Herbert Clark Hoover Elementary School Handbook

School Motto: "Where Every Student Counts"

WELCOME
THE PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK IS TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HOOVER SCHOOL POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PROGRAMS.

Of equal importance is the desire to extend a warm welcome to everyone and to develop an understanding of the cooperative, productive, and friendly atmosphere which exists in our school. May you and your children in your association with Hoover School come to know friendship and the joy of accomplishment. In the event that you desire additional information, you are encouraged to call the principal's office at 276-7411 and to review the Mt. Lebanon School District's Activities Calendar.

The Mt. Lebanon School District continues its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin, or handicap, as applicable in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1978.

For information regarding Title IX compliance, contact Mt. Lebanon School District, 7 Horsman Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15228

For information on Section 504 compliance, contact David Disque, Mt. Lebanon School District, 7 Horsman Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15228, (412/344-2090).

PIONEERING HISTORY

The school nestles in a natural amphitheater. Using innovative design techniques, the building was designed for all areas to have direct access to ground level. The attractive landscape boasted two equipped playgrounds, as well as basketball and tennis courts and a soccer/baseball field.

Four years later with an addition to the building, Hoover expanded to accommodate intermediate classes. This expansion provided our unique indoor fishpond - a favorite meeting spot for our children. Our school contains a spacious library, modern gymnasium, and fine arts stage. Our school was designed for growth in order to meet future demands. Planners can make decisions about educational needs without having to consider major renovations to this facility.

In 1992, a gazebo was built to afford a quiet place for those students not interested or able to maintain a physical recess.

The pride in Hoover shows in our teaching techniques. Mt. Lebanon school officials established Hoover as a non-graded school and directed staff members to develop practical applications of educational findings about how individual children learn.

Hoover's teachers and parents initiated many of the organizational features now used throughout the school district. We inaugurated parent conferences and led the way in devising programs to minimize the barrier of grade levels as students progressed in school.

Hoover's role as a pilot school officially ended in 1971 when school directors, building upon our efforts, adopted continuous progress as the concept to be considered in the organization of all district programs.

Hoover teachers have continued in this pioneering mode.

They meet several times each week as instructional teams to discuss educational concerns and prepare solutions for individual children and groups.

They share observations and insights, review suggestions from experts, and design instruction to best meet the needs of students.

Their thrust is to keep the program up-to date and relevant to research developments.

This blend of research in a caring environment is embraced through the eyes of developmentally appropriate practices so that our children will successfully meet expectations.

The pioneering spirit found at Hoover School has indelibly influenced the lives of thousands of children.

ADMISSION AND DISMISSAL

Children arriving prior to 8:35 AM and12:45 PM should report to the play-ground area. Playgrounds are supervised from 8:20 AM to 8:35 AM. Children who go home for lunch may return to the playground between 12:30 PM and 12:45 PM. The entry bell will sound at 12:45 PM.

Rules for Entry and Dismissal

When students arrive at school each morning or afternoon, they should report to the Gazebo (north) play area which is supervised. Entry to the building is directed by the teachers through lobby doors from the playground. In the event of adverse weather conditions at lunch time, children should not return to the building until 12:45 PM.

Children should always enter and leave the building quietly. At dismissal, each class, escorted by the teacher, will leave the building via the gym lobby door, walk along the walkway in front of the building to the steps near the north play area and to Robb Hollow Road. Those students who will be traveling south along Robb Hollow Road below the building will exit via the south lobby door.

Students are not permitted to take shortcuts through yards. Students are to walk in areas where they are visible. Children should go directly home.

Vehicular Traffic

The curved driveway in front of the school is not for student pick-up or drop-off.

School families should always use the pick-up/drop-off zone along Robb Hollow Road at the north side of the building. It is marked by a blue curb.

No double parking will be permitted.

Visitors

For security purposes, all visitors to the school, including parents, should report to the principal's office when entering the building. It is important that this regulation be followed so that classes are not interrupted and all visitors are identified.

Also for security reasons, parents should not enter empty classrooms or classrooms where a teacher is not present.

The school parking lot is reserved for the use of the staff and tenants of the school. Parking for visitors is available on Robb Hollow Road or along Arrowood or Larchdale.

Early Dismissals

A written request from a parent is required for an early dismissal. In the event of an emergency, parents should notify the school and proceed to make the necessary arrangements. When an early dismissal occurs, parents should plan to pick up their child in the school office.

Children will not be excused to walk home.

Emergency School Closings and Delays

There may be times when the Superintendent will determine that there is a need to delay the start of the student day or on rare occasions to close the schools. At such times, announcements will be made on local radio stations and the Mt. Lebanon Cable, Channel 7.

In the unlikely event of an emergency school closing after the commencement of the school day, students will be dismissed only after the school has determined that parents are at home or that parent-approved alternate dismissal arrangements are in place.

ATTENDANCE

Absences

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Code, an absence is lawful or excused for the following reasons only:

• illness of student
  
• quarantine
  
• death in the immediate family
  
• impassable roads
  
• religious holidays
  
• justifiable extenuating circumstances (approved by the building principal)

There may be other reasons for a child's absence which supersede the importance of a day in school. However, the school administrator is obligated to classify the absence according to school regulations.

In every case of absence, a child must bring a written excuse to the homeroom teacher. This should show the date or dates of absence, the reason for absence and the parent's signature. Excuses should be submitted in advance when an absence is anticipated. No action for unlawful absence will be taken by the School District until a child has been unlawfully absent three (3) or more days. At that time, parents will be sent a "first notice" by registered mail. Kindergarten pupils do not come under the compulsory attendance law.

When absent, it is the student's responsibility to complete those assignments deemed necessary by the teacher. Arrangements to have daily work picked up or sent home with another student should be made by calling the office before 11:00 AM on the day of absence.

Pre-approved Absences

Students may take a trip of an educational nature with their parents. However, parents must submit Form 173, obtainable from the school office, at least a week in advance. Form 173 lists specific requirements for an excused absence for a preplanned educational trip. School assignments need not be presented to students prior to their departure. However, it is the student's responsibility to complete those assignments deemed necessary by the classroom teacher.

NOTE: This form has been included under FORMS section in your handbook. (pg. 36)

Tardiness

Students who enter the building after 8:40 AM or 12:50 PM are tardy and should report to the office to obtain a late slip. (The starting times for Kindergarten are 8:40 AM and 12:50 PM.) The school will notify parents when their child has accumulated an excessive number of late arrivals.

SAFEWALK

The Hoover PTA maintains a Safewalk Program.

This is a telephone communication system for reporting children's absences and delays. The program has been set up so that parents may have the security of knowing that their children have arrived safely at school.

Specific information regarding the Safewalk Program is distributed at the beginning of the school year.

THE HOOVER SAFEWALK PHONE NUMBER IS (412)279-4103.

Transfers and Withdrawals from School

Parents should inform the school as soon as possible of an intended move from the Hoover School attendance area. The school office will arrange for the transfer of official school records to the receiving school or district.

DISCIPLINE

Being courteous and orderly are the underlying goals of the rules and regulations that govern student behavior at Hoover School. Positive reinforcement of desired behavior is provided by the staff through teaching, discussion and role modeling. Students are expected to demonstrate good citizenship at school as well as during the time they are traveling from home to school and back.

In the event that students disobey the rules, disciplinary action may include a reprimand, withdrawal of privileges, or notification to parents. In-school suspension and out-of-school suspension may occur depending on the seriousness of the offense.

DRESS CODE

Although the Mt. Lebanon School District does not have a formal dress code, children should be dressed in an appropriate and acceptable manner in terms of modesty, safety and personal hygiene. Hats are to be removed upon entering the building.

A child's dress should not interfere with the learning process or create a danger to the health and welfare of the students.

HEALTH SERVICES

Emergency Information

An Emergency Information card is required for each child. It is the way of facilitating care for a child who is injured or becomes ill at school.

Parents are asked to designate one or more adults in the immediate vicinity who may assume responsibility for the child if the parents cannot be reached.

NOTE: This form has been included under FORMS section in your handbook. (pg. 34)

The school does not have the facilities to keep children who are not well. Facilities are provided for temporary care only.

Parents should develop a plan that will enable the child to be picked up from school soon after a notification of illness or accident has been given. Plan for your child to leave school within a half hour of the notification of an accident or illness. Children should also be given accurate information as to where parents can be reached throughout the day.

Health Services

First-aid is the only service that school personnel can administer. Nurses neither diagnose nor treat; therefore, students should not be sent to school if there are signs of illness i.e. fever, sore throat, inflamed eyes, rash, nausea, respiratory infection, etc.

Some illnesses can be very contagious. Any child with an inflamed eye or rash must be excluded until diagnosed as not contagious.

All cases of head lice should be reported to the school nurse so that she may begin the required examination procedures. The child may not return to school if nits are present and until proper treatment has been completed.

NOTE. This form has been included under FORMS section in your handbook. (pg. 35)

The school nurse is assigned to Hoover School one day per week and is on call the remaining days.

A Health Aide is in the nurse's office from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm the other four days to attend to student health concerns that develop during the school day.

Immunization Requirements

Since September 1997, Pennsylvania Law has made it compulsory that all students be immunized against the following diseases before admission to school.

Kindergarten of first grade students entering school for the first time are required to show proof of the following immunizations:

• Diptheria Tetanus (DPT) - 4 doses required, one dose ti be given on or after the 4th birthday
• Polio- 3 doses required (OPV)
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella(MMR)
  • 1 dose to be given on or after the first birthday
  • 2nd dose of 9-day measles vaccine must be administered at or after 4th birthday
• Hepatitus B- 3 doses required, properly spaced
• Students in grades 1 to 5 are required to show proof of the following immunizations:
• Diptheria Tetanus
  • 3 doses required
• Tetanus
  • 3 doses required
• Polio
  • 3 doses of Oral Sabin or 4 doses of Salk vaccine required
• Rubella (3 dav/German Measles)
  • I dose required on or after first birthday or blood work verifying the disease
• Rubeola (9-day/Red Measles) 2 doses
  • 1st dose to be given on or after the 1st birthday or blood work verifying the disease**
  • 2nd dose of vaccine must be given at or after the 4th birthday
• Mumps
  • 1 dose required on or after first birthday or a physician's note verifying the disease

**School year 2000-2001: all students will be required to have two 9-day measles vaccines.

Parents must show proof of immunizations at the time of school enrollment even if the child has attended another school in Pennsylvania. Dates from home health records or verification of immunization by a physician's signed statement are acceptable.

Students entering from other countries or other states may provisionally attend school if evidence is provided that the child has received at least one dose of each vaccine, and a plan is provided to complete the remaining doses within eight months of entrance to school. If requirements are not met, suspension procedures will be undertaken.

Information regarding any medical or religious exception to the law must be submitted to the building principal and/or school nurse before admission.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS

Physical Examination

Grade 1, new students from out of state and all in-state students transferred to the school district with inadequate health records

Dental Examination

Grades 1 and 3

Vision Screening

Annually, all grades

Hearing Screening

Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2 and 3, new students from out of state and all in-state students transferred to the school district with inadequate health records, those with known hearing loss and referrals

Height and Weight

Annually, all grades

The school will provide the facilities for conducting examinations. Parents are encouraged to have the physical and/or dental examination performed by the child's physician and/or dentist. If these examinations are performed by the child's physician and/or dentist, it will be at the parent's expense.

These examination reports must be submitted on an official form which the school will provide.

Physical and dental examinations should be performed on or after June 1 of the preceding school year.

Reports are due by October 1. For example, a first grade child's examination should occur between June 1 of the kindergarten year and October 1 of Grade 1.

LUNCH TIME

Lunchroom

Lunchroom facilities are available for students who are unable to go home for lunch. Approximately one half of the student population stays for lunch, and so the lunchroom can be crowded.

We encourage parents to arrange for their children to have lunch at home as often as possible.

When students stay for lunch, they must bring their lunches along with all necessary utensils. Milk is available for sale.

Parents may deliver forgotten lunches to the school office. The lunches should be labeled with the student's name and homeroom number. Children will then be called to pick up their lunches.

Students who go home for lunch should not return before 12:30 when the weather is clear and should not return before 12:45 when the weather is inclement.

Lunch Recess

Of the daily 60-minute student period, students spend 30 minutes eating their lunches and 30 minutes in supervised play. Classroom balls may be used during play or students may bring soft sponge-type balls from home. No hard balls are permitted.

During the lunchroom and playground sessions, there is a strong expectation that students will be orderly and courteous. Failure to conduct oneself properly will lead to a suspension of lunch time privileges.

SCHOOL BUILDING

Care of School Property

The Mt. Lebanon School District makes a concerted effort to maintain the buildings and grounds. Each room receives daily custodial care. The school undergoes major maintenance during the summer.

School officials or the Mt. Lebanon Police Department should be notified immediately of any inappropriate activity which might take place on school property.

School Supplies and Textbooks

All necessary school supplies will be distributed without cost to students. There may be an occasion when parents will be asked to be responsible for material needed for a special project.

Students are required to pay for damaged or lost books and school materials. The cost will be determined by the principal and payments should be made to the Mt. Lebanon School District.

SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT

The Mt. Lebanon School District maintains a smoke-free environment in all of its facilities.

STUDENT SAFETY

Crossing Guards

Crossing guards are on duty before school, during the lunch hour and after school.

Children should be routed to school in such a manner as to cross at protected intersections. Parents should insist that children reach home within a reasonable time so they may pass these intersections when the crossing guards are on duty.

Emergency Drills - FIRE

During the first days of school, each teacher will discuss with students the proper methods for evacuation.

Students are expected to treat each fire drill as though it was a real fire or emergency and behave accordingly.

Nine fire drills are required each year.

Emergency Drills - TORNADO

A tornado drill will be conducted once a year.

Students and staff members will be directed to the ground floor where they will assume positions away from windows and glass doors.

Parking, Pick Up and Drop Off

Students should always leave or enter a vehicle on the sidewalk side.

If students must cross the street, they should go to the crossing guard and cross at the crosswalk. Students should not get in or out of cars in the staff parking lot or driveway.

When waiting for a child, motorists should not:

Interfere with the loading/unloading of school buses/cabs
Double park on Robb Hollow Road
Ask child to walk between cars
Use the U-shaped driveway as a pick-up or drop-off area
Peak arrival and dismissal periods usually last about 10 minutes.
Motorists are encouraged to remain calm and proceed with utmost caution.

Daily Time Schedule

8:00 AM Office opens
8:35 AM Students enter building
8:40 AM Morning Kindergarten and Grades 1-5 - Instruction begins
Students tardy
11: 15 AM Morning Kindergarten dismissal
11:45 AM Grades 1 through 5 - Lunch Dismissal
12:45 PM Students enter building
12:50 PM Afternoon Kindergarten and Grades 1-5 - Instruction begins
Students tardy
3:25 PM Grades K through 5 - Dismissal
4:30 PM Office closes

Authorization for medications to be taken during school hours, signed by parent and a physician, must accompany all medications--both "over-the-counter" and "prescription" medications.

REPORTING SCHEDULE

Primary & Kindergarten Intermediate

November Conferences

January Conferences Cards sent home with students

April Conferences

June Cards mailed Cards mailed to to homes homes with Stanford Achievement Test results

STUDENT INFORMATION

PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION

The PTA is designed to bring about a closer relationship with the home, community and school.

CONTINUOUS PROGRESS

Continuous progress is a term used to describe a school program which provides for a purposeful sequence of learning experiences enabling children to proceed individually from what they know to what they are to learn in an orderly fashion. In this approach, the student constantly refines knowledge, understandings, skills and attitudes through an expansion, adjustment or reorganization of traits already possessed in some stage or level of development.

Successful teachers have employed the idea of continuity of individual progress since the early days of the profession, often under difficult, inconvenient and cumbersome circumstances.

The modern school attempts to overcome such instructional handicaps by making convenient a variety of ways through which the child can learn what the school endeavors to teach. Such provisions incorporate selective and imaginative use of teaching and learning strategies and opportunities to group purposefully for instruction.

HOMEWORK

Homework is a contributing element to Hoover School's total educational program. It is assigned according to the grouping of the child, and needs of the specific day on which it is given.

Homework completed diligently and accurately can reinforce what is being taught during the day. It can also assist in retaining new skills, increase understanding, develop a sense of responsibility and promote good study habits.

Cooperation between home and school is essential in making homework assignments meaningful for the child.

Parents may assist the child with any homework assignment, and help form good study habits by:

1. Setting aside a regular time and place each evening for the student to complete assignments, to study and to read.
2. Encouraging the student to improve the quality of work in regard to neatness and accuracy.
3. Establishing a specific place in the home where all books, assignments, and other school materials are kept so the student is not likely to forget them when leaving for school.
4. Basing the decision as to when the student needs continued direct supervision and aid with homework upon the child's measured success at school, rather than by his age. Once the student has learned to complete homework successfully, the parent can still show interest in it by discussing the content of the assignments.

Standardized Assignment Books

Hoover School has initiated the use of standardized homework assignment books for all Intermediate Students. By having the same book, our teachers know at a glance whether every student is properly recording assignments.

Every Thursday, students will be asked to take home their assignment books for a parent signature. Teachers will check for parents' signatures on Friday.

If a pattern of no parent signatures develops, a letter to the parent will be sent from the Principal. If you feel your child is not following this procedure, please send a note to the teacher.

We feel if managed in a uniform and consistent manner, our children will develop better organizational skills and study habits.

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten serves as the entry program to the school. The program is developmental in nature and provides experiences designed to help each child grow in self-understanding, to develop satisfying relationships with people, to increase awareness and knowledge about the world and to make use of the developing power to communicate and think.

Children who reach the age of five before the first day of February are eligible to enter kindergarten in September of that school year.

Parents are encouraged to notify the school of their child's eligibility for the kindergarten program.

The school district provides two orientation programs for parents. The first is a community-wide meeting for parents in which an overview of the district's philosophy and goals for the kindergarten program is presented. The second orientation is at Hoover School and includes an informational meeting for parents and a visitation to Kindergarten for the children. An information packet will be made available to prospective parents in March or April. It will contain forms for enrollment and medical forms. A fifteen minute introductory interview is scheduled for each Kindergarten child during the first 3 days of school. The regular 1/2 day Kindergarten sessions begin on the fourth day of the school year.

RECESS

Recess is scheduled each morning and afternoon for approximately 15 minutes for children in Kindergarten and Primary Levels.

Recess activities are not held the same mornings or afternoons in which children have participated in a physical education class.

Recess is held indoors on extremely cold or rainy days.

PLAYGROUND RULES

Students will not engage in rough play on the playground.
Students will not fight. Conflicts will be resolved verbally. If necessary, seek the help of the Supervisor to assist in resolving the conflict.
Students will use appropriate language at all times - name calling and foul language are unacceptable.
Students will play fairly, show good sportsmanship, and not annoy others.
Students will remain in the designated play areas at all times, in sight of the supervisor. Students may leave the area only with permission of one of the Supervisors and must check back with the same Supervisor upon returning.
Students will avoid puddles, mud, ice, snow, and hillsides.
Students will run only in areas designated for that purpose so as not to endanger other students.
Students will not touch or pick up rocks, sticks, snow, broken bottles, or anything else that could cause a danger.
Students will use all playground equipment appropriately.
Students will show pride in our school by keeping the playground clean and free of litter and graffiti.
Students will stop what they are doing and line up when the bell rings or when the Supervisor signals.
Students will remain in line quietly and orderly until permission is given to reenter the building.
Students will show respect for Supervisors at all times.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

Reporting Pupil Progress

The report card, parent-teacher conferences, and annual standardized achievement test results comprise the major elements of the formal reporting system.

One of the basic reasons for reporting pupil progress is to provide students with information that will encourage personal growth. When children receive information regularly about their needs and achievements, they are helped to see how their own potential is or is not being realized.

The second purpose is to report accurate and meaningful information to parents about what the school is teaching and what their children are learning.

At each conference, parents will receive information about strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement.

THE MT. LEBANON MARKING SCALE

Primary and Intermediate

The report card uses a three-point marking scale for the language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and special subject areas:

EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY

The basic knowledge and skills have not been acquired. The student has not reached the performance level set for his or her group or set for the child individually.

PERFORMING SUCCESSFULLY

The student has attained the performance level set for his or her group or set for the child individually. Knowledge and skills have developed satisfactorily.

COMMENDABLE

Knowledge and skills are well-developed. There is proficiency. The student has exceeded the expectations set for him or her individually, or for his or her group. Performance is praiseworthy.

The mark awarded indicates the degree to which the student has achieved the instructional objectives representing each of the subject areas.

In the primary grades, this decision is based primarily upon the student's performance level and effort as compared with his or her own past performance and potential.

Intermediate teachers consider these same factors as well as performance in relation to the child's learning group, i.e. the group the child is being schooled with for that particular subject.

Kindergarten Report Cards

The kindergarten report card reflects the child's growth in the following areas:

• Social/Emotional Development
• Psychomotor Development
• Cognitive Development
• Interim Conferences
  Interim conferences may be initiated by the parent or teacher to discuss concerns about a pupil's performance and/or behavior. Parents may call the office and leave a message or contact the teacher by note to arrange a mutually convenient time.

REPORT CARDS SHOULD BE SIGNED AND RETURNED PROMPTLY TO THE HOMEROOM TEACHER.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Adapted Physical Education Program

Adapted Physical Education is small group instruction and part of the Physical Education Program. It is designed to serve the particular needs of the students. This class is offered in addition to, or in place of, the regular physical education class and is taught by the physical education teacher.

A program of screening and identifying children is conducted during the first month of school.

Specific areas which are observed include: ball skills (i.e. throwing, catching, dribbling), locomotor skills (i.e. skipping, hopping, running), eye-hand and eye-foot coordination, abdominal, arm and leg strength. All children in the primary grades and those new to the school are screened. Pupils who participated in the program the preceding year are reevaluated as are those with physical limitations.

Often students have difficulty with skills that are not practiced regularly. By allowing them the extra opportunity to practice, improvement is usually seen. Placement usually lasts the entire year and most students are dismissed after one or two years.

Computer

The computer program at Hoover School reflects the school district's belief that the major reason for studying computers is to learn how to use them as tools for present and future learning.

Each primary classroom has at least one computer and the computer lab is used predominately by intermediate students. The students' first experiences with computers are designed to show the proper way to interact with hardware and computer programs. These programs correlate to specific curriculum areas such as math and language arts.

As students become more skilled, they use our state-of-the-art computers to present and manage problem solving experiences including research capabilities with multi-media software. At the intermediate level, word processing is introduced and becomes a major focus. The goal is to have every student at Hoover develop the confidence and competency needed to use the computer as an instructional tool to improve efficiency and productivity.

Mentally Gifted Program

The Mt. Lebanon School District provides for gifted students under the concept of continuous progress within the mainstream of its regular education program by providing appropriate educational opportunities for each student in keeping with his/her capabilities as a learner.

Students may be referred for consideration as mentally gifted through teacher or parent nomination or when performance on group ability and/or achievement tests meet established screening criteria.

When students are recommended for gifted programming, parents/guardians are asked to concur in writing with the placement decision and to participate in the development of an individualized education plan (IEP) for the child.

The Mt. Lebanon School District employs a team approach to elementary gifted education in which regular and special teachers, librarians, administrators, a full-time program coordinator, and a special academic events facilitator work together to provide able youngsters with differentiated instruction, special academic events, independent study opportunities, advanced topical study, content area acceleration, and support for affective needs.

In the fall of each school year, the building principal and program coordinator will conduct an information meeting for all parents.

IST Program

IST stands for Instructional Support Team. It is a positive, success-oriented program which uses specific assessment and intervention techniques to help maximize student success in the regular classroom.

The team consists of the principal, parent, the instructional support teacher, a school psychologist, classroom teachers and other staff members as deemed appropriate.

The IST assists teachers and parents to work with children experiencing academic or life skills difficulties in the school setting. The team approach involves identifying the problem(s), establishing goals, and implementing intervention strategies. At the core of the process is the belief that all students can learn and that all students matter.

Speech and Language Therapy

The Mt. Lebanon School District provides speech and language services for school age children in Grades K-12. Participants in this program are identified through screening in the early primary grades, as well as through referrals from parents, teachers and other staff members.

A child who qualifies for speech/language therapy is enrolled in the program once an IEP has been developed and approved. Students are scheduled for classes according to age and the type and severity of the speech/language disorder. They may be serviced on an individual basis or in a small group setting.

Art

The art program is designed to meet the needs and abilities of all children by allowing them to grow creatively through experience and discovery. While the processes are taught by formal instruction, style and techniques are developed through individual effort and personal growth.

The curriculum is based on the fundamental design concepts of line, shape, form and color. Lessons utilize a variety of media and are grouped into units. Architecture, art appreciation, sculpture, pottery, drawing and painting are a few of the integrated units explored.

Art classes meet once a week for forty-five minutes. Paint shirts are optional and are the responsibility of the students. Most art materials used are washable and all are non-toxic.

Health

The classroom teacher instructs students in Kindergarten and Primary levels. In Intermediate levels, the health program is taught by a certified health/physical education teacher for forty minutes a week.

The program includes the areas of body structure and function, growth, physical fitness, and body care and maintenance. Each student is also made aware of personal growth patterns, strengths, weaknesses, capabilities and limitations.

Safety and first-aid procedures dealing with accidents common to this age level are developed. The ill effects of drugs on the human body are presented as well as environmental hazards and their influence on the health of the individual. An explanation of menstruation is given to 5th grade girls.

Information on AIDS is presented in the 5th grade in conjunction with the Disease Unit. Parents can request that their child be excused from the lesson by sending a note to the principal.

Instrumental Music - Strings

Instruction on violin, viola, cello or double bass is offered to students in Upper Primary and Intermediate.

Students meet once a week for a group lesson taught by a string specialist.

All students perform in a string ensemble at least once during the school year.

Instrumental Music - Wind

Instruction on flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, drum and bells is offered to students in Intermediate levels. Students meet once a week for a group or individual lesson taught by a band specialist. Ensemble playing is culminated at the end of the year with a band concert.

Library

The Hoover School Library is a learning center where all resources, print and nonprint, are purposeful, planned and integrated with the teaching and learning program to facilitate and expedite the attainment of our educational goals and instructional program.

A series of weekly library classes are scheduled for all grades …

• Kindergarten: 30 minutes
• Primary & Intermediate: 45 minutes

These classes are essentially devoted to an understanding of and the application of library skills and literary appreciation. During this time, instruction in library usage is given, oral reading is done, book and author discussions are held, and print and non-print materials are signed out.

In addition, open scheduling has been utilized to provide students time to work independently or in groups with the librarian and/or classroom teacher when such periods are necessary for the completion of classroom projects.

Students may sign out materials which are renewable for a week at a time.

If a book, magazine, record, or cassette is lost or ruined, the student who signed it out must pay the full replacement value. There is no charge for overdue materials.

Physical Education

Physical Education is a state-mandated, integral part of the total educational program. It provides a co-educational learning experience through physical activities.

Under the supervision of a physical education teacher, students in Primary and Intermediate are required to participate in 2 thirty minute classes per week.

Kindergarten students are taught by their classroom teacher. Winning is not stressed; skill development, cooperation, sportsmanship, and maximum involvement are the main objectives.

The program includes such activities as movement exploration, self-testing activities, rhythms and dance, tumbling, low organization games, individual and team sports, lifetime sports, and physical fitness.

All students are required to wear regulation gym shoes. Casual dress is recommended: sweatsuits, shorts, or slacks.

If a student cannot participate, a written statement is required. The statement must include: the reason the student cannot participate and the date the student can resume activities.

Vocal Music

Students in Primary and Intermediate levels are provided music instruction by a music specialist. The primary levels have 2 thirty minute classes per week. The intermediate levels have 1 forty-five minute class.

The music program serves as a media of creative expression and provides the students with a variety of experiences.

Included is instruction in the areas of melody, rhythm, harmony, musical forms, movement, music reading, singing, and music appreciation.

These skills are sequentially developed through the elementary grades with continuing refinement as the students become older.

A chorus, consisting of Upper Intermediate students, meets weekly for a forty-five minute period. The students are introduced to the musical and technical skills of choral music through a variety of styles and composition. This is a performing group that sings for various programs throughout the year.

TESTING

The Stanford Achievement Tests are a series of comprehensive group achievement tests designed to measure the important learning outcomes of the school curriculum. These tests provide dependable measures of these outcomes and are used in connection with the improvement of instruction and the evaluation of progress. In the spring of each year, each child in Primary and Intermediate levels is administered the appropriate level of the Stanford Achievement Test. In June of the same year, parents receive a written report of the results of the tests.

The Otis-Lennon School Ability Tests are administered to students in Lower and Upper Primary levels. The tests are designed to provide an accurate and efficient measure of a child's present scholastic aptitude.

The Mt. Lebanon School District also participates in state mandated testing programs.

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

The School District provides homebound instruction for a child who is physically unable to attend school for a period of more than two (2) weeks. Parents may make application for homebound instruction through the principal's office. Such application must be accompanied by a physician's recommendation.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL OFFENSES

If a student is suspected or actually involved with substance abuse, the Mt. Lebanon School District's plan for intervention would be initiated.

GUM AND CANDY

Students are not permitted to chew gum or candy during their regular school day. This rule has been created for reasons of safety and cleanliness.

LOCKERS

There is usually one locker per child.

Students are expected to keep their lockers orderly.

Locks are not permitted.

LOST AND FOUND

All items lost and found on school property are taken to the main office. If not claimed, they are placed in the table by the gymnasium. To avoid the loss of personal belongings, parents should mark the child's name on outerwear, backpacks, lunch boxes and other clothing and possessions.

MONEY AND VALUABLES

Students should not carry more money than is required to meet their immediate needs. Valuable objects should not be brought to school.

Cases of theft or loss should be immediately reported to the teacher and school office.

WEAPONS

School District policy prohibits carrying or possessing firearms, dangerous explosives, offensive weapons or weapon look-alike instruments. Violating this policy means immediate suspension, withdrawl from privileges, possible expulsion from school and referral to the Mt. Lebanon Police Department.

STUDENT EVENTS

After School Sports

A program of elementary intramurals is held after school for Intermediate levels. It is a program where the students can have fun, learn, and practice additional gym skills in a safe and healthy environment. When possible, the program will take place out-of-doors. Before students can participate in the program, they must submit a permission form signed by a parent.

Assemblies

During the school year, a variety of programs are presented. The Pittsburgh Symphony's "Gateway to Music" and the Pittsburgh Ballet are regularly featured.

Plays, demonstrations, films and other cultural programs are presented to enhance and enrich the educational program. Most of the programs are underwritten by the Mt. Lebanon PTA Council and the Hoover School PTA.

Field Trips

Field trips are an important part of the educational program. They are arranged by classroom teachers to provide a firsthand educational experience designed to enrich classroom teaching.

Prior to the scheduled trip, parental consent forms are sent home with students along with an explanation of the specific details.

Some trips may require a nominal fee which will be the responsibility of each child. The permission form and any fees will need to be returned to school before the trip occurs.

Parties

The PTA provides parties to celebrate the following special occasions: Halloween, the December holidays, and Valentine's Day. Refreshments are served by the homeroom parents. The parties are usually scheduled for the last period of the designated day.

School Pictures

Students are photographed each year by a professional photographer either in September or October. Parents will be notified of the date the child's picture will be taken and of the costs of the package options. Pictures must be paid for at the time of the sitting. Retakes are offered for students who were absent.

TELEPHONE

Under normal circumstances, children will not be permitted to use the office phones. Those exceptions will be determined by school personnel. A public pay phone is available in the front lobby.

Hoover School Parent-Teacher Association

(PTA) is a member of the nation's oldest and largest organization.

This is accomplished at Hoover through programs and activities.

A variety of cultural arts programs dealing with science, literature, theater and music are presented to students.

Parent education is also an important part of PTA. Educational programs on child psychology and guidance, drug abuse, safety and health programs help parents to gain the necessary information, skills and knowledge to guide children wisely.

PTA is active in promoting a healthy environment by educating children and parents in good health practices, keeping parents informed of new health information, and testing preschool children for early detection of visual defects.

The PTA cooperates with other community agencies for the protection and safety of the mental and physical well-being of children.

The PTA also attends Mt. Lebanon Township and Mt. Lebanon School Board Meetings. Pertinent information is then reported to the Hoover Community.

During the school year, PTA also sponsors fund raisers. Proceeds from these events enabled PTA to present cultural arts and educational programs.

The Hoover PTA conducts a membership drive in the fall. Forms for membership are sent home via the students or included in the school's publication, "The Hoover Report Card".

The PTA has monthly meetings throughout the school year.

Dates and times of these meetings may be found in the Mt. Lebanon School Activities Calendar, "The Hoover Report Card", or in a reminder memo sent home with the students.

Hoover School PTA welcomes all parents to become active members in the organization.

The work done by the PTA makes a positive difference in the home, community and school environments.

Active involvement lets parents and others in the community know that Hoover PTA members are concerned with the welfare of the children and the quality of the educational program.

Strategic Plan

The mission of Mt. Lebanon School District , as the leader of an educational partnership with the community, is to ensure that all students acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed and contribute as ethical, responsible citizens in a rapidly changing global society through a challenging comprehensive program taught in a safe, caring environment, by an exceptional staff with continued involvement of families.

STRATEGY 1
We will identify, teach and assess the knowledge and skills necessary for life-long learning in a rapidly changing global society.

STRATEGY 2
We will establish programs for the development and implementation of ethical and responsible student behavior.

STRATEGY 3
We will create a safe, caring environment that ensures the success of each student.

STRATEGY 4
We will work with community groups to develop plans for students to have a variety of opportunities for involvement in community service.

STRATEGY 5
We will develop and implement plans to strengthen community involvement and a sense of ownership in district programs.

STRATEGY 6
We will establish participatory decision-making practices.

STRATEGY 7
We will develop and implement a comprehensive human resources plan to improve the organization through recruitment, selection, development, supervision, evaluation and recognition of staff.

STRATEGY 8
We will develop and implement policies and practices that will assure fiscal responsibility to the community.

STRATEGY 9
We will use creative sources to expand the resources available to achieve the district's mission.

STRATEGY 10
We will determine the technology necessary to implement the strategic plan.

STRATEGY 11
We will determine the facilities necessary to implement the strategic plan.

PLEASE DO . . .

• Sign in at the school office upon arrival for any visit which will take you beyond the office.
• Bring all forgotten items or messages to the school secretary who will pass them on to your child.
• Send in a note when an early dismissal is required. This allows preparatory paperwork to be completed in advance, avoiding delays for you and your child.
• Call or send a note to your child's teacher whenever you have a need to confer. Teachers will respond promptly; they appreciate the advance notice to be better prepared.
• Request makeup work through the school secretary prior to 11:00 am, including instructions regarding who will take the work home for your child.
• Plan after-school arrangements with your child ahead of time. Have a contingencyplan in place in case of unexpected change.
• Plan your calls to the school @ 276-7411 during office hours (8:00 am - 4:30 pm), except for Safewalk calls @ 279-4103, which answers around the clock.
• Accompany your child to outside entrances upon arrival, if you wish; but do not proceed into the building and classrooms when the bell rings unless there is an emergency or other unusual circumstance.
• Wait outside of the building at dismissal times for your child, allowing for smooth passage of classes through school dismissal doors.

PLEASE DO NOT. . .

• Proceed to any classroom without advising the secretary or principal of your need to do so.
• Take items or messages personally to your child or your child's teacher.
• Enter your child's classroom after 8:35 am or before 3:25 pm to talk with your child or your child's teacher.
• Feel as though you must always deliver forgotten assignments, musical instruments, etc. Children will grow in responsibility as they are required to manage these circumstances independently.
• Call the school office with routine messages for your child, using the secretary for social or other non-emergency arrangements or reminders.
• Encourage your child to rely on use of the school office phone, except for emergencies or urgent needs.
• Send medication to school with your child without first discussing procedures with the secretary or nurse. A doctor's order and district paperwork are required.
• Go directly to your child's classroom for early dismissals. All dismissals between 8:40 am and 3:25 pm must occur through the school office.
• Ask us to allow your children to walk home when they become ill during school hours. While school is in session, we are not able to dismiss children except to parents, guardians, or emergency contacts.
• Be offended if a staff member stops you in the school halls to inquire about your business in the building. Our concerns are for your children's safety and security.