Mission Statement of the Hannibal Public School District
The Hannibal School District assumes the responsibility to offer a sound education to every student. Our mission is to provide educational opportunities that enable learners to make a positive contribution to society and achieve fulfillment in their personal lives.
Mark Twain Elementary School Mission Statement
Mark Twain Elementary School teachers and staff are committed to the creation of a learning environment in which students develop respect, responsibility, organizational skills and citizenship as they experience the success and joy of learning.
Mark Twain Elementary School Beliefs/Vision
Mark Twain Student Code of Conduct
*I will be responsible. *I will respect myself and others. *I will choose to learn. *I will allow the teacher to teach. *I will do my personal best.
School Song
Melody: Stars and Stripes by John Philip Sousa
Words: 1988 Sixth Graders and Hattie Middleton
Shout loud for Mark Twain, shout loud!
We’ve got spirit and we are proud!
Our colors are blue and white,
We are aiming for higher heights.
Our motto: “All children can learn.”
An ed-u-ca-tion we can earn.
Remember the good times we’ve had.
Oh, shout hurray! Forevermore!
We’re Mark Twain students!
School Colors
Royal Blue and White
THE ABC’S OF MARK TWAIN ELEMENTARY
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
The school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. No students will be allowed to enter the building prior to 7:30. Please plan accordingly. All students need to report to the auditorium upon arrival. Patrol students will be out to help students cross the streets from 8:05 a.m. – 8:25 a.m. and from 3:10 p.m. – 3:25 p.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:30. Students arriving after that time must report to the office before going to their classroom. It is important for your child to arrive at school on time to begin the day with their classmates. A good start every day helps foster a positive attitude.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Walkers/Car Riders
Rooms 208, 209, 210. 212, 207, 306, 305, & 303 will exit/be picked up on Bird St.
Rooms 211, 213, 216, 201, 202, 200, 302, 300, 301 will exit/be picked up on Hill St.
(Students who have siblings should exit on the street the youngest sibling exits.)
Parents are asked to wait outside at the exit doors or in their vehicles when picking up their children. Please do not wait in hallways or by classroom doors.
Bus riders
Report to bus line in front yard (gym during inclement weather) to be picked up on North Hawkins.
After entering the building for the school day, no student will be allowed to leave the grounds before dismissal time without officially checking out in the school office. In the event that a student must leave the building during the school day for a dentist or doctor appointment, the parent should send a written request and then the parent must come to the office for a release form for the student. No student will be released without a slip from the office. To prevent releasing students to unauthorized persons, the following guidelines have been established by the Board of Education:
If there is any change in the usual dismissal routine for a student, the teacher is to be notified in writing before any change can be considered (verbal messages are easily confused). If nothing is on file in writing, the student will be dismissed according to their usual procedure.
ATTENDANCE
Should your child be absent, please call the school office before 9:00 a.m. Should you fail to report the absence or lateness, our school attendance clerk will call you. If you know in advance that your child will be absent from school, please send a note to the classroom teacher. Work can be assigned in advance for no more than one week. Additional work will be made up upon the child’s return. If a call is not made to the school on the days of absence, a student returning to school must bring a written note signed by the parent or guardian stating the date and reason for the absence.
If a parent wishes to pick up homework for an absent student, or have assignments sent home with another student, they will need to indicate the arrangements when the call is made to the school office by 9:00 a.m. that morning. The teachers will prepare homework during their preparation time and have assignments in the office after 3:15. Generally make-up work time will correlate with the number of days the student is absent. The following are examples of excused absences and make-up privileges are allowed: school activities; death in the family; personal illness or illness in immediate family that requires their presence; medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled outside school time; or parental requests of a necessary nature (must be approved in advance).
Perfect Attendance Policy – Students will qualify for a Perfect Attendance award if there are no absences or tardies (this means not arriving after 8:30 or leaving before 3:10).
The attendance policy and procedure for the Hannibal Public Schools establishes a uniform system for enforcing regular attendance of all students. Attendance has a direct impact on student success and preparation for future learning. Due to extenuating circumstances such as hospitalization or confinement at home by a doctor’s order, the time lines of this procedure may be varied.
Five Absences: First letter and/or phone call to notify parent(s) of absences and the attendance procedure. An attendance Ambassador may call upon the family to discuss circumstances of absences.
Ten Absences: Second letter issued notifying parent(s) there will be no further excused absences for the remainder of the year unless accompanied by a doctor’s note or pre-approved by the principal.
Fifteen Absences: Third letter issued notifying parent(s) that a letter has been forwarded to the Juvenile Office and/or Department of Family Services (DFS) charging educational neglect.
Each student’s past attendance record (from previous years) and the parent(s) cooperation shall be considered when enforcing this procedure. As necessary, the school will enlist the help of community agencies to ensure regular attendance of students.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AND CLASSROOM PARTIES
Students may celebrate their birthdays by bringing treats the day of their birthday celebration. All treats must be commercially prepared. Sorry, we are no longer able to accept homemade items. Because of limited refrigeration space, drinks are discouraged. The treats will be served at the most appropriate time in the classroom. In order to prevent hurt feelings between peers, students may not bring and distribute birthday party invitations at school unless all of the class or all of their gender is invited.
Mark Twain Elementary classrooms have parties for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. The parties are from 2:30-3:00. Grade level teachers will determine gift exchange options or classroom donations in lieu of holiday gift exchanges.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER
Please alert the school office if there is any change of address or phone number during the course of the school year. It is critical that we have accurate information in the event of an emergency.
COMMUNICATION
The Mark Twain Elementary Student Handbook is given to all students at the beginning of each school year. It provides detailed information about school procedures. The Mark Twain Elementary School Newsletter is sent home quarterly to each family. Fourth and fifth grade students are issued planners to record their assignments and assist in home/school communication. Classroom teachers write newsletters to communicate with parents regularly. Additional updates and notices may be sent home regarding special events or changes in the regular school schedule. The Hannibal Schools are also connected to the family education network, http://familyeducation.com, and you can find current information about Mark Twain Elementary School at www.hannibal.k12.mo.us.
Anytime a parent has a question or concern, they are encouraged to call the school office or the teacher. Regular communication between the home and school is a key to student success. Both natural parents have equal access to information and communication about their child in school unless legal proceedings state otherwise. If a custody concern exists, please visit with the secretary or principal. Legal documentation of custody or guardianship will be required.
DISCIPLINE
Mark Twain Elementary strives to maintain a safe, peaceful, and productive learning environment for all. Student discipline is the responsibility of everyone in our school and needs the support of parent’s behavior guidance at home. The ultimate goal of all discipline is to foster the development of student’s self control and self discipline. We are excited to be implementing Positive Behavior Support for the first time this year. Positive Behavior Support uses a set of research-based strategies to increase the quality of life and decrease problem behavior by teaching new skills and making changes in a person’s environment.
DRILLS
Each year the school conducts fire, earthquake, tornado/severe weather, and lockdown drills in the event of such occurrences. Should there be an emergency or disaster in or around the school while classes are in session, know that the school has made preparations to respond effectively to such situations. In order for the response plan to be effective, we rely on cooperation and teamwork from many sources, one of the most important being that of parents. Because your cooperation is so crucial in times of crisis, the district requests the following during a school emergency:
DRESS CODE
We expect good common sense in dressing for school. Students are not allowed to wear T-shirts with suggestive pictures, those displaying alcoholic beverages, drugs or objectionable writing. Shorts are acceptable for K-5 students when the weather dictates, but should not be tight or extremely short. Fingertip length is the recommended guideline for shorts. Midriffs are to be covered and shoes are required. Halters, backless clothing, and see thru garments will not be permitted. Flip flops and high heels are discouraged due to safety issues on the stairs and playground. Baggy pants that fall below the waist are not appropriate. Hats are not to be worn in the building.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are scheduled during the course of the academic year. These trips are directly related to the curriculum, and are considered part of the school day. If arrangements are made with the teacher ahead of time, parents are welcome to participate in the field trip activities. If parents wish to accompany their child on the bus, younger siblings may not attend.
FIRST DAY MATERIALS
The first day initial school packet will include the handbook, registration cards, insurance information, free/reduced food service information, emergency/inclement weather early dismissal forms, PTO information and usually additional information from your child’s teacher. Please fill out all the information inside, and return it promptly. Be sure to list two names and telephone numbers of people you would like to have the school contact in the event that you cannot be reached and your child has an emergency situation develop. Please contact these people so that they are aware that the school might be calling them in the event that the parent cannot be reached. During the course of the year, if changes occur, please notify the office immediately so we have accurate information and telephone numbers.
FOOD SERVICE
Breakfast is offered to all students beginning at 7:45 a.m. until 8:25 a.m. Breakfast is $1.00 each day. Students arriving after 8:25 will not be served unless bus transportation is the cause of their late arrival.
Lunch is served from 11:00-12:35. The cost for lunch is $1.50. Juice is 50 cents. Parents can pay for the week or for the month. Charging of lunches is prohibited. Free and reduced breakfast and lunch prices are available to students whose family income meets established government guidelines. Applications will be distributed the first day of school. ANYONE who meets the criteria for free or reduced meals is encouraged to fill out the form-even if they do not intend to take advantage of the program. Please put lunch money in an envelope labeled with the student name and number, teacher name, and amount enclosed.
Parents are invited to eat breakfast ($2.00) or lunch ($3.00) with their child at any time. Please call the school to make a reservation prior to 7:15 for breakfast and prior to 9:00 for lunch, so food can be ordered.
According to our district’s Wellness Policy, meals or snacks from fast food restaurants may not be brought to school to be eaten in the cafeteria for breakfast or lunch. *Please see attached Wellness Policy in the back of this handbook.
GRADES
School grades are the major indicator of a student’s demonstrated competence and achievement. Students in kindergarten through second grade do not receive letter grades. Their achievement is indicated through the use of a checklist. Students in third through fifth grade will receive letter grades. The Hannibal School District uses the following grading scale for student achievement:
A 94%-100% Excellent Achievement
B 86%-93% Superior Achievement
C 73%-85% Average Achievement
D 65%-72% Below Average Achievement
F 64% and Below Failure to meet minimum standards of achievement
GUIDANCE COUNSELING
Guidance services are available for students. Individual counseling is offered to help students enhance their self-concepts, accept responsibilities, learn to get along with others, cope with situations, and improve attitude, behavior, and study habits. In cooperation with other staff members, the guidance counselor provides evaluations to help determine the best educational programs for the students. The counselor consults with parents and teachers and works with them to make school pleasant and productive for the children. Parents wishing to consult with the counselor should call for an appointment.
HEALTH SERVICES
The nurse is available from 10:00 – 2:00 Monday through Friday. It is our hope that needed medications will be taken at home, however we recognize that some students may require medication for chronic or short-term illness during the school day to enable them to remain in school and participate in their education. If this is the case, the parent/guardian must provide a written request that the school district comply with the physician’s request to give medication. Parents will be responsible for administering the FIRST dose of any medication. The parent needs to supply the medication in a properly labeled container from the pharmacy with only those doses to be given at school and with the instructions for any special need for storage, e.g. refrigeration. Medication supplies should not exceed a 30 day supply. For over-the-counter medication, a written permission must be obtained from a parent/guardian to be administered at school. This medication must be supplied by the parent/guardian and permission must be renewed at least annually.
Parents are responsible for supplying the school with medication to be administered in the event of a severe allergic reaction. Students with a chronic health condition, such as asthma or other potentially life-threatening illnesses, may assume responsibility for his/her own medication as part of learning self-care. Students may administer self-medication providing the following conditions have been met: the parents/guardians of the student provide the principal with written authorization for the self-administration of medication, a written medical history of the student’s experience with the respiratory illness, and a plan of action for addressing any emergency situations that could reasonable be anticipated as a consequence of administering the medication and having the illness. Parents/guardians must sign a statement that the student has been instructed in the proper method of self-administering the medication and has been informed of the dangers of permitting others to use the student’s medication. This statement also will indicate that the parent/guardian releases the school from any liability. Forms for this purpose may be picked up from the school office. All medications will be kept in the office and dispensed by the staff when needed. At the end of each semester, all medication will be sent home or discarded if outdated. Controlled substance medication will NOT be sent home with students, but should be picked up by the parent/guardian.
We will make every effort to see that a student who is ill (temperature of 100 degrees or more) is sent home. For protection of all our students, no student shall attend school while affected with any contagious disease or condition, or during such time that they might be liable to transmit such a disease after exposure. Contagious diseases such as pink eye, strep throat, impetigo, etc., must be treated by a doctor. Students may return to school after being on medication a minimum of 24 hours. When possible, all treatment including band aids, ointment, lotions, etc. should be given at home before coming to school. Medications, such as antibiotics given three times a day, should be given before school and then after school and at bedtime, whenever possible.
Students with head lice are sent home immediately, and will not be permitted to return to school until they have been examined by the nurse. *Please see informational page about head lice in the appendix.
During the course of the school year, the nurse will conduct vision and hearing screenings of students at various grade levels. These screenings are routine, and parents of students who are determined to need further assessment will receive written notification by the nurse.
MISSOURI ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (MAP TEST)
Students are assessed using the Missouri Assessment Program in grades three through five in the spring of each year. Students in grades 3-5 will be tested in the areas of communication arts and math. Fifth grade students will also be tested in the area of science. Results of these achievement tests are shared with the parents during the fall parent/teacher conferences. In addition to traditional assessments in the classroom curriculum areas, all students are administered reading assessments each year to follow their growth in reading. The results of these assessments indicate the reading levels of each student. Students who are determined to be reading more than a year below grade level will have a Reading Intervention Plan in place. Tutoring will be recommended, as well as enrollment in the District Summer Reading Academy. In compliance with SB319, there will be mandatory retention of students who are more than a year below grade level in reading at the end of the Summer Reading Academy following their fourth grade year.
MONEY AT SCHOOL
In the interest of helping children learn the value of money and of eliminating temptation regarding the possession of others’ property, students should not bring large sums of money to school. Money should not be sent to school other than to pay for milk, breakfast, lunch, library fines, or special occasions. Money sent to school should be placed in an envelope with the name of the child, the name of the teacher, room number and the amount on the outside.
OPPORTUNITIES
Spelling Bee – Held in February for students in grades 4 & 5.
Regional Math Contest – Held in the spring for fourth and fifth grader students.
DARE Program – Held second semester for fifth grade students.
President’s Physical Fitness Program – All students participate in this program through their PE classes.
President’s Educational Excellence Award – Presented in the spring assembly to students with outstanding grades and test scores throughout fourth and fifth grade combined.
Book-It Program – Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are encouraged to read a certain number of books each month for a free pizza from Pizza Hut (October – February).
Missouri Reading Circle Program – This program encourages students to read at home as well as in school. In order to qualify for a Reading Circle Certificate, the following minimum requirements must be met during the course of each school year:
Third Grade 11 fiction and 5 non-fiction
Fourth Grade 12 fiction and 6 non-fiction
Fifth Grade 13 fiction and 7 non-fiction
Six Flags Six Hour Reading Club – Students are encouraged to read six hours to earn a free ticket to six flags (January – March).
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Students need to be aware that toys, games, CD’s, and other personal items are not permitted at school without permission of either the teacher or building administrator for special events, i.e. show and tell. The school nor its personnel will be responsible for any items lost or stolen while at school. Absolutely NO trading cards, cell phones, Gameboys OR other electronic devices should be brought to school or carried on the bus. If brought to school, they will become property of the principal or teacher, and must be picked up by PARENTS ONLY!!! Students are not allowed to bring skateboards, roller blades, or tennis shoe skates to school. If students ride bikes or scooters to school they need to be secured to the bike rack in the front of the school. Please do not bring pets to school unless prior arrangements have been made with the classroom teacher.
PICTURES
The school contracts with a photographer to take school pictures. These are typically taken in October with pictures to parents by Christmas. Picture packet information will come home with students, and all picture packets must be paid for the day the pictures are taken. From time to time, students are photographed by local media at school events. If you do not want your child photographed, please notify the school office before Labor Day. Mark Twain School yearbooks are available in the spring. Information will go home with students in February to order a yearbook. They are usually delivered the last month of school.
PTO
We would like to invite all parents, grandparents and members of the community to become members of the Mark Twain Elementary PTO. We are an active group that plays a major role in helping parents have an opportunity to become involved in their child’s education. Our yearly program consists of several events that may help parents and families become more familiar with what is occurring in the classroom and what you can do to help. PTO also gives us a chance to engage in activities that make us all become part of the community we call school. Please join us!
PUBLIC COMPLAINTS OR CONCERNS
The Hannibal School District policy includes the following steps as proper procedures to be followed by persons with questions or complaints regarding the operation of the school district.
1. Complaints on behalf of individual students should first be addressed to the teacher/employee involved.
2. Unsettled matters or problems and questions concerning individual schools should be directed to the principal of the school.
3. Continued unsettled matters and questions concerning the school district should be directed to the superintendent.
4. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it should be brought to the Board of Education. Questions and comments submitted to the secretary of the Board in letter form will be brought to the attention of the entire board at a regularly scheduled or called meeting. The decision of the Board shall be final except in the case of complaints concerning the administration of federal programs. If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Education. Anyone wanting more information about this procedure or how complaints are resolved may contact local district personnel.
SPECIAL SERVICES INFORMATION
Mark Twain Elementary has a Speech/Language program, Learning Disabilities Program, and a Reading Recovery Program for students who qualify for such assistance. A Title I Literacy Program is available to primary grade students. A Success Team is also in place to assist in addressing special short-term needs of students or help in arranging long-term help for students. Teachers, staff, and parents can refer a student to the Success Team. Contact the building principal to make a referral.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Two students from each classroom in grades two through five are elected by their classmates to serve as representatives on the Student Council. Fifth grade students are elected to be officers. The student council members do fundraisers to help purchase items for our school. They are also in charge of the school store.
2007-08 Student Council Officers
President – Jackson Wagner
Vice President – Austin Janes
Treasurer – Marni Yargus
Secretary – Alexis Cheney
TEACHER REQUEST
Teacher requests will no longer be accepted in order to keep our classrooms balanced.
TRANSFER POLICY
Parents requesting transfer of their child to an elementary school other than the one in which they live must complete and sign a transfer request form in the Central Administrative Office. Transfer of a student from one elementary school to another within the Hannibal School District shall be granted only when there is evidence that the student or the school will benefit from such a transfer. A good attendance and behavior record is also a factor in approving transfers. Transfer permits are valid for one school year only; they do not carry forward to the following year. The granting of a transfer from one school to another does not carry with it the right to free transportation.
VISITORS
Visitors are always welcome at Mark Twain Elementary. We ask that you come to the office and pick up a name tag authorizing you to be in the building, to sign in, and then return to the office before you leave to sign-out so that we know who is in our building at all times. This is particularly important in the event of an emergency drill. The west entrance will be open all day, with all other entrances locked after 8:30 to better secure the building during the school day.
The district discourages using the school as a site for parents without custody to visit their children. The principal may deny the parent without full or joint legal or physical custody the opportunity to deliver packages, gifts, messages, etc. to the child and/or to see the child during the school day without the approval of the custodial parent or legal guardian.
If you would like to visit with the classroom teacher, please call to make arrangements.
WEATHER
Should weather conditions cause the cancellation or early dismissal of school, parents will be notified by announcements on the local radio and television stations. Generally, the district will try to cancel school by 6:00 a.m. In the case of early dismissals, please have PREVIOUSLY arranged plans made for your student who will be arriving home earlier than anticipated, and be certain that your child is aware of these plans. An emergency/inclement weather early dismissal form should be on file with the teacher so that they can share the plans with your student in the event of an early release. Students play outside when the weather is above 25 degrees. Please be sure that your student dresses appropriately for the weather.
WITHDRAWAL
Please notify the office at least two days in advance of an impending withdrawal. The student’s teacher will receive a withdrawal notice to be completed. This along with the immunization record can accompany the student to their new school.
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