Annual Parent Notice

Right to Request Teacher Qualifications

Dear Parent or Caregiver,

Our school receives federal funds for Title I programs under the Federal ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act).

You have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s). Upon request, the district or school will promptly provide the following information:

a) Whether the teacher has met state licensing requirements for the grade level and subject(s) they teach;

b) Whether state licensing requirements for the teacher have been waived on a temporary basis;

c) The teacher's college degree major and any graduate degree or certificate field of discipline;

d) Whether your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals, and the qualifications these paraprofessional(s) possess.

If you would like to request this information, please contact us at (503) 356-2080.

Thank you for your interest and involvement in your child’s education.

Sincerely,

Kalay McNamee

Principal, Elmonica Elementary

Elmonica Staff

Classroom Teachers: Plan and implement programs to foster academic, social, and intellectual growth, creating supportive learning environments for student development.

Counselor: Provides small and whole group counseling, consults with parents and staff, and offers classroom guidance programs and referrals to outside resources.

Custodians: Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe environment, lead and organize custodial services, and supervise on-site custodians.

English Language Learner Teachers: Develop instructional programs for non-native English speakers, considering their unique linguistic and cultural needs.

Academic Coach: Collaborates with teachers and other educators to provide cohesive academic support for students.

Library Media Instructional Assistant: Manages the library media center, supports students and staff with media resources, and maintains a safe environment.

Music Teacher: Encourages musical literacy and appreciation, creating programs that promote student growth in music.

Nurse: Provides health services and ensures the well-being of the school community.

Office Assistants: Perform complex clerical and administrative tasks to support office operations.

Para-educators: Assist with instructional delivery, classroom preparation, student supervision, and maintaining a safe environment.

Physical Education Teacher: Promotes physical activity and sportsmanship, aiming to instill lifelong habits of health and fitness.

Principal: Leads the school to achieve high student achievement, overseeing academic programs, activities, facility management, and community relations.

School Psychologist: Provides counseling, assessment, and consultation services, including cognitive and behavioral assessments.

School Social Worker: Connects students and families with resources, supporting those facing instability and linking them with mental health services.

Speech-Language Pathologist: Plans and implements speech and language services, consulting with teachers and parents regarding disabilities.

Special Education Teacher: Creates programs for students with disabilities, supporting their academic, social, and physical development.

Student Success Coach: Promotes a positive school climate and supports high achievement through behavioral and academic interventions.

Technology Instructional Assistant: Delivers lessons, prepares materials, maintains classroom discipline, and supervises student activities related to technology.

Family Involvement Policy

Your active involvement in your child's education has a significant impact. We invite and encourage your participation in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), principal coffees, and Family nights.

To foster a stronger home-school partnership, Elmonica Elementary School is committed to providing the following:

An annual meeting, held at a convenient time, where all parents will be invited and encouraged to attend. During this meeting, we will inform parents about the school's participation in the Title I program, explain its requirements, and emphasize your right to be actively involved.

A flexible schedule of meetings and activities throughout the year aimed at helping parents understand federal and state academic content, student achievement standards, and local academic assessments. These gatherings will also focus on collaboration between parents and teachers to monitor your child's progress and enhance student achievement.

A diverse range of meeting times and conference slots to accommodate the scheduling needs of parents.

Two scheduled parent conferences to discuss grade-level requirements, the school curriculum, assessment information, and address any concerns or questions that teachers or parents may have.

Ongoing communication to assist parents in supporting their child's education at home. Our school newsletter will feature articles and resources related to academics, social and emotional growth, enabling parents to become partners with the school in promoting their child's education both at school and at home. Classroom newsletters will also keep parents informed about grade-level instruction and activities.

Conducting an annual survey for all parents to gather opinions, concerns, and suggestions for program improvements and meeting topics that cater to your needs.

Interpreter services for phone contacts and conferences are available by calling the school, and we can arrange other times based on parents' needs.

Every effort will be made to communicate with parents in a format and language that is free of educational jargon and easily understandable by all. We want to emphasize that parents and community members are always welcome at Elmonica.

Your active involvement and engagement in your child's education are valued and appreciated. Together, we can create a supportive and nurturing educational environment for our students.

General Information

Acceleration/Promotion: If you are considering acceleration or promotion for your child, please contact the school principal to initiate the process. Data on the student's performance will be collected over a 6-8 week period. A team, including the classroom teacher, will review this data to determine if promotion is suitable. Keep in mind that for promotion, a child must excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Administrative Transfers: Administrative transfers are granted only in cases of hardship, with daycare provisions typically not considered a hardship. Students attending Elmonica on an administrative transfer must maintain an attendance rate of over 92%, including punctuality. Detailed information and the Administrative Transfer form can be found on the District website.

After School Care: For information on after-school care options, please contact the school office. However, please note that neither the Beaverton School District nor Elmonica Elementary endorses specific childcare providers.

Arrival: Students may arrive for breakfast or class at 8:00 a.m.

Attendance: Regular school attendance, whether in person or online, is crucial. Please ensure your child is in school, on time, every day unless they are ill or there is an emergency. If your child won't attend, call the school to report the absence. Caregivers can also use ParentVUE for this purpose.

Balloons: For health and safety reasons, latex or mylar balloons are not allowed in the building.

Birthdays: We discourage food items and excessive trinkets for birthday celebrations. Consider book donations to the classroom library as an alternative. The principal arranges lunch celebrations for students during their birthday month.

Celebrations: We have moved away from solely celebrating traditional Christian and commercialized holidays to be more inclusive. We celebrate academic unit completions and seasonal changes. Teachers collaborate with families to incorporate cultural traditions, festivals, and holidays into the classroom learning experience.

Classroom Placement: Classroom placement decisions are made by teachers and support staff in late spring for the following school year. Teacher requests are only considered under extreme circumstances.

Deliveries: Please avoid sending deliveries to your child at school. Items sent will be held in the office for caregiver pick-up.

Dress Code: Dress your children appropriately for both indoor and outdoor activities. Secured, closed-toed footwear is required. Clothing referencing drugs, alcohol, violence, sex, or containing vulgar words or phrases is not permitted.

Food: Food items for special celebrations are limited to store-bought goods and must adhere to our wellness policy and individual food sensitivities.

Lost and Found: Our Lost and Found is located in the main hallway. Small items, jewelry, and money are held in the school office. Label your children's belongings to minimize losses. Unclaimed items are donated to the Beaverton School District's Clothing for Kids.

No Animals on School Property: Animals are not allowed on school property. If you walk your dog for drop-off or pick-up, please meet on the sidewalk adjacent to the school property.

Retention: Parents must contact the teacher about potential grade retention by the end of the first semester (end of January). A meeting with the principal is required for any retention requests. Special education students are not considered for retention.

Searches: Authorized individuals may conduct searches of a student's person and property, as per school board policy, on district property or during school-sponsored activities.

Smoke/Drug-Free Environment: Our school maintains a smoke/drug-free indoor and outdoor environment. Tobacco and drug use are always prohibited on all school property.

Smart Phones and Watches: Smartphones and smartwatches are to be left at home. Students have access to phones at school when needed. Under special circumstances, such as switching between caregivers, phones must be brought to school. Phones and watches must be turned off and stored in the student's backpack. After two disruptions and reminders, smartphones and watches will be held in the school office until the end of the school day. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Toys, Electronics, and Other Valuables: Leave toys, electronics, and valuables at home, as the school is not responsible for lost items. Staff may temporarily hold onto electronics for safekeeping until parent pick-up. If students must bring a cell phone or smartwatch, it should be turned off and stored in a backpack until the end of the day.

Visitors and Volunteers: Arrange visits with classroom teachers before arriving. All volunteers must complete a background check. Visitors must remain with teachers and request prior approval from the principal for visits longer than 20 minutes. Visitors and volunteers must sign in, wear a name badge, and be within sight and sound of a licensed staff member.

Withdrawal from School: If you plan to withdraw your child from Elmonica, contact the school office for assistance.

Getting Involved at Elmonica

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO):

Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a dynamic and engaged group dedicated to organizing and sponsoring enriching educational experiences for all students at Elmonica Elementary. The PTO plays an active role in every aspect of school life and learning. In collaboration with Elmonica staff, the PTO organizes events that align with school-wide academic goals and social events that promote family enjoyment and community cohesion. For more details, please visit the Elmonica PTO website.

If you have any inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact the school office at 503-356-2080, and we will direct you to the appropriate person.

Volunteering:

Volunteers at Elmonica Elementary significantly enhance the educational experience for all students. To volunteer, individuals must complete a background check beforehand and sign in at the volunteer kiosk each time they volunteer. Please note that younger siblings should be left at home when volunteering.

Volunteer Background Check

Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast:

Our breakfast service begins at 8:00 a.m. in the cafeteria. Students are welcome to enjoy breakfast until 8:15 a.m., after which they are dismissed to walk to their classrooms.

Lunch:

We provide a variety of food choices from all food groups during lunchtime. Students who opt for school lunch will receive one serving of fruit or vegetables with their meal.

Cafeteria Expectations:

Be Safe:

• Walk carefully
• Avoid sharing, trading, or exchanging food

Be Respectful:

• Use good manners
• Engage in positive conversations
• Include others at the table
• Keep voices soft and conversations limited to those nearby

Be Responsible:

• Wait to be dismissed by the supervisors
• Move quietly to the library or outdoor areas upon dismissal

Menu:

Our breakfast and lunch menus for the current and upcoming month are available on the Nutrition Services website.

Free & Reduced-Price Meal Benefits:

Starting January 2024, all students at Elmonica can enjoy free breakfast and lunch.

Student Meal Accounts:

Each student has an individual meal account that operates as a debit system. If you would like your child to purchase extra food or milk beyond the free meal, please contact the cafeteria manager.

Student Health

Accidents or Illness:

If a child becomes ill or sustains an injury at school, we will promptly contact the parents or guardians.

Please keep your child at home if any of the following conditions apply:

• Fever of 100 degrees or higher
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Students may return to school when:

• They have been fever-free for a full 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.
• There have been no incidents of vomiting or diarrhea in the past 48 hours.

Annual Head Lice Information Notification:

Head lice is a common and occasionally frustrating issue. It is important to note that head lice are not associated with cleanliness; they can affect anyone, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or hair hygiene. Head lice seek a warm place to live and feed, and any head with hair is suitable. These tiny insects are gray or tan and do not jump or fly. They lay eggs (nits) close to the scalp, which are about the size of a grain of salt and may be white, gray, or tan. While dandruff may resemble nits, dandruff can be easily removed, whereas nits are firmly attached to the hair shaft and need to be pulled off. Suspect head lice when there is intense itching of the scalp and neck. Head lice are typically transmitted through head-to-head contact when live lice are present. If you need information on head lice treatment, please contact the school office.

Dental and Vision Screening:

In collaboration with other agencies, we conduct vision and auditory screening for students at specific grade levels. Limited dental services are also available upon parental request. Look for more details in the school newsletter.

Insurance:

Student accident and dental insurance options are accessible to all Elmonica children. You will receive information about insurance at the beginning of the school year. If you need help locating the information, please contact the school office.

Medication:

Medications can only be administered at school if they are in their original container and accompanied by an "Administration of Medication" form completed by the parent or guardian. The container label must include the student's name, dosage, timing, prescription number, and physician's name. Please ensure compliance with these guidelines. This includes over-the-counter medications like cough drops, topical ointments, and headache medications.

Playground & Recess

Playground and Recess Rules:

At Elmonica, our students are expected to adhere to playground and recess rules at all times. These rules emphasize safety, respect, and responsibility:

Safe:

• Stay within the playground boundaries and always remain within the supervisor's line of sight.
• Re-enter the building only with the supervisor's permission.
• Leave rocks, sticks, snow, and bark chips on the ground.
• Play tag and chase games using butterfly touches.
• Report accidents and injuries promptly to the playground supervisor.

Respectful:

• Follow the directions provided by the playground supervisor.
• Play games in accordance with established rules.
• Respect decisions made by the referee, who is typically the first person in line.
• Walk around ongoing games without interference.

Responsible:

• Take turns and share equipment.
• Keep food and indoor toys inside the building.
• Maintain the cleanliness of our school grounds.
• Resolve conflicts by engaging in conversation or seeking assistance.
• Quickly and safely line up when the signal to do so is given.

Play Equipment Rules and Procedures:

Safety is our top priority when it comes to play equipment:

• Rings and Horizontal Ladder: Traffic should flow in one direction.
• Horizontal Bar: Both hands must always remain on the bar.
• Swings: Swing straight forward and backward without twisting or jumping.
• Play Structure: Utilize the slide one person at a time.
• Gaga Ball: Play by the rules posted outside the ball pit.

Please Note: The playground and play structure are open to children and community members outside of school hours. The primary playground is designed for children ages 5 and older.

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Traffic Safety:

We kindly request that all drivers exercise caution by driving slowly and parking exclusively in designated spots.

School Bus:

Elmonica offers school bus transportation to students residing within the attendance boundary and outside of the no-transportation zone. You can access bus schedules online. If your child will be taking a different bus home than the one assigned, please provide a written note signed by a parent or guardian to the front office.

In the event of any bus schedule issues, please get in touch with the District Transportation Office at 503-356-4200.

The Elmonica Bus Rider Pledge:

We want our students to understand the importance of safety while riding the school bus. Our bus riders are expected to follow the bus driver's instructions and adhere to Oregon's safety rules, which include:

• Listening to the bus driver.
• Maintaining a calm, friendly, and respectful demeanor at all times.
• Being punctual for the bus.
• Keeping food inside their backpacks.
• Selecting a seat promptly and remaining seated.
• Being willing to share a seat with at least one or two other children.
• Keeping hands, feet, and objects to themselves.
• Using a quiet voice and employing appropriate language.
• Keeping the bus clean.
• Using the emergency door only in case of an emergency.
• When crossing the road, doing so in front of the bus or when given the clear signal by the bus driver. Waiting for the signal is essential.

Bicycles:

For those riding bicycles, please proceed directly to the school property and walk your bike to the rack. It is crucial to stay away from the parking lot, and remember that helmets are mandatory.

Walking Home from School:

If your child walks home from school, we recommend using familiar pathways and sticking to well-lit areas, particularly during the darker months, to enhance safety during their journey.

If you need school documents translated please call (503) 356-3755 or use the translate function at the top of the website. 

Volunteers & Visitors

Elmonica is an extraordinary place for both teaching and learning, thanks to the tremendous support our parents and community provide to our students and staff!

Whether you can spare just one hour a month, a week, or even a day, any amount of time you can share will make a significant impact. Here are a few opportunities available:

In the Classroom:

• Volunteer to read to students, accompany a group on a field trip, assist children with projects, or share your special knowledge, skills, and interests as a mentor or guest speaker.

Assisting with Special Days and Projects:

• Help in the library, work in the computer lab, aid in publishing, or engage with young diners in the cafeteria. We especially need parents to volunteer in the library and the computer lab.

Participating in After-School Events:

• For volunteering during special events, please refer to the list of PTO chairs for contact information and further details or reach out to our volunteer coordinator.

Background Check for All Volunteers:

• It's important to note that the district requires background checks for all volunteers. Only individuals on the approved volunteer list are eligible to volunteer at Elmonica. Your commitment to this process helps ensure the safety and well-being of our school community.

Visitors:

• Visitors are welcome at Elmonica. All visitors must have pre-arranged appointments for the visit and be accompanied by a staff member at all times. Additionally, the purpose of the visit should not disrupt the learning environment.