Wheaton Woods
Elementary School
2015-2016
Student Handbook
4510 Faroe Place
Rockville, Maryland 20853
301.929.2018
www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/wheatonwoodses/
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Wheaton Woods Elementary School Vision
Home of the “Wildcats”
Wheaton Woods
Inspires
Leadership
Diversity
Character
Achievement and
Thoughtful
Students
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Welcome to the 2015-2016 School Year
Dear Wheaton Woods Families,
We are excited about a new school year and we hope this Handbook will be a
valuable and important resource for you. If at any time during the school year you
have a question about our school, we hope you will find the answer in this
Handbook. If your question is not answered, please contact us by calling
301.929.2018 and we will be glad to help answer your question about our school.
We continue to value collaboration and open communication between students,
families and staff at Wheaton Woods Elementary. Our faculty and staff, along with
our PTA, are committed to providing the best learning environment for your child
throughout this school year. In unity we will make this another successful school
year.
Sincerely,
David Chia
Principal
Linda Williams
Assistant Principal
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HANDBOOK
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Wheaton Woods Elementary School is part of the Downcounty Consortium and Wheaton Cluster
in Montgomery County Public Schools. The Wheaton Cluster includes six elementary schools
(Brookhaven ES, Harmony Hills ES, Sargent Shriver ES, Viers Mill ES, Weller Road. ES,
Wheaton Woods ES), the Middle School Magnet Consortium (Argyle MS, A. Mario Loiederman
MS, Parkland MS) and the Downcounty Consortium High Schools (Montgomery Blair HS, Albert
Einstein HS, John F. Kennedy HS, Northwood HS, Wheaton HS)
Common Acronyms Used
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS)
Interagency Coordinating Board (ICB)
Measures of Academic Progress - Mathematics (MAP-M)
Measures of Academic Progress - Primary Mathematics (MAP-P)
Measures of Academic Progress - Reading (MAP-R)
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
School Nutrition Accountability Program (SNAP)
Wheaton Woods Elementary School (WWES)
CURRICULUM 2.0
MCPS Curriculum 2.0 is built around developing students' critical and creative thinking skills, as
well as essential academic success skills, so that students are well prepared for a lifetime of
learning. This curriculum has new and internationally-driven standards, challenging, grade-level
material that leads to deeper understanding, and rigorous content on par with nations known for
high math achievement. Using Curriculum 2.0 helps teachers have a renewed focus on teaching
the whole child through nurturing skills that build confidence and success and engaging students
beyond reading and math to spark greater interest in science, social studies, information literacy,
art, music, physical education, and health. It also integrates thinking, reasoning and creativity,
enhances learning by connecting subjects, and developing essential skills for success in college
and the workplace.
Lunch & Recess Schedules
Each school day, students will have a 70 minute lunch/recess period. Both are supervised by at
least two adults. Students are expected to behave properly on the playground and in the
cafeteria, as stated in the school Discipline Policy. Because all students participate in recess,
they should dress appropriately for the weather and sneakers are recommended. Students will go
outside for recess during the winter. When the weather is extremely hot, or there is heavy
precipitation, students will remain in their classrooms for indoor recess.
Attendance, Absences, Tardiness, Excusing Students Early
Coming to school every day, on time, is very important for your child’s education, sense of
responsibility, and academic progress. Good attendance and prompt arrival at school help your
child learn and achieve.
Absences
Parents should notify the school office (301-929-2018) no later than 10:00 a.m. if their child will
be absent. After an absence, your child must bring a note to the teacher within three days, stating
the absence reason. If a student has been absent for three days or more, a doctor’s note will be
required. Students should make arrangements with classmates or the teacher to get their
assignments and time is given to make up the work.
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Tardiness
Students who come to school after 9:25 a.m. should sign-in at the office before going to their
classrooms because they will have already been marked absent. Tardy students who want a
school lunch must order it in the cafeteria before going to class. Parents will be contacted about
repeated tardiness or absences. Please do not plan absences during March because this is when
students take the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC).
Excusing Students Early
Please send a note to the teacher when your child needs to leave early. Come to the office to
sign your child out. Please wait in the office while the staff contacts the teacher to release the
student. Parents may not go to rooms to collect children.
Before School & After School Routines
The school day begins at 9:10 a.m. with breakfast served in the classrooms. Students may enter
the building at 9:10 a.m. for indoor lineup. Please do not bring students to school before 9:10
a.m. unless they have a scheduled morning activity. Students riding buses will arrive at 9:10 a.m.
and staff will be available at that time. Instruction officially begins at 9:25 a.m. after the morning
announcements. The school day ends at 3:50 p.m.
At 3:50 p.m., designated patrols will accompany students to their buses. PreK, Headstart,
Kindergarten through Grade Two students will be picked up by parents in their classrooms.
Students who walk home are dismissed at 3:50 p.m. More than 560 students exit the building
between 3:50 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Parents/guardians are asked to wait outside the building if they
pick up students in grades 3 – 5. Please do not enter the building prior to dismissal to pick up
your child unless it is an emergency.
Early Release Days
For planning, parent-teacher conferences, and report card preparation, MCPS schedules early
release days. Students will have lunch and will have no recess on early release days. They will
be dismissed at 1:15 p.m. We will send a Connect-ed telephone message as a reminder for early
release days. There are no school sponsored activities on early release days. Morning
PreKindergarten is dismissed at 10:45 a.m. and there is no afternoon PreKindergarten on early
release days.
Before & After School Supervision
By law, all children under age 8 must be supervised before and after school. If there is a change
in the normal childcare arrangements or routine, such as plans for your child to go home from
school with a friend, for your child’s safety you must provide a note to the teacher no later than
the morning of the change in dismissal. After 4:00 p.m., students under age 8 are taken to the
office and are released from school when picked-up by an adult or older sibling. If you are running
late due to an emergency, please call the office (301-929-2018). The school is not equipped for
after school care. Child care information is available from the school office.
After School Activities and Clubs
To participate in after school enrichment, your child must have written permission. One
permission letter covers all late dismissals for the length of the activity. The permission should
include arrangements for going home. The school office closes at 5:00 p.m. There is no
supervision after activities end, and crossing guards are not on duty, so please pick up your child
promptly at the designated time.
Pedestrian Safety/Student Safety Patrols
Students are expected to honor the safety rules when they walk to school, travel in a car, or ride
the bus. Students walking to school must cross the street at the corner. They are expected to
follow the directions of the patrols who are stationed on corners in front of the school. Students
traveling in a car must exit the car from the passenger side. The car should be parked at the
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curbside never in the middle of the street or near stop signs. If a parent exits the car to take the
student in the building, please turn off the engine and take the car keys with you. Students
should not walk between cars as they cross the street. Students who ride the bus are expected
to follow the bus rules and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Cafeteria Services
Wheaton Woods ES is a MMFA (Maryland Meals for Achievement) school in which students are
offered breakfast at no cost. Breakfast is available daily in each classroom from 9:10 am - 9:25
am. Students must arrive before 9:10 to receive breakfast. Lunch is served for $2.55 (regular
rate)
or
40¢
(reduced
rate).
Milk
is
60¢.
Menus
may
be
found
at
www.MontgomerySchoolsMD.org/Departments/FoodServ/Menus/CafeMenus.shtm.
Children go through the cafeteria line to purchase lunch and eat in the APR/Cafeteria. Students
who bring their lunch from home go directly to the APR/Cafeteria.
SNAP Accounts
Meals are purchased by using a “SNAP” (School Nutrition Accountability Program) account. A
PIN (Personal Identification Number) is assigned to each student and remains the same from
year-to-year while the student is enrolled at WWES. Once an account has been created for a
student, payments may be deposited into the students account to purchase food items in the
cafeteria. Cash or checks are the only method of payment that is accepted at the cafeteria. Credit
cards are accepted online at www.mylunchmoney.com . If an account reaches a negative $10.00
balance, the student will be served a cheese sandwich until a payment has been posted into the
account. Please be advised that in June report cards are not distributed until SNAP accounts are
paid in full.
Free and Reduced Meals
Families who are interested in receiving free and reduced meals must apply for them every year.
A free and reduced meal application will be sent home at the beginning of the school year. A new
free or reduced meal application must be resubmitted every year even if a student was eligible for
free or reduce meals the prior year. Please submit the free or reduce meal application to the
school before October 1st. If a student loses his/her free or reduces meal status, the student will
be asked to pay the full price of $2.55 for each meal. Please feel free to contact the Cafeteria
Manager at Wheaton Woods ES if you have any question at 301.929.2018.
Snack Purchases
Snacks are not available for purchase from the cafeteria at this time.
Friday Communication Folders
Folders provided to each student by the school provide the best way to communicate between
home and school. Most information will be sent home on “Backpack Fridays” but please check
the folder each day. Please check with your child’s teacher the best method of communication.
Grade 3-5 students also receive an “agenda” book to record homework assignments. Parents can
send notes to and from the teacher using this book. Parents are asked to check and sign the
agenda book every day.
Changes in Family Contact Information
Parents must inform the office of any changes in personal information including addresses, phone
numbers, email, custody issues, before or after school arrangements, health issues, etc.
Emergency Supervision
Please promptly inform the school of your plans for your child’s emergency supervision for those
days when school opens late or closes early on the yellow student information/emergency contact
card sent home at the beginning of the year. Update information as necessary as this helps
WWES assist your child in emergencies.
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WWES Website
School and PTA information can be found at
http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/wheatonwoodses/. The website has links to other
sources of information for Montgomery County Public Schools.
MCPS Instructional TV
Instructional TV (ITV) has more than 40 hours of programming a day. Channel 33’s tagline is
“Watch What You’ll Learn” and focuses on educational and training programs. Channel 34’s
tagline is “Your Schools—Your Community” and features news and informational programs about
the events and policies that affect MCPS, schools, and the community. Homework Hotline Live
offers free homework help for students in grades K-12. Contact the HHL teachers and receive
personalized help through this website or by watching TV in Montgomery County, MD.
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/itv/HHL/
Broadcast Telephone Messages and Alerts
Families will receive (in English and Spanish) important school announcements and alerts such
as special events and inclement weather-related closings from the automatic message
broadcasting system.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Helping your child succeed in school begins with understanding your child as a learner. Test data,
grades, and evaluations should only confirm what you already know. Get to know your child’s
academic strengths and weaknesses by reviewing homework and working on projects with them.
Parents are encouraged to telephone, email, or schedule a meeting to speak with the teacher
about their child’s performance. Each parent has a scheduled conference during the first
semester to discuss the child’s progress. Please do not expect a conference before or during
school without an appointment, since teachers need this time to prepare class materials and to
attend meetings. Wheaton Woods has an open door policy and invites parents and guardians to
the school to observe teaching and learning. Please make an appointment with your child’s
teacher when you would like to schedule a visit.
Student Council (SGA)
Students in Grades 3-5 may participate in Student Council (Student Government Association) at
WWES. The SGA is facilitated by teachers each year. The students review and help to promote
school policies and programs, and participate in community service projects.
Town Hall Meetings
Once a month on Mondays, students go directly to the gym for a school-wide Town Hall meeting
from 9:10 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. Student successes will be celebrated and important school
information will be shared.
Health & Medical Information Health Room
The Health Room is located next to the school office and is staffed by a School Community
Health Nurse, Virginia Custer and a Health Technician, Ellie Dixon. The room is equipped with
cots and basic First Aid supplies. Students are sent to the Health Room when they are not feeling
well. If a student has a fever, vomits, or shows signs of a contagious condition (such as strep
throat, conjunctivitis-pink eye, lice, or impetigo) or has a serious injury on the playground, parents
are notified immediately to pick-up their child from school. Students must be well enough to
participate in all activities to return to school after an illness or accident. If you have questions
about your child’s health, please contact the health technician, Ms. Dixon or school nurse,
Virginia Custer. The school nurse oversees health programs in several schools and may be
reached at 301-929-2018.
Accident Insurance
MCPS does not carry insurance to cover injury accidents. Accident insurance is provided for a
nominal fee by United HealthCare Insurance Company (UHC) for WWES families who want
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insurance to help defray the costs of an injury. For more information, please call UHC at 800-2370903. Enroll online at www.k12StudentInsurance.com or use the forms available from the WWES
Office.
Medication
Notify your child’s teacher in writing about important medical information. This includes food
allergies and medications taken at school. All medications must be on file in the Health Room.
WWES cannot provide or administer any medication (including aspirin and herbal supplements),
without proper authorization. The "Authorization to Administer Prescribed Medication" form may
be obtained from the Health Room. You must bring the completed form, signed by a physician, to
the Health Room with the medication in the original labeled container. The Health Room will also
accept directions for dispensing medication on a doctor’s signed prescription. Because of the
dangers associated with improperly administered medication, students may not take medication
on their own while at school.
Hand Washing Awareness
Students can help to prevent infections through proper hand washing, particularly before eating
and after using the restroom. Remember that the best defense against the spread of disease is
clean hands!
Head Lice
Students with head lice will be excluded from school. MCPS has a “no nit” (lice eggs) best
practice. If your child has lice, you will be notified immediately and must keep your child at home
until treated and the Health Room confirms the absence of nits. Your child will wait in the office to
be picked up. If head lice are discovered, WWES follows procedures (available in the school
office) that include classroom cleaning and the bagging of coats and backpacks. If your child has
head lice it is very important that you follow the home care procedures before your child returns to
school and has their head rechecked. To avoid the spread of very contagious head lice please
check your child’s head at the beginning of the school year and every few weeks thereafter. If you
do not want your child checked for head lice, you must inform the Health Room of your request.
Vision and Hearing Screening
Vision and Hearing Screening is provided for students in Kindergarten and newly admitted
students. You will always be notified in advance.
Irregular School Schedules
When hazardous road conditions or other emergencies make it necessary to close school, open
late or dismiss early, local radio and television stations are informed as soon as a decision is
made. Please do not call the school. School closing information is available from the
Montgomery County Public Schools Call Center (English and Spanish; Chinese, French, Korean,
and Vietnamese language lines are also available) 301-309-6277 and the MCPS weather/
emergency information line 301-279-3673 and at www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org.
School Closures
When schools are closed system-wide, all instructional programs and extracurricular activities in
schools are canceled. The private day care provider in the school may elect to stay open if the
schools are closed and the administrative offices are open. In extreme conditions, administrative
offices may also be closed and day care will not be open.
Delayed Opening
School day may have a one or two hour delayed opening depending on the weather or
conditions. Buses operate on the same delayed schedule with pickup times two hours later than
the normal schedule. Adult supervision is not provided prior to a delayed school opening.
Breakfast is not served on delayed opening days.
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Early Dismissal
An early dismissal means that schools close before the scheduled dismissal time.
Announcements are made by 11:30 a.m. Buses operate on the same schedule, and drop-off
times are earlier than normal. Students are dismissed at 1:15 p.m.
Breakfast and Lunch
If school is delayed, the cafeteria will not serve breakfast. There is still a lunch period for all
children when there is a delayed opening and students will not have recess.
Emergency Evacuation
In case of an emergency evacuation, students exit the building and assemble in designated areas
(periodically students practice for emergencies like Shelter in Place, Lockdown, Fire drills, and
Tornado drills). When school close due to an emergency evacuation, the students may walk or
be transported by bus to Millian Memorial Church at 13106 Parkland Drive, Rockville, Maryland.
The telephone number at the church is 301-946-2500. Parents/guardians are advised to make
certain cell phone numbers are updated in case we have to notify you in case of an emergency.
Shelter-in-Place
Shelter-in-Place occurs if an emergency requires everyone to stay at the school after regular
school hours. When Shelter-in-Place decisions are made by public safety officials, students stay
in their classrooms or in the gym supervised by staff. Students will be cared for by staff until the
emergency situation is resolved.
Reuniting With Parents During An Emergency
To pick up children during an emergency, parents/ guardians/caregivers should enter the school
by the front door and go to the nearest table in the front hall, show identification, and sign-out
students. A photo ID will be required. Parents should wait for children in the front area. Staff
will call for children, who will be safely escorted by staff to reunite with their parents. All students
must be signed out by a parent or the designated relative, caregiver on the emergency card.
Contingency Calendar
Please not the following Contingency Calendar if the school year is disrupted
5 days—the school year will be extended by one day to Monday, June 20, 2016
6 days—the school year will be extended by two days to June 20 and June 21, 2016
7 days—the school year will be extended by three days to June 20, 21 and 22, 2016
8 days—the school year will be extended by four days to June 20, 21, 22 and 23, 2016
9 days—the school year will be extended by five days to June 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24, 2016
Student Performance Report Cards
WWES issues report cards for students in Grades 1-5 four times a year. Grades 1-5 students
receive marks ES-Exceptional at the Grade Level Standard, P-Proficient, I-In Progress and N –
Not Yet. Kindergarten students receive P, I, and N only.
Learning Skills contain Personal and Social Development (K) and Work Habits (Grades 1–3)
along with thinking and academic success skills. The work habits are the effort and behaviors that
affect learning. Thinking and Academic Success Skills are the threads that weave the content
skills and processes together in Curriculum 2.0. These skills include creative thinking such as
generating multiple responses to a question, critical thinking skills such as analysis, and
academic success skills such as collaboration. Learning skills are reported separately from the
academic grades. For the Thinking and Academic Success Skills, shaded boxes indicate that the
skill is not evaluated for that semester or marking period.
 DEM-Demonstrating
 PRG-Progressing
 N-Not Yet Evident
Report cards include notations for reading and math levels will be indicated as follows:
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A statement will appear below the mathematics Measurement Topic box on the Grades K–5
report cards. The statement will provide additional information regarding mathematics instruction
throughout the marking period.
 Your child was consistently instructed on the content and processes of the grade level or
 Your child was consistently instructed on the content and processes of the grade level
with enrichment/acceleration, above, on, or below grade level.
Kindergarteners receive a checklist report card at the end of each semester (February and June).
For reading, a child’s level is determined by daily small group reading instruction as that is the
strongest reflection of a student’s reading level for grading and reporting purposes.
 The text level reported on a report card is the student’s instructional text level used daily
in small group guided reading instruction
 A reading instructional text level is determined by the student’s accuracy (90% and
above) and comprehension of literary and informational text. Comprehension is
determined by interactive, oral discussions that reflect inferential and critical
understanding of text as judged by teacher observation during small group reading
instruction
 Although written comprehension is important and is part of instruction, it is not a factor
used to determine the reading level
For Grades K–2, the instructional reading level is indicated on a graph. The shaded areas on the
graph above indicate the expected reading ranges by book level at the end of each marking
period for Grades K–3. A dot indicates your child’s reading level at the end of a marking period.
 A dot within the gray area indicates that your child has met the quarterly reading target
 A dot below the gray area indicates that your child is approaching the quarterly reading
target
 A dot above the gray area indicates that your child has exceeded the quarterly reading
target
If your child is reading above a level P, a statement will appear below the graph indicating the
reading level. For Grade 3 instructional reading level is indicated on a chart using the following
terminology:
 Exceeding target
 Meeting target
 Approaching target
Note: Reading targets are levels of reading that one would expect students to meet throughout
the year.
Testing
County-wide testing and local school testing occur at various times during the school year.
Teachers explain the testing procedures to the students. Letters are sent to the parents with the
test results. WWES administers the Montgomery County Public Schools Assessment Program
(MCPS-AP) for reading to Grades K, 1 and 2 three times during the year to monitor reading
progress while grade 3-5 administer Fountas & Pinnell to assess students’ reading levels. The
InView is administered to grade 2 students to identify potential gifts and talents. The testing
programs are explained in the principal's newsletter and at WWES-PTA meetings. Students
should be in school and on time for testing. Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 take reading and math
assessments on the computer three times a year known as the Measures of Academic ProgressReading (MAP-R). Students in grade K-2 take a math assessment on the computer three times a
year known as the Measures of Academic Progress – Primary (MAP-P). The intermediate grades
also take the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) during
the school year.
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Students with Special Needs-Special Education
Wheaton Woods Elementary School provides services for students with special needs through
the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title I, and the Section 504 Plan of
the federal Rehabilitation Act (504). IDEA uses a team approach to identify students with
disabilities and provide for educational needs for students with special education services. The
team includes the special education resource teacher, speech-language pathologist, school
psychologist, counselor, administrator(s), teachers, and parents.
The curriculum itself and the way the curriculum is taught to meet the specific needs of the
student. These services are addressed through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Other special education-related services such as speech and language therapy, occupational
therapy, or physical therapy may also be needed. These are just a few of the related services that
could be provided.
The goals of speech and language services are to diagnose and remediate communication
disorders, facilitate the development of compensatory skills, and enhance the development of
language, vocabulary, and expressive communication skills to support student access to the
general education curriculum. The type and frequency of services provided are determined by
individual student needs. For students with less intensive needs, educational strategies are
provided to the student’s general education teachers and parents for implementation within the
classroom and home environments. Students with more intensive needs receive services
individually or in small groups.
Students with an IEP have a disability that significantly impacts their educational performance
and requires the provision of direct specialized instruction, in addition to supplementary aids and
services. Students with 504 plans have a documented impairment which substantially limits their
ability to perform a major life activity. Students with 504 plans require targeted accommodations
so they are able to access their educational program in the same manner their non-disabled
peers do. Both processes require an evaluation by a duly constituted problem solving team.
Please be sure to speak with your child’s teacher, the resource teacher, the speech pathologist,
counselor, principal, and/or assistant principal if you have questions.
Gifted and Talented
The MCPS curriculum offers enriched and accelerated instruction in all contents—at all
elementary schools, and students can receive advanced-level instruction in a variety of settings at
the local school. MCPS Curriculum 2.0 also offers an integrated approach to curriculum which
has been shown to be beneficial to gifted students. In addition, critical and creative thinking as
well as academic success skills, which in the past were part of the Program of Assessment
Diagnosis and Instruction (PADI) enrichment program, are now available to all schools. All
elementary schools provide the following advanced-level instruction to students with the ability,
potential, or motivation to perform at high levels.
 Reading Language Arts
o New internationally driven standards in reading and writing in Kindergarten
through Third Grade (coming soon to grades 4-5)
o William and Mary units of instruction
o Junior Great Books lessons
o Jacob’s Ladder Program (not required but helpful for preparing students with
potential to participate in William and Mary instruction)
o Above grade level texts for small group reading instruction
o Differentiated literacy centers and independent work in K-5 literacy blocks

Mathematics
o New internationally driven standards in mathematics in Kindergarten Third Grade
(coming soon to grades 4-5)
o Mathematics instruction is provided at the appropriate advanced level
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o

Students who consistently demonstrate proficiency of a mathematics concept are
able to enrich their understanding of a grade-level topic or accelerate to a higherlevel topic
Science and Social Studies
o Substantial instruction in science and social studies that includes extensions
Transportation Buses
Montgomery County provides bus transportation for students who live more than a mile from their
elementary schools. Bus route schedules are provided in August in the principal’s back-to-school
letter and are available in the school office. Students are dropped off at the front of school in the
bus circle. At dismissal time, students are dismissed from their classrooms (unless other notice is
given) until their buses arrive (see Before and After School Routines). Students are expected to
follow rules while on the bus. They must stay seated, talk quietly, and show respect to the driver
and the other students. Failure to follow the rules may result in the loss of riding privileges.
Kiss & Ride
Please follow procedures when you drop off your child in the morning. Please escort your child
from the car to the sidewalk. Do not have your child exit the car from the driver side. Children
must exit the car on the curbside. Please escort your child across the street to the school.
Please do not enter or park your car in the bus lanes in front of the school after 8:30 a.m. and
after 3:00 p.m. before dismissal.
Car Traffic and Parking
There is a great deal of congestion around the school during drop off and pick up times, so
please be polite to other motorists and pedestrians.
II. Policies & Procedures
Books
Students are responsible for the proper care of textbooks and library books. Textbooks should be
covered. Brown paper bags make excellent book covers. If a book is lost or damaged, the student
will be charged for the book based on the condition of the book when it was issued. In June,
report cards are not distributed until outstanding library fees are paid in full.
Bullying
If you feel your child is being bullied, contact an administrator to discuss the issue and to receive
the “Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form” (MCPS Form 230-35).
Cell Phones
Cell phones are not permitted in school unless requested in writing by a parent or guardian and
approved by the principal. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones.
Dress Code
Students are encouraged to wear clothing that is respectful. Please think carefully about the
messages contained in any writing or slogans on t-shirts and other articles of clothing. Nothing
offensive or insulting should be worn. Students are asked to wear closed-toe shoes, such as
sneakers. “Heelys” should not be worn because they are unsafe. Heely shoes without the wheels
(wheels should stay at home) are okay. For girls, very short skirts and shorts are not
recommended. Shirts that reveal the midriff, are strapless, or have very thin, “spaghetti” straps
are also not recommended. Boys must wear shirts at all times and cannot wear attire that reveals
any undergarments. Hats are prohibited, except on special occasions.
Emergency Training
During the year, students and staff have emergency trainings to become comfortable with the
procedures that must be followed in times of emergencies. Notices are sent home describing the
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drills.




Fire Evaucation — Fire Drills are conducted monthly to practice emergency evacuation
procedures. The times and situations are varied so that students can feel comfortable in
an emergency. Feedback is given to the students and staff over the intercom immediately
following the drills.
Shelter-in-Place — During a Shelter-in-Place, the outside doors of the school are locked
and identification must be shown for adults to enter. Classes continue while teachers
closely monitor student movement throughout the building. Students in portables may be
brought into the building depending on the situation.
Lockdown — During a Lock-down, all doors are locked and no one may enter or leave
the classroom or building until the all-clear signal is given. Students in portables may be
brought into the building depending on the situation.
Parent Reunification – Parents will need photo identification to pick up the child and
only adults identified on the child’s emergency information sheet will be permitted to pick
up a child at any time.
Games and Toys
Games and toys should not be brought to school unless the classroom teacher approves them for
use at recess or in association with special projects. The school is not responsible for lost or
stolen items.
Gifts for Staff
Giving gifts to staff is completely optional. Please do not feel obligated to give a gift to your child’s
teacher or other staff. If you do give a gift, note the following:
 The gift should be modest. The Montgomery County Board of Education Ethics Policy
states that staff may not accept (from an individual) a single gift greater than $25.00 in
value, or multiple gifts in a calendar year that total more than $100.00.
 Involve your child in gift selection and preparation.
 Gift ideas include, personal cards, notes, photos; homemade crafts; class scrapbooks
with entries from each student; student art; books donated to the library in honor of the
staff member (contact Mr. Bickel, Media Center Specialist); charity donations in the name
of staff; coupons for volunteer at school, and gift certificates to bookstores.
Remember to consider all staff your child would like to thank (such as the support professionals,
music, art, and physical education teachers, media center, office, maintenance, health room staff,
and the principal).
Homework and Reading
Wheaton Woods provides a Folder for each student to take home homework and notices for
parents. Please check your child’s Folder and backpack every day for notices, homework, and
completed projects. Wheaton Woods uses homework as an extension of classroom instruction.
The length and difficulty of homework assignments varies by grade level. Please take an active
role by checking your child’s homework regularly and discussing questions with the teacher. If
your child has difficulty or spends more than an hour on an assignment, please write a note to the
teacher. Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 record homework assignments in an agenda book.
Homework is provided on Monday night through Thursday night in reading and mathematics. On
occasion, long term projects for students in upper grades may require some weekend work. In
addition to homework, students should read or be read to for at least 20 minutes every day.
Reading consistently helps to strengthen vocabulary and background knowledge for students.
Lost and Found
Please label all of your child’s removable clothing. Many students have similar hats, mittens,
coats, boots, lunch boxes, and backpacks. If items are lost, check the Lost and Found, located on
the rear stage of the All-Purpose Room (APR). Lost items such as glasses, jewelry, and money
are kept in the school office. Labeled items are returned and items that are not claimed at the end
of the school year are donated to charitable organizations.
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Money
Money sent to school to pay for field trips, pictures, etc., should be sent in a sealed envelope
marked with the student's name, teacher's name, and intended purpose. Also, Montgomery
County Public Schools now provides Online School Payment (OSP) for those parents who would
rather pay for school activities with a credit or debit card. More information on this service will be
forthcoming soon.
Parties/Birthday Parties
Student birthdays may be celebrated at school but only during lunch. Store purchased cupcakes
are encouraged. Parents may serve the cupcakes towards the end of the student’s lunch period.
You may provide a simple store bought treat including any needed paper goods (cups, napkins,
etc.) or give goodie bags to the whole class. Do not serve nuts or nut products or light candles
during parties, because some WHEATON WOODS students have severe allergic reactions to
nuts and nut products. Please do not distribute invitations in school that are for outside/personal
parties.
PTA & School Events Outside the Student Day
Students must be chaperoned and accompanied by a parent or responsible adult during events.
There are no unsupervised “drop-offs” of children at PTA & School Events.
School Mascot
The mascot is the wildcat. The Wheaton Woods Vision uses the acronoym “WILDCATS” for
“Wheaton Woods Inspires Leaders, Diversity, Character, Achievement, and Thoughtful Students.”
Sexual Harassment
A sexual harassment policy exists for all staff, students and parents. Students should report
sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior to their parents and school authorities (principal,
counselor, teacher, or other staff). An investigation will follow. The sexual harassment policy is
sent home at the beginning of the school year and can be obtained from the school office.
Smoke-free and Drug-free School Zone
To promote healthy lifestyles and responsible choices, our school abides by the state and federal
laws that call for both the building and the grounds to be smoke-free and drug-free. This ruling
prohibits the smoking of cigarettes and cigars, as well as use of alcohol and other controlled
substances. All adults and youth who enter and use the school facility must adhere to these rules.
Student Photos
Each year, the students have both individual and class photos taken. The dates and costs for
photo packages are distributed via the “Friday Folders”. There is no obligation to purchase
photos.
Student Records
WWES generally keeps two folders for each student: a cumulative folder and a health folder. The
cumulative folder contains academic performance data, standardized testing data, and
attendance information. A health folder contains medical information about each student. A
confidential folder is maintained for students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP),
special testing results, or other confidential information. WWES informs parents when a
confidential folder is established. Parents may review a child’s folders by contacting the office in
writing to schedule an appointment with the principal.
Substitutes
Parents who are MCPS substitutes are asked not to substitute in the grade level of their own
children.
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Suspension
Out of school suspension may only be given when it is determined by the principal that a behavior
is disruptive and detrimental to the operation of the school. Review the 2015-2016 A Student’s
Guide to Rights and Responsibilities in MCPS and Student Code of Conduct distributed the first
week of school for major infractions and interventions.
Tutoring
Wheaton Woods teachers are not allowed to tutor Wheaton Woods’ students for pay in
accordance with MCPS policy.
Use of School Facilities During Non-School Hours
The Interagency Coordinating Board (ICB) for Community Use of Public Facilities governs the
use of schools and approves requests to use school facilities during non-instructional hours.
Groups are required to contact Nancy Petzold-Earp at 240-777-2733 to rent a space. For
additional information, visit the ICB website at montgomerycountymd.gov/cupf.
Use of Telephones
The office telephone is available for use in case of emergencies. Students are not permitted to
use the office telephone to make after school plans. Students should speak with the school
secretary to request use of the telephone in the main office. Cell phones are not permitted in
school unless requested in writing by a parent or guardian and approved by the principal. If your
child has a cell phone without a waiver, it will be confiscated. Please avoid calling the school with
changes in your child's after- school schedule. After- school arrangements should be made
before the beginning of the school day.
If you must call the school with an unavoidable scheduling change, please do so before 3:00 p.m.
or the message may not reach your child prior to dismissal.
III. Student Resources
Character Education
The ‘Character Counts!’ approach to character education is based on six values that are not
political, religious or culturally biased.
The Six Pillars are Trustworthiness, Respect,
Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.
What is character? The action you take to carry out the values, ethics and morals that you
believe in.
 Consistency between what you say and do.
 Defines, builds, or breaks your reputation.
 Moral courage-deciding and doing what is right.
 How you act and the decision you make when no one
is looking.
A person of character:
 is someone who makes good decision and is someone to look up to and admire
 knows the difference between right and wrong and always tries to do what is right
 sets a good example for everyone
 makes the world a better place
Character education is a deliberate effort to develop good character based on core virtues that
are good for the individual and for society. The greatest impact on a child’s character is made in
the early years. Research shows that students who have well-developed social skills and values
are more available for learning.
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Talking about character at home:
1. Speak positively: It’s always important to emphasize positive character traits. Children
tend to act according to the way adults in their world see them. Instead of saying “Don’t
___” say “Please look at me and listen respectfully.”
2. Recognize teachable moments: “What can I learn from this situation?” “What do I need to
do differently next time?” and “How can I make it right?”
3. Be consistent and set clear boundaries: Good character and good decision making are
continuous and ongoing.
4. Model Good Character: Not only do children act according to the way adults see them,
but also based on what they see adults doing. As parents and caregivers you have the
greatest impact.
The Six Pillars of Character
Trustworthiness:
 Being reliable and doing what you say you will do. Being honest and never cheating or
stealing. Being loyal and standing by your family, friends and teachers. Building a good
reputation.
Respect:
 Following the Golden Rule and treating others with respect. Being tolerant and accepting
differences. Using good manners, appropriate language and being considerate of others’
feelings. Not threatening, hitting or hurting anyone. Dealing calmly with anger, insults or
disagreements.
Responsibility:
 Doing what you are supposed to be doing and always doing your best. Making good
decisions and thinking about consequences before acting. Using self-control and setting
a good example for others.
Fairness:
 Following the rules, sharing and taking turns. Listening to others and not jumping to
conclusions or blaming. Treating all people with the same regard.
Caring:
 Being kind and showing compassion and empathy.
Forgiving others. Helping people in need.
Expressing gratitude to others.
Citizenship:
 Understanding connections to community, country and the world.
environment and the planet by conserving, recycle and reusing.
democracy.
Caring for the
Learning about
Character Recognition Program “ROAR” tickets
Students receive ROAR tickets for demonstrating positive character traits and good behavior.
Conflict Resolution Program Steps for Resolving Conflicts
Students in Grades K-5 use DeBug Rules to help children when they are being bothered or
“bugged.” They use the Feedback Formula or I-Messages for expressing one’s point of view. If
the above steps do not work then they can talk to the teacher or make an appointment to see the
counselor.
“DeBug Rules” Used when children are being bothered in a non-physical or threatening
way
1. Decide to IGNORE.
2. Exit or WALK AWAY (OR MOVE AWAY IN CLASSROOM OR LUNCHROOM SETTING).
3. Be friendly. TALK FRIENDLY.
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4. Use firm talk. BE SERIOUS BUT COURTEOUS IN LETTING SOMEONE KNOW THAT
YOU WANT THEIR BEHAVIOR TO STOP
5. Get ADULT help (this includes learning about what “Tattling” is as in 1 st grade
curriculum).
“I-Message” or “Feedback”
1. Give the person eye-contact and say the person’s name.
2. Tell them how you feel when they are doing something.
3. Tell them what you want them to do. Example: I feel_________when you
___________and I would like ________. Ex. “Mary, I feel sad when you don’t let me play.
I would like to play with you at recess.”
S.T.A.R.S. Steps
 State the problem: Take a breath and relax; use I-messages; listen to each other and say
the problem clearly.
 Think about solutions: Brainstorm together to come up with many ideas without criticizing
any idea.
 Agree on a plan: Look at each solution and talk about “what would happen if… ” each
one was used. Agree on a plan that seems best for everyone.
 Be Responsible for your plan: Talk about how to make the plan work and work together
to get started.
 See if it works: If the plan is not working, try another solution.
Student Ambassador Program
Student ambassadors are selected from each classroom to work with new students and help
them to learn about the school, to feel welcome, to get comfortable and acclimated quickly.
Self-Esteem and Social Skills Program
Students learn the concept of “Bucket Filling” from book series on the importance of being kind,
encouraging and supportive of others. This includes the concepts of team work, good listening
skills, following directions, giving thanks, giving compliments and developing good decision
making and self esteem.
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
Wheaton Woods implemented elements of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
(PBIS). PBIS is a systems approach to enhancing the capacity of schools to educate all children
by developing research-based, school wide, and classroom discipline systems. The process
focuses on improving a school’s ability to teach and support positive behavior for all students.
Rather a prescribed program, PBIS provides systems for schools to design, implement, and
evaluate effective school-wide, classroom, non-classroom, and student specific discipline plans.
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