Kindergarten Parent Handbook2012-2013

The Appoquinimink School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, disability, marital status, national origin, or other legally protected categories in its educational programs, activities, employment, or student admissions policies or practices. Inquiries regarding compliance with the above can be directed to:

Section 504Contact Kittie Rehrig, Supervisor of Student Services, Appoquinimink School District, 313 South Fifth Street, Box 4010, Odessa, DE 19730-4010. Telephone (302) 376-4111

Section 504 Coordinator’s Responsibilities: To coordinate the Appoquinimink School District’s efforts to comply with the disability discrimination laws.

Title IXContact Matt Fallis, Director of Personnel, Appoquinimink School District, 313 South Fifth Street, Box 4010, Odessa, DE 19730-4010. Telephone (302) 376-4275Title IX Coordinator’s Responsibilities: To coordinate the Appoquinimink School District’s efforts to comply with and carry out the District’s responsibilities under Title IX, including any investigation of any complaint alleging noncompliance with Title IX or alleging actions which would be prohibited by Title IX.

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CEDAR LANE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

1221 Cedar Lane Rd. Middletown, De 19709

August 2012

Dear Parents:

We welcome you and your child to an exciting school year at CLECC. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you as partners in your child’s education.

This handbook provides important information relating to the school day and your child’s educational program. Please use the handbook and the Student Code of Conduct as your source of reference.

We look forward to working with you in providing a positive school year for you and your child.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Donna Kolakowski

Mrs. Donna KolakowskiPrincipal

Cedar Lane Early Childhood Contacts – 302-449-5873

Principal Donna Kolakowski

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Assistant Principal Melisa Stilwell

Administrative Intern Tamara Stewart

School Secretary Marsha Rogers

Counselor Ann Sherlock

Nurse Stephanie Balascio

Educational Diagnostician Kathy Gerstley

School Psychologist Judy Green

Appoquinimink School District Contact – 302-376-4128Superintendent Matthew Burrows

Assistant Superintendent Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D.

Finance Director Chuck Longfellow, Ed.D.

Human Resource Director Mathias Fallis

Food Services Supervisor Janice Vanderdecker

Facilities Supervisor Robert Hershey

Transportation Supervisor Gregg Tulowitzky

Supervisor of Student Services Kittie Rehrig

Supervisor of Special Services Josette McCullough, Ed.D.

Director of Elementary Education Deborah Panchisin, Ed.D.

Public Relations Lilian Miles

Board of EducationMr. Norman Abrams

Mrs. Edna Cale

Mrs. Charlisa Edelin

Mr. Richard Forsten

Mrs. Julie Johnson

Appoquinimink’s Early Childhood Curriculum

Delaware is one of more than 40 states adopting Common Core State Standards in K-12 math and English language arts. These shared expectations are the result of a state-led effort to bring greater rigor in all the adopting states and to provide families with a clear picture about what young people must know and be able to do in order to compete successfully in college, the workplace and our global economy. For more information about the Common Core State Standards, go to www.corestandards.org.

Early Adoption

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Although schools and districts have pledged to adopt the new standards in 2014, we think it's critical to get a head start. So, when Appoquinimink teachers returned to school in August 2011, they took part in professional development devoted to early adoption of the Common Core standards.

A talented group of teachers and specialists have already completed several introductory units for each grade. They're working hard to create additional units of study in what we envision will be a multi-year process. Rollout will include a continuing focus on training and review of units that have already been completed.

English/Language ArtsLearning new language skills is a hallmark of kindergarten. Your child will learn about the alphabet and its role in reading. Your child will practice rhyming, matching words with beginning sounds, and blending sounds into words. Practice with these types of activities is a powerful step toward learning to read and spell correctly. The size of your child’s vocabulary is another key factor in his or her ability to read and comprehend books and stories. Your child also will begin to experiment with writing and will be encouraged to use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing letters to share information, ideas, and feelings.

MathematicsYoung children arrive in kindergarten with widely varying knowledge in math. By the end of the year, your child must have some important foundations in place. One of the most important skills your child should develop is the ability to add and subtract small numbers and use addition and subtraction to solve word problems. This will rely on gaining some fundamentals early in the year, such as counting objects to tell how many there are. Addition and subtraction will continue to be a very strong focus in math through second grade.

ScienceKindergarten students will be exposed to three science kits during the school year. The kits provide a foundation for future science education. The senses kit begins with a challenge to the children to use all their senses to describe a common object and to begin to think about how different senses tell them different things about objects in their world. This introduction is followed by groups of learning experiences that encourage the children to focus on and extend each of the five senses. The trees kit explores trees in and around the classroom and school site. Using real and representational materials, students adopt schoolyard trees, observe tree parts, investigate leaves, and keep scrapbooks through the seasons. The wood kit calls for students to compare the properties of different kinds of wood (pine, plywood, redwood, particleboard, and basswood).

Social StudiesThe kindergarten curriculum focuses on three standards:

SELF AND FAMILYLearn about unique individuals and families around the world

CIVICS AND CITIZENSHIP Follow rules about being a good friend

COMMUNITY AND WORLDIdentify places in the neighborhood, community and world

Classroom Learning

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The ECC classrooms are active, busy places. The teachers work to be facilitators of children’s learning. The children will often be involved in activities together; conversing and sharing ideas as the teacher works with small groups or individuals. Children often learn best when they have hands-on experiences.

Children may not all be involved in the same activity at the same time. It is important to meet the needs of individual children. It is also important for children to have choices during the school day.

Continuous ProgressTraditionally, schools have been structured to assume that children learn a set amount in nine months, and when children leave a given grade level, they have all learned the exact same things and acquired the exact same skills. However, we realize that children do not all enter school in the same place in their development, and they do not leave each grade in the exact same places. We are focused on the continuous progress of each child. The classroom teacher has the responsibility of determining where your child is as a learner and providing opportunities to challenge your child to move to the next level as a learner. Consequently, while each classroom has a variety of children at different levels of development, each child receives instruction, which helps him/her to make progress as a learner.

Some children benefit from supportive services. The teachers may ask you to complete some information about your child that will help the school’s instructional support team to better meet his/her needs. The instructional support team consists of your child’s teacher, the Principal, School Psychologist, Educational Diagnostician, Guidance Counselor and Nurse.

Field TripsField trips are considered to be an extension of the classroom. Educational values to be gained by taking field trips will be maximized by careful pre-planning and follow-up activities. Parent chaperones are usually needed for trips. Teachers may have a limit as to how many chaperones may attend. Parents chaperoning a trip are responsible for the students assigned to them. Parent chaperones are asked to use their best judgment and safety rules at all times. Smoking is not permitted on school trips. Due to insurance liability, siblings are not allowed to ride field trip buses. Children must go to and from the field trip on the school bus provided and are expected to follow the district Code of Conduct at all times.

Assessments/Report Cards/Conferences

Students are assessed on an ongoing basis. In addition to classroom assessments, Kindergarten students are tested using the called DIBELS Next to help us examine how your child is doing in learning important reading and language skills. DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. DIBELS Next tests skills that are necessary for learning to read. Children who learn these skills become good readers. The skills for Kindergarten students include:

Phonemic Awareness: Hearing and using sounds in spoken wordsAlphabetic Principle: Knowing the sounds of the letters and sounding out written words

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Each DIBELS subtest takes only about one minute to do because they are used as indicators. Much like using a thermometer to take a child’s temperature is an indicator of overall health, each subtest is an indicator of how well a child is doing in learning a particular early reading skill. DIBELS is used with millions of children throughout the United States. A child’s score on a subtest tells us whether the child is likely to be “on track” for learning to read, or whether that child may need extra help in learning important reading skills. Information will be sent home after each assessment is completed.

Report cards are issued three times per year. Parent conferences are held a minimum of two times per year. Conferences can be requested at any time.

November 19-20, 2012 PK - K Parent Conferences/Report Cards

February 12, 2013 PK Parent Conferences Only

February 13-14, 2013 PK - K Parent Conferences/Report Cards

Last Day of School Report Cards

District Promotion PolicyIn the event your child is experiencing difficulties that may result in our recommendation for your child to be retained for another year, you will be informed through the following process:

Teacher will discuss possible retention with the parent at the February conference.Parent/Teacher communication is recommended to review progress.

Principal will notify parent by letter on or around April 1st if the child remains on the retention list.

A meeting will be held with parent, teacher, reading specialist and principal prior to the end of school for those children remaining on the retention list. Parent will receive a letter with the final decision.

Supportive Services

Special EducationThe Special Education Program will follow state and federal guidelines. Children identified with special needs will be served in a combination of classroom programs and small groups. It is a goal of the teachers that the children be included as much as possible in the programs of the regular classroom teachers. Consequently, many of the instructional activities will be conducted with the classroom teacher and the inclusion teacher working together. The inclusion teacher will be responsible for monitoring the Individual Education Plans (IEP) for these children.

Speech / Language Therapy6

Students identified with specific needs in speech and/or language development will be given special assistance.

Guidance CounselorA guidance counselor will work with children conducting whole class programs and small group or individual guidance. Parents may refer children by calling the school and speaking with the guidance counselor.

School Health Services

Each early childhood center has a full-time registered nurse. As the health services expert, the school nurse serves as the health professional for the school community and provides services to support learning. Besides the individual management of special health needs, the school nurse provides:

first aid and emergency nursing care care of the sick and injured administration medication and treatments health education and counseling to students, families, and school staff maintenance of student health records, including immunization requirements vision and hearing screening on all kindergarteners

Immunization/Medical Requirements - According to the State Board of Education regulations, all children entering Delaware public schools are required to have written documentation of the following:

Five doses of DPT or DT vaccine (or combination) unless 4 th dose was given after 4th birthday

Four doses of polio vaccine unless 3rd dose was given after 4th birthday Two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine Proof of lead screening (pre-k and kindergarten only) Physical exam within the past 24 months Tuberculosis screening within the past 12 months or written documentation

from a physician or public health clinic stating that the child is low risk factor Two doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (or proof of disease)

The Board of Education or its designate may grant exemption from the immunization requirement for medical or religious reasons upon presentation by parents of acceptable documentation. The nurse will be contacting parents of those children whose health records do not show these immunizations.

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Emergency Card - The emergency card is the school's link to the parent/guardian in an emergency. A pink emergency card will be sent home with your child at the start of the school year and must be completed and returned to school ASAP. If information on the emergency card changes during the school year (allergies, medications, chronic conditions, phone numbers, address, emergency contacts etc…) it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to notify the main office and school nurse of changes.Illness - If your child is ill, DO NOT send him/her to school. Your child may not be in school if he/she has any condition that is contagious. Staying home will quicken his/her recovery as well as assure that other students and staff do not become ill.  If your child is receiving antibiotics for an illness, he/she must be on the antibiotic for 24 hours prior to returning to school.  Your child should remain home until he/she is free from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever without the use of Tylenol or Motrin for 24 hours. At the discretion of the school nurse, your child may require a physician's note to be re-admitted to school.DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL IF HE/SHE HAS THE FOLLOWING:

Fever (oral temperature of 100 degrees or more)Vomiting or diarrheaUntreated contagious illness (strep throat, chicken pox, pink eye)Head liceUntreated skin rash

NOTIFY THE SCHOOL NURSE IF YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A CONTAGIOUS ILLNESS.Injuries - Please notify the school nurse if your child has an injury outside of school, (i.e. sprain, strain, fracture, sutures, etc.).  Your child may need to be restricted from recess/physical activity depending on the injury.  Medication Policy - Students are NOT allowed to carry medication or take any medication during school hours without the nurse's supervision. This includes cough drops. The school nurse may administer prescription and non-prescription medication during school hours, utilizing the instructions outlined in this policy.

Whenever possible, medication should be administered at home. Whenever possible, the parent/guardian should bring the medication to and from

school. If it is necessary to send the medication with your child, you must send a note to

convey the required information concerning the medication. The medication must be in the original container, with the attached prescription

label or a prescription from your physician. The parent must include in the note the following information:

o Name of medicationo Amount of medication in bottle (quantity of pills or approximate

quantity of liquid)o Dosage of medicationo Time of administrationo Reason for administration

Upon arrival to school, the nurse will verify the quantity of pills or quantity of liquid. If a discrepancy is encountered, the school nurse will notify the parent as soon as possible. No

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medication is to be sent to school in baggies or wrapped in foil. Original containers only. For students on a medication regimen year-after-year, a new physician’s order is mandatory at the beginning of each school year.

Clothing - Be sure your child is dressed to meet the weather conditions—warm wraps, boots, gloves—whatever the situation requires. For safety on the playground, do not send your child in open toed shoes or flip-flops. Your child will not be permitted to participate on the playground if he/she is wearing open toed shoes or flip-flops.

Attendance

Attendance is taken at the start of the first period class or before attending any other school-sponsored activity. Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. will be marked tardy.

If your child is ill, please keep him/her at home. Please send in note all absences. If a lengthy illness is expected, please notify the school nurse. For the complete district attendance policy, see the Student Code of Conduct.

Morning Drop Offs

Parent Drop Offs - Park in a space in the lot behind the school. Students should remain in cars until 8:55 when a staff member will come out to signal that students may enter the building. Parents should walk students to the entrance where a staff member will direct them inside. Late Arrivals - If you arrive after the normal “arrival” period please park in the front of the building and walk your child into the building and sign him/her in at the office. A staff member will walk your child to his/her classroom.

Afternoon Dismissals

Everyday Pick-up – If this is going to be the normal mode of transportation for your child please send a written request to your child’s teacher specifying the person and days that your child will be picked up

Early Pick-up -The Appoquinimink School District prefers to release students during the school day to their parents or legal guardians.

If the parent/guardian would like his/her child released to another individual a written request must be submitted in advance of the release of the child.

The written request must state the following information:

Student’s full name and Teacher’s nameDate and time to be dismissed earlyWho/contact number of the person picking up the studentReason for dismissalParent/Guardian Signature

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We have a form that may be used. The form is attached to this handbook.

The individual picking up the child must show identification before the school will release the student.

Early Dismissal for appointments BEFORE 3 pm – Written notice as outlined above should have been submitted prior to dismissal. Please park at the front of the building and go to the office to sign out your child. Picture ID will be required. If not picked up by 3 pm the student will be dismissed when the school dismisses at 3:20 and will follow the Car Rider Pick Up procedure below.

Early Dismissal AFTER 3 pm – students will be dismissed at 3:20 with all students. Upon written notice we will add the student to the Parent Pick-Up List.

Students must be picked up by 3:30 pm.

If a student is out of school more than half the day, they will be marked with a full day absence.

End of Day Pick-Up Procedures – Students who will be parent pick-up will be dismissed at 3:20 and should be picked up from the cafeteria. Parents should park in a space behind the building and come in to sign their child out. Please bring photo identification. We require prior written notice of any student being picked up by a party other than a parent/guardian.

Bus Transportation - Children must ride the bus they are assigned by transportation. Parents should not plan on their child riding a different bus for short-term sitter arrangements, parent appointments, music lessons, etc.

The Appoquinimink School District is requiring a parent/guardian or designees to meet their child at their assigned bus stop each day for the following groups of children:

The student who is a Kindergartner. The student who is under five years of age. The student who has special needs and requires adult assistance.

Failure of a parent/guardian or designee to meet their child as identified above at their assigned bus stop will result in the following action:

Transportation will contact the student’s school and report that no one is home to receive the child.

Transportation will return the child to school. The parent will be responsible for picking the child up at school. At this time, the parent will receive a letter from their child’s school reminding them of the district’s policy.

Second offense: parent will receive a warning indicating additional offenses will result in termination of transportation and a referral to the district’s social worker.

Third offense will result in terminating transportation services along with a referral to a district social worker.

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Every Appoquinimink student who is eligible will be assigned one bus and one bus stop according to Delaware State Law. Any changes in bus stops are to be considered permanent changes and will have a (5) day processing time. The reason for the length of time is to notify drivers and to update bus listings. Please keep in mind that this is for the safety of your child. Please beware that when your child is riding the bus to school there is a 10-minute plus (+) or minus (-) pick up time. This means that if your child’s stop is 8:35, the child should be at the bus stop no later than 8:25. Depending on traffic or road conditions, the bus may be there by 8:25 or as late as 8:45. Please make sure that your child is at their bus stop on time, the bus will not wait. Thank you. All children riding buses are expected to follow the bus code of conduct. (See Student Code of Conduct book)

Late Openings, Early Closings, Cancellations

During inclement weather or emergency situations, early dismissal/school closing information for the Appoquinimink School District will be available from the following:

Automated Phone Message The district employs an automated phone messaging system to help alert parents. To ensure its effectiveness, it is crucial that we have the correct phone numbers for your family. Please be sure to check the information currently on file, and supply updates to the office at your home school whenever changes occur.

State School Closing Website and Email Notification Parents can register for email notification and/or view the status of school closings across the state. Go to: http://schoolclosings.delaware.gov to register for this service.

School and District Websites A notice will be posted on the home page as news if schools are opening late, or closing

Local Radio Stations A list of reliable local stations will be contacted with the information as well.

92.9 FM WDSD93.7 FM WSTW99.5 FM WJBR1150 AM WDEL1410 AM WDOV1450 AM WILM

*The District will use the Alert Now Notification System whenever possible. Refer to detailed letter in this packet.

Please do not call the school or District Offices for school closing information.

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One hour delay (school begins at 9:55 a.m.) Breakfast will be served

Two hour delay (school begins at 10:55 a.m.) No Breakfast

Please expect buses to be delayed by the appropriate time delay.

If school is dismissed early because of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, be sure you have arranged an emergency plan for your child. We will make every attempt to ensure the safety and well being of your child. You received a weather contingency form to fill out in the registration packet to be used if school dismisses earlier than the normal schedule. If your plans or information has changed since registering please notify the office in writing.

Change of address/Phone Number

Please inform the school office immediately if there is any change in your address, home phone number, cell phone or change in your work location. We must have updated information to be able to contact you in case of any emergency.

Nutrition

SnackA light snack will be served daily in the classroom. Children may not bring snacks to school due to various food allergies among our students. A yearly Kindergarten snack fee of $60.00 per year will be charged to each student. Your child’s teacher will send information home at the beginning to the school year.

Classroom CelebrationsA few times throughout the year, teachers will have celebrations in the classrooms. Teachers will inform you if help is needed. Individual celebrations are not permitted per district policy. Thank you for your cooperation.

Bag LunchChildren may bring their lunch to school. Lunch should include healthy choices such as a sandwich, fruit/vegetables and a drink. We are also asking that your child’s lunch be nut free; however, if your child is a picky eater and it’s necessary to send in a nut item, please write a note on the front of the lunch box or bag. If you decide to include a special treat in your child’s lunch, you will find a list of safe treats on the back of this sheet. Here are some suggestions for sending in a bag lunch:

Pack food/drink in a lunch box or throw away bagChildren should be able to open all containers and be child friendly (baggies and other throw away items would be helpful)No glass of any kindDrinks should be in sealed fruit juice boxes, pouches, or water bottles

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No soda pleaseInclude a napkin and a plastic spoon/fork as neededAll food must be ready to eat (no microwavable food)

Cafeteria LunchChildren may also purchase a nutritious lunch from the cafeteria. Milk and fruit will also be available for children to purchase. It is strongly suggested that if your child will be purchasing items from the cafeteria, that you send in a check that will cover several lunches or other items. The amount of your check will be applied to your child’s personal account. Your child will be assigned a personal identification number (PIN). Each time your child purchases an item from the cafeteria, the amount will be deducted from the account. The nutrition office will inform you when the account needs to be replenished. If you choose to use PayPAMS, your child’s account will work the same way

Prepay for school meals using www.PayPAMS.com . This gives you the flexibility to pay from your home or office 24/7 and obtain balance information. Low balance reminders will be sent to your email address. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards are accepted.

You may also send in cash or check only to cover several breakfasts or lunches. Please make checks payable to CLECC School Nutrition Services. The funds will be posted to your child’s personal account. Please place the money in an envelope or sealed baggie marked with your child’s FULL name and marked “Breakfast and/or Lunch Account”.

Parent Involvement

VolunteersVolunteering can be exciting and rewarding. It’s an excellent way of showing your child that you are interested in his/her education. Classroom teachers will inform parents of their volunteer procedures at the beginning of the year. In order to have a good working program, volunteers are asked to be consistent in attendance and notify the teacher in advance if unable to be present. Volunteers are asked to regard all work in school as confidential. Volunteers must report to the office to sign in upon arrival and sign out before leaving. All volunteers must wear a visitor’s tag when in the building when students are present.

Classroom volunteers may be asked to assist teachers by:Chaperoning class tripsCopying materials Working with children to reinforce skills already taughtReading to and with childrenMentoring children

Visiting ClassroomsParents are welcome to visit classrooms to observe instruction. The following procedures should be followed:

Arrangements are to be made in advance with the classroom teacher. The secretary will ask if these arrangements have been made and check with the classroom teacher.

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Visitors must sign-in at the office upon arrival and sign-out before leaving. A visitor’s tag will be issued and must be worn at all times that students are in the building.

Outside-of-School Volunteer Opportunities

Many parents cannot visit the classroom during the day. However, there are many projects that can be done at home. Talk to your child’s teacher if this sounds like something that interests you.

Parent/Teacher AssociationBy becoming a member of the PTA, you are making a difference. You are becoming involved in the most important part of your child’s education – the beginning. Please show your support for your child and your child’s school by becoming a member of the PTA. The PTA at the Cedar Lane Early Childhood Center has many things planned for the children and teachers. Meeting information will be sent home with your child and you will also receive an Alert Now message.

Fundraisers

The PTA and the faculty in the school conduct a variety of fundraisers. The money raised through the fundraisers is used to support special projects such as the playground, the library and other school needs. We appreciate your support for the school. The following is a list of some of the fundraisers and the projects they support.

Groceries – Register your Super G or Food Lion cards and each time you shop, a portion of your total grocery purchase will be donated to the school. Register by logging into: http://www.foodlion.com/Savings/MVP or http://www.giantfood.com/aplus.

Campbell Soup Labels – Please save the labels from Campbell Soups, Pepperidge Farms and Prego products. These labels help us buy classroom materials and computer programs.

Book Fair – The profits from the bi-annual Book Fair are used to purchase books for the library.

Box Tops for Education – We get cash in return for these box tops. Funds are used to purchase instructional supplies.

Safety

The Appoquinimink School District Code of Conduct will be adhered to at all times. Please refer to the booklet for more information. The District Code of Conduct is also available on our website at www.apposchooldistrict.com.

Bus Safety14

At the beginning of the year, all families receive a copy of the district Code of Conduct. Please review this document and discuss it with your child. It is important for our students to realize there will be consequences for inappropriate actions in school or on the bus. Kindergarten students are reprimanded most often for being unsafe on the bus and touching other children. Please reinforce positive behavior with your child. The Guidance Counselor will be reviewing bus and school safety with each classroom group during the first weeks of school.

Bus Rules:

“Bottom to Bottom, Back to Back, Book bag and hands in your lap.”

“Stay in your seat.”

“Tell the driver if there is a problem.”

Fire Safety

CLECC has a fire drill monthly as required by state law. At such times, the teachers will guide the children out of the building to a designated area on the school property.

The Weather Contingency form will be used in case we need to notify you of an emergency. Please keep the information updated.

Nuclear Power Plant

The following emergency information is provided for you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT EMERGENCIES AT THE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT FOR PARENT AND GUARDIANS OF THE CHILDREN ATTENDING THE APPOQUINIMINK AND CEDAR LANE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERs.

Cedar Lane Early Childhood Center is located within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ) of the Salem and Hope Creek Nuclear Power Generating Stations, located just across the Delaware River in New Jersey. Should an emergency occur at the nuclear power plant, detailed plans have been developed to protect the health and safety of Delaware residents.

If an emergency occurs, Emergency Management Officials will notify CLECC.

If children must leave the school, they will be assembled and counted by their teachers, then moved by school bus as follows:

CLECC goes to Dover High School* at One Patrick Lynn Dr., Dover, Delaware.

All children will be cared for until their parents or guardians arrive. During an emergency, parents and guardians can receive current emergency information on how to pick up their children by listening to their local Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) Station:

TELEVISIONWPVI TV-6

WCAU TV-10WTFX TV-4 (Fox)

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RADIOWDEL 1150 AM / WSTW 93.7 FMWDOV 1410 AM / WDSD 92.9 FM

WILM 1450 AMWJBR 99.5 FM

WSCL FM / WSDL FMWXCY 103.7 FM

If you want further information, call the Delaware Division of Emergency Planning and Operations at 800 292-9588.

*DIRECTIONS TO DOVER HIGH SCHOOL from CLECC

1: Start out going NORTHEAST on CEDAR LN RD toward BOYDS CORNER RD / DE-896.

<0.1 miles

2: Turn RIGHT onto BOYDS CORNER RD / DE-896.

1.9 miles

3: BOYDS CORNER RD / DE-896 becomes POLE BRIDGE RD.

<0.1 miles

4: Merge onto DE-1 S (Portions toll). 23.6 miles

5: Merge onto SCARBOROUGH RD via EXIT 104 toward SR-8 ALT. / N. DOVER / W. DOVER IND. AREA.

2.0 miles

6: SCARBOROUGH RD becomes MCKEE RD / DE-15.

1.2 miles

7: Turn LEFT onto WALKER RD. 0.4 miles

8: End at Dover High School, 1 Patrick Lynn Dr, Dover, DE 19904, US

Total Est. Time: 34 minutes     Total Est. Distance: 29.52 miles Dear Appoquinimink Parent:

As you may already know, several but not all of the schools in our district are within the 10-mile radius of the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear power plants. If Public Health officials were to ever declare a nuclear emergency at these power plants, the district would enact our emergency procedures which may include evacuation, lockdown, and/or distribution of potassium iodide (KI) tablets. At this time, your child may not be in a school within the 10-mile radius but may be when he/she moves to another school in the district. More detailed emergency procedures are available at your specific school.

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The following schools are not located within the 10-mile radius of the power plants:Olive B. Loss ElementaryBunker Hill ElementaryAppoquinimink High School

In a nuclear emergency, ALL students will be given KI tablets unless you sign the form below.

KI is a common chemical substance found in iodized table salt and has been proven safe for children and adults of all ages with few exceptions (see below). If taken in time and at the appropriate dose, KI can protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine exposure during a nuclear emergency. The Department of Public Health and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency have supplied the schools within the 10-mile radius enough KI tablets for all students and staff. As part of the emergency procedures, the KI tablets would be administered to students at the direction of Public Health officials. You completed this form at registration.

If you have additional questions after reading the information, please feel free to contact your healthcare provider, pharmacist or school nurse.

Safeguarding Our StudentsWelcome to the Appoquinimink School District, where education and safety are equally important! Assuring your child’s safety and well-being is important to us. We are part of the State Emergency Plan as we are located within 10 miles of the Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations. In the event of any radiation threat or exposure, our students will be quickly evacuated. They will be given KI (potassium iodide)1onlvif directed by a public health official. Staff will remain with your child until he/she is picked up at a Relocation Center in the Dover area.IKI (potassium iodide) tablets reduce the risk of thyroid cancer when exposed to radioactive iodine. Notify the school in writing if you do NOT want your child to receive KI (potassium iodide). The only reason not to take KI is a known allergy to iodide, which is found iodized table salt.

Questions and Answers Regarding KIIn the event of any radiation threat or exposure, students will be given Potassium Iodide (KI) only if directed by a public health official.

What is KI? KI is the abbreviated chemical name for potassium iodide. It is a form of iodine and found in iodized table salt. If taken in time and at the appropriate dosage, KI protects the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine and reduces the risk of developing thyroid cancer as a result of exposure to radiation released during a severe nuclear emergency.

What is the benefit of taking KI during a nuclear emergency? During a nuclear emergency, people can breathe in or swallow radioactive iodine. Once inside the body, the radioactive iodine can cause a variety of health effects. The thyroid gland is very sensitive to radiation. KI can prevent the risk of developing thyroid cancer as a result of exposure to radioactive iodine, which is especially important for children. While KI can help to protect the thyroid gland, it cannot protect against other health effects caused by radiation.

How soon after a nuclear emergency should KI be taken? KI should be taken as soon as possible. You should only take one dose and only when public health officials tell you.

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Can everyone take KI? Everyone, including children and babies, can take KI except those who are allergic to iodine or have rare disorders such as dermatitis herpetiformis or hypocomplementemic vasculitis.

Are there any common side effects caused by KI? KI has few side effects. Children are not at a higher risk of side effects. Side effects usually happen when people take more doses than needed. Possible minor side effects are skin rashes, swelling of the salivary glands, metallic taste, burning mouth, sore teeth/gums, stomach upset, diarrhea, or headaches. If you have severe side effects or a severe allergic reaction, call a doctor or go to the nearest hospital.

Where can I get more information? Contact your local pharmacist, healthcare provider or school nurse.

How do I let the school know I do not want my child to receive KI? Schools should be notified in writing if you do not want KI given to your child(ren). You can use the enclosed form. Please note that KI is recommended for everyone, at all ages, unless they have a known allergy to iodine.

POTASSIUM IODIDE CONSENT FORMUse this response form to reply only if you DO NOT wish to have KI given to your child. Student Name:_____________________________________________________________________________

Please check: I do not wish to have my student given potassium iodide (KI) tablets.

Grade:_________School:___________________________________Teacher:______________________

Parent/Guardian(print): __________________________________________________________________

Parent/GuardianSignature: ___________________________________________Date:______________

I understand by signing this form that I do not wish my child to receive the Potassium Iodide tablets.

Things to Remember:Notify the school in writing immediately if you do NOT want your child to receive the KI (potassium iodide) tablet.

KI (potassium iodide) tablets will be stockpiled at the Relocation Centers or KI may be purchased at your local pharmacy. If the school is open, they will have KI for the students.

In an emergency, go directly to the Relocation Center. Do not go to the school to pick up your child.

If your child attends:Brick Mill ElementaryCedar Lane Early Childhood CenterCedar Lane ElementarySilver Lake ElementaryTownsend Elementary

Go to:DOVER HIGHOne Patrick Lynn Drive Dover, DE

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If your child attends: Appoquinimink Early Childhood CenterEverett Meredith MiddleLouis L. Redding MiddleMiddletown High

Go to:CAESAR RODNEY HIGH239 Old North RoadCamden, DE

If your child attends: Old State Elementary-TBD

Spring Meadow Early Childhood Center-TBD

Note: Olive Loss Elementary, located to the north, Appoquinimink High School and Bunker Hill Elementary Schools, located to the west, are outside the 10-mile limit identified by the State of Delaware for evacuation in the event of a nuclear emergency.

4. Make a family plan for evacuation. Consider day care, elderly parents and other concerns.

5. For more information, contact:Your local pharmacist, healthcare provider or school nurseLocal libraryState Activities (1-877-729-3362)

ALERT NOW NotificationKeeping you informed is a top priority at the Appoquinimink School District. That is why we have adopted the ALERTNOW Notification Service which will allow us to send a telephone message to you providing important information about school events or emergencies. We anticipate using ALERTNOW to notify you of school delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, as well as remind you about various events, including report card distribution, open house, field trips, and more. In the event of an emergency at school, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will be informed immediately by phone.

What you need to know about receiving calls sent through ALERTNOWCaller ID will display the school’s main number when general announcement is delivered.Caller ID will display 411 if the message is a dire emergency.ALERTNOW will leave a message on any answering machine or voicemail.If the ALERTNOW message stops playing, press any key 1-9 and the message will replay from the beginning.

The successful delivery of information is dependent upon accurate contact information for each student, so please make certain that we have your most current phone numbers. If this information changes during the year, please let us know immediately. If there is a specific number that you would like us to use for the general announcements, please notify the main office.

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Community Notification

The police are responsible for notifying the community of sex offenders in the area. This information is available on the Delaware State Police web site (www.state.de.us/dsp/sexoff). By law, all adults or juveniles who are convicted or adjudicated of specific sex offenses are registered. Please note that not all sex offenders are child predators or pose a threat to children.

School districts and charter schools must keep notifications of registered sex offenders received from the police in a binder in each school. They must follow guidelines for distribution of notifications they receive. The guidelines will be available on the Internet (www.doe.state.de.us or www.state.de.us/kids).

The included notification may assist you in protecting your family. It is best that only parents and guardians share this information in an age appropriate manner with their child or children so that the child will understand appropriate actions for their safety.

Parents and guardians should use this information in an age appropriate way that helps children with personal safety but does not overwhelm the child. Prevent Child Abuse Delaware, a local nonprofit agency, has developed a list of safety tips to assist parent/guardian in helping their child feel safe:

Review safety rules for your home – tell your child not to answer the door when you are not home and establish a plan for answering the telephone.Make a list with your child of three safe grown-ups he/she can talk to if afraid or in trouble and you are not there.Talk with your child about what places are safe to visit in your community and which are not.Review with your child the four private places which are the mouth, the breasts, the genitalia, and the buttocks. Explain that no one should touch these places unless they are helping to keep the child healthy (exam by a doctor) or clean (bathing).Encourage your child to tell you if someone talks to or touches him/her in a way that makes them feel bad or that he/she doesn’t like.Encourage open discussion with your child about his/her willingness to talk to grown-ups in your family about the things that bother him/her.Determine if your child knows that the grown-ups in your family will listen to him/her. Ask yourself honestly if this is true. Do you and other adults in your family really listen to the children in your care?Tell your child that it is not the child’s fault if someone tries to bother him/her or touch him/her in a way they don’t like.Let your child know how special you think they are, encourage him/her to think of themselves as a person worthy of respect, who also respects others. Treat and talk with your child in a way that conveys your respect.

If you would like further information on how to keep your child safe, you can speak with the school counselor or contact Prevent Child Abuse Delaware at 302-425-7490.

For more information about the Sex Offenders Registry, contact Delaware State Police (302-739-5882).

If you have questions about an enclosed notification or specific offenders, please contact your local police.20

Report child abuse by calling 1-800-292-9582. Do report emergencies by calling 911.

Do not post this notification publicly or where non-family members may see it. Remember it is best for children to get this information from their parents and guardians.

Do not take any action that may in any way harm or harass the offender, the offender’s family, household members or employer. Do not attempt to harass the offender or make unsolicited, unwanted contact. If you believe anyone is a physical threat to you or children in your care, please contact the local police.

Please use the information responsibly for the safety and well-being of those in your care.

Anyone who uses this information to commit a crime against another person is subject to criminal prosecution.

Policy Number - 3104

Policy Title – Harassment

Date Adopted: 9/11/07 Date Revised: 12/8/09 Date scheduled for review: 2012

Scope - This policy applies to all families with children enrolled in the Appoquinimink School District, to all members of the general public, and to all school district employees.

Purpose – To provide all individuals with protection against harassment.

Appoquinimink Board of Education believes that every employee, student, contractor, parent, or other person having contact with Appoquinimink School District should be treated at all times with appropriate courtesy, respect, and consideration by all other people employed or associated with our District. It is our policy that all persons be treated with civility and fairness, and that all employees/students be provided with the opportunity to teach/learn in an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning, characterized by mutual respect and free from intimidation, discrimination, sexual misconduct and/or abuse, foul or abusive language, ridicule, insult, overt hostility, and harassment as defined by this policy. Appoquinimink School District strongly disapproves of harassment on any basis prohibited by this policy or our Equal Opportunity policy.

The term “harassment” as used in this policy means:

Discriminatory conduct that is prohibited by law, such as sexual harassment and harassment on the basis of a person’s race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, disability or handicapped status, veteran status, or other characteristic prohibited by Appoquinimink School District’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy; and other serious misconduct that the district prohibits because it interferes with a proper teaching, learning or work environment even if it is not unlawful.

Of the conduct prohibited by law, sexual harassment needs to be defined because of its serious nature and consequences. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment if:

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Submission to or cooperation with the conduct is either explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of a person’s employment or academic standing

Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions or academic standing affecting the person;

The conduct would amount to sexual abuse of a minor;

The conduct or behavior is committed by a person in authority such as a teacher, coach or administrator;

The conduct involves a sexual relationship by an employee with a student regardless of the student’s age or consent; or Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a person’s work performance, work/teaching environment, or learning environment – such conduct may include sexual jokes, posters, cartoons, annoyances by undesired physical conduct, inappropriate physical contact, or sexual innuendoes made to a person known to find them offensive.

Other conduct or comments constitute harassment prohibited by this policy if a reasonable person would consider the behavior or comments to:

Be unwelcome or offensiveCreate an intimidating or hostile work, teaching or learning environment; orRidicule or demean a person or group based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or handicapped status, or other characteristic prohibited by Appoquinimink School District’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy.

Examples of behavior that may be considered harassment include:Written or verbal abuse or threatsOffensive or insulting comments, innuendoes or actionsOffensive or demeaning posters, graffiti, pictures, drawings, or cartoonsCultural, racial, or ethnic slurs.Vandalism of personal property

Reporting a Violation of this Policy

Harassment can come from many sources, including administrators, superiors, fellow employees, students, vendors, parents or other persons associated with the district. Any employee or student who believes that he or she has been the victim of harassment from any source in violation of this policy or if a staff members witnesses misconduct as described in this policy should immediately inform one of the following persons: his or her teacher, supervisor, principal, Director of Human Resources, or Assistant Superintendent. If the complaint involves someone in the direct line of supervision or authority, or if the person is uncomfortable for any reason with discussing such matters with the designated people, or if the person is not satisfied after bringing the matter to the attention of these people, the employee should report the matter directly to the Superintendent.

Responsibility to Report22

All principals, supervisors and other management or administrative employees are required to report promptly to their immediate superior and to the Director of Human Resources all known or suspected violations of this policy, including all employees, students, applicants, contractors, or other complaints of unlawful discrimination or harassment. All complaints must be reported even if the person making the complaint requests that no one else be told or that it be kept confidential. Any employee who suspects or hears rumors of sexual misconduct toward a student must report it to the building administration or the Director of Human Resource. Disciplinary action may be taken against a person who knowingly withholds information.

Investigation

All complaints will be investigated promptly. If a complaint is determined to be valid, appropriate corrective action will be taken, including further inquiry as necessary to determine that the harassment has stopped. Discipline of Appoquinimink School District employees, students, or contractors will be based on the severity of the offense and may include termination of employment. The District will also take appropriate action with vendors or others not directly employed by the District who engage in harassment.

Although Appoquinimink School District must disclose information about the complaint – sometimes including the identity of the person submitting the complaint – to conduct a proper investigation, the District will keep complaints, related investigations, and the terms of their resolution as confidential as reasonably possible. Retaliation against complainants, victims, or witnesses is strictly prohibited and is itself grounds for disciplinary action.

Employees, students, and others making complaints under this policy are cautioned against making false accusations or providing false information in an investigation of possible harassment. Such accusations can have serious effects on the falsely accused. Disciplinary action may be taken against a person who knowingly gives false information in an investigation, who falsely accuses another person of harassment, or who refuses to cooperate in an investigation.

Any staff member convicted of a sex act shall report it to their administrator or the Director of Human Resources immediately.

Harassment prohibited by this policy does not include every minor annoyance, perceived lack of friendliness, personality conflict not accompanied by overt incivility, or other ordinary disagreements that occasionally arise in the school or workplace and may cause unhappiness. Still, some conduct that does not constitute harassment within the definition of this policy may nevertheless interfere with an employee’s productivity or enjoyment of work at Appoquinimink School District. If you are subjected to such conduct and are unable to resolve the matter with the other person or people involved, or are uncomfortable attempting to do so, please ask your supervisor, principal or Human Resources for help or advice. While disciplinary action will probably not be appropriate, they can counsel the people involved and otherwise help resolve the problem.

Responsibility for Enforcement23

All Appoquinimink School District administrators, managers, and supervisors are responsible for enforcing this policy. All employees and students are responsible for respecting the rights of others and for maintaining a workplace and learning environment free of harassment.

This policy will be reviewed annually with all District administrators. Building principals will be required to review this policy with their staff annually as well as with students including rights and responsibilities to report violations of the policy and to whom to report.

Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Director of Human Resources.

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Sick /Appointment NotesDate: _________________

Dear _________________ (teacher)

My child, ________________________ (full name)

Was/will be late on _________________ because _____________________________.

Was / will be absent on __________ because ________________________________.

Has a doctor/dentist (circle) appointment at _________ am /pm.

I will pick up him/her at _______ am / pm. I will present a Picture ID as required at pick-up.

My child will be going home with _______________________________________their

phone number is ________________. They will present a Picture ID as required at

pick-up.

Enclosed is money in the amount of $______________ for ______________________.

Please call/e-mail me to discuss: ___________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Thanks,

Parent / Guardian Signature:

Phone : _________________________ e-mail: _____________________________

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