Madrona K-8 Nongraded School
Madrona Handbook
The information here is pulled directly from the Madrona K-8 handbook that is passed out to parents at the start of each year.
Click the categories below to jump to the appropriate section.
- Attendance
- Absences / Tardiness
- Arrival
- Accidents
- Bicycle Riding
- Bus Policy
- Bulletins / Notices
- Conferences
- Day Care
- Discrimination Policy
- Drug / Alcohol Use Policy
- Driver abstracts
- Disclosure Information
- Dress Code
- Discipline
- Emergency Contact
- Electronics Policy
- Food Service
- Homework
- Identification
- Internet Use
- Lost & Found
- Medications
- MIT
- Parking Lot
- Pictures
- Parent Room
- Parent Volunteers
- Visiting School
Attendance
The compulsory Attendance Law of the State of Washington demands a great deal of accountability from schools and parents on student attendance. A section of this legal code is known as the "Becca Bill," named after the tragic case of a runaway teen. Click here to download a .pdf document that explains the impact of the bill to parents. The goal of this bill is to improve school attendance and reduce unexcused absences and tardies. Please see the attendance brochure for more details about Madrona's attendance policy.
Excused Absences and Tardiness
Under district policy, an excused absence or tardy is one in which the parent, by phone call (the attendance line is 425-431-7979 ext. 1) or note, presents a reason for non-attendance. Notification must be within two school days of the child's return to school. The acceptable reasons for an excused absence or tardy include:
- Medical, dental or another appointment that cannot be scheduled before or after school
- Recognized religious observances
- Family emergency or event, such as a funeral or a birth
- A prearranged absence or tardy that the principal approved in advance
These criteria guide schools in determining what is an excused absence or tardy. Noting that a parent simply excusing a child's absence or tardy does not make it "excused" under district policy and state law.
Tardy
Students who arrive late to school are required to report to the office for an admittance slip.
Vacations
All family vacations and other types of prearranged absences must be submitted in writing to the office to be approved by the principal 14 days prior to the absence.
Arrival
School hours are 9:10 AM - 3:40 PM. The first bell rings at 9:05 and the final bell rings at 9:10.
There is limited supervision prior to school. There is no supervision on the playground at this time, therefore students are not to arrive without parental supervision prior to 9:05 AM. Students are to wait quietly in hallways or courtyards. Students are also to leave school promptly at the end of the day.
Accidents
If a child is injured at school, he or she will be given emergency first aid treatment by the office staff or another adult competent in first aid. The choild's parent or guardians will be contacted. If they are noat at home or reachable at work, the emergency contact person will be called. If no one is available to come for the child, Madrona Staff will use best judgement on whether to call an aid car or to keep the child in the office.
Bicycle Riding
For reasons of safety, only children above the fourth year (between 5th and 8th grade) may ride bycycles to school.
Students must abide by the following rules when riding to school:
- Ride on the right-hand side of the road with traffic
- Cross into the school parking lot with caution, obeying the crossing guard staff
- Wear a bicycle safety helmet
- Do not ride of walk bicycles past buses that are loading or unloading
- Walk bicycles on the school grounds at al times
- Lock and park bicycles in assigned areas
Bus Policy
Students who are eligible to ride the bus and decide to do so will receive a bus pass in the mail before the start of the school year. Because Madrona is a "school of choice," bus stops are usually located at each student's neighborhood school. School behavior standards apply at bus stops and while riding the bus. (Click here to read about the behavior standards.) Failure by student sot adhere to these standards will result in disciplinary action, which may include suspension of bus riding privileges. Please report any concerns to the Madrona administration.
Madrona staff strongly encourages families to utilize the district bus transportation. Increased-ridership on the buses will help reduce congestion the school parking lot. (Read more about getting to school and learning about your local bus stop here.)
Other Bus Rider rules:
- If a school is going home on a different bus or plans to get off at a different bus stop he or she must have a note from a legal guardian.
- No student will be allowed to go home with another student without prior arrangements.
- No student that is a bus rider will be permitted to ride with another parent in a private vehicle without prior written consent from a legal guardian.
Bulletins / Notices
A weekly page of notices, reminders and information (Notes from the Office) will be sent home with other school information each week on Wednesday. Please look for this information and read through it as your source of timely information.
This material, as well as other extracurricular material and events, will also be available on this web site - MadronaBearFacts.com. You can also access the school's official website for other information here.
Conferences
Madrona will have scheduled parent - teacher conferences with early dismissals from school. Middle school conferences are also held during this time upon request of parents or teachers.
Please make every attempt to attend this important opportunity to find out more about your child's progress in school.
Day Care
Before and after school care is available onsite at Madrona. The program is called "Kids Krew" and is operated by the Mountlake Terrace Youth Services - the City of Mountlake Terrace.
Register you child by contacting Kids Krew at 425-776-9173 or 425-640-3103. More information can be found on their Web site.
Discrimination Policy
It is the policy of Edmonds School District not to discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnic origin or handicap in its educational programs and activities as required by state and federal laws.
Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying
By Washington state law and by Edmonds School District policy, acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying will not be tolerated in schools. Serious discipline action, which may include suspension, may be taken.
Harassment, intimidation or bullying is defined as an intentional written, verbal or physical act which:
- Physically or emotionally harms a student or damages the student's property
- Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's education
- Is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment
- Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school
The Edmonds School District and Madrona School are committed to maintaining a positive and productive learning environment, which is free of discrimination of any sort.
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination.
It is not allowed under federal and state law, or under District of school policy.
Serious disciplinary action will be taken which may include suspension.
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual words or actions and put-downs that make fun of you for being a girl or a boy.
Some examples of sexual harassment in school might include:
- Touching pinching and grabbing body parts
- Sending sexual notes or pictures
- Making suggestive or sexual gestures
- Sexual propositions
- Flipping skirts or shirt up
- Being forced to kiss someone
- Being cornered
- Writing sexual graffiti
- Spreading sexual rumors
- Pulling someone's clothes off
- Pulling your own clothes off
Any student who believes she or he has been subjected to sexual harassment at school should immediately report this to any school or District employee with whom the student feels comfortable discussing the matter.
Appropriate people could include:
- The principal
- Teachers
- School nurse
- Counselors
- School social workers and psychologists,
- The District's affirmative action officer.
If a student does not want to speak to a school employee, but reports this matter to parents, the parents are urged to report the matter to the school. All reports will be promptly investigated. To the degree possible, complaints will be treated in a confidential manner.
Retaliation against anyone reporting complaints of sexual harassment or against anyone serving as a witness in an investigation of sexual harassment is strictly forbidden. such behavior will be treated as disciplinary cases, and those who commit such acts will be punished according to the school discipline code.
Drug / Alcohol Policy
The Edmonds School District recognizes that the use/abuse and possession of alcohol, controlled, illegal, addictive, or harmful substances, including anabolic steroids, is a societal problem and may represent an impairment to the normal development, well-being, and academic performance of students. To ensure the safety, health and well being of all students, the district is committed to the support and necessary corrective actions. While the primary obligation to seek assistance ressts with the student and his/her parents/guardians, school staff will work with the home and community ti develop and implement a comprehensive prevention and intervention program.
Any student who is under the influence of, or possess, sells, offers for sale, or distributes alcohol or controlled substances or drug paraphernalia will be considered under the disciplinary category of exceptional misconduct, which warrants an immediate resort to a short-term suspension or expulsion.
Driver Abstracts
Madrona has a policy of requiring that all whole class field trips use school district buses for transportation. small groups of students nmay be transported by private vehicles only with [principal permission and in keeping with Edmonds School District policy of requiring drivers to submit Drivers Abstracts to the principal for approval. Driving Abstracts may be obtained at the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Download the Drivers Abstract Request form here.
Complete a Driving Record Request and mail it with the $10 fee to:
Driver Records Department of Licensing
PO Box 9048 Olympia, WA 98507-9048
OR Bring your completed Driving Record Request, the fee, and photo ID to a driver licensing office.
Download the "Private Transportation For School Activities" form that should be filled out and turned in with the Drivers Abstract.
Disclosure Information
Your student's name, grade level in school, photograph and other information may be used by the District in news releases, school event programs (music performances, for example). This information can also be used in student directories or for the purpose of providing educational scholarship vocational/occupational and/or military information or to the news media and law enforcement - unless you would like to keep such information confidential.
School districts can routinely release what is called "directory information, which is:
- An individual student's name
- Parent's name,
- Phone number
- Address
- Date and place of birth
- Major field of study
- Participation in officially recognized activities and athletics
- Weight
- Height
- Grade in school
- Dates of attendance
- Degrees and awards received
- Previous educational agencies attended
The information cannot be given to anyone for commercial purposes.
If you do not wish to have such information about your child released, please let Madrona know in writing.
Download Madrona's "Do not release information form" and here is the District's "Do not release directory information" form here.
Dress Code
Dress at school will be modest and free of offensive sayings and pictures.
- No short shorts, fingertip length preferred
- No spaghetti straps, halter tops or bare midriffs
- Tank tops with oversized armholes are worn with a shirt underneath
- Pants may not "sag" and reveal undergarments
- Shoes worn should be safe for school activities.
Discipline
In the late summer, Madrona's Learning Environment Team of staff and parents meet to do an annual review of the Madrona Behavior Management Plan and discipline policies (found here).
This updated plan is published and sent home to parents during the early weeks of the school year. Teachers review this plan and policies with all students during the first days of school. All members of the Madrona School community are expected to cooperate with, and uphold the Behavior Management Plan.
Emergency Contact
Each school year, parents and guardians will be asked to complete an Emergency Contact form. This form will ask for the names and phone numbers of adults who you will authorize to take care of your child in an emergency situation. Please take care in filling out this document and ensure that it is kept up to date during the school year. In addition, parents an guardians are encouraged to keep all personal information up to date, including work phone or home phone number changes. School personnel appreciate having current information available to aid your child.
Please remember in an emergency situation, children will be released only to the adults who are listed as emergency contacts on the child's personal information sheet, which is on file at the office.
Electronics Policy
In general, students should not bring CD players (ie Walkmans), Digital music players (ie iPods), or other listening/playing devices to Madrona. With teacher permission, such devices can be used to support academic purposes, such as saving computer data or as a literacy tool. Students must have permission from a teacher before bringing these electronics to school.
Digital Cameras
Digital cameras are used at Madrona as part of classroom work. Madrona staff asks that all personal digital cameras not be brought to school. Exceptions are unique experiences like filed trips or camp. Students need prior permission from teachers.
Cell Phones
Although Madrona allows students to bring cell phones to school for after school use, students are not allowed to use cell phones during school hours. Students are asked to keep cell phones in a concealed location, like a backpack or locker. Cell phones should not be used between class periods or during free times in the school day.
Food Service
The Edmonds School District Food Services Department is a centralized food service system. Lunches are served daily in the cafeteria. A school menu is published at the end of each month for the next month. Students are given a copy of the monthly lunch calendar to take home. Included on the school lunch menu are prices for lunch and milk. You can access the District's menu online - here.
In addition, lunch purchases are accounted for with an electronic management system. Payments for lunches and lunches purchased, are recorded via a personal identification number (pin). Pin numbers are assigned to students at eh beginning of the school year.
How to Pay
- You can pay by check and give to your child to bring to his/her teacher or cafeteria worker - Checks used to pay for student meals must be made out to the "Edmonds School District."
- Pay automatically through a credit card using myLunchMoney.com
Edmonds School District Food Services is now using myLunchMoney.com, a new service to prepay for your child's school breakfast, lunch, and a la carte food items using your credit or debit card.
Why should I visit myLunchMoney.com?
Easy: Enrolling and funding is simple and completed online. Convenient: Once your account is established, you can check balances, view student purchases, view your myLunchMoney.com payment history and fund your child's account from your computer, phone, or fax. Secure: Your personal and payment card information is protected by the most advanced Internet security. Never have to worry about doing it again: If you choose the recurring payment option, called "Smart Pay," money will always be in your child's account. When a low balance is reached, money is automatically deposited. Or you can choose the "Pay As You Go" option to add money to your child's account manually.
How do I enroll?
Go to www.myLunchMoney.com and click ENROLL NOW. Create an account for yourself and your children. Obtain your student's district ID number by calling 425-431-7080. You will also need date of birth, school name, and grade. Provide credit or debit card information. Select the Pre-Payment Option you wish to use.
Questions? Call Paula Malone at 425-431-7080.
You may also call the toll-free customer support center at 1-800-479-3531 for questions or assistance with enrollment. The support personnel are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. ET to 7 p.m. ET. You can also e-mail them at mlmsupport@sl-tech.net.
Homework
Madrona staff believes students should extend and practice what they learn at school. Therefore students will be assigned homework at the discretion of the teacher. Every teacher assigns reading and math homework. Please provide your student with a home structure of a quiet place and specific time to do their homework.
The parent/guardian's role is to:
- Ensure the child understands the homework to be accomplished
- Is available to think through questions the child may have
- Reviews the homework upon completion.
Questions and concerns about homework should be directed to the child's teacher.
Identification
Madrona requires that all parents and guests identify themselves both by signing in upon arrival and by wearing identification. Parents who need to speak to their child or are attending an activity must sign in at the front office and either wear their photo ID badge or a guest sticker, which is available at the fount counter. Parents who come to volunteer may sign in at the front office or in the Family Room in the second unit. Volunteers are also required to wear ID.
Parents/Guardians taking a child from school must always sign the student out of school by going to the front office. Staff members are instructed not to allow adults to take students directly from the classroom. Adults checking students out of school may be asked to show identification if the office staff does not know them by sight.
Internet Use
These rules are made to protect students and district property. Violating the rules may result in disciplinary action, including possible expulsion from school. You can access the complete District policy here.
Network Use
General Information
- All electronic network systems are for school use only. The network is shared by thousands of teachers and students. Downloading large files during school hours affects others on the system.
- Teachers are in charge of how the network is used by students.
- Nothing on the network is private.
- Users should expect from time to time systems will be checked to make sure school and network rules are obeyed.
Prohibited Uses
- All network use must be legal and fit within School district policies.
- All material sent or read on the network must be appropriate according to school and class rules
- There will be consequences for any form of harassment or attempt to damage the system
- The electronic space of others must be respected.
Security
The security of the network and your child's safety when using it are very important
- Passwords are not to be shared
- Users must not leave an open file or session unattended
- Account owners are responsible for all activity on their accounts
- Passwords should be regularly changed
- Individuals not respecting the system or other users my lose their network access.
Copyright
Illegal downloading or use of copyrighted material is prohibited.
Internet use and other electronic communication
General Information
Regular school rules and network rules also apply to internet rules.
Personal Security
Never give out personal information on the internet without teacher's permission. This includes:
- Photos
- Address
- Phone numbers
Students are not allowed to meet someone who has contacted them through the internt.
If something on the internet seems dangerous, inappropriate or uncomfortable, students must immediately tell a teacher or another adult.
Filtering and monitoring
All networked computers are filtered to block most inappropriate material. Students and teachers must make sure that the network is only used for school related tasks. It is important that teachers and students take reasonable steps to prevent access to inappropriate material.
Lost and Found
Please mark your child's clothing and personal items. Lost of misplaced clothes, lunch boxes and other items will be place in our Last & Found area. Parents are encouraged to check this area regularly when they visit school. Expensive an hard to replace items (eye glasses, jewelry) are kept in the office.
Medications
Medication will be administered from the office providing the following directions have been met:
- Before medication can be given at school, the office must receive written doctor's instructions and parent's permission for the medication to be given.
- The medication must be in a container with the original label from the doctor or pharmacist and lists the child's name, the name of the medication and the dosage.
MIT (Madrona Integrated Team)
Madrona Integrated Team (MIT) is a non-profit, charitable corporation whose purpose is to support and enhance the education experiences of Madrona School students by sponsoring educational and related family programsand enrichment activities.
MIT is Madrona's parent-teacher association and is similar to the PTA, but not affiliated with the PTA. Bringing our varied and individual perspectives, professional experiences and personal talents and skills - and most of all our commitment to children - we comprise the team. You are automatically a member of MIT if you are a student, parent of a student or a faculty member. See the MIT Web page for more information.
Parking Lot
Madrona has many students arriving and leaving school each day by private vehicle. A details description of the rules to can be found here.
In general:
- Please drive very slowly and cautiously
- Never drop-off or pick up students in the bus area or along 236th street in front of the school
- Watch for and obey signals and instruction from the crossing guard staff
- Always use the parking lot crosswalks
- Use the drop-off lane and always pull forward to the front of the lane when clear - to accommodate as many cars as possible (Do not intentionally stop close to the south end of the lane to allow a shorter walk for your child if there is room ahead of you to pull forward)
- Have your child exit quickly
- Watch for busses.
Pictures
School pictures are usually taken in September of each school year. The purchase of your child's photograph is optional. Parents who wish to purchase pictures can usually select from several package options. Specific information about school photos will be given to students to bring home.
Parent Room
In the second unit (the second build from the west), adjacent to the library, is the Parent Room. This is a place where parents and volunteer may keep their identification tag, sign in when they volunteer, get recent school information, exchange information with other parents and enjoy a cup of coffee. This is a great place to meet other parents and get connected to school. Madrona's Parent-Volunteer Coordinators Office is located near the library.
Parent Volunteers
Kim Magaña is our Parent Volunteer Coordinator hired by MIT to oversee coordination of parent and other volunteer efforts. Her phone number is 425-431-2911.
Volunteers are welcome and greatly appreciated at Madrona. Our school philosophy and multi-age construct depends on the participation of parents, guardians and other volunteer efforts. There are many and varied ways to support Madrona students with your skills, talents and dedication to students. Teachers welcome volunteer efforts and the MIT has a variety of projects and events that require many hands.
All volunteers fill out forms and are screened via a Washington State Patrol background check. We also ask that all volunteers sign an agreement of confidentiality, which respects the privacy of students and families. This agreement states that it is not appropriate to discuss or share students' private information, including performance in school, with other parents volunteers or non-supervisory staff.
Visiting the School
Parents are encouraged to visit the school and are welcome at Madrona. There are some guidelines that the staff asks all visitors to follow:
- All adults are required to sign-in and where identification while on school grounds
- Adults can sign in at the office
- Volunteers can sign-in at the office or the Parent Room
- Parents who are bringing items to school (lunch money, ect.) are asked to bring them to the office. The office staff will call the classroom at an appropriate time and make sure the student receives the item.
- The offices of Principal Lynda Fischer and Assistant Principal Craig Baldwin are always open for visitation or consultation with parents. However, their daily schedules are busy and vary daily. It is advisable to telephone them ahead of time for an appointment. Lynda Fischer's phone number is 425-431-7982 and Craig Baldwin's number is 425-431-7981.
