Student Handbook
UINTA MEADOWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT - PARENT HANDBOOK- 2023-2024
Uinta County School District #1
90 Cheyenne Dr. Evanston, WY 82930 (307) 789-8098
Principal, Brad Francis
UCSD #1 VISION STATEMENT
Our vision is to provide the highest quality of education for all students.
UCSD #1 MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide relevant and challenging instruction. We will set high expectations for students, focusing on experiences that build positive relationships, collaboration, persistence, and that encourages maximum student effort.
UINTA MEADOWS ELEMENTARY - OUR MISSION
Ensure high levels of learning for ALL
UINTA MEADOWS ELEMENTARY - OUR VISION
Every Student, Every Day
UINTA MEADOWS ELEMENTARY - OUR CULTURE
Student-centered - Collaborative - Data-driven - Learners - Positive
Message from the Principal
Welcome back to school Eagles! I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed a fun, refreshing summer. We are so excited to see you back in the hallways and classrooms of Uinta Meadows Elementary. A school simply does not feel like a school until it is filled with the smiling faces of students. Students, staff members, and parents/guardians - let’s make this school year the best that it can be as we work together to ensure that all students succeed at high levels.
I am thrilled to announce that Uinta Meadows Elementary is taking a major step forward in becoming a more vertically aligned school building. One of the most significant advantages of a vertically aligned school building is that students can benefit from a coherent and consistent curriculum that builds on their prior knowledge. This approach will ensure that students are appropriately challenged and prepared for the next stage of their academic journey. We are excited to take this step forward in becoming a more vertically aligned school building, and we are confident that it will benefit our students in numerous ways. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to working with you to help your child succeed.
One of the things that I am most proud of from last year’s accomplishments was that we have successfully certified as a level 3 High Reliability School, which is a major accomplishment. It means that we have implemented “Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum,” at Uinta Meadows Elementary - a goal that every elementary school should strive to accomplish. This means that students receive a consistent curriculum no matter which classroom they are assigned. This is so valuable for student learning. As we look forward to this year, we plan to certify as a level 4 school. This would mean that we have established a “Standards-Referenced Reporting System.” I believe our staff is ready to tackle this next opportunity head on.
Most importantly, we strive for every student to feel validated and welcomed at Uinta Meadows Elementary. A key to this is creating effective lines of communication. Parents are encouraged to visit our school, maintain regular contact with your child’s teacher, attend parent meetings, and attend regularly scheduled conferences. The PTA is also always looking for new members. Together we can create a positive, safe environment for our students.
The purpose of the Uinta Meadows’ Parent/Student Handbook is to acquaint you with some of the beliefs, procedures, and policies of Uinta Meadows Elementary. Please read and become familiar with the contents, and keep this handbook readily available, as a reference, during the school year. If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed, you have a standing invitation to visit or call anytime. We are partners in the education of your child, and by working together we can make this a successful year. GO EAGLES!!!
Brad Francis
UINTA MEADOWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RULES
THE THREE B’s
BE Safe
BE Respectful
BE Responsible
Parents are asked NOT to drop children off at school grounds before 8:00 a.m., as there is no adult supervision before this time.
Children must go home immediately after school dismissal unless they are involved in After School Enrichment. There is only adult supervision on the playground until the buses have loaded and left the school at approximately 3:50 p.m.
GENERAL INFORMATION
School Visitors
All visitors to Uinta Meadows Elementary are required to check in at the office. This is for the safety and security of all students and staff. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education and to visit school often. Parents wishing to spend time with their child at school are asked to make other arrangements for small brothers and sisters.
Parents who wish to discuss their child’s progress are asked to make an appointment with the teacher for a conference. Time cannot be taken from class instruction to hold a parent conference for an individual child. Since the primary focus of Uinta Meadows Elementary teachers is to meet the educational needs of UME students, attendance by friends and relatives of students is not allowed. We ask all parents to respect the learning environment of the classroom. At the end of the school day we ask parents to wait outside of the school.
Student Check-Out/In
Parents taking students out of school during the school day are asked to sign a checkout log in the office. This is required to protect the children from unauthorized persons taking them out of school. Office personnel will call the classroom for the child while the parent is completing the log. This will reduce classroom interruptions as well as allowing the parent and student to be on his/her way quickly. Parents returning students to school during the school day are asked to sign a check-in log in the office. This is required as a backup for attendance count.
School to Parent Communication
We utilize our UME Facebook page, UME Instagram page, and Powerschool K-12 SWIFT Alerts, which contacts parents via email, phone and text message. Our school website and calendar is consistently updated with pertinent information. School information is also posted on the district website. The school frequently sends notes and bulletins to parents and guardians. Please ask your child and check backpacks frequently for notes of interest. Occasionally, parents are asked to sign or to fill out forms that are required for routine records at school. Please return any such forms promptly to avoid loss or omission of pertinent information.
School/Playground Supervision
The expectation of safe, orderly, and appropriate behavior applies to the school/playgrounds before school and during recesses. The school/playground areas are supervised Tuesdays-Fridays from 8:30 a.m. and Mondays from 9:30 a.m. until the students are admitted to the building, during recesses and for a short period after school. Students are not to be at the school/playground before 8:30 a.m. (Tuesdays-Fridays) or 9:30 a.m. (Mondays) and after 3:40 p.m., as no adult supervision is available before and after either of these times. Once at the school or on the playground, children are not allowed to leave for any reason unless given permission from a supervisor. Students eating school breakfast are expected to go to the playground area as soon as they finish their meal.
School Attendance
Regular and consistent attendance by students is critical to fully take advantage of the educational program. State law makes parents responsible for their child’s school attendance, and it is the responsibility of every student to keep absences to an absolute minimum. Frequent absences disrupt the education of the absent student as well as fellow students. Everyone loses when someone is not present because students learn from the discussion, views, and experiences of fellow students. We encourage parents to send their child to school every day. Please reference Wyoming State Statute—-compulsory attendance. File: JED-R: Revised-05/22/07
* Ninety percent (90%) attendance is required at the elementary schools. The total number of excused and unexcused absences shall be limited to ten (10) per semester.
* Parents will be notified in writing when a student has acquired five (5) absences and ten (10) absences.
* Upon reaching ten (10) absences in the semester, the student and his/her parents will be asked to attend a conference with the principal to develop a plan for improved attendance.
* If habitual absences continue, the Uinta Meadows Elementary principal will enforce the state statute on truancy and a letter will be sent to the parents as well as the Uinta County Attorney’s office.
Absences-Excused/Unexcused/Truancy
Parents are asked to call the UME office (789-8098) if their child is going to miss school. If a telephone is not available, a signed and dated note on the day the child returns to school will be acceptable. School personnel will call home each time a child is not in school. Absences not excused in a timely manner by a parent telephone call or note will be considered unexcused.
Arriving Late for School
Any student arriving late for school must check in at the office for attendance, lunch count, and to obtain a classroom late pass. Parents are asked to send a note or make a telephone call to excuse a tardy.
Out of Boundary Attendance
Students are expected to attend the school that has been designated by the UCSD#1 boundary map. The priority for each elementary school is to serve students (within the designated boundaries) with the best education possible. One way to do that is to keep class sizes small. It will be the decision of the principal to accept out of area students. This decision cannot be made until approximately the middle of August, when school is closer to starting. The principal will contact you in August regarding your request. Parents will write a short letter of request to the principal requesting out of area attendance explaining the reason for a request to attend UME. Because transportation can become a conflict (student attendance, tardiness, early dismissal, behavioral concerns, or being picked up later than ten minutes after dismissal) the principal can transfer the student to the “area” school where the residence has been determined. The purpose for any action—quality education.
Teacher Licensure
A.08 The LEA notified parents of all of the following:
1) The right to request information about the qualifications of their child's teacher to include state license status with approved subject areas, emergency/provisional status, and field of discipline along with information about qualifications for paraprofessionals who are providing services to their child.
2) When their child has been taught four or more weeks by a teacher who is not meeting applicable state licensing requirements;
3) Annual notification to parents of ELL students if their child has been recommended for a language instruction program and the parent's right to opt out of the program
Reporting/Grading
All elementary schools are on a nine-week system for reporting student progress to parents. Formal parent/teacher/student conferences will be scheduled and parents will be contacted in advance to arrange an appointment for their child’s conference. Conferences for the 2023-2024 school year will be held November 6th-10th and March 25th-29th. Report cards will be given to parents at conferences or emailed to the parents following the end of the nine-week period and on the last day of school. Parents should feel free to contact their child’s teacher at any time to schedule a conference. Parents and/or legal guardians have the right to a copy of the student cumulative file information upon request during school hours.
Homework
Homework can be one appropriate means of practicing or applying learned concepts and skills. Therefore, if homework is assigned by a teacher, it will have a definite purpose. Parent supervision of and assistance with homework is greatly appreciated. Parents having concerns about homework should feel free to contact the teacher or principal. All students are encouraged to read at least 20 minutes every night.
Make-up Work
Students who are absent from school are required to make up work assigned during their absence. It is the responsibility of the student and/or parent to obtain makeup work assignments from his/her teacher immediately upon return to school. For an excused absence, a student will be allowed equal time to the day(s) missed. Exceptions may be permitted depending upon the circumstances of the excused absence and/or the type of assignment made.
Parent Teacher Association (PTO)
An active parent group (PTO) meets monthly in support of Uinta Meadows Elementary families. UME Staff and parents meet monthly for Parent Connection. This is where pertinent information regarding all aspects of your child’s education are discussed and important decisions about our school are made. Parents are encouraged to participate with the PTA and attend all other parent meetings. If you have any questions, please contact the principal at school—-789-8098.
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)
Uinta Meadows Elementary is a PBIS school. It is a place of teaching and learning. It is essential that we maintain an orderly environment based upon respect for all. Each person is responsible for his/her own behavior. We have high expectations of all students. We believe that all students can learn to accept the responsibility for his/ her actions and behave appropriately. Learning how to make correct choices is the desired outcome of every discipline experience.
All staff are responsible for enforcing student rules of conduct and are the first person responsible for discipline of their assigned students. Each teacher will inform students and parents of classroom rules and consequences at the beginning of each school year. As new students enroll at UME the same expectations will be taught. Teacher consequences may include recognition for appropriate behavior, individual discussions with students, contact with parents, and/or loss of privileges.
Uinta Meadows Elementary encourages communication between home and school when students receive behavioral consequences. It is by working together that a strong partnership to support your student will be maintained. Please don’t hesitate to call if questions arise about consequences or if you wish to be contacted each time your child receives a school consequence.
The PBIS Team and Behavior Intervention Team at UME have created a clearly defined set of procedures for handling student behavior. Student positive behavior is rewarded through our Talon Tickets program. This is where students can collect Talon Tickets to earn various rewards and prizes.
Student misbehavior has also been clearly defined. Please refer to our “Uinta Meadows Elementary Behavior Flowchart” and “Uinta Meadows Elementary Behaviors and Interventions” documents for specific details regarding our protocol/practices for intervening with inappropriate behaviors. These documents can be found in your back to school packet.
Breakfast and Lunch Programs
UCSD#1 recognizes that healthy, nutritious meals are an important component to student readiness and ability to learn.
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Free and Reduced Meal applications:
We encourage all households and staff to prepay meal accounts. Payments can be made at school by cash or check. Online payments can be made using the LINQ connect app www.linqconnect.com (processing fee will apply)
Households eligible for free or reduced meals should submit an application. Applications are available online at www.linqconnect.com, uinta1.com or a paper application can be obtained at any school office or Nutrition Services office. Application must be submitted each school year or as financial situations occur ie: loss of job, reduced hours/wage, number of household members change. You are not required to report an increase in revenue. Carry over from previous year eligible applications will expire mid October.
Negative balance notification policy:
When a student meal account reaches a negative balance of $15.00 the school secretary will initiate a parent/ guardian contact.
When a student meal account reaches a negative balance of $25.00 the school principal will initiate a parent/ guardian contact.
When a student meal account reaches a negative balance of $50.00 the parents will be told they must provide a sack lunch for their child until the balance is paid. Should the student come through the meal line after this call has been made, the student will be fed, however the principal or designated monitor must approve the meal and an additional call will be made to the parent/guardian.
Notifications will be sent out through automated phone calls, text messages, and emails for all negative balances.
Parents are invited to visit our school often and have breakfast or lunch with their children. Parents are asked to notify the office in advance when planning on eating at school so that the extra meal(s) can be ordered from the Central Kitchen. Parent meal reservations and meal purchases can be made in the morning of the requested lunch or the day before the requested breakfast. Parents may also call in a meal reservation.
Students not wishing to participate in the school lunch program are invited to bring a sack or boxed lunch and dine in the cafeteria. They may purchase milk to supplement their lunch for $.50 per carton. Meal prices are as follows:
Breakfast - $2.00 per meal
Adult Visitor Breakfast - $2.50
Lunch - $3.20 per meal
Adult Visitor Lunch - $4.50 per meal
Parent Pick-up and Drop-off Procedures
Our primary responsibility at UME is to keep your children safe. We firmly believe these procedures provide all children and adults with the safety they deserve. Please refrain from all cell phone (technology use) while driving on school grounds. You may use the loop by the gym to pick up and drop off students. You may also use the first lane in front of the school. This is for through traffic only. You may park to let students load and unload your vehicle, but it is not for you to park and exit your vehicle. The 2nd lane in front of the school is for parents to park and come into the school if necessary. The 2nd lane may also be used to drop off and pick-up students. The bottom lot bus loop is not a drop off or pick up point.
Bus Students
The assigned bus driver will inform students who ride a regular bus route of behavior expectations. Parents are encouraged to discuss these expectations with their children. Bus students are expected to take the opportunity to get on their bus as soon as the dismissal bell rings. If for some reason a student does miss the bus, he/she should report immediately to the office. Students who know in advance that they do not plan to ride the bus on a particular day should notify the driver. If a student plans to ride the bus to the house of a friend, relative, or child care giver, written permission is required before the child is allowed to board the bus.
Birthdays
When your child has a birthday, we would ask that no invitations be distributed here at school. Even in the most ideal situations, we have students who get their feelings hurt. We also invite parents to join their child for lunch on their birthdays. Just call ahead so we know you are coming. Sending birthday treats is a parent/child decision.
Cell Phones and Smart Watches
Students may bring a personal cell phone, but it must remain in their backpack, turned off, all day. We strongly encourage elementary students NOT to bring a smartwatch to school at all. However, if they have one they can wear it but notifications must be turned off. Cell phones and smartwatches can be used after school. They can also be used if their teacher allows them to do so. If a student is caught using their cell phone or smartwatch without permission, it will be turned into the office. A parent will be notified and they must come to the office to retrieve it.
Telephone Use and Messages
Students may only use the school telephone to call parents concerning important, school-related matters. Students may use the telephones in their classrooms as approved by the teacher. Students will not be taken out of class to accept a telephone call. A message will be taken by office personnel and forwarded to the student. Students may not use the phone to make “social” or after-school arrangements with friends. Please make sure these arrangements are taken care of at home. Students are allowed to use cell phones after school hours.
Emergency Closing
In the event of a blizzard or other emergency, which may threaten the safety or health of students, the decision to dismiss or cancel school will be made by the superintendent. Every effort will be made to inform parents of emergency decisions via local radio stations and calls to all families in Powerschool K-12 SWIFT Alerts.
Inclement Weather
On rare occasions, Evanston receives exceptionally heavy nighttime snow. If the storm continues into the morning, hazardous road conditions interfere with school buses transporting students, parents driving their students to school, students driving to school, and employees being able to get to school on time. If such conditions exist, we would declare a “Delayed Start” snow day rather than closing school for a full day.
UCSD #1 will use a calling system called “Code Red” and the district’s Powerschool K-12 SWIFT Alerts to notify parents. Once a decision is made by school officials about school closure or a delayed start, the system will notify all parents and guardians through the emergency phone numbers and email accounts provided to the schools at the beginning of the school year. Both systems can make all of these calls and send text messages in a matter of minutes. A delayed start gives us another way to keep students in school and manage the severe weather
If a “Delayed Start” day is announced, all school starting times and bus schedules would be moved back exactly two hours. For example, if your bus pickup is at 7:30 a.m., the bus will arrive at the pickup location at 9:30 a.m. Starting times for the schools on a “Delayed Start” schedule are listed below.
Delayed Start Schedule
Starting and Ending times
Evanston and Horizon High School 10:10 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.
Davis and Evanston Middle School 9:50 a.m. – 2:54 p.m.
Elementary Schools 11:05 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.
Weather and Recess
The length of recess periods will be adjusted for changes in weather. On days when the temperatures and/or wind chill are so low as to pose health and safety problems (generally 0 degrees or lower, including wind chill factor), or when it is raining heavily, students will remain indoors. Duty teachers will supervise students outside their classroom while they participate in appropriate indoor activities. Students should dress appropriately for possible weather changes.
Student Dress
Student dress should not distract from the learning environment. If a problem arises in this area, parents will be contacted. Students are expected to play outside during all recesses. In order to combat the cold weather we require all students to bring “The Big 5” with them to school each day during the colder months of the year. “The Big 5” are: 1) Snow Boots; 2) Snow Pants; 3) Coat; 4) Gloves; 5) Beanie/Hat. Parents are asked to dress their children appropriately for the often sudden and extreme Wyoming weather changes. Children’s “Big 5” should be labeled to aid in the return of lost or misplaced items.
Personal Belongings
Uinta Meadows Elementary is not responsible for children’s personal items. Students should only bring items to school that are a necessary part of the educational program. Parents are urged to label their child’s coats, hats, gloves/mittens, boots, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc. Students riding bicycles to school are required to park them in the bike racks on the playground during the day. Bike racks are provided and locks are recommended. As a safety precaution, students are asked to “walk” bicycles while on school grounds. Skateboards, heelys, skates, and rollerblades are not permitted at school. Students are also asked not to bring radio-controlled cars, electronic games or other electronic devices including iPads, iPods, etc. to school. Students bringing these items to school will be asked to take them to the office for safekeeping until school is dismissed. Cell phones may be brought to school and remain in their backpack for after-school or emergency use only.
Emergency Information
Please keep the UME office and your child’s teacher current on telephone or address changes as well as persons to call in case of emergency. We often need to contact parents directly and urgently. We also need two emergency contact numbers on file at school in case we are unable to reach you.
Legal Custody of Students
A LEGAL DOCUMENT signed by the court is required to support any questions of custody between divorced or separated parents. Unless we have the document on file, or the principal is informed otherwise, either natural parent is considered to have the right to request an early dismissal of a student.
Health Screenings - General Student Health
The school nurse completes a general health screening on all kindergarten, first grade, third grade, and fifth grade students. This screening includes vision and hearing. Second grade students are also included in the hearing screening. Any areas of concern will either be rechecked within a few weeks or referred to the parents for further medical intervention or treatment.
Any health problems will be referred to the school nurse. She maintains a health record on each student including immunization records. Please do not send an ill child to school. If a child is well enough to attend school, it is assumed he/she is well enough to participate in all school activities including recess and physical education. All children will go outside for recess and participate in physical education unless a parent calls to excuse them or they provide a doctor’s excuse as to why they should not participate. If a child becomes ill while at school, a parent or guardian will be notified and asked to come to school to get the child. In the event that a parent or guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact person will be notified.
Immunizations
In compliance with Wyoming School Immunization Law and Uinta County School District Number One Board of Trustees policy, any student enrolling initially or transferring from an out-of-district school shall provide within thirty (30) calendar days a record of immunization against vaccine preventable diseases as designated by the state health authority. Students who have not received the required immunizations within thirty (30) calendar days of enrollment will be excluded from school attendance. Exemptions are allowed for documented medical or religious reasons and may be obtained only from the state or county health officer.
Administering Medication to Students
In compliance with Wyoming statutes and according to accepted professional practice, the Board of Trustees of Uinta County School District Number One has established a policy regarding the administration of medication at school. The Board of Trustees in adopting this policy establishes the following:
*Medications should be administered at home if at all possible.
*If medication of any type (including non-prescription) must be taken at school, written instructions from the parent/guardian on a specific Parent Authorization to Administer Medications form will be given to the school regarding the medication, dose, frequency, and duration.
*A licensed Medical Practitioner shall give their written instructions to include medication name, dosage and time of administration for a student to receive prescription medication at school; in addition to the above authorization form.
*The prescription medication must be brought to school in a container properly labeled by a pharmacist or licensed Medical Practitioner. Non-prescription medication must be in the original container.
*Any medication administered cannot exceed the recommended dosage, time interval or directions listed on the container (or in accordance with weight-based dosage recommendations)unless specifically ordered, in writing, by a licensed Medical Practitioner.
*When necessary, stock over-the-counter medications may be administered at school under the following criteria:
-Permission to administer has been granted in the PowerSchool Medication Administration Permissions. (Parents are responsible to update any changes to the PowerSchool Medication Administration Permissions.)
-If permission has not been granted in the PowerSchool Medication Administration Permissions, a parent may be contacted and permission obtained via telephone to administer the medication.
-A parent has completed the appropriate written Parent Authorization to Administer Medications form.
-The over-the-counter stock medications will include: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Benadryl, Tums and cough drops.
*The medication shall be kept in a locked place and records shall be kept on medications administered. The records must be signed by the individual who administered medication.
*Medications may only be administered by the school nurse, the building administrator, or a staff member specifically designated in writing by the building administrator.
*Any staff member may refuse to administer medication.
* All medication authorizations will expire on the last day of the school year in which it was executed. Medication not picked up by the last day of the school year will be discarded.
* SPECIAL NOTE: parents are asked to instruct children not to “share medication” with friends.
Homebound Instruction
Uinta County School District Number One will provide homebound instruction for children who are absent from school for more than five consecutive school days due to an injury or illness requiring hospitalization or home confinement. The parent must provide the school with a written approval of the doctor treating the child. This documentation should specify that the child would be unable to attend school for a specified length of time, and that the child is capable of receiving home instruction. Forms for physician can be obtained at the school office.
Uinta County School District Number One does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its educational programs or activities. Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be referred to the Uinta County school District Number One Human Resources Office, 537 Tenth Street, Evanston, Wyoming 82930, (307) 789-7572; or the Wyoming State Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights Coordinator, 2nd Floor, Hathaway Building, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002-0050, (307) 777-6189.