Kolter Elementary

 

Parent Handbook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KOLTER ELEMENTARY

9710 Runnymeade

Houston , Texas 77096

713-726-3630

 

Kolter Website:  http://es.houstonisd.org/kolteres

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

We are delighted to have you and your children join the Kolter family.  Kolter has long had a reputation for high academic standards within a warm nurturing environment.  This can only be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of our parents, students, community volunteers, faculty, and staff. This handbook provides you with information about our school, policies, and procedures, so that we can work together for the benefit of our children. We invite you to be involved as a Volunteer in Public Schools (VIPS) program at Kolter.  Those students whose parents are involved in their education are the students who are most successful.

 

We are looking forward to an exciting school year.  Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Sincerely,

The Kolter Staff

 

 

KOLTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 'S MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT

 

 

The mission of Jennie Kolter Elementary is to develop the unique academic and personal potential of each Kolter student.  Kolter staff, working in conjunction with parents and community, will prepare students to become responsible, productive citizens with communication skills necessary to contribute in a diverse global society.  Together, we will promote harmonious and respectful interpersonal relationships by encouraging an appreciation for diverse ethnic and cultural groups.

 

At Kolter, we envision a learning community working cooperatively to assist each child to succeed at the highest level possible, and a school in which staff: work together in collaborative teams; unite to achieve a common purpose and clear goals; value each child as a whole person within an atmosphere of respect and tolerance for individual differences; monitor each student’s progress; seek and implement promising strategies for improving student achievement on a continuing basis; and demonstrate a personal commitment to the academic success and general well-being of all students.

 

 

 

SHARED DECISION MAKING COMMITTEE 2007-2008

 

Brenda Keith, Chairperson

Sari Altman, Parent Representative

Robert Marshall, Herman Litt, Community Representatives

Michael Longoria, Business Representative

Johnanna Monday, Paula Kearney, Roiana Cox, Staff Representatives

Joy Hoyos, April Hiller, Cheryl Carr-Green, Ahlene Shong,

Sallie Ward, Sharon Grimm, Teacher Representatives

Evangeline Jordan , Non-teaching Staff Representative

 

Minutes from SDMC meetings are sent home with the principal's newsletter to keep you abreast of items discussed and recommendations made.     

 

 

 

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR

2007-2008

 

We have made an effort to schedule major events for the year.  However, other considerations may cause us to reschedule or make additions to the calendar of events.  Although these dates should be considered somewhat tentative, they may help you to project your calendar of activities.  We will also send reminders throughout the year.  Be sure you update your calendar.

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL HOURS

 

A.     First Bell                                      7:50 AM

       Tardy Bell                                       8:00 AM

       K – 5th Grades & Special Classes                7:50 - 3:00 PM

       Early Childhood Handicapped (AM)                7:45 - 10:45 AM

       Early Childhood Handicapped (PM)                12:00 - 3:00 PM

 

B.     Tuition-Based Extended Day Supervision

       Morning Care (Breakfast - $0.90)                7:00 - 7:50 AM

       Afternoon Care                                        3:00 - 5:30 PM

 

C.     Magnet Program

       K – 5th Grades                                         (within school day)

      

All students are dismissed at 3:00 PM           

 

 

GENERAL RULES,INFORMATION & PROCEDURES

                    

ABSENCES AND TARDIES

 

Students who have been absent are to present a written excuse from the parent or guardian within three days of the absence when they return to school, or the absence will be counted as unexcused on their report card and other school records.

 

The only acceptable excuses for absence and tardiness are personal illness, sickness or death in the family, quarantine, weather or road conditions making travel dangerous, participation in school activities with permission of the principal, and emergencies or unusual circumstances recognized by the principal or person designated.  Students are tardy after 8:00 AM and must also bring a written excuse from the parent or guardian.  Students are counted present if they meet Kolter's official attendance time of 9:55 AM.

 

The only exemptions from being counted absent are if the student is participating in an activity approved by the School Board and is under the direction of a professional staff member of the school district; or if the student is a Medicaid-eligible child participating in the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Programs (EPSDT) which will excuse the student for up to one day at a time; or if the student is observing religious holy days; or if the student is taken to a documented appointment with a health care professional and the student commences classes or returns to school on the same day as the appointment, and the appointment is documented with a note from the health care professional.

 

The school will submit a referral to the Attendance Specialist assigned to Kolter who will complete an "Attendance Notice" and contact the parent when a child has missed four or more days of school and the reason is unknown.

 

Illness at School:  When a child becomes ill at school, every effort will be made to contact the parent immediately.  Children who are ill can only be released to a parent or guardian unless other arrangements have been approved by the principal.

 

Request for Early Dismissal:  If it becomes necessary to have your child dismissed before the end of the school day, the teacher should receive a signed note from the parent stating the reason for the request.  Such requests should be made only for an emergency.  No child will be dismissed without parent approval.  Parents who pick students up early must come to the office first.  Magnet students who are consistently picked up early, or are late arriving to school, will be asked to give up their magnet space to students who are able to fully participate.  That student will then return to the home school (if other than Kolter) for the following school year.

 

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL RULES

 

The following rules help Kolter students to be safe before and after school.

 

On their way to and from school, students should use all marked crosswalks, obey all traffic regulations, obey school patrols and use caution at all times.

 

Parents must register those students who plan to utilize either the before or after school extended day program.  This is the only way we can provide supervision for your child after 3:00 PM dismissal.  There is no adult supervision before or after school except for those registered in extended day.

 

*Students who are not registered for the morning extended day (7:00-7:50 AM) are not to arrive at school before 7:50 AM.  The only exceptions are patrols, bus arrivals, and breakfast students.  Breakfast is served at 7:30 AM until 7:45 AM.

 

Students who participate in the morning extended day will be supervised in a designated area.  Unless otherwise specified, these students should report to the cafeteria.

 

Once children arrive, they must not leave the school grounds without the permission of their teachers and the principal.

 

In order to insure orderly dismissal, students who are not participating in extended day or magnet activities must leave the building promptly at 3:00 PM through specified doors and should proceed straight to their homes unless otherwise instructed by their parents.

 

Exit Routes for Carpool Pickup:

 

·          Kindergarten students exit from their classes on the South Rice side of the building.

·          First and Second grade students will exit from the front door on Runnymeade Street .

·          Third, Fourth & Fifth grade students will exit to the gate on Dumfries Street .

 

PLEASE READ THE “AFTERNOON PICKUP PROCEDURE” LOCATED AT THE BACK OF THIS HANDBOOK.

 

Exit routes for Bus Riders:

 

All bus riders will be brought to the cafeteria by a teacher and will sit by bus numbers until their bus arrives.  They will exit on the South Rice side and board one bus at a time.

 

Please have a rainy day plan set up for the school year.  The telephone is not available to call parents to discuss after school plans as many students want to call home to see if they can go home with friends, etc. Call the school and/or the parents promptly if any child comes home with your child (unless preplanned with their parent).  This saves time and worry for the parent and school.

 

Parents whose children participate in the after-school extended day program come to the office and sign their students out of school.  Any other arrangements must be made in writing.  Specific pick up procedures will be provided by the director of the extended day program.

                                                                                                                                                             

After school/extended day will not be offered on any day that HISD designates as a staff development day in order that teachers may attend required meetings.

 

BACKPACKS

 

Students in grades 3 – 5 may, at the parent’s discretion, use a backpack with wheels within the following guidelines:

 

q       The use of standard double-strap backpacks is encouraged.  To avoid back strain, ALWAYS use both straps and carry the pack high between the shoulders.

q       Parents need to be aware that the size of the rolling backpack poses a serious storage problem within the classroom.

q       Rolling backpacks are not permitted in Kindergarten or First grade, and are only permitted for Second graders if special circumstances exist.

q       Rolling suitcases are not permitted.

q       The S.D.M.C. decided that if, in the judgment of the parent, a child cannot manage without a rolling backpack, they may be permitted for grades 3, 4, and 5.  The limitations are as follows-

 

1.     The rolling backpack must be soft-sided.

2.     It must have two straps for carrying on the back.

3.     It must have a collapsible handle.

4.     It must be able to sit upright.

5.     The rolling backpack must not be larger than 22” tall (from the collapsed handle to the wheels), 15” wide and 12” deep (front to back).

 

BICYCLES

 

Bicycles may be ridden to school and locked in the bicycle storage area.  Students should provide their own locks.  Bicycles may not be ridden on school grounds or sidewalk areas.  Students must walk bikes from a side position while on school property and sidewalks.  Students riding bikes to school should wear helmets.

 

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

 

Due to nutritional guidelines issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture, birthdays can not be celebrated during the lunch period.  There can be no competition of food during lunchtime.  Cupcakes or cookies may be brought to the front office labeled with your child’s name and homeroom teacher.  No cakes will be allowed.  Drinks must be 100% fruit drinks – no carbonated drinks are allowed.  Birthday celebrations may be held in the classroom during break time, at recess, or at dismissal time.  Parents are not to deliver birthday invitations at school or give invitations to the teacher to hand out at school unless the whole class is invited.  We do not wish to hurt a child’s feelings if they are excluded from the party.  If the whole class is not invited, parents must send invitations to the specific children invited through the U.S. Mail.

 

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION

 

In the event of an emergency, the safety of students and staff is of paramount importance.  Thus, all actions will be related to the safety and wellbeing of both students and staff.  Under no circumstances will a student be released from the custody of school personnel until such may be done with complete safety.

 

Any adult calling for a pupil at school will be required to identify himself/herself to an administrator before being permitted to take a pupil off the premises.  A record of those pupils so released shall be kept.  A student will be released only to an individual listed on the enrollment card unless specific parental permission is obtained.

 

The following emergency procedures have been implemented:

1.     Fire drills occur once a month.

2.     Kolter School Emergency Plans are available for your information in the school office.

3.     Students will receive instruction through drills and classroom orientation in all aspects of emergency plans, including fire and disaster drills.

 

DRESS CODE

 

The following standard dress code has been set in place by the Kolter Elementary School Dress Code Committee and the SDMC for this school year.  Students are expected to be in uniform every day that classes are in session.

 

Tops (Polo or T-shirt style)

Tops must be a solid color (red, white or navy blue) and must be tucked into pants/shorts/skirts at all times.  Shirts, blouses, turtlenecks, or any Kolter shirt with sleeves are acceptable.  Vests are not allowed.   All tops must be long enough to be tucked into pants/shorts/skirts.  Special event T-shirts (not red, white or navy blue) may be worn only the week prior to and the week following the special event, such as Pond workdays, Carnival, etc.  Other fundraising shirts (e.g. Cover Our Kids) must be in Kolter school colors (red, white, navy blue).

 

Indoor Wear

Jackets, sweatshirts, or sweaters worn inside the building must be a solid color (red, white or navy blue) and plain design (undecorated).  Logos or designs other than the Kolter logo are not permitted on any clothing.  Indoor wear clothing is not to be tied around the waist.

 

Outdoor Wear:  Any type of jacket is acceptable.

 

Pants/Skirts/Shorts

·          Pants/shorts/skirts must be a solid color (navy blue, tan khaki, or blue denim) with NO trim, designs or colored stitching, and no holes, frayed hems or edges.  Uniform pants, shorts, skirts are encouraged (available at Penney’s, Target, Academy and other stores).

·          Girl’s pants/skirts/shorts must be fitted to the waistline.  LOW RISE JEANS/SHORTS/SKIRTS ARE NOT PERMITTED.  Cargo short/pants are not allowed.

·          A plain, solid color undecorated belt must be worn with pants/shorts/skirts if there are belt loops. Kindergarten and 1st graders may wear elastic waist shorts/pants. No sashes or sequins. Warm-up pants, sweatpants, sweat shorts, or soccer shorts are not allowed. 

·          Skirts and shorts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee - (walking short length). 

·          Overalls (short or long-legged) such as painter’s pants are not allowed.

·          Capri pants will be permitted, but they must be loose fitting (no Lycra/stretch fabric).

·          Pants/shorts/skirts must be fitted to the waistline.

 

Shoes

All shoes must have closed fronts and backs.  Roller shoes, boots, clogs, jellies, sandals, sling backs, or heels over one inch are not allowed.  No neon colored shoes or shoelaces are allowed.

 

Socks/Tights

Socks or tights must be worn every day and must be solid red, white or navy blue.  Headbands, bows, scrunchies, and clips are acceptable for girls, but BANDANAS OR HEAD COVERINGS ARE NOT ALLOWED.  No dangling earrings are allowed.

 

 

ENFORCEMENT/CONSEQUENCE:    IF A DRESS CODE INFRACTION OCCURS, A PARENT WILL BE CALLED TO BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES.  IF THE PARENT CAN NOT COMPLY, THE STUDENT WILL BE SENT TO THE NURSE FOR A CHANGE OF CLOTHES IN ORDER TO MEET THE DRESS CODE. 

 

THREE (3) DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS DURING A 9-WEEK MARKING PERIOD WILL EQUAL AN “N” ON THE STUDENT’S REPORT CARD UNDER “FOLLOWS CLASSROOM RULES”.

 

 

 

DROP-OFF AND PICKUP PROCEDURE

 

Students are not to be dropped off in the teachers' parking lots nor picked up in the teachers' parking lots.  It is extremely difficult to see small children running between cars.  The parking lots are for HISD employees only.  Parents must park on the street          

 

Buses arrive to pick up bus riders in the South Rice parking lot in the afternoon.  Kindergarten parents picking up their children by car are NOT to block the driveway or otherwise delay the buses from entering the parking lot. Parents parked and waiting in line at the corner of Runnymeade and South Rice for pickup of a 1st or 2nd grader must NOT block the parking lot exit. The drop-off and pickup procedure begins on the first day of school.  Please be patient for a few weeks as everyone learns the proper areas. 

 

DROP-OFF

 

Kindergartners are dropped off by utilizing the “drive through drop-off zone” at the “Kindergarten gate” on South Rice.  Please do not park your car along South Rice near the kindergarten gate in the morning to walk your child into school as this will hold up the whole line behind you and create a traffic jam. Parents may park behind the crosswalk area back towards Godwin Park in order to walk their child into school.

 

All other students may be dropped off in the front of school in the “drive through drop-off zone”.  Please do not park your car in the drop-off zone.  If you park across the street, do not block any driveways and always use the crosswalk to cross the street with your child.   Please do not make a U-turn on Runnymeade.  After the first day of school, you may walk your child to the front door of the school only, not to the classroom door. 

 

PICK-UP

 

Kindergarten

Kindergarten students will be released from their porches at 3:00 PM.  Parents are to park along South Rice Avenue starting at the “Kindergarten gate” and working back toward Godwin Park .  Do not park in the teachers’ parking lot at any time as this area is for bus pickup only.  Parents are to park their cars, walk up to the porch to pick up their kindergartener (and sibling if applicable), and escort them back to the car.

First and Second Grade

All first and second graders will be escorted to the front entrance of the school at 3:00 PM by a teacher to wait on the porch area.  The teacher will assist in the loading of children into cars as parents drive through the “pick-up zone” on Runnymeade.  Remember – this is the “drive through pick-up zone” only and no parking is allowed inside the orange cone area during dismissal time.  NO U-TURNS AT ANY TIME!

Third, Fourth & Fifth Grade

Third, fourth and fifth graders will be escorted by a teacher down the walkway between the T-buildings to the Dumfries Street exit where parents can park to wait for students.  Please wait in your car for your child.  Please do not park in the crosswalk area at the corner of Dumfries and Runnymeade.  Please do not block any driveways or double park on Dumfries even if you are in the car waiting.  Please set a good example by using the crosswalk when crossing the street with your child.

Siblings

Students with younger siblings must report to the younger sibling’s pick-up area at dismissal time.  This will alleviate the need for parents to drive to various pickup zones for each child.

Bus Riders

Students who ride the bus home will follow the designated teacher at each grade level to a specific area to sit by bus number.  When the bus arrives, the students are escorted to the bus by a teacher.

Extended Day Program

Students enrolled in the Extended Day Program will report directly to the designated Extended Day teacher for each grade level at dismissal time (3:00 PM). 

 

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

 

The use or operation of electronic devices, including beepers, cell phones, electronic pagers, iPods, Mp3 players, personal radios, or any other type of electronic system on the school campus or at functions during school hours is not allowed.  Such devices may be used at a time and place determined by the individual campus in coordination with the campus Shared Decision Making Committee (SDMC). The Kolter SDMC has determined that cell phones (and all electronic devices) should remain off or muted in the student’s backpack at all times.  The students may check messages from parents at the end of the day after dismissal.  It is essential that electronic devices do not in any way disrupt the educational process. In addition to disciplinary action, the unauthorized use or operation of electronic devices will result in confiscation.  The principal or other administrator will notify the parent by phone or by written notification to arrange a parent conference to indicate appropriate disciplinary action.

 

ENROLLMENT INFORMATION CARDS

 

It is vital that we have accurate addresses, telephone numbers, and emergency numbers for all of our students.  If you move or change the telephone number where you can be reached during the day, send the information to us immediately so we can reach you in the event of your child’s illness or an accident.  Please fill out the front and back of the enrollment card and send it back to your child's teacher.

 

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM (Tuition-Based)

 

An extended day care program is available at Kolter for students of working parents and for students whose parents attend school.  Students enrolled in extended day have an opportunity to complete homework assignments, receive academic assistance, and participate in a variety of enrichment activities.

 

The basic tuition program includes before school care from 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM and after school from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM. The tuition is $120.00 per month per child for the 2007-08 school year.

 

Other Basic Rules and Considerations of the Extended Day Program

 

1.                 In order to pay for our extended day teachers and supplies, tuition has been computed for the year, but divided equally over nine (9) months – September through May.  If a student

drops out in a short month (December), he or she will not be allowed to re-enroll the following month.  Spaces are limited and tuition should be paid regularly and promptly.  Any student who drops out will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list if the parent wishes to re-enroll the child.

 

2.                 Tuition must be paid by the first day of the month.  There will be an additional late fee of $10.00 if tuition is not paid within the first five (5) school days of the beginning of the month.  If tuition is not paid within those five school days, extended day will no longer be provided to that student.  If parents pay late more than three times, their children will be dropped from the program.  Parents who are experiencing financial difficulties should make an appointment to talk with the principal for special consideration.

 

3.                 If tuition checks are returned for insufficient funds, parents will be required to pay future tuition in cash or money order with an additional $10.00 return check fee.

 

4.                 Parents who register for after school care, but leave their children later than 5:30 PM, will be required to pay a late fee of $5.00 for the first five (5) minutes and $1.00 for each additional minute per child.

 

5.                Parents must adhere to the time limitations of no drop off before 7:00 AM or pick-ups after 5:30 PM.  Students must follow the rules as directed.

 

6.                There will be no extended day care on days when school is not in session.

 

Please remember that spaces are limited and enrollment in Extended Day is on a first-come basis.  This is an optional program at Kolter, one we chose to offer to meet the needs of our many working families.  Prompt payment of tuition, timely pickup and satisfactory adherence to school rules is a condition for enrollment in Extended Day.

 

HOMEWORK

 

Homework may be given daily (Monday-Thursday).  Homework practice is an important step in the accomplishment of a skill and is an outgrowth of what is introduced and taught in the classroom.  Your child may expect the total time commitment for homework to the following approximate guidelines of:

       K             10-20 minutes nightly

       1-2           20-40 minutes nightly

       3-5           30 minutes to an hour nightly

 

Accelerated Reader is a computer-based reading incentive program that is accessible from all classrooms and the school library for all K – 5 students.  With the Accelerated Reader program, a student reads from the AR list of books and then takes a comprehension test on the computer to receive a score based on their accuracy rate.  Once a student enters third grade, a basic 9-week requirement takes effect regarding the number of books to be read and tested. Kolter and Houston City libraries contain many AR books. The AR list is also posted on the Kolter Website at http://es.houstonisd.org/kolteres.

 

Each teacher will send homework guidelines for his/her class.  Weekly work will be sent home by all teachers on a designated day.  Parents are requested to review, sign and return student work the following school day.

 

Please refer to the study skills section of the handbook for hints to help students with homework and organizational skills.

 

LOST & FOUND

 

Please put your child's name on all removable clothing, book bags, lunch boxes and any other item he/she can put down.  Small items, such as glasses, keys, and wallets are kept in the office.  Clothing is kept in the Lost & Found wire basket in the cafeteria.  All unclaimed items will be periodically donated to charity.

 

LUNCH & BREAKFAST

 

Plate lunch including milk is $1.40.  Breakfast including milk is $.90 and may be paid for at the time of purchase with cash.  Weekly or monthly lunch cards may be purchased from the office in the mornings.  Payment must be in cash as the Food Services Department of HISD cannot accept checks.  The card is kept at school by the Lunchroom Cashier.  If lunch cards are purchased, students may choose the days they wish to use them.  For example, a lunch card purchased in advance for 5 days could be used consecutively or over several weeks or months.  The prepaid lunch card is the best and easiest system for the student, parent, and school personnel.  We encourage all parents to utilize the prepaid lunch card to eliminate lost lunch money or lunch money used for buying snacks. Lunch menus go home monthly.

 

If money is needed for lunch, it should be borrowed from the office, not from another student.  If the money is not repaid promptly, the student may not borrow more money until his/her debt is paid.

 

Lunchroom Rules

 

1.     Speak softly.

1.                 Walk.

2.                 Place money in upper right-hand corner of tray for cashier.

1.                 Use good table manners.

2.                 Go through the lunch line only once at the beginning of the period.

3.                 Stay in your seat at the table until dismissed.

4.                 When cleaning your tray, form a line at the garbage can.

5.                 Clean your table and floor around you after eating.

 

Please see “Visiting in the School” for information about delivering lunches for your child.

 

MEDICATION

 

Teachers do not give students medication.  All medication must be housed and administered in the school clinic.  A form signed by the physician must be on file in the office for medication to be given by our nurse.  Parents may request this form in the school office.

 

MENINGITIS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

 

Please read information located at the back of the Parent Handbook about the meningitis virus.

 

PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

 

The Parent-Teacher Organization is a vital part of our school community.  All parents are invited and urged to become active members and to become involved in school activities.  The yearly membership drive will be held shortly.  It means a great deal to your children for you to support their school and its programs and activities.  The PTO needs you!  Membership is $11.00/family ($10.00 for membership and $1.00 for Friends of Kolter).  An award will be given to the class with the highest percent of membership.

 

Room Parents:  Each class has up to four room parents.  These parents work very closely with the activities of the PTO.  They help in planning and supervising the two class parties.  In addition, they may assist with field trips.  These parents are extremely important in the smooth operation of their child's classroom.

 

VIPS:  The Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) supplement our school program by sharing their time and talents. Programs in which they are involved are: enrichment, tutoring, library, kindergarten screening, computers, lunchroom, and classroom helpers.  There is a place for you if you have some time to devote. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator if you can be a Very Important Person (VIP) at Kolter. A police background check is required each year for all volunteers.

 

 

PROGRAMS

 

Magnet Program:  Kolter School of Languages offers classes in French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese as well as activities pertaining to the cultures of French, Spanish-speaking and Asian countries.  Students must apply and be accepted to this program.  Magnet brochures are available in the office.

 

Vanguard Program

 

Who is “admitted”?

 

Kolter Elementary School offers all of its students the opportunity to participate in the Neighborhood Vanguard program. Admission into this program begins with a nomination from either the parent or the classroom teacher.  Once a student is nominated, a formal application is sent home and your child will take the NNAT nonverbal abilities test.  This test occurs at specific times during the school year.  All kindergartners and 5th graders are automatically given the NNAT in the fall of the new school year.  This 30-minute test is a nonverbal assessment of reasoning abilities and it is not necessary to “prepare” your child in any way.  Vanguard services for kindergartners officially begin in the spring of that year.

 

 

What happens next?

 

Every student with a completed application will have their information entered onto a profile sheet.  Those students with 62 points or higher are automatically admitted into the Neighborhood Vanguard program.  The profile sheet includes the following information:

 

·          Ability score (NNAT)

·          Achievement scores (Stanford test or any other nationally normed test)

·          TAKS score (grades 3, 4 and 5 only)

·          Report Card

·          Parent rating

·          Teacher rating

·          Obstacles (if applicable)

 

The committee reviews those profile sheets reflecting scores in the range of 56-61 points including:

 

·          Stanford scores that total 12 points or above, AND

·          Abilities score that totals 14 or above, OR

·          Combined score on the Stanford Achievement test and NNAT test that totals 30 points or above.

 

You will be notified by letter of your child’s placement.  Since Kolter uses HISD criteria for admission into its Neighborhood Vanguard program, this label is transferable from one HISD elementary school to another.

 

What does being labeled “Neighborhood Vanguard” mean for my child?

 

We at Kolter strive every day to meet the academic needs of each and every child. To this end, we offer extensions of the regular curriculum to those children who demonstrate a need for depth and complexity.  This does not mean that we teach “up” (3rd grade curriculum to a 2nd grader), but rather we teach “out”, modifying and enriching the regular curriculum.  Our goal is to broaden your child’s educational experience.

 

What if my child does not qualify for the Neighborhood Vanguard program?

 

Every classroom teacher at Kolter holds a GT certificate.  We work very hard to place your children into a learning environment that will nurture and foster their individual development.  Our staff is committed to excellence.  You are welcome to formally apply for the Neighborhood Vanguard program on a yearly basis.  Applications for the next school year typically are available in December, and testing takes place in February, with results returned in the spring.  Please watch for specific information and dates in the pink Kolter newsletter.  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher, or Mrs. April Hiller, Vanguard Coordinator at ahiller@houstonisd.org.

 

Cooperative Learning:  Students learn academic subjects along with communication and group process skills.  During designated lessons, students work together on assignments, assist and encourage one another.

 

Special Education:   We are fortunate to have a variety of special education services.  Parents and teachers who suspect a student may have learning differences may request a referral.  The referral committee will then decide if an evaluation is appropriate.  If an evaluation is appropriate, placement will be decided by an ARD Committee (Admission, Review, and Dismissal).  The committee includes the parent and staff members.  Various services are available such as:

 

Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) for children ages 3-5 who have been identified as developmentally delayed.

 

Life Skills is available to qualifying students who need a smaller, more individualized setting for the majority of the day.

 

Resource and Content Mastery is available to qualifying students with learning differences and who require extra assistance in subjects for a portion of the day.

 

Speech and Language Therapy is also available to qualifying students.

 

Adaptive Physical Education Programs, Occupational and Physical Therapy is provided to qualifying students.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 

All students are to participate in PE activities unless a note from a doctor or parent is sent indicating an illness or injury.  Students should have proper shoes (closed toe and heel), not sandals, to wear when playing.

 

 

REPORT CARD DAY SUGGESTIONS

 

1.     Sit Down with your child and look over the report card.

2.     Praise Your Child.  Find at least one good thing! 

3.     Be Calm!  If your child has poor grades, let him tell you about them.

4.     Ask how you can help your child do better.

5.     Ask what your child can do to make better grades.

1.                 Make A Plan with your child's teacher and your child to do better.

 

Be sure all borrowed lunch money and/or extended day tuition is paid before report card day. All debts must be paid to the school office before the student’s report card is issued.

 

REPORTS ON STUDENT PROGRESS

 

Teachers will confer with parents whenever necessary.  These contacts may be in the form of notes, telephone visits, or personal visits with the teacher at school.  Please ask for a conference with your child's teacher when you feel it is needed.