for all Illinois student MUST be on file for Grades K, 5, and 9.  Out-of-state students coming into the district must have a new medical examination when they enter an ILLINOIS school at any grade level, unless their most recent exam was within 12 months prior to enrollment in our district.  All students must provide proof of immunization required by the State of Illinois.

Textbook Rental

Textbooks, workbooks, and any other materials, are purchased by the school and rented to the student at a cost.  The rental is due at the time of registration.  Payment can be made by cash or check.  Checks should be payable to WCUSD 5.  Only kindergarten fees are payable in April.

If a student withdraws during the 1st semester, a one-half refund will be made after a written request is made to the Superintendent.  No refunds are made for withdrawals during the 2nd semester. 

Students will be required to pay for lost and/or damaged books.  Such amount shall be based on the age and condition of the book at the time of loss or damage.

Parents with children eligible for free or reduced lunches may apply for a waiver of textbook fees by completing the Deferred Payment Form.  Neither textbooks, workbooks, nor equivalent materials will be issued to a student until the book rental fee has been paid or the Deferred Payment Form has been submitted.

Failure to pay appropriate fees will be cause for holding grade cards.

General Information

ANNOUNCEMENTS  =  939-3458    , Press 1 … Press 4

Birthdays/Celebrating

All food items brought to school, and served to students during school hours must be individually wrapped, or purchased from a bakery.  Bakery items brought to school must be “sealed” in the original bakery package.  HOMEMADE ITEMS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE!

School personnel wearing a plastic glove can distribute items that are not individually wrapped.  Students are prohibited from contacting foods belonging to other students and will wash their hands prior to all eating activities.

Building Security

The Waterloo School District has developed a thorough crisis management plan.  The development of this plan included all the local agencies that would be involved with any emergency, (i.e. police, fire ambulance, etc.)  This is a very comprehensive plan that includes any potential crisis.

We will continue to review our safety plans with staff, respond to parents’ concerns, and those of the community.  We will continue to do what is best for this district and will try hard not to disrupt or interrupt instruction.

(Please see Visitor/Volunteer Sign-In).

CALLING THE OFFICE          939-3458            Press 1 … Press 0

If you are using a rotary telephone, call 939-3458 and stay on the line.

Dismissal of School 

Dismissal Times:

Carrot Patch or Caywood Center              2:38 p.m.

All other buses                                      2:42 p.m.

Remaining students                                2:50 p.m.

All students are expected to leave the school grounds before 3:00 p.m. unless prior arrangements have been made or he/she is participating in a scheduled after-school activity.

Electronic Communication System - Use of 

Access to the electronic communication system, including the Internet, is available to students and staff according to district regulations.  All users are responsible for abiding by these regulations, which may be accessed through the technology page of the District website.

To access the district website, go to:  www.wcusd5.net

Field Trips 

Field trips provide unique educational opportunities for the children.  The teachers in charge of the activity establish & supervise chaperone needs.  The PTO provides the largest portion of the field trip fees through fundraisers, carnivals, etc.  The Waterloo Foundation for Excellence also contributes to our school for field trips.  At times, additional help with the fees may be requested from the students. 

HOMEWORK – REQUESTING     ……….     PRIOR TO 8:30 A.M. AT 939-3458

Homework should be requested when you report the student’s absence on the Absentee Mailbox.  You can report your child’s absence and request homework 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Homework can be picked up in the office anytime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., or it can be sent home with another Zahnow student.

Kindergarten parents should assume the responsibility in seeing that their child does his/her homework and that it is returned to school.  If your child is absent MORE THAN ONE DAY, please request homework when calling in the absence.

Insurance - Student 

The school district provides an opportunity for students to purchase accident insurance through a private insurance company.  Student insurance is purchased from the insurance company and not the school district.  The school district merely facilitates the purchase of the insurance and the filing of accident claims so that all parents can have the advantages of a group insurance plan.  The school district accepts no direct responsibility for settling claims.  Student insurance is an option parents must decide upon.

Labeling Personal Items 

Please label all coats, jackets, lunch boxes, school bags, etc.  Coats and jackets should have loops sewn in the back of the neckline so that they can be hung on the student’s hook.

Library

Our library is a vast area of knowledge for our students.  We are very proud of our library.  We desire our students to also feel a great deal of pride in this area of their education.

Checking out a book is a privilege.  In order to check out other materials, our students are required to return the previous item checked out.  This helps to teach the child responsibility.

Library materials that have been checked out by a student become the responsibility of that student.  Should loss or damage occur to any library material, restitution must be made and within a reasonable time frame.

The student’s report card will be held until restitution has been made.

Lost and Found

Our lost and found is located in the South hallway outside the office.  All unclaimed items are given to Goodwill or the Salvation Army at the end of each semester. 

Parent/Teacher Conferences 

Parent-Teacher conferences are held in November.  Conference dates will be printed in the Puppy Press, available on the General Announcements, and there will be a special note sent home with each student.  Parents should call the office two weeks prior to the conference to set up an appointment to meet with their child’s teacher. 

Conferences are not limited to these specific times.  Parents are encouraged to call and speak to the teacher at the first sign of a problem, or if they have any questions.  Our teachers are eager to help parents and students

Personal Appearance 

Waterloo Community Unit School District #5 fully reserves the right to disallow any mode or style of dress or appearance, that in the judgment of the school administrators, is unclean, unhealthy, creates a disturbance and/or disruption in the educational process, or is a factor in the safety and well being of an individual student or students. 

How a person presents himself often leaves a lasting impression.  Our parents have exercised sound judgment in this regard in the past and student appearance has reflected well on the school, on parents, and on students.

Puppy Press

The Puppy Press is a monthly newsletter, which communicates upcoming events, and reports on past and future school events, and school news in general.  District philosophies and beliefs, parenting tips, etc. are also included.

It is our goal to keep parents informed and updated about W.J. Zahnow Elementary School.  The Puppy Press can also be viewed on the school website @ www.wcusd5.net, click on the picture of Zahnow; click on STAFF; click on ADMINISTRATIVE NEWSLETTER.

Reading Aloud to Kids 

Studies have consistently shown that children who are read to at home are better readers themselves in school.  Considering all that occurs when parents regularly read to their children, the result is not surprising.  When a child and parents share a book together, that time together is special for the child – a time for sharing an enjoyable experience, a time for laughing and talking together.

Reading with a parent can be a time of feeling warm, secure, comfortable, and cared for – feelings that become associated with books and reading.  Children who have been read to at home are eager to become readers themselves, because, for them, reading promotes fun, warmth, and love.

Recess

The use of the playground for recess is a regularly scheduled part of the elementary curriculum.  All students are expected to participate unless presented by a medical, academic, or disciplinary reason.  Non-participation in outdoor recess greater than 2 days will normally require a physician’s excuse.

Parents should dress children appropriately for the weather.

Recesses are scheduled to provide students with the physical exercise and relaxation appropriate for children at this age level, and it gives them the opportunity to practice the games and skills taught in the physical education classes without the complete, immediate direction of the teacher.

District employees supervise the playground at all times.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS … TV:  2    4    5    30     &        Radio:  KMOX 1120 AM

It is possible, particularly during winter months, that severe weather may force the closing of schools.  TV and radio stations (listed above) will be notified directly of a District #5 school closing and they will begin announcements at 6:30 a.m. or as soon as possible.  Touch-tone callers may also call the Zahnow General Announcements at 939-3458 (Press 1 … Press 1).

Parents are requested NOT to call the school office or the bus garage for this information, but are advised to listen to the sources listed above.

School Property

All school property, including desks, books, blackboards, and rest rooms, should be treated with the proper respect.  It is the responsibility of all students to keep all property in good condition.  Students will be required to pay for lost or damaged books.  The student’s report card will be held until restitution is made.

Any destruction to school property will be considered a serious disciplinary act and will be dealt with as such.  The student causing destruction will be required to replace or pay for the replacement and/or repair of damaged material if such damage is done intentionally or if it was done accidentally while acting in violation of school rules. 

Sex Discrimination 

Anyone wishing to present an allegation of sex discrimination shall contact the District Coordinator of nondiscrimination, Mr. Tim Morris, and the grievance procedure will be explained and followed.  The coordinator shall, upon receipt of a written grievance, investigate the grievance and render a written decision within 60 calendar days of receiving the grievance.

If either the complainant, or the party charged, is not satisfied with the decision rendered by the coordinator, the decision may be appealed within 15 calendar days to the School Board by submitting a written request for a hearing before the board.

The board shall render a written decision within 15 calendar days of the date the grievance was heard.  If either grievant, or the party charged, is dissatisfied with this decision, appeal may be made first to the Superintendent of Education Service Region and finally to the State Superintendent of Schools.

Social Work Services

A certified School Social Worker is available to talk with any parent/guardian about concerns they may have with their child.  Behavior and emotional issues and social skills are dealt with in small groups, or on a one-on-one level, depending upon the student’s individual situation.  If you feel that this service would benefit you and your child, please call the office at 939-3458 and request to be transferred to Mr. Nehre’s office.  All information is kept strictly confidential.

Teacher Qualifications

Parents have the right to know the professional qualifications of their children’s teachers.  Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers and requires us to give you this information if you ask for it.  Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information:

• Whether the Illinois State Board of Education has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.
• Whether the Illinois State Board of Education has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances.
• The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and the subject of the degrees.
• Whether any teachers’ aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications.

Telephone – Public Use

A pay telephone is located in the gym.  The telephones in the office are to be used for school business and/or emergency use only.

Visitor and Volunteer Sign-in

All visitors, volunteers, etc. must report to the office and sign-in upon arrival.  Please remember to sign-out when you leave the building.  (Please see Building Security.)

Web Site

To access the W J Zahnow web site:

• www.wcusd5.net
• click on the picture of our school
• click on STAFF
• click on TEACHERS WEB PAGES

Kindergarten Section

  Age Requirements

All children must be five years of age on or before September 1, 2003, and live in the Waterloo School District to enroll in kindergarten.

Alphabet Formation 

At school your child will be learning to print the letters of the alphabet.  You can help your child with this task by letting him/her practice printing at home. 

It will be helpful if you make sure your child prints at home in the same way he/she is learning at school.  The arrows indicate what direction to move the pencil to form each capital and lowercase letter. 

Have your child begin by tracing letters about 2 inches tall on unlined paper.  The size can be gradually decreased as your child’s small muscle control improves.

Encourage your child to: 

• Draw and color pictures
• Cut and paste
• Play with other children
• Respect the rights and properties of others
• Count objects to 10
• Say his/her full name
• Listen to stories
• Recite nursery rhymes or poems
• Sing
• Attend to toileting needs
• Care for small responsibilities
• Express self verbally
• Put away toys
• Identify colors
• Watch ”Sesame Street”
• Concentrate on a task for at least 10 minutes
• Print his/her first name, capitalizing the first letter only (John not JOHN)
• Sing the “alphabet song”
• Follow directions
• Name objects of the environment
• Put together puzzles
• Run, hop, skip, jump, climb (develops large muscles)
• Manipulate clay, nuts & bolts, string beads, stack small blocks (develops small muscles)
• Be curious and ask questions
• Hold a book and turn pages one at a time
• Dress self (button, zip, snap, tie shoes)
• Identify circles and squares

Most children enter kindergarten happily and wave a “Good-Bye” to mother or father.  Some need a few words of reassurance that mother or father will be back for them.  A few are not quite ready to make the break away and tears roll down their cheeks.  With firm, but patient handling of the child by parents and the teacher, fearful and tearful behavior will soon disappear.

Enrollment

Book fees, birth certificates, and social security numbers, should be submitted at the kindergarten screening/registration in April.  Physicals can be turned in any time during the summer months, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

ALL items must be submitted to the office on or before your child’s first day of school.

How Parents Can Prepare their Child for Kindergarten

Cognitive Development:

• Read to your child daily.  Ask your child to retell familiar stories in his/her own words.  Young children develop a more positive attitude toward reading if they experience enjoyable and close contact with their parents while sharing books together.  By running your index finger under the print as you read, your child will begin to notice that printed words have meaning.  Provide many books for your child’s room.  Encourage his/her early attempts at reading.
• Encourage your child to recite nursery rhymes and poems, sing songs, and participate in rhyming games.
• Help your child focus on the printed words in his/her environment and identify some of the letters (cereal boxes, street signs, businesses).
• Put magnetic letters on your refrigerator and spell your child’s name, mom, dad, and siblings’ names, etc.
• Engage your child in daily conversation to improve general knowledge and language development.  Name objects in the environment and encourage your child’s natural curiosity by responding to his/her questions.
• Visit the library regularly to help create an interest in reading.  Sign your child up for preschool story time.
• Encourage your child’s early attempts at writing by providing markers, crayons, and pencils.  Help your child with a “mature” pencil grip.
• Help your child print his/her first name using a capital letter for the first letter only.  Use dotted lines for your child to trace, if necessary.  Occasionally, cut the letters of your child’s name apart and see if he/she can put them in the correct order and name the letters.
• Write short notes to your child, such as, “Mom loves you!”
• Ask your child to count out a particular number of objects while showing your child that numeral.  Be certain that your child touches each object while counting it.
• Point out and name shapes in your child’s environment, (circle, square, triangle, rectangle).

Social Development - Encourage your child to:

• Interact with other children appropriately by sharing, taking turns, and respecting the rights and properties of others.
• Attend to his/her own toileting needs.
• Follow two or three step instructions.
• Dress himself/herself (button, zip, or snap).
• Be responsible for his/her belongings.
• Stay on task until completion
• Put away games and toys.
• Spend some time away from home with other adults.
• Stay seated until a meal or activity is completed.

Fine Motor - Provide opportunities for your child to:

•  Use scissors, Dab’n Stick Glue, markers, pencils, crayons
• Put together puzzles
• Copy simple shapes, numbers, and his/her name
• Develop the small muscles of the hands by stringing beads, building with small blocks, using Play-Doh, and constructing with Legos.

Gross Motor – To develop the large muscles, encourage your child to:

• Run
• Hop on one foot
• Skip
• Gallop
• Jump with two feet
• Throw and catch a ball

Learning Centers

These are places for active learning and discovery in the classroom environment.

Students can work independently or in groups, and thereby, direct their own learning for some time during the school day.

Learning centers are the ideal place for children to learn to cooperate, share, plan, make decisions, and consider others.  Some centers are in the room all year while others are rotated each week.

Kindergarten centers:

There are many more possibilities for activity centers, which may be set up at some time during the school year.

This is a very exciting time for both you and your child.  We are looking forward to working with you in helping your child develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.

Name Printing

In Kindergarten, we prefer that the first letter of the first and last names ONLY, be capitalized.  (John Doe NOT JOHN DOE)

Orientation Day

On Orientation Day, your child should be brought to school, ACCOMPANIED BY AT LEAST ONE PARENT, any time between 8:15 and 10:30 a.m.

You and your child will stay together and meet the teacher, tour the classroom, visit the cafeteria, and see the playground. 

At this time, we ask that you be prepared to pay lunch and milk fees. 

If the child’s physical has not been turned in, this is the last day that you may turn it in so that your child will be able to start on the first day of school.

All supplies, except the concentration box, which will be placed in the classroom by office staff, should be brought to school on Orientation Day.

You will receive a letter from your child’s teacher toward the end of the summer notifying you of the Orientation Date.

YOUR CHILD WILL GO HOME WITH YOU AT THE END OF YOUR VISIT ON ORIENTATION DAY!

You Can Help Your Child While in Kindergarten By:

• Discussing the projects and notes in their folder and removing them before the next school day.  Listen to your child.  They should be encouraged to share their daily school activities with you.  Ask him/her questions each day.
• Encouraging self-pride.  Praise your child.  Children learn best when complimented rather than criticized for their efforts.  It may be difficult to look at your child’s first painting and say a few words of praise, but try.  Each time your child brings work home from school, remember he/she has put a lot of work into it.  Let them know that you recognize it is special.  Ask your child to talk about it.  Make a special spot in your home to show off the work your child does at school.
• Continue to read to your child.  Occasionally, begin a familiar story and have your child tell the rest.
• Answering your child’s questions.
• Encouraging his/her independence and sense of responsibility.
• Attending parent/teacher conferences.  (Always in November.)
• Taking interest in their friends.
• Insisting on regular attendance and being to school on time.

Your Child Will Learn in Kindergarten Through:

Reading/Writing/Language = The Building Blocks Reading Program

The Story Box:  Whole language program by The Wright Group.  56 individual reading books and 25 big books and tapes.  Each big book contains repetitive grammatical patterns, rhythm and rhyme, and picture clues so that all children experience success in reading.

Ray’s Readers:  Individual books and big books that emphasize phonics and whole language reading patterns.

Commercial games and teacher-made games language master, listening centers, first-talking alphabet cards, etc.

Puppet shows, finger plays, stories, dramatizations, pantomimes, journal writing, individual illustrations for books, class books.

Math

Math Their Way:  A “hands-on” approach to mathematics, mathematics worksheets, commercial and teacher games, measuring center, counting center, grocery store, informal daily counting, finger plays dealing with counting, graphing, sorting, classifying, estimating, patterning, beginning addition and subtraction skills, etc.

Silver-Burdett Mathematics:  A Teacher’s Guide is followed to insure an appropriate scope and sequence of math concepts.

Science

Learning centers, pictures and discussions, weekly experiments, signs of fall table, body parts, 5 senses unit, space unit, ocean unit, insect unit, spider unit.

Social Studies

Pets, families, dinosaurs, community workers, farms, All About Me, safety, transportation, Zoo animals, Our Country, presidents, Mexico, deserts.

Art

Special art projects in addition to the painting center and art table.

Music

Action songs, dances, marches, rhythm bands, Christmas program.

Physical

Circle games, tumbling, ball skills, soccer skills, climbing, dancing, relays, scooters, jump ropes, hoola hoops, locomotor movements (hopping, skipping, running, galloping).  Non-locomotor movements (bending, twisting, stretching).

Nurse - Office Hours:  7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

CALLING THE NURSE … 939-3458 … Press 1 … Press 1 … Ext 176

The nurse can be reached directly by calling the above number if you have a touch-tone phone.  If you have a rotary phone, please stay on the line and office personnel will answer your call.

If the nurse is not in her office, she has an answering machine on which you can leave a message.  She will return your call as soon as she returns to her office. 

Nurse General Information

1. Students should be encouraged to eat breakfast each morning to provide students with a good start to their day.  Many students that have not had breakfast visit the nurse’s office early in the morning.
2. Students with temperatures of 100 degrees or higher will be sent home to insure that other students do not get infected.
3. Medications should never be sent to school with a student.
4. Due to the number of students seen by the nurse each day, parents are not notified with each student’s visit.  The nurse notifies parents at her discretion.  If a parent feels that their child may not make it through the school day, they may call the nurse and inform her.

Immunizations

Complete (month, date, year) immunization records must be provided for mandated immunizations and signed by the health care provider.  A physician’s statement must be provided, if there is some reason that the immunizations are not complete.  A written schedule for completion of missing immunizations should be submitted.

Q.        What immunizations does the State of Illinois require prior to attending school?

A.     

1. DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus)
   Four doses entering school at kindergarten
   Last dose after 4th birthday
   Interval must be 6 months between dose 3 and 4
   TD required if 10 yrs since last booster and older than 7 yrs of age
2. Polio (All IPB – Oral polio is no longer given)
   Must have 3 doses when entering school
   Last dose on or after 4th birthday
   Interval must be 6 months between dose 2 and 3
3. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
   Must have two (2) doses when entering school
   First (1st) dose – One year old or older
   Second (2nd) dose – No less than one month after first dose
4. Hepatitis B  (Required for Early Childhood and Pre Kindergarten)
   Three (3) doses required or proof of immunity
   Dose one (1) and two (2) must be four (4) weeks apart      
   Dose three (3) must be at least two (2) months after dose 2
   Ideal to receive series in six (6) month range
5. Chickenpox: All children entering into any school-operated program for the first time at the kindergarten level or below, will be required to show proof of having received one dose of the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine on or after their 1st birthday.  A physician can   confirm past disease history, in lieu of the vaccination, by having examined the infected child, documenting the parent’s description of the child’s history, or reviewing laboratory evidence.

 Lead Screening – The Lead Poisoning Prevention Act mandates that children between the ages of 6 months through 6 years be screened for lead poisoning.  A lead assessment is part of the physical examination.  The assessment can be a verbal screening or a blood test, upon the discretion of the physician. 

Dental Examinations – Dental exams are not a requirement for children entering kindergarten, however, it is strongly recommended.

 For further information, please refer to Board of Education Policy 7:100.

Medication

When a child requires medication, the responsibility for administering the medication rests solely with parent or guardian.  School employees will NOT undertake to administer medication without the required authorization form (explained below).  Medication administered improperly (overdoses, failure to follow directions, etc.) could cause serious complications for the child.

If a parent/guardian requests the school nurse to supervise the administration of medication, or to aid their child, they and school personnel must comply with the following:

1. No school personnel shall administer to any student, nor shall any student possess or consume any prescription, or non-prescription medication, until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form is completed and submitted.  This includes cough drops! The form shall be completed by the student’s parent/guardian and physician, and shall be on file at the school building, which the child attends.  This form expires at the end of each school year and a new one must be submitted at the beginning of each new school year.
2. All student medication shall be left with the school nurse, or the District’s health aide, during the school day.  If there is no school nurse or health aide in the building, the medication shall be left with the person designated by the Superintendent.
3. All prescription medication will be clearly marked with the student’s name, doctor’s name, contents, and dosage on the original labeled pharmacy container.
4. All non-prescription medication should be clearly marked with the student’s name and in the original container.

Physicals

Prior to entering Preschool, and Kindergarten, upon entering 5th grade, and prior to entry into an Illinois public school for the first time, students must present proof of having had a school physical examination.  This examination must have been conducted within one (1) year preceding school attendance.  A physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches must review and sign all required report forms.

Health examination forms are available in the school office & the nurse’s office.

Pink Eye

Each year we have a few cases of pink eye.  Here are a few guidelines to follow:

• The white of the eye appears red or pink.
• There may be a gritty feeling when blinking, light sensitivity, itching, and dried crusty matter on the eyelashes.
• The incubation period is 24 to 72 hours.  Exclusion from school is 24 hours after treatment begins or is examined by a doctor and has received permission to return to school.
• Good hand washing required; infected child should use his/her own towel.

When to Keep Your Child Home from School:

Whether or not to keep a child home from school isn’t always an easy decision.  It is obvious that a very ill child does not belong at school, but there are days when common sense isn’t enough to make the choice.  The following may give parents some helpful guidelines:

• Children with fevers should not be in school.
• Children with contagious diseases, spread by contact, coughing or sneezing, should stay home.  Examples are: influenza, chicken pox, pink eye, and strep throat.  A child with strep throat may return to school after 24 hrs of antibiotics, and a child with pink eye after 24 hrs of antibiotic eye drops.
• Conditions making students too uncomfortable to participate in class are also reasonable grounds for remaining at home.  Examples are: urinary tract infections, painful injuries, and nagging coughs.
  

Parent Teacher Organization

PTO

The P.T.O. is the official parent-teacher organization of the W.J. Zahnow Elementary School.  Membership is open to all parents and other interested persons who have children enrolled in the school.

The overall purpose of the organization is:

1. To provide good communication between the parents, teachers, and administration of the school.
2. To provide help for the teachers and administration where they consider it necessary.
3. To raise money for additional equipment to benefit the education of the students of the school.

Z.I.P.

Z.I.P. is our volunteer program.  Parents may serve in a variety of ways by working in the classroom, library, or office.  Volunteers usually spend 2-3 hours per week in the school. 

Teachers will work around parents’ schedules.  Consistent attendance is important as teachers and students look forward to the arrival of their volunteers.  Parents may join ZIP during registration or at any other time by contacting the office.

Physical Examination

Non-Participation

 All students are required to attend and participate in PE classes.  Students will not be excused from P.E. without a note from a parent or guardian.  Absences greater than two (2) days will require a signed note from a doctor and must be brought to school and kept on file in the nurse’s office.

If a child is not allowed to participate in PE class, his/her recess time may also be evaluated and limited.  The safety of our students is a high priority.

Physical Education Class

Physical Education is an important and necessary part of your child’s education.  A 20-minute period focuses not only on performance, but sportsmanship, rules, cooperation, and attitude.  It is a good way to allow students to be creative and express themselves.

Students will attend PE 2-3 times a week depending on the rotation.  Please refer to your child’s schedule (given at the beginning of school), so you know when your child’s PE days are.  Remember that PE days change each QUARTER.

Shoe Requirements

Students must wear PE shoes (soft-soled tennis shoes) on PE days.  Boots, sandals, flip-flops, dress-shoes, clogs, and shoes with hard soles are not permissible.  Again, safety is priority!

Special Education

We will periodically screen all students to identify those who have a special learning need.  We presently have instruction for hearing impaired, early childhood, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and mental impairment within our own building.

Other services are available within the Perandoe Special Education District of which we are members.  Parents should notify our school if they have a child having academic difficulties.

Behavioral Intervention Procedures (BIP)

WCUD #5 has a Board of Education approved BIP that is to be used with students who have disabilities.  The following summary describes the procedures.  A detailed copy of these procedures is available in each special education teacher’s room and in each principal’s office.

Procedure Summary: