SCHOOL POLICIES
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Student hours: 7:45a.m.-1:55p.m. Breakfast begins at 7:25. No students should arrive to school before this time. Walkers must arrive for breakfast no later than 7:30!
Teacher hours: 7:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Teachers are available to answer telephone calls from 7:15 to 7:40 am and 2:15 to 2:45 pm. Feel free to leave a message with our secretaries during instructional time.
Office hours: 7:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
School Uniforms Matthew Henson Elementary is a MANDATORY UNIFORM SCHOOL! Students must wear white uniform shirts with navy blue pants, skirts, or shorts. Black or white footwear is also required. Students' attire should reflect pride in our school and be appropriate for an academic setting. Students should dress appropriately to participate in physical education and recess.
Attendance Our staff looks forward to engaging our students in interactive lessons that will help prepare them for the future. These lessons take place Monday through Friday from 7:45 am to 1:55 pm. Students who arrive after 8:00 a.m. are marked tardy and miss. Tardy students must secure a pass from the office before going to class. Our goal is to teach 100% of our students 180 days a year. Students are encouraged to arrive to school on-time everyday in order to participate in our bi-weekly attendance incentives. Parents or guardians are responsible for notifying the school office by telephone whenever a child is absent from school. A written excuse is REQUIRED when the student returns. A doctor's certificate is required when a child returns to school after having any communicable diseases such as measles, chicken pox, etc.
Dismissal Afternoon dismissal begins at 1:50 pm. Parents must arrive promptly to retrieve walkers. Bus riders wait in their classrooms until their buses are called. A note is required for early dismissal or whenever there is a change in the students' afternoon procedure. The note should state why the student is leaving early and who will be picking the student up. Only parents or guardians are allowed to sign students out. Parents must arrive before 1:45 for an early dismissal.
Visitors All schools in Prince George's County Maryland are considered a "Drug Free Zone". While visiting the school please refrain from smoking in the building or on the school grounds. All visitors are required to report to the office to sign in and receive a pass. Parents may not conduct conferences with teachers during instructional time. If you wish to speak with a teacher, please schedule an appointment for a conference at a mutually convenient time.
Volunteers According to Board of Education Policy, all volunteers who wish to work with students in a Prince George's County Public School must be fingerprinted. This includes those who would like to chaperone field trips or assist teachers in the classroom. If you are interested in becoming a school volunteer please contact our Vice Principal, Ms. Frazier for more information. Your interest and involvement are greatly appreciated. Delayed Openings/ School Closings
Prince George's County Public School administrative policy requires that the school have a plan for each family. The plan should briefly describe how the child would be cared for, if school is dismissed early due to an emergency situation or inclement weather. This should be a workable plan that your child understands, as the school will not be able to phone or locate every family. This written plan is kept on file at school.
When School must be closed, opened later than usual, or closed early because of inclement weather or emergency conditions, an announcement will be made over all Washington area radio and television stations. In order to keep telephone lines open for emergency calls, parents are requested NOT to call the school or radio stations.
One hour - school starts at 8:45 a.m., buses also run 1 hour late. Two hour - school starts at 9:45 a.m., buses also run 2 hours late. Health
Should your child require medication of any kind, it is necessary that parents bring medicine to the school. Medication must not be left in the classroom, on the teacher's desk, or in a student's lunchbox. It is placed in the health room with a signed statement from parent and physician. Medicine is taken under the supervision of school personnel. A Medication Authorization Form must be on file for each individual situation. Those forms are available at school. For your child's protection, each medication must be in an appropriate container and labeled with the name of the medication, name of the student, and the date. Please contact the school Health Aide with any questions.
If a child becomes slightly ill at school, he/she is taken to the health room to rest until he/she is able to return to class. In more severe cases, the parent is notified and requested to take the child home. Parents must come or send someone immediately. School personnel are not permitted to apply or administer medication. School personnel may not treat injuries which occurred outside of the school. Do not send children to school requesting this service. Legally, we can only provide first aid for in-school sickness or accidents. Major accidents are immediately referred to professional personnel and the child will be sent to the closest emergency center.
An accident insurance plan is available to pupils at the beginning of each school year. Enrollment is voluntary. Parents make the premium payment directly to the insurance company. The parents makes claims directly to the insurance company. The school office has a supply of claim forms in case of an accident. CAFETERIA
Regular Reduced Breakfast: $1.10 Milk - $.30 Lunch: $1.75 Milk - $.40 ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO EAT LUNCH. A child may bring or buy lunch. A child may not charge lunch. Lunches are paid on a daily basis. The office cannot provide lunch for students. Children who lose or forget lunch money will be provided with full lunch. The cost of this lunch is $1.75 ($.40 for reduced students) The money must be returned the next day.
The Free and Reduced Lunch Program is a Federally funded program available to low-income families and some hardship cases. An application will be sent home with your child within the first few days of school. If you wish to apply, please complete ALL information requested and return to the teacher. Showing justification for the free/reduced plan is a requirement of the program. GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS
A student's conduct in school must be acceptable at all times. It must not interfere with the instruction of other students or the safe and orderly learning environment at Matthew Henson. Students are responsible for obeying all school and individual class rules. Every adult in this building has the authority to direct students on their conduct and responsibilities while at school. Students who violate these policies are subject to disciplinary action.
Second Step is a social skill curriculum that develops and increases skills in empathy, impulse control, and anger management. Second Step skills are taught and practiced by each class throughout the school year. There is a home component that trains parents how to reinforce these skills when children are away from the school. DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
We at Matthew Henson Elementary School, Feel that discipline is a necessity for the total benefit of all children as well as for the success of the entire instructional program. No classroom can function effectively as a learning center when valuable teaching time is wasted on the few who cannot conform to rules and regulations set up for the safety and well being of all. We believe that consistent communication between the school and the home establishes good relationships, and will be most effective in obtaining good results. We seek your cooperation in this effort. We care for your children just as you do and together we can develop the best possible habits within them. Students will be suspended in accordance with County policy.
It is extremely important that each child is expected to abide by classroom and school standards. These standards are crucial to ensure a positive learning environment that is safe and orderly.
Each teacher will use the following steps if a minor infraction occurs in the classroom:
The Code of Student Conduct was adopted by the Prince George's County Board of Education to standardize policies and procedures to maintain a positive learning environment, and a good state of discipline within the schools. The Code is in effect before, during and after school, on school buses and at all school functions. It describes the standards of acceptable conduct and the formal disciplinary actions the school will take if the policies are violated. Minor Infractions (persistent disobedience) include:
We have identified three(3) categories of major infractions:
The guidelines listed below will be followed when a Major Infraction occurs:
A PS74 is completed and (if necessary) a student will be IMMEDIATELY SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL; * Physical assault on teacher or staff-Gross Insubordination, Possession of alcoholic beverages; * Arson or False Alarms * Possession of fireworks or explosives or inciting others to violence or disruption * Physical attack or threat thereof * Possession of or use of weapons * Shakedown and or strong arm. Possession, use or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance * Vandalism and / or destruction of property * Theft * Distribution of unauthorized printed materials * False reports * Forgery * Gambling * Loitering * Smoking * Unauthorized sale or distribution of anything other ( such as Sexual Harassment)
Maryland State Law prohibits the possession of portable pagers or "beepers" by students on the grounds of public school. Items will be confiscated, and returned to parents.
If your child is involved in a major infraction, the classroom teacher or staff member will submit a discipline referral form (PS74) to the Principal. You will receive a copy of the discipline form with the notation of the action taken by the administrator. In accordance with County Policy #0600 the following steps will be taken for consistent violations: 1st OFFENSE: For a first violation of this policy, the child's teacher contacts the parent or guardians by telephone and notifies the principal that the violation has occurred. 2nd OFFENSE For a second violation of this policy, the teacher refers the student to the principal who contacts the parents or guardians by telephone and in writing that a second violation has occurred. 3rd OFFENSE For a third violation, the principal sends a letter and telephones the parent or guardian of the third of this policy. 4th OFFENSE For a fourth violation, the school administration arranges a parent conference and reiterates the parameters of the policy and consequences of future violations. 5th OFFENSE For a fifth violation, the student is removed from the class for one full day and completes classroom assignments provided by the classroom teacher in another part of the school. 6th OFFENSE For a sixth violation, a parent/student conference is called which includes representatives form the school administration, the classroom teacher and a representative form the school uniform committee. A final warning is given to the student and his parents/guardians advising them that another violation will result in the reassignment to another school. The same information will be forwarded to the parents/guardians in writing, as well. 7th OFFENSE On the occasion of the seventh violation within a school year, the student will be reassigned to a school that does not have a mandatory School Uniform Policy. REPORTS AND FORMS
Kindergarten written reports will be sent home in January and June. Report cards for Grades 1-6 will be issued four times a year, at nine week intervals - November, February, April, and June.
Grading policies for each grade level will be presented at " Back to School Night". Copies will also be sent home during the first week of school.
Homework is considered a learning activity related to the experience within the school. It's purposes are to supplement and to enrich work done in the classroom, to provide for individual interests, to promote competency in skills and subject matter, to help student's budget time, to integrate learning and to help students use a variety of sources of information. It is felt that the use of drills has a place in helping children and youths master basic skills.
At least one conference must be scheduled during the school year. The classroom teacher will send written notification before the end of one of the four reporting periods to schedule a conference. Parents can request that a conference be schedule to discuss the progress of his/her child.
Parents of students who are making unsatisfactory progress will be sent an Interim Progress Report midpoint of each nine week grading period, or as soon thereafter as it becomes apparent that the student is not making satisfactory progress. These notices will be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to school.
Retention is advised when the student has not achieved and would benefit from additional experiences at the same grade level. In case of retention, a conference must be held with the parent/guardian prior to the retention. If the parent/guardian and school personnel cannot reach an agreement relative to retention, the principal will make the final decision.
If you move outside of the Matthew Henson area, please call the school at least three days prior to the move. This will ensure that your child will have a transfer card to take to the new school. Before receiving the transfer card, it will be necessary to clear up any textbook, library book, or other debt responsibilities. Make sure you leave your new mailing address with the secretary.
Each year you must fill out a family card for each of your children. It is important that we have current information on BOTH sides of the family card. Whenever information changes ( e.g. address, phone number, employment, etc.), notify the office in writing immediately. IF THE CARD IS NOT UP TO DATE, THERE WILL NO WAY TO REACH YOU IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. It may be necessary for us to contact the police, the nearest medical facility, Social Services, etc. in such an event.
We recognize that the home and school share a mutual undertaking of aiding the total development of the individual child. For this reason, we feel that the school and home should be communicating with each other. In efforts to bring about a close partnership between the two, we have set up a system of reporting with the designated purpose of working with parents.
A signed note from the parent/guardian is required for the following purposes:
Folders containing information are sent home with your child each Tuesday. We have named this routine "Take Home Tuesday". Please review your child's folder each Tuesday, initialing the form inside the front cover. This confirms that you have received notices or requested information.
Once a month a Newsletter will be issued, providing parents with an overall summary of activities that have taken place and those that are to be held in the future. The Newsletter will also include test dates, PTA meetings, and dates when schools are to be closed and pertinent information about the operation of the school/school system and it's policies. Please check your child's backpack or "Take Home Tuesdays" for these Newsletters.
When pupils participate in school connected activities; it is necessary that parent permission be secured. This includes early departure during school hours and all field trips and school related activities. This permission must be in WRITTEN FORM.
The school telephones are provided and reserved for official business and cannot be made available to students except emergencies. Calls pertaining to student's health or safety are not classified as personal. The telephone will not be used for forgotten work. Students are not permitted to use the public telephone during the school day and they cannot receive calls. SPECIAL PROGRAMS
To assist in skill development in reading, language, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, students will work in the classroom or Technology Lab weekly. Students will have the opportunity to use Internet for research and other class projects.
Before a student may go on a field trip, a permission slip signed by the parent or guardian must be returned to the classroom teacher. The cost of the trip must be paid to the teacher who is sponsoring the trip. CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!!.
The Science Center is a resource facility for all students in the Prince George's County Public Schools. The science experiences complement and enrich the school curricula with a variety of sessions provided throughout the school year.
The TAG Program at the Matthew Henson Elementary School is a pull out program. Students identified as academically talented and gifted receive special instruction two hours a week in learning how to use higher order thinking skills. All students are screened for the TAG Program in grades 1,3, & 6. Parents may request individual testing as well.
Class parties will be held throughout the year. If your child cannot participate, please notify the teacher. Activities are provided outside of the classroom for children who do not participate in in parties.
Drug Abuse Resistance Education is a program offered to 6th grade students by the Prince George's Count Police Department. A police officer trained to teach the D. A. R. E. curriculum schedules time with sixth grade teachers on a weekly basis for approximately 2 semesters. Students learn to resist drugs and stay drug free. Students discuss consequences for their actions. CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
There is a Safety Patrol functioning in our school. The students who are chosen to participate in this program are school leaders. They have been trained in their duties, assigned to post at certain street corners, and on the bus for the protection of others. All children should be taught to appreciate their services and respect authority. Any behavior that occurs that jeopardizes the safety of others is reported to the bus driver, the administration, or the Safety Patrol Sponsor for disciplinary action.
Student in grades 3 through 6 are selected to represent their class in a monthly meeting. Elected officers conduct the meetings with the assistance of a Sponsor. Students decide on what community service projects and school spirit activities the school will manage. Personal Property
Please label lunchboxes/bags, and articles of clothing. All articles of clothing that can be taken off at school should be labeled with a name and room number. (E.g. jackets, coats, sweaters hats, etc.)
All articles that are found in the school building are kept in the cafeteria on the stage for three weeks. If your child loses an article of clothing, please see that the inquiry is made.
Children should only bring enough money for lunch and other predetermined needs. A purse, sealed envelopes or other means for carrying the money safely would be helpful.
Each grade level will send home a list of needed supplies. We ask that you not spend money on unnecessary materials that often get misplaced because it is not needed. All supplies should be labeled with your child's name.
All students should have a book bag or backpack in which to carry books, homework assignments and supplies to and from school. Book bags and backpacks keep students prepared for class and keeps their materials organized. We ask that backpacks and book bags get checked regularly, especially on Tuesdays. In addition, books and homework don't show as much wear and tear if they are protected as they travel to and form school. New Book - 1 year=Full Price 2 year old book = 90% 3 year old book = 70% 4 year old book = 60% 5 year old book = 50% Paperback ( textbook) = Full Price
All books MUST BE COVERED an labeled with the child's name, teacher's name, grade and room number. It is important to take care of textbooks assigned to your child. HELPFUL HINTS ON PREPARING FOR A PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE ( Excerpts in Part form Barton, B. (1983~. "What Did You Learn In School Today?" Consumer Union The Parent- Teacher Conference is your formal link with the school. It's importance cannot be stressed enough. Most teachers put in hours of preparation for a Parent - Teacher Conference. Here are some helpful hints to make your 30 minutes with the teacher much more rewarding.
Students should leave all items at home that are not supportive of the educational process. Teachers and administrators will take such items from students if they appear on school property. Some belongings that should remain at home are:
Stuffed animals, Balls (basketballs, footballs), nail clippers, files, knife combinations, and playing cards. We believe as educators that school hours should spent on educational activities. The presence of toys countermands educational pursuits because:
TRANSPORTATION Bus riders are given a bus assignment and are to ride that bus and that bus only to and from school. Students should be at the bus stop five to ten minutes prior to pick up. We encourage parents to monitor students at the bus Stop. Children are monitored by the school system once they board the bus. Riding the bus is a privilege and good bus behavior is required. In order to maintain a safe environment on each bus, the school supports the driver in maintaining safe bus riding habits. Anyone who violates the safety standards will suspended form the bus. A Bus Student's Responsibility " Don't Lose Your Riding Privilege" Follow these rules.....
TEXTBOOKS, LIBRARY BOOKS ETC. At the beginning of the year students are issued textbooks and library books for which they are held responsible. Board Policy #6161.0 provides that commencing with the school year 1976-1977, that no pupil may advance to a higher grade unless the pupil, in addition to receiving a passing grade, returns all educational materials to the appropriate personnel, reimburses the school for lost or damaged materials, or makes other satisfactory arrangements with the principal. New Book - 1 year=Full Price 2 year old book = 90% 3 year old book = 70% 4 year old book = 60% 5 years and older = 50% Paperback (textbook) = Full Price
All books MUST BE COVERED and labeled with the child's name, teacher's name, grade, and room number. It is extremely important to take care of textbooks assigned to your child. HELPFUL HINTS ON PREPARING FOR A PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE ( Excerpts in Part from Barton, B. (1983~. "What Did You Learn In School Today?" Consumer Union) The Parent-Teacher Conference is your Formal link with the school. It's importance cannot be stressed enough. Most teachers put in hours of preparation for a Parent-Teacher Conference. Here are some helpful hints to make your 30 minutes with the teacher much more rewarding. You Should Mention:
You Should Ask the Teacher About:
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