Mann
Elementary
Parent / Student
Handbook 2014-2015
Patricia Kennedy
Principal
Kim Hildebrandt
Assistant Principal
Chris Elliott
Office Coordinator
Horace Mann Elementary School
1002 South 52nd Street
Tacoma, WA 98408
253-571-6300
Lark Hochstein
Secretary
Table of Contents
Letter from the Principal .................................................................................................................................. 2
Mann’s Vision Statement, Mission & Beliefs ...................................................................................................3
Family & Community Involvement .................................................................................................................. 4
Family, Staff & Student Compact ...........................................................................................................5
Academics ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Daily Schedule & Routines ...............................................................................................................................7
Arrival .......................................................................................................................................................7
Picking Up ................................................................................................................................................7
Attendance ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Eating at School ............................................................................................................................................... 9
Lunch Schedules ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Lunch Expectations ................................................................................................................................ 9
Behavior........................................................................................................................................................... 10
The Mustang Way ................................................................................................................................. 10
Expected Behaviors Matrix ................................................................................................................... 10
Positive Behavior Recognition .............................................................................................................. 10
Rights ....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Progressive Discipline ............................................................................................................................. 11
Respectful, Responsible, Safe & Kind Behavior ............................................................................... 12-13
Playground Expectations & Procedures ................................................................................................... 14-16
Health & Safety ............................................................................................................................................... 17
Health Room & Medications at school ................................................................................................ 17
Illness & Injury (head lice) ..................................................................................................................... 17
Emergency Information ........................................................................................................................ 18
Communication ............................................................................................................................................... 18
Lost and Found ............................................................................................................................................... 18
School District Safeguards & Policies ........................................................................................................... 19
Letter from the Principal
2014-15 School Year
Dear Students, Family and Friends:
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Mann Elementary School. Our teachers and staff would also like to join me in
greeting you as you become a part of the Mann ‘Mustang’ family. While the students have been enjoying their
summer vacation, we’ve been busy ‘behind the scenes’ preparing for yet another successful school year.
The vision of Mann Elementary is to embrace the best educational practices, while providing a safe and nurturing
environment for all to thrive in. We are dedicated to preparing our students for the challenges presented by our
ever-changing world. We strongly believe that all students are entitled to a stimulating and secure learning
environment.
In order for everyone to reach their fullest potential, it is crucial that we work together as a team in the pursuit of
academic excellence. Students and parents will also share in the responsibility of maintaining a safe and productive
learning environment. With that in mind, this handbook has been prepared to detail all of the information needed to
help your students to meet and exceed the goals set by the Tacoma Public Schools. Please take the time to carefully
review with your students the standards and expectations that have been established so that they are better able to
grow and blossom as lifelong learners.
This handbook contains a wide-range of information that you will find helpful throughout the school year.
Please take the time to carefully review our procedures and policies to ensure that your student gets off to a great
start this September. Everything that you need to know regarding student conduct, dress code, expectations for
classroom and playground behavior and more are detailed here. Perhaps most importantly, our daily schedule is
listed on page 7. It is of the utmost importance that all students consistently arrive on time to school. Arriving on
time to school will make sure you are doing your part to help keep our learning environment as productive as
possible. Should you have any questions regarding the materials in this handbook, I would encourage you to contact
your child’s teacher or our office for further information or clarification.
We are delighted that you are now part of the Mann ‘Mustang’ family. Working together as a team, we will ensure
that every student has the opportunity to realize their full potential as confident, successful students.
Welcome.
Sincerely,
Patricia Kennedy, Principal
Tacoma School District complies with all federal and state laws and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender
identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or use of a trained guide dog or service animal
by a person with a disability, age, familial or marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status. This applies to all educational programs and extracurricular activities. Inquiries regarding the application of the above by and to staff should be directed to Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources,
telephone 253-571-1252. Inquiries regarding the application of the above to students and the application of Title IX should be directed to Jennifer Kubista,
director of Student Life, telephone 253-571-1123. Inquiries regarding the application of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (concerning students with disabilities
who are not eligible for special education) should be directed to Jennifer Traufler, executive director, Student Services, telephone 253-571-1224. Inquiries
regarding accommodations for disabled employees and the public should be directed to Leslie Nohr, Disability Accommodations Office, telephone 253-571-1021.
These individuals may be contacted by mail at P.O. Box 1357, Tacoma, WA 98401-1357.
2
3
Parent and Family Involvement
GOALS:
1. School staff and parents will work together to
create a quality learning environment for all
students.
2. To provide opportunities for parents to be
involved in a variety of activities.
Parent and Community involvement is an integral part
of a child’s education. Families working to provide a
healthy, nurturing, and safe environment at home will
help support the educational goals and programs at
Mann. We encourage families to work with staff and
administration in a variety of ways to support their
child’s education. Open communication is a vital part
of the process.
Mann Elementary loves family and community
engagement!
We encourage parents and community members to
be involved at school in a variety of activities:
 Partnership Conferencing: student academic
progress reports are shared with parents and
families.
 Open House:
o Staff are introduced
o The annual school improvement plans is
presented
o Title 1 requirements are explained
o Other timely & relevant updates are given
concerning testing, standards and curriculum
 Parent/Community Leadership on the Site
Centered Decision Making (SCDM) committee.
 PTA Membership and Leadership: Mann
Elementary PTA Meetings occur monthly for the
purpose of planning school events and supporting
students.
 Family Curriculum Nights for Literacy, Math and
Writing. Staff explain curriculum, assessments,
instructional practices, grade-level curriculum
expectations and ways to help your child be
successful.
 Craft night
 Parent classes: Love and Logic
 Friday sales
 Look for our newsletter which is published
monthly. It contains important information and
updates!
Visiting the School
For safety reasons, all visitors, for any reason, are
required to report to the office to sign-in and pick up
visitor badges.
Please contact our principal to make an appointment
to visit the school, a teacher or classroom. If you want
to visit a classroom, the principal will arrange a time
with the teacher and you will have the opportunity to
talk with the teacher either before or after your visit.
Contractually teachers have a right to 24 hours
notice.
Parent Teacher Association
Please join the PTA!
Mann Elementary Welcomes Volunteers!
How to become a Volunteer
Family and Community members who desire to work
with students at school are required to complete the
Tacoma Public Schools Volunteer
Application. Applications can be found online
at http://www.tacoma.k12.wa.us/information/departm
ents/sfcpp/Pages/Volunteers.aspx. Please note that
parents/guardians who volunteer at school are
REQUIRED by state law to have a background check.
Please contact the main office for more information
on volunteer opportunities and completing the
volunteer form.
Suggestions, Questions and Feedback
Your suggestions and ideas are welcomed. Please
contact your child’s teacher if you would like to
schedule a meeting or contact 253.571.6300 for more
information.
Sign and Return: Copy of
the “Family, School, Student
Compact” sent home with
this handbook
4
Compact: Family, Staff, and Student
At Mann Elementary We Work Together!
The Family Pledge
• To be an advocate for my child
• To make sure my child is rested and ready to go to school every day with a positive attitude
• To make sure my child is on time and attends regularly
• To look for and read all Mann communications
• To monitor/assist with daily homework
• To encourage my child to read at home
• To attend conferences
Parent/Guardian Signature:
The Staff Pledge
• To be an advocate for your child
• To make Mann a safe place, accessible and welcoming to parents, students and community
• To provide on-going communication with parents, students and community. To be
flexible/respectful of differing family needs. To guarantee the pre-teaching of all skills necessary for
the completion of assigned homework
• To schedule conferences as needed.
Staff Signature:
The Student Pledge
 To believe in myself
 To get plenty of rest and come to school ready to learn
 To come to school every day on time
 To complete assignments and turn in homework on time
 To follow school rules and be respectful to students and adults. To participate in conferences and
Mann activities.
Student Signature:
Date signatures were completed:
Please read, sign and return COPY
5
Academics
Your student’s academic achievement is our primary
concern. We have committed to doing anything
necessary to ensure that each student learns and is
best prepared to be successful in life.
If students have a report that may require library
resources or need to catch up on assignments, the
library is open daily during lunch recess for upper
grade students.
Parent Conferencing
The Mann staff believes that the connection with
parents helps students be successful. We will meet
with parents/guardians and students in early autumn
to mutually set goals for the school year. We will then
ask students and parents to meet throughout the
school year to evaluate progress. In addition, report
cards and regular progress reports will keep parents
aware of student efforts and success. We value your
collaboration and participation in this partnership.
Curriculum
The Tacoma School District offers
similar curriculum at various
elementary schools, usually with the
same textbooks and materials.
Students receive instruction in
reading, language arts (English,
spelling, writing and handwriting),
math, science/health, social studies and
art. We also have specialists for music,
physical education, library and computers.
School Supplies
The school provides children with
textbooks. These are checked out
to them and students are
expected to take care of the
books and return them when
requested. If books are lost or
damaged, parents will be billed.
Students are responsible for their own learning with
the help and guidance of the teacher- parent
partnership. Teachers will alert parents by midOctober if there is concern and parent, student and
teacher will develop a plan for improvement.
Special Needs
For students who meet the qualifications, we provide
assistance for reading, writing and math in our Title I
or Special Education programs. Highly capable
students also receive appropriate placement and
instruction.
Students are responsible for having their own school
supplies which need replenishing on a regular basis.
Teachers will provide a list of needed supplies.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Participation in Extra-Curricular activities directly
contributes to student achievement by developing
strong relationships with significant adults, increasing
commitment to the school community, sense of
belonging at school and development of interpersonal
skills, which are essential for success beyond school.
For students experiencing social/emotional problems,
we have limited time with a guidance staff person.
This person can provide parents with information on
community resources.
Homework
Like any skill worth learning, it takes lots of practice.
Learning to read or do math is no different in that
respect than learning to play soccer or the flute.
Students at Mann are provided various extracurricular
activities throughout the school year. Staff offer
activities before school, after school or during the
lunch break. Opportunities include: chorus, noontime
sports teams, tumbling, running club, and band.
Please ask your teacher, counselor or office
professional for information about joining current
offerings.
The Tacoma School District has a homework policy.
Students are expected to do homework for additional
practice of the skills being taught. Parents play a key
role in homework by showing that it takes priority,
providing a quiet workspace and materials, and
checking it over for completion. Reading and
practicing math facts is nightly homework whether or
not it is specifically assigned.
Get Involved: Please ask your teacher,
counselor or office professional for
information about joining school activities.
6
Daily Schedules & Routines
Dismissal Procedures
K-5 SCHOOL HOURS 9:00 – 3:30
 All kindergarten students will be picked up by a
parent or older sibling in the gated area.
Kindergarten students not picked up by 3:35 will be
taken to the office to wait for an adult or approved
sibling.
School begins at 9:00 a.m. Students who eat
breakfast at school should not arrive at school before
8:45 a.m. due to no adult supervision on the school
grounds before this time.
Students who eat breakfast at school may be in the
cafeteria between 8:35 and 8:50 a.m. We do not serve
breakfast after 8:50 a.m. to ensure students are on
time for class. We will serve later if busses are late.
 All 1st grade students will line up under the pagoda
with their teachers. Students will “high five” their
teacher to indicate that their pick up person is
there. First grade students not picked up by 3:35
will also be taken to the
office to wait for an
adult or approved
sibling.
When students arrive at school, they should report to
the gym and assemble with their class for morning
announcements.
Parents, there is no supervision provided for students
prior to 8:45. For the safety of your student, please
ensure they do not arrive prior to this time.
Breakfast
Entrance Bell
Start of School – Tardy Bell
Dismissal Bell
 All other grades will
line up under the
pagoda and be
dismissed, at the bell,
to walk to either the
pick-up line or to walk
around the outside of the building to meet a
parent or older sibling in the front of the school.
8:35-8:50
8:55
9:00
3:30
 Students who ride the bus will exit through the
cafeteria. 4th and 5th grade students will walk down
the stairs to the cafeteria as their teacher walks the
rest of the class outside to the pagoda. 2nd and 3rd
grade students will be dismissed from their
classroom lines outside to return to the building
through the door nearest the ramp and stairs to
the cafeteria.
Drop Off & Pick Up
Arrival Procedures
 All students should arrive at school by 8:50 a.m. on
the “J” street entrance to line up in the gym.
Teachers will pick up their students by 8:55 a.m. to
escort them to class.
 Late students will need to come to the office for a
tardy slip and then go to class.
Younger students being met by an older Mann
student will need to determine a meeting place on the
playground, not inside the building.
Be Punctual: Arriving at
school at the right time can
guarantee a good start to
the day!
7
Attendance
Daily, on time attendance is the
most essential requirement for
student to benefit from
rigorous, highly engaging
instruction. Put simply, if
students are not in the
classroom, they are not given
the chance to learn and grow.
Because of the importance of school attendance to a
student’s academic success, Washington State
Law(RCW 28A.225) and Tacoma Public School policy
and regulation (Policy 2370, Regulation 2370.1) require
daily and punctual attendance of all students, unless
officially excused.
Excused Absences
Absences are excused if they are due to the following:
 Personal illness, medical or dental appointments.
 A family emergency (approved by the principal),
funeral, death, or hospitalization.
 Attendance at a school approved activity.
 An appearance in court when required by law.
 A short-term suspension or emergency expulsion.
 A religious observance or a pre-approved family
activity not longer than five days.
 Head Lice- Four days per year maximum.
Unexcused Absences
The school will inform the parent/guardian upon the
first occasion of a student’s unexcused absence.
Upon the second occasion of an unexcused absence,
the school will schedule a conference with the
parent(s)/guardian(s). Steps will be taken to attempt
to eliminate or reduce the student’s absences.
Parents and students are both responsible for
assuring daily, on time attendance to school. The
school must have a valid reason for an absence before
it can be excused. Please make every effort to have
your child at school on time every day.
In accordance with the state’s mandatory attendance
laws, if a student is absent without excuse five times
within a month, the school district may file a petition
with the juvenile court seeking the court’s jurisdiction
over the student’s attendance in school; if a student is
absent without excuse seven times within a month
or 10 times within a school year, the school district will
file a petition with the juvenile court. A student who
fails to comply with a court order to attend school
may be found in contempt of court and may be placed
in juvenile detention or receive alternative
sentencing from the court.
Absence
Please follow these steps to report absences from
school:
1. Before 9 am the day of the absence, call the
Attendance Line (253.571.6350)
2. Clearly state your student’s first and last name
3. Your student’s teacher’s name
4. State the reason for the absence & dates of
absence
For the safety of students, a phone call home will be
made at 9:30 regarding any student who has not been
reported absent by their parent or guardian.
Tardies & Leaving School Early
Both tardies and leaving school early cause
disruptions to your child’s learning, as well as that of
other students in the class. Teachers may require
students to make up time for unexcused tardies. If
tardies continue to occur, the principal may require a
meeting with parents and students. Missing too much
school, whether it is caused by tardies, leaving school
early or absences may impact students’ grades.
When a child is absent due to illness or medical/dental
appointment, it is considered an excused absence.
Absences for other reasons need to be pre-approved
by administration or the absence may be considered
unexcused. We must have a note stating the reason
for the child’s absence on the first day your child
returns to school.
Report Absences: On the day of
the absence:
Call 253.517.6350
Report: Student Name, Teacher
Name, Reason for absence.
8
Eating at school
Our cook and assistants provide excellent meals that
meet Federal nutrition guidelines.
Lunchroom Expectations
Breakfast: Is served from 8:35 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. We do
not serve breakfast after 8:50 so students will have
time to eat yet make it to class on time. We will serve
later if busses are late.
Lunch Cards
Walking feet, wait quietly, take your turn, only take
own card, take good care of card, respect others’
space, place on tray, give card nicely to be scanned.
Lunch is a big part of our day. We
encourage all home packed lunches
to be nutritious. A menu is sent
home monthly. Pre-paid meal
accounts help to eliminate lost money. Parents and
students can add to the account at anytime, however,
please be aware of the amount in the account.
Students with a negative balance will be given a
peanut butter sandwich and milk.
Lunch Line
Quiet voices, hands and feet to self, turn your tray
with large area towards lunch lady, take one fruit, turn
in card and money, use tongs, 2 hands on tray,
walking feet.
Table
Sit in an open space, eat lunch, hands and feet to self,
raise hand to be excused, quiet voices, keep your
space clean and neat, clean up spills, walk to line up
area.
Please fill out a free and reduced
lunch form, which is available
online at
www.mealappnow.com/mantac
We encourage all families, no matter their economic
status, to fill out the form.
Bench
Sit quietly and still, stay where you are told to sit: on
the bench, not the window sill.
Recess
Lining Up: Quiet voices, cleaned up waiting to be
acknowledged, hands and feet to self, body still
Snacks: Sometimes parents ask to bring a snack for a
child’s birthday. Please check with your child’s teacher
for the best day and time. Consider making the
birthday last by donating a book to the library in
honor of your child’s birthday.
Exiting: Wait to be excused, listen for adult voices,
hands and feet to self, walking feet, hold railing,
open door with hands.
Lunchroom Schedule
Grade
Kindergarten
1st & Adj (Primary)
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
5th Grade & Adj (Intermediate)
4th Grade
Lunch
11:15-11:35
11:30-11:50
12:00-12:20
12:15-12:35
12:30-12:50
12:45-1:05
Recess
11:35-12:05
11:50-12:20
12:20-12:50
12:35-1:05
12:50-1:20
1:05-1:35
Help Mann: Help us meet
our goal of having 100% of
families complete the Meal
App! Thank you!
9
The Mustang Way
Mann Elementary School uses Positive Behavior
Supports to ensure that all students know and
practice behaviors that ensure success at school.
Positive Behavior is practiced.
Students learn behavior through practice. Students at
Mann Elementary will practice expected behavior
each day.
Positive Behavior is recognized.
Students who demonstrate positive behavior will be
recognized. Staff will give students Mustang Tickets
to show appreciation for positive behavior.
Positive Behavior is defined and taught.
Students are taught expectations for all environments
at school, based on the school wide expectations and
school board policy. Please see the matrix below for
an outline of the school wide expectations related to
the Mustang Way.
Positive Behavior is celebrated.
During weekly drawings and monthly spirit
celebrations students will be recognized for
demonstrating the Mustang Way.
Behavior Expectations
are…
Respectful
School
Wide
Hallway
 Remove
hats/hoods
 Appropriate
voice
 Quietly/
carefully close
lockers
 0-1 Voice
Responsible  Keep it clean
 Be aware of
those around
you
 Know your
purpose
Safe
Kind
 Hands & feet
 Stay in line
to self
 Walk
 Not in class,
must have a pass
 Keep calm &
follow adult
directions during
emergency drills
 Smile/wave
 Be helpful
 Set a good
example
Gym
Arrival/Assembly
 Face forward
 Sit on bottom
 0-2 Voice
 Listen to
understand
 Sit with your
class
 Leave a center
aisle
Bathroom
 Give privacy
 0 Voice
Playground
 Listen to
understand
 Respond
Politely
 0-4 Voice
 In, go, wash,
leave
 1 pump,
2 towels
 Take turns
 Stop playing
when you hear
the
bell/whistle
 Line up quickly
& quietly
 3 at a time
 Use
 Water/soap in
equipment as
sink
intended
 Paper towel in  Walk on
trash
pavement
 Polite audience  Flush
behavior
Cafeteria
 Come
prepared
 Explain what
you need
 Listen to
understand
 Touch your
card only
 Clean up after
Self (Table/floor)
 Leave only
when you have
permission
 Hold railing on
stairs
 Stay seated
until excused
 Include others  Use please
 School
and thank you
appropriate
language
Demonstrate the Mustang Way!
10
Office
 Wait your turn  Take turns
 0-2 voice
 Use table
manners
 0-2 voice
 Use please
and thank you
 Include others
Behavior
Students who come to school not demonstrating
learning ready attire or appearance will be given the
opportunity to change so they are meeting
expectations. As soon as students are meeting dress
and appearance expectations they may return to the
learning environment.
Rights
Everyone has the right to learn and work in a safe and
civil environment without interference.
Progressive Discipline
Students who interfere with the safety and/or
learning of themselves or others, will be given
multiple opportunities to redirect their behavior in
order to remain in the learning environment. After a
series of opportunities, a student who continues to be
unsafe or interfere with learning, may be referred for
additional support outside the classroom. For a
complete list of possible interventions, please contact
the classroom teacher.
Personal Property
Students bringing personal property on to school
district property do so at their own risk. The school
district does not assume responsibility for lost,
damaged or stolen property. (Policy 6540, Regulation
6540R)
Lockers are available for grades 1-5. They are usually
shared and locks are not allowed. We ask that
students leave valuable personal items and toys at
home. If a toy is brought for “sharing”, it should not
be taken to recess. These items, along with coats,
hats, backpacks, etc., need to be marked with the
students’ name and the student must be responsible
for them.
Mustangs are RESPONSIBLE.
Responsible students are accountable for their
behavior. They do what is expected of them to the
best of their ability. When they make mistakes, they
admit them and try to make things right to repair
relationships.
Learning Ready Dress & Appearance
Students are expected to come to school dressed to
learn. School is practice for future careers, as such
students should dress in a manner that is comfortable,
safe and does not distract from learning.
The school is not responsible for lost or stolen
possessions.
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
Electronic devices (including, but not limited to,
beepers, cell phones, pagers, laptops and personal
technology devices) may only be used in the
classroom with the permission of the teachers.
Age appropriate dress and appearance include:
 Clothing should fit and cover all body parts
from collar bone to knee, shoulder to
shoulder.
 Properly fitting shoes. High Heels, Flip-flops
and Heelies may not be worn at school.
 Coates and hats should be worn to school and
at recess for cold or rainy weather. Hats must
be removed when in the building.
 Clothing may not be worn that includes
inappropriate, profane, lewd, offensive,
violent or sexually suggestive messaging. Any
attire associated with Gang affiliation may not
be worn.
All final decisions regarding the appropriateness of
student dress or appearance will be made at the
discretion of administration.
Students are discouraged from bringing any valuable
items to school. While the school recognizes the
desire for some families and parents to be able to
contact their student in case of emergency, students
are expected to leave cell phones turned off during
the school day. Students are not permitted to use cell
phones at any point during the school day, unless
given specific permission by an adult.
Toys at School
Students are encouraged to leave all distractions and
valuable at home.
Dress for Success: Dress for School as if it
is your job!
11
Drugs or Alcohol
Possession, use, sale, distribution or being under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances,
hallucinogens or items that are purported to be
unlawful drugs or controlled substances during school
time, school sponsored activities, or on school
premises are prohibited.
Mustangs are RESPECTFUL.
Respectful students use words, gestures and actions
that show you care about others.
Cooperation
Students will obey the lawful instructions of school
district personnel and follow school and classroom
rules. (RCW 28A.600.040)
Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB) - Policy
3207, Regulation 3207R
Safety at school includes physical and emotional
safety.
Sexual harassment - Policy 5266
It is the policy of Tacoma School District No. 10 to
maintain a working and learning environment which
provides for fair and equitable treatment for all its
employees, students, parents, volunteers and others
involved in school district activities, including freedom
from sexual harassment.
Harassment, intimidation or bullying means any
intentional electronic, written, verbal, auditory or
physical act, including, but not limited to one shown
to be motivated by any characteristic of race, color,
religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual
orientation, including gender expression or identity,
mental or physical disability or other distinguishing
characteristics such as, but not limited to, physical
appearance, clothing or other apparel, socioeconomic
status, marital status or weight, when the intentional
electronic, written, verbal, auditory or physical act:
• Physically harms a student; or
• damages the student’s property; or
• has the effect of substantially interfering with
a student’s education; or
• is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it
creates an intimidating or threatening
educational
 environment; or
• has the effect of substantially disrupting the
orderly operation of the school.
Nothing in this section requires the affected student
to actually possess a characteristic that is a basis for
the harassment, intimidation or bullying.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal
and/or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
 submission to the conduct or communication
is either explicitly or implicitly made a term or
 condition of an individual’s employment,
grades, work opportunity or other benefits;
 submission to or rejection of the conduct or
communication is used as a factor for
 employment/grade decisions or other schoolrelated decisions affecting an individual;
and/or
 such conduct or communication has the
purpose or effect of substantially interfering
withan individual’s performance or creates an
intimidating, hostile or offensive
working/school environment.
Sexual harassment can occur adult-to-student,
student-to-adult, student-to-student, adult-to-adult,
female-to-male, male-to-female, female-to-female or
male-to-male.
HIB - Student Education
Annually students will receive age-appropriate
education on the recognition of, prevention of and
intervention strategies in response to harassment,
intimidation or bullying. The presentation will include
information about incident reporting.
Engaging in sexual harassment will result in
appropriate discipline or other appropriate sanctions
against offending students, staff and contractors.
Mustangs are SAFE.
Everyone has the right to be safe. Students
demonstrating the Mustang Way act in a manner that
will ensure their safety and the safety of others.
HIB - Reporting an Incident
The formal Incident Reporting Form will be available
for students, families or staff to report incidents of
harassment, intimidation or bullying. This form can be
found on the district’s website, in school main offices
and in school counseling departments.
Closed Campus
Students shall remain on the school campus during
the school day unless excused by the school office or
by waiver approved by the superintendent.
For more information on HIB, please refer to the
Tacoma Public Schools Student Rights &
Responsibilities document or the district policies and
regulations.
12
Suspension or expulsion will be imposed for the following
activities:
18. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and controlled
substances—A student shall not possess, use, sell,
distribute, attempt to distribute, be under the
influence of or show evidence of having used any
alcohol, illegal drug or controlled substance or item
which is purported to be an illegal drug or controlled
substance or hallucinogen. (Regulation 3240R)
19. Weapons and explosives—A student shall not possess
or use a weapon, explosive or other item apparently
capable of causing bodily harm. Firearms/weapons/air
guns are not allowed in school, at school-sponsored
activities, on school grounds, facilities or schoolprovided transportation. If a student brings a firearm
to school, it will result in an immediate expulsion for
no less than one calendar year, including notification
of parents and law enforcement. The expulsion may
be modified by the school district on a case-by-case
basis. (Regulations 3240R, 3241R, Policy 4210)
Exceptional Misconduct
The following are exceptional misconduct and can be
cause for discipline, disciplinary transfer, suspension
or expulsion, as well as reporting to law enforcement.
1. Arson—Intentionally attempting to or setting a fire or
causing an explosion.
2. Assault/fighting—Creating a reasonable apprehension
of or making harmful or offensive contact with another.
3. Bomb threat—Unwarranted verbal or written indication
of a bomb or other incendiary device on school
property.
4. Burglary—Entering or remaining unlawfully in a building
with intent to commit a crime.
5. Extortion, blackmail, coercion—Attempting to obtain
money, services or property by threat of injury to a
person or property.
6. False alarm—Activating a fire alarm for other than the
intended purpose of the alarm.
7. Interference with school authorities—Interfering with
the discharge of the official duties of district or
contractors’ personnel or volunteers by force or
violence.
8. Intimidation/threat—Interfering with the discharge of
the duties of district personnel or employees of district
contractors or the peaceful conduct of other students
by intimidation with threat of force or violence.
9. Harassment—Intentionally intimidating, annoying or
bothering another person.
10. Malicious mischief—Intentionally causing damage to
any property.
11. Possession of stolen property—Knowingly receiving,
retaining, possessing, concealing or disposing of stolen
property.
12. Robbery—Taking another’s property by force or threat
of force.
13. Theft—Stealing.
14. Trespass—Entering or remaining unlawfully in school
buildings or on any part of school grounds.
15. Disruptive conduct—Conduct or expression causing
substantial or material disruption or obstruction of any
school function or operation, including, but not limited
to, refusing to comply with a staff person’s directive,
using vulgar or profane language, or engaging in verbal
or physical harassment.
16. Fireworks/bullets—Possession, use or distribution of
firecrackers, fireworks, bullets or other forms of
ammunition.
17. Misrepresentation—The forging of any signature or the
making of any false entry or the alteration of any
document, including computer records, used or
intended to be used, in connection with the operation of
the school or cheating, plagiarizing or turning in another
person’s work.
Notification of threats of violence or harm
Persons found to have made threats of violence or
harm against district property, students, employees or
others will be subject to appropriate discipline and
referral to law enforcement.
Tobacco
Possession or use of tobacco/smoking products is not
permitted in school buildings, on school property, in
district-owned or contracted vehicles or at off-campus
events. (Policy 4215) Tobacco products include, but
are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking
tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine delivery
devices, chemicals or devices that produce the same
flavor and physical effect of nicotine substances.
Closed Campus
Students shall remain on the school campus during
the school day unless excused by the school office or
by waiver approved by the superintendent.
Mustangs are KIND.
How we treat each other has the power to create the
culture of our school. Treat others as you would like
to be treated, be quick to forgive, say please and
thank you and include others.
Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB)
Students who observe harassment, intimidation or
bullying should report it immediately to the nearest
adult.
My Side
Any student needing help for any reason should
complete a “Problem Report” in order to receive
assistance from the best possible person.
Report Bullying, Harassment or
Intimidation: Fill out a “Problem
Report”!
13
Playground Expectations & Procedures
Remember
Track




Walk or Run on the track, counterclockwise.
Respect School Property, you may not dig
holes in the field
Be Safe: All rocks must stay on the ground
Stay on school grounds
Baseball
Number of players: Two teams of nine players each: a
pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, third
baseman, shortstop, right fielder, center fielder, and
left fielder.
“Little” Big Toy
Be Respectful
 Keep feet off the yellow bars
Be Responsible
 Begin line for monkey bars at ladder
 Up the ladder, down the slide
Be Safe
 Walk
 Keep hands and feet to self
 Go across monkey bars using hands only
 Bottom on slide all the way down
Be Kind
 Take turns on the slide and the monkey bars
Picking captains: Students select who will be the
captain for each team. If students can’t decide, a
recess teacher will designate the captain for each
team.
Grade Levels: All
Equipment: Bats, balls, bases
How to play: One team takes fielding positions and
the other to bat. The batting team establishes a set
batting order. The first batter stands at
home base and attempts to hit an
underhanded pitched ball, unless batter
asks for an overhand pitch, in such a way
that allows him/her to get on base
without getting out. The objective for a
batter is to successfully circle the bases
(either on his/her hit or his/her
teammates’ hits) and score a run. Batters
are allowed three strikes before being
called out. Foul balls count as strikes, but a foul
cannot count as a third strike.
“BIG” Big Toy
Slides
• One person at a time, take turns
• Slide on your bottom, all the way
Rock Wall
 Please Climb only.
Bars
 Always have at least one hand on
bar
 Keep feet to self
Monkey Bars
• Start at ladder
• Go in one direction
• One person at a time
• Hands only
• Keep your feet on the platform
Besides striking out a batter, the fielding team can get
the batter and any base runners out by any of the
following ways:
• Batter is tagged out running to first base;
• Batter hits a foul or fair ball that is caught;
• Batter bunts the ball foul on a third strike;
• Batter throws the bat outside the batter’s
circle;
• A base runner is tagged when off a base;
• A base runner is forced to run to the next base,
but the fielding team touches the base first;
• A base runner passes another base runner;
• A base runner leaves a base before the ball has
left the pitcher’s hand (there is no “leading
off”).
Swings
Wait your turn: Line up on the white line toward “K”
Street, wait behind the mat until there is an
available swing.
Take your turn: Sit on your bottom facing the field,
Only swing back and forth - 30 full swings = 1 turn.
Complete your turn: Come to a complete stop before
exiting the swing, walk straight off of mat, return
to the end of the line for another turn, if wanted.
 Be Patient, Be Safe, Be Kind.
 Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
14
Baseball, continued
Flag Football
Each team continues to bat until it has made three
outs, at which time the teams switch places. After
both teams have batted, an inning is completed. The
team that has scored the most runs after a
predetermined number of innings is the winner.
(Pick up flags & return flags to recess staff each
recess)
• Any interested student can play.
 Organize even teams; no new players may join
the game after five minutes of recess has
passed
 If you are picked on a team, you must stay on
that team.
• If you argue, you will be asked to leave the
game.
 If you don’t bring your flag back to the bag,
you won’t be able to play next recess.
 Flag only - NO one or two hand touch and NO
TACKLING.
• No blocking, pushing, or rough play.
• Three complete passes equal a first down.
Soccer
• Show good sportsmanship
• No slide kicking or tripping
• Same number of players on each team. Include
everyone who wants to play.
• Game ends when the bell rings.
• The ball needs to be placed center field for a
starting kick and after scoring.
• Before the ball is kicked, every player must be in
his/her own half of the field
• A goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-off.
• The player who kicks the ball cannot kick it a
second time until it has been played or touched
by another player.
• In order to score a goal, the ball must
completely cross the goal line between the goal
posts or cones.
• Free kicks are classified as “direct” - from which
a goal can be scored directly, and “indirect”
from which a goal cannot be scored until the
ball has been touched by another player.
Pagoda
• Be Kind and Respectful: Take turns, Wait in
line on sidelines (B-Ball by hopscotch, 4 square
by brick wall)
• Play fair and safe
• Be Responsible: put equipment away when
finished, keep balls in play area (under
Pagoda)
Direct free kick:
•
•
•
•
Offenses committed with the hands.
Offenses committed with the feet and legs
Offenses committed with the body.
Offenses involving the goalkeeper.
Indirect free kick:
• Offenses committed during the penalty kick.
• Offenses involving the goalkeeper – carrying the
ball by the goalkeeper more than four steps
without bouncing it, and delaying the game by
not getting rid of the ball.
• Offenses concerned with un-sportsmanlike
conduct.
Be Inclusive: Show kindness
on the playground! You
may even receive a
Mustang Ticket.
15
Basketball
Four Square and Two Square
• Ten players only on full court
games
• Same rules as BBC sport
program
• Stay inside the painted
boundaries or the ball is
turned over to the other team.
• Fouls: Any player who trips, pushes, holds,
charges or has unnecessary body contact with
an opponent is charged with a foul. Penalty: If
charged with a foul, the student will be
removed from the game.
• Violations: A violation is charged when any
player takes more than one step with the ball
without dribbling (travelling), double dribbles
the ball, steps on or over a boundary line while
in possession of the ball, kicks the ball, causes
the ball to go out-of-bounds, or delays the
game by keeping the ball in his/her possession
for more than five seconds while closely
guarded.
• Penalty: Play is stopped, and the ball goes to
an opposing player, who puts it in play from
out-of-bounds, nearest the point of infraction,
by passing it to a team-mate.
• The ball is served by dropping it and serving it
two-handed, underhand from the bounce.
• If the serve hits a line, the server is out.
• The server can hit the ball to any of the other
three courts.
• The player receiving the ball must keep it in
play by striking the ball after it has bounced
once in his/her square.
• The receiver directs the ball to any other
square with an underhand hit.
• Play continues until one player fails to return
the ball or commits a fault.
• The following are faults: Hitting the ball side
arm or overhand; catching or carrying a return
volley.
• When a player misses or commits a fault,
she/he goes to the end of the waiting line and
all players move up.
• The player at the head of the line moves into
square #4. Any ball that hits a line is
considered out.
• The first person in the waiting line is the judge.
Tetherball
• Winner serves.
• Winner picks direction.
• Opponent cannot strike ball on first swing
around pole. The ball is hit on the second
swing in the opposite direction.
• The game is won by wrapping the ball
completely around the pole in the direction
you have been hitting.
• Ball must be moving at all times.
• No bobbling.
You are out of the game if:
• you hit the ball with any part of your body
other than your hands or forearms.
• catching or holding the ball during the play.
• touching the pole.
• touching the rope.
• you step over the lines.
• cut in line.
• you display rude behavior, gestures or
language.
Additional Basketball Games
•
•
•
•
Horse
Pig
Around the World
Practice free throws
• Free shoot, taking turns
Be a Model Mustang: Invite a new
friend to play during recess!
16
Health & Safety
Health Room
Our health room is staffed with a
registered nurse two days per
week to meet state requirements
and monitor medications.
Therefore, it is imperative for
parents to keep the office
informed of current home, work
and day care numbers.
Safety Concerns
We depend on parents to communicate with their
children so kids know where and how they are to go
home after school. We ask that you established a
routine for before and after school so that your
children know where to meet after school and who
will pick them up each day. It is very difficult and
disruptive to deliver personal messages during the
school day.
Should a child become ill or be injured while at school,
we will attempt to contact the parents.
Emergency Plans
It is important to be prepared with a plan in case
emergencies such as fire, earthquake, etc. happen
while children are at school. Plans have been
formulated by the District and schools to provide for
the safety and protection of your children. Monthly
drills provide essential practice to prepare for
emergency response scenarios.
Illness & Injuries
If a child becomes ill or injured at school, we evaluate
with questions, rest, ice or temperature and notify
parents, if questionable. Please note that all head
bumps require parent notification. If we send your
child home with a fever, please do not send him/ her
back to school until he/she has not had a fever for 24
hours.
During an emergency, all efforts will be made to
protect students and staff. First-aid trained staff will
provide care for injured students and staff until
medical assistance arrives.
If an injury appears to be serious, 911 will be called.
The district does not have insurance that covers
student injuries. A low cost student insurance is
available for those who wish to purchase should you
not have your own insurance.
Parents should not call school, if the phone lines are
working they will be needed urgently by school
personnel performing emergency response functions.
Parents of injured children will be notified as soon as
possible. It will not be the practice of the school to
attempt calling all parents because there are not
enough personnel available to perform that task while
managing the care of students in an emergency.
Medications
Washington law requires a form signed by the doctor
and the parent in order to give medication at school.
This includes over-the-counter medications. These
forms are available at the doctor’s office and at
school. When children need to take medication at
school, the child must take responsibility for
remembering with assistance from school staff.
After an emergency, parents may pick up their
children at school but must follow a sign- out
procedure to assist in the effort to account for all
students. This checkout will be done by the classroom
teacher, his/her designee or by designated staff
members. This step is extremely important as
teachers and/or staff will be accounting for each
student and others may be needlessly hurt while
searching for a child erroneously presumed to be
missing. Children will only be released to
parent/guardian or to person listed on the enrollment
information. This is why it is necessary for you to
keep the office informed whenever there are
changes.
Head Lice
Head lice are inconvenient but not unusual when
children come together. Teach your children
prevention---don’t share hair products, coats or hats,
shampoo often, blow dry hair and check regularly. If a
child has head lice, he/ she will be sent home until
treated and nits have been removed. Prescription and
non-prescription treatments are available. If a parent
will notify the school, we will alert the teacher, check
locker partners and close friends, and sometimes alert
the entire class to monitor closely. Please note that
we will only excuse 4 days the entire school year for
head lice.
If an earthquake occurs while students are on their
way to school, they should be instructed to first
protect themselves as best they can. Once the
earthquake has stopped, they should go to the place
that is closest -home or school. If the earthquake
Be Prepared for Emergencies:
Make sure your contact
information is up to date!
17
occurs on the way home from school, they should
always go home, as there may not be school
personnel on site.
Parent Conferences are scheduled for the fall and
spring. If you have a concern at another time, please
call and make an appointment to discuss your
concerns. To avoid interruptions during instructional
time, drop-in visits are discouraged.
Snow is not considered an emergency situation in the
same regard. Parents will be able to see the weather
conditions and should listen to radio or television for
announcements of school closure or delay. Children
will be dismissed to go home by the usual means at
the scheduled time.
School Information
In an effort to keep costs to a minimum all reminders,
notices, and/or letters are sent home with students.
However, the key communication between school
and home is the monthly family newsletter which
includes information from both the school and
Booster Club. This newsletter always gives you a
calendar of events for the next month.
You can help the effectiveness of preparedness by
calmly discussing these expectations with your
children and by discussing your own family
preparedness plan for emergencies. Together, the
school, community, and especially parents can help
children be better prepared for the unexpected and
meet these types of emergencies with confidence.
Parents to Administration
It is recommended for parents and families to
schedule an appointment to speak with a school
administrator. This is suggested in order to reduce
frustration by ensuring the school leader will be
available when you arrive. It is also suggested
because sometimes school leaders are previously
scheduled for other commitments.
Communication
To ensure that communication is meeting the needs
of all stakeholders, every effort should be made to
communicate directly with the person or persons
directly involved in a need or concern.
To ensure your needs are met, please provide as much
information regarding your reason for wanting to
meet. Meetings will be scheduled at the earliest
possible time.
Teachers to Parents.
Teachers communicate with parents via phone calls,
informal chats, notes via the children, weekly and/or
monthly progress reports (these we usually ask
parents to see, sign and return), report cards and
conferences. Therefore, it is important for parents to
keep the office informed of current home and work
contact numbers.
Lost & Found
Please put your child’s name on all clothing items that
might be taken off during the school day. Our lost and
found is located in the lunchroom. Small items are
kept in the office. When children turn in lost money, it
is returned to the finder, if not claimed. One week
after school ends, items not claimed are donated to
charity..
Parents to Teachers
For parents, phone calls are the easiest means of
communicating with the teachers. All classrooms at
Mann are equipped with phones, however teachers
are not always available to receive calls. Therefore, we
ask that you leave the teacher a detailed message so
they may return your call during non-student hours.
If your child shares something with you that does not
make sense or you have a concern, please contact the
staff member involved first to clarify your
understanding.
Schedule Meetings: If possible,
schedule a meeting with staff
members to ensure they are
available when you are!
18
Mann Mustang
School Fight Song
Oh, when the Mann kids walk down the street,
We look 100 per from head to feet.
We’ve got that style, that smile, that winning way,
No matter where we go, you’ll recognize us and you’ll say,
Now those are the kids I’d like to know.
They’ve got that Mustang spirit, pep and go.
They’ve got that winning way that can’t be beat, Really neat!
We are Mustang kids!
Rah, Rah, Rah...Mann!!!