Hale Community School
1220 East 54th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 668-3760
Fax: (612) 668-3770
http://hale.mpls.k12.mn.us
Lillie Pang, Principal
Easter Beasley, Assistant Principal
School Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
My Child’s Teacher _________________________
My Child’s Bus Number __________
Transportation: (612) 668-2300
Attendance Line: (612) 668-3765
Field Community School
4645 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 668-3640
Fax: (612) 668-3661
http://field.mpls.k12.mn.us
Steve Norlin-Weaver, Principal
Reginald Johnson, Assistant Principal
School Hours: 8:05 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.
My Child’s Advisory Teacher _______________________
Attendance Line: (612) 668-3640
HALE/FIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Our Mission
The primary mission of Hale/Field Community School is to ensure that all students learn. To this end, we are committed to providing opportunities for all of our students to reach their highest academic, social, emotional, physical and creative potential.
We Value
We Affirm
OUR VISION FOR HALE
Kindergarten through 4th Grade
OUR VISION FOR FIELD
5th through 8th Grade
DEMOGRAPHICS
Hale/Field Community Schools have over a 37-year history as paired schools with the primary grades at Hale and the intermediate/middle grades at Field. In our K-8 program, Hale serves 650 students in grades K-4. Field has 500 students in grades 5-8. The pairing allows each school to focus on the ages it serves.
COMMITTEES
FIELD P.T.A.
All of the objectives of PTA are important to the welfare of children. “To bring into closer relationship the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children.”
We at Field encourage all parents to help achieve this goal. Our P.T.A. is your opportunity to become a part of an exciting new beginning for your child. Please join P.T.A. and support your school. We need you!
HALE P.T.A.
The Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.) keeps busy and active. We have many parents who give their time and energy to help with PTA events, classroom activities/field trips and the various duties that make the PTA run smoothly and efficiently.
The P.T.A. includes parents and staff. Its purpose is to support the school, to establish communication and cooperation in the school community, to be an advocate and representative of the school to the public, to encourage parent and community involvement with the school to provide social activities and cross cultural enrichment activities and to raise money for the benefit of the school. Money raised has gone to art and technology; arts grant match money and cluster enrichment materials of many kinds.
Hale’s dedicated and talented staff does a lot for our children, but their time and energy are primarily for the classroom. We, as parents, can help by becoming involved. Get to know your child’s teacher, visit the classroom frequently. Your child will be proud to see you at school and happy to know you are interested in what his/her day at school is all about. Bring the family to Open House, Carnival and Picnic. Become involved in the PTA and encourage your Hale friends, too.
Executive Board: The Hale P.T.A. Executive Board is an elected body of parents that coordinate the P.T.A. functions. It includes a Chair or Co-Chairs, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
The Board recruits membership in the P.T.A., oversees various committees and fundraising in an official capacity, makes decisions about disbursement of P.T.A. funds, responds to teacher and staff requests for P.T.A. assistance and communicates P.T.A. actions to the Hale community. These responsibilities are divided among the Board members.
How do I get involved?
Listed at the end of this Handbook are Hale’s activities for the year with a brief description of each. Some are unique to Hale; all rely on parents to succeed. You can help by chairing a committee, recruiting volunteers, working an hour shift during an event, etc. Any help is appreciated!
HALE-FIELD FOUNDATION
Mission Statement: To ensure that students are given an opportunity to expand their learning beyond the traditional boundaries of public education and to provide enrichment opportunities that impacts the most students.
Strategies:
History: Since 1995, the Foundation annually funds programs at Hale and Field that enrich our students’ education and promote innovative and creative curriculum. The Foundation continues to be funded through the generous contributions of school alumni, current families and community members. The Foundation is a non-profit organization that puts 100% of its money back into Hale and Field schools.
Board of Directors: Volunteer board members meet once a month during the school year and are made up of school staff, parents and community members. Current board members are:
Foundation Address: 4645 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Foundation President: Leslie Berger - lberger@schawk.com or 612-822-7829
The Hale-Field School Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
SITE COUNCIL
The Site Councils facilitate policy decisions at Hale and Field schools. We need to know what your suggestions, concerns and questions are so that we can do a better job of planning your educational programming. We urge you to come in, call or send a note if you have specific questions or concerns. Your cooperation and assistance are vital to providing a good education for every child.
GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION
Bringing Money to School
Students may be requested to bring money to school for various reasons. In order to avoid confusion for staff and student, please place money in an envelope with the student’s name, room number, amount and purpose.
Loose money can easily be lost. Therefore, we request that money not be brought to school unless it is absolutely necessary. Students may give the money to the homeroom teacher for safekeeping.
Field Trips
Classes take trips to different facilities in the community that correlate with the educational program. There may be a charge for these trips. Some scholarships are provided to students who cannot afford the cost of trips. Contact the homeroom teacher for more information.
Permission slips are sent home with a student before any trip is taken. Your cooperation in promptly returning the signed slip is appreciated. Your child will not be allowed to participate in a field trip unless a permission slip has been signed and returned. School bus safety rules apply.
Lost and Found
Items found on the playground, buses or other spaces are placed in the lost and found. Money, jewelry or other valuable items found at school should be given to the teacher or school secretary. Lunch boxes that have been lost are also placed in the lost and found area. Urge your child to visit the lost and found area when he/she has lost something. To assist your child and staff, please mark your child’s outerwear (boots, gloves, hats/caps) and lunch box with his/her name.
School Closings when Weather is Bad
Occasionally school must be canceled due to the weather. Rarely are students dismissed early because of the weather. It is important that any child care arrangements are planned in advance. Your child should understand what he/she is to do in the event that school must be dismissed early or canceled.
Listen to WCCO (830 on your AM radio dial) or watch local television stations for official school dismissal information. Listen/watch for Minneapolis Public Schools messages via e-mail or auto-calls. You may also find information on the Minneapolis Public School website at www.mpls.k12.mn.us
Please do not call the school requesting weather or school closing information. It ties up our telephones and we receive this information from the above sources, also.
Snowballs
The city of Minneapolis prohibits throwing snowballs on the public roads and sidewalks. Snowballing/throwing is also strictly forbidden on school property because of the seriousness of injuries that can occur. Please discuss this behavior with your child.
Supervision of the Playground Before and After School
There is no supervision on the playground before and after school. Staff is assigned before and after school responsibilities regarding the educational program which does not include supervision of the playground. The school playground is available to students during the school day for play under the supervision of school staff.
Students in grades 1 through 8 are provided a recess or activity period daily. Students go outside for fifteen to thirty minutes on most days. They remain indoors for this period if the actual temperature or wind chill temperature is below zero, or there is inclement weather.
Students sent to school are expected to go outside for a short time unless there is inclement weather. A doctor’s excuse will be necessary to excuse a student from the lunch recess.
Telephone/Communication
Due to the heavy demand on school telephones, students are requested to use the phones only in an emergency. A student must receive permission from the classroom teacher before being permitted to use the telephone.
Students are not called out of the classroom to receive telephone calls. If you need to leave a message for your child, the office staff will deliver the message. Teachers are not able to receive telephone calls during the instructional school day.
Teachers are open to e-mail communication with a target response time of 24 hours. Voice mail is also available. Please contact your child’s teacher regarding the preferred method of communication.
Treats at School
The Minneapolis Health Department prohibits students from eating treats at school unless they are commercially prepared or prepared on school premises in an appropriate, sanitary area. No student is required to provide treats for his/her classmates. Check with your child’s teacher beforehand if you wish to provide a treat. Please keep in mind that several children have allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, food dyes, etc.
Cooking projects at school are sometimes a part of the learning process.
The Health Office staff must be notified of allergies, information will be passed on to teachers and other staff.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM
Menu and Nutrition Information
The Food Service Department provides nutritious, well prepared foods at reasonable prices. Menus and nutrition information are available at http://foodservice.mpls.k12.mn.us.
Breakfast includes an entrée, milk and up to two fruit servings. Breakfast is available at no cost to all students.
Lunch includes an entrée, milk and up to three fruit or vegetable servings. Free or reduced price lunches are available to students who qualify.
In an effort to promote better nutrition, parents are strongly urged not to send soda pop as a lunch beverage.
Prepaid Accounts
In order to increase the speed of service in the cafeterias, cash transactions will not occur at the registers. Students must prepay for their meals by bringing cash or checks to the cafeteria prior to the meal service period. Change will not be available. Money can also be added to a student’s meal account online at www.paypams.com. Parents can also monitor students’ account balances and purchases once an account is set up on paypams. There is no charge to the parent or student for transactions via the paypams website.
2012 Lunch Prices -
Breakfast – Free
Lunch – $2.10
Milk Only - .50
Free and Reduced Price Meals
Free and reduced price lunches are available to students who qualify based on household income or participation in the MFIP or Food Stamp programs. Many students are directly certified by the MN Department of Education and do not need to submit an application. Students who are eligible for free meals based on direct certification will receive an eligibility notification letter from the Food Service Department. Applications are mailed to households in August and are also available at schools or the Nutrition Center. Only one application should be completed per household, regardless of the number of MPS schools attended by students in the household. Eligibility notification letters are mailed to households once an application is processed.
R.O.T.
Hale and Field participate in the ROT (Reduce Our Trash) program. Students are expected to sort their trash into the following categories:
VISITORS
Our purpose is to provide an excellent education for your child. We urge you to visit classes so that you can see the different ways in which we do this. All visitors must check into the office before entering any part of the building. Visitors are required to wear a visitor sticker.
Please enter the building and proceed to the office to sign in.
We suggest that you visit more than once during the school year. A note or phone call to your child’s teacher regarding when you would like to visit is always appreciated. Such notice will help you to avoid coming to visit at a time when testing or other activities, such as field trips, are in progress.
While in the Hale/Field School building, you may be approached by staff that will request that you identify yourself. This is necessary for the safety of all students and staff. It allows us to identify unauthorized persons in the building.
It is a Board of Education policy that children not registered in school are not permitted to visit classrooms during regular school sessions. Student friends and relatives will not be allowed to attend classes with Hale/Field students unless granted permission by the school Principal.
HEALTH/ATTENDANCE RELATED INFORMATION
Attendance
Regular attendance is important to school success. Call the attendance line at 668-3765 (Hale) or 668-3640 (Field) if your child is going to be absent. Please send a note when your child returns to school after an absence. Give the following information in the phone call/note: Child’s name, homeroom number or teacher’s name, reason for absence (illness, religious observance, family emergency, medical, dental or mental health professional appointment that could not be scheduled after school.).
Unexcused absences, those not acknowledged by note or telephone call, are subject to truancy/attendance procedures.
Your child must check into the office before going to the classroom if he/she is late. This will ensure accurate attendance records.
Excusing Students from School
Requests to excuse a student from school during the school day should be made in advance in writing and requires approval of the Principal or designee. In case of emergency, please call the school office. Students are not to be excused for recitals, music lessons, dance lessons, or babysitting. See the district attendance policy for further information.
Before a student leaves the school building, his/her parent must report to the school office to the sign the student out. Office staff will call your child(ren) to the office. Students are not to be picked up in the classroom. Students may be released to names listed on emergency cards, if a person is not listed, we must have a note in writing authorizing us to release the child.
The Board of Education permits us to excuse students for the following reasons:
Doctor Excuse/Doctor Readmit
A written excuse, signed by the doctor, must be submitted to Hale/Field if your child is not to participate in physical education due to illness or injury. We must also receive a written notice, signed by the doctor, when your child is allowed to participate in physical education again. This notice should be brought to the office, the phy-ed teacher and health office staff will get copies.
Illnesses and Accidents
If your child shows any symptoms of illness such as nausea, sore throat, rash, etc., please keep him/her home until you can determine how serious the condition may be. We ask that your child be kept home 24 hours after a fever. This will help reduce the spread of infections throughout the school. It is important to notify the school of any contagious condition, such as strep throat or head lice, which your child may develop. The Health Office staff will be informed and will be able to take the proper measures to help protect other students.
If your child has an organic problem such as heart condition, seizure disorder, etc. or has allergic reactions to bee stings or certain foods, please inform the Health Assistant so that this important information is recorded on your child’s health record and we are aware of the situation. Inform us of appropriate procedures for managing any special conditions so that they can be used when working with your child.
It is important that you notify the Health Office staff of any changes in the health status of your child during the school year. Please send the date of any new immunizations that are given.
Emergency Card
It is extremely important that you have an emergency plan for care of your child when you are not at home during the school day. The school does not have the personnel or facilities to provide more than temporary care.
We will first call your home if an emergency arises. If there is no answer, we then refer to your child’s Emergency Referral Card and call the numbers listed, work and cell phone.
If no one can be reached, the school will:
1. Care for your child at school.
2. Call the doctor listed on the Emergency Card (if necessary).
3. Send your child to the emergency room at Hennepin County Medical Center (if necessary).
The Emergency Referral Card is very important! Be sure that your child’s card is completed and returned to school. A new card is sent each year. If your address, phone number or any other information on the card changes, please let us know about the change so we can reach you if necessary. If you have an unlisted number, indicate this on your card. Accurate information is important to provide your child essential care during an emergency. If your child attends a day care, please include this as one of the emergency numbers.
Medications
According to Minneapolis Public Schools policy, medication will be administered only in exceptional cases when failure to take the prescribed medication will be detrimental to the child’s health.
Any medication (including over the counter medication) administered by school personnel requires a completed medication consent form signed by the physician and parent. Medications must be provided in the container given by the pharmacy and must include the student name and dosage directions.
Short term medications such as antibiotics usually can be taken before and after the school day.
Health Screening
The purpose of health screening (hearing, vision, growth) is to identify students with abnormalities or with problems needing further evaluation. It is not meant to replace regular examinations or diagnosis. It is intended to be educational and can be coordinated with classroom units on health.
Any student may refer himself/herself for screening or may be referred by teachers or parents. Health office personnel coordinate the initial screening and follow-up program. Students who do not pass the initial screening are screened a second time, usually by the school nurse. Parents are then notified of screening results by letter.
Immunizations
Minnesota state law requires full immunizations for all school children. Measles, Mumps, Rubella and other potentially serious complications can still occur. Please keep a permanent record of your child’s immunizations and send updated information to school.
Children entering Kindergarten must provide documentation of a physical examination and full immunizations. The Td booster requirement will be enforced for students in 7th through 12th grades.
Contact the Health Office for a list of required immunizations.
District wide Procedure for Students Identified with AIDS:
AIDS is not spread by normal activities that occur in schools. Most students will be allowed to attend school. Educational program and placement of students with AIDS will be based on current medical information and the medical condition of the student. Each case will be considered individually. The student’s educational progress and medical status will be closely monitored. Educational modifications will be made in accordance with the student’s medical status. The right to privacy of a student with AIDS will be respected.
TRANSPORTATION POLICY
Most students ride a school bus. Bus schedules are mailed by the Transportation Department about a week before school begins each Fall. If you have problems with the transportation of your child during the year, such as the bus arriving too early at the bus stop, please notify the school office.
School staff is assigned to monitor bus loading and unloading each day. If your child is to ride a different bus at the end of the day for some special reason, please notify the school office by sending a note with your child. The note should include your child’s first and last name and room number, date, the bus number he/she should go on and with whom (first and last name) if going with another student. This note should be turned into the office right away in the morning
Bus rules are required to protect the safe operation of the bus and to assure the safety of all students riding the bus. Your cooperation is requested in reviewing safe bus conduct with your child.
Procedures to assure safe bus conduct follow:
To ensure a safe and pleasant bus ride for all, students are expected to follow these rules:
1. Sit in the seat and stay there for the duration of the bus ride.
2. Keep hands, feet and all personal belongings to yourself.
3. Talk quietly and use no abusive or foul language.
4. Leave the safety equipment alone unless there is an emergency.
5. Follow the driver’s instructions.
Consequences: Loss of riding privileges.
When leaving the bus, students should:
School Bus Safety Rules
School Bus Behavior Violation Consequences
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Who is Responsible for School Discipline
Discipline responsibilities are shared by students, staff and parents. The classroom teacher/team holds the primary responsibility for managing discipline. The teacher, Social Worker, Assistant Principal, Principal and parents will be involved in working with the student in cases of severe, prolonged or repeated behavior problems. The Principal or designee is involved in all situations regarding suspension.
Communication with Parents Regarding Discipline
Communication between school and home is essential to encourage positive school behavior. School personnel will contact parents to give information, to obtain information, to ask for help and support or to offer help and support regarding student performance. A conference will usually be suggested to assist in supporting a student when behavior problems continue.
General Discipline Procedures
Positive behavior is encouraged with rewards and recognition. When problems do occur, the classroom teacher will talk to the student to resolve the problem. If inappropriate behavior continues, the teacher will notify the parent. The student may also be removed from the situation or lose privileges. Instances of severe, prolonged or frequent misbehavior will be referred to the Behavior Support Team.
Consequences for serious inappropriate behavior are dictated by the Minneapolis Public Schools’ Discipline Policy. A copy of the Citywide Discipline Policy is included with this handbook or available on the District’s website (www.mpls.k12.mn.us).
Hale Behavior Expectations
At Hale School, we act safely, respectfully and responsibly.
Above the Line behavior includes:
Below the Line behavior includes:
Bottom Line behavior includes:
Lunchroom Manners
Good behavior is expected in the lunchroom as well as all other places in the school. Students are expected to use good manners.
Hale Community School has the following lunchroom rules:
Field Community School has the following lunchroom rules:
Recess
The following recess rules were developed so that our playground would be a safe and fun place to be:
Dear Parents:
This Handbook/Calendar has been prepared to help answer the most frequently asked questions by parents.
The Handbook is a starting place for communication. Feel free to call the Principal, Assistant Principal or your child’s teacher if you have specific questions concerning information in this publication.
You are welcome to visit at any time. All visitors need to register and receive a visitor’s badge. Please come to the office for assistance.
We look forward to an enjoyable, productive school year and encourage you to be involved in your child’s education.
Sincerely,
Lillie Pang
Hale School Principal
Our Human Rights
I have a right to be happy and to be
Treated with compassion in this school;
This means that no one will laugh at me
Or hurt my feelings.
I have a right to be myself in this school:
This means that no one will treat me unfairly because of
My skin color, fat or thin, tall or short, boy or girl,
Or by the way I look.
I have a right to be safe in this school:
This means that no one will hit me, kick me, push me,
Pinch me, or hurt me.
I have a right to hear and be heard in this school:
This means that I will be free to express my feelings
And opinions without being interrupted or punished.
I have a right to learn according to my own ability:
This means no one will call me names
Because of the way I learn.
This pledge guarantees a safe environment for me at Hale
And for all other students at Hale.
My rights are also the rights of all other Hale students.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Hale Community School was named in honor of Nathan Hale, a patriot of the American Revolution. A statue of Nathan Hale was erected by the Nathan Hale Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1907. That statue, a gift of sculptor William Ordway Partridge, still stands in a small park on Summit Avenue at Portland in St. Paul.
Children attended a portable school (also called Nathan Hale) between 51st and 52nd Streets and 12th Avenue before the present school was built. The community lined the street as a parade of children (some pulling wagons of books) moved their things into the new building when it opened in 1930. Additions were added to the building in 1938, 1954, 1974 and 1997.
Hale became a Kindergarten through 3rd grade school when it paired with Eugene Field School in 1971. Hale became a Kindergarten through 4th grade school in 2000.
The school colors are blue and yellow. The bear is our school mascot.
MINNEAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
MISSION STATEMENT
We exist to ensure that all students learn. We support their growth into knowledgeable, skilled and confident citizens capable of succeeding in their work, personal and family lives into the 21st century.
HALE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Hale School is committed to providing an excellent educational program for all students. This includes opportunities to develop academic, social, emotional, physical and creative potential. The curriculum is delivered within a continuous progress model. Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
Hale School fosters an appreciation for learning as a life-long process. All participants--students, staff, families and community members--are encouraged to participate in leadership and decision making.
Special Features:
· Supplementary services for at risk students are taught within the classrooms. This collaboration team teaching model provides opportunities for students to learn in groups that address skill levels and developmental needs.
· Curriculum supports the individual rates of progress for each student.
· Students participate in multicultural activities, music programs and projects which include art displays, Passport Night and Rope Power.
A Hale student/family led Science Fair gives students in second through fourth grades an opportunity to investigate a scientific topic.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Hale is organized by teams:
Each child is assigned to a classroom. Students move for Specialists time (Art, Media, Music, Physical Education) but are otherwise in a self-contained classroom with some movement for language arts.
There is time within each team for learning of the basic skills of reading, math, language arts, science, health and social studies. Hale uses District approved curriculum for reading and math. Other materials and books may be used to enhance learning.
Field trips make the community part of the program. Different subjects are sometimes combined by using themes as a means of organizing the curriculum.
Students spend the 55 minutes of teacher’s preparation time each day with the Specialists (Art, Media/Technology, Music, Physical Education).
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Hale Specialists
As a part of the general curriculum, specialized teachers offer classes in art, media/technology, music and physical education. Students attend these classes on a regular basis. Hale has some special interdisciplinary projects. For example, using art and technology. These discipline areas provide opportunities for each child to develop their visual, audio, social and physical skills.
Art
Each classroom will have at least one 55 minute art class per week. Discipline based curriculum is designed to meet the visual arts standards.
Media Center/Technology
Our Media/Technology Center is an important resource in the school community. Books and other technology are available for both classroom and personal use with assistance from our Media Specialist. When your child takes materials home, your cooperation is requested to see that they are kept in a safe place and returned promptly. Students are financially responsible for damaged or lost materials.
We urge you to help your child learn to use the public library in your neighborhood. There are branch libraries in all areas of the city.
Music
All students at Hale are involved in the music curriculum. Music classes are 55 minutes in length and cover the activities of singing, instrument playing, theory work, listening and movement. All activities follow the curriculum standards (what students should know and be able to do) to prepare our musicians for the future.
Physical Education
Physical Education is a required course for all students. In accordance with state law, each child must wear tennis shoes. Individual, as well as team activities, are taught.
Resource Team
The Resource Team is composed of teachers who provide support to students. They are an effective liaison between regular education, compensatory education, E.L.L. (English Language Learners) and special education. Team members identify, monitor, evaluate and provide appropriate services to Hale children with special needs.
Referral procedures:
Social Worker
The School Social Worker helps students resolve personal, emotional and social problems which interfere with school adjustment and the school environment. The Social Worker also participates in screening, identifying/assessing/referring potentially handicapped students and provides case management services in developing and implementing individualized educational plans. The Social Worker also coordinates Friendship Groups.
Special Education Resource/Speech
Special Education Resource staff work with mainstreamed children having learning difficulties in reading, math, language arts and motor coordination. An individualized curriculum is designed to help the child’s learning skills and self esteem.
A Speech/Language Clinician provides diagnostic testing and program planning. She also works with students having difficulty with stuttering, articulation, voice and expressive/receptive language skills.
Enrichment
Hale has an enrichment program for students whose needs qualify them for these classes. Students are selected on the basis of teacher, parent or self recommendation and test scores or special interests of the student. The diversity of the total school population (sex, race, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds) should be reflected in the selections. Parent involvement is encouraged.
Objectives of high potential programs are consistent throughout the district and within each program. However, models for programs will vary and may include the following components: guided independent studies, mentors, resource classes, cluster accelerated classes, tutoring sessions, etc.
Hale provides many services for talented students such as extended classroom curricular opportunities/projects, reading, independent research and technology options in the Media Center.
Autism
Hale has a citywide Autism program to address the needs of students with autism spectrum disorders and significant needs at school.
The program provides special education services and mainstream experiences to facilitate a successful educational experience for these students.
EVALUATION
Evaluation is done in several ways. A student progress report is sent to parents throughout the year. Parent-Teacher conferences are held in the Fall and in February (as needed). Parents are encouraged to bring questions to teachers at other times as they feel the need to. Phone or in-person informal conferences are available upon request. Call the teacher’s voice mail and leave a message or send an e-mail for the teacher/staff member to contact you.
Testing is one way that student achievement is monitored. A student’s achievement can be compared with that of some other defined groups, such as students in third grade nationally (norm-referenced tests). A student’s individual mastery of a skill or concept related to a specific objective such as knowing the basic additional facts with sums from 1-18 is also tested (criterion referenced tests). These types of tests are used at different grade levels for different purposes.
Reading fluency is assessed in the Fall and again in the Spring. Comprehension measures include oral story retell, written story retell, questioning, sequencing and the generalization of knowledge to other activities. Many teachers also keep student portfolios, student journals, checklists, narratives and observation checklists.
Check the district website at www.mpls.k12.mn.us for testing information. Look for the Research, Evaluation and Assessment department’s web page.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Education is a life long process. It takes place in all environments --the home and community, as well as in school. Hale School recognizes the need for a healthy balance between work and play for primary students.
Realizing that all children have different capabilities, homework should allow a student to achieve his/her highest potential. To this end, homework should:
Teachers should periodically provide information for parents in assisting with homework. To the extent that we are successful in working together in this home/school partnership of educating our students, we will be successful in assisting each student to achieve his/her potential. The responsibility for success rests equally on both the home and the school.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parent involvement is vital to Hale School. There are many ways to be involved. For example, helping with field trips or special occasions, assisting in the cluster and/or media center, attending day or evening programs for parents, working on committees, or sending requested “inspiring junk” for art projects, etc.
Hale parents assist with open houses, music programs, room treats and contribute to the newsletter (The Hale Happenings). Parent help is appreciated, whether one time or weekly. The school is enriched by the many talents and interests of Hale parents.
The Hale Happenings is an important source of information about upcoming events and meetings, volunteer opportunities, news about school activities, important notices and other district information. Your child will carry this newsletter home once a month or it will be sent via e-mail whenever possible. Please ask for the “mail” from your child weekly. E-mail addresses from parents are requested each year. These addresses are used to send school and PTA information in a timely manner.
Hale participates in citywide advisory to the school district and in links with other schools such as Field.
SCHOOL PATROLS
School patrols are assigned to corners near the school in order to protect the safety of students who walk to school. Please send your child to school only when patrols are on duty. Patrols are on duty from 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. and 1:55 to 2:05 p.m. daily.
Each student is instructed in classroom lessons to take the safest and most direct route to school and home, crossing heavily traveled streets at patrol corners. Please discuss your child’s route to and from school with your child to reinforce safety in crossing busy streets.
School patrols are fourth grade students, parents and staff members. Parent volunteers are also needed. Please talk to your child about respecting patrols and following their directions.
ENTRANCE TO SCHOOL
All doors to Hale will be locked shortly after buses arrive (around 8:00 a.m.) and remain locked until 1:30 p.m. This practice is part of our School Safety Plan and is for the safety of all students and staff.
For the safety of all people in the building, all visitors must sign in at the office to receive a visitor badge before reporting to any areas of the building.
Bicycles
Bicycles present a security problem at school since adequate storage is not available. Since Hale is situated near busy streets, safety in riding a bicycle to school is a concern. We have traditionally asked that students not ride to school on a bike. However, at the time of this printing, a group of parents are working with the Principal to develop a limited bike riding policy.
Bringing Pets/Toys to School
We discourage students from bringing toys to school because they detract from the educational environment and valuable teaching/learning time is lost if items become lost or stolen. All trading cards should be kept at home. Hand held video games and cell phones are also prohibited.
Due to allergies and fear some students may have, pets are not allowed at school or on the buses. Permission to bring a pet should be obtained from the teacher or Principal. An adult must accompany the pet to school and provide the necessary supervision.
School Dress
For health, safety and comfort reasons, we suggest that:
OTHER AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Community Education
Hale School has a Community Education program which provides after school activities for students. Program schedules of activities are sent home in six/eight week intervals. For additional information about this program, please call the Community Education Representative at (612) 668-3767.
After school instrumental music and Spanish classes (offered by the University Language Center) are part of the Community Education program at Hale.
Minneapolis Kids
Minneapolis Kids is a child care program housed at Hale School. This very popular child care is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, please contact them at (612) 668-3777.
Field School Welcome
Dear Students and Parents:
Welcome to Hale/Field K-8 Community School! We share the responsibility for making sure that every student has a successful school experience.
This handbook is only a starting place for communication. It doesn’t replace the personal contact we feel is so important. We encourage you to be involved in your child’s education by taking an active interest in his/her work and activities.
If you have specific questions or concerns at any time, please call or e-mail one of your child’s teachers or the office. An updated staff list with phone numbers and e-mail addresses is available on our website.
I want to personally encourage each of you to be involved with your child at Field. It is a critical time in your child’s life. They need you more than they will ever ask you to be at school. The Field community needs you, too, and invites you to help us in many ways. Thank you in advance for all your support. We look forward to working with you throughout the year.
Steve Norlin-Weaver
Principal
Field-The School and Home
Partners in Your Child’s Education
Visitors at School
We welcome parent visits. We encourage you to arrange classroom visits ahead of time to make sure that testing, field trips, assemblies, etc. are not planned for that time.
Please stop and pick up your visitors badge at the office.
We discourage children who are not enrolled at Field from coming to school to visit. Too often this results in the loss of valuable education time.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences are held in the fall and winter to review students’ progress. Please schedule an appointment for your conference with your child’s teacher at Open House. Contact your child’s teacher for the winter schedule.
Student Performances
Please join us to celebrate your child’s talents and successes.
Field trips can be an important part of a child’s learning experience. They enhance concepts taught in the classroom and provide opportunities for exploring the world beyond the classroom.
Permission slips will be sent home prior to the date of the trip. Students must have written permission from a parent or guardian to participate in the field trip. School bus safety rules apply. Checks for field trip fees must be written to Field School.
Please contact your child’s homeroom teacher or the school Social Worker if there is a financial concern.
Minneapolis Kids is an after school child care program housed at Field for students in grades 5 & 6. It is open from dismissal to 6:00 p.m. M-F, and release days. For more information call 612-668-3666.
Field School Expectations
For Behavior and Learning
S.T.A.R.R.R. - Stop, Think and Act Respectfully, Responsibly and be Ready
The Stop, Think and Act Respectful, be Ready and Be Responsible is a student management system that focuses on respect and responsibility to support the learning and development of all students.
The program expects that all students will be respectful, ready and responsible toward self, school, community, country and others.
How Does It Work? The S.T.A.R.R.R. program is designed to recognize and celebrate student achievement, citizenship as well as address all inappropriate and disrespectful behaviors. This facilitates a culture within Field Middle School that promotes student achievement, respectful and responsible behavior, while discouraging inappropriate and disrespectful behavior. The S.T.A.R.R.R. is based on a ticket system that has three levels:
Green – Recognizing and Celebrating Student Achievement and Citizenship
Students who display academic achievements, behaviors and citizenship that are over and above daily student expectations may be awarded S.T.A.R.R.R. recognition tickets. Grade level teams will determine how best to celebrate students who receive green tickets.
Yellow – Stop and Think Ticket!
This encourages the student to actually stop and recognize their behavior – small, repeated annoying behaviors soon become habits. Think is the second expectation of the S.T.A.R.R.R. program. Encouraging students to think, reflect and take ownership of their behavior is essential to their growth and behavioral development. Some examples of behavior in this category include, among others, displaying of inappropriate or disrespectful behavior, verbal interruption or tardiness. Examples of these behaviors are typically discussed with the student,, however, continued display of this behavior may result in a yellow ticket. Students are expected to fill out, sign and return the ticket to the staff member who issued the ticket. Failure to do so is considered insubordinate and the student will be sent to the office with a Red Ticket.
Red Ticket – Ticket to the office
This behavior and incidences are tracked throughout the year. Students who are issued a red ticket must report to the office to speak with an administrator or behavior specialist. A red ticket requires a phone call home. Red tickets are also issued to students who display serious offenses that may result in in-school or out of school suspension.
If you have any questions about the S.T.A.R.R.R. program, please ask any Field staff member.
Be RESPECTFUL
Listen and follow directions.
Respect students, adults and property.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Use appropriate language and touch.
Avoid shoving, pushing and fighting.
Be RESPONSIBLE
Be here every day and on time to every class.
Dress appropriately.
Follow school and classroom rules.
Walk in halls and on stairs.
Carry a pass when not with your class.
Be truthful.
Be READY
Have materials and supplies ready.
Always do your best --- complete all assignments.
Ask for help when needed.
Be proud of your accomplishments.
Be positive!
Appropriate Clothing in Classrooms
Your appearance should be appropriate to the school setting and not be distracting, offensive, gang related or discriminatory:
1. No head coverings except for religious purposes.
2. No outdoor jackets or coats worn in classrooms without permission.
3. Pants must be worn at the waist (no underwear showing) and with even length/cuffs.
4. Clothing must be appropriate (no midriff, low cut, halter or thin strapped shirts; no revealing shorts, shirts or pants; underwear must be covered, no inappropriate messages, pictures, etc.). Pants must be worn at the waist. (No sagging!)
5. No pajamas or slippers.
6. No bandanas.
Consequences: Students will be asked to cover or change the inappropriate clothing. If students refuse to change, parents will be called and the student will be sent home.
Leave it at Home!
The following items do not belong in school because they may disrupt the learning environment, be lost or stolen or endanger others. We do not help replace items on this list that are lost or stolen. If items are confiscated from students, parents may pick them up from administrators.
1. Weapons or look alike weapons
2. CD Players- Electronic Games-iPods
3. Gang/Drug related clothing
4. Money (unless needed for school activities)
5. Anything that causes disruption to teaching and learning (e.g. – animals, inappropriate clothing, cards, toys, pop, or candy)
6. Perfumes. Many students are allergic to smells caused by perfumes or colognes.
7. Laser pointers
8. Skateboards and rollerblades that may be stored in lockers with teacher permission and bikes may be locked on school grounds but they may not be ridden on school grounds when students are present.
Be Ready for Testing
You will be notified when your child will have tests. It is extremely important that your child be relaxed, gets a good night’s sleep prior to the test and has a nutritious breakfast.
Bus Safety
Internet Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the district policy regarding use of the Internet. The purpose of the policy is to establish appropriate rules for educational and ethical student use of the Internet, e-mail and district networks at school and to identify individual student responsibilities.
The complete policy is available on the district website.
Reporting to Parents
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for in the fall and winter. You will receive information regarding the time and place of your conference.
The year is divided into four quarters. Mid-quarter reports will be mailed home. Mid-quarter reports inform parents and students of student work up to that point. Report cards will be mailed at the end of each quarter. Letter grades (A, B, C, D & F) are given for each class in grades 5-8. If all assignments are in, students cannot fail. Use the Student Planner to keep track of assignments. Please contact teachers if you have questions about your child’s achievement.
Parents are encouraged to keep track of their student’s progress on-line through the Parent Portal, via Field website. Teachers update the portal a minimum of once every two weeks. For more information on how to access the portal, contact the main office.
Look for the e-mail newsletters that are sent out each week by teams. These will update you on class activities and major assignments. Please make sure to sign up to be on the e-mail list.
Communication
We strive to make every effort to communicate effectively with our families. Our main form of communication is email. If you do not have access to e-mail, please let the office know and we can make other arrangements to get newsletters, announcements, and other important information to you.
We also utilize School Messenger, an automated phone calling system. Please make sure that the school office is provided with updated phone numbers.
Be sure to sign up for grade level newsletters on our website at:
On the right side of the home page click here and follow the directions:
Click here to subscribe to our grade level newsletters.
Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is a tool for you to stay informed in your child’s education. The Parent Portal gives parents and guardians access to:
· View your child’s grade and transcript
· See your child’s schedule
· Monitor your child’s attendance
· Communicate with your child’s teachers
· Stay current on homework, projects and deadlines
· View contact information
To open a new Parent Portal account:
For questions or concerns, please e-mail ParentPortal@mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-0029, or the Field office at 612-668-3640.
Tips:
· After logging into the portal, you may need to change the grading (GP) to view data for the desired quarter.
· The Parent Portal is compatible on Internet Explorer and Safari web browsers.
· You must have your child’s school ID # to register.
Miscellaneous
Transporting Students –
To ensure student safety, students must be dropped off and picked up on the east (school side) of 4th Avenue, or the north side of 47th street.
Parent Parking –
Parking is not allowed on the school side of 4th Avenue on school days during the hours of 7:00 – 3:00. For parent convenience, there are designated 15 minute parking spaces in our parking lot. Please observe the time limit.
Bicycles –
Bike racks are located in front of Field on 4th Avenue. Students who ride bikes to school must secure their bike with a bike lock. Field is not responsible for stolen bikes. Bikes cannot be stored in the school. Bikers are strongly encouraged to wear helmets.
Walkers –
Students are expected to obey the crossing guards at all times. Students should also observe the law when crossing at intersections with stop lights or signs. Never cross the street in the middle of the block.
School Fees -
Fees may be required for field trips, musical instrument rental, activity
t-shirts, dances, etc. Checks must be written to Field School. Scholarships are available. Please contact the teacher/team, social worker, or secretary for assistance.
Checks for P.T.A. purposes should be written to Field P.T.A.
Checks for school lunches should be written to Field Nutrition Services.
After-School Classes –
Watch for announcements regarding after school classes – in the past we have offered chess, red-cross babysitting, Spanish etc. After school transportation is not available.
Students not involved in after school activities must leave the premises .
Media Center –
Our media center is available to students for book check-out during recess, with a pass, and advanced notification to the media center staff. Book check-out is also available after school until 3:30 p.m. on most Thursdays.
Forgotten Items –
Students are encouraged to be responsible in arriving to school on time with all supplies/equipment necessary for the school day. On occasion, students forget items. Let your child know that once he/she realizes something was forgotten, they may call you to confirm that it will be delivered to the Field office.
Classes will not be interrupted by calling for a student to come to the office to retrieve a forgotten item. The student should check the office during passing times.
Unclaimed items will be donated to charity on a quarterly basis. Valuable items should be brought to/found in the office.