• Guidebook 2007-2008 is also available for downloading in 3 different formats (.pdf, .doc and .cwk) at the bottom of this page.

Dear Phalen Lake Elementary School Families,
Students, staff, parents, and community members are active in making Phalen Lake Elementary School a great place to learn and teach. It is important we work together as a team. This handbook provides useful information about many activities at the school. We hope this information helps you to take advantage of all the opportunities at Phalen Lake. The information will also help insure that the safety and well being of students and staff are maintained. Please read this handbook and keep it handy for future reference. Best wishes for an excellent school year.

Sincerely,
Ms. Catherine Rich, Principal
Ms. Mai SaeVang,  Administrative Intern

PHALEN LAKE ELEMENTARY
Phalen Lake Elementary School uses the rigorous Core Knowledge reform model. This is a HIGH standards curriculum known nationally as “Gifted Education for All.” Core Knowledge offers many ways for students to learn by blending together learning in history, geography, science, and the arts.

Students may select Hmong or Spanish Language & Culture classes as a part of their Core Knowledge Enrichment Program. In addition the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM) program offers academic acceleration (fast paced learning) and promotes student leadership.
We offer all day kindergarten. Four-year-olds may attend preschool classes here as well. The Family Room offers resources and support to promote family literacy and achievement through day and evening programs.

Adult Education ELL classes are offered during the school day and evenings. After-school programs offer K-6th grade students both academic and recreational activities.

ABSENCES
Please call the school office at (651) 293-8935 before 8:30 a.m. if a student will be absent for the day. When returning to school the student should give a note to the teacher explaining the absence. When a student is absent the parent may request assignments and materials from the school office. Students will be expected to make up the work missed within a reasonable period of time as determined by the teacher and parent. Absences will be determined as excused or unexcused based on the school district attendance policy.

AFTER SCHOOL ACHIEVERS
Students are eligible to attend After School Achievers after school program Monday through Thursday, after parents complete an application. Please look for an application the second week of September. If you do not receive an application, or for more information, please call us at 651-312-9086 and ask for Jonathan Goss. After School Achievers is a two-hour program that combines academic instruction and enrichment activities. Busing is provided.

ARRIVAL TIME
The school doors open at 7:50 a.m. for children wishing to eat breakfast. Children who walk to school may enter the building through the playground door or Cypress Street door. Students who ride the bus will enter through the Cypress Street door. The students are released to their classrooms at 8:05 a.m. Students should be in their classrooms by 8:15 a.m. Parents must make other arrangements for their child before 7:50 a.m. We have NO supervision before 7:50 a.m.

ATTENDANCE
Daily attendance is very important to the academic progress of each student. If there is a problem interfering with your child’s attendance please contact the school social worker or counselor. All students 6-18 years of age are required by law to attend school. STATE LAW requires that we report unexcused absences after 3 days. Students absent more than 3 days will be referred to the school district’s attendance program. In extreme cases of 7 or more absences parents are referred to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office Truancy Intervention Program. Please try to arrange family trips and medical appointments outside of school time.

BIKES
If a student chooses to ride their bike to school, they assume all responsibility for the bike. The bike must be locked to the perimeter fence during the school day and the student must walk the bike off the school property at dismissal time. Students are not allowed to bring in-line skates, skateboards, etc. to school. This eliminates any safety concerns for riders or walkers and theft issues.

BREAKFAST
Phalen Lake Elementary participates in a free breakfast program. Breakfast begins at 7:50 a.m. Students are not allowed in the building until this time. Breakfast is served from 7:50-8:10 a.m. Accommodations are made if we have a late bus.

BUS TRANSPORTATION
Saint Paul Public Schools provides busing for students who live over one mile from the school. Minnesota law states that transportation by school bus is a privilege, not a right. Please note the following bus safety guidelines:

1. 
   The Saint Paul Public School District will not tolerate disruptions, abusive language, aggressive or dangerous behavior, vandalism, and chemical usage including smoking on school buses.
2. 
   Children may only ride their assigned bus. They may not ride any other bus home. Parents: do not send a note to the school or teacher requesting that your child ride home with a friend or relative. Transportation DOES NOT allow students to ride any other bus than the one assigned.
3. 
   Students must ride their assigned bus home unless prior written notice has been given to their teacher stating that parent has arranged for their child to be picked up.
4. 
   School employees and other citizens are encouraged to report intolerable bus rider behavior to the bus driver or school directly. The bus driver is obliged to report misbehaving students in writing to the principal or their designee.
5. 
   Elementary schools are responsible for enforcing and recording bus rider discipline.
   

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/WORK/PHONE
Please notify the school office promptly of any change in address or phone number at home, work, or emergency contact. This is very important in the event of an emergency with your child.

COLLECTIBLES
The PTO saves labels from Campbell’s products, Box Tops from General Mills cereal boxes, and Kemp's "Give'em five" milk caps. The labels, cereal box tops, and milk caps, are redeemed for educational materials. Please turn in these items to Alicia Jones at the attendance desk. Thank you!

COMMUNICATION
Several options available for communication between home and school are as follows: phone contact (293-8935,) classroom newsletters, Family Room, Parent Link voice mail system, email, personal visits, and our website www.phalenlake.spps.org

CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher-student regular conferences are scheduled twice a year. This is an important opportunity to discuss your child's progress with his/her teacher. Our goal for both conferences is that we have 100% attendance. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher if you are unable to attend the regularly scheduled time. Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) conferences are held in September and May for students needing to improve their attendance and/or academic performance.

CURRICULUM
Phalen Lake uses the rigorous Core Knowledge school reform model. All students receive instruction in these core subjects: Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Spelling, Handwriting), Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.  In the Core Knowledge Enrichment Program, specialists provide instruction in: Art, Band, Computer, Hmong and Spanish Language and Culture, Music, Physical Education, Science, and SEM. The Core Knowledge curriculum adheres to state standards and national standards.

DATA PRIVACY
Access to student’s records is limited to parents, legal guardians, and professional staff. Release of student records to an outside source is strictly controlled by district policy.

DISCIPLINE
At Phalen Lake, we believe that students have the right to learn and teachers have the right to teach in a safe learning environment. Respect for self and others are essential to creating a positive and peaceful place to learn. The School Counselor classroom lessons, Character Education program and 5R program teach socially appropriate behaviors and problem solving skills. All students are expected follow the Phalen Lake School Rules.

1. Be respectful.
2. Be responsible.
3. Be a learner.
4. Be safe.

The 5R form will be sent home with the student to be signed by the parent/guardian and must be returned to school. This practice improves home/school communication.

DRESS CODE
We expect students to demonstrate respect in the way they dress. Jackets, coats, caps, hats, scarves, gloves, bandanas, and sweatbands will not be worn during the school day. Students wearing shirts with offensive language and inappropriate slogans/symbols will be asked to change their clothing or turn the shirt inside out. If pants are too large for the child and undergarments are being seen, the child will be required to wear a string belt for the remainder of the day.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP LOCATIONS
Family members driving their children to and from school should drop them off and pick them up on Forest Street. Please do not drop off or pick up students on Cypress Street. School busses are using this entrance to load/unload students. The parking lot door is not a drop-off/pick-up location for students. This door is reserved for staff members only, due to safety and supervision concerns.

EMERGENCY CLOSING
In the event of severe weather listen to WCCO-AM (830) for the school closing announcements. It is essential that families discuss emergency plans with their children in the event that school is closed and parents are already at work.

EMERGENCY DRILLS
Drills for fire, severe weather, or other emergencies are conducted on a regular basis during the school year. Students are reminded that similar drills at home are good safety measures.

EMERGENCY FORMS
An emergency form for each student is required to have on file in the school office. Please be sure to return these forms to school promptly with the correct information when you receive them. Please inform the school office if information on the form changes during the school year. It is extremely important for your child’s safety and well being that these forms remain current all school year.

GYM SHOES
Students are required to wear gym shoes for physical education classes. It is recommended that students bring a pair to keep at school.

HEALTH SERVICES
Phalen Lake Elementary has a school nurse on duty. First aid equipment is available in the health office and each classroom. Vision and hearing screening are conducted annually for specific grade levels. Health records are maintained at school. When an emergency or significant illness occurs at school, procedure is to contact a parent or guardian at home or work. If a parent or guardian is unreachable, a relative or neighbor whose name appears on the emergency form is contacted. However, in instances where immediate medical attention is needed, the school will call 911 for emergency personnel and ambulance service. The parents or guardian will be called immediately after the emergency personnel have been contacted.

HMONG AND SPANISH PROGRAM GOALS

1. Expand students’ cultural awareness, appreciation and understanding of their own and other cultures.
2. Increase the English academic vocabulary of all students and support the home languages of Hmong and Spanish students.
3. Build community among all students, staff and school families
4. 
   

LOST & FOUND
Lost clothing and articles are located in our Lost and Found area in the main hallway near the elevator. Small items are kept in the office (jewelry, keys, etc.). Unclaimed items are donated to charity at the end of each semester.

Please remember to:

• Clearly label your student’s coats, jackets, sweaters, caps, and boots with full name.
• Try to locate the item immediately upon discovering it is lost.
• Do not bring articles of sentimental or monetary value, such as an expensive leather coat or jewelry.

MEALS
All students should complete a free/reduced lunch form. Students may buy a complete hot lunch each day at school. Milk is available for 40 cents for students who prefer to bring a lunch from home. Lunch (including milk) is $1.50 and a reduced lunch costs 40 cents. Lactose Free Milk is available upon request from the parent for student’s who cannot tolerate regular milk. Monthly menus are sent home and are published in the Wednesday Pioneer Press in the Neighbor Section.

Please put your child’s name and room number on the check and send it to school in a sealed envelope. Print your child’s name or teacher’s name and room number on the outside of envelope.
Please send payments weekly or monthly NOT daily.

Saint Paul Schools participates in the federal child nutrition program. All families should complete the free or reduced meals form each school year. If you are not certain if you qualify for the federal food program or you have any questions, please call the District Food Service Office at (651) 603-4952 or school.

MEDICATIONS
If it is necessary for your student to take medication in school, please contact the school nurse and obtain a form, which gives authorization to administer medication by school personnel. Both you and your physician must fill out this form. Medication will not be administered without this authorization. This includes non-prescription drugs like aspirin or Tylenol. All medications must be in their original prescription container. Medications must be turned into the school office and not carried around school. Please call the school nurse, Soua Mua, at 293-8935 ext. 1106 with any questions.

PARENT SIGN-IN
Parents/Guardians can come into the building with/for students during arrival and after 2:50 p.m. without signing in at the main office or the attendance desk in the main hallway. At all other time during the day, family members and visitors must sign in and wear a visitor badge.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
Phalen Lake Elementary has an active PTO that plays a key role in creating outstanding learning opportunities for our students. We encourage parents/guardians to take an active role in guiding your child’s school and its programs.

PICTURES
This year pictures will be taken on October 6, 2005. Information and order forms will be sent home.

RECESS
Students are expected to go outside for noon recess everyday unless we have inclement weather. Adult monitors are outside with the students at all times.
During winter months we recommend hats, mittens/gloves, scarves, and boots for the cold weather.

RELEASE OF STUDENTS DURING THE DAY
All students must be picked up and signed out at the office when being dismissed early for appointments such as the doctor, dentist, etc. A note signed by the parent or legal guardian should be sent to the child’s teacher on the day of the appointment. Please tell the teacher the time your child will be picked up at the office. The person picking up the child is asked to wait and meet your child in the office. Allow some extra time for calling your child to the office. Request a note from the doctor or dentist. Students will be marked excused when they bring a note from their medical appointment upon their return from school. Any restrictions on who may pick up or contact a student at school must be indicated on the student's emergency form or presented in writing to the school.

REPORT CARDS
A report card is used at the November and March conference. A final report card is sent home at the end of the school year.

SCHOOL HOURS
School day is 8:20 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Breakfast is served starting at 7:50 a.m. Students need to be in their classrooms by 8:15 a.m. No Students are allowed in the building before 7:50 a.m. This request complies with Saint Paul Public School’s policy.

SCHOOL PATROL
School Patrol boys and girls work under the supervision of Mr. Ray Schwabe, teacher and the St. Paul Police Department. The School Patrol will provide assistance at the following corners from 7:50 to 8:05 a.m.:

• Arcade/Magnolia
• Case/Earl
• Case/Forest
• Cypress/Cook
• Cypress/Jessamine
• Cypress/Magnolia
• Earl/Magnolia
• and finally Forest/Magnolia until 8:10 a.m.

Patrols return to the corners at dismissal time.

SEXUAL & RACIAL HARASSMENT
Saint Paul Schools has a sexual and racial harassment policy and a weapon policy. The policy is available from the school office upon request. Students are routinely informed about these policies in their classroom and assemblies. The expectation at Phalen Lake Elementary is that all students and staff will comply with these policies. Guns, knives, and all toy weapons are banned from the school property.

SITE COUNCIL
A building Site Council comprised of staff, parents, and community members is working to improve instruction by implementing a shared decision making process in the building. We continue to need interested individuals to join the site council. Call Jan Hopke-Almer (Principal) or the Family Room for more information at 293-8935

SPECIAL EDUCATION
Phalen Lake Elementary offers a complete range of services for students with identified special needs. Our special education program is designed to be an integrated part of the entire school. The parents and staff design an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for each of these students.

STUDENT RECORDS
State and federal laws governing school records allow parents, legal guardians, and adult students (age 18 and over) to examine and/or obtain copies of their records or those of their children with proper identification. The law requires release of all student information to a non-custodial parent unless prohibited by court order. Exceptional circumstances should be referred to the Student Data Management Department at (651) 632-3764.

TELEPHONE
Students’ use of the phone should be for emergencies only. Arrangement for after school activities and visiting friends should be made outside of school time. If an emergency arises, messages to students should be made before 1:00 p.m. to ensure they can be delivered. Teachers can normally be reached during their preparation period. For specific contact times, check with your child’s teacher.

TEXTBOOKS & SCHOOL COSTS
Each student assumes responsibility for the care and proper use of books and other materials and equipment used by them at school. It is the student’s responsibility to replace any lost items. Students are provided free school supplies from the “Stuff for Schools” program. Students may also purchase basic school supplies at the "Phalen Lake School Store". No other money, except for lunch money, should be brought to school unless specifically requested in writing by the school.

TREATS
If you send a treat for the students in your child’s classroom, the treat must be store bought and not homemade. Treats should be provided for all students in the classroom and given to the teacher. Students are not allowed to bring individual cans of pop, gum, or candy.

VALUABLES/TOYS AT SCHOOL
Students should focus on learning during the school day. All valuables and toys should remain at home in order to prevent loss, theft and disruption of learning. Items such as Gameboys, Walkman radios, CD players, Pokemon cards and pagers will be confiscated and turned in to the principals’ office for safekeeping and returned only to the parents/guardians. Cell phones must be turned off and kept out of sight during the school day. Cell phones disrupting the learning or used during the school day will be confiscated and returned only to a parent/guardian.

VISITORS
Visitors are always welcome at Phalen Lake Elementary. It is a courtesy and our expectation that you make arrangements with a teacher before visiting a classroom. All visitors, including parents, must sign-in at the office upon entering the building during the school day. Please be aware that we may ask for identification when entering the building. Visitors and volunteers must wear identification badges from the office. This is for the safety and security of our children.

VOLUNTEERS
Phalen Lake Elementary is always looking for volunteers. Our current volunteers are comprised of parents, high school/college students, community and business partnership members. Please consider volunteering your time and talents. Eddie Vang is our new volunteer coordinator, provided by the Capital City Education Initiative. Persons interested in volunteering should contact the Family Room at (651) 293-8935.

WALKERS
The school rules apply to all students walking to and from school. Students should walk safely and calmly along the city sidewalks. Patrols will be at the designated corners beginning at 7:50 a.m. Students are not allowed into the building before 7:50 a.m.

At dismissal (2:50 p.m.), siblings should set up a regular meeting place outside one of the exit doors.

PHALEN LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1089 Cypress Street, St. Paul, MN 55106
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Telephone: (651) 293-8935 Fax: (651) 293-8978

Principal.....Catherine Rich
Administrative Intern .....Mai SaeVang
After School Programs.....Jonathan Goss
School Clerk.....Michelle Price
School Counselors.....Kerri Durand and Jack Brown
Social Worker.....Marianne Tracy
Family Room.....Thao Lor Lee, Neftali Ramirez and Mary Sellers
Volunteer Coordinator.....Jesse Engebretson
Nurse.....Soua Mua

2005 BOARD OF EDUCATION
Elona Street-Stewart, chair
Kazoua Kong-Thao, vice chair
John Brodrick, treasurer
Tom Conlon, clerk
Anne Carroll, director
Tom Goldstein, director


SUPERINTENDENT
Meria Carstarphen