EPSOC Student & Family Handbook 21-22
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We are the Sky Warriors
The students at Elk Plain School of Choice K-8 and our school mascot/logo are referred to as the Sky Warriors! This reference is from Native American stories of wisdom, courage and strength. At Elk Plain School of Choice, it symbolizes our efforts to promote an environment of learning that fosters growth and strong moral character.
The story is based on a Little Bird that sees a majestic bird soaring among the clouds, the Sky Warrior. The little bird wants to grow up to be just like the Sky Warrior, so the bird seeks advice from a wise old owl. The owl sends Little Bird off on a quest with a basket of feathers with prized attributes (courage, strength, and wisdom). Little Bird is told to deliver the basket to the great Sky Warrior at the peak of the mountain. However, along the way Little Bird meets three needy strangers. Little Bird ends up sharing the magical feathers with those in need. Upon reaching the peak, Little Bird has none left to present to the Sky Warrior and fears that now Little Bird will never become like the great Sky Warrior. This, of course, is what the Sky Warrior was seeking… a bird that was selfless and thought of others. The Sky Warrior turned Little Bird into a great Sky Warrior and granted courage, strength, and wisdom in abundance. Like the little bird, these are the attributes for which students at Elk Plain School of Choice strive everyday.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information contained in this handbook. Please understand that changes are inevitable and clarification is available in the Elk Plain School of Choice office or on our school website.
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2021-22 Schedules
School Hours
Teacher Work Day – 7:10 AM - 2:40 PM (Teachers are available before and after school Monday-Friday)
Student Day – 7:40 AM - 2:10 PM
In Person Learning
Entry & Tardy Bells
Student Drop Off 7:20 AM Bell
Students enter classroom 7:30 AM Bell
Instruction Begins 7:40 AM Tardy Bell
Dismissal 2:10 AM Bell
Modified Schedules
Early Dismissal 7:40-10:15 AM
Lunch and Recess TimesGrades K - 1
Grades 2 - 3
Grades 4 - 5
Grades 6 - 8
9:50 - 10:15 Lunch
10:25 - 10:50 Lunch
11:00 - 11:25 Lunch
11:40 - 12:10 Lunch
10:15-10:35 Recess
10:50 - 11:10 Recess
11:25 - 11:45 Recess
What to Bring to SchoolNecessary
Nice
Mask - please ensure proper fit. Gaiters, scarfs, or face shields DO NOT substitute for face masks.
No vented masks; they do not provide enough protection.
Extra masks
Backpack
Extra clothes
iPad for MS students (charged+)
Extra pencils
Water bottle (no fountains used at this time)
All paper packets and material needed for learning
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Health & Safety
The Magnificent Seven 7
The key principles listed below are essential for reducing exposure to COVID 19 at EPSOC:
- Keep ill people out of school. Students, families, and staff must stay home when sick, and use screening to assist in that process. We will help you determine when it is safe for your child to return to school
- Physical distancing. We minimize close contact (less than three feet) with other people.
- Hand hygiene. All staff and students will frequently wash with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Track Seating. In the absence of cohorts, use seating charts to better enable contact tracing.
- Protective equipment. All students, staff, and visitors must wear appropriate face coverings at all times while on campus, with few exceptions.
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection. We prioritize the cleaning of high-touch surfaces nightly and as needed throughout the day.
- Isolation. We isolate sick people and exclude exposed people.
Health Clerk: Ms. Austin, (253) 800-7993
Nurses: Mrs. Ostlund, RN and Ms. Brown, LPN, (253) 800-7968
- Ms. Austin is our health and attendance clerk who monitors day-to-day visits in the Health Room. To call her directly please dial (253) 800-7993
- Our school district Registered Nurse maintains medical and emergency procedures and student health screenings. A Licensed Practical Nurse is on site daily to see to the needs of diabetic students.
- Serious medical conditions are referred back to the parents by a phone call and/or to 911 in the case of severe emergency
Health Room
The health room will be used for non COVID-related health needs, such as major first aid (deep cuts, head injuries, sprains or suspected broken bones, etc.) and medication administration only. Staff will have a small bag of minor first aid items such as: gloves, band aids, small envelopes for lost teeth.
- Students needing to see the nurse for major injuries/medication not related to COVID-19 symptoms will follow the arrows marking 3-foot distance in the hallway to the health room (Physical Distancing)
- Student must wear a mask (Protective Equipment)
- Student will stop on the “stand here” spot outside the health room, and wait for the health clerk
- Student will sanitize their hands using the sanitizer provided before entering the health room
- Student will explain to the health clerk why they are there
- Once admitted to the health room students will follow 6-foot distance from others by sitting on the chairs located by the “stand here” spots on the floor (Physical Distancing)
- Student will wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before returning to class
- Student will walk to back to class following the arrows marking 6-foot distance in the hallway
- Students will sanitize or wash their hands for at least 20 seconds when they re-enter the classroom
“The Nest”
The Nest is where we house students and staff with COVID-19 related health needs
- Students with COVID-19 symptoms will wait in hallway outside classroom door with their belongings and wait for an escort
- Parent or guardian will be notified as soon as possible
- Student must wear a mask
- Students will walk to “The Nest” with their escort and meet the staff member in charge
- Students will enter on the side of the curtain barriers the adult tells them to in order to minimize the risk of possible transmission
- If “the Nest” is at capacity, staff member will escort the student to the conference room
- Students will explain to the health clerk/nurse/admin. symptoms they are feeling
- Students will stay in “the Nest” until their parent picks them up
- Students will stay home for the recommended amount of time and/or get a COVID-19 test and provide the results to the school
Please use the following as a guide for Health Room related issues:Medication:
- Students may not self-medicate at school
- Physician Care Orders signed by the prescribing doctor are needed for any medications administered to a student at school (Ask for “Authorization for Medication” form – parent signature is also required)
- The term “medications” includes over-the-counter cold remedies, cough drops, pain relievers and chapsticks; these are not allowed at school without a doctor’s order
Health Insurance:
- It is extremely important that parents understand that the district does not insure students
- Parent medical insurance is the primary coverage for injuries to students. This includes fees charged for 911 transport initiated by school personnel
- Student insurance enrollment forms are available in the office
Other Related Issues:
- Students should keep a clean outfit in their backpacks in case of an accident. Please keep in mind the rain we experience and understand that students do not always make good choices at recess or in judging the time it takes to get to the restroom
- If a student is found to have lice a call will be made to pick up the student from school immediately. The student must be louse and nit free to return to school. Before returning to class, the parent and student must check in at the Health Room for a recheck before going to class.
- Report all health related student absences in writing via email to ep_office@bethelsd.org
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Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival and Dismissal
Students can be dropped off beginning at 7:20 AM. The speed limit on campus is 5mph. Please remember… many cars drop off each morning and pick up each afternoon. As always, student safety is our top concern. We appreciate your patience and courtesy.
When your student is dropped off, K-5 students will walk around the building on the north side to the playground and line up with their class. MS students will line up outside their first period portable. Students eating breakfast may come into the building by the gym door to the kitchen. At 7:30, students will be allowed into portables or escorted into the building by their teacher.
Parent Drop-Off
Parent Pick-Up
For Drop off:
- Enter parking lot from 22nd Ave E and take first right
- Pull all the way forward to the front of the drop-off loop along the curb designated with painted diagonal lines (Have students prepared to exit car once stopped)
- Students ONLY exit car from passenger side of vehicle. Adults STAY in your car
- Masks need to be on students before exiting the car. Adults walking with students must also wear a mask.
- Move carefully out of the lot to allow other vehicles to drop off their children
- Do NOT park your car at the curb to enter the building (This is a fire lane and blocks other traffic)
- If you need to come into the building or have a conversation with your child in the car, please park in a designated parking spot (This blocks the flow of traffic and may cause a dangerous situation)
- Do NOT drop your student off on the main road, center section of our parking lot or at the Bethel Station parking lot. Students MUST have a parental escort
- Use the crosswalk
For Dismissal:
- Enter parking lot and pull along the curb
- STAY in your car and your child will come to you
- Do NOT park your car at the curb and exit your vehicle
- Students in grades K, and 2-8 will only come to cars parked along the curb from the crosswalk to the front of the line
- Students in grade 1 and Ms. McIver’s class will load at the flagpole.
- Once your child is in the vehicle, pull carefully into the driving lane and exit the parking lot
- If you wish to walk up and meet your child when they exit, we ask that you park in a designated parking spot
- Use the crosswalk
Riding the Bus
Students who ride the bus will depart the bus at the direction of a supervisor and line up with their class on the playground. At 7:30, students will be escorted to the building by their teacher. At the end of the day, bus riders will walk to the bus loop escorted by a teacher, and board the bus keeping a 3’ distance. Riding a bus is a privilege. As always, student safety is our top priority.
Bus Rules and Regulations
The driver is in full charge of the bus and students. Students must obey the driver promptly and willingly.Bus Rules and Regulations- Each student must wear a mask while riding the bus.
- Students are to remain seated while the bus is in motion and are not to get on or off the bus until the bus comes to a complete stop. No animal, reptile, fish or fowl is permitted on the bus, except for seeing-eye dogs.
- Each student may be assigned a seat in which they will be seated at all times unless the permission to change has been given by the school principal and/or the transportation supervisor.
- Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct must be observed. Students should face the front of the bus and observe the driving situation and be prepared to react accordingly if necessary.
- Students are to assist in trying to keep the bus clean and also refrain from throwing things out of the windows. Eating and/or drinking on the bus is not allowed.
- Students shall not open the windows on the bus without first getting permission from the driver. Windows are not to be lowered below the third latching position.
- No student at any time shall extend his/her head or arms out of the windows. Students will not tamper with any emergency doors or windows unless emergency conditions exist or while emergency drills are being conducted.
- Students must maintain 6’ distance while loading the bus, and must be cautious and watchful for the motorist who attempts to pass the bus while loading or unloading is taking place.
- Students must cross the highway only in front of the school bus and never behind it, and at the driver’s direction.
- Students who have to walk for some distance along the roadway to the bus stop must walk on the left-hand side of the road facing the oncoming traffic. This will also apply to students leaving the bus stop.
- Students are not permitted to sit in the driver’s seat at any time. Tampering with any emergency equipment such as a first aid kit, fire extinguishers, or highway warning kits is not allowed. Tampering with bus controls and equipment is prohibited.
- Students should never play or scuffle while waiting for the bus. Students should not harass the motoring or walking public or private property owners.
- Students should never throw articles of any kind that can litter or damage public or private property.
- Student misconduct on the bus will be sufficient reason to suspend riding privileges to those students involved.
- Any damage to the bus or equipment must be paid for by those responsible. Willful damage is also cause to deny any student the right to ride the school bus. SMOKING, LIGHTING MATCHES, VULGARITY AND FIGHTING MAY ALSO BE SUFFICIENT CAUSE FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF BUS RIDING PRIVILEGES.
- In the event of an actual emergency, emergency exit procedures, as established by the emergency exit drills (Chapter 391-145-045 WAC) will be followed.
- The foregoing procedures apply to all students transported to and from school., and those students transported to other facilities including extra-curricular activities.
- NOTICE: The school board wishes to provide safe and efficient transportation. We ask for your cooperation with the bus drivers in carrying out the procedures outlined above.
MISCONDUCT REPORTS ARE FILED WITH BUILDING PRINCIPAL AND KEPT WITH STUDENT RECORDS. Chapter 392-145-045 WAC. All procedures as outlined by WASs 180-40-230/392-145-015 have been adopted by the Board of Directors, Bethel School District No 403.
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Eating & Playing at School
Breakfast and Lunch
All students may eat at school free of charge for the duration of the 2021-2022 school year. Students may also bring their own lunch to school. Breakfast and lunch will be picked up in the kitchen and eaten in the classroom.
Safety While Eating in the Classroom
- Social Distancing
o All students and staff will maintain at least 3’ of social distancing for the duration of lunch.
- Hygiene
o Students must wash hands prior to and after eating.
- Cleaning and Disinfecting
o All eating surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected before and after eating.
- PPE- Face Coverings
o While eating, students should completely remove their face covering. When they finish eating, they must wear a face covering.
o When masks are off, students focus on eating, not talking
Students are expected to use appropriate behavior during recess. All students must work together and be considerate of one another to make the best of the weather conditions. To make recess safe and fun, students must:
- Dress for the weather (Coats, hats & boots when appropriate)
- Follow adult directions
- Get a pass from the Supervisor to use their assigned restroom
- Get a pass from the Supervisor to take a mask break.
Safe
- Take masks off in “mask free” zones
- Keep hands and feet to yourself. No rough play or shooting games.
- Leave pinecones, sticks, etc. on the ground
On-Task
- Use equipment as intended
- Return any equipment you used to its proper place
Accountable
- If you see something unsafe or disrespectful, report to an adult
- Line up right away at the end of recess
Respectful
- Follow adult directions
- Cell phones remain off and away
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PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports
Definition and Purpose
What is School-wide PBIS?
PBIS is a systems approach, establishing the school culture and behavioral supports needed for schools to be effective learning environments for all students.
- Evidence-based features
- Prevention
- Define and teach positive social expectations
- Acknowledge positive behavior
- Arrange consistent consequences for problem behavior
- Collection and use of data for decision-making
- Continuum of intensive, individual interventions
- Administrative leadership – Team-based implementation
PBIS Mission
The mission of the PBIS team at EPSOC is to create and promote a safe and proactive school environment that enhances student learning and teaches our students appropriate behavior for success as they move through K-12 and into the community. Through consistent teaching and modeling, reinforcing, and recognizing positive behaviors, we believe our students can do their best to SOAR in society. For more information go to www.pbis.org
Watch our Sky Warriors SOAR!
Students K-8 will earn SOAR tickets for demonstrating behavior that is Safe, On-Task, Accountable and Respectful. Students may use their tickets to “purchase” items from our SOAR store.
Clothing & Dress Code
Please send students to school wearing comfortable school clothes that cover appropriately, and shoes according to the prevailing weather conditions. Clothing advertising alcohol, drugs, sex, tobacco, violence, weapons or with profane words or symbols are not allowed.
**In PE and dance classes, please wear athletic type shoes and clothing that allows free movement.
Elk Plain Sky Warriors are…
S
SAFE
- free from harm or risk; unhurt
- secure from threat or danger, harm or loss
- behavior that doesn’t put yourself or anyone else at risk. Caring for others in a way that keeps them (and you) free from physical and emotional harm
O
ON TASK
- focusing attention, concentrating on what is to be done
- meeting expectations aligned to the setting and acting in a way that is appropriate for that environment
A
Accountable
- responsible for giving an account of activities or events
- capable of being accounted for; explainable
R
RESPECTFUL
- speaking or behaving in a way that demonstrates care for others, the community, property and self
- to pay proper attention to; not violate
Student Behavior Categories
Minor (Staff Managed)
Major (Admin Managed)
Rapid Response
Disrespect/Defiance
• Talking back, arguing
• Refusal to follow directions
• Rude words or gestures
• Not following procedures
• Dress code violations
• Food violations
Disrespect/Defiance
• Repeated (3x)
• Substantially interrupting the
learning of others
Disruption
• Sustained loud talk
• Yelling or screaming
• Noise with materials
• Toys at school
• Sustained out-of-seat
Disruption
• Repeated (3X)
• Substantially interrupting the
learning of others
Drugs/Alcohol/Vaping
• Possession
• Use/Intoxication
• Sale
• Delivery
Drugs/Alcohol/Vaping
• Possession
• Use/Intoxication
• Sale
• Delivery
Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying
• Admin/ Social Worker/ Investigates
Inappropriate Language
• Swearing
• Name calling
• Inappropriate word use
• Low level threat
Abusive Language
• Swearing, verbal assault
• Verbal/written violent threats
• Gender, orientation, racial or religious slurs
Abusive Language
• Verbal assault
• Verbal/written violent threats
Leaving School Grounds without Permission
Leaving School Grounds w/o Permission
Lying
• (Professional judgement)
Lying/Cheating
• Student delivers message that is untrue
• Plagiarism
• Deliberately violates
Physical Contact
• Poking
• Tripping
• Bumping into others
• Display of affection
Physical Contact
• Choking
• Fighting: engaging in any form of fighting where physical blows are exchanged, regardless of who imitated the fight, including instigating, promoting, or escalating a fight, as well as failure to disburse or any other acts in with a student intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict injury on another
• Hitting
• Kicking
•Pulling hair
• Punching
• Scratching
• Sexual contact
• Shoving
• Slapping
• Spitting
• Throwing objects (chairs, scissors, etc.)
Physical Aggression
• Fighting
• Sexual contact
• Throwing objects (chairs,
scissors, etc.)
Technology Violation
• Cell phone use
• Unauthorized website
Technology Violation
• Repeated offense
• Inappropriate use
Weapons/Malicious Mischief
• Alarms
• Lighters, knives, firearms
Weapons/Malicious Mischief
• Alarms
• Lighters, knives, firearms
Vandalism/Stealing
• Minor items
•Returned/Restitution
Vandalism/Stealing
• Major items
•Tagging/graffiti
• Destruction of property
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Attendance
Elk Plain attendance policies and procedures are in accordance with Bethel School District policies. Full language of the policies is available on our website.
Daily Attendance – District Policy 3121
Parents are responsible for sending their children to school as required by RCW 28A.225.10; to make sure their children are in school on time each day; to encourage their children to come to school with a mental attitude which fosters learning; to communicate accurately with the school concerning their child’s absence.
Attendance Clerk: Ms. Austin, (253) 800-7993 or ep_office@bethelsd.org
*****If your child will be absent for any reason, please call or email Ms. Austin as soon as possible.*****
- Students arriving late to school will go directly to the attendance window in the office with a parent, written note excusing the student, or a doctor’s note. Students without a guardian’s/doctor’s excuse will be marked unexcused.
- Phone calls to our attendance clerk stating the reason for the lateness are welcome and will be excused if they meet criteria listed below.
- If your student is leaving the school before our dismissal time (2:10 PM) parents/guardians must complete a sign-out form located in the office.
- Get a “Pre-arranged Absence Form” from the attendance office (at least one week prior) to report upcoming absences extending more than two days. Administration may or may not excuse the absence depending on the reason for the absences and the student’s academic success.
- Students will make up all work and tests as determined by their teachers. It is a student/parent’s responsibility to check with teachers about work that is to be made up and when it is to be turned in.
- Parents/Guardians are encouraged to view “ParentVUE” on our district website (www.bethelsd.org) to report absences. Contact our office ((253) 800-7900) if you need ParentVUE and need more information.
K-5 Attendance Arrival/Dismissal Guidelines
Class begins promptly at 7:40 AM
Students arriving between 7:40 – 9:17 AM
AM TARDY
Students arriving between 9:17 – 10:54 AM
AM 1/2 DAY ABSENCE
Students arriving between 10:54 AM – 12:31 PM
3/4 DAY ABSENCE
Students departing between 12:31 – 2:10 PM
EARLY DEPARTURE (marked as a TARDY in our records)
Middle School Attendance Guidelines
- Class begins promptly at 7:40 AM
- There are six periods for 6th – 7th grades and nine for 8th grade in a school day
- Teachers will take attendance at the beginning of every period
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General Attendance Legal Requirement
Excused Absences: (WAC 392-401-020)
Current
New for COVID-19
illness/injury/health
Student’s illness, health condition, or medical appointments due to COVID-19
Family Emergency/Bereavement
Caring for a family member who has an illness, health condition, or medical appointment due to COVID-19
Doctor/Dentist appointments
Student’s employment or other family obligations during regularly scheduled school hours that are temporarily necessary due to COVID-19 until other arrangements can be made, including placement in a more flexible education program
Religious/Cultural Observances
Student’s parent’s work schedule or other obligations during regularly scheduled school hours, until other arrangements can be made
Court/Legal appointment
Student’s lack of necessary instructional tools, including internet broadband access or connectivity
Suspension
Student safety concerns
School-authorized activity
Other COVID-19 related circumstances as determined between school and parent or emancipated youth.
Make-up Work – District Policy 3122
A student will have the right to make-up work for an excused absence provided arrangements are made with the teacher to do so within a reasonable length of time. A student may be required to make-up work for an unexcused absence.Becca Bill
The “Becca Bill” (SB5439) is our state’s truancy law. Unexcused absences/tardies are subject to BECCA conference. The BECCA Bill supports the state mandate for students to attend school regularly. When a pattern of attendance concerns become evident, parents will be called in for a conference, at which time attendance and grades will be reviewed to initiate an action plan for attendance and making up assignments.Attendance and Truancy Legal Requirements
- 1 unexcused absence within a 30-day period = Inform parents by notice in writing or by telephone
- 3 unexcused absences within a 30-day period = conference with parent/guardian, student, Vice Principal and/or Social Worker to identify barriers to attendance and provide support.
- 5 excused/unexcused absences within a 30-day period = parent phone conference with Administrator
- Between the 2nd and not later than the 7th unexcused absence, the school may:
- Enter into an agreement with the family regarding attendance -OR-
- Refer the student to a Community Engagement Board (CEB) -OR-
- File a truancy petition
- Must apply the WA Assessment of Risks and Needs of Students (WARNS) for MS students
- Not later than 7 unexcused absences within a 30-day period and not later than 15 unexcused absences within a year, the school must:
- File truancy petition with Juvenile Court
- Refer the parent and child to a CEB
DID YOU KNOW?
- Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school
- Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days / or 2 days a month) can make it harder to learn to read
- Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two every few weeks
- Being late to school may lead to poor attendance
- Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school – and themselves. Begin building this habit so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine, even during remote learning
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make him/her feel comfortable and excited. About learning
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Remember that Elk Plain School is a “choice” school (meaning you choose to have your child here and follow the expectations). We absolutely want your child to continue his/her education at our school, and to ensure this they need to maintain good attendance
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General Family Information
Elk Plain Office Information
The Elk Plain School of Choice office is open from 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM on regular school days. Messages may be left on our voicemail system before or after hours at (253) 800-7900. You may also contact the office by email at ep_office@bethelsd.org.
At this time, we are not able to welcome visitors to school. If you have a need, please ring the front bell, and someone from the office will respond to you at the door.
Cell Phones
All electronic devices (iPods, cell phones, mp3 players, etc.) must be turned off and put away in student backpacks during school hours, starting with the 7:20 AM morning bell, and continuing until students have boarded the bus at 2:10 PM in the afternoon. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken devices. Students are not to check text messages from home or friends during school hours.
- Any calls, texts, photos or other electronic communication during the school day will result in confiscation of devices.
- Any electronic devices confiscated will be held in the office until the parent picks it up, and may also result in disciplinary consequences.
- E-readers, Kindles, etc. may be used on the bus only or in class at the teacher’s discretion.
Daily Transportation Changes
If your child will be taking a different bus home the office will need advance written notice of 48 hours to accommodate the change to give the Transportation Department adequate time to ensure there is space on the bus for extra students. If you tell your child how you will pick them up in the morning, please do not change the plan. We have found that students ignore the note we send and go off of the verbal directions given by the parent.
Email Communication
We welcome and encourage communication from parents. Staff will make every effort to respond to you within one school day. All staff can be reached via email by using the first letter of the first name followed by the last name (up to ten characters total) then add @bethelsd.org.
Suggestions when emailing your student’s teacher, principal or any school staff:
- Please remember that email is not confidential
- Be concise
- Make a simple request for information
- If the concern is lengthy or involved, please request a conference instead of using email
- The need to repeat emails over an extended period of time is a signal that a conference should be scheduled
School information is available on the Elk Plain website at www.bethelsd.org/epsoc. If you do not use email, please talk to your child’s teacher about alternate communication tools.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks or energy drink mix powders (which contain doses of caffeine and other legal stimulants like ephedrine, guarana, and ginseng) are not allowed at EPSOC. Energy drinks brought to school will be confiscated and discarded.
No Personal Property from Home
Personal items such as toys, electronic games and devices, cameras, radios, collector cards, etc. should not be brought to school. These items being used at Elk Plain may be confiscated and a phone call to the parent will be made to make arrangements for pick-up. EPSOC does not accept responsibility for the items from home that are lost, stolen, or damaged. Playground equipment from home should not be brought to school.
No Pets on Campus – Inside or Out
Elk Plain is a pet-free zone. Please do not remove your pet from the car during parent pick-up.
Phone Calls
If you have an emergency, and you need to get a message to your child, please call the office at (253) 800-7900 before 1:00 PM. We will need time to make sure your child receives the message. Remember that changes in transportation can’t be made over the phone. Students may use the phone with the permission of an adult for confirming family arrangements, or to request a forgotten item. (Personal cell phone calls or text messages are not allowed)
Phone calls to the classroom are not to interrupt student learning. The best way to communicate with your child’s teacher is through email which is checked before and after school. Please understand that all staff are teaching between those hours.
Report Cards & Conferences
Report cards are issued twice each year at the end of each semester. Parent-teacher conferences are arranged in the fall and in the spring. However, parents may contact the teacher to make arrangements to meet at any time during the school year.
Residency
Elk Plain is a School of Choice within the Bethel School District. Attendance at Elk Plain School of Choice requires residency within the BSD boundaries. The EPSOC office will request verification of residency as per the BSD guidelines. If you move while attending EPSOC be sure to let the office know.
Student Fines & Fees
Students are responsible for textbooks and iPads assigned to them and for library books they check out. Fines to cover replacement costs will be levied if items go missing. Pay fines and fees online at https://paypams.com/HomePage.aspx. Print the receipt and have your child return it to the school Librarian to have the fine removed from their record. *Students who move outside of the Bethel School District will not have their cumulative files forwarded until all of the outstanding fines are paid. Unpaid fines may impact a student’s participation in field trips.
Substitute Teachers
Occasionally our staff members have to be away from school and guest substitute teachers will conduct class. Students are expected to behave and study as if their regular teacher is present. Students are expected to be respectful, kind and tolerant.
Selling / Buying Personal Items at School
Students are not to bring items to sell at school including food, drinks, candy, and other personal items. Purchasing of non-school sponsored items from other students is also not allowed at school.
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Bethel School District 1:1 Technology Expectations
BSD students are privileged to be part of the iPad initiative and must be responsible, respectful and safe users of this district owned device.
Basic iPad Information
- iPads must come to school for in person learning and be fully charged each day
- iPads must stay in their cases
- iPads, cases, cords and charging blocks will be collected at the end of the school year
- Apple cords and chargers must be returned at the end of each school year or when the student is withdrawn from school
- For general iPad support, contact Elk Plain’s librarian
- If your device is stolen, lost or damaged please let your school librarian know. The device will be shut down and unusable to anyone if it is lost or stolen
- Cases need to be kept in good condition. They are not to be written on or marked up. The clear back window must remain open so that the barcode is visible
Bethel School District iPad Use Student Pledge
Responsible:
- I will be a responsible user of my iPad; know where it is at all times, charge my iPad’s battery daily, never leave it unattended, and keep it in the case
- I will take steps to properly save and/or submit student work completed on the iPad and make sure it is accessible when needed in class
- I will use my iPad on a table or desktop, never in my lap, keeping it in a designated spot when not used
- I will download all apps needed for classroom use from Self Serve
- I will stay on task and on app
- (Middle School) I agree to return the issued iPad, case, cord and charging block in good working condition
- I will immediately report the theft, loss or damage to an adult and to the EPSOC librarian
Respectful:
- I will be respectful when using the iPad camera, obtain permission before taking or sharing photos or videos, and use it in accordance with BSD rules and expectations
- I will not attempt to bypass security settings, disassemble my iPad, remove district labels or markings, or make any modifications or repairs myself
- I will use my iPad in ways that are appropriate, educational, and that meet BSD expectations and comply with the BSD Internet Usage Agreement, both during the school day and, for Middle School users, at home
Safe:
- I will keep my iPad safe and acknowledge that I am responsible for all damage or loss of my iPad caused by neglect, accident, or abuse
- I will not lend my iPad to anyone
- I will protect my iPad by keeping it in a protective case and keep all food and liquids away from it
- I will keep all passcodes and passwords for my device private and never share any personal information
- I understand that the iPad is subject to inspection at any time, without notice, and remains the property of Bethel School District
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Emergency Information
Be Prepared for a School Emergency
Ensure that your child’s emergency contact information is accurate and current on ParentVUE. Parents/Guardians may update the information at any time.
In Case of School Emergency
Although your first reaction may be to call or rush to your child’s school, please follow the tips below. The Bethel School District hotline number is (253) 800-6001.
- DO NOT call or rush to your child’s school. Phone lines and staff are needed for emergency response efforts.
- DO NOT phone your child on their cell phone. Staff and students are discouraged from using cell phone communications for safety reasons.
In the event of an emergency at your child’s school it is important to know these terms:
Lockdown – A lockdown takes place if an internal or external threat is identified at the school. All school doors are locked and students are confined to classrooms. No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made.
Shelter in Place – Students take refuge in designated areas to protect them from hazardous materials or severe weather. No entry into or exit out from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made.
Evacuation – In the event of certain building emergencies it is required to complete evacuation of the school campus. Students will be released ONLY to parents/guardians with picture ID and permission from the district official. This procedure is necessary to account for the location of all students.
Reverse Evacuation – Students are evacuated from the outside of the building to the interior in the event of an outside threat. No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed until an “all clear” announcement is made.
How can I reunite with my child?
Reunification – Parents/guardians will be directed by the school Emergency Notification System, or public safety officials via media to their child’s specific location. Students will be released ONLY to parents/guardians or those who are documented as emergency contacts and who present a picture ID such as a driver’s license, military ID or passport.
- Tune in to local TV/Radio stations for official school news alerts
- Rely only on official communication from school or public safety officials
- Listen for official information regarding reunification with your child
Families are encouraged to have an emergency plan for their children in case regular routines are interrupted.
Please discuss the following points with your child(ren):
- What should your child do if the bus does not arrive in the morning at the bus stop?
- What transportation will be provided to a different bus stop or to school when routes are curtailed due to road conditions (weather or traffic accidents)?
- What should your child do if someone offers him/her a ride?
- What should your child do if he/she arrives home and no one is there?
- Where should your child go or whom should he/she call if help is needed?
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EPSOC K-8 Staff
Office Staff
Special Services Itinerants
Principal
Tom Mitchell
tmitchell@bethelsd.org
Nurse - RN
Kim Ostlund
kostlund@bethelsd.org
Vice Principal
Julie Kangas
Jkangas@bethelsd.org
Nurse – LPN
Leslie Brown
lbrown@bethelsd.org
Secretary to Principal
M. Peggy Brayton
mbrayton@bethelsd.org
OT
Registrar
Tammy Green
tgreen@bethelsd.org
PT
Office Clerk
Charity Hanson
chanson@bethelsd.org
Psychologist Psychologist
Leslie Lazzarini
Ivonne Norman
Health Clerk /Attendance
Lauren Austin
laustinmor@bethelsd.org
Social Worker
Samantha Maddox
smaddox@bethelsd.org
Head Custodian
Jaime Garrett
jgarret@bethelsd.org
Speech
W. Ogunbinu-Peters
oogunbinup@bethelsd.org
Night Custodian
Stephaine Nevalasca
snevalasca@bethelsd.org
K-3 Support Specialist
Katie O’Neill-Peskie
koneillpes@bethelsd.org
Classroom Teachers
Special Services
Kindergarten
Karry Harbert
kharbert@bethelsd.org
Lead Teacher
Tina Jacobs
tjacobs@bethelsd.org
Kindergarten
Amy Wellman
awellman@bethelsd.org
Teacher
Patrick Kendrick
pkendrick@bethelsd.org
1st Grade
Gina Epperson
gabbottepp@bethelsd.org
Paraprofessional
Margee Wimmer
mwimmer@bethelsd.org
1st Grade
Stephanie Ellison
sellison@bethelsd.org
Paraprofessional
Debbie Appleberry Pearson
dappleberr@bethelsd.org
2nd Grade
Melissa Bettencourt
mbettencou@bethelsd.org
ILC Teacher
Michelle Fry
mfry@bethelsd.org
2nd Grade
Jaime Christianson
jchristian@bethelsd.org
ILC Paraprofessional
Shari Barker
sbarker@bethelsd.org
3rd Grade
Frances Cierley
fcierley@bethelsd.org
ILC Paraprofessional
Ana Morgan
amorgan@bethelsd.org
3rd Grade
Marjorie Colyer
mcolyer@bethelsd.org
3rd Grade
Karli McIver
kmciver@bethelsd.org
LAP
4th Grade
Ellyn Carmichael
ecarmichae@bethelsd.org
Teacher
Roni Fillo
rfillo@bethelsd.org
4th Grade
Brenda Pattee
bpattee@bethelsd.org
Paraprofessional
Debbie Townsend-Schmidt
dtownsends@bethelsd.org
5th Grade
Ria Browning
rbrowning@bethelsd.org
5th Grade
Marci Braithwaite
mbraithwai@bethelsd.org
Specialists
5th Grade
Lori Littlefield
llittlefie@bethelsd.org
Art
Stephanie McKenney
smckenney@bethelsd.org
6th Grade
Natasha Dalton
nmcnivenda@bethelsd.org
Band
Brett Johnson
bmjohnson@bethelsd.org
6th Grade
Jill Ann Denham
jdenham@bethelsd.org
Dance
Lauren Houtz
lhoutz@bethelsd.org
6th Grade
Staci Sherrod
ssherrod@bethelsd.org
Music/Choir
Katie Olson
kolson@bethelsd.org
7th Grade
Shayna Bodnar
sbodnar@bethelsd.org
Orchestra
Maria Droz
mdroz@bethelsd.org
7th Grade
Kelly Evans
kevans@bethelsd.org
Science
Georgina Park
gpark@bethelsd.org
7th Grade
Megan Larsen
mlarsen@bethelsd.org
Theatre
Kasha Browning
kbrowning@bethelsd.org
8th Grade
Ian Clogston
iclogston@bethelsd.org
8th Grade
Chris Clark
cclark@bethelsd.org
Kitchen
8th Grade
Alisha Harker
aharker@bethelsd.org
Head Cook
Melissa Smay
msmay@bethelsd.org
Point of Sale
Jeri Lynn Peters
jpeters@bethelsd.org
Supervision
RaeAnn O’Neil
Kimberly Volk Desirae Albers
Amanda McMahon
LaRae Harvey Anita Nollan
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BSD Board of Directors
President – Roseanna Camacho
Vice-President – John L. Manning
Director –Brenda Rogers
Director –Cindy Henry-Young
Director – Marcus YoungFive citizens serve a four-year term as elected officials on the Bethel School Board. Each member represents a district in the 202-square mile district.
School board members, also called school directors, are the “governors” of the school district who work in partnership with their administrative team to set the district’s direction. School board members have four major areas of responsibility:
Vision
The board focuses the work of the district and community on student achievement through a comprehensive strategic planning process.Structure
The board governs the district through prudent financial planning and oversight, and diligent and innovative policymaking.Accountability
The board infuses all programs and critical policies with specific goals and a process for evaluation, reporting and recommending improvements.Advocacy
The board champions public education in the local community and before state and federal policymakers.The school board regularly meets twice a month on Tuesday nights. The public is always welcome to attend. Call 253-800-6000 or visit the district website https://www.bethelsd.org/Page/5690 for specific information