FAMILY HANDBOOK 2007 - 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTSA. General Information B. Mission Statement & Welcome Families! C. What’s Special About John A. Johnson? D. The Academic Program E. Staff Organization F. Arrival and Departure G. School Food Service H. Community Partners I. Attendance J. Appropriate Dress for School K. School Supplies and Personal Belongings L. Parent Involvement M. Student Records N. Student Behavior O. Health and Safety P. School Calendar 2007-2008 Q. Staff List R. Download Family Handook 2007 -2008 A. GENERAL INFORMATIONJohn A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School
740 York Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106
School Phone:
Fax Number:
School Hours: Office Hours: Dismissal: - Patrols at 2:35 p.m.,
- School Dismissal at 2:40 p.m.
Breakfast Serving Times: Principal: Secretary: Saint Paul Board of Education
Elona Street-Stewart, Chair
Kazoua Kong-Thao, Vice Chair
Tom Conlon, Treasurer
John Brodrick, Clerk
Anne Carroll, Director
Tom Goldstein, Director
John Thoemke, Director Superintendent
Meria Joel Carstarphen, Ed. D. Executive Director of Elementary Education
Nancy Stachel Back to Table of Contents B. MISSION STATEMENT & WELCOME FAMILIESMISSION STATEMENT JOHN A. JOHNSON ACHIEVEMENT PLUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
In partnership with our parents and community, we will commit all of our resources and efforts for all students to reach high academic standards and become contributing members of society.
Evidence of student achievement will be standards based student work portfolios and standardized test results. Welcome to the 2007-08 school year. We have created this Family Handbook to help you learn about your school and the school’s programs, as well as to provide you with important information. Use this handbook throughout the year. You will find staff rosters and calendars at the back of the handbook. Please take note of the early return from winter school recess. School resumes on Wednesday, January 2, 2008, after the winter holiday. We welcome your suggestions and comments about this Family Handbook. Every year I repeat these words - children who have been at our school have heard them on many, many occasions:
“Students are here to learn, teachers are here to teach”
If you are new to our school family, your child will hear those words almost every day. We also tell the children,
“Smart is not what you are, it is what you become”.
We believe in effort based intelligence. I tell children all the time, you MUST work to get smarter. We MUST help our children understand they have to work hard in order to learn more and become smarter. Teaching and learning is why we are here. We take our work very seriously. We expect children to do the same. Please take a moment and review the school’s mission statement on the previous page with your child. It is important for the entire school community to know why we come to this building every day. Your support of this mission statement is critical to our success. What is my job? I am here to do everything I can to make it possible for teachers to teach more and students to learn more. This is sometimes called creating an environment that values and increases learning. It means working with students and sometimes you to resolve problems so everyone can get back to our business of teaching and learning. It means pestering and bothering children, sometimes, to get them to do more work. I tell children what I hate: I hate to see children not working to learn, especially if I know a child is capable of so much more. By the time you see this handbook, you might have seen Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment, version II test data. The MCA II’s were given to all children grades 3-6 last spring. Our math scores showed considerable improvement at all grades. Unfortunately, we did not fare as well in reading. If we do not show enough improvement in the spring 2008 testing, we will become a “school in need of improvement” for the 2008-2009 (following) school year. Although over 50 district schools and, indeed, the district itself as a whole, did not make the necessary annual yearly progress (AYP) in either reading or math, we will work very hard to improve our children’s test scores next April and avoid the AYP status for 2008-2009. It can be done. Important Items
Community Partners - We are fortunate to have many community partners at our school. These agencies and the work they do at our school are described on pages 16- 22 of this handbook. We hope you will use these services whenever you have the need for assistance. Each of these partners contributes to make our school special. Attendance - With this handbook, we are distributing refrigerator magnets, one per family, with important telephone numbers for you to use when your child is ill or tardy. Whenever your child is absent, call CARES staff, Stephanie Taylor at 793-7337 or school nurse, Paddy Danaher, at 793-7319 to report an absence. More information about attendance is in this handbook. Please see pages 23 -24. Schedule doctor and other special appointments for after school hours. Every day, all day attendance is important to your child’s school success. Security - We work hard to provide our children a safe environment. Remember to sign in at the front desk or school office when you visit our school. Please, if you do need to pick up your child early, do not go to the classroom. Come to the office and we will call the classroom to have you meet your child in the office. The state requires that we conduct five lock-down drills each year. In a lock-down drill all students and staff very quickly move to a secure location behind a locked door. Our school is fortunate to have a number of full time staff that provides support to you and our students, as well as your children’s classroom teachers. These include:
• The East Side Family Center (ESFC) - 793 - 7340
• The East Side Learning Center (ESLC) - 793 - 7331
• After School, Extended Learning (Audrey Kendig) - 793 - 7320 Please look through this handbook and let us know how we can improve either this book or what we do as we work to educate your children. Welcome to the 2007 - 2008 school year. Sincerely Frank Feinberg, Principal Back to Table of Contents C. WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT JOHN A. JOHNSON?Have you noticed the words “Achievement Plus” in our school’s name and wondered what they mean? Achievement Plus is a public-private partnership created in 1997 to support learning for all students. The partners include the Saint Paul Public Schools, Ramsey County, the City of Saint Paul, and the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. The State of Minnesota has also provided financial support, as have many foundations and corporations. Achievement Plus supports our academic program by providing “extended learning” opportunities such as after school programs and “learning supports” such as health services and housing assistance for families. Achievement Plus accomplishes this by working together with many community partners. For instance, the East YMCA (which is attached to the school building) provides staffing and facilities for after-school programs. Another important partner at Johnson is the East Side Family Center which operates a large family resource center right in the school. Here, parents will find a welcoming place to meet, parenting classes, family nights, referrals for housing, jobs, and health insurance, and access to telephones and computers. Besides the YMCA and East Side Family Center, community partners at Johnson Elementary include Ramsey Family Physicians, East Side Neighborhood Development Corporation, East Side Learning Center, Merrick Community Services, and 3M. . . to name a just a few. With the help of Achievement Plus, our school continues to establish partnerships with new agencies and organizations. What does all this mean? Johnson’s partnerships are here to help you and your children. If you need assistance with basic needs such as housing issues, medical and mental health resources, food, clothing, etc., help is available. Call the East Side Family Center at 651-793-7340. Three years ago Saint Mary’s Hospital started a health clinic outreach program at our school. Two years ago the Indian Health Board and Children’s Dental became our partners as well, starting clinic outreach programs for you, our families. In November of 2006, the Center for Working Families opened. The center offers financial and employment counseling for working families. Because of the many programs and services offered inside our building, John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School has become a neighborhood resource. Stop by in the evening and you will see school families and neighborhood people of all backgrounds participating in many different activities. We hope to see you often! Back to Table of Contents D. THE ACADEMIC PROGRAMJohn A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School uses practices learned from the “America’s Choice” school reform model as well as the Saint Paul Public School Project for Academic Excellence (PAE).This means the staff at Johnson Elementary has chosen to use the very best teaching practices, organized in a way to ensure the success of our students. Johnson’s teaching staff has received extensive training to create the finest possible learning environment for our students. Johnson holds both students and staff to the highest standards. Our academic program is based on the belief that, through effort, every student can achieve these high standards. Each student has the opportunity to be engaged in purposeful learning activities, to understand clearly the work expected, and to know how good is “good enough.” If students work hard, they will get smarter. Here are some of the terms and practices you’ll see at Johnson Elementary School: 1. Project for Academic Excellence (PAE): is a standards based school design. Teaching every child to read and write successfully is the first priority.
2. Author’s Chair: occurs during the last 5-10 minutes of Writers Workshop. A student shares a piece of their writing with the class.
3. Author’s Study: Students listen to and read books of one author. The study usually lasts a month to six weeks.
4. Book of the Month: The principal selects a book that is read to all students, students talk about the book with teachers and other students and often engage in school-wide activities based on the book.
5. Coach: A teacher who helps the principal coordinate the implementation of the design throughout the school.
6. Design Leadership Team (DLT): This team meets weekly, oversees and monitors the implementation of the America’s Choice design. Conferencing
Students meet with the teacher to discuss their reading or writing work, examine their progress toward standard, briefly learn more about a specific skill and make a goal for future work. These individual conferences occur at least once every 2 weeks. Students also conference with other students to improve/discuss their work. Editing
Students correct their writing for any error in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, paragraphing, or grammar. English Language Arts (ELA)
This is one name for the subjects of reading and writing. Genre Study
A genre is a type of book or writing, such as poetry, information, memoir, narrative, or “how-to”. In a genre study, students study one type of reading or writing at a time. Guided Reading Group:
A small group (3-6) that have the same reading level. The teacher meets with this group 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a week during Reading Workshop, focusing on the specific reading needs of the group. Literacy Block
A 2 1/2 hour block of time for grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade. The program is divided into three parts; 1 hour Readers Workshop, 1 hour Writers Workshop, and a 30 minute Skills Development session. In grades 4-6, the literacy block is 2 hours long and stresses both reading and writing. Literacy Coach
A teacher that helps teachers to implement PAE English Language Arts literacy program. Mathematics
The mathematics program at John A. Johnson will be centered around concept development and use of district materials, K-Investigations, 1-5 Everyday Mathematics, and 6th Connected Math Project. A minimum of ninety minutes per day will be scheduled for mathematics. The lessons will be based on the America’s Choice model, similar to Writer’s Workshop, a brief (7-10 minutes) mini-lesson, a guided “discovery” work period (20-30 minutes), and a closing meeting (20-30 minutes.) The closing meeting centers on the student discoveries and transitions to generalized mathematical concepts. Mini-Lesson
Each workshop (Reading and Writing) begins with a 10 minute mini-lesson on a particular aspect of reading or writing. New Performance Standards
These standards describe what students should know and the ways they should demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have learned in reading, writing, math, science, and applied learning. Parent Community Outreach Coordinator/Liaison
A staff member who helps parents/guardians support their children to reach high student achievement of the standards. They also coordinate community support for the school. Portfolio
Samples of students work that show the student’s progress toward meeting the standard. All students have a reading and writing portfolio. Publishing Celebration
An event that celebrates students completing all the writing stages; planning, drafting, revising, and editing. Students share their final products with all in attendance. Readers Workshop
One hour in length, the teacher begins with whole group instruction (10-15 minute mini-lesson), students then read independently, work with the teacher in small groups, (guided reading), meet with each other, or conference with the teacher. During the last 5-10 minutes students share with the entire class something that shows their understanding of the skills taught in the mini-lesson. Reading Level:
The level your child is reading. To be at grade level, your child should be able to read independently. Kdg-Level B, 1st grade-Level I, 2nd grade-Level L, 3rd grade-Level O, 4th Grade-Level R, 5th Grade-Level U, and 6th grade-Level higher then U. Revising
Students “re-visit” their writing to make improvements by reorganizing, adding, or deleting text. Rubric
A set of criteria based on standards, for students and teacher to use in evaluating their work. The Million Word Campaign
This is the name for Johnson’s 25 Book Campaign. Students in grades 4-6 are expected to read 25 books, grade 3, 30 books, grade 2, 1 or 2 short books daily, and grades Kindergarten and 1st. grade four to six books daily (read to them). If a student reads this number of books, they will have read 1,000,000 words! To accomplish this goal, students are expected to read at home every night. Writer’s Notebook
A notebook in which students write their thoughts, ideas for future writing, observations, beautiful language they hear or read, and anything else they find of interest that might later be used in their writing. Writer’s Workshop
A 1 hour block of time that begins with a mini lesson the teacher delivers directly to the whole class. Students then spend 30-40 minutes working on their writing to practice their skills independently or with a group or conference with a teacher. The last 5-10 minutes is devoted to a “closure” activity in which students share their work with the entire class. Back to Table of Contents E. STAFF ORGANIZATIONClassroom Teachers
Students in kindergarten and grades 1 through 3 have one classroom teacher who teaches reading, writing, math and social studies, as well as some art, music and science. Students in grades 4 through 6 are taught by a team of two teachers. Each specializes in certain subject areas (for instance, reading or math). One of these teachers will serve as the student’s “home room” teacher. Students will sometimes “loop” with their teacher; that is, they will stay with a teacher for more than one year. Specialists
Students rotate on a regular basis to specialists teaching computer, science and physical education. Kindergarten students alternate between music and physical education specialists. They also have access to the library. Some students in the upper grades have the opportunity to study a band or string instrument with a music specialist. Programs for English Language Learners (ELL)
Many children at Johnson Elementary speak a language other than English in their homes. These children receive additional speaking, reading and writing instruction in English from specially trained ELL teachers. A bilingual educational assistant provides extra support to Spanish-speaking students, families and members of the community. SEM (School-Wide Enrichment Model) Program
Our school curriculum allows for acceleration for students who are capable of higher level work. In addition our science teacher, computer specialist, literacy, and math coaches provide additional instructional time to students who have been identified on the NNAT inventory and who are capable of accelerated instruction. Special Education
Johnson has several teachers who specialize in working with children with learning disabilities and developmental delays. Speech and occupational therapists are also available. These staff members team together to provide help for students who need it in order to succeed. Administrative and Support Staff
Johnson has a principal, a .75 social worker, and nurse to support students and families. Educational and teaching assistants work in a variety of positions: they provide bilingual assistance to teachers and parents, they staff the CARES room and they assist in classrooms. Clerical, custodial and food service staff provide essential services to staff and families. Partnerships with several outside agencies provide staff who offer health services, counseling services, tutoring and housing assistance. Achievement Plus staff coordinate these learning supports. Early Childhood Programs
John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary School is home to several Early Childhood programs. All classes are taught by licensed teachers and parent educators; in most cases, bilingual staff are also available. They include: School Readiness
This program serves children the year before they begin kindergarten and emphasizes skills needed in kindergarten with an emphasis on early literacy. Bus transportation is available and classes are open to children living in the Johnson Elementary attendance area. Parent involvement is strongly encouraged and home visits are available. Classes are half-day and meet 4 days per week. For information about School Readiness, call 651-793-5430. Community Kindergarten
This is also a program for 4 and 5 year olds to prepare them for kindergarten. Transportation is available and enrollment is from the community surrounding the Johnson Elementary attendance area. Call 651-793-5430 for information. Early Childhood/Family Education (ECFE)
Programs are for parents and their children between the ages of birth and 5. Family Literacy is the focus at the Johnson site as well as parent and child together classes featuring activities based on class children’s literature. Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Children who qualify for services have Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Available services include: on-site specialists, self-contained classrooms, and inclusion settings. The ECSE team includes an ECSE teacher, Speech/Language clinician, Occupational and Physical Therapists, Social Worker, and mainstream preschool teaching staff to assess and meet the educational goals of children and their families. East Side Learning Center
The East Side Learning Center tutors students on a one-on-one basis helping them improve reading skills. Tutoring is available for students in grades 1-4 who live or attend school on the East Side of St. Paul. Classes are scheduled after school for one hour sessions twice a week for each student. The East Side Learning Center is a ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Contact Sister Audrey Lindenfelser, SSND at (651) 793-7331 for more information. Family Resource Center
Johnson’s Family Resource Center is operated by the East Side Family Center. Their staff can help you with parenting classes, referrals for housing, jobs, and health insurance, and access to telephones and computers. Family nights are regularly scheduled at Johnson, combining food, fun and learning. The school provides childcare, interpreters and transportation as needed for these events. The telephone number for the Family Resource Center is 651-793-7340. Extended Learning Program
The Extended Learning programs offer targeted academic interventions and increased extracurricular opportunities for students at John A. Johnson Achievement Plus Elementary. The program is directly integrated with the school’s standards – based curriculum and offer a variety of recreational and enrichment opportunities for students. The Extended Learning program at John A. Johnson closely collaborates with the East YMCA of Saint Paul. The YMCA facility, attached to the school, provides space and support for a variety of after – school programs. Contact Audrey Kendig at (651) 793-7320 for more information. Back to Table of Contents F. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE Students may enter the doors at the rear of the parking lot at the southwest corner of the school beginning at 7:35 a.m. for breakfast. Students who do not wish to eat breakfast should arrive at school no earlier than 8:00 a.m. After 8:10 a.m., these southwest doors are locked and everyone must enter the building through the main, north-facing doors under the white canopy. School starts at 8:10 a.m. Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classroom at 8:10 a.m. Tardy students must report to the office for a late pass. At the end of the school day, students are escorted by their teachers out of the building through the main doors under the white north facing canopy entrance. Parents are encouraged to wait in the lobby area or outside for their children. During extended day sessions, teachers will dismiss registered Extended Day students to go to the cafeteria for an afternoon snack. All other students should leave the building promptly and go directly home. Children may return to our community playground after they have gone home. School is not responsible for children’s supervision and safety on the playground after 2:40 (except for registered extended day students.) School ends at 2:40 p.m. We are not able to provide safe supervision for children remaining after that time (unless they are registered for Extended Day). Although we realize emergencies occur, we must insist the children be picked up by 2:40. District policy allows schools to turn children left at school over to the Saint Paul Police Department as “abandoned children.” Please don’t let this happen! Your help is appreciated. Traffic Safety
The safest alternative when picking up your child is to park you car, enter the building, and wait in the lobby area for your child. We encourage you to do this! Please be especially careful if you are dropping off or picking up your children by car. We want all our children to be safe! Watch carefully for children who are crossing at designated areas in front of the school and be careful when passing any school buses. For drop-off before 8:10 a.m., please enter the parking lot and proceed straight to the lot’s south end, turn left around the traffic island, and drop students off near the southwest doors. For late drop-off or 2:40 p.m. pick-up, circle around the traffic island and pull up to the sidewalk at the front of building. Again, please watch for children crossing the sidewalk or walking to cars in the parking lot. Walking to School
School Patrol crossing guards are provided at important intersections around the school and neighborhood to help other children walk safely to school. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a safe, orderly, and respectful manner. Should you observe misbehavior, we ask that you show your concern by: - speaking to the students
- calling the school at 793-7323, (leave a message for Pam McCabe).
- calling the police if the incident is serious.
If children do not follow Johnson’s safe walking rules, the following could result: - a reminder
- a warning
- notification of parents
- loss of walking line privileges
- dismissal or suspension from school.
We ask that you as parents discuss the importance of safe walking behavior with your children. Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards, In-Line Skates
The school is not responsible for accidents resulting from the use of bicycles, scooters, skateboards, in-line skates, etc. if used as transportation to or from school. The school is also not responsible for the loss of, theft of, or damage to these items. The school reserves the right to ban any personal items that are not directly related to instruction. A designated location will be made available for securing bicycles. The principal will not allow scooters, skateboards, inline skates, etc., unless the student also has a backpack or school materials, as well. Staff Transporting Students
School staff are not allowed to transport students in their personal vehicles. Please do not ask a staff person to give your child a ride to or from school. School Bus Safety – Riding the bus is a privilege , not a right
Some Johnson students ride a school bus to and from school. Please call the school at 793-7300 with questions or concerns about bus schedules or behavior. Bus rules are required to provide for the safe operation of the bus and to assure the safety of all students riding the bus. Please encourage your child to always behave safely on the bus. Following three simple rules will help everyone ride safely. Students should: - remain in their seats
- ride quietly with hands and feet to themselves
- follow driver directions
Students may not go home on a bus that is not assigned to them – not even with parental consent. Changes in pick-up or drop-off locations must be made at least three days in advance and must be a permanent change. Remember, according to Minnesota Statue M.S. 123.801, bus transportation is a privilege, not a right!Back to Table of Contents G. SCHOOL FOOD SERVICESBreakfast
Breakfast is free for all Johnson students who would like to participate. School doors open at 7:35 a.m. for walkers who want breakfast. Except for students arriving late because of a delayed bus, breakfast is not served after 8:00 a.m.. Students arriving by bus are served as soon as their bus arrives. Lunch
Children may not go home for lunch. If they wish, they may bring a bag lunch and purchase milk. We encourage families to complete an application to qualify for free or reduced price lunches. Families who pay for lunch should send money or a check in an envelope with the child’s name and teacher’s name written on the envelope. Families may pay for several lunches at once. The cafeteria will credit children for the number of lunches purchased and inform families when their children’s account is low or empty. Prices are: - Full-price lunch $1.60
- Reduced-price lunch $ .50
- Adult lunch $3.35
- Milk only $ .40
- Adult milk $ .50
Our cafeteria supervisor, Sandy Koford, can be reached at 651-793-7370. Back to Table of Contents H. COMMUNITY PARTNERSPlease click on "Community Partners" located on the left hand side column (blue area) of the school's home page for information on our community partners. Back to Table of Contents I. ATTENDANCEREGULAR ATTENDANCE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SUCCESS IN SCHOOL. It is expected that a child’s school attendance will be regular and on time each day. Put the school attendance magnet on your refrigerator, please. Please call Stephanie Taylor at 793-7337 or School Nurse Patricia Danaher at 793-7319 if your child will be absent for the day. The following reasons for absences are acceptable: - Illness
- Religious holidays
- Extreme family emergencies such as a death in the family, a house fire, etc.
- Time needed for doctor or dentist appointments, we encourage parents to make these appointments after school hours.
The following reasons for absences are NOT acceptable: - Babysitting
- Travel
- Car problems
After three absences, your child’s name will be discussed by our school’s attendance
committee and parents will be notified of our concern. All absences also require a written excuse from a parent or guardian. This excuse should include the child’s name, the reason for the absence and the signature of the parent or guardian. If we do not receive a phone call or note of explanation, the absence will be considered unexcused. State law requires that children between grades K-6 attend school. Continued unexcused absences may result in a referral to the Ramsey County Attorney’s office (TIP- Truancy Intervention Program) or the Ramsey County Child Protection office (SART). The SART hearing is held at the courthouse downtown in front of a court hearing officer or other court official. Tardiness
Children who are tardy miss important instructional time! We encourage you to help your child be on time every day. However, if you know your child will be tardy, please provide a written excuse for the tardiness. Habitually tardy students will be treated as truant. Medical and Dental Appointments
Your cooperation in arranging regular medical and dental checkups outside of school hours would be appreciated! If a student must be excused for such an appointment during the school day, please send a note to school stating the time the child will need to leave school and who will pick up the child. Your child will be expected at school before and after the appointment. Release of Students
Children who are leaving school early must be picked up at the main office. A child will be released to either of the child’s parents, his or her legal guardian, or any person for whom written permission is given by the parent or legal guardian. Court Order
The exception to the release of students will be a court order denying this right. The order must be presented to the school and a copy kept on file. Children WILL NOT be released to a parent or individual if a court order denying contact with the student exists. Emergency School Closing
School is rarely closed because of weather. If school is to be closed, the Superintendent of Schools will authorize a radio and television announcement at about 6:30 a.m. and continuing thereafter. Radio station WCCO (830 AM) will have the official school closing information. Please see information on page 25 of this handbook. Please discuss with your children where they should go in the unlikely event that the school closes early and nobody is at home to receive them. It is also VERY IMPORTANT that you provide the school office with current telephone numbers where you or an emergency contact can be reached at all times. Back to Table of Contents J. APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR SCHOOLWe ask that children dress appropriately so their clothing is not distracting to the point of interfering with learning. School reserves the right to require a student to change their clothing if the school determines the clothing to be inappropriate. Shirts must be long enough to cover the mid-section and back, and cannot be low cut in front. Pants and shorts cannot be low-cut. Students are expected to wear belts and not “sag” their pants. Furthermore, no headwear (except for religious purposes) are allowed; this includes rags, bandanas, or caps. Jackets, boots, gloves and hats should be labeled on the inside with the child’s name. Teachers may require all outerwear to be hung in student lockers outside the classroom. Outside Activities
Students go outside for recess for 10-15 minutes of recess every day (except in extreme weather situations when any combination of air temperature and wind-chill equals zero degrees). Therefore, it is important that students dress for the weather every day. In winter, this means having a coat, hat, gloves or mittens, and boots. In order to be fair to everyone, children will be kept inside only with written orders from a physician or for disciplinary reasons. Playground Guidelines
We are so happy with our new school and community playground. So all children can have fun in a safe environment, the playground guidelines are: - Mulch stays on the ground
- Students must use glider under own power, no pushing someone else to glide
- Slides are one way only (Down)
- Respect the personal space of others
- Have fun!
Physical Education
Children go to the YMCA for their physical education and swimming instruction. For safety reasons, children must have appropriate tennis shoes for use during physical education. Students will not be allowed to participate in physical education without appropriate shoes. Shoes must have laces or Velcro to keep them secure, and black-soled shoes should be non-marking. Student’s clothing should allow for safe movement – neither too tight nor too loose. Girls wearing skirts or dresses should either wear tights or have shorts to wear underneath. Physical education at Johnson includes swimming lessons. Your child’s teacher will let you know when these lessons begin and what items your child will need to bring to participate. Back to Table of Contents K. SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND PERSONAL BELONGINGSTextbooks, workbooks, art materials, and many other supplies are furnished free to Johnson students. We expect that students will take good care of these items. Beyond the kindergarten level, students will be asked to purchase some supplies such as pens, pencils, rulers, crayons, glue, and paper. No child will be denied access to programs if a family is not able to purchase school supplies. As a reminder, gum and toys should not be brought to school. Some teachers have regularly scheduled snack times and they will let you know what is allowed. We ask parents not to send drinks in cans or bottles. Drinks from home in Thermos bottles, juice pouches or boxes are okay. Library Books
Students may check out books from the school library on a regular basis. Children who do not return books on the due date may be denied further check-out privileges. Should your child have unreturned library books at the end of the school year, you will be notified and your child’s report card will be held at the school office until the book is returned or a fee is paid. Radios, Walkmans, Mobile Phones, Pagers
Radios, walkmans, mobile phones, pagers, and other electronic devices are not allowed in school at any time. Students may not possess or use mobile phones or pagers on the school grounds. These devices will be confiscated and returned to students at the end of the day. In certain situations, they will be returned to the parents. The school assumes no responsibility for these types of devices or other personal property brought to school without specific permission of the teacher. Please remind your children to ask you and their teachers before bringing anything to school other than necessary school supplies. Weapons or Weapon Replicas
A weapon brought to school will result in immediate suspension and possible referral to the district office for expulsion. Toys which look like weapons will also result in dismissal and should not be brought to school. Back to Table of Contents L. PARENT INVOLVEMENTCommunication
Communication between home and school is vital! We encourage you to call your child’s teacher whenever you have a concern. If the teacher is not available, you may leave a message on the teacher’s voice mail or with the school office. Parents who do not speak English may ask that a bilingual home-school liaison call them. Most notices about school and community events will be sent home on Thursdays in a special notebook called the Home School Notebook. Please check your child’s backpack for these items. Many teachers also send home folders containing homework and student work. Watch for these too, and contact the teacher with any questions. Sharing Concerns
Please follow these basic guidelines to resolve a concern about a specific incident or issue. - First, communicate with your child’s teacher, or the teacher involved in the incident or issue.
- Problem-solve together with the teacher.
- If this approach does not solve your concern, call the principal, Frank Feinberg, at 651-793-7300.
The Johnson Journal is our school’s monthly newsletter, sent home on the last Thursday of the month. It is full of articles about helping children learn, notices about exciting events at Johnson and in the community, and student writing. We encourage you to read this newsletter with your child, and to have a spot in your home where this and other school notices can be kept for easy review. Notes from the principal are sent home weekly on Thursdays (except on the last Thursday of the month). Reading at Home
We expect that every Johnson student will read at home every day. Our teachers will be sending books home with their students every night. Parents are asked to “sign-off” on books that have been read at home. We encourage parents to support reading in other ways, too. Reading aloud to your younger children, listening to older children, and taking children to the library are just some of the ways you can help. Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in November and March. We encourage all parents and guardians to attend these; interpreters and transportation are available as needed. Conferences give families and teachers an important opportunity to review progress and to plan goals for the future. Report cards are distributed at conferences and at the end of the year. Johnson Site Team
The Johnson Site Team is the decision-making body for the school, working on important planning, policy and budgeting issues. The team is made up of school staff, parents and community representatives. If you would be interested in participating in the Site Team, please contact Johnson’s principal at 793-7300. Back to Table of Contents M. STUDENT RECORDSState and federal laws allow parents and legal guardians to examine their child’s school records. Non-custodial parents have rights to information on their child unless there is a court order to the contrary or there is sufficient reason to believe that the health and welfare of the child or custodial parents are in jeopardy. Parents also have the right to authorize or deny release of information requested by a third party. The accuracy of records may be challenged and changes requested by parents. Every effort is made at school to safeguard your child’s records and your privacy. The Saint Paul Public Schools have adopted a data privacy policy in keeping with both state and federal regulations. If you wish a copy of a summary of that policy, you may request it from the school or from the Student Data Department (632-3764). Any questions you may have concerning the policy should be referred to Student Data. Back to Table of Contents N. STUDENT BEHAVIORAt Johnson Elementary School, we use a program called “Responsive Classroom” to provide the safe and welcoming environment that students need to learn. We expect everyone will conduct themselves with courtesy and respect. The following items are responsive classroom terms you should be aware of: Take a Break
The purpose of “take a break” is for students and teachers to refocus on the rules created in class by correcting minor issues. These issues include regaining control and making better choices. The teacher pays attention to the minor disturbances, rather than waiting for the work of the class or the controls of the child to deteriorate. After a brief reminder or redirection, the teacher gives the direction to “take a break,” and the student moves to the place in the room that has been designed for children to sit quietly and think until they are ready to rejoin the class. The amount of time a child spends in “take a break” and the number of classroom breaks depends on the individual situation. When children make poor choices or loses control, taking a break helps them recover their controls and return to the group, following the rules again. Buddy Rooms
Buddy rooms are places where students can go when they need to take a break away from their classrooms. These rooms include adjoining classrooms or classrooms down the hall, and teachers team up to become “buddy rooms” for each other. Students are picked up by the “buddy teacher” when they continue to demonstrate distracting behavior in the “take a break” area or when the activities in the room are keeping students from regaining control. The amount of time a child spends in a “buddy room”
depends on the individual situation. When invited back, the student is expected to be ready to follow the rules again. Usually the teacher will conduct a conference with the child when the child returns from the buddy room. CARES Room
The CARES room is a place where children can receive assistance with difficulties they may be having with others, or school rules, routines, and rituals. CARES stands for Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-control. The CARES room is staffed by a full time Educational Assistant (EA). It is NOT a place where children are sent to be punished. The EA’s main message is , “I am here to help you with a plan to do better.” Children not ready or able to participate in a plan are given time and assistance to think of whatever is necessary to enable them to return to the classroom and do better. Continuous references are made to “help.” On most occasions, before being referred to the CARES room, a child will have had at least one “take a break” and at least one visit to a neighboring “buddy room.” Before a child gets to the CARES room, it is likely there have been at least two occasions to regroup and commit to solving a problem and doing better. The CARES room visit could be the 3rd, 4th, or even 5th “chance” in a given school day. The message will be very clear when the child leaves the CARES room. If a child is sent to the CARES room on a second occasion in one day, the child will be sent to the office and will be dismissed from school for the balance of the day or the next school day. NOTE: On instances of more severity, (disrespectful language that is heard by classmates, physical contact, harassment) a student will be sent directly to the CARES room. Students sent to the CARES room three times in any five school days will be dismissed from school for one school day, as well. Classroom teachers will attempt to contact families if a student is sent to the CARES room too much. This is intended to allow for parent-teacher communication and avoid possible dismissal because of excessive CARES room use. When a child is referred to the CARES room, the child’s parent/guardian is contacted as soon as possible. A form is sent home that day for the parent/guardian to sign. If the form is not returned the next day, the parent/guardian is called by the CARES room supervisor, the principal, or a social worker. Noontime recess may be denied to students if there has been no contact about a behavior notice to a parent. Proactive Strategies
Johnson Elementary is a school where we use the guidelines of Responsive Classroom to teach the social skills of Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control (CARES). We feel that these skills enable students to build community with one another and make responsible choices in their behavior during the day. CARES is taught to the students through five major components of Responsive Classroom: 1. Morning Meetings -- Every homeroom and most other classrooms in the school will incorporate meeting or circle time into their day for the purpose of creating community, fostering positive and responsive interactions among students, establishing rituals and routines, and teaching social skills. Teachers will use this time to model, practice and role play conflict resolution strategies with students during this time. 2. Hopes and Dreams -- Teachers will spend time at the beginning of the school year determining the hopes and dreams of their students and using them to establish classroom rules with the students. 3. Classroom Organization -- Each room will have a suitable environment and materials that are appropriate for the students and subjects taught. Teachers will model the use of classroom materials or lead students through guided discovery of the uses. 4. Academic Choice -- Students will have choice at times in their subject areas to pursue those things of most meaning and interest to them. 5. Assessment and Reporting to parents -- Notebooks and planners are sent home nightly with the students. There is space provided on them for the teacher to write notes to parents about the student’s behavior that day, and space for the parent/guardian to write back. Parents are also encouraged to call the school office at (651) 793-7300 and inquire about their child’s progress between reporting periods. Messages will be returned within 24 hours. Office Referral Procedures:
If it is a student’s 2nd trip to the CARES room in one day, or the student refuses to proceed to the CARES room, they are sent to the principal’s office. In addition, students are sent to the principal’s office for any infractions from the Student Conduct Guide that call for a minimum action of dismissal, suspension, or notification of police. These include, but are not limited to the following: - Possession of a weapon
- Assault
- Criminal sexual conduct
- Theft
- Willful damage of school property
- Use or possession of controlled substances
Sexual or racial harassment are possible grounds for dismissal, suspension, or notification of police. A form must be completed by district staff and turned in to the school office. Dismissal and Suspension Procedures:
A dismissal from school is defined as exclusion from school for a period of up to one whole school day. A suspension is defined by Minnesota Statute as a period of exclusion exceeding one whole school day. Reasons for dismissal or suspension could be, but are not limited to, excessive use of the CARES room, verbal or physical aggression or theft. For a complete listing of all possible infractions that could result in dismissals or suspensions, see the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. When students return from a dismissal or suspension they must readmitted through the school office. WeaponsA weapon brought to school will result in immediate suspension and possible referral to the district office for expulsion. Toys which look like weapons will also result in dismissal and should not be brought to school. Children should always ask their teachers and parents for permission before bringing non instructional items to school. Sexual Harassment, Racial Harassment and Racial Bias Policy
Board of Education policy against sexual harassment states:
“No employee or student of the district shall be subjected to sexual harassment.” On October 5, 1992, the Board of Education adopted the policy against racial harassment. The Policy says:
“The Board will not tolerate racial bias or racial harassment.”
“The Board declares that its Policy is to provide an educational environment free of offensive, hostile , or intimidating actions or speech directed against any person because of the person’s race.” Sexual Harassment, Racial Harassment and Racial Bias is: - Against District Policy
- Against school rules
- Against the law.
What is Sexual Harassment? - “Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior which interferes with your (work or school) life.” Definition from “Hostile Hallways”, AAUW Study 1993.
- Words about sex or the private parts of your body, or touch on the private parts of your body, that
- is sexual in nature, and
- that unreasonably interferes with a student’s or employee’s performance
or that creates a hostile work or learning environment. What is Racial Harassment? - Words or actions about your race/the color of your skin
- injures you – (1) causes embarrassment, hurts your feelings, or makes you feel bad, (2) physical injury, or (3) property damage, and
- that is motivated by or based on the other person’s prejudice or hostility toward your race.
Racial harassment is usually racial name calling or statements with offensive racial stereotypes. What is Racial Bias?
Racial bias may occur in decisions, student recognition and selection for activities, expectations of students, and acknowledgment of cultural practices; a display or circulation of materials and/or pictures which are derogatory to a person’s race. What do you do? Students are told:
Tell the person you expect the behavior to STOP. - Say “NO”
- Get away
- Tell someone
If a student or District employee has said or done something which you believe is sexual or racial harassment, or racial bias, you need to report it. Report the sexual harassment, or racial harassment or racial bias to the adult in charge, classroom teacher, counselor, assistant principal or principal. An investigation will take place and witnesses interviewed. If the investigation finds that you were harassed or treated with bias, the student or District employee will be disciplined in accordance with District policy. Back to Table of Contents O. HEALTH AND SAFETYA registered nurse staffs Johnson’s health office. When she is not in the building, teachers and office staff manage health issues. If your child has a chronic health problem (such as a heart condition, asthma or allergies), please contact the nurse early in the year so this information is recorded on your child’s health record and procedures for managing this condition are used in working with your child. It is also important to notify the school of any contagious conditions your child may contract, such as strep throat, head lice or scabies. In this way, the nurse will be able to take appropriate measure to protect other students. Where public health is concerned, your cooperation is essential. Emergency Phone Numbers
WE MUST HAVE A WAY TO REACH PARENTS DURING THE DAY, AT HOME, AT WORK, OR THROUGH A NEIGHBOR OR RELATIVE. Please be sure that the home and emergency phone numbers listed for your child are kept up-to-date by informing the office of any changes. Should your child become sick or injured at school, we will try to contact the parent first and then work our way through the emergency numbers except for emergencies requiring 911. The child may not leave the school until a parent or guardian signs the child out in the school office. Medications
Whenever possible, please have your child take medication before or after school. However, if a student is required to take a medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, then only the school nurse or designated person may administer the medication in compliance with the original container and the regulations that follow: 1. Written instructions signed by parent and physician are required and must include: - student’s name
- name of medication
- purpose of medication
- time to be administered
- dosage
- possible side effects
- ending date for administering medication.
2. The school nurse will: - inform appropriate school personnel of the medication,
- keep a record of the administering of medication,
- keep medication in a locked cabinet.
The parents of the student assumes responsibility for informing the school nurse of any change in the student’s health or change in medication. The school district retains the discretion to reject requests for administration of medicine. A copy of this regulation will be provided to parents upon their request for administration of medication in the schools. The prescribing of or lack of medication as determined by a physician will in no way affect the enrollment of a student in Independent School District #625. Students observed to be taking unauthorized medications will be reported to the school administration and their parents. Insurance
The school district provides no health or accident insurance for students. Child Abuse Reporting
Any Saint Paul Public School staff person who knows or has reason to believe a child is being neglected or physically or sexually abused is required by law to report the information directly to the appropriate authorities. Visitors
Visitors to the building must stop at the office or greeter’s desk to sign into the building. This policy helps us maintain a safe and secure building, and minimizes disruption to classrooms. If you are a parent volunteer, please wear your volunteer button. School reserves the right to request identification from visitors. School staff is asked to direct visitors to the office if a person is not wearing a visitors tag. Treats
If you choose to send a treat for the students in your child’s classroom, the treat must be store-bought and packaged. Due to health rules, homemade treats may not be shared in classrooms. Thank you for your cooperation with this school district policy. Back to Table of Contents P. SCHOOL CALENDAR 2007 - 2008DISTRICT SCHOOL CALENDAR 2007-2008 September 4
School Begins for Grades 1 – 12 September 4, 5
NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN – Kindergarten Conference Days September 6
School Begins for Kindergarten September 11
Primary Elections September 13
Open House October 3
EARLY RELEASE DAY – Students will be released two hours early, at 12:40 October 18, 19
NO SCHOOL – State Teacher Meetings October 23
NO SCHOOL – Professional Day October 31
EARLY RELEASE DAY – Students will be released two hours early, at 12:40 November 2
School Picture Day November 6
General Elections November 9
NO SCHOOL - Elementary Conferences Preparatory Day November 15, 20
Evening conferences 4:00-8:00 (school in session) November 21
NO SCHOOL – Elementary Conferences (two additional evening conference dates scheduled by the school) November 22, 23
NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Recess November 29
Picture Retake Day December 5
EARLY RELEASE DAY – Students will be released two hours early, at 12:40 December 24 – January 1
NO SCHOOL – Winter Break January 2 (Wednesday)
School Resumes January 8-10
Naglieri Non-verbal Ability Test (NNAT) to determine a student’s gifted services eligibility (public and non-public students. Grades K, 2 and selected public students from Grades 1,3,4& 5 January 21
NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King Day January 22 (Tuesday)
NO SCHOOL – Elementary Staff Training Day February 2
Parent Information Fair February 4, 5
National African American Read-In February 11
National African American Family Involvement Day February 18
NO SCHOOL – Presidents’ Day February 29
Middle School/Jr. High Application Deadline March 4
Local Precinct Caucuses March 7
NO SCHOOL – Elementary Conference Preparation Day March 13, 18
Evening Conferences, 4:00-8:00 (school in session) March 14
Elementary Magnet/Citywide Option School Application Deadline March 20 (Thursday)
NO SCHOOL – Elementary Conferences Two additional evenings of conferences will be scheduled by the school March 21
NO SCHOOL – Professional Day March 31 – April 4
NO SCHOOL –Spring Break April 7
School Resumes April 14 – May 2
MCA-II Tests in Reading and Math, Grades 3-8 April 22
Ordway Honors Concert and Art Exhibit April 28 - May 23
Testing Window for MCA-II Science, Grade 5 April 30
EARLY RELEASE DAY- Students will be released two hours early, at 2:40 May 26
NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day June 5
Last Day of School for Students June 6
Last Day of School for Teachers June 16-July 18
Summer Session (Monday-Friday) Back to Table of Contents Q. STAFF LISTJOHNSON A. JOHNSON ACHIEVEMENT PLUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF ROSTER 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR Principal: Frank Feinberg
Secretary: Jane Novak
Head Engineer: JC Bergstrom
Custodians: Mike Payton
Maurice Vasquez
Joua Lee Cafeteria Supervisor: Sandy Koford
Food Service Assts.: Pat Garcia
Sandra Steward
Kathy Vilks
Classroom Teachers, Grade, Room
Julie Downwind, K-3201
Katie Miley, K-3203
Joan Huneke, 1-3117
Polly Williams, 1-3301
Sara Ross, 2-3303
Judy Ritchie, 2-3305
Pam Petrosino, 2-4311
Sharalyn Mosio, 3-3113
See Pha Vang, 2-3115
Marcus Moten, 4-4113
Myla Pope, 4-4115
Nichola Phillips, 5-4303
Becky Lindgren, 5-4305
Tim Prescott, 6-4117
Meg King-Abraham, 6-4301 Support Staff
Paddy Danaher, Nurse
Pam McCabe, .75 Social Worker
Rae Cornelius, Literacy Coach
Ben Strub, Phy. Ed./YMCA
Nick Faber, Science
Duy Nguyen, Technology Coord.
Amalie Niethammer, Music
Sara Lein, LD
JoAnn Cudo, DCD
Evelyn Chavez, .5 ELL
Heidi Swanson, ELL
Shelly Supan, O.T.
Laura Bray, Speech
Lisa Olson, Psychologist
EA’S & TA’S
Stephanie Taylor, EA/CARES Rm.
Egla Negroni, .5 EA/ELL
Kathy Bergthold, TA/Kdgn.
Veronica Horton, TA/Kdgn.
Dawn Schwartz, TA/Behavior
Brooke Turner, TA/Behavior
Hearing Audiology
Marti Hildebrandt
Peggy Coffman
Wilder Foundation
Renee Erickson
Vacancy, Mental Health Therapist
Vacancy, Family Outreach Worker
Achievement Plus
Lynnell Thiel, Director of Student
And Family Support
Rosemary Enslin, Project Admin.
Audrey Kendig, Ext. Lng. Director
Cindy Torguson, Admin. Specialist Writing Institute
Laurie Brazman
ECSE
Mary Martin, Teacher
Joann Conney, Speech/Lang.
Marilyn Rohlfing, Social Worker
Alice Wachter, Physical Therapist
Deb Petersen, TA
Mary Sulllivan, .5 Teacher Early Childhood
DayTreatmentProgram
Jim Keenan, Clinical Supervisor
Linda Diaz, Therapist
Sheila Shackle, Teacher
Tamara McLemore, EA ECFE
Betsy Marshall, Lead Teacher
Judith Franey, Teacher
Sharon Kaniess, Teacher
Bev Collova, Parent Ed.
Ester Schak, Parent Ed.
Dora DelaTorres, EA
Wendy Hildebrand, TA
Karen Dammer, Computer Suppt.
Linda Evans, Van Driver
School Readiness
Alicia Decker, Teacher
Deb Peterson, TA
Community Kindergarten
Joni Swanson, Teacher
Mai Vang, EA
East Side Learning Center
Sister Joanna Illg, Accountant
Sister Audrey Lindenfelser, Director
Sister Jana Roberts, Volunteer Coord.
Pat Evans, Secretary
Mary Wozniak, Site Coordinator ESFC
Joan Schlecht, Director
Amber Birchem, Program Asst.
Monica Blatcher, Office Asst.
Steve Lee, Office Asst.
Judy Davis, Connection Worker
Daniel Garcia-Velez, Connection Worker/Spanish
Jeanette Howard Connection Worker
Shellie Rowe, Connection Worker
Mai Yang, Connection Worker SE/Asia
Mary Ann Quiroz, Parent Liaison
YMCA
Michelle Ocasio, Executive Director
Audrey Kendig, Community Program Director
Kurt New, Director of Youth Dev.
Tom Carlstrom, Building Engineer
Housing Coordinators
Leslie Myles
Xiong Thao
Center for Working Families
May Xiong, Senior Program Mgr.
Adam Xiong, Financial Counselor
Jeanne Szegda, Admin. Asst. R. DOWNLOAD FAMILY HANDBOOK 2007 - 2008 The pdf file of the handbook does not contain Community Partners nor Staff List. For more information on Community Partners and Staff List, please view them on our school's website or look in the hard copy of the family handbook handed out during the first week of school.
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Johnson_Handbook_2007-2008.pdf
missing Community Partners and Staff List