PORTLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Environmental Studies Magnet

FAMILY HANDBOOK
EXPLORE
THINK
WONDER
SERVE
ACHIEVE
Teaching with the FUTURE in Mind
3410 Northwestern Parkway
Louisville, Kentucky 40212

Phone: (502) 485-8313

Fax: (502) 313-3517
Family Resource Center: (502) 313-4517

Angela Hosch, Principal

Michelle Perkins, Assistant Principal
Natalee Clark, Counselor
Michelle Cox, Family Resource Coordinator

PORTLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAMILY HANDBOOK

EXPLORE THINK WONDER SERVE ACHIEVE

1
Empowering each student to become a responsible, contributing citizen in our ever-
changing global community.
Portland Elementary School is committed to connecting Environmental Education to all areas of
curriculum by

Literacychallenging and supporting the needs of ALL learners through a literacy framework that includes whole
group, small group, and independent reading and writing.
Mathencouraging ALL students to apply mathematics with flexibility and confidence to a variety of real world
applications in the areas of computation, geometry, data, algebraic thinking, and measurement.
Science and Social Studiesproviding ALL students with science and social studies experiences that serve as a
foundation for advanced ideas. This will prepare them for life by connecting to the outdoors in a whole new way
through our outdoor classrooms and field studies.
CARE for Kidspromoting the development of the whole child in a caring, respectful, and supportive learning
community for ALL students to engage them as active participants in the classroom, community, and environment.

Celebrating SuccessEvery Class, Every Student, Every Day!

Portland Elementary School, the oldest public school in Jefferson County, has gone through many renovations.
Thousands of children have walked the halls since Portland opened in 1853. Throughout the years Portland
has been supported by a long line of dedicated principals, teachers, staff members, families and community
members. Portland has grades Kindergarten through grade five.
School Colors: Purple and White
School Theme: Environmental EducationTeaching with the Future in Mind
School Emblem: Panther Paws
Classroom Hours: 8:45 A.M. 3:45 P.M.
Office Hours: 8:00 A.M. 4:30 P.M.
The school is open for students at 8:20 a.m. Students may not be dropped off before this time due to no
adult supervision. Students are to be picked up by 4:00 p.m. at the end of each school day.

OFFICE STAFF
Principal: Mrs. Hosch Secretary: Mrs. Bennett
Assistant Principal: Mrs.. Perkins Bookkeeper: Ms. Kaiser
Counselor: Mrs.. Clark Clerk: Mrs. Dickey
FRC Coordinator: Mrs. Cox
Home/School Coordinator: Mr. Nelson

Visit our WEBSITE for the most up-to-date information!

http://schools.jefferson.kyschools.us/Elementary/portland/

2
 PORTLAND HAS MANY SPECIAL PROGRAMS
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER - Mrs. Cox
The Family Resource Center is a collaborative project to develop a comprehensive program of student/family
support. Located in Room 102, the FRC ensures that families are provided access to and are linked with
appropriate community resources. You may call the FRC directly at 485-8107.
TECHNOLOGY
In addition to classroom stations, our students have access to two computer labs and a mobile I Pad lab. Our
building is completely wireless, and our staff seeks our creative ways to engage students in learning with
technology
TITLE I SCHOOL-WIDE PROJECT
At Portland we emphasize reading and mathematics activities and experiences infused into the total curriculum
to develop basic and advanced skills. School-wide Projects enable Portland to provide:
computer instruction in basic and advanced skills;
mathematics activities and experiences for basic and advanced skill and concept development;
increased opportunities to develop and improve problem solving and critical thinking skills; and,
family training to help gain skills to provide assistance to children at home.
a balanced literacy program with additional materials and services

PORTLAND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER
Please make sure that your child's teacher and the school office have a correct address and telephone number.
BE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS HIS/HER PHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS.
ATTENDANCE
Students are in class from: 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. The goal is to be at school every day, all day, on time.
Students with perfect attendance (no absences, no tardies, no early dismissals) will be recognized.
Absence - Please notify the school when a student is absent. A NOTE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL
ABSENCES. Make sure the note is dated and has the students first and last name on it. Please notify the
school office of any contagious disease so that proper precautionary measures can be taken.
Tardiness - Children arriving after the start of the school day will be counted tardy. Parents must sign
students in at the office when they are tardy.
Early Dismissal Students will be called for dismissal upon the arrival of the parent/guardian for dismissal
prior to 3:20 p.m. After 3:20 p.m., students will be dismissed through the Car Rider Line. Students picked
up early will be marked as an early dismissal.
Illness and Accidents at School - Be sure to leave an emergency number at the school office in the event
you cannot be reached at home. If your child needs to be picked up, a member of the office staff will call
you. If your child becomes ill at school and is sent home, this will be counted as an absence or tardy.
When a child has missed three (3) days, a referral form will be completed for further investigation. Cases of
excessive absenteeism or tardiness are referred to the Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel. This may result in
referral to the Department of Child Welfare.

BIRTHDAYS
Contact the classroom teacher and school office in writing AT LEAST ONE DAY prior to sending any birthday
treats to school. Treats must be purchased, commercially prepared items for food safety reasons. Treats will
3
be dropped off in the school office. Visitors, camcorders, balloons, party favors, etc., are are not permitted in
class or on school buses.

CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phones and electronic devices are not permitted at school, and will be held in the school office if found. A
parent/legal guardian must claim the device in the office. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen devices.

CLASS CELEBRATIONS
Teachers will notify you when a celebration is scheduled. For the safety of our students, only refreshments
specified by the classroom teacher are to be sent in. All edible treats must be purchased, commercially. When
volunteers are requested, siblings of students and young children are not permitted to attend.

DISMISSAL
School is dismissed at 3:45 p.m. Students will leave school for home by the means indicated on the school
transportation form/Yellow Card. Any and all changes must be received by written note from a
parent/guardian. Any verbal messages will NOT be regarded as valid permission from the parent(s)/guardian(s).
We expect all students to be picked up on time.

DISMISSAL DURING SCHOOL HOURS

We feel you would not want your child to leave the building with an unauthorized person; therefore your
cooperation with the staff in this matter will be sincerely appreciated. For the safety and welfare of all students,
the following procedures must be followed:
1. Any person picking up a child MUST show identification and sign the student out at the school office.
TEACHERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DISMISS A CHILD.
The child may ONLY be picked up by the adults listed on the enrollment form or transportation form, or by
signed authorization. We do not honor telephone requests for early release of students.
2. In case of custody situations, we must have official documents on file in the office.
3. Early dismissals are honored up to 3:20 p.m. After 3:20 p.m., the student will need to be picked up
through the CAR RIDER LINE.

DISCIPLINE AGREEMENT
The Portland Elementary School staff, parents, and students will work together to make our school a community
in which all can be productive and successful. We will "treat others as we want to be treated." This rule will be
the reference point by which we establish ethical and responsible behavior.
The staff agrees to:
Guidelines for Student Success:
Stop behavior that interferes with the educational process
Be responsible.
Preserve the rights of others
Keep hands, feet, and objects to self.
Help students improve their self-discipline
Follow directions immediately
Provide all children an equal opportunity to learn
We ready to work and work hard at all times.
Provide a safe and caring environment
Always try and do your best.
The students agree to: Cooperate with others.
Follow the classroom and school-wide rules Treat everyone with respect
Work daily to develop and improve self-control in behavior
Learn and practice solving conflicts through problem-solving and other non-violent methods
Be accountable for all actions as described in the Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook

4
The families agree to:
Model positive attitude and language
Work cooperatively with the school to assist each child to be productive and successful
Follow the school policies and procedures to ensure safety and order
Model non-violent methods when solving conflicts
Teach, discuss, and follow the Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook

DRILLS
For student safety, every school is required to have a number of drills throughout the school year. These
include severe weather, earthquake, fire and intruder drills. The teacher will explain the procedures to be
followed. It is very important for students to be silent during these drills so directions can be heard.

ENTERING AND EXITING THE BUILDING

Students who are car riders and walkers must ENTER the school at the 34th Street main entrance where staff
will always be available to assist. After 9:05 a.m., parents must bring students to the office to receive a tardy
slip. If a student is being picked up for an early dismissal, the early dismissal must be before 3:20 p.m., and the
student and adult will exit through the main entrance at 34th Street.
SEE TRANSPORTATION FOR DISMISSAL PROCEDURES.

FIELD TRIPS
Parents will always be notified in advance of scheduled class field trips. Please fill out and return the required
permission slip granting the student permission to go. Teachers will also inform parents when volunteers are
needed. (An approved background check form must be on file with the school in order for an adult to attend a
field trip.) Permission for field trips may not be given over the telephone.

5
 GRADING
Report cards are sent home every 9 weeks for a total of 4 total report cards. In preparing the reports, we
evaluate the student in terms of his/her own achievement relative to the common core standards. If you have
any questions or concerns feel free to ask the teacher, the counselor, or principal.
GRADING PERIOD DATES
Parents,
1ST 8/13-9/19
PleaseND
review the report card, and then SIGN and RETURN the envelope to school.
2 9/22-11/7

District Grading Periods End

Elementary ............10/17, 12/19, 3/9, 5/24

Report Card Distribution

Elementary ............10/23, 1/11, 3/21, 5/24

GUM/ CANDY/ SOFT DRINKS

Gum, soft drinks, and candy are NOT permitted unless requested in writing by a teacher.

HEALTH POLICIES
Children who become ill or injured at school will be brought to the health room. The parent will be notified by
phone or in writing. As a general rule do not send a child to school with a fever, whatever illness he or she
may have. If in doubt contact your doctor or call to speak with the school nurse.
We are not allowed to dispense medicine of any kind to children, including over the counter medications, unless
an authorization form is on file with the school nurse. All medication whether prescription or over the counter
will be sent to the school nurse in the original container with the original label attached.
Please inform the nurse and your child's teacher if there is some illness that may need special attention.
(Example - diabetes, asthma, heart problem, etc.).

HOMEWORK
Homework helps students to practice what they have learned and establishes independent study skills.
Homework assignments should be:
Assigned daily at all grade levels across content areas with the exception of the final day of each week.
Consist of additional practice of skills taught during classroom instruction
Consist of daily reading logs that record the time students spend reading at home. Please review and
Increase in the degree of intensity from Primary to Intermediate grades. sign your childs
Increase in the amount of time spent as the student progresses: homework daily.
up to 20 minutes per day grades K-2 and 30-40 minutes per day 3rd-5th grades.

IMMUNIZATIONS
Kentucky State Law requires that ALL STUDENTS be immunized. A Kentucky Immunization Certificate from a
physician or the Jefferson County Department of Health must be presented giving the expiration date for
immunizations. This certificate is to be given to the school office. Schools are charged with the responsibility of

6
keeping accurate records of students' immunization. NO CHILD MAY BE ENROLLED UNTIL A VALID
CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED TO THE SCHOOL.
Children enrolling in school for the first time at the lowest grade (either Kindergarten or First Grade) MUST have
a Medical Exam, Vision Exam, and Dental Exam form on file in the school.

INSURANCE
JCPS provides accident insurance for all students during school hours and at all school-sponsored activities.
Information is available regarding inexpensive 24-hour accident insurance.

LOST AND FOUND

Please make sure your child's personal items (purses, coats, sweaters, lunch bags, boxes, notebooks, etc.)
have his/her name clearly marked on them. This will help your child and the school to identify lost items. We
cannot be responsible for personal items brought to school. Students are asked to turn in "found" articles to the
Family Resource Center, and to check for "lost" items in the FRC as well.

LUNCHROOM
For an enjoyable experience in the cafeteria for breakfast and lunch, we have these expectations of all students
and visitors:
Use a quiet voice and appropriate language. When sending in lunch, please do
Stay seated at assigned tables/seat. not include:
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Fast food directly from the
Raise your hand when help is needed. restaurant
Help keep the cafeteria clean. Soft Drinks
Chips/Snacks in bags larger
All children will receive a lunch. Children are encouraged to eat all of their lunch (saving dessert until last ),
than 3 oz.
but no student will be forced to eat certain foods. Adults are available in the cafeteria to assist. For safety
reasons, please do not pack any glass containers in your childs lunch. For health reasons, please send healthy
food choices in your childs lunch.
If a student is allergic to any food product, please provide a doctors statement to the office.
No additional food may be served to students by families or staff until one-half hour after the lunch line is closed,
in accordance with federal school lunch program guidelines.

MAKE-UP WORK Students are allowed one day for each day of excused absence plus one more day in which
to turn in the make up work.

PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCE

Through conferences, teachers and parents can discuss the progress of the student. Should parents desire a
conference with a teacher, please call school to schedule an appointment. Teachers may also request
conferences with parents. Should a conference be requested, please try to cooperate with the teacher in this
matter. Good parent/teacher communication is extremely important to every child's progress in school.

PARENT/VOLUNTEER VISITS DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Portland Elementary has an SBDM policy in effect regarding visitation. The policy states:
All parent observations must be scheduled and mutually agreed upon by the teacher and parent. The principal
must be made aware of the scheduled observation. The length, frequency and duration of visits shall not be
invasive or disruptive to the privacy, safety and learning of other students in the class.

7
 1. Current parents are welcome to visit/observe individual classrooms at Portland Elementary for 30
minutes. This observation time is limited in each classroom in order to decrease distractions for the
children in the classroom.
2. If a parent wishes to stay in the room for more than an hour, then, with the teachers approval, he/she
may continue to stay and volunteer in the classroom to help with activities designated by the classroom
teacher such as tutoring children or working with a child/children on a project. The parent must have an
approved Volunteer Records Check on file and approval by the Principal/Designee.
3. Since our first priority is Portland students education, parents should not approach the teachers with
questions while they are instructing or working with students. The teachers may approach the parents if
they have time available to conference.
4. Parents should respect the teachers and other students workspace by not going through the papers,
notebooks and/or plan books on their desks or other work areas. A parent may look at his/her own
childs work only.
5. Parents may not bring smaller siblings to the classroom during instructional time.

PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Portland sponsors various activities after school. In order for students to participate in these activities, they
must have been in attendance for school that day. Acceptable student behavior and academic progress is
expected from students in order to participate in extra curricular activities.

P.T.A.
Participation in Portland School P.T.A. is expected. Your cooperation and assistance will be needed and
appreciated. Your membership in the P.T.A. helps support parent involvement here at Portland.

SCHOOL PICTURES
Individual pictures are taken in the fall and the spring of the year. Individual and class pictures are made in the
spring. You will receive information so you may purchase these.

SECURITY
Outside doors are locked at all times during the school day. Please use the main entrance on 34th Street when
visiting the school. ALL VISITORS are asked to show identification.

SMOKING POLICY Portland Elementary is a smoke-free campus.

TELEPHONE We ask your cooperation and understanding concerning phone calls.

Students: We do not allow students to make general calls. Calls from parents to students during
school hours interrupt instructional time and are not permitted. Emergency calls will be managed by the
principal or designee.
Staff: In most cases, staff are not available immediately for phone calls. The office staff will gladly take
a message and the staff member will return the call promptly.

TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are provided free of charge. However, parents are required to sign a textbook form accepting the
responsibility of the care of the books. Families are responsible for lost or damaged books.

8
TRANSPORTATION
To find your childs bus stop information, please visit the following website: For the SAFETY of your
http://transportation.jefferson.kyschools.us/BusFinder/ child, a written note is
For a Safe Bus Ride: required from a
Arrive at your bus stop five minutes ahead of the bus. parent/guardian for any
Obey the drivers instructions. changes in transportation.
Stay in your assigned seat.
Talk quietly to the person you are seated with only.
Hold all objects in your lap.
Keep the bus neat and clean. No eating or drinking.
Responsibility of Parents/Guardians
Encourage students to observe all safety and conduct regulations established for the safe and
efficient operation of the school bus.
See that your children are at the stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
An adult must be present for all Kindergarten students to be dropped off in the afternoons.
General Information
Students are expected to ride their assigned buses. Changes in bus assignments must be made in
writing and approved by the principal or Transportation Services.
Any student in violation of these regulations will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with
the Student Support and Behavior Intervention Handbook.
. Do NOT park in the
CAR RIDERS off-campus areas
and walk to pick
Car drivers and Day Care Van drivers pull up along Northwestern Parkway. Drivers up your children or
must remain in their cars and display the CAR RIDER NUMBER. Please turn off your have them walk to
car as there is a NO IDLE policy for all JCPS schools. Students will be escorted to the meet you. This is a
car/van. After 4:00 p.m., students will need to be picked up from the office. safety issue. If
you are in a car,
use the car rider
WALKERS line. Thanks.
Walkers will be dismissed through the main entrance on 34th Street. Map out a safe
route home with your child. We encourage you to walk with early Primary students or
have a responsible person to do so. Discuss with your child the danger in talking to
strangers and going other places after school without your permission. Encourage your
child to check-in at home after being dismissed from school. A Metro Police
Department Crossing Guard is available to assist children at the intersection of 34th and
Northwestern Parkway.

TOYS
Children should not bring toys to school unless specifically requested by the teacher. We cannot be responsible
for personal items brought to school.

VOLUNTEERS
We welcome volunteers into our building to assist in the classroom, office and on field trips. In order to
volunteer, you must have an approved School Volunteer Records Check on file. These forms are available in
the school office.

9
WEATHER (INCLEMENT) PROCEDURES
In case of severe storms or snow, please listen to the television or radio stations for official closing of school
before normal dismissal hours and/or for cancellations before school begins.
If a storm or emergency should occur during school hours, rest assured that your child will be adequately cared
for by capable personnel of the school and will not be released until it is safe to do so. Since weather conditions
are unpredictable and school closings may happen suddenly, discuss this possibility with your child so that
he/she understands what to do or where to go if you are not at home.

100 Word ALL Students Must Know how to READ and SPELL
the there do would number find by were
of on how make no long made we
and are their like way down may your
a as if him could day part can
to with will into people did when said
in his up time my get be her
is they other has than come water at
you I out look been this some first
that use many two call have word
it an then more who from but
he each them write oil or not
was which these go its one what
for she so see now had all

10
 ADDITION FACTS TO 18

+ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
7 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
9 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

MULTIPLICATION FACTS TO 12 X 12
X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
3 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
4 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
5 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
6 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
7 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84
8 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
9 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 90 99 108
10 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
11 11 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 110 121 132
12 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144

11
 At Portland Elementary School, our students
are expected to produce Quality Work.
1. All student work will be neat and legible.

2. Students will complete work in a TIMELY MANNER.

3. Students will be asked to revise or rewrite work as necessary.

4. All student work will follow standard writing conventions:

o Write complete sentences.
o Use correct capitalization and punctuation.
o Use correct spelling.

5. Student work will be well organized and include paragraphs, headings, titles and subtitles as
necessary.

6. Student work will be labeled for clarity. This includes:

o Parts of Constructed Response Questions (A, B, C, etc.)
o Diagrams, charts, graphs, tables, and drawings

7. Students will restate questions when completing assessments including Constructed Response
Questions to organize writing and clarify the purpose of the writing.

8. Students will support their answers with examples. When possible students should use the following
clues:

o I know because. o First,

o In the text. o Next,
o I read. o Also,

9. Students will use Common Core Standards vocabulary and Core Content vocabulary to explain
answers and show clear understanding.

10. Students will SHOW AND TELL in Math.

12
 Request for Classroom Observation
PORTLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Parent involvement and community support are valued by the Jefferson County Public Schools, and visitors are always
welcome. However, although schools are public institutions, visitors do not have the right to unlimited access within the
building. Unapproved visitor drop in visits are not allowed as they tend to disrupt the instructional environment. Visitors
cannot be allowed to interrupt classes, school programs, or school business.

Student and staff safety, confidentiality of student educational records, and uninterrupted instructional time are of primary
concern to school administrators. Elementary schools are expected to enforce the requirement that all visitors (including
parents, media, community, etc.) be required to sign in at the office so that there is a record of everyone who is physically
present in the building. Access to instructional areas is allowed only at the discretion of the principal and the
teacher.

In order to minimize disruptions to the educational environment, classroom observations are

not to exceed 30 minutes.

Name of Observer_______________________

Requested Date of Observation_______________

Beginning and Ending Time of Observation _______________

Purpose of the Observation

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Requirements/Expectations of Observers
1. Remain quietly seated in the area designated by the classroom teacher.
2. Do not engage students or staff in conversation during the observation.
3. Keep in confidence any observations of student educational performance that you obtain during
your visit.

Approval by Classroom Teacher ________________________

Approval by Principal _________________________________

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE TO

YOUR CHILDS TEACHER.
13
Portland Elementary School
3410 Northwestern Parkway
Louisville, Kentucky 40212
Phone (502) 485-8313
Fax (502) 485-8631

August 16, 2017

Dear Students and Families,

We are looking forward to a successful school year. Success depends on a cooperative effort on the
part of staff, students, families and the community.

This handbook contains important information to assist you and your child. Keep this handy for
help.

We look forward to working with each of you throughout the school year. Please contact our school
for any additional help you may need.

Sincerely,

Angela C. Hosch, Ed.S., Principal

Please sign and return to your childs teacher.

We have read and understand the Portland Elementary Family Handbook.

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Childs Signature/Name:

Teacher:

14