Microsoft Word - 2023-24 PES student Handbook FINAL.doc

Table of Contents

Welcome ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1

North Allegheny School District’s Mission and Vision .................................................................................................. 1

Peebles Elementary School Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports ................................................................ 2

Address/Telephone Changes ............................................................................................................................................. 2

Admissions ............................................................................................................................................................................ 2

Animal Visits ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Arrival .................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Assemblies ............................................................................................................................................................................. 3

Attendance ............................................................................................................................................................................. 3

Birthday Treats ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Blackboard ............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Bullying Prevention ............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Bus Behavior .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Bus Safety School .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Cafeteria ................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

Calendar/Newsletter ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

Cancellation/Modification of School Hours .................................................................................................................... 7

Conferences ........................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Counselor ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Crisis/Emergency Information .......................................................................................................................................... 7

Custody/Court Orders ........................................................................................................................................................ 8

Discipline ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Dismissal ................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Dress Code ........................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Driving Reminders/Drop-Off .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Early Dismissal ................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Electronic Devices .............................................................................................................................................................. 11

Emergency Drills ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Encore ................................................................................................................................................................................. 113

Field Trips ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Fundraising/Community Service .................................................................................................................................... 13

Health/Emergency Information ...................................................................................................................................... 13

Immunizations .................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Medications ......................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Illness, Communicable Disease, and Lice ....................................................................................................................... 14

Homeless Assistance–McKinney-Vento Act .................................................................................................................. 15

Homework Assignments on Blackboard ........................................................................................................................ 16

Homework Guidelines ...................................................................................................................................................... 16

Internet ........................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.17

Intramurals .......................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Items Brought From Home (Water bottles are permitted.) .......................................................................................... 17

Kindergarten Day and Transportation ............................................................................................................................ 17

Library .................................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Litter Policy/Recycling ...................................................................................................................................................... 17

Lost and Found ................................................................................................................................................................... 18

MTSS ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Parent Teacher Association (PTA Website) ................................................................................................................ 188

Pictures ................................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) .................................................................................................. 19

PowerSchool Student Information System/Electronic Parent Portal ......................................................................... 21

Recess ................................................................................................................................................................................. 211

Report Cards ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22

School Programs ............................................................................................................................................................... 222

Specials: Art, Library, Music, & Physical Education Courses ................................................................................... 222

Special Education Services ................................................................................................................................................ 22

Tardy Students .................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Technology .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23

Testing and Screeners ...................................................................................................................................................... 244

Textbooks/School Issued Materials ................................................................................................................................ 25

Threats .................................................................................................................................................................................. 25

Vacations/Educational Tour or Trip ............................................................................................................................. 255

Visitors

The only daytime entrance to school is the main office entrance. All other doors are locked during the

school day. Visitors must buzz in through the office. Upon entering the building, all visitors will be asked to

present a valid state-issued ID, which will be scanned into the Raptor Visitor Management system kiosk. For

those visitors/volunteers who forget their license, the Raptor kiosk is set up to receive information manually

as well. Upon reading the information, Raptor will check the national database to identify sexual offenders.

The system will also scan the District’s volunteer database which lists volunteers who have submitted the

necessary clearances as outlined in PA Act 153/PA Act 15. Once approved, the system will generate a name

tag for approved visitors which will contain a picture of the visitor or volunteer, the date, and purpose of the

visit. Visitors will retrieve this tag from the secretary in the office. ........................................................................... 25

Weapons Policy .................................................................................................................................................................. 26

Weekly Communication .................................................................................................................................................. 266

Peebles Elementary School

8625 Peebles Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

412-366-9667

412-635-2464 Fax

Main Office Hours

Office hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

School hours: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Kindergarten Hours:

9:00-11:45 a.m.

12:45-3:30 p.m.

Peebles Elementary School Student/Parent Handbook

Welcome

Dear Students & Parents,

YOU Matter…

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Peebles Elementary School! You will have a great year at Peebles as I

know you will work hard each and every day.

Please review this handbook with your family so that you are familiar with all of the neat things that will take

place at Peebles this school year. It is really important that you understand the rules so that you will experience

great success.

Learning is a life-long process, and Peebles is proud to continually strive to create a positive learning

environment. The dedicated staff at Peebles will work hard to promote your learning while having lots of fun. I

look forward to working hard with you as you know I am always here to help you.

I am so proud to be a part of Peebles Elementary School, and I know you will be too. Together we are going to

make great things happen for Peebles.

Let’s get our party started with our 2023-2024 school year. It is going to be a great year!!

Your Proud Principal,

Mrs. Susie Bjalobok

North Allegheny School District’s Mission and Vision

Mission:

The mission of the North Allegheny School District is to prepare all students for success in a changing world.

Vision:

The vision of the North Allegheny School District is to be a premier school district that inspires excellence in

academics, athletics, arts, and activities for every student every day.

Peebles Elementary School Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

PAWS

We focus on a positive behavior reward system that teaches students about pride, accountability, wise choices,

and self-control in all areas of the school while reinforcing how to be a good citizen in the community.

1. PRIDE

2. ACCOUNTABILITY

3. WISE CHOICES

4. SELF-CONTROL.

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It is very important that every student maintain an up-to-date address and telephone number record at the

school office. If you have a change in address or telephone number during the school year, notify the school

immediately to assure efficient communication between school and home and to update your child’s

transportation services. Emails are often not updated and lead to loss of electronic notifications if not

maintained.

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New Kindergarten students must be five (5) years old and new first grade students must be six (6) years old on

or before September 1 of the school year in which they are enrolling. A physical examination is required when

a student enters school for the first time. Ages must be verified by a birth certificate and immunization records

must be complete along with proof of residency.

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Due to health concerns for students throughout the building, animals are not permitted to be brought into the

building without approval from the office. On the day of the visit, you are to register at the office and at that

time will be given any further specific instructions regarding access to certain areas of the building.

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Students who are dropped off or walk will enter the side entry doors upon arrival to school and await the cue

to go to their classrooms. The building is open to children at 8:45 am. Students are not permitted in the

building prior to 8:45 am. Adult supervision is not provided prior to this time. Buses usually begin to arrive

at 8:50 am. The school day begins at 9:00 am. Students who arrive after 9:05 am will be listed as tardy. Parents

transporting students to school should adhere to the 8:45 am arrival time and use the drop off areas in the

parking lot.

For the safety of our Peebles students, we ask you to observe the NO Parking and Speed Limit signs on the

school grounds. The Speed Limit is 15 MPH in front of the school and in the parking lot. Cars must stop for

pedestrians. In order to allow open access for bus traffic, the oval driveway is closed to private vehicles from

8:50 am to 9:05 am.

*****Students are not to arrive prior to 8:45 a.m. since supervision is not available.

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Assemblies will be scheduled periodically throughout the school year to enhance or reinforce the North

Allegheny School District’s curriculum. Announcements for the assemblies will be made and posted on the

website. Special attention to etiquette and good citizenship is expected of all students during assemblies.

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Regular and punctual attendance at school is important to a successful school career. Absences fall into one of

two categories: LEGAL and ILLEGAL.

Legal absences include:

1. Student illness

2. Death of an immediate family member

3. Absences approved by the Administration, including approved Family Educational Trips

4. Religious holidays or instruction

5. Urgent reasons deemed acceptable by the Administration

Illegal absences include:

1. Truancy

2. Absence due to parental/guardian neglect

3. Illegal employment

4. Family Educational Trips not approved by the Administration

When students return to school after any absence, they must bring a written excuse signed by their parent or

guardian, stating the reason and dates of the absence(s). An email is acceptable, but it must be addressed to

both the homeroom teacher and the school secretary, Mrs. Janet Pisani. The written excuse should be given to

the homeroom teacher for record keeping purposes. It will then be sent to the front office. If no excuse is

provided, absences are considered illegal.

Educational Trip/Student Vacations

To request approval for a Family Educational Trip, parent(s)/guardian(s) must submit a written request for

excusal at least five (5) school days prior to the absence and the absence must be for 10 or less school days.

Students who will be participating in an extended absence due to a request for an educational tour or trip for

more than 10 days will be withdrawn after the tenth consecutive day (on day 11) and the withdrawal date will

be dated the first day of the consecutive absence. These days are considered legal absences when approved.

No absences will be approved during standardized testing windows.

Attendance Letters/Truancy

Parents of students who are absent (regardless if the absences are excused or unexcused) will receive a letter

from the Principal after a total of ten (10) days absent. This communication from the building administration is

sent to emphasize the importance of daily attendance at school and as a reminder of Pennsylvania’s

Compulsory Attendance Law. Second notice for excessive absenteeism will be sent after a total of 18 days and

an Elementary Support Team meeting will be held to address the excessive absenteeism. After the 18-Day

Letter is delivered, all future absences must be supported by documentation from the child’s physician, the

school’s nurse, or another administratively approved agency. If the proper documentation is not provided

after the 18-day Attendance Letter is sent home, the absence will be documented as unexcused and may be

referred to the District Magistrate.

Students with legal absences may have the opportunity to complete any missed assignments upon returning to

school. Our responsibility is to promote consistent school attendance and address the underlying risk factors

that may lead to truancy. As a requirement of Act 138, students who accrue three (3) illegal absences will be

asked to participate in the creation of a School Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP). Students who accrue six

(6) illegal absences will be referred to a school-based or community-based attendance improvement program

or to the local Children and Youth Agency. In addition, the District may file a citation for truancy with the

local District Magistrate.

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On their birthdays, children often want to share a treat with their classmates. Due to life-threatening food

allergies and our commitment to improve health and wellness, edible birthday treats of any kind are not

permitted. If you would like to send a non-edible birthday treat, please contact the homeroom teacher. Items

should be individually wrapped.

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Students K-12 will be using the Student Management System Blackboard Learn. Blackboard Learn is a web-

based teaching and learning environment which enables teachers to build and manage a Web component for

their classes. For students, this can mean:

• access to course materials such as handouts or copies of classroom presentation, which often can be

downloaded for further review

• access to announcements

• opportunities to communicate and collaborate with classmates through tools such as discussion boards,

wikis, and blogs

• online assessments (surveys and quizzes where teachers can provide feedback)

For additional parent information, please visit the District website, Blackboard for Parents.

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Being proactive to create an anti-bullying school environment is the best way to prevent bullying and conflict.

Staff educates students on inclusiveness and tolerance. Various lessons and modeling are completed

throughout the school year to support students to make school the best environment for everyone in the school

community. The Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Program provides realistic expectations

necessary to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach when responding to behavioral and social issues

including bullying. Any bullying observed or reported is addressed to resolve conflict quickly. Please see the

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports section. Please review 249 Anti-Bullying/Cyberbullying School

Board Policy.

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Proper behavior is an absolute necessity while riding on the school bus. The bus driver is in charge and will

enforce discipline on the bus. Students involved in misconduct, showing disrespect for the driver or fellow

students, and those who cause damage to the bus may lose their bus riding privileges. The North Allegheny

School District has established the following rules to maintain bus safety.

Students’ responsibilities are as follows:

1. Report to your bus stop no earlier than 5 to 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to

arrive.

2. While waiting for the bus, stay a safe distance from the roadway. Inappropriate

behavior at the bus stop will not be tolerated.

3. Board the bus in a safe, orderly manner and go directly to your seat.

4. Cross fifteen feet in front of the bus only when the red lights are flashing and traffic has

come to a complete stop.

5. Never cross behind or reach under a bus. Remain visible to the driver at all times.

Stand clear of the danger zone.

6. Talk in a normal tone of voice so the driver can concentrate and hear warning sounds.

7. Ask the driver for permission to open windows. You must keep your entire body and

all objects inside the bus at all times.

8. Eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum is prohibited on the bus.

9. Help keep your bus clean. No littering. Throwing objects inside or outside is

prohibited.

10. When the bus arrives at school, exit in an orderly fashion and go directly to your

assigned area.

NOTE: Students must ride their assigned bus. If a one-time change is necessary due to an

emergency situation, please send a “Note to School” with reason for bus change, student’s name

riding with and bus number requesting to ride. Please send this from to the homeroom teacher. The

note will be recorded in the front office and passed to Mrs. Jenna Stand, the PES bus monitor.

Any request for a permanent change of a bus stop must be approved through the Transportation

Department.

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Bus discipline is a topic of serious conversation at North Allegheny. When a child acts inappropriately on a

school bus, the safety of every person on the bus is in jeopardy. The “Ladder of Discipline” has been

identified for all elementary and middle school buildings. Depending on the seriousness of a child’s

inappropriate behavior, first time offenders may receive more than a warning from the bus driver, bus

monitor, or building administrator. If the child continues to behave inappropriately, that individual will be

assigned to Bus Safety School. Should he/she continue to misbehave, the transportation privilege which is

normally extended to North Allegheny students will be revoked by the District for that child.

First Offense ……………………………Warning

Second Offense ………………………...Consequence like detention at lunch/recess

Third Offense………………………… .Bus Safety School

Fourth Offense ....................................... Bus Suspension * - 3 days

Fifth Offense ........................................... Bus Suspension * - 5 days

Sixth Offense ...........................................Bus Suspension * - semester

* A conference between administrator, parent, driver, and child is required.

Bus Safety School is a program that attempts to heighten the awareness of safety and proper bus behavior in

those students who continually choose to violate District transportation policies.

Parents will be notified if their child must attend Bus Safety School and upon completion of the course,

students will be required to sign a Safety Agreement. Should it become necessary for bus-riding privileges to

be denied, transportation to and from school will become the parent’s responsibility.

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Students may purchase a lunch daily using either cash or funds that they have on the Point of Sale (P.O.S.)

system. All students buying lunch or snacks will enter his or her Personal Identification Number (P.I.N.) as

they purchase their lunch or snack. Assistance will be given to all students at the beginning of the year as

they enter their P.I.N. The Elementary Lunch is $2.45, which includes milk. If purchased separately, milk is

75 cents.

Parents may send in cash or a check payable to NA Cafeteria Fund at any time to deposit money into their

child’s P.O.S. account. Cafeteria Payment envelopes should be used to include student name, Personal

Identification Number (P.I.N.), and payment option. For those families with more than one child attending

IES, please remember to use separate envelopes for each child.

Reminders will be sent home with the student when their Point of Service [P.O.S.] account accrues a negative

balance. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Food Service Office at 724-934-7201 or 7236.

Parent/guardians are responsible for assuring that a student’s [POS] account remains up to date with a

positive balance.

The District also has an online payment system called PaySchools Central. Log in to PaySchools Central at

payschoolscentral.com. More information on PaySchools Central can be found at PaySchools.com.

Cafeteria time is meant to be a pleasant break in the day. Every student is expected to use proper table

manners and speak in a normal tone of voice so that everyone may enjoy their lunch break. Restaurant-like

behavior is expected, and students are to clean up after themselves.

Peebles Elementary School serves lunches in 30-minute blocks, and all students receive a 30-minute recess.

Cleaning of tables occurs between each student group.

*Please refer to the monthly menu on the District website.

Lunch Schedule

1st Grade 11:10 - 11:40

2nd Grade 11:15 - 11:45

3rd Grade 11:45 - 12:15

4th Grade 12:30 - 1:00 & 12:45 – 1:15 (Mondays)

Grade 12:10 – 12:40

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Each year the North Allegheny School District publishes and distributes an Activities Calendar to each

family. We hope that you will utilize this calendar, the District and Peebles Elementary School websites, and

District publications to stay on top of upcoming opportunities and events.

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Cancellation of school takes place only during circumstances such as extreme weather, equipment failure, or

public crisis. Such information will be communicated via the District website, SchoolMessenger, and local

media, such as television and radio stations. If special activities were planned on the day of a cancellation or

delay, specific information will be posted in the headlines on the website and may also be communicated

through an eBlast.

Kindergarten will follow a special 2-hour delay schedule:

A.M. 11:00-12:45 and P.M. 1:45-3:30.

All bus schedules will be delayed by the same amount of time.

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Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November 6 and 7, 2023. Information will be sent out in

October for parents to electronically sign up for a conference if they feel it is necessary to have a

conference with their child’s teacher. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to arrange and attend

conferences as necessary throughout the year. Please contact your child’s teacher if a conference is

needed outside of the two regularly scheduled conference days.

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Our school counselor, Mrs. Jenna Stand, is a part of the Peebles Elementary School staff and is available to

assist students, parents, and staff with academic, social, and emotional needs of students. To make an

appointment with the counselor, please call the main office or email her at jstand@northallegheny.org .

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In the event a need to disseminate emergency or crisis communications to parents and/or students should

arise, the North Allegheny School District has communication vehicles in place to facilitate this process.

SchoolMessenger and the District website www.northallegheny.org are great resources and have current

information. Local television and radio stations also communicate delays and closing in a timely manner.

The District utilizes SchoolMessenger, an automated telephone notification system that will deliver a

personalized message to parents and employees in minutes. As it is a web-based program, its reliability and

availability will not be affected by local power or equipment failures.

Parents can access the Contact Manager feature of this system via the North Allegheny School District website

or the internet and establish their own account. This will allow them to determine which, if any, phone

number(s) they would like to have messages sent to and/or opt for an email or text alert when they have a

new phone message. Parents may choose not to receive SchoolMessenger, if they so desire. SchoolMessenger

will be used exclusively to broadcast weather-related cancellation or delay information, as well as other

emergency or crisis-related messages. Please review the link for SchoolMessenger.

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At times, there are legal papers in the form of custody agreements or court order documents that pertain to

students and their specific circumstances. Parents must provide any initial custody agreements/court orders to

the school office. If parents/guardians are aware of modification of existing paperwork, it is their responsibility

to provide the updated paperwork to the school office. If the school office is not aware of changes, the last

copy provided is the copy that will the official copy. A notarized copy of any of these forms may be presented

to the school office annually. Even if the paperwork isn’t modified or canceled, parents/guardians may be

required to submit copies at the start of each school year to assume that any necessary paperwork is up-to-date.

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Normal discipline issues that occur will be handled by the classroom teacher in conjunction with the

guidelines established for our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports program (please review that

section) and the North Allegheny School District’s Code of Conduct. Behavior is expected to be positive

throughout the entire school setting including the classroom, arts classes, restrooms, cafeteria, playground,

hallways, field trips, concerts, bus, and assemblies. Students will be made aware of the expectations at the

beginning of the year. If a student chooses to break a rule, the student’s behavior will be addressed and

documented on a Paws-itive Behavior Think Sheet. Parents/guardians will be notified to continue

communication. Consequences may be assigned depending on the severity of the behavior and whether the

behavior is a repeated behavior. Students, teachers, and parents are all part of the process allowing a student

to learn and improve behavior. We want to assist students with maintaining positive behavior as students

learn and grow. Possible consequences include:

• Conferences with the Principal

• Apology

• Letter or phone call to parents

• Loss of recess period(s)

• Recess and/or lunch in the office with Principal

• Loss of grade level or school-wide assembly, event, or PAW Activity

• Detention before or after school

• In-school suspension for ½ of school day

• In-school suspension for the entire school day

• Out of school suspension

Teachers and staff members are also encouraged to recognize and respond to positive behavior, as all

behavior is monitored in all areas of the school.

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The instructional day ends at 3:20 pm, followed by pack-up for the end of the day. All students walking to

their homes or with a scheduled “pick-up” will leave the classroom at 3:25, when called over the public

address system. Parents requesting “pick-up” must adhere to the following procedures to assure the safety

and welfare of our students:

A note/email MUST be sent to the child’s teacher (please copy the front office secretary) on the day the

parent/guardian is planning on picking the student up from school. A “blanket note” can be submitted to the

homeroom teacher and school secretary detailing a regular pick-up schedule (e.g. “every Tuesday”). “Blanket

Notes” are kept in the office file and will be followed until a change is made by the parent/guardian. Emails

must be copied to the homeroom teacher and school secretary. All pick-up messages must be received prior to

3:00 p.m. Emails should not be sent after 3:00 pm because it cannot be guaranteed that the email will be

received in time for clear communication. In the event of an emergency close to 3:00 pm, please call the school

secretary.

Parents coming to pick a child up prior to 3:20 pm for an early dismissal, MUST report to the office before 3:20

pm and adhere to the office policy of signing students out and waiting for their child to meet them in the main

office. Under no circumstances are parents/guardians permitted to go directly to the classrooms or bus lines.

All students have been assigned a Family “Carpool” number to display in their vehicle when picking up

student(s). Students will bring home their designated “carpool” numbers on the first day of school. Please be

patient as a monitor may check ID in cases where the monitor is unfamiliar with the person picking a student

up from school.

Parents will be directed to stay in their cars and follow a traffic pattern. Instructions below. This procedure

will replace the need for individuals to be inside the school building, creating a more controlled dismissal

environment.

If you are picking up your child/children at the end of the day instead of riding the bus, please

follow the procedures as explained below.

• You will receive a Carpool pickup number that has been assigned to your family.

• Please write a “Note to School” informing your child’s teacher that he or she will be a

pickup at 3:25.

• Be sure you place your pickup number in the window facing the school/staff member.

• When you arrive, pull directly behind the building following the line of cars. Staff will

guide you for a few days.

• Driving slowly, follow the cars around the back circle near the playground.

• Please remain in your vehicle. Students will be escorted out by a staff member to match

their number with the car number. Students will load the car on the DRIVER’S side for

safety.

• If your child is a walker, please walk to the pick-up line with your child’s number in hand

and we will escort your child to you.

• Once you have your child secured, you will proceed slowly up to the front of the school to

exit onto Peebles Road.

It is very important that you decide before your child leaves for school if he or she will be a pick-

up that day. However, we understand that emergencies arise throughout the day. If this happens

please call Mrs. Janet Pisani in the office to make arrangements for pick-up. Again – this

procedure is NOT for early dismissal – only for the pick-ups at 3:25.

The carpool number is ONLY for your family and should be used ONLY if your child/children are

not riding the bus home.

THERE ARE NO PICK UPS IN THE OFFICE AREA AT THE END OF THE DAY.

If a child is to go home with someone other than his/her parent/guardian, a written note must be sent to the

school or the child will not be released to another individual without verbal consent from the parent over the

phone. Identification will also be requested for anyone picking up this child other than the parent or assigned

guardian. See the “Early Dismissal” section of the handbook for information.

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We are proud of the way our students dress. A student’s individual dress indicates both self-respect and

respect for others. While the school accommodates a wide variety of individual tastes, inappropriate dress is

not acceptable.

Guidelines

The following should be used in determining appropriate school attire:

1. Articles must be clean (not soiled with grease, oil, paint, or dirt).

2. Clothing with slogans/emblems, etc., is acceptable. They may not depict illegal substances,

indecent writing, weapons, or indecent pictures. Please be mindful of video games depicting

the use of weapons.

3. Warm weather clothing is appropriate with the following guidelines: halter tops or tank tops with

spaghetti straps, tops exposing the midriff or immodest display of undergarments, and torn or ragged

clothing are NOT permitted.

4. Styles including oversized trousers present problems regarding safety both for the individual

student and fellow classmates. School staff will insist that appropriate fitting pants are worn.

5. Items of dress that disrupt the educational process and climate are not permitted.

6. Footwear must be worn by all students. Wheelie shoes are not permitted.

7. Shorts or skirts must reach at the fingertips while arms are hanging naturally at the sides. Tights or

leggings may not be used underneath shorts or skirts to substitute length. Leggings may only be worn

under appropriate length (fingertip) shorts, skirts, or dresses.

8. Students are NOT permitted to wear hats during the school day inside of the building. This also

includes bandannas and head scarves, unless the day has been approved for charity or spirit week or

the head covering is based on religious reasons.

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Bringing students to school in the morning -As you arrive into the driveway make the first left and look for

Peebles staff for drop off directions. We have staff members holding signs that will tell you to Stop and Go

pending safe driving patterns.

Fire Lane - Parking in the fire lane is not permitted at any time.

Main Driveway and Circle in front of PES - This area is closed to car traffic during the following times:

8:45-9:10 and 3:15-3:45 — Buses only

11:30-12:00 and 12:30-1:00 — Kindergarten drop-off and pick-up only

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If a situation should arise that would require a student to have an early dismissal, the parent or guardian

must send a note to the homeroom teacher. An email is acceptable, but the email must be copied to the

homeroom teacher and school secretary. All pick-up messages must be received prior to 3:00 pm. Emails

should not be sent after 3:00 pm because it cannot be guaranteed that the email will be received in time for

clear communication; please call the school secretary if the timing of notification is after 3:00 pm.

All students must be signed out at the office by the parent or guardian. When the parent/guardian comes

into the office, the Visitor’s Dismissal Sign-out Log on the counter should be signed to indicate that they have

picked up their child. Children are not permitted to leave the building early and wait outside. Proper ID

may be requested.

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The District uses a Student Information System called Powerschool. It is also a web-based grade book and

reporting system that provides parents access to student records related to their schedule and academic

progress. Parents can access Powerschool in their Tiger ID. Please work closely with our front office

secretaries to ensure your email address is current. Email addresses will be used periodically throughout the

year to inform parents of important school and District related events.

Students are NOT permitted to bring personal electronic devices to school. Cell phones should not be brought

to school unless there are extenuating circumstances. A cell phone MUST be turned off during instructional

hours when permission is granted. If an item has been confiscated from a student, the item will be housed in

the office and not returned directly to the student. Parents must pick up confiscated item from the office.

School iPads are permitted and considered District property. Use of electronic devices must follow the

Responsible Computer, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Use policy 224.1.

In addition, more and more students are wearing smartwatches. Please do not contact your child throughout

the school day. It is disruptive to the school environment. Please contact your child’s teacher or the front

office if contact is needed or an emergency arises.

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Emergency drills will be held on a regularly scheduled basis during the course of the school year. The

following is a listing of drills and their scheduled frequency:

• Fire Drills - monthly

• Emergency Weather Drill – Annually

• Lockdown Drills (semester)

• Bus Evacuation Drill – August and March

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is based on the response to any given situation using common clear

language – not codes or code words.

There is common vocabulary and symbols used with staff, students, parents,

and responders:

• Hold is a safety response procedure to clear hallways and remain in a classroom

until an all clear is given.

• Secure is a safety response that brings everyone inside the building and the

perimeter is secured. No one is permitted in or out of the building during this time.

• Lockdown is a safety response procedure that contains students and staff in safe

locations within the building in the event of a threat to safety.

• If there is a need to Evacuate the building several locations are identified pending the

emergency situation. Procedures are in place.

• Shelter is used in situations like weather related incidents such as tornadoes or

earthquakes.

North Allegheny School District has a comprehensive safety plan that is continually discussed, rehearsed and

evaluated. For the 2023-24 school year, the District has also adopted the use of the ALICE preparedness

training model. The staff and students will be trained throughout the year to enhance our safety plans and to

prepare everyone in the event of a critical incident. The District works closely with local emergency

responders to ensure that safety plans are updated and promote a safe school environment. While safe

evacuation from the building is sometimes the most prudent response to a threat to safety, such as a fire

within the building, other responses can be appropriate pending the situation.

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Every (add your day) is Encore Special Rotations (Encore Day) is an integrated approach to teaching special

subject areas in one (1) hour blocks per grade level. These special subject areas are: Art, Music, Physical

Education and Library. Please use this LINK for a program description of each of the classes. Homeroom

teachers will notify students of the specific dates for each of the special subject area Encore days.

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Field trips that reinforce and enhance the North Allegheny curriculum are scheduled by various grade levels

throughout the school year. Parents will receive notices about the field trips in advance of the scheduled trip

date and will be asked to sign field trip permission forms. As a member of the Peebles Elementary PTA these

trips are typically funded in full by the PTA as long as you’ve become a member. If you are not a member of

the PTA then field trips and transportation must be paid by the parent.

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All fundraising at Peebles Elementary is voluntary for students and their families. An effort is being made to

streamline these fundraisers and to shift more towards service projects by students, as opposed to only

monetary donations.

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Please visit the Health Services page of our website. You will find useful information about our medication

policy, immunization requirements and health care information. During the first week of school or upon

enrolling your child, the parent/guardian is requested to complete and return an emergency form for each

student. This form is to be returned ASAP. This information is required for your child’s care in case of

illness or injury.

• It is important that we have your current personal, work, and emergency phone numbers.

In case of an emergency, accurate information can save valuable time in helping your child.

Please remember to notify us at any time during the year of any changes in these numbers.

• If you are planning to be out of town, please provide in writing the name of your child’s

guardian in your absence if it is not someone who is not on the emergency form. Without

this consent, we cannot release your child to this caretaker.

• If there is a change in the custodianship of your child, please notify the office and provide

copies of any pertinent court agreements for this change to be honored.

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State Law requires every student who intends to enroll in a public school to provide evidence of a successful

vaccination history. At various ages, different vaccinations are necessary for enrollment. Some of the

immunizations necessary for K-12 students are diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, rubella, mumps,

varicella, and meningitis. Should you have a question regarding the immunizations necessary for your child,

please contact the School Nurse at (412) 366-9667. These can also be found at

http://www.northallegheny.org/page/297.

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Medications will be administered by health office personnel according to school policy which includes written

parental permission, and a doctor’s order for both prescription and nonprescription (OTC - over the counter)

medications. A copy of this policy will be sent home the first week of school. Please review this as it includes

information on both prescription and nonprescription medications (OTC) and the parent/guardian

responsibility with both.

The following are a few important points to remember:

*Students are not permitted to carry medication with them at school. All medication is to be dispensed from

the health office.

*Medication is to be brought to school by the parent/guardian in the original container. Never allow your

child to transport medication. The health office cannot and will not administer any medication in a baggy,

paper towel, etc. This is for your child’s safety and is against school policy for medications.

*Tylenol may be administered with parental permission and at the discretion of the school nurse. Please

remember to circle the appropriate response on the bottom of the emergency form.

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Illness:

Please keep your child home if he/she has any of the following symptoms:

• Temperature of 100 or greater (temperature should be normal for 24 hours before

returning to school)

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Persistent cough or thick nasal drainage

• Red, itchy eyes with discharge

• Earache

Communicable Diseases

A child who has a communicable disease should remain at home for at least the length of time indicated

below. In addition, a call to the nurse’s office is warranted to help us prevent the spreading of any illnesses

throughout the student population.

• Scarlet Fever – 24 hours from initiation of medicine

• Strep Throat – 24 hours from initiation of medicine

• Chicken Pox (Varicella) – six to eight days after appearance of rash. Scabs must be

completely dried. For most students, Chicken Pox is a common childhood illness that

may be uncomfortable and inconvenient. For others, however, there is an increased risk

of complications due to other health conditions.

• Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) – 24 hours after initiating treatment and there is no further

drainage.

• Head Lice (Pediculosis) – If you suspect your child may have head lice, please notify

the Health Office. When head lice are found, the student must receive proper treatment

before returning to school; this includes use of a special shampoo and removal of all

nits. A student will only be readmitted to school the following day after a head check

by the School Nurse is completed.

Lice

Lice outbreaks are not uncommon among school children and the cleanest child can easily become infected. Do

not panic if you find that your child has been infested with lice. Head lice do not spread disease. While time-

consuming in treatment, this is not a chronic health problem.

This district website has additional information if you suspect or have confirmed your child has lice.

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Homeless Students

Under McKinney Vento all school districts are responsible for identifying students experiencing homelessness

and connecting them with the resources needed to ensure academic success.

Who is considered homeless—Children or youth living in a shelter, transitional housing, hotel/motel, vehicle,

campground, on the street or doubled up with friends or family due to a lack of alternate resources are

considered homeless. An unaccompanied homeless youth is a child or youth that is not in the care of their

parent or legal guardian and meets the definition of homeless under McKinney Vento.

Where can students experiencing homelessness attend school?—The law indicates that homeless students

have the right to remain in their school origin (the school they attended at the time of the homeless episode or

last school attended) through the end of the school year in which they find permanent housing, provided it is

in the child/youth’s best interest.

If through consultation between the school and the family and/or unaccompanied youth it is determined that

remaining in the school of origin is not in the student’s best interest, then the student has the right to

immediately enroll in the school that non-homeless students living in the attendance area in which the

child/youth is actually living are eligible to attend, even if they do not have all of the required documentation.

Additionally, unaccompanied homeless youth have the right to immediately enroll in school, even if they do

not have a legal guardian present.

What supports can school districts provide to homeless students?—Homeless students are eligible for

supports and services to remove barriers to educational success. This may include transportation to the school

of origin, free meals, referrals to physical/mental health providers, clothing to meet school requirements,

access to school supplies and resources, assistance with credit recovery, tutoring supports, expedited

evaluations and assistance to participate in school activities including parent engagement opportunities,

sports, club, etc.

Homeless Dispute Process—If at any time there is a disagreement about homeless status or best interest for

school placement, the district will notify the family in writing of their determination that the

family/unaccompanied youth is ineligible for McKinney Vento services. At this time, the district will provide

the family/unaccompanied youth with the ability to dispute their determination. Throughout the dispute

process, the child/youth, including unaccompanied youth, will continue to be educated in the school of origin

or immediately enrolled in the school they are seeking enrollment in until the dispute process is finalized.

Transportation will continue throughout the dispute process. All disputes will be sent to the ECYEH Regional

Coordinator who will issue a determination. If any party is unhappy with the determination, they can elevate

the dispute to the state coordinator.

What if I think that I am eligible for services under McKinney Vento?—Contact Dr. Michele Dowell,

Homeless Liaison for the North Allegheny School District at 412-369-5512 or mdowell@northallegheny.org.

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Homework is an important and required part of a child's education. It allows for extra practice and/or

increased student learning. Homework can reinforce, enrich, or extend the curricular outcomes. Homework can

help a child develop skills in personal organization, time management, and following directions.

Students should expect homework on a regular basis in accordance with the following averages:

Grade 1 – 10 minutes Grade 3 – 30 minutes Grade 5 – 50 minutes

Grade 2 – 20 minutes Grade 4 – 40 minutes

These time allotments are suggested for four - five nights per week for most elementary students. Homework

may take your child more or less time. Homework may be assigned periodically on Fridays, if needed.

However, reading literature, trade books, and journal writing is always appropriate for evenings, weekends,

and vacations. Any questions or concerns about homework should be addressed to the teacher who made the

assignment.

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Student Responsibilities

A. The student will:

1. Budget time to complete assignments made.

2. Arrange to make up missed assignments as required by the teacher.

3. Ask for further explanation if original directions are not completely

understood.

4. Homework assignments can be reviewed daily on the Blackboard agendas.

5. Initiate the request for help when needed.

6. Properly manage time and task completion on long term assignments.

Parent Responsibilities

B. The parent will:

1. Provide a quiet, well-lighted study area with a desk or table and comfortable

chair.

2. Keep study tools available: pencils, sharpener, pen, crayons, paper, ruler,

and dictionary.

3. Establish a regular time for homework.

4. Limit television viewing and avoid TV or radio listening during study time.

5. Inquire about your child’s homework and help him/her to budget time for completion

and get ample sleep.

6. Encourage step-by-step work on long term or major projects to avoid last minute,

careless work.

7. Review homework on the Blackboard agenda and correspond with teacher if needed.

Requests for absent students' homework assignments may be made on a student's second day of

illness/absence. Parents are asked to call the school before 10:00 am on the second day of absence.

Students who miss a single day of school can get their missed assignments upon their return to

school the following day. Children will be granted additional time to complete their assignments

upon their return, typically equal to the number of days they were absent. The Blackboard

agendas posted by all teachers allows access to daily assignments.

Extended illness: Contact your child’s teacher to make specific arrangements for absences of one

week or longer.

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All students and staff members have access to the Internet. All work is done with the supervision of a teacher.

When the students use the internet while at school, they are monitored and the sites they are accessing are

screened. All students use iPads at the Elementary Level, and Internet safety is highlighted throughout the

school year. The students have benefited greatly from this technology, which has become another valuable

resource to enhance our core curriculum. Please continue to monitor internet usage and safety at home.

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After school intramural sport activities are offered to all 4

and 5

grade students. The purpose of this

intramural program is to provide every student with a foundation for an active and healthy lifestyle, in which

athletic competition is only a component of overall wellness. Our program stresses cooperative skills and team

activities, such as basketball, soccer, hockey, and kickball.

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Items like toys, sports equipment, trading cards, or game-like items from home should not be brought to

school. Students are NOT permitted to bring electronic equipment to school without permission from the

principal. Some students may have a need to use sensory items. Teachers can ask students to place spinners or

other sensory items distracting from instruction in their backpacks. Children should not bring valuables or

large sums of money to school. Water bottles should be brought to school, and filling stations are available to

all students.

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AM Kindergarten begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at 11:45 AM.

PM Kindergarten begins at 12:45 PM and concludes at 3:30 PM.

The District provides bus transportation to AM Kindergarten and from PM Kindergarten. The noontime

transportation is the responsibility of the parents/guardians.

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The library is supervised by the librarian and/or the library secretary. Library classes are held for all grade

levels in the school, with the purpose of enhancing literacy skills, introducing students to research, and

engaging them in the use of technological tools. Books are checked out during scheduled library classes. Each

student may check out a set amount of books for a one-week period. There is no fine for overdue books, but

lost or damaged books must be paid for to keep the library up to date. Students are allowed to access the

library with permission of their classroom teacher in the mornings.

Our library collection is constantly updated and expanded. Books are chosen for their educational or leisure

value. Students are encouraged to find “just right” books to match and challenge their reading level.

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Students are encouraged to help keep the building clean by depositing litter and garbage the provided

receptacles and to discard any litter that they see. We recycle at Peebles Elementary School and work with

students to instill in them an appreciation for the Earth and its care. Paper materials and bottles are recycled

regularly and bins are made available to the students for use throughout the building.

Students are not permitted to chew gum in or on the school property, as a preventative measure to avoid

vandalism, an unclean environment, and the potential for choking.

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All clothing, lunch boxes, etc. found at school are placed on the lost and found cart, located in the cafeteria

hallway. Money, jewelry, or any other articles of value are turned into the office. Students and/or parents

may claim items after proper identification. Those items which are not claimed will be donated to a charity

mid-year and at the conclusion of the school year.

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The North Allegheny School District is committed to helping all children succeed. There are many ways to

help children learn and ensure those who need additional supports are successful. The Multi-Tier Systems of

Support (MTSS) is one of the recommended best practices from the Pennsylvania Department of Education

[PDE] to ensure ALL students meet continual academic and behavioral success. This support will be given to

ALL students through ongoing collaboration involving teachers, administrators, families, and specialists.

Through systematic District and school--wide efforts, students will be provided services based on the

evaluation of individual needs through a universal screener (aimswebPlus), consistent progress monitoring,

and collaborative problem-solving efforts.

aimswebPlus—

The aimswebPlus program is a web-based system that provides teachers data to identify students who will

benefit from early intervention strategies and targeted instruction (remediation and enrichment). The screener

is used in grades K-2, but it can be used in grades 3-5 when needed. AimswebPlus uses brief, valid, and

reliable measures of foundational skills in reading and math. The system is designed to universally screen

and progress monitor students. The assessment is given three times a year.

Well-Check/SAP

We conduct Well-Check procedures at Peebles Elementary School, which is led by the school counselor, Mrs.

Jenna Stand and Reading Specialist/MTSS, Emily Dinger and Megan Gillis. If your child is experiencing

academic or social difficulty, you can make a referral through a teacher or the school counselor. The Well-

Check/SAP team meets throughout the school year to find interventions to promote student success in

partnership with the parents and key school personnel. Teachers may also recommend a student receives

support through Well-Check/SAP. Parent permission is required for a child to receive support through Well-

Check/SAP.

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The PES Parent Teacher Association is an active part of the Peebles Elementary School community. The PTA

members volunteer and assist in many school functions, organize holiday parties, fund grade level field trips

and capital projects, as well as fulfilling the role of liaisons for our school.

Parents are given the opportunity to become active members of the PTA, by joining the PTA membership at

the start of each school year or when you enroll your child. As such, you are invited to become involved and

to voice your opinions about how we could work as a team to better our school.

We have a wonderful PTA Executive Board, who would welcome communications from you and would be

honored to have you present at our monthly meetings at Peebles Elementary School. The executive board

includes:

President – Cathy Reich

Vice-President – Lindsay Beel

Treasurer – Michelle Schmidt

Secretary – Paige Cangilla

For a complete listing of PTA meeting dates, Committee Chairpersons, and ideas for how to become more

involved, please visit the Peebles Elementary School website and click on PTA under the Resources tab. We

are always looking to get the parents and community as involved as possible in our educational offerings.

Peebles also has a very productive volunteer program. You may volunteer directly to work with students or

indirectly by helping prepare materials that will be used in the classrooms. Please contact the PTA or your

child’s teacher. Any amount of time you volunteer is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your

dedication!

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Individual student pictures in the Fall and Spring will be taken each year. Dates are listed on the District

calendar and will be communicated in the newsletter. Fall School Pictures will be in the Peebles Elementary

School yearbook and both Fall and Spring will be available for purchase by families.

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The Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Program provides realistic expectations

necessary to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach when responding to behavioral and

social issues. We maintain an inclusive environment for all students. A school environment that

promotes No Bullying and resolves any type of conflict quickly. Expectations are taught, modeled,

and communicated to all students throughout the school day:

As part of the program,

students receive ROCKS Tickets to recognize their positive behavior. There are two different types

of ROCKS tickets students can earn- those that recognize positive behavior in one of our six school-

wide areas, and those that focus just on behavior in the classroom.

Our six school wide areas include recess, cafeteria, arrival/dismissal, buses, bathrooms, and

hallways. If a student earns a ROCKS ticket during a school-wide area, they place their ticket into a

grade level collection jar. Each week one ticket per grade level is selected at random and that

student has a chance to spin the PES prize wheel which has a variety of prizes including things

such as sitting in a special chair for the day, prize bin tangibles, extra recess time, and more.

Students also have their picture taken to be posted on the PES ROCKS Stars bulletin board and

posted on social media. At the end of each week all tickets earned by students are then emptied into

a school-wide collection bin. Once students fill the all school collection bin then a whole school

reward is earned. This occurs approximately once per nine weeks and has included things such as

an inflatable bounce house at recess, glow stick dance party, and lunch out in our outdoor pavilion.

For the classroom recognition ROCKS tickets students are awarded tickets for positive classroom

behavior. These tickets are then collected in a jar or displayed within the classroom (each

homeroom has the opportunity to make this unique). These tickets are then used to earn classroom

designated rewards. These may be an all class reward once students earn a certain number of

tickets or teacher may choose to recognize students on an individual basis pending on their

classroom system of management for the tickets.

Parents are integral in the process. Positive communication from the staff will occur to parents, and

notification when expectations are not being followed will also occur. On occasions when students

have not responded to verbal conversations, modeling, discussion, or jeopardized the safety or

wellness of other students or themselves, a student may be given a PES ROCKS Referral Form for

behavior . This allows the students and staff to reflect on the concern, reinforce the importance of

following clear expectations, and discuss ways to improve moving forward. This is a collaborative

effort and parents/guardians are sent the referral form for review, parental signature, and

discussion at home. This allows school/home collaboration to occur throughout the school year.

Below is an example of a ROCKS Referral Form.

Rewarding Positive Behavior is key to assisting in

teaching expectations to students. However, in certain

circumstances, students may receive more severe

consequences for not following expectations. The

principal will be involved with any of these discipline concerns. The North Allegheny Code of

Conduct outlines discipline and consequences. At the elementary level, example of consequences

that may occur include but are not limited to:

• Conferences with the principal

• Apology

• Letter or phone call to parents

• Loss of recess period(s)

• Recess and/or lunch in the office with Principal

• Loss of grade level or school-wide assembly, event, or PAW Activity

• Detention before or after school

• In-school suspension for ½ of school day

• In-school suspension for the entire school day

• Out of school suspension

*Behavior of a more serious nature including violations involving weapons, fighting, bullying

and/or harassment are outlined in the North Allegheny Code of Conduct.

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The District has implemented a Student Information System called PowerSchool. An electronic

Parent Portal is available, providing parents a web-based gradebook and reporting system with

access to student records schedules, and academic performance, as well as the opportunity to

update demographic and contact information.

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We are fortunate at Pes to have a large playground area. The teachers and Student Services

Assistants will explain rules for this area to all students. The proper use of equipment is modeled

for students. Equipment rules are to be followed to keep all students safe. Failure to follow these

rules may result in the loss of playground privileges or a Think Sheet. !

Recess Schedule

Kindergarten – AM – 10:45 – 11:15 and PM – 1:15 – 1:45

Grade – 11:40 – 12:10

Grade – 11:45 – 12:15

Grade – 11:15 – 11:45

Grade – 1:00 – 1:30 and 11:10 – 11:40 (Mondays)

Grade – 12:40 – 1:10

The rules are as follows:

• Playground equipment will be used properly, in the manner for which it was

intended and designed.

• Each child will show respect for adults and other children.

• When the whistle blows, children should put equipment away and get into a

line.

• Toys from home should not be on the playground.

• Do not throw stones or other potentially dangerous objects.

• No chasing/tag games on the pavement area, only on grass or mulch surfaces.

• The area behind the shed is off limits.

• Stay away from classroom windows.

• Ask for adult assistance and permission when retrieving equipment that has left

the playground area.

• No carrying other children.

• Stay in assigned areas.

• Snacks in lunchroom only.

• Adhere to Playground rules.

On days with inclement weather, recess is held in the classrooms. We will not go outside if it is raining or

storming or if the wind chill factor is below 20 degrees. However, we try to go out as often as possible, so

dress appropriately on cold-weather days.

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The school year is divided into four nine-week periods. Report cards posted on the student information

system’s Parent Portal at the end of each nine-week period for grades 1 - 5. Kindergarten students receive

report cards at the end of each semester, amounting to two times a year.

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North Allegheny School District and the Peebles Elementary School PTA offer several after-school programs

for our students. For all of the programs, students will be called to the appropriately assigned area at school

dismissal time. Transportation home at dismissal of the after-school program is the responsibility of the

parent. Students are not permitted to wander the building or parking lot.

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The art, library, music, and physical education courses make up the special area class rotations. These

courses are an important part of each student’s educational experience. On Mondays Grades 1-5 have an

Encore class. One of the special areas will be attended for 1 hour. This is done on a rotating basis allowing

more time for in-depth projects.

Students in grades 4 and 5 may participate in the school’s chorus program. Two concerts are held during the

school year for students, parents, and interested community members. In addition, students in grades 3

through 5 are encouraged to participate in the school’s orchestra program, and in grades 4 and 5 for the

school’s band program.

Homeroom teachers will provide schedules allowing for the special area rotations to be known in advance

for proper dress.

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The following special education services, among others, are available for those students who meet the

requirements: GOAL, Speech, and Learning Support. Contact the School Counselor, Principal, or Special

Education Department if there are any questions about these programs.

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A child who arrives at school after 9:05 am is considered tardy. The parent/guardian must bring the child

into the office upon arrival and provide a written note with reason for the tardy. All students entering

school after 9:05 am MUST check into the office before going to the classroom. Failure to have the student

There are three reasons recognized as valid excuses for tardiness: severe weather conditions; bus

transportation difficulties; and personal accident or illness, or personal appointment. A tardy student must

stop in the office to receive a late slip to enter class and must submit a signed tardy note from the

parent/guardian at that time.

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The North Allegheny School District recognizes that the appropriate use of electronic devices can provide

great potential for enhanced learning opportunities for all students. However, there are many other uses of

electronic devices which can distract from the learning process or otherwise violate the rights of students;

thus the use of electronic devices for legitimate educational purposes is permitted, only under the direction

of the classroom teacher with approval from the Building Administration and in accordance with the Code

of Conduct. Any student who violates these provisions of the Code of Conduct shall receive appropriate

disciplinary action and may have his or her privileges regarding electronic devices temporarily or

permanently revoked. Further, the student’s electronic device may be subject to confiscation, either

temporary or permanent, and the District reserves the right to hold a confiscated item until a conference has

been held with the student’s parent or guardian. Finally, if such violations could possibly constitute a crime

under local, state and/or federal law, the District will report such conduct to the appropriate law

enforcement agencies.

Electronic devices shall include all devices that can take photographs; record audio or video data; store,

transmit or receive messages, data, or images; or provide a wireless, unfiltered connection to the Internet.

Examples of these electronic devices include, but shall not be limited to, iPods, DVD players, handheld game

consoles, cellular phones and smart phones/watches, laptops or other student-owned computers, as well as

any new technology developed with similar capabilities of data storage or transmission. The District is not

liable for the loss, damage or misuse of an electronic device brought to school by a student.

Appropriate use of electronic devices shall include any use of such devices for educational purposes, such as

educational research, which is specifically authorized by a classroom teacher with approval from the

Building Administration. Inappropriate use of electronic devices has the potential to negatively impact the

educational processes and individual students. Any use of electronic devices that leads to the disruption of

the instructional/educational processes and/or violates the rights of individual students is a violation of the

Code of Conduct.

*PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL OR CONTACT YOUR CHILD DURING SCHOOL HOURS ON THEIR

PERSONAL DEVICE SUCH AS A CELL PHONE OR SMART WATCH. CALL THE FRONT OFFICE.

Any student found to inappropriately use electronic devices will be subject to consequences set forth within

the Code of Conduct. Infractions of this policy can result in a minimum of Level II consequences. In

addition, such acts may be in violation of the (click to search for School Board policies) North Allegheny

School Board Policies:

#249 Anti-Bullying/Cyberbullying

#224.1 –Responsible Computer, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Usage

#237 Electronic Device

Inappropriate use of these devices includes, but is not limited to the following examples:

• Placing and/or receiving a call, text message, or other communication during

instructional time (classroom instruction, study halls, and gymnasiums).

• The use of electronic devices in locker rooms and restrooms.

• Using any application on an electronic device which is not directly relevant to the

instruction in the classroom and authorized by the classroom teacher.

• Taking, storing, disseminating, transferring, viewing or sharing of obscene,

pornographic, lewd, inappropriate, unauthorized, or otherwise illegal images or

photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or other means, including but not

limited to texting and e-mailing.

• Using any electronic device for purposes which are in direct violation of other

provisions within the North Allegheny School District’s Code of Conduct, such as

bullying, cyber-bullying, cheating or otherwise violating academic integrity, or

harassing or intimidating students or staff members.

The District shall enforce these provisions of the Code of Conduct regarding electronic devices on school

grounds, District-operated school buses and other conveyances, and during any District-sponsored activities,

whether or not occurring on school grounds. Such prohibited activity shall also apply to student conduct

that occurs off school property if the prohibited conduct is (a) directed at another student or students, is (b)

severe, persistent, or pervasive, and (c) interferes with a student’s education, creates a threatening

environment, or substantially disrupts orderly operations of school. Such activities in direct violation of the

North Allegheny School Board Policies (detailed above) will result in violators being disciplined

accordingly.

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Various kinds of testing are administered throughout the school year. Results are used to help determine

individual student progress and also to make adjustments to curriculum and instruction if necessary.

Exact Path

Students in grades 2-5 use this diagnostic program. Three times a year, students take an online diagnostic to

then provide individualized practice. Exact Path adjusts lessons above or below grade level to best support

students’ individual learning paths.

Study Island Benchmark Assessments

The Study Island Benchmark Assessments are administered 2 or 3 times during the school year. This

assessment is closely aligned with PSSA content, and is used to provide teachers in grades 3, 4, and 5 with

additional information on the skill levels of individual students as well as to enhance instruction and

intervention strategies within the classroom specific to students’ needs. Students do not receive grades.

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is a criterion referenced test used to measure

students’ progress toward mastering the Pennsylvania Academic Standards in grades 3 through 5. The

academic standards identify proficiency levels in Reading and Math for grades 3 through 5, for Science in

grade 4, and for Writing in grade 5. The dates for the PSSA tests are listed in the school calendar.

Students are to be in school during the District assessments and State (PSSA) testing, except in cases of

illnesses. The dates for all of the tests are listed in the school calendar as well as the notifications from the

school. As these tests are important, vacations will rarely be approved for the weeks of these tests. Due to

the necessity to complete the tests within a given window for all students as mandated by the Pennsylvania

State Department of Education, make-ups will occur for students during instructional time if missed.

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District procedure states that the parent/guardian is responsible for the replacement cost of lost books or

those damaged beyond use. School materials such as books, calculators, etc. that are assigned to students

must be replaced if lost or damaged. The cost of textbooks/materials varies due to the original purchase

price and age. If an item is later recovered, the amount paid will be returned assuming good condition.

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All threats, verbal or written, must be taken seriously. For the safety of our students, all threats will be

investigated and the School District’s Code of Conduct strictly enforced.

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The parents or guardians of a student who wishes to have the student excused from compulsory school

attendance in order to participate in an educational tour or trip must submit an application to the Principal

of the school in which the student is enrolled. Except for emergency situations, which must be fully

explained, this request must be submitted at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date on which the

student seeks to be excused for compulsory attendance. If a student will be absent for more than ten (10)

school days, the student will be withdrawn as a full-time student. The District will attempt to provide

support to the student during the extended absence so that he/she is able to make successful reentry into the

school upon their return. The family will need to reenroll the child upon return.

For students in grades 3-5, no vacations can be approved during the standardized tests, such as during the

3rd-5th grade PSSA testing. Please check the school calendar for the specific test dates. Upon request by a

parent/guardian, teachers shall submit a list of student assignments/responsibilities for the period of

absence during an approved absence. Assignments/responsibilities may be completed either prior to the

absence or upon return to school. All assignments which are to be completed shall be submitted to the

teacher(s) upon return to school or within a reasonable time period as designated by the teacher(s).

Days absent for vacation count as days absent from school since students are not present for the learning

experience. Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to schedule vacations outside of the school year.

Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to monitor days absent to avoid excessive absenteeism.

Educational Tour Form

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The only daytime entrance to school is the main office entrance. All other doors are locked during the school

day. Visitors must buzz in through the office. Upon entering the building, all visitors will be asked to present

a valid state-issued ID, which will be scanned into the Raptor Visitor Management system kiosk. For those

visitors/volunteers who forget their license, the Raptor kiosk is set up to receive information manually as well.

Upon reading the information, Raptor will check the national database to identify sexual offenders. The system

will also scan the District’s volunteer database which lists volunteers who have submitted the necessary

clearances as outlined in PA Act 153/PA Act 15. Once approved, the system will generate a name tag for

approved visitors which will contain a picture of the visitor or volunteer, the date, and purpose of the visit.

Visitors will retrieve this tag from the secretary in the office. -

To ensure the safety of the children, visitors will not be permitted to wander through the building.

Messages for students or teachers may be given to the secretary in the office so that classroom instruction is

not interrupted. No one will be permitted to go to a classroom unless prior arrangements have been made

with the classroom teachers.

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The North Allegheny School District strictly prohibits the possession or storage of weapons by students on

school property. This is detailed in School Board Policy No. 218.1. For the purpose of this policy, the

definition of a weapon also includes weapon “look-alikes.” The District’s Code of Conduct will be strictly

adhered to if a weapon is brought to school.

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The North Allegheny School District strives to improve the efficiency of communication with and access to

information for parents/guardians. The District will send a building-specific email newsletter every Friday

evening (except scheduled holiday breaks) to parents/guardians. This email will highlight the top

happenings at each building, upcoming important dates, District information, and links to community

flyers. Parents/guardians will only receive emails from their student’s building. An archive of emails will

be available on the District website and updated with the latest newsletters each Monday morning.

Parent/guardian email addresses are collected at the time of registration and are used to share District and

building-level communications, and to provide updates from the District’s online gradebook and student

information system. It is important for parents/guardians to update any changes in their email address by

contacting the building secretary.