Student Handbook - Westmont Hilltop School District

Please complete the following form and return to the school by
Friday, September 13, 2013.
I have read, understand, and will comply with the guidelines and procedures
within the Westmont Hilltop Elementary School Student Handbook.
Student Name __________________________________________________
Homeroom Teacher ______________________________________________
Parent Signature __________________________________ Date _________
Student Signature _________________________________ Date _________

CONTENTS
Preface
Board of Education .............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................................................... 3
Message to Families ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
WHES School Web Site ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Academic Planner ................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Elementary School Phone Numbers .................................................................................................................................... 4
WHSD Universal Notification System ............................................................................................................................... 4
Daily Schedules ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2013-2014 WHES Faculty and Staff ................................................................................................................................... 5
No Child Left Behind ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
Curriculum and Resources
Response to Intervention and Instruction (RtII) .................................................................................................................. 6
Language Arts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Mathematics ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Science/Social Studies ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Technology .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Art ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Music ................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Physical Education .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Library Services ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Progress Reports .................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Graded Subjects by Grade Level ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Parent/Teacher Conferences ................................................................................................................................................ 8
School District Policies and Elementary School Guidelines
Admission Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
Arrival at School ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Building Access and Security ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Dismissal Changes ............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Picking Your Child Up From School ................................................................................................................................ 11
Parking ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Student Attendance ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Medication Policy .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
Peanut Allergies ................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Disease Control ................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Excuse from Physical Education ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Withdrawal from School ................................................................................................................................................... 14
Dress Code ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Safety Regulations ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
School Threat Assessment/Targeted School Violence ...................................................................................................... 15
School Insurance................................................................................................................................................................ 16
School Closings ................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Change of Address or Telephone Number......................................................................................................................... 16
Pets in School .................................................................................................................................................................... 16

CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
Chewing Gum .................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Lost and Found .................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Photographs/Images ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
Personal Property Brought to School ................................................................................................................................. 17
Celebrations ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Celebration Treats/Kindergarten Snack ............................................................................................................................. 18
Solicitations, Sales and Distributions ................................................................................................................................ 18
Care of School Property and Equipment ........................................................................................................................... 18
Teacher Requests ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
Smoke/Tobacco Free Environment ................................................................................................................................... 18
Weapons Policy ................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Discipline Guidelines ........................................................................................................................................................ 19
Lost/Missing Textbooks/Resources ................................................................................................................................... 20
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Program ..................................................................................... 21
OLWEUS Anti-Bullying Program/Hilltopper Classroom HERO ...................................................................................... 21
WHSD School Board Policy Statement Regarding Bullying .............................................................................................. 21
School Lunch Program ........................................................................................................................................................... 22
Cafeteria Lunch Time Procedures ........................................................................................................................................ 22
WHSD Student Bus Expectations.......................................................................................................................................... 23
Facilities Use ............................................................................................................................................................................ 24
Field Trip/Curricular/Extra-Curricular Policies ................................................................................................................. 25
Parent Volunteers .............................................................................................................................................................. 25
Services for Students and Parents
School Announcements/Bulletins ...................................................................................................................................... 26
Parent Teacher Organization ............................................................................................................................................. 26
Health Services .................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Instructional Support Team and Elementary Student Assistance Program ........................................................................ 27
Guidance and Psychological Services ............................................................................................................................... 28
Speech and Hearing ........................................................................................................................................................... 28
Other Support Services in the Elementary School ............................................................................................................. 28
Title I Literacy and Math ................................................................................................................................................... 28
Enrichment Program .......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Student Retention .............................................................................................................................................................. 31
Summer Tutoring ............................................................................................................................................................... 31
Rights and Responsibilities
Civil Rights Statement ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
Internet Usage .................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Sexual Harassment Policy ................................................................................................................................................. 32
Student Responsibilities .................................................................................................................................................... 32
District Calendar .................................................................................................................................................................... 33
ii

BOARD OF EDUCATION
Address
827 Diamond Boulevard
Johnstown, PA 15905
Phone: (814) 255-6751
Fax: (814) 255-7735
District Administration
Dr. Susan J. Anderson, Superintendent
Mr. Steven D. McGee, Director of
Education
Mrs. Regina Rembold, Business Manager
Board of Education
Mrs. Diana L. Schroeder, President
Mr. Rooney Gleason, Vice-President
Mr. Gordon D. Smith, Treasurer
Mrs. Phyllis G. Forman
Dr. Kamal V. Gella
Mr. Daniel D. Hill
Dr. Gary S. Kramer
Mrs. Michele T. Trevorrow
Mr. William Trevorrow
Mrs. Regina Rembold, Secretary/Business Manager
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Westmont Hilltop Elementary School is to educate, empower, inspire, and nurture the whole child!
MESSAGE TO FAMILIES
An important element in achieving our mission is the establishment of a meaningful partnership with
families. A child’s belief in the family’s interest in school is the single most important factor in his/her
school achievement. Moreover, we will try to make every attempt to share information with all
parents/guardians involved with the child.
This handbook has been written to help you become more knowledgeable about our elementary
school. This is only one method that will be used to develop a close working relationship between
our families and the school. As the school year progresses, you will have many opportunities to
participate in your child’s education.
WESTMONT HILLTOP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WEB SITE
Please become familiar with our website, www.whsd.org, as it contains calendars, announcements, and a variety of
other information.
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ACADEMIC PLANNER
Students in grades 3 and 4 will receive this student handbook along with an academic planner with the hope that it will
help students organize homework assignments and learn basic time management. Students in grades K, 1, and 2 receive
the same handbook without the planner.
Students should maintain their planner as a textbook. If a planner is lost, a replacement planner will cost $5.
Replacement planners will be available in the school office and must be purchased within five school days of the loss of
the original planner.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PHONE NUMBERS
Main Office. ...................................................................... 255-8707
Guidance ........................................................................... 255-8780
Instructional Support ......................................................... 255-8776
Nurse ................................................................................. 255-8771
Food Service ...................................................................... 255-8774
Transportation ................................................................... 288-1594
Fax ..................................................................................... 255-8793
WHSD UNIVERSAL NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
The Westmont Hilltop School District utilizes a universal calling system for emergency situations and school
delays/cancellations. The provider for the system is PowerSchool.
In order to ensure success with the emergency notification system, we ask that all parents and guardians
update home, cell, and work phone numbers with our building secretary. If numbers are not current, you
will be unable to receive notifications.
DAILY SCHEDULES
Monday-Thursday
8:20 a.m. ................... Entry time and breakfast
8:35 a.m. ................... Students report to classrooms
8:40 a.m. ................... Tardy bell
8:45 a.m. ................... Morning announcements,
breakfast ends
8:50 a.m. ................... Instructional day begins
10:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. ... Lunch periods/grades K-4
3:15 p.m. ................... Instructional day ends
3:17 p.m. ................... Dismissal for pickups/walkers
3:22 p.m. ................... Bus dismissal begins
Friday Schedule
8:20 a.m. .................... Entry time and breakfast
8:35 a.m. .................... Students report to classrooms
8:40 a.m. .................... Tardy bell
8:45 a.m. .................... Morning announcements;
breakfast ends
8:50 a.m. .................... Instructional day begins
10:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. .... Lunch periods/grades K-4
1:15 p.m. .................... Instructional day ends
1:17 p.m. .................... Dismissal for pickups/walkers
1:22 p.m. .................... Bus dismissal begins
*There is no recess on Friday, due to the early
dismissal.
The elementary school operates on a five-day rotation. Fridays are excluded from this cycle. This type of schedule eliminates
missed itinerant classes (art, music, physical education, and library classes). On each Friday, students participate in an
exploratory class. These classes incorporate experiences that extend beyond the regular classroom curriculum. To maximize
academic opportunities on all school days, there will be a two-hour delay modified schedule available, when necessary.
4

2013-2014 WHES FACULTY AND STAFF
Mr. Edward W. Benning .................. Principal
Mrs. Patricia Buchkovich .............. Title I Math Support
Mr. Evan Cornell ............................ WHES, WHMS Librarian
Mrs. Janice Cowder ........................ Grade 4
Mrs. Katie Crow ............................. Kindergarten
Mrs. Debbie Custer .......................... Paraprofessional
Mrs. Terri Denk .............................. Grade 1
Mrs. Jonelle Dongilla ..................... English Second Language (ESL)
Mrs. Vicki Erdley ............................. Guidance Secretary
Miss Lisa Freidhoff .......................... Grade 3
Mrs. Carol Fuge ............................... Metz WHES Food Service Manager
Mrs. Susan Fuschino ........................ Grade 4
Mrs. Sharon Geibig .......................... Paraprofessional
Miss Deborah Gilbert ....................... Grade 1
Mrs. Janie Goodwin ......................... Paraprofessional
Mrs. Mary Grassa ............................. Paraprofessional
Ms. Lee Ann Green .......................... K-4 Art
Mrs. Sue Gross ................................. Grade 3
Mr. Timothy Harrigan ...................... K-4 Physical Education
Mrs. Leigh Heidenthal ..................... Grade 1
Mrs. Kellie Hobbs ............................ Grade 4
Mrs. Jennifer Hoover ....................... Paraprofessional
Mrs. Diana Junker ............................ Grade 1
Mrs. Marie Klein .............................. Grade 2
Mrs. Jennifer Kresak ........................ K-4 Gifted Support/Enrichment
Mrs. Marilyn Lindberg..................... Kindergarten
Miss Courtney Lynch ....................... Grade 3
Mrs. Cindy McCombie .................... WHSD School Psychologist
Mrs. Susan Mesko ............................ Paraprofessional
Mr. Shawn Miller ............................. K-4 Music
Mrs. Carrie Mourey ......................... Kindergarten
Miss Megan Muir ............................. Grade 2
Mrs. Cindy Nagy .............................. Paraprofessional
Miss Jocelyn Obush ......................... Grade 3
Mrs. Molly O’Neil ........................... IST/RtII Coordinator
Mrs. Amanda Oswalt ....................... Kindergarten
Mrs. Jamie Petrunak ........................ Grade 2
Miss Lori Petyak .............................. Grade 2
Mrs. Joan Ponzurick ......................... K-4 Nurse
Mrs. Barbara Pulliam ....................... Office Secretary
Mrs. Sharon Rager ........................... Paraprofessional
Miss Elizabeth Rutledge .................. Grade 4
Mrs. Patricia Sanna .......................... Paraprofessional
Mrs. Beth Shoff ................................ K-4 Title I Reading
Mrs. Stacy Shorto ............................. K-4 Title I Reading
Mrs. Kristen Steinly ......................... Life Skills
Ms. Deanna Swincinski ................... Grade 1
Mrs. Heather Thomas....................... K-4 Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Leslie Vignero ......................... Attendance Secretary
Miss Carol Visnovsky ...................... Grade 2
Mrs. Lori Weeks .............................. Learning Support/Emotional Support
Mrs. Deborah Wescott ..................... K-4 AmeriCorps Worker
TBD (as of June 2013) ..................... Kindergarten #5 Teacher
TBD (as of June 2013) ..................... Grade 3 #5 Teacher
TBD (as of June 2013) ..................... Grade 4 #5 Teacher
5

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires that parents/guardians are notified of the following on an annual basis.
1. Parents/guardians have the right to inspect all instructional materials and state assessments. Arrangements
should be made in advance with the building principal.
2. Parents have the right to opt out of non-emergency, invasive physical examinations and screenings.
3. The School Board reserves the right to approve surveys prior to their administration to students. All surveys and
instruments used to collect information from students shall relate to the district’s educational objectives. Parents
shall have the right to inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party prior to administration or
distribution to a student. Such requests shall be in writing and submitted to the building principal. Parents have
the right to have their child opt out of a survey, with submission of a letter to the building principal.
4. The Westmont Hilltop School District does have a Limited English Proficiency Program in place (K-12).
Student’s placement, program, policy, and parent involvement are detailed in Board Policy and is available
through the district central office.
5. The Westmont Hilltop School District has a Migrant Education Program in place for students in kindergarten
through grade 12. Student’s placement, program, policy, and parent involvement are detailed in Board Policy
and are available through the district central office.
6. The Westmont Hilltop School District has a Homeless Education Program in place for students in Kindergarten
through grade 12. Student’s placement, program, policy, and parent involvement are detailed in Board Policy
and are available through the district central office.
7. The Westmont Hilltop School District has a Home Language Survey in place for students in Kindergarten
through grade 12. Student’s placement, program, policy, and parent involvement are detailed in Board Policy
and are available through the district central office.
8. The Westmont Hilltop School District has a Persistently Dangerous School Program in place for students in
kindergarten through grade 12. Student’s placement, program, policy, and parent involvement are detailed in
Board Policy and are available through the district central office.
9. The Westmont Hilltop School District has a Federal Programs Complaint Process in place for students in
kindergarten through grade 12. Student’s placement, program, policy, and parent involvement are detailed in
Board Policy and are available through the district central office.
10. The Westmont Hilltop School District has a Parental Involvement Policy that contains all components required
by Title I. This document is in accordance with Board Policy and is revised annually.
11. The Westmont Hilltop School District has a Title I program in place. Components of the program are as
follows:
a. Title I School Parental Involvement Policy
b. Title I Parent/School Compact
c. Title I Informational Parent Meeting
d. Federal Programs Complaint Resolution Procedure
12. As per Board Policy, the School Board has a procedure for parents to request teacher and paraprofessional
qualifications. This policy is available through the district central office.
Response to Intervention and Instruction (RtII)
CURRICULUM AND RESOURCES
WHES will take further steps toward a complete Response to Intervention and Instruction (RtII)
process. RtII is a multi-tiered educational approach to help all students maximize their learning
potential. Students’ progress is closely monitored at each necessary stage of intervention to determine
the need for further research-based instruction and/or intervention methods in general educational approaches, in
specialized educational approaches, or both. This process will further help ensure that our students build a very solid
educational foundation in reading and math for the short- and long-term.
6

Language Arts
The MacMillan/McGraw-Hill Treasures language arts program is the primary instructional resource for all
teachers. At the kindergarten and first grade levels, the program uses a balanced literary approach to develop
early literacy skills. These skills encompass recognizing and writing alphabet letters, identifying letter/sound
relationships, identifying basic sight vocabulary, developing listening comprehension, reading, writing, and
speaking. In grades K-4, the program incorporates phonics, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
across the curriculum. The program continues through the end of grade 6 at the middle school.
Mathematics
The school has implemented the Everyday Mathematics elementary curriculum of the University of Chicago
School Mathematics Project. This program has been developed to take advantage of the mathematics that
children intuitively know and build on that knowledge. Within the program, the students become actively
involved in exploring problems, work with real objects, use calculators, and show mathematical strategies and
ideas in a variety of formats. The mathematical strands that are studied in the K–4 curriculum include
Numeration and Counting, Operations and Relations, Exploring Data, Geometry, Measures and Reference
Frames, Money, Patterns, Rules and Functions, and Problem Solving. The Everyday Mathematics program
also continues through the end of grade 5 at the middle school.
Science/Social Studies
Students in grades K-4 participate in three Science Modules throughout the school year (usually late fall, late
winter, and mid spring). Across all grade levels, Social Studies skills are integrated into the Language Arts and
Mathematics curricular areas.
Technology
Art
Music
The goal of the elementary school’s technology curriculum is to provide students with hands-on experiences
that effectively integrate technology into the other curriculum areas of study. As they progress through the
grades, students gain proficiency in keyboarding skills and conducting Internet searches to enhance content
area instruction. All students have the opportunity to work in a computer lab one day through the five-day
cycle with their classroom teachers. The lab is equipped with 30 networked computers.
The objectives of the elementary art program are to provide creative expression, and to teach the fundamentals
and techniques, which will provide the means of achieving this goal. The teacher has the responsibility for
evaluating the performance of each child with respect to these tasks. Each kindergarten through grade 4
homeroom is assigned to a 50-minute Art class one day through the five-day cycle.
The music program aims toward building a foundation of basic musical skills and concepts while involving the
child actively in the process of musical awareness. By being part of the musical activities, the child may
experience the pleasures of actively sharing in making music. Each kindergarten through grade 4 homeroom is
assigned to a 50-minute Music class one day through the five-day cycle.
Physical Education
The students develop all systems of the body as a basis for physical fitness through activities selected to
increase strength, vigor, and capacity. Each kindergarten through grade 4 homeroom is assigned to a 50-minute
class one day through the five-day cycle.
7

Library Services
The elementary school contains a well-equipped library. A certified librarian staffs and directs a program of planned
instruction in library science. Each kindergarten through grade 4 homeroom is scheduled for a 50-minute library
class one day through the five-day cycle.
Students may borrow books, which are renewable for a week at a time. Children cannot check out books until books
checked out the previous week are returned. If a book is lost or ruined, the student must pay the full replacement cost.
Students must have all books returned or book replacement fees paid in full prior to receiving their report
cards at the end of the year.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are issued following the completion of each nine-week grading period for grades 1-4 and for the
second semester for kindergarten. Parent-teacher conferences are held at the end of the first grading period for
students in grades K-4. An additional conference is held with kindergarten parents near the end of the third
grading period. Other grade level teachers or parents may request a conference at the end of each marking period
throughout the school year.
Graded Subjects by Grade Level
Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4
Language Arts -K- Language Arts -1- Language Arts -2- Language Arts -3- Language Arts -4-
Mathematics -K- Mathematics -1- Mathematics -2- Mathematics -3- Mathematics -4-
Science -1- Science -2- Science -3- Science -4-
Math Facts -1- Math Facts -2- Math Facts -3- Spelling -4-
Spelling -1- Spelling -2- Spelling -3- Art -4-
Art -2- Art -3- Library Science -4-
Library Science -2- Library Science -3- Music -4-
Music -2- Music -3- Phys. Ed. -4-
Phys. Ed. -2- Phys. Ed. -3-
Grade Scales
Art, Library, Music, Phys. Ed. WHSD Standard Grade Level S/U Option
(Grades 2-4)
O= Outstanding 92% - 100% = A S = Satisfactory
S = Satisfactory 83% - 91% = B U = Unsatisfactory
U = Unsatisfactory
74% - 82% = C
65% - 73% = D
0% - 64% = F
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Annual parent/teacher conferences are scheduled by the school and the classroom teacher. If you would like to
request a meeting or conference with your child’s teacher, please email the teacher or call the school office to
arrange a date and time for that meeting. Additionally, please do not arrive at a classroom during instructional
time and expect to conference with the teacher. This will prevent interruptions of teachers when they should be
engaged with students during class time. Adherence to this procedure is also an important safeguard for all
children.
8

SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICIES AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GUIDELINES
The following section is related to specific school district policies, as well as elementary school
guidelines. Please read this information carefully so that you will fully understand district
and school level functioning.
Admission Requirements
Kindergarten Entrance Age Policy
Children five years of age or more on or before September 1 shall be the entrance age
for children into kindergarten. The deadline for enrollment in the kindergarten program
for students who have never been previously enrolled in kindergarten is October 1. Children entering
kindergarten should be fully toilet-trained.
Exceptions to Entrance Age Policy
Exceptions to this policy shall be considered individually if all the following steps are followed and
every criterion is met.
Note: No child less than four years and seven months old by September 1 shall be admitted early into
kindergarten
Parent Checklist
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Complete “Permission for Early Entrance to Kindergarten” Form
Parent/guardian must submit this form to the building principal by March 1.
This request includes rationale as to why consideration should be given for early entry
into kindergarten. The only exception to the deadline will be for families relocating to the
Westmont Hilltop School District after the March 1 deadline.
Completion of Outside Evaluation by Psychologist
Parents/Guardians must schedule an evaluation for their child with a certified
psychologist at their own expense. The psychologist must complete all information
requested on the attached letter and submit a report of their interpretation of the data
and the child’s academic, social, and emotional functioning in regard to attendance at
school. Parents/Guardians must submit copies of the reports to the building principal by
April 30. The psychologist must use the most current instruments available at the time of
completion. Prospective students must earn an overall intelligence quotient or composite
score of the 95 th percentile (130 I.Q.) on the independent psychological evaluation.
Review of Psychological Evaluation
The principal and guidance counselor review the school psychologist’s report. If the
required criteria have been met, the parent/guardian will proceed with the kindergarten
registration process. If the required criteria have not been met, the parent/guardian will
be advised to wait one school year before enrolling their child in kindergarten.
Superintendent Notification
The superintendent is notified of the results.
Kindergarten Screening Information
Each year, children entering kindergarten are screened individually by kindergarten and support
teachers. Schedule information about this screening procedure is provided when parents register
children for school. Generally, registration takes place during the months of February or March
and the DIAL screening is scheduled for May. This assessment provides the kindergarten staff
with information about developmental skills, such as how a child uses his/her body (motor skills),
knowledge of basic concepts like counting and colors (conceptual skills), and a child’s use of language.
9

Important information about each child’s self-help and social skills is gathered through the Parent Questionnaire that
is completed while the children are being screened. Screening results are easily compiled and shared with parents at
the conclusion of the screening process.
This screening procedure provides the classroom teachers with valuable information about each child’s
developmental readiness for kindergarten, enabling them to develop customized learning strategies to use with each
student.
First Grade Entrance Age Policy
Children registered for first grade must be at least six years old by September 1 of the current school year.
Exceptions to this will be addressed on an individual basis.
Arrival at School
Students that are brought to school should not arrive before 8:20 a.m. As students arrive at school in the
morning, they are to enter the doors closest to the cafeteria and are required to report to breakfast and/or to the
area where their grade level will be supervised until 8:35 a.m. Students arriving between 8:35 and 8:40 a.m.
may go directly to their classrooms. If you are walking your child to the entry doors, you must park your
vehicle in a parking spot.
Students arriving at school after 8:40 a.m. are considered tardy and must be brought to the main office
by the parent/guardian to be signed in and to receive an admittance slip. The student then gives this slip to
the classroom teacher. This procedure helps the classroom teacher know that the child’s presence will be
correctly documented in the office. There are no exceptions to these times. One tardy disqualifies a student
from achieving perfect attendance. Parents are not to escort students to classrooms, as it is disruptive to
instruction and limits teacher engagement with the students.
The following items are used as benchmarks in addressing concerns about tardiness to school.
Tardy #5—Letter from principal to parents
Tardy #6-7—Lunch detention; letter from principal
Tardy #8-9—ARR detention; letter from principal
Tardy #10-14—In-school detention; phone call to parents
Tardy #15+—Hearing before the District Magistrate; punishable by a fine and court costs
Building Access and Security
Security cameras are placed in strategic locations inside and outside the building. These cameras offer added
protection for our students and guests. Additionally, our security system makes it necessary for parents and
visitors to use a buzzer at the main entry doors in order to gain access into the school.
Access into the elementary school during school hours may be obtained by using the first set of double doors that are
in view when you drive into the parking lot. When you enter the vestibule, press the buzzer to notify office personnel
that you want to enter the building. Any visitor not recognized by the office staff will be asked for his or her name
and the purpose of the visit. Once a visitor has been identified, the office staff will provide a directive to report
directly to the office, unlock the door, and enable the visitor to enter.
All visitors to the school, including parents, must report to the office upon entering the building. No
visitors are permitted to go directly to any classroom for any reason without first reporting to the office. When
you sign in at the office, you will be given a visitor’s tag to wear during your stay. Please sign out at the office
when you leave the building.
On special school event days, field trips, etc. parents will sign in and out at the main office. The office
personnel will direct parents/guardians to the designated are for checking all clearances and issuing a special
event visitor’s tag.
10

Dismissal Changes
On occasion, students need to be dismissed from school for health appointments or extenuating circumstances.
We encourage the scheduling of appointments for times other than school hours. One early dismissal will
count against a student’s perfect attendance.
The written request for early dismissal should include the following information: full name of the student, date of
early dismissal, precise time of early dismissal, reason for early dismissal, and signature of a parent or guardian.
We ask that NO phone calls be made to the office after 2 p.m. requesting student changes to be pickups,
walkers, or bus riders, unless it is a dire emergency.
Dismissal is a very busy time in the office. It can be very difficult for the office to give late afternoon
messages to teachers and students. Late afternoon phone calls require the office to interrupt classroom
instruction to inform the student and teacher of the last minute changes. Receiving notes in the morning
assures your child’s safety in being dismissed to the correct person or place.
Picking Your Child Up From School
When you pick up your child from school prior to 3:15, you are required to stop in the office and sign the release
book. Whether it is before or at the regular dismissal time, parents are required to send a note informing their child’s
teacher of the day and time that the child will be picked up. These notes are forwarded to the office each day.
If you are picking your child up before the regular dismissal time (Monday–Thursday, 3:17 p.m.; Friday, 1:17 p.m.),
follow the procedure outlined in the Building Access section. If you are picking your child up at the end of the day,
the procedure is slightly modified. Parents/guardians must enter the building through the designated doors on the far
left of the building (cafeteria emergency doors). When you enter the building, please wait in the designated cafeteria
waiting area for the elementary school staff member to direct you to the sign out area. No parents/guardians may take
their children prior to signing them out. All parents/guardians must exit through the same designated doors upon
receiving permission to take their children.
All parents/guardians who pick up children at the end of the day must exit the parking lot in an orderly and
timely fashion to allow for the busses to begin their afternoon routes by 3:26 p.m. Please plan accordingly.
Parking
All guests to the school are asked to park in designated parking areas. It is important that all
guests pull into a parking space, particularly at the end of the day during dismissal time. At
morning drop off, if you are escorting your child to the entry doors, please park in a spot to
help maintain traffic flow. Parking in any area marked “NO PARKING” or in the bus lane
is prohibited. Please do not block any cars in the front lot. Do not park next to the
sidewalk directly in front of the school, on the grass, or along the wall outside of the
cafeteria. Ample parking spaces are available on the side and in back of the building.
In the event of a field trip, any parent/guardian traveling along with the class should park at the Hiram G.
Andrews Center (HGAC). Furthermore, for building-wide functions during or after the school day, vehicles
should park at the HGAC.
Any car parked illegally in this school’s parking lot, or elsewhere on school district property, may be reported
to the police department, and that vehicle will be subject to towing.
Please refrain from parking in the grass and along the front of the building (fire lane) at all times.
11

Student Attendance
General Procedures
1. If a child will be absent from school, or late arriving, the parent or
guardian is required to notify the school office (255-8707) in the
morning before the start of the school day. Calls should be made before
8:30 a.m. on the day of absence. If a call is not made to the school
reporting any absence, a representative from the school will contact the
parent/guardian to verify the absence. Parents are encouraged to call
their children off for every absence. This call helps to ensure the safety of all students.
2. For an absence of less than three days, homework and assignments may be requested from the student’s
teacher upon the student’s return to school. If assignments are desired sooner, or the absence will be three
days or more, you may contact the student’s teacher directly by e-mail, or call the office by 10 a.m. to
request that homework and assignments be available for pick up after dismissal.
3. Within ten days of a student’s absence, the student must present the classroom teacher a note from the
parent or guardian stating the exact date(s) of school missed and the specific reason for absence. The
classroom teacher will provide the appropriate attendance form for the parent to complete. A parent or
guardian signature is necessary. The legality of the excuse will be determined by the school
administration.
4. If an excuse is not provided within ten (10) days after the absence, the absence will be deemed
unexcused/unlawful and could result in a citation filed with the district magistrate. A pink form from the
main office will be sent home with your child as a reminder.
The following district procedures were developed and adopted by the school board to serve as guidelines for
building administrators in determining the validity of student absences:
1. Religious Holidays and Religious Instruction
Parents should submit the Religious Excuse Request Form to the building principal, one week in
advance of the religious holiday(s) to be observed. That written request should state the religious
holidays and the dates the student will be absent from school. These absences do not count against
perfect attendance. A Religious Excuse Request Form, available from the school’s office.
2. Health Care
A student may be excused during school hours for professional health care or therapy when the
services are performed by licensed practitioners, and it is not practical for the service to be offered
after school hours. A parent should submit a written statement to the school in advance of the
requested dates of absence. These absences or early dismissals do count against perfect attendance.
3. Illness
A parent should forward a written statement to the school upon the student’s return from any
absence caused by illness. In cases of chronic or excessive absenteeism (15 days), the building
principal will request a written medical statement of verification before determining the validity of
the absence.
4. Other Urgent Reasons
A parent should communicate, in advance if possible, any student absence caused by unforeseen,
emergency, personal, or family situations. Upon return to school, that absence will be verified by a
written statement from the parent stating the circumstances of the absence. Building principals will
review the individual circumstances of each situation as presented by the parent and determine the
validity of the absence. Consideration of circumstances should be, but not limited to, the following
criteria: compelling nature of the situation, family circumstances, and age/grade level of student.
5. Educational Trips, Not School Sponsored
Parents/guardians should submit an Educational Trip request form, available from the school office, to
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the building principal for review at least one week in advance of the requested trip dates. Requests will be
approved or denied according to the following criteria. Please note: educational trips do count against
perfect attendance.
a. The trip should have a clear and significant educational purpose and component.
b. The trip is not to exceed 5 school days.
c. The trip should not be an extension of a family vacation or excursion.
d. All schoolwork missed during the approved tour/trip/visitation shall be made up on the
initiative of the student in accordance with the teacher’s guidelines.
6. Family Planned Tours and Trips
A student may be excused from school to participate in planned family trips, not to exceed five
school days in a given school year, under the following conditions. Family Vacation/Trip Request
forms, available from the schools office, and homework requests need to be submitted to the
building principal at least one week in advance, to give your child’s teacher time to prepare
homework, if requested. All class work, tests, etc., will be made up within a reasonable period of
time following return, as determined by the teacher(s). Please note: family trips do count against
perfect attendance.
Homework requests for any type of trip/vacation, excused absence, etc., must be submitted at least
one week in advance, to give your child’s teacher time to prepare homework.
The following items are used as benchmarks in addressing concerns about school attendance.
1 st Unexcused/Unlawful Absence – Written notification to family
2 nd Unexcused/Unlawful Absence – Written notification to family
3 rd Unexcused/Unlawful Absence – Written notification to family, telephone call from principal
4 th Unexcused/Unlawful Absence – Written notification to family, citation issued with Magistrate
*Absence letters are sent home to families at the 8, 12, and 15 day mark. After an accumulation of 15
absences, a medical excuse must be provided or consecutive absences will be considered
unexcused/unlawful and afore mentioned procedures will be followed.
Perfect Attendance
Students must be in attendance all day, every day of the marking period to qualify for a record of perfect
attendance. However, Religious Days will not designate a student as ineligible to receive perfect
attendance. Any late arrival or early dismissal counts against a student’s perfect attendance status.
Medication Policy
The district policy for medication use during school hours requires that all medications (including
nonprescription) must be brought in and picked up by the parent or responsible adult in its original container,
and be accompanied, when applicable, by a written physician’s order. The nurse and parent/adult must sign a
form that the medication was delivered by an adult and received by health personnel. A 30-day supply of
medication will be acceptable for students on daily medication. On the final day of school, medication that is
not picked up will be discarded. The exception to this guideline is for students who have a doctor’s order to
carry their inhalers, EpiPen, and Insulin.
It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to notify McIlwain School Bus Lines (MSBL) Transportation if
there is a medical, social, emotional, or psychological issue with their child.
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Peanut Allergies
For some of our students, any exposure to peanuts, nut products, or food items
containing peanut oil may cause a life threatening allergic reaction that requires
emergency medical treatment. To reduce the chance of this occurring, we are asking
that you do not send any peanut or nut-containing products to school that will be eaten
in the classroom or on field trips. (This includes birthday treats eaten at lunch and
foods for holiday parties). If food is sent in for distribution in the classroom, we ask
that it be store-bought with the ingredients listed. Any homemade or packaged item
suspected of containing peanuts/nut oils will not be distributed. If your child has eaten peanuts or peanut
products before coming to school, please be sure your child’s hands and face have been thoroughly washed
before entering school.
Please be aware there are many products that contain peanuts or traces of peanuts because they are processed on
the same equipment (cross contamination). For example, M&M’s, all Snyder’s products, (chips, pretzels, etc.),
and jelly beans all contain peanut products. This makes it very important to read food labels prior to sending
treats to school. Eat ‘n Park smiley cookies are acceptable.
Products containing peanuts may still be packed in lunches for consumption by individuals. If you have packed
a peanut or other nut product in your child’s lunch, please make him or her aware of it before leaving for
school. These children are to not sit at the peanut-free tables during their lunch time.
The Westmont Hilltop Elementary School will not distribute any items that we suspect contain peanuts.
Disease Control
Under the provisions of the Act of April 23, 1956, Public Law 1510, school students are to be excluded from
school because of symptoms suggestive of a communicable disease. It is the responsibility of the school to
exclude children suspected of having conjunctivitis (pink eye), impetigo, pediculosis (head lice), tinea corporis
(ring worm), scabies, streptococcal infections, scarlet fever, and chicken pox. No child will be readmitted until
cleared by the school nurse or by written note from a physician.
Excuse from Physical Education
The state government requires all students to participate in physical education classes. Parents must present
requests for exclusion from gym class to the teacher. Such requests cannot be considered for more than two
successive gym periods without a doctor’s written statement advising against participation in gym activities for
a specified period or indicating that limited participation is appropriate for the student.
Withdrawal from School
Any parent who finds it necessary to withdraw a student from school before the end of the school year must notify
the office of intent to withdraw. If a student is transferring to another school, parents should provide the office with
the date the child will be leaving, and the name and address of the school that he or she will be attending. The
school will hold student records for any outstanding balances related to curricular materials or food service.
Dress Code
Please note that the basic responsibility for the appearance of students rests with the parents. Our students are expected
to attend school in clothing that is appropriate in regard to both hygiene and safety. While parents have the right to
determine their child’s dress, the following guidelines are to be followed. If school attire is considered inappropriate,
the student will be given an opportunity to call home for a change of clothing. Parents are also asked to abide by these
guidelines while in the school setting.
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1. Dress must comply with all health and safety codes.
2. Dress must not interfere with the educational process or rights of others.
3. Open-toed sandals with a back strap may be worn during warm weather months.
4. Thong-style sandals or flip-flops are prohibited as they pose a greatly increased
health and safety concern for outside play during recess, general wear during
the school day, and during physical education class. The classroom or PE
teacher may exclude a student from participation in outdoor recess or gym class
due to inappropriate (open heel, open toe, flip flop) footwear. Lack of participation
in PE may result in a poor grade.
5. Tennis shoes or hard-soled shoes must be worn on physical education days.
6. Hats, headwear, bandanas, or any type of head coverings are not to be worn in the building during the
school day, unless otherwise indicated by administration.
7. Clothing may not be worn that depicts drugs, alcohol, tobacco, material of implied sexual content,
messages that are obscene, vulgar, or depict criminal, racist, hate, or violent groups or activities.
8. Pants, trousers, and shorts must be worn no lower than the waist, be appropriately fastened to remain in
position, and be of such length and width as to be appropriate for the school setting.
9. See-through blouses or shirts, mini-skirts, and clothing which allows private areas exposed are prohibited.
10. Shorts may be worn, but must be in good taste and be appropriate for the school situation. Shorts must be
no shorter than the length of the middle finger with arms extended at your side and in a relaxed position. No
sweat pant cut-offs or spandex shorts are acceptable.
11. Students are not permitted to wear wallet chains or wallet beads, large link chains, or studded bracelets or
necklaces.
12. No undergarments should be visible with any clothing worn.
13. Make-up is not permitted.
14. In case of questionable apparel, the administration reserves the right to make the final decision on the
appropriateness.
15. Heelys are not permitted to be worn in the school at any time, either during regular school hours or during
after-school events.
**Parent/guardians are responsible for sending an extra set of clothes to school with their child. Especially for
younger children, it is recommended that a change of clothing be available in the student’s backpack at all times.
Safety Regulations
Bus evacuation drills are conducted at the beginning of the school year and during March. Additional drills
may also be scheduled during the school year. A severe weather (tornado) drill is also practiced twice a year.
Fire drills are conducted once each month in compliance with Pennsylvania School Law. Escape plans are posted
in each classroom. Each class has an escape route to an outside area located a safe distance from the building.
Children are directed to these designated areas as quickly as possible in a safe, quiet, and orderly manner. Student
talking or inappropriate behavior is prohibited at any time during the drill.
Any student in a restroom, or otherwise not directly under a teacher’s supervision, should step into line with
the first group of students that he or she sees and become a part of that group. Once outside, the student must
report to the pre-assigned group.
Similarly, indoor safety drills, such as lockdown and shelter-in-place drills, will occur throughout the school year.
School Threat Assessment/Targeted School Violence
The Westmont Hilltop School District has specific school threat assessment policies and procedures in place in
the event an allegation of a threat of targeted school violence is posed. The threat assessment team meets
annually with local law enforcement officials to review and refine the district’s protocols.
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The threat assessment team consists of the building level Student Assistance Program members (counselors,
administrators, nurses, and teachers), central office administrative personnel, county MH/MR and/or Drug and
Alcohol representatives, and law enforcement representatives from West Hills Regional and/or Upper Yoder
Police Departments.
In the event an allegation of a threat of targeted school violence is posed by a student or reported by another,
the threat assessment team will be convened and will follow the eleven-step procedure in the threat assessment
plan to determine the nature of the threat and to evaluate the credibility of the allegations. The threat
assessment team will determine the appropriate course of action in compliance with district policy and Act 26
regulations.
When the threat assessment team deems it to be appropriate, police officials will be summoned immediately as
per the memorandums of understanding developed in conjunction with each of the police departments serving
our district. Subsequent response will conform to Act 26 provisions.
School Insurance
Student accident insurance is offered at the beginning of each school year. The cost is minimal compared
to the potential cost of medical care, and parents are encouraged to investigate the service. Please note that
this school insurance provides limited coverage. The school is not obligated to pay medical expenses for
accidents that occur at school.
School Closings
Plans have been developed to serve students and parents when adverse weather conditions prevail.
Announcements will be made on local radio and television stations when school is closed, delayed, and for
early dismissals. These notifications will also be available on the district website.
If the district announces a one or two-hour delay, the buses will run one or two hours later than normal.
Lunch times will remain the same. Breakfast is not served if there is a two-hour delay.
Certain conditions may necessitate an early dismissal. Early dismissals are very rare occurrences.
Nonetheless, please develop an alternate plan in the event that you may not be at home when there is an
early dismissal.
The following suggestions may help.
Give your child specific instructions for use on emergency early dismissal days.
Review this procedure periodically.
Make arrangements with multiple neighbors or family for these days.
Early dismissals are announced through local radio and television announcements, on the district website, and
through the PowerSchool Announcement system.
All evening events and activities are cancelled when the school is closed or if there has been an emergency
early dismissal.
Change of Address or Telephone Number
It is very important that the school office maintain an up-to-date address and telephone record. Notify the
school, in writing, immediately if your family has a change of address, telephone number, or place of
employment during the school year.
Pets in School
Students are not permitted to bring pets to school. Exceptions must be addressed with the principal.
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Chewing Gum
Students are not permitted to chew gum at school, on the bus, or on school trips.
Lost and Found
All clothing and other articles found in the school are placed in a “Lost and Found” bin located outside the
cafeteria. Money, jewelry, eyeglasses, and other small articles of value are turned in to the office. Students may
claim these articles after submitting proper identification for them. All unclaimed clothing is donated to a local
charity at various times throughout the school year. Please encourage your son or daughter to check the bin or
main office for missing items.
Photographs/Images/Web Pages
Throughout the year, the students may have their picture taken, videotaped during school activities, or
participate in our morning live broadcast. In addition, their images may be posted on the teacher or district web
page, in the building newsletter, and/or in the student yearbook. If you do not wish to have your child
photographed, videotaped, or his/her image or likeness displayed on the Internet, you must request,
complete, and submit the necessary form to the main office.
Furthermore, there is zero-tolerance for students/parents to audio and/or video record on campus, at an activity,
or on a school bus. To conduct such recordings, requires the student/parent to gain written permission from
building administration.
Personal Property Brought to School
Unless items are needed for class or school activity use, they may not be brought to school. Items prohibited
on school property or the school bus include, but are not limited to, the following: personal stereo equipment
of any kind (e.g., iPod, MP3 player), personal digital assistant (PDA), electronic games, trading cards or
collectibles items of any kind, playing cards, hacky sacks, water pistols, pocket knives, cellular phones,
pagers, and laser pens.
The school district is not responsible for any prohibited items brought to school. Any prohibited items that are
confiscated will remain with the teacher or be placed in the school’s office until parents or guardians retrieve
them. Items will not be returned to students.
Celebrations
Parents may send a birthday treat to school to celebrate this special day. These treats should be
available prior to your child’s lunchtime, since the treats are distributed during the lunch
period in the cafeteria. Invitations to parties or other social functions may not be
distributed in school by students, parents, or teachers to any student unless an invitation
is provided for each student in the classroom.
You are invited to have lunch in the school cafeteria with your child. You may select your child’s birthday to
help make this day special. If you are unable to attend on your child’s birthday, or if your child has a summer
birthday, or one that falls on a school holiday, you may select an alternate date any time during the school year.
If your schedule does not permit you to come in at lunchtime, you may choose to join your child for breakfast in
the cafeteria instead.
If you choose to eat lunch with your child, you must complete a 6004 Clearance form in the elementary school
office prior to your inaugural lunch with your child. Any parent coming to have lunch with his or her child must
wait in the office until their child’s lunch begins. Additionally, please send a note to your child’s teacher at least
two days in advance to place your lunch order and to notify the school you will be joining your child for lunch.
You may purchase a cafeteria lunch on that day or you may pack a lunch for you and your child if you prefer.
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Typically, a fall party (October), winter party (December), and spring party (April) are scheduled during the
regular school day. Valentines are also exchanged in February.
Celebration Treat/Kindergarten Snack
As part of the district wellness initiative, we ask that parents elect to send healthy snacks/treats to school. In
fact, our food service provider offers healthy party packages for you to purchase. In keeping with child
welfare, any treat/snack that is thought to contain peanut butter or nut oil will not be distributed.
Solicitations, Sales, and Distributions
All contests, sales, campaigns, and collections of money require approval from the office and, in some cases,
approval from the Board of Education.
Care of School Property and Equipment
The taxpayers of our community furnish school equipment, property, and materials for the use of our students.
It is essential that each pupil appreciate these gifts by respecting school property and equipment. A sense of
fairness to other pupils who must share the same environment and use the same materials is the true mark of a
responsible elementary school pupil. Materials and resources that are damaged or unaccounted for will be
charged to the parent/guardian of the student. Notification will be given for the fee to replace or repair the
item. The school will withhold report cards and/or transcripts until the outstanding balance is provided.
Teacher Requests
Though our scheduling process is complicated and time consuming, we remain committed to using many
essential, data-driven factors for assigning students to homeroom classrooms. We will plan for homeroom
groupings with the most sincere and intentional effort to place every student into the best, most appropriate
learning environment for each child’s specific needs. Therefore, parents/guardians should not make requests
for teacher possibilities unless there is a specific educational need. Periodically, teachers transition to other
grade levels. Please confine requests to those of an educational environment versus specific teacher requests.
In the elementary grades, grouping students for instruction requires the consideration of multiple factors
including, but not limited to, learning styles, support needs, benchmark scores and other data accumulated
throughout the current school year, class size, boy/girl ratio, classroom management, social and academic
skills, along with personality types of both students and teachers. The goal is to create balanced classes that
maximize learning opportunities for all students. To maximize your child’s learning experience, and to be fair
to all of our students, we take all of these factors into consideration.
We cannot accept requests for placement without a valid, educational, needs-based reason. In the event that
your child requires special consideration for educational needs, or you wish to communicate your thoughts
about your child’s educational environment needs, please state your thoughts on the specific educational
reason(s), put these requests in writing, and mail, hand deliver, or email to the building principal no later than
May 1. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this process.
Smoke/Tobacco Free Environment
No one, at any time, may smoke or use tobacco products in any of the buildings or on any property
operated by the Westmont Hilltop School District. This includes, but is not limited to, restroom areas,
conference and meeting rooms, classrooms, lounges, auditoriums, gymnasiums, the bus and athletic areas.
Weapons Policy
No professional, support, or contracted employee of the school district; student; or visitor to the school
district, may have in his/her possession, or bring and place on school property, any firearm, weapon,
explosive, or other potentially unsafe and injurious object. Toy weapons are also strictly prohibited!
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Discipline Guidelines
Mission
1. Be kind and treat each other with respect.
2. Be truthful and honest.
3. Handle school and personal properties with care.
4. Use technology and resources appropriately.
5. Have pencils, books, and any needed materials ready for class.
6. Complete all assignments on time.
7. Listen carefully when an adult or classmate speaks; wait your turn to speak.
8. Use “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome;” remain quiet if you have nothing nice to say.
9. Call classmates and adults by given names and titles.
10. Share with others; take turns.
11. Work and wait quietly.
12. Walk quietly at all times.
When Consequences Are Necessary
Whenever students’ behavior is unruly, disrespectful, and/or unkind, consequences will be necessary. The
elementary school staff will adhere to Response to Intervention and Instruction (RtII) Tier I Behavioral
Interventions for inappropriate behaviors.
Continued defiance of rules of behavior may result in RtII Tier II and/or Tier III Behavioral Interventions
such as detention, suspension, or expulsion. Students may also lose privileges of field trips, participation in
activities, or other appropriate penalties determined by the principal.
Our school district supports and enforces a zero tolerance policies on drugs, alcohol, bullying behaviors,
weapons, and harassment. Violations of these policies, as well as violations that show disregard for civil,
state, or federal laws, will be dealt with severely and may result in detentions, suspension, or expulsions.
Police may be called whenever the principal, the principal’s designee, or the Threat Assessment Team
determines they are needed.
Some of these serious violations include the following.
Stealing
Fighting
Unsafe acts
Verbal threats and harassment
Soliciting money
Use and/or possession of drugs or alcohol
Selling or distributing controlled substances
Sexual harassment
Bullying behaviors
Destroying, defacing, or mutilating school property or property of others
Possession/use of weapons
Possession/use of matches, lighters, or other incendiary devices
Gambling
*All of the aforementioned apply any time that school is in session and pertain to incidents occurring in school, on
school grounds, on the bus, from the residence portal to the school portal, and/or at any activity after school or
away from school under school sponsorship.
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Offenses Which May Result in Suspension or Expulsion Include (but are not limited to) the Following.
Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs in school or on school grounds
Assault or harassment of another student, teacher, or person in school
Bullying behaviors
Threats to do harm to others
Serious or persistent disruption of classes
Possession of a dangerous weapon or a look-alike weapon
Vandalism or stealing
Defiance of school authority
Definition of Suspension and Expulsion
“In-School Suspension” means separation from the student body while assigned to the detention room in the
office, guidance suite, or IST room. When applicable, the teacher will send academic work to the office.
“Temporary Suspension” (out-of-school suspension) means exclusion from school for an offense for a
period of up to nine school days, by the principal, without a hearing, in accordance with policies of the
Board of School Directors. In all suspension cases, the student has the responsibility to make up exams and
work missed. Students are responsible for making up course work in the timeframe designated by the
classroom teacher.
“Full Suspension” means exclusion from school for an offense for a period of ten or more school days, after an
informal hearing before the principal is offered to the student and the student’s parents, in accordance with
policies established by the Board of School Directors. In all suspension cases, the student has the responsibility to
make up exams and work missed. Students are responsible for making up course work in the timeframe
designated by the classroom teacher.
“Expulsion” means exclusion from school for an offense for a period exceeding ten school days and may
be permanent expulsion from school. In all expulsion cases, the student has the responsibility to make up
exams and work missed. Students are responsible for making up course work in the timeframe designated
by the classroom teacher.
*If a student is on in-school or out-of-school suspension or expulsion, the student is not allowed to
participate in any after-school activity.
Detentions
Detentions will be scheduled as necessary. At the elementary school, we commonly implement lunch,
recess, and/or after school detention. One or two-hour afterschool detentions will be utilized, depending on
the reason for the detention. Transportation home is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Grade 3 and Grade 4 Demerit System
Beginning at the start of the 2013-14 school year, all grade 3 and grade 4 students will follow the WHES
Demerit System. This system follows the same ideals of the middle school and high school. Please see the
WHES website for complete details.
Lost/Missing/Damaged Textbooks/Resources
Parents and guardians will receive notification from the classroom teacher of any lost, missing, or damaged
textbooks/ resources and the replacement fee(s). Failure to reimburse the district for lost or missing items could
result in withholding student report cards and/or permanent records.
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Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Program
Beginning in the 2013-14 School Year, WHES will implement the PBIS Program school-wide, or SWPBIS.
The PBIS Program focuses on improving student academic and behavior outcomes while ensuring that all
students have access to the most effective and accurately implemented instructional and behavioral practices,
and interventions, possible. SWPBIS provides an operational framework for achieving these outcomes. More
importantly, SWPBIS is NOT a curriculum, intervention, or practice. Rather it IS a decision making
framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence-based academic and
behavioral practices for improving important academic and behavior outcomes for all students. The PBIS
Program parallels the ideals of the aforementioned RtII Process and the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
(OBPP), as explained below. Please see the WHES Website for complete details.
The OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP)/Hilltopper Classroom HERO
The Westmont Hilltop School District, in conjunction with the Windber Research Institute, implements the
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP). The main goals of the program are to eliminate direct and indirect
“bullying” behaviors by students toward peers and to develop a prevention component against bullying. WHES
implemented the Hilltopper HERO (Helping Everyone by Reaching Out) Program to prevent bullying
behaviors and reward those who do not display bullying behaviors. The program puts emphasis on encouraging the
bystanders of a bullying behavior incident to help the problem. The key to this program is COMMUNICATION.
The HERO Program encourages students to report any occurrences of bullying behaviors to a parent, a teacher, a
guidance counselor, and/or administration. There are several rewards for those who promote a positive, safe school
environment. These reward opportunities include, but are not limited to, the Hilltopper Classroom HERO Reward,
and HERO-on-the-Spot reward. Please see the WHES website for complete details and associated bullying
behavior rubric for our Hilltopper HERO Program.
Four rules will serve as the foundation for the program.
1. We shall not bully others.
2. We shall try to help others who are bullied.
3. We shall make it a point to include others who become easily left out.
4. We shall tell an adult at school and an adult at home when somebody is
being bullied.
*This program will complement the previously detailed Discipline Mission.
WHSD School Board Policy Statement Regarding Bullying
The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. The Board
recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment
necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the Board prohibits bullying by
district students. The Board encourages students who have been bullied to promptly report such incidents to the
building principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, or classroom teacher.
Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or series of acts, directed at another
student or students, which occurs in a school setting, that is severe, persistent, or pervasive, and has the effect
of doing any of the following: 1. Substantial interference with a student’s education; 2. Creation of a
threatening environment; 3. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.
The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be
taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the
district’s legal and investigative obligations. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith
reports of bullying.
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School Lunch Program
Students at the elementary school may purchase lunch in the cafeteria. A lunch meal includes a choice of one entrée,
bread, choice of any two fruits and vegetables, milk, and a desert. Salad bar is offered Monday through Thursday.
Breakfast is available for purchase daily. Breakfast includes entrée, fruit and/or fruit juice, toast, and milk. School
menus are sent home monthly and are also available on the elementary school website. Please note that Capri Suns and
bottled water are not part of the regular menu and are an additional cost. Further lunch program details, and a list of à la
carte items, and prices, can be found at www.whsd.org, under District Departments; click on the Food Services link.
Parents have the option of placing money into an account, which is accessed through a student identification code.
Each time a child uses the code, the appropriate amount of money is deducted from the account. Parents are notified in
writing by the food service provider when the account reaches a low balance or the account has been overdrawn.
Students may also use cash to pay for their lunch on a daily basis. In addition, parents/guardians have the capability
customize student purchases to select items. A limit can be placed on purchasing “extras,” but not the regular meal.
Students can pay cash for meals or use the debit system offered by Metz and Associates, LTD, the district’s food
service contractor. This system allows parents to prepay student meal accounts, and utilizes a personal identification
number (PIN) and a corresponding touchscreen and picture ID for accurate accountability. This is not a credit card
system; accounts must be prepaid and are debited as students make purchases each day.
The criteria that Metz and Associates, Ltd., follows when a student has a negative lunch account balance is as follows.
If an account balance falls below -$4.50, that student will not be permitted to purchase a la carte items.
If an account balance falls below -$8.00, that student will be notified, and his or her parents/guardians will
receive a call from the principal.
If an account fall below -$10.00, that student’s menu option will be a sandwich and milk. The student’s report
card and transcripts could be held until payment is made.
Low-income families may qualify for free or reduced meal rates. Information regarding students receiving free or
reduced meal rates is confidential. Thanks to the debit system used in the cafeteria, students that receive free or reduced
meal rates are indistinguishable from students that pay full price. Applications are available in the school office.
Details regarding the debit system and the free or reduced lunch program are included as part of the District Activities
Calendar and information packet sent to all parents in August. Further inquiries regarding the food service program and
lunch accounts can be directed to the food service manager at 254-1811.
Cafeteria Lunch Time Procedures
1. Homeroom teachers will take students for a bathroom break prior to the start of lunch.
2. LINE-UP PROCEDURES FOR HOMEROOMS ENTERING THE CAFETERIA
First in Line—Packers
Third in Line—Salad Bar Buyers
Second in Line—Milk Buyers
Fourth in Line—Full Lunch Buyers
3. Students go directly to serving lines or tables at the start of lunch.
4. Talking should be minimized until all students are seated.
5. Students eat at designated homeroom tables.
6. Students with peanut allergies sit at the peanut-free tables.
7. Monitor uses the Q-U-I-E-T Signs to keep noise down during lunch.
Q = Warning
U = Warning
I = Warning
E = Loss of 5 Minutes of Recess
T = Loss of 10 Minutes of Recess
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8. Ten minutes before lunch period ends
**Monitor will:
Remind children that 10 minutes remain
Announce Final Call for Extras (must have eaten entire entrée to be eligible)
Begin Emptying Trays
9. Five minutes before lunch ends, notification is given by the monitor that students are to remain silent
until all have exited the cafeteria to maximize grade level transitions to/from the cafeteria.
**Monitor will:
Release students table by table to clean-up, empty trays, and line-up in designated area.
Emergency Restroom Policy
Students must request permission to leave the cafeteria. A monitor will be designated to approve requests.
Rewards for Continual Positive Cafeteria Behavior
1. Empty trays first
2. Line leader
3. Line up first
4. Go to lunch first
5. First to go to recess
6. Report to principal
7. No 5 minutes of silent lunch
8. Sit at back table with classmates
9. Buddy day in the cafeteria
10. Lunch with the principal
11. Extra Recess: 5 minutes
12. Extra Recess: 10 minutes
*Depending on frequency of action, one or several of
these rewards may apply. In addition, these are
applicable for individual, class, or grade level.
Consequences for Disruptive Cafeteria Behavior
1. Warning/conference with student
2. Last to line up
3. Last to go to recess
4. Move to back table
5. Loss of 5 minutes of recess
6. Loss of 10 minutes of recess
7. Loss of 15 minutes of recess
8. Loss of 20 minutes of recess
9. Loss of entire recess (ARR)
10. Report to principal
11. Assigned lunch seating
12. Lunch detention/In school detention
*Depending on severity or frequency of action, one or
several of these consequences may apply. In addition,
these are applicable for individual, class, or grade level.
WHSD Student Bus Expectations
At school, we reinforce with students that the bus is an extension of the school building. All students must
adhere to “ESTE” or “Enter the bus,” Sit down,” Talk quietly, and “Exit the bus” expectations at all times.
Students should display the same behavior and follow the same guidelines as if they were in school.
Note: All of the WHSD school busses have been furnished with video recording equipment.
1. Be RESPECTFUL and RESPONSIBLE at all times. Follow ESTE at all times.
2. When waiting for the bus, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and only cross when the lights on the
bus are flashing RED.
3. Always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you.
4. Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus; the driver cannot see you back there.
5. Stay seated in your seat. Never stand while the bus is moving.
6. Always sit facing the front of the bus.
7. Wait for the bus to stop before getting out of your seat.
8. Wait your turn when getting on or off the bus.
9. No pushing.
10. Keep talking at a minimum, but always at a low volume – inside voice.
11. Use appropriate language.
12. Keep your hands, feet, and belongings to yourself, out of the aisle, and inside the bus.
13. Consumption of food/beverages/candy/chewing gum is prohibited.
14. When weather permits, bus windows may be lowered one quarter of the way down.
15. Keep the bus clean. Put trash in the waste can and no writing on the seats/walls.
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16. Realize that the bus driver holds the same authority as a teacher.
17. Adhere to all guidelines set forth in the student handbook or communicated to you by the bus driver.
18. Failure to follow the rules the first time, and every time, will lead to consequences.
ACTIONS may result in any of the following as directed by THE DRIVER or THE PRINCIPAL:
Assigning a seat at the front of the bus
Assigning seats for all riders on the bus – this will occur for all afternoon bus routes
Formal written referral form to the administration of the school district
Stopping the bus to address the situation
Stopping the bus to request that an administrator report to the bus to deal with the situation
Returning the bus to the school for immediate release of the offending student(s)
Confiscating any contraband item(s)
Suspension of riding privileges
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify McIlwain School Bus Lines (288-1594) if there is a medical,
social, emotional, or psychological issue with their child.
A parent, guardian, or designated adult must be present at the bus stop to greet their kindergarten student. If a
parent, guardian, or designated adult is not at the bus stop, the driver will return the student to the school building
or central office.
FACILITIES USE
When completing a Request for Facilities Use form, you must complete ALL DATES NEEDED, not just the
beginning and end dates. The form must be submitted 10 school days in advance of the first requested date.
The following is the protocol your group is expected to follow while using our school facility.
If your organization has requested use of the gym or LGI, you will enter and exit the building using the
door closest to the gym. There are no exceptions. A buzzer for that entrance is available for use.
Events/Facilities cannot be scheduled on weekday evenings that school is not in session.
If your organization has requested use of the cafeteria, you will enter and exit the building using the
door closest to the cafeteria.
If your organization has requested the use of any room on the right side of the building, you will enter
and exit the building using the door closest to the office, or the main entrance.
If your organization arrives when the Kid Stop program is still in session, be advised that the Kid Stop
personnel is not authorized or permitted to open the front doors for anyone, except those here for
Kid Stop business.
Entry doors are not permitted to be kept open by blocking them with any object. This is a violation of
our safety management program. The security of our school is a 24-hour responsibility.
Fifteen minutes prior to the arrival of your organization, a custodian will be at the door to let you in.
After the arrival of the first person, it will be your organization’s responsibility to post someone at the
door to let in the rest of your group.
If your organization is not planning to use the requested area on a particular scheduled date, please
contact the school by calling 255-8781 and leaving a message.
Please leave the space clean and orderly.
In the event of school closing or emergency early dismissal, all events will be canceled for that
day/evening.
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FIELD TRIP, CURRICULAR, AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES POLICY
1. Trip/Activity permission slips must be submitted at least two days prior to the event.
2. If parents wish to withhold their sons or daughters from an event, activity, or trip, they must give notification
to the classroom teacher within three days of the scheduled event.
3. As part of a disciplinary action, a student may be withheld from attending a field trip or other curricular/extracurricular
activity.
4. If while on a trip or during an activity a student’s behavior is deemed inappropriate, discourteous, etc. he/she
may be removed from participation.
5. Some circumstances may require that a parent attend the activity or trip. Failure to do so will negate the child’s
eligibility to participate.
6. Students with four or more unexcused absences and/or 16 tardy/early dismissals may be unable to participate.
7. A school nurse is not always available to travel on a school trip. Therefore, a parent, other family member, or
school/family designated health professional may be required to attend.
8. Any student not attending a trip or ineligible to participate in an activity, for any reason, will be supervised for
the duration of the event by building administration, or designee, in the main office, IST room or guidance
suite.
Parent Volunteers
The Westmont Hilltop School District is grateful for the support of parent volunteers. We encourage all parents
to become involved in the educational endeavors of your children. We wish to support your efforts in
volunteerism and to encourage a continuing partnership with parents. As always, our first and most pressing
concern is the health, safety, and welfare of your children while they are in our care. We deem this process of
requiring clearances to be prudent and in the best interests of our Westmont Hilltop families. We appreciate
your patience while we make this transition. The following specifications will help to expedite and clarify the
process of the acquisition of clearances for everyone who wishes to chaperone or serve as a designated
volunteer in our school district.
Directions are as follows.
1. Read School Policy 916: School Volunteers and sign the form indicating that you have read the policy.
2. Complete the PDE 6004, which is required to initiate active status as a volunteer or chaperone.
3. Submit this form to your school office in an envelope marked “clearances.” Upon submission to
district’s central office, your name will be added to a database indicating active visitor status.
4. Act 34 and Act 151 Clearances will also be required of all designated volunteers and/or chaperones,
effective at the start of the 2012-2013 school year. Additionally, FBI fingerprinting will be required of
anyone who has moved to the district from out of state.
5. Upon confirmation of active status, individuals may chaperone or volunteer as designees for district
events. The district will maintain a confidential database in Central Office for clearances. Only
confidential personnel will have access to the files. Organizers who are in charge of events will have
access to the database of active volunteers.
Designated volunteers and/or chaperones who have previously obtained clearances while residing in the
district, and who have remained in the district since the date the clearances were obtained, will be considered
active. Individuals moving to the district from another state will be required to obtain FBI clearances prior to
becoming a chaperone or designated volunteer.
Failure to submit all clearances in a timely fashion relative to the time required to obtain them will place an
individual on the inactive list pending clearances. Effective at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year,
chaperones and designated volunteers will need the PDE 6004 form, criminal record clearance, and child abuse
clearances on file.
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No parent/guardian may chaperone or be a designated volunteer without submitting ALL THREE necessary
clearances to central office a MINIMUM of TWO WEEKS prior to the designated field trip(s).
Each building administration will provide information for new parents and incoming kindergarten students to
expedite the clearance process for them.
The district provides directions regarding how clearances may be acquired in the most efficient manner. These
directions are posted to the “Links” category of the WHES Website. Please contact the school if you have
trouble accessing the link or navigating through the clearance expectations.
School Announcements/Bulletins
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
As part of a district wide initiative to “Go Green,” the WHES weekly newsletter was discontinued in 2011. All building
updates, event reminders, policy/procedure communications, etc., will be delivered via the PowerSchool e-mail
system.
Please remember to check events calendar on our elementary school website. This calendar will be updated
regularly and is a terrific resource for finding WHES events.
To Receive WHES Announcements
Below are directions to set the PowerSchool email function to get daily announcements. Although we will not send
announcements daily, you will be able to receive them whenever we send them out. Currently, many accounts are
set to a Sunday evening default. To remain current, please change your settings in PowerSchool.
1. Log into PowerSchool.
Depending on which page opens by default, the navigation may be on the left or on top.
2. Select Email Notification.
3. Under What information would you like to receive? there are several options. For the purpose of receiving
daily bulletins, select School Announcements.
4. Under How often? select Daily.
To View the WHES Announcements Online
1. Log into PowerSchool.
2. Depending on which page opens by default, the navigation may be on the left or on top.
3. Select School Bulletin.
To Access the WHES Menu
The school breakfast/lunch menu is available on the district website, www.whsd.org, under District
Departments/Food Services.
Parent Teacher Organization
The elementary school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is highly involved in the school and encourages
volunteerism at every level. All parents are automatically members of the PTO once their children are enrolled
in the elementary school. The Parent Teacher Organization provides many opportunities for parents to
volunteer in a variety of projects throughout the school year. Meetings are scheduled monthly, with the
exception of December and July. These meetings give parents and teachers the opportunity to keep informed
about the organization’s plans. Childcare for any age youngster is provided at each meeting at no cost.
Services/activities sponsored by the PTO include the following: Talent Show, Family Bingo Nights, Book Fair,
Science Fair, Fun Days, clothing sales, Holiday Shoppe, Fall Festival, and much, much more! The PTO also
funds grade-level field trips and classroom extension activities, the School Store, ice cream rewards, and
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special assemblies throughout the year. The PTO encourages participation in a variety of projects, including
Box Tops for Education and Giant Eagle Apples for Education program. These projects help in sponsoring a
varied range of school-wide programs on an annual basis.
Health Services
According to Article 322, School Health Act, a medical examination is required of all students upon entry to
school, entry to grades six and eleven, and upon transferring from another school district. You may have your
child examined by your family physician if you so desire. Children who have not been examined by the family
physician will be scheduled with the school district’s physician.
The School Health Law also requires dental examinations upon original entry and entry into grades one, three,
and seven.
Each child’s height, weight, vision, and hearing are checked annually by the school nurse. If you wish to
exempt your child from school nurse checks, you must submit a formal written request to building
administration at the onset of each school year.
Currently, our school nurse is shared with local parochial schools; therefore, she is not in the building and
available at all times. Please advise your children to ask to see the nurse when necessary. In the case of an
emergency, the principal will see children and determine the level of health care needed.
PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
The following immunizations are required by the state of Pennsylvania for all students.
• Four doses of tetanus and diphtheria (one dose must be given on or after your child’s 4 th birthday)
• Three doses of polio
• Two doses of measles, mumps, one dose rubella (given as MMR)
• Three doses of hepatitis (spaced out over six months)
• Two doses of varicella (unless your child has had chickenpox, then you must provide month and year)
Please provide the school nurse with an updated copy of your child’s immunization record. This can be faxed
to 255-8793. If you have any questions please call the school nurse at 255-8771.
Instructional Support Team and Elementary Student Assistance Program
The Westmont Hilltop Elementary School implements and maintains an Instructional Support
Team (IST) and a Student Assistance Program (SAP).
The instructional support process consists of assessment and intervention procedures that
attempt to ensure that students experiencing difficulties which affect their academic progress
receive an effective program that will meet their needs. The center of the instructional support
and/or SAP process is a team comprised of the principal, the instructional support teacher, the guidance
counselor, the regular education teacher, and the school nurse. The team meets on a regular basis to assist
classroom teachers in planning and implementing strategies that are designed to produce success for each
identified student. Input and assistance from parents is an instrumental part of the plan. Additional members of
the team are the speech therapist, the Title I teacher(s), the reading support teacher, the enrichment teacher, and
the learning support teacher.
The instructional support teacher assists other teachers in meeting goals at the RtII Tier II and Tier III levels set
by the team. He or she will provide consultations, technical assistance, and training to teachers and parents. The
support teacher and the guidance counselor will also facilitate the screening of students who may be eligible for
special education services.
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Guidance and Psychological Services
The elementary guidance department is ready to assist parents, families and guardians with academic support,
one on one conferencing, collaboration with teachers and administrators and interpretation of your child’s
testing results. Your child’s counselor is also available to discuss referrals to outside agencies in regards to
behavior, academics and social skill issues that may surface throughout the school year. The Developmental
Guidance program consists of classroom guidance lessons throughout the school year, small group and
individual counseling. Feel free to contact the elementary guidance counselor if you have any concerns
regarding your child’s social, emotional or academic growth.
If the necessity arises, a student may be recommended for further evaluation. This process, known as a Multi-
Disciplinary Evaluation (MDE) is completed by a certified school psychologist. A pre-requisite to the MDE
process is participation in the Instructional Support Team program. MDE may also be initiated at parent
request. After the evaluation, the school presents a full report of findings to the parents. Appropriate
educational placement or classroom modifications may be recommended.
Speech and Hearing
A speech and hearing correction program is available for those students who have been screened by a speech
and hearing therapist. The program includes individual and group sessions, which concentrate on each child’s
particular area of difficulty. Feel free to contact the elementary speech therapist if you have any concerns
regarding your child’s speech and hearing needs.
Other Support Services in the Elementary School
When an evaluation process is completed and the student meets the Pennsylvania Standards eligibility criteria,
additional support services are available. These include gifted support, learning support, deaf and hearing
support, vision support, autistic support, emotional support, and occupational and physical therapy.
Title I Literacy and Math
Reading and math instructional support is provided to those students who show a need, based upon the results
of the Title I Literacy Assessment and Key Math Exam. Following a student’s progression through the RtII
Tier I interventions and universal benchmark testing, a certified reading or math specialist will work with small
student groups during the week in order to develop these reading readiness and math skills. Currently, the
elementary school utilizes staff and programs for Title I Reading in grades K-4 and Title I Math in Grades 3
and 4. These programs are supported by federal funding available through Title I of the Elementary
Consolidated and Improvement Act of 1981.
Enrichment Program
The elementary school-wide enrichment program offers many opportunities for academically talented students. There
are a variety of competitions and contests related to many areas of the curriculum. In addition, the learning enrichment
teacher offers small group instruction to student’s who may need academic enrichment in a particular subject area.
Student competitions that are sponsored by the enrichment program include Continental Math League, Word Masters
Challenge, Language Arts Olympiad, and Science Olympiad. The Language Arts and Science Olympiads involve
taking multiple choice tests in both reading and science, and this opportunity is made available to all students in grades
two through four in April. All students in grades one through four have the opportunity to participate in the annual
Science Fair. All fourth grade students participate in a musical at the end of the school year. Music, dance and
dramatics are incorporated into this event.
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Kindergarten Enrichment
Guided Reading: Children who score 97% or higher on the Title I Early Literacy Assessment, and all
components of the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) Next benchmark assessments
are monitored by the classroom teacher. These children may be administered an individual reading
benchmark. The results of these assessments will provide the classroom teacher and enrichment teacher with
an accurate independent and instructional reading level. Advanced readers may work with the enrichment
teacher in order to provide reading materials at the appropriate instructional level.
Grade 1 Enrichment
Guided Reading: Instructional reading levels and abilities are determined by administering individual
benchmarks, including the DIBELS Next Benchmark Assessment three times per year, to the first grade
students. Students reading and comprehending at advanced levels will attend guided reading classes with
the learning enrichment teacher and will be provided with challenging reading materials.
Creative Thinking Class: Teacher recommendation for this class is based on the Creativity checklist
provided by the enrichment teacher. It is used by the classroom teacher to identify students who
demonstrate creative thinking characteristics.
Grade 2 Enrichment
Guided Reading: Individual reading benchmarks, including the DIBELS Next Benchmark Assessment
three times per year, are administered to second grade students to determine instructional reading levels
and direction for determining a solid foundation for reading. Students reading and comprehending at
advanced levels will attend guided reading classes with the learning enrichment teacher, and will be
provided with challenging reading materials.
Creative Thinking Class: Teacher recommendation for this class is based on the Creativity checklist
provided by the enrichment teacher. It is used by the classroom teacher to identify students who
demonstrate creative thinking characteristics.
The Continental Math League (CML)/Problem Solving Class: The children are instructed in problem
solving steps and strategies, but do not enter the national competition until third grade. Students must
meet multiple criteria to participate. A CML pretest will be administered to all grade 2 students, and the
score will be used as one of the criteria in combination with scoring in the 95 th percentile and above on the
In-View Test of Cognitive Abilities. Math grade percentages for the first marking period are also taken
into consideration. Since CML problems are challenging word problems, students participating in CML
must also be advanced in reading comprehension.
Grade 3 Enrichment
Guided Reading: Instruction continues to be offered to advanced readers in third grade. Individual reading
benchmarks levels, including the DIBELS Next Benchmark Assessment three times per year, the Terra
Nova Achievement test results, the In-View Test of Cognitive ability results, and Reading percentages on
the report card are taken into consideration when identifying students for this class.
Creative Thinking Class: Teacher recommendation for this class is based on the Creativity checklist
provided by the enrichment teacher. It is used by the classroom teacher to identify students who
demonstrate creative thinking characteristics.
Continental Math League: Students must meet multiple criteria to participate. Third grade students, who
demonstrate advanced problem solving ability in math, may participate in the CML national competition
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and CML Problem Solving class. Successful performance in the grade 2 CML class, scoring in the 95
percentile and above on the In-View test of Cognitive ability, high math percentages on the Terra Nova,
and math percentages on the report card are taken into consideration when identifying children for this
particular class. Since CML problems are challenging word problems, students participating in CML
must also be advanced in reading comprehension.
Hands-on Algebra: The children who qualify for CML in grade 3 participate in this class the last 9 weeks
in third grade. The students use manipulative objects/concepts to solve algebraic equations.
Word Masters Challenge: Students must meet multiple criteria to participate. They demonstrate an
advanced vocabulary in both speaking and writing, have advanced reading ability, and high percentiles on
the In-View test of Cognitive Ability and on the Terra Nova. Students who participate in this national
competition use word relationships to solve analogies.
Grade 4 Enrichment
Continental Math League: Students must meet multiple criteria to participate. This class is for students
who have demonstrated advanced problem solving ability in math. Criteria include the DIBELS Next
Benchmark Assessment three times per year, the PSSA math scores at the top of the advanced category,
successful performance in the grade 3 CML class, high math grade percentages on the grade 3 report card,
and high percentiles on the In-View test of Cognitive ability. Since CML problems are challenging word
problems, students participating in CML must also be advanced in reading according to the PSSA scores
with high reading grade percentages on the third grade report card.
Hands-on Algebra X: Students must meet multiple criteria to participate. This class is for those advanced
math students who began Algebra in grade 3 and were successful with understanding and applying
algebraic concepts. These students also need to have PSSA math scores in the upper advanced level.
Hands-on Algebra Y: Students must meet multiple criteria to participate. This class is for advanced math
students who did not begin Algebra in grade 3. Criteria include PSSA math scores at the top of the
advanced category, high math grade percentages on grade 3 report card, and high percentiles on the In-
View test of Cognitive Ability, as well as teacher recommendation.
Discovery Quest/Current Events: Students must meet multiple criteria to participate. Students need to
have advanced reading ability as demonstrated by high grade percentages in reading on their grade 3 and
grade 4 report card, and PSSA scores at the top of the advanced category. In addition, they must
demonstrate responsibility and well developed independent work skills. Students will be involved in the
study of current events or will be required to complete independent research on a discovery question of
the month. Participants will be asked to make oral presentations as well as participate in class discussions.
Word Masters Challenge: Students must meet multiple criteria to participate. Students must demonstrate
an advanced vocabulary in both speaking and writing, have advanced reading ability, PSSA reading
scores at the top of the advanced category, and high percentiles on the In-View test of Cognitive Abilities.
Students who participate in this national competition use word relationships to solve analogies.
Research Class: Students must meet multiple criteria to participate. The students in this class will be taken
through the various steps of the research process as they research and investigate a topic of interest. The
children in this class must be advanced readers who maintain a 98% or above in Reading/Language Arts.
They must score at the top of the advanced category on the PSSA Reading test, and have high percentiles
on the In-View Test of Cognitive Ability.
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Student Retention
The fourth quarter progress report does not designate a student’s promotion or retention. However, if any student
is being considered for retention, the parents/guardians will be notified as early as March or April to begin
retention discussions. Even with support services through the Title I Math and Reading Program(s),
Instructional Support Team, the Student Assistance Program, and ongoing classroom modifications, discussing
retention with a child’s parent may become necessary.
Students may be retention candidates if they fail to meet expectations in 64 percent or more of the core
academic subjects on the second and/or third quarter report card. These students will be referred to the
Instructional Support Team who, along with the classroom teacher, will discuss the student’s needs and
determine the appropriate academic course to take. Parents will be invited to meet with the Instructional Support
Team and the teacher, and intervention plans will be discussed. If suitable progress is not made in the next 30 school
days, the school may recommend retention.
Summer Tutoring
Summer tutoring in literacy and math is offered through the district for elementary age children by invitation only.
Civil Rights Statement
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Westmont Hilltop School District, an equal opportunity employer, will not discriminate in employment,
educational programs or activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, ancestry, sexual
orientation, or disability. Publication of this policy in this document is in accordance with state and federal
laws including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IV; Title VI; Title VII; Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972; Sections 503 & 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1992.
Internet Usage
Internet access is available throughout the district and thus makes possible an array of viable learning opportunities
for students. However, we do want to honor parental discretion relative to a child’s usage of the Internet. The
District requests that parents/guardians complete permission forms for all kindergarten, first, fifth, and ninth
graders. The form will be filed in each child’s folder and will remain in effect for the duration of the student’s time
in a given building. A parent may withdraw permission by written notification to the main office.
Acceptable Use of the Internet
Information available through the Internet may be protected by copyrights or trademarks. Transmission of
copyrighted or pornographic material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited.
Computer users should be aware that the Internet contains offensive material. The school district may
choose to filter offensive content, limiting access to sites which are outside the realm of classroom research.
The Internet is a vast worldwide network with very few limitations or restrictions. Not all sources on the
Internet provide accurate, complete, or current information. The Westmont Hilltop School District is not
responsible for any information obtained on the Internet.
Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data is prohibited. This includes the uploading or creating of
computer viruses. Hardware or software may not be modified or destroyed. Users may not change settings
or load personal programs onto any of the District’s computers without authorization from a sponsoring
teacher
Students may not use the Internet for any commercial or for-profit purposes.
Students may not include pictures, descriptions, or any other such references to school employees or other
students on student-created web sites without signed permission from employee or student. Violation of this
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provision will result in immediate termination of Internet privileges, administration of appropriate school
penalties, and referral to local police authorities (in severe cases).
(Title 18 Penna. Crime Code-Sect. 5903)
It is a felony offense in the state of Pennsylvania “to display or cause to display any explicit sexual
material on any viewing screen in such manner that the display is visible in any establishment where
a minor, as part of the general public, may be exposed to view all or any part of such materials.”
Sexual Harassment Policy
It is the policy of the Westmont Hilltop School District to maintain learning and working environment that is
free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests of a sexual
nature when made by any member of the school staff to a student, a student to a member of the school staff,
and by any student to another student. Substantiated offenses will be punishable in accordance to disciplinary
measures established at the administrative and/or school board level.
Student Responsibilities
1. Student responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom
work, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Most of all, students share with the
administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is
conducive to wholesome learning and living.
2. No student has the right to interfere with the education of fellow students. It is the responsibility
of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators, and all others who are
involved in the educational process.
3. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner to avoid offending or slandering
others.
4. Students must also understand that the cafeteria, bus, field trip destination, etc., are all extensions of the
regular classroom; classroom rules, expectations, rewards, and consequences apply.
5. It is the responsibility of the students to:
a. Be willing to volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the school
community and the protection of school property.
b. Assume that, until a rule is waived, altered, or repealed, it is in full effect.
c. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled.
d. Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment.
e. Attend school daily, except when excused, and be on time for all classes and other school functions.
f. Make all necessary arrangements for making up work when absent from school.
g. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by state and local school
authorities.
Thank you to all of the students, teachers, parents, office
staff, maintenance personnel, food service technicians, bus
drivers, and community members for their support,
dedication, hard work, and countless hours spent making
Westmont Hilltop Elementary School the best place on earth!
Have a great year, everyone!
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