Parent Handbook

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year at Heather Hills Elementary School! Heather Hills Elementary parent handbook has been designed as a reference guide and summary of policies, procedures and general practices governing our learning environment. The information contained in this handbook will provide parents with pertinent information to assure an orderly and safe learning environment. 

Please consult with the Heather Hills Elementary School  Leadership staff with any questions or concerns relevant to the parent handbook. It is vital to the overall operation of Heather Hills Elementary School that all parents comply with the prescribed policies and procedures.

It is the responsibility of all parents to follow these procedures, interact in a respectful manner with staff, and utilize the resources to support your scholar at Heather Hills Elementary School .

Parents are encouraged to reference the Heather Hills Elementary School Parent Handbook as questions or concerns arise that impact the operation(s) of the school. Any suggestions for revisions or clarifications are welcome. It is imperative that we work as a team to provide and maintain an effective learning environment for our scholars.

Scholars are expected to:

1. Stay safe
2. Take responsibility 
3. Act respectfully
4. Ready to learn

This year we will work together as the Heather Hills Elementary School Team to create a safe and orderly learning environment. Our strength will evolve through partnership with our community stakeholders.

School Theme

Our theme this year is “Creating a Legacy of Excellence.” Last year we spent time establishing systems and structures, focused on prioritizing relationships and reframing instructional expectations. This year our focus will be on increasing expectations for all stakeholders. There will be an increased focus on what is taking place in classrooms as we are ensuring our scholars are meeting key benchmarks with higher levels of proficiency. Systems of support will be in place to ensure educators and students have what it takes to meet expectations.

Mission

We will nurture students’ talents, develop problem solving skills, encourage collaboration with others and will teach students to communicate effectively.

Vision

Heather Hills Elementary School and community will prepare students to positively impact the world.

School Profile

General Daily Schedule

Daily Instruction

The  instructional day will include an accelerated curriculum in English Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. Your child’s instructional day will also include Art, Music, P.E, ICal and Media on a weekly rotation schedule.

Student Intervention Programs

Student Intervention Plan/Response to Intervention

Student Intervention Team (SIT) is a school-based problem solving team comprised of faculty members (usually general educators) who meet to help a teacher(s) identify and implement appropriate interventions for students who need support so that they are ready and able to learn, as well as students who are in need of support for acceleration. A student who is having academic, behavioral or attendance difficulties will be discussed by this team. School-wide issues may also be addressed at the school level. In cases involving students in crisis, the SIT process may not be appropriate and students may be directly referred to the multidisciplinary  Student Support Team (SST)  for further support and intervention.

Students that have not been successful after the intervention period will be placed on an Academic Contract. Students will be provided with a timeframe to make changes or improvements. The goal of the contract is to outline support provided from the school and expectations that can be expected in the time frame allotted. Failure to make the needed changes may result in students returning to their boundary school.

504

Students who meet the eligibility guidelines for Section 504 may have a 504 Plan developed. The plan will specify the nature of the qualifying disability that substantially limits a major life activity, and the accommodations necessary to provide access based on the student’s needs. The plan will also include individual staff members responsible for implementing the accommodations. Accommodations should be specific to the individual with regard to his/her disability and its limitation on the major life activity. For more information, visit PGCPS Section 504 Services.

Special Education

Students who qualify for special education services will receive an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Students who have an IEP will have an additional teacher that aids in the implementation of the IEP.

TAG Model

Your child will engage in project-based learning, independent study and inquiry-based learning. These approaches allow students to take ownership for their learning, which allows for deeper degrees of understanding as they are able to make connections to previous skills and extend their knowledge. 

Small group instruction will be implemented in the Reading Language Arts and Mathematics classes. Up to seven students will be placed in a group to work on common goals or objectives. Some groups will be teacher-led and some groups will be student led, depending on the complexity of the activity.

Differentiated instruction will be implemented to meet the needs of all students. Differentiated instruction is an approach that the teachers will plan lessons tailored to the students' abilities and interests.

Viewing Grades in SchoolMAX 

SchoolMAX is a tool used by PGCPS to aid parents with monitoring their scholars’ grades. To gain access, follow the steps below.

1. Go to Family Portal
2. Type in your username and password.
3. Make sure your scholar’s name is listed.
4. Click on the subject area you want to see. A list of assignments and grades will be posted.
5. Weighted percentages are set by PGCPS. PGCPS Grading and Reporting Policies, Grade Authorization and Appeals. 
6. If you do not have your scholar’s username and password, please contact our front office for assistance.  

Student Daily Attendance

"EVERY MINUTE IN SCHOOL MATTERS. Two missed days a month adds up to being a half a year behind by the time your child reaches the 4th grade. And once a child falls behind they rarely catch up."

• Attendance Tips for Families
• When your scholar is absent, a parent or guardian must send a note to school explaining the reason for the absence. This should  include date(s) of absence and the scholar’s name. Late or make-up work will not be accepted unless the absence is an excused absence.

Tardiness Policy

• Scholars will be officially tardy if they are not in the building at 7:45 a.m. when the bell rings.
• If your scholar enters the building after the 7:45 a.m. bell, a tardy slip will be issued by the main office.
• If your scholar comes to class without a tardy slip, the teacher will send the scholar to the office to receive one.  The only exception to this is when a bus arrives late.  When a bus arrives late, rather than write numerous tardy slips, an announcement will be made over the PA system that the students who ride that bus have just arrived and are not to be marked tardy due to transportation issues.

Arrival Drop-off Procedures

Car Riders (AM)

Parents are to enter the circle around 7:30 am.  Parents please do not drop your scholar  off before 7:30 am as staff members are not on duty until that time and it is a liability.  Heather Hill's staff will open doors at 7:30 am.

• Please ensure that your scholar is ready to exit the passengers side. **Parents should not exit their vehicle**
• To exit - please remain in your car until directions are given by the staff members on duty.  Please be prepared to follow their directions.

Bus Riders (AM)

Buses will enter the inner circle and release scholars at 7:30 am.  After drivers release scholars, they must exit buses immediately to reduce traffic. Drivers are to follow the directions of the staff member on duty.

Only students that are signed up to attend AlphaBest before care programs will be authorized to enter the building prior to 7:30 am.

Pick-Up Procedures (PM)

Dismissal begins at 1:35 p.m. Car and van riders are dismissed to the multi-purpose, AlphaBest dismissed from the media center, and bus riders dismissed from the blacktop 

Scholars will be escorted to their appropriate location. Drivers must leave immediately to reduce traffic. Drivers are to follow the directions of the staff member on duty.

Front office staff will contact bus/van companies if buses/vans are late.

Car Riders (PM)

Parents are to enter the outer circle and follow the directive of the staff member on duty.  Please make sure you are alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Wait patiently in line for your scholar to be escorted to your car. Staff members will be on duty. Please be prepared to follow their directions. Please drive with caution at all times.

Any student that requires extra support for arrival and dismissal will be

assigned a staff member to assist them by The Leadership Team.

Early Dismissal/Dismissal Changes

If your scholar needs to leave prior to dismissal, they must be signed out in  the Main Office before 1:00 p.m. There are to be no early departures between 1:00 pm and 1:45 pm

• Parents are asked to email teachers, Mrs. Jones and Ms. Powers with any dismissal changes. No verbal authorization to remove a child from the premises will be accepted. Parents must update their emergency contact list annually, or as needed to include all authorized adults who may remove the child from the premises.
• When arriving to pick up children for early dismissal, parents must report to the main office. Every adult that wishes to pick up a child from school must show a valid, government issued photo identification. There will be no exceptions. Parents/guardians will sign the child out in the Early Dismissal Log stating their first and last name, relationship to the student, time of departure, and reason for early dismissal. 
• Upon verification by Mrs. Jones and Ms. Powers, the teacher will be notified that you have arrived and your child will meet you in the office. 
• If a child is being picked up by an adult outside the family, that person must be designated on the child’s Family Emergency Card, or have a note from the parent or guardian on record, and they must show a valid, government issued photo identification. This precaution is in the interest of maintaining your child’s safety.
• Unless the office has been notified in writing, no changes will be made to a student’s regular dismissal routine. When possible, if you alter your child’s dismissal routine, please discuss the changes with your child in advance

Important Contacts