Kenna Elementary School
Student and Parent Handbook
2023-2024
Home of the Kenna Cubs
William P. Hosaflook, Superintendent
Andrea Goff, Principal
275 Business Park Rd.
Kenna, WV 25248
304-372-2262
Fax: 304-372-2202
Our Mission:
Growing respectful citizens and life-long learners.
The faculty and staff at Kenna Elementary School welcome all new and returning students to the 2023-2024 school year! This handbook will provide most of the important information needed to understand the policies and procedures at Kenna Elementary School. It is important that the handbook be read and discussed by both students and parents/guardians. Any changes will be updated on the school website. The faculty and staff are here to assist students and parents/guardians with problems or concerns. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact us at any time.
School Day Information:
Preschool: Monday – Thursday 7:45 am – 3:15 pm
Kindergarten through Grade 5: Monday – Friday 7:45 am – 3:15 pm
Student Drop-off: 7:15 am- 7:40 am
Student Pick-up: 3:20 pm- 3:40 pm
School Website:
kenna.jack.k12.wv.us
KENNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF
Andrea Goff- Principal
Missy Hall- Secretary
Susan Curry- Counselor
Kristie Robertson- Speech Language Pathologist
Karen Barnette- Preschool
Sierra Easton- Preschool Aide
Jessica Stewart- Kindergarten
Cheryl Faber- Kindergarten Aide
Brandy Compston- Kindergarten
Lexis Shamp- Kindergarten Aide
Candise Anderson- First Grade
Kara Lewis- First Grade Aide
Julie Banton- First Grade
Melissa Randolph- First Grade Aide
Krista Baker- Second Grade
Kristabelle Collins- Second Grade
Jahlea Goble- Third Grade
Melissa Fisher- Third Grade
Julia Boggess- Fourth Grade
Brandi Moore- Fourth Grade
Liz Cecil- Fifth Grade
Robin Chancey- Fifth Grade
Heidi Horvath- Special Education
Sandy Vidrine- Special Education Aide
Hilary Groves- Music Education
Lexi Miller- Physical Education
Rachelle Bennett- Art Education
Neil Loprinzi
Christy Sholl- Title I
Angela Crank- Interventionist
Brooke Shouldis- Interventionist
Karen Barnett- Cafeteria Manager
Angie Kay-Cook
Heidie Bragg- Cook
Janie Scarberry- Custodian
Colten Freshour- Custodian
Gary White- Custodian
Sherri Eagle- School Nurse
VISITORS
In the interest of safety for students and staff, visitors to the school are required to report to and sign in at the main office. Please be prepared to present photo identification between the hours of 7:15 am and 4:00 pm. Children will only be released to persons other than the parents/guardians with written permission from the parent(s) or guardian(s) either in a separate note or as indicated on the student’s emergency card.
Classes are not to be interrupted by a parent or visitor during school hours. One of our goals is to teach and foster student responsibility. Encourage your child to prepare for the next school day by gathering the items needed for school the night before. If it is necessary to leave a message or deliver other items to a child while school is in session, the office staff will gladly take care of it for you. Children will not be allowed to call home unless an adult deems the situation to be an emergency.
VOLUNTEERS
Kenna Elementary owes a great deal of thanks to our volunteers. We appreciate all the assistance they provide for both the students and staff. Our volunteers create a sense of community in our classrooms and school.
Any volunteer who plans on working in the building during the school day will need to become a Registered Volunteer. This includes serving as a chaperone on a field trip or classroom/building helpers. In order to volunteer, parents or guardians need to complete a volunteer application, which must be approved by the principal and district superintendent. The directions are on the county website. If you have previously registered and been approved as a volunteer, you need to reapply. ALL volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation session at the beginning of the school year after their approval as a volunteer.
The following are considered visitors and not volunteers and do not need to complete a volunteer application: guest speakers/presenters; those coming in to help only their child with a project or presentation; attendees at a teacher/school-invited event – such as promotion ceremonies, art shows, science fairs, concerts, special events, etc. In addition, volunteers at PTO/Friends of Kenna events and meetings that take place outside of the regular school day do not need to turn in a volunteer application.
For more information, contact the school principal or secretary.
PARENT ORGANIZATIONS
Kenna Elementary School has two active parent organizations: PTO and Friends of Kenna. The PTO sponsors many events during the school year and conducts an annual fall festival to raise funds for the school. Friends of Kenna is an organization that raises funds to enhance the outdoor learning environment at the school. Please become involved with these groups at our school. Volunteers are always needed in both of these organizations. The chairpersons from both groups will introduce themselves at our open house nights.
LOCAL SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL (WVBOE Policy 2200)
The Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) meets approximately four times throughout the school year. The LSIC is comprised of parents, school staff and community representation. The LSIC is an elected council whose purpose is to: 1) encourage the involvement of parents/guardians in their child’s educational process and the school; 2) encourage businesses to provide time for their employees who are parents/guardians to meet with teachers concerning their child(ren)’s education; 3) encourage advice and suggestions from the business community; 4) encourage school volunteer programs and mentorship programs; and 5) foster utilization of the school facilities and grounds for public community activities.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Throughout the year a variety of emergency drills take place. Fire drills are held throughout the year as required by the State Fire Marshall’s office. Lock down drills are held once per nine weeks. Severe weather and shelter in place drills are practiced periodically. These drills are designed to instruct students and staff in procedures that are specific to the drill. The purpose of these drills is to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL/DELAYS/EARLY DISMISSALS
When the decision is made by the Superintendent of Jackson County Schools to close, delay, or have early dismissal from schools, radio and television stations in the immediate and surrounding areas are notified to make the appropriate announcement. The county calling system will be used to notify households of school closings, delays, or early dismissals.
Please notify the school office of changes in home phone numbers, cell phone numbers, or other pertinent personal contact information throughout the school year.
SECURITY MEASURES
Kenna Elementary School is committed to providing a safe and secure facility for both students and staff. In accordance with the West Virginia Safe and Secure Schools policy, Kenna Elementary has implemented the following safety measures:
Parents may drop off students at the school using the rear entrance drop-off area from 7:15 to 7:40. Students will enter the building through the rear main entrance. Students may be picked up beginning at 3:20 p.m. in the rear (back) of the building. Students will be dismissed to their vehicle from the cafeteria. If you pick up your child from school on a daily basis, you will be provided with an identification card for you and your child. If you pick up your child periodically at the end of the school day, you can call the office and sign them out at the cafeteria pick-up lane at the rear parent drop-off/pick-up area. After 7:40 a.m., students are tardy and parents must enter through the front entrance to sign a student in for the day.
Staff and students will not be permitted to open building entry doors to allow visitors access. All visitors/parents/etc. must enter through the front entry doors and be buzzed into the waiting room by the office staff. All volunteers and visitors are required to check in at the office and wear an identification tag while they are in the school or on the school grounds. Volunteers and visitors must also sign out in the office when they leave the school. For the safety of our students, there will be no trespassing onto the playground during school hours by outside-of-school individuals.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Kenna Elementary School’s counselor is available upon request by a student, teacher, principal, or parent to discuss issues important to student adjustment and achievement. Classroom or small group activities are offered concerning friendships, study skills, career exploration, and self-concept. Children practice life skills such as processing feelings, making decisions, and listening and communicating effectively.
MEDICATION POLICY
In accordance with West Virginia State Board Policy 2422.8, MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION, and Jackson County Schools Policy 5330: Administration of Medications, the following procedures have been established for administering medications to students while at school.
· Parents are encouraged to administer medications to students at home whenever possible.
· All prescription and non-prescription medications require the form JC-72 for prescription medication and/or a form JC-72a- OTC for non-prescription medication.
· Parents are to leave the medication with the nurse, principal, or approved designee for proper storage and monitoring of administration. The only exceptions to this requirement are students who are authorized to carry medications that require immediate administration such as an epi-pen or inhaler. The physician order must specify that it be maintained in the student’s possession, and the student must be able to demonstrate that he/she is able to carry/maintain the medication in a responsible manner and use only as prescribed.
· When medications other than those authorized for self-carry/self-administration are discovered in a pupil’s possession, they will be confiscated, and the parent contacted to discuss the substance abuse policy and disciplinary action, and to pick up the medication.
· Schools may possess and maintain a supply of epinephrine auto injectors for use in emergency medical care or treatment for anaphylactic reaction.
· In the event of a medication emergency, the school nurse and/or administrator will be notified to respond and call the physician and/or parent/guardian as necessary.
If prescription and/or non-prescription medication is to be dispensed at school, please have the physician complete and Please return these forms to the school.
The school nurse or principal will store the medication in a locked container in a secure area. All prescription medications brought to the school shall be picked up by the parent at the end of the school year or the end of the period of medication administration, whichever is earlier. All medication not picked up by the last day of the school year will be destroyed.
A medication log or written record will be maintained indicating the name of the student, the name and dosage of the medication dispensed, the date and time of day, the duration of the order, and the name (initials) of the person administering the medication.
TEXTBOOK/LIBRARY BOOK POLICY
Jackson County Schools provides free textbooks to all students. These books are considered to be on loan to the student. Normal wear and tear are expected, however, if a student loses, defaces, or destroys textbooks or workbooks, the parents will be responsible for replacing the item.
BAND PROGRAM
When a student enters fifth grade, they will be offered the opportunity to take band classes. Band students receive instruction once or twice a week. Daily practice at home is encouraged.
Parents may rent or buy instruments from local music stores. There will be an opportunity for students to try out instruments in the fall at Ripley High School. Additional information will be sent home in a few weeks after the start of school.
STUDENT RECORDS
Records are maintained in both paper and electronic form for students at Kenna Elementary School. Divorced parents are entitled to copies of student records unless a written court order prohibits this. Parents may contact the school office to acquire copies of these records.
REPORT CARDS/INTERIM REPORTS
Teachers send home interim (midterm) reports for each grading period. In addition, report cards are sent home quarterly. The midterm and report card dates for 2023-24 are:
First Grading Period: midterm – Sept. 18; Report Card – Oct. 20
Second Grading Period: midterm – Nov. 14; Report Card – January 5
Third Grading Period: midterm – February 6; Report Card – March 15
Fourth Grading Period: midterm – April 22 ; Report Card - mailed home in June
STUDENT ASSISTANCE TEAM (SAT)
When students have difficulty academically, behaviorally, socially or due to truancy, a meeting is scheduled with parents/guardians to discuss the situation. The SAT team will meet each grading period for the student. The SAT team will design a plan using available resources to help the student. The goal is for every student to be successful.
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING OPPORTUNITIES
Jackson County Schools funds a before and after-school tutoring program at Kenna Elementary School. Students are placed in tutoring based on teacher or SAT team recommendations. Parents and teachers schedule the dates and times of the tutoring. If you feel that tutoring would benefit your child, please contact your child’s teacher.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS
The promotion of a student from one grade level to the next shall be based primarily on mastery of required competencies as contained in the West Virginia College and Career Readiness Standards. Retention of students is an option for students who, after intensive interventions, are performing below grade-level standards. Interventions must occur before the retention decision is made. Retention may be considered only after the Student Assistance Team (SAT) has met and all options are discussed fully. If a parent does not attend the SAT meeting, parents shall be provided notice via telephone or mail. Report cards are to reflect the student's inclination for promotion or retention. School professional personnel and parents/legal guardians shall make decisions regarding promotion and retention. In the case of differing opinions, the school principal, after consulting with the SAT, shall render a final decision.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES
The faculty and staff of Kenna Elementary School believe that faithful attendance is essential to success in school. In an effort to increase attendance at our school the following policy has been developed:
· Students are expected to be in the building ready to learn upon the ringing of the bell at 7:45 a.m.
· All student sign-in and sign-outs will be counted as a tardy. All tardies will default to unexcused until an excuse is turned into the school. Students who are brought in or signed out for half of the day will be counted with a ½ day absence.
· No students will be signed out after 3:00 pm.
Please understand that it gets quite hectic in the front office during dismissal. For the safety of all students, please refrain from calling the office with dismissal changes or entering into the front office to sign out your student(s) after 3:00pm and after unless it is an emergency.
Excuse criteria will be determined by BOE and WVDE attendance policies. Absences and Sign-in/Sign-outs may be excused by the following:
· Parent notes (limited to 5 per semester). Excused or unexcused will be determined by BOE and WVDE attendance policy. For example, oversleeping is NOT an excused tardy. After 5 parent notes, all sign-in/sign outs must be accompanied by a doctor’s note to be excused.
· Doctor’s Excuses (unlimited)
· School Excused- Sent home by school staff (example: school nurse sends student home).
· Chronic tardies or absences may result in assignment of after school tutoring to cover missed content.
Students who are absent from school must bring in an excuse for the absence. Excuses must be turned in within 3 days of returning to school.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE AND FAITHFUL ATTENDANCE
At the conclusion of the school term, the State of West Virginia recognizes students with perfect and faithful attendance at school. Perfect attendance means a student is present every day that school is in session. Faithful attendance is when a student is absent for less than five days during the school year.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL LEAVE REQUESTS
Parents who are planning to take their children on an educational trip during a time when school is in session must provide the information on the request form two weeks prior to the trip. The principal will review the request and approve it as appropriate. Trips longer than ten school days will require the approval of the county superintendent.
The student is expected to complete all schoolwork that is assigned during this time. Every effort will be made to provide the work to the student prior to the absence. The student will be expected to submit the work and take missed tests during the first week of their return. Please make every effort to limit the amount of time your child is absent from school.
KENNA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY
Kenna Elementary School is committed to providing all students a learning community that promotes responsible, respectful, and safe behavior.
In order to maintain a positive learning community, Kenna Elementary School developed a discipline policy that is both positive and prevention-oriented. The consequences of violating the discipline policy align with West Virginia Board of Education Policy 4373 and Jackson County Schools Code of Conduct for Student Behavior.
The discipline policy outlines expected behaviors, provides training in those expected behaviors, and holds students accountable for choosing not to display the expected behaviors.
Cooperation among staff, students, and parents is essential to the success of providing our students with a foundation for lifelong learning. Parents, students, and staff are responsible for a positive learning community at Kenna Elementary. The expectation is that ALL members of the Kenna Elementary School community are empowered to make good decisions and be productive citizens of our learning community.
Three behavior goals are necessary to establish a positive learning community at Kenna Elementary School. They are:
· Be Respectful
· Be Responsible
· Be Safe
DRESS CODE
Kenna Elementary School believes that students learn best in an environment that is both safe and free from unnecessary distractions. Therefore, the following dress code will be implemented.
1. No spaghetti strap shirts for students at any grade level. Straps on shirts must be one inch or wider.
2. No short-shorts or mini-skirts are allowed.
3. Any article of clothing deemed disruptive to the educational process is prohibited. This may include, but not limited to, shirts with inappropriate language and/or displaying advertisements for alcohol/tobacco.
4. No hats, hoods, or head coverings of any kind are allowed inside of the building. Special circumstances, including medical conditions, will be handled on an individual basis.
5. All shirts must cover the abdomen completely.
6. Students need to wear appropriate footwear every day. Students will be participating in recess every day and physical education classes throughout the week.
CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The use of electronic devices and cell phones by students are prohibited during the school day according to Jackson County Schools policy. Kenna Elementary School will not be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged electronic devices. These devices include, but are not limited to cell phones, iPads, iPods, tablets, e-readers, MP3 players, and gaming devices such as DS, PSP, Gameboy, etc. The staff of Kenna Elementary School understands that some students spend time at more than one residence and these devices travel between homes. When it is absolutely necessary for these devices to be with the student, they must remain in their backpack/locker and turned off. Devices that are observed to be in the classroom without teacher permission or used inappropriately will be confiscated and a parent will be required to come and pick the device up from the school.
CHEATING
Students are expected to complete assignments and projects in a variety of ways. When given cooperative learning (group/partner) opportunities, students are expected to work together within that group. When individual assignments are given, students are expected to work independently. Students caught using another student’s answers will be considered to be cheating. The first offense for cheating will result in a zero on the assignment and contacting the parent/guardian. The second offense will result in a zero on the assignment, contacting parent/guardian, and assignment of detention.
TOBACCO VIOLATIONS
Jackson County Schools and the West Virginia Department of Education require every school to have a policy in place in the event that a student possesses or uses tobacco at school. The consequences for tobacco use or possession at Kenna Elementary are:
· First Offense – Parents will be notified of the use/possession of tobacco products. Students will meet with the principal and/or guidance counselor to discuss the tobacco policy and the harmful effects of tobacco use.
· Second Offense – Parents will be notified of the use/possession of tobacco products and will be asked to meet with the principal and/or guidance counselor. The student will receive two days of after-school detention and/or in-school suspension.
· Subsequent Offenses – Parents will be notified of the use/possession of tobacco products. The student will be suspended for 1 day.
DRUG, ALCOHOL and SMOKING POLICY (WV BOE Policy 4373)
No person (student, staff member, or public guest) may unlawfully possess, use, or be under the influence of any substance containing tobacco and/or nicotine or any paraphernalia intended for the manufacture, sale, and/or use of tobacco/nicotine products in any building/area under the control of the county school system, including all activities or events sponsored by the county school district.
FOODSERVICE INFORMATION
Jackson County Schools provides free breakfast and lunch to all elementary-aged students. If you pack your child’s lunch, please make sure it is ready to eat. Students do not have access to a microwave during lunch. We encourage healthy choices for packed lunches.
Lunches from outside establishments are not allowed in the cafeteria.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html , or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov .
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
RECESS
West Virginia state law states that students shall receive at least 30 minutes of physical activity (recess) daily. If there is inclement weather, students will participate in indoor recess activities. Students should wear appropriate shoes for recess each day (time will not be provided for students to change shoes each day).
FIELD TRIPS
In order to supplement students’ educational experiences, each class at Kenna Elementary School takes at least one field trip per year. Parents will be notified in advance of any field trip and need to return the 2023 – 24 field trip permission form with the other back to school documents.
In most instances, school personnel serve as chaperones for field trips. There are occasions where parent chaperones may be necessary to ensure proper supervision of students. Any individual who serves as a chaperone for a field trip must be an approved volunteer in the district. There are no exceptions.
NOTE: The principal can permit or deny a student’s field trip based on individual circumstances.
CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS
Classroom celebrations are held during the year for special themes or events that align with our teaching standards. Any food sent in to school for student consumption needs to be purchased at a store or bakery. “Homemade” items are not permitted due to potential food allergies. All food for these school planned celebrations must be preapproved by the teacher and must be sent to school in original packaging.
Note that WVDE nutrition guidelines do apply to holiday celebrations such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.
Parents may request that their child not participate in a celebration if it conflicts with their beliefs. Please notify your child’s teacher and they will make other arrangements for the child by consulting with the principal. These arrangements will not penalize your child in any way.
In order to prevent hurt feelings, please do not send private party invitations to be distributed at school unless you are including the entire class.
STUDENTS AND MEDIA
During the school year, we have many opportunities to take photos of our students and display their work. As part of using technology in the classroom, there may be times where teachers or students use tablets to video other students working on a project or presentation. Student photographs and work may be used on bulletin boards throughout the building, in school newsletters, the local newspapers, or on our district/school website and social media pages. We want to share with our community the exciting things that are happening at Kenna Elementary School.
Each year a form is sent home with your child indicating whether you would like their names or images published. Please note that any pictures placed on the school or district website or social media will not include the name(s) of any child (ren). Please indicate your preference and return the form with the other papers sent home during the first week of school.
NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE
The Jackson County Board of Education does not discriminate based on religion, race, color, national origin, gender, disability, age, or genetic information in its programs, activities, or employment.
The Board does not discriminate in the employment of administrative staff based on the Protected Classes of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, or sex.
The Board also does not discriminate based on Protected Classes in its employment policies and practices as they relate to students, and does not tolerate harassment of any kind.
Equal educational opportunities shall be available to all students, without regard to the Protected Classes, age (unless age is a factor necessary to the normal operation or the achievement of any legitimate objective of the program/activity), place of residence within the boundaries of the County, or social or economic background, to learn through the curriculum offered in this County. Educational programs shall be designed to meet the varying needs of all students.
TITLE I INFORMATION
The purpose of Title I is to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards and provide additional academic support and learning opportunities to help low-achieving children master challenging curricula and meet state standards in core academic subjects.
Title I schools in which at least 40 percent of the student enrollment is from low-income homes are eligible to use Title I funds for school-wide programs. This means the funds may be used to serve all the students in the school.
Jackson County Title I schools (including Kenna Elementary) provide services to students and families utilizing the school-wide program model. Additional academic support is provided to low-achieving students in kindergarten through grade five by Title I teacher(s) during the school day. These schools also provide several opportunities throughout the year for parents to participate in learning activities and training that will engage families in positive learning experiences.