GREETINGS

If your child is ill or must be absent from school,

Call the Buckner School Office at

973-9350

prior to 9:30 a.m. each day.

Good attendance is vital for the success of your child in school.  Students are expected to be in attendance every day school is in session.  If your child must be absent from school for any reason, please call the school office prior to 9:30 a.m.  If you do not have a phone, send a note with the child when they return.  If the school office does not hear from you either by telephone or in writing, the absence will be unexcused. 

It is also very important that children are on time to school.    When bringing a child to school late during school hours, please check them in at the office first.  Attendance and tardies will be logged daily.  A truant pupil is a student who has missed, inexcusably, substantial portion of three consecutive days from school, 5 days in a semester, and/or 7 days in a school day.  District truancy procedures will be followed which may result in SRS being contacted.

STUDENT CHECK OUT

All students leaving the building during regular school hours must be signed out in the office by an adult.  Students will be called to the office for dismissal.  Children will not be dismissed to anyone other than the parent or other adults listed on the PIF unless the school is notified in advance.  If you give your child permission to go home with a friend, both sets of parents must send notes or call the office.

TELEPHONE CALLS

Please limit calls and messages to students for only an emergency.  Students may use the phone with permission; however, we appreciate your help in keeping the learning time in the classrooms as free of interruptions as possible.

BUS INFORMATION

If you live 2.5 miles from the school, your student is eligible to receive transportation to and from school each day by bus.  During enrollment, bus schedules and pick-up sites will be distributed.  If you feel that the bus stop needs to be moved, you must submit a Run Adjustment Form (available in the school office) to the principal.  The principal will then forward the request to the Transportation Department.  The Transportation Department is responsible for determining whether the request will be approved or denied.

Bus safety rules will also be made available.  To ensure the safety of all children on the bus, please discuss these guidelines with your children.  Most buses are equipped with a video camera that records events on the bus ride.  If there is an incident, a request to view the tape may be made by the principal or the parent may submit a request to the principal.  (The tapes are the property of Durham School Services.)

Since we do not have direct contact with the bus drivers or the bus company, we suggest you contact Durham School services – 838-1555 (North Lot) and 942-1163 (South Lot) – for late bus information.  It is helpful to the personnel at Durham if you tell them the run number, bus number, and the stop location 

Riding the bus to a different location for the day requires written consent from the parent and must be signed by the principal.  Riding the bus home with a friend requires a note to the principal from each student's parents.  However, both students must already be on the same bus route.  If both students are not on the same bus route, parents must make arrangements to pick up the students.

SAFETY PATROL

Buckner provides a safety patrol of trained fifth grade students.  They are stationed in front of the school to safely guide students across 27^th street.  A teacher monitors the patrol.

TRAFFIC AROUND THE SCHOOL

City ordinance requires that parents pick up or drop off children at the curb on the side of the street next to the school building.  Do not park in bus loading zone, No Parking areas or Handicapped spaces.  Please reinforce with your child the importance of using the crosswalk.  Children are hard for drivers to see when they step out from between parked cars and buses.  Please encourage your child to be safety conscious.

BICYCLES

The Wichita Police Department discourages parents from allowing children, of all ages, to ride their bicycles to school, especially in areas of heavy traffic.  This district assumes the same position.  If the parent does allow a student from Buckner Elementary to ride a bicycle to school, the following policies are in effect:

1.       The parent assumes full responsibility for the safety of the child while riding the bicycle to and from school.

2.       The bicycle shall bear a current license.

3.       The bicycle is to be parked in the designated area provided.

4.       The parent shall provide a lock to help assure the safety of the bicycle.

5.       All city ordinances relative to the riding of bicycles must be observed.

6.       All bicycles will go home at the end of the day.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL

Parents may call the Wichita Public School Weather Hotline at 973-4259 for cancellation information.  Should severe weather cause cancellation of classes, it will be broadcast over local radio and television stations, usually by 6:30 a.m. and your ParentLink will call.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

The children will go outside for recess each day.  The New Wind Chill Chart from the National Weather Service will be utilized to determine if the temperature and wind are appropriate for outdoor recess.    Please send students dressed appropriately.  If questionable weather, children must wear appropriate warm clothing when outside – hats, coats and gloves.

FIELD TRIPS

Permission slips for field trips must be on file with the classroom teacher prior to the field trip.  Since our students walk to Brooks Middle School several times each year for rehearsals and programs, a blanket permission slip for this activity will be signed at enrollment.

PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

At Buckner we are excited about the Performing Arts.  We know the partnership between the Performance Arts team and the classroom teacher enhances learning for all our students.  When you are purchasing school supplies for your students’ classroom work, please remember to buy the supplies necessary for the performing arts.  Every Buckner student needs to have a white turtleneck, a pair of black sweat pants and a pair of black ballet slippers/jazz shoes.  (Thin-soled, flexible, black tennis shoes may be substituted – no athletic shoes).  Every student will perform in a major show each year.  The performance attire is used many times during the year.

REPORTING OF PUPIL PROGRESS/CONFERENCES

Buckner keeps the same records required of all elementary schools and we will use the District Report Card to report progress.  Teachers, parents and students are involved in conferences to discuss the progress of the student.  Please call whenever there is a concern.

HOMEWORK

Homework will be based upon individual student needs and occur regularly as determined by the teacher/team.  It is an integral part of learning.

PRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR

Staff and parents work together in partnership to help their child in attaining appropriate behavior that will assist them in becoming productive citizens.   We have three rules that we follow:

1.       Be kind to yourself and others

2.       Try your hardest to learn and to help others learn.

3.       Keep the school a safe place for everyone.

Buckner uses the Jim Fay approach to discipline.  Any action taken at school will be in accordance with Board of Education policy and state statutes. 

FIRE & TORNADO DRILLS AND CRISIS PLAN

State law requires fire drills to be held monthly.  Tornado drills are required by USD #259 policy and are held at least three times during the months when tornadoes are most likely to occur.  Bused students participate in drills at shelters along the routes to and from school.  During a tornado warning students will be released only to authorized persons with an administrator’s consent.  All visitors in the building at the time of drills are to participate in the drills.  A Crisis Plan drill will be held to review security measures.

LIBRARY MEDIA SERVICES

There is a library media center available at Buckner.  A library media specialist maintains the collections and works with children and teachers to enrich the educational program.  Parents may check out books or materials.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

A instrumental music teacher is available for children in the fifth grade.  Any child wishing to play a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, etc.) may begin in the fifth grade.  A number of district-owned instruments are available for rent.

SUPPORT STAFF

A speech therapist, nurse, psychologist, counselor and social worker are available to serve students, staff and parents.

WITHDRAWAL OF STUDENTS

If you are planning on moving out of the city of Wichita, please notify the office at least two days in advance.  This allows teacher time to complete the necessary paperwork.  In-district students must be enrolled and attending the next school within 3 school days; Out-of-district students must be enrolled and attending within 5 school days.  Failure to comply will result in a truancy referral to Social Rehabilitation Services and/or the Office of the District Attorney, Sedgwick County.

CALENDAR

The District calendar is provided in this folder.  Additional copies are available in the school office.  The PTO calendar will be sent home in September to those who paid their dues.

CURRENT ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER

Please keep the school informed of any changes in the emergency information provided to the school.  This will ensure that your child receives the best possible care. If your student becomes ill at school, we must be able to contact you or an emergency contact.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Student records are maintained and released in accordance to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

Our PTO is actively involved in fundraising as well as enrichment programs that involve direct contact with students during school time.  The Buckner PTO needs your time and talent on one of the many committees formed to support and enhance your child’s education.  Whatever your schedule, there is a place for you in the PTO.  PTO meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 in the lounge.  Everyone is invited to attend.

SITE COUNCIL

Site Council is an advisory board, which meets at 6:00 on the second Tuesday of each month in the lounge.  Everyone is invited to attend.

WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD AT HOME

Keep your child home from school if they have had diarrhea or vomiting in the last 12 hours, especially if they vomit or have diarrhea after they get up in the morning.  Keep your child home from school if they have had a fever over 99.6 degrees (without medication) in the last 24 hours.  If they have a temperature before school, keep them home if it is 99.6 degrees or above.

MEDICATION

A child requiring medication of any kind (even aspirin, cough syrup, etc.) must have a written note signed by a physician, stating the name and dosage of the drug to be administered at school.  Parents must provide the medication in its original container.  All medication is to be sent directly to the office and will be stored in a locked closet.  We must enforce this policy strictly and appreciate your cooperation.

WEAPONS POLICY

Students are not to bring weapons, real or fake, to school.  Please remind your child that they are not to bring a pocket knife or toy weapons to school.  Students who violate this policy (P1466) will be sent home.  All students and their parents will need to sign a Weapons/Violence Policy at enrollment, or prior to beginning school.

A toll-free hotline has been established by the Kansas Highway Patrol to anonymously report possible impending violent acts.

1-877-626-8203

Students are not to make threats.  All threats will be taken seriously and will be followed up in accordance with Board Policy.  Please talk with your child about this.

Wichita USD 259 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap/disability, religion or age.  Persons having inquiries may contact the school district's ADA and Section 504 coordinator, 201 N. Water, Wichita, KS 67202, (316/973-4631).

AUDIENCE EXPECTATIONS

                As part of our performing arts program, we teach our students how to be polite audience members.  Our Buckner students know and understand the importance of this and we continue to receive compliments on them whenever we leave the building for events elsewhere.  Please review the following information from USD 259 so that we can provide our students with the A+ audience they deserve!

RESPECT

SHH!  Show high regard for others.  Please, no talking during a performance.  Students are proud of their accomplishments and deserve to be heard.  Honor performances with applause only.  No whistling or shouting.

SELF-DISCIPLINE

IT’S UP TO YOU!  Be in proper control of your words and actions.  Arrive on time.  Give performers your undivided attention.  Be patient with performers and presenters.  Show your appreciation.  Enjoy the presentation!

RESPONSIBILITY 

DON’T ANSWER THAT!  Be accountable for your actions.  Turn off or silence all beepers or cell phones.

INTEGRITY 

HANG IN THERE!  Act justly and honorable.  Do not enter or leave during a student performance.  Do not leave until the program is over and the audience is dismissed.

CARING

WHAT ABOUT BABY?  Be kind and considerate.  If young children are crying or disturbing others, please take them out to the lobby.

 Buckner School Supply List

Kindergarten:

Please mark these with your child’s first & last name:

1    Watercolor Set

1    Backpack or book bag

1        Bath towel  (NO SLEEPING MATS, TOWELS ARE JUST RIGHT)

Please do not label these items with your child’s name:

3    24 ct. Crayons

1    Washable thick marker set

1    5” Fiskar scissor (Blunt point)

12    #2 Pencils (for use throughout the year)

1    4 oz. Bottles of White school glue

2    Facial tissue boxes

1    70 ct. Wide rule spiral notebooks (solid color only)

3    Folders with pockets (solid color only)

1    Paper towel roll

8    Big Glue Stick

1    small box of Baby Wipes

Optional:  1 pkg. 8 ½ x 11 white copy paper – donations appreciated.

S.T.A.R.S. (Grade 1 & 2):

Please mark these with your child’s first & last name:

2    70 ct. Wide rule spiral notebooks

1    5” Fiskar scissor (Sharp point)

1    12” Ruler with metrics

1    Watercolor set

1    Washable thick marker set (Classic Colors)

1    Backpack

1    Inexpensive set of earphones (try Dollar Tree)

Please do not label these items with your child’s name:

24    #2 pencils (for use throughout the year)

2    24 ct. Crayons (regular sized)

1    7 5/8 oz. Bottle of White school glue

2    Facial tissue boxes

4    Pocket folders (solid color only)

1    roll of Paper towels (for classroom art projects)

1    box of Ziploc gallon bags

4    Large glue sticks

1    Tub baby wipes

1    Small box of quart or sandwich-bags or snack size

1    set of 4 Dry Erase Markers

Optional:  1 pkg. 8 ½ x 11 white copy paper – donations appreciated.

PLEASE NOTE:

NO Trapper Keepers, notebooks or binders.

A school box is not needed.

K.E.D.S. (Grades 3 – 5):

2    Facial tissue boxes

1    Roll of paper towels

1    Box gallon-size plastic bags

1    Set of dry erase markers-Expo Chisel Tip (no thin line)

24    #2 pencils (donations beyond this amount would be appreciated)

3    Glue sticks

3    70 ct. Wide rule spiral notebooks

2    Packages of Wide rule notebook paper (150 - 200 ct.)

4    Folders with pockets (solid colors only)

1    Colored pencil set

1    24 ct. Crayons

5    Ball point pens (red)

2    5” Fiskar Scissor (Sharp point)

1    Eraser (pink pearl or similar)

2    Yellow Highlighter

1    Book bag or backpack

Optional:  1 set of markers (any kind); 1 pkg. 8 ½ x 11 white copy paper – donations appreciated.

In most of the KEDS classrooms, small tubs are used for storing materials.  Space is limited.  Please do not label any of the supplies with your student's name. KEEP ALL TRAPPER KEEPERS, NOTEBOOKS, AND PENCIL BOXES AT HOME.

Dance Class:

1    pair of black sweat pants

1      white long sleeve turtleneck

1    pair of black ballet slippers, jazz shoes or very thin-soled tennis shoes

Students are required to wear black sweat pants and white turtlenecks for dance class (black shorts and white t-shirts may be substituted in very warm weather).  This uniform will provide the basic costume for all of our major performances and be used throughout the year.

In addition, dancers should have proper footwear for dance class;  this includes either black ballet slippers, jazz shoes or very thin-soled tennis shoes.  Black shoes for girls and boys.   These shoes are to be kept clean and worn only in the dance room or on stage.  Students are not allowed to wear street shoes in the dance room, nor are they allowed to wear only socks, as the hazards of slipping are too great.  If the children do not have dance shoes they will dance barefoot, but the students must have proper shoes for the performances.

Dance Shoes may be purchased through major discount stores:

·         Wal Mart

·         Target

·         Payless Shoes

Tennis shoes, sweat pants, turtlenecks, shorts and t-shirts may be purchased at any discount department store such as Wal-Mart, Target, etc.

Please help us by seeing that your child is properly dressed for dance class and performance

Dance Instructor