Mark Twain Elementary

1100 Mark Twain Drive

Rolla, MO 65401

Phone: 458-0170

Principal: Mr. Joe Cross

To view the district website click here.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The responsibility of the Rolla School District is to provide, in partnership with the community, the best educational opportunities possible for our students through a commitment to excellence in personnel, facilities, curriculum and instruction.

 

BELIEFS

We believe that all students:

• Should be prepared to compete and excel in a global society.
• Should be prepared to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
• Deserve a safe and nurturing learning environment.
• Deserve the opportunity to realize and maximize their potential.
• Deserve the best educational opportunities possible through a community-wide commitment to excellence.

 

MARK TWAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

We support our students and believe:

• In the value of individualized education.
• In developing basic skills.
• In making school a happy place where learning is enjoyable, interesting, meaningful and safe.
• In using a positive approach.

 

School attendance is very important to your child’s success in school.  Please call the school office (458-0170) by 9:00 a.m. any day that your child is absent. If no call or note is received, the absence will be marked as unexcused/unverified.

 

Classes begin promptly at 8:05 a.m. All students arriving after 8:05 must be signed in at the school office by a parent or an adult. Parents will be contacted, and appropriate authorities will be notified, in cases of excessive tardiness or checkouts. Students absent for medical appointments should furnish the office with a written note from the doctor, dentist, or other medical authority. Parents must sign their children out and back in when they leave school during the day, as attendance is kept by the minute.  Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments outside the school day, make every effort to ensure that students arrive at school on time each day and stay until dismissal. Tardiness and early check outs will prevent a child from having perfect attendance. 

 

When a student has accrued four (4), six (6), and eight (8) absences in a semester, school personnel will send a letter to the parents/guardians.  Additionally, the district will contact Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services or the local prosecutor in cases where the district has a reasonable suspicion that a student's lack of attendance constitutes educational neglect on the part of the parents/guardians or that parents/guardians are in violation of the compulsory attendance law. School officials will make all reasonable efforts to contact the student and his/her parent or guardian to discuss the student's excessive absence(s).

 

 

Building hours are from 7:35 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. on school days.  Students must not arrive before 7:35 a.m., which is 30 minutes before the start of classes, as there is no supervision.  In the past, we have had car riders and walkers arriving as early as 7:00 a.m.  This presents a safety issue for your children.  Please make arrangements to have your child arrive no earlier than 7:35.  Car riders are dismissed at 3:15 p.m., and parents must pick students up at this time. Walkers will be dismissed at 3:20 p.m to avoid hallway congestion.  We do not guarantee supervision outside of these designated hours.We have duty personnel outside from 7:35 - 7:55 and from 3:15 - 3:35 (students will be taken into the office at 3:35 and parents will be contacted in the event that a child is not picked up before 3:35)

 

 

For safety reasons, it is important that every child has a regular method of travel after school. Whether a child is a walker, car rider, or bus rider will be entered on the enrollment form.  Your child will be expected to follow this procedure unless you notify the office before 2:30 pm. Changes will not be made after 2:30 p.m. unless an emergency occurs. Students who are checked out from classrooms prior to end of day procedures will be marked absent during that time. The end of the day gets incredibly busy for our administrative assistants, so to ensure all students are accounted for no child will be called down between the times of 3:10 when bus dismissal begins and 3:20 when the final announcement is made. Requests for students to be called down will not be made until that time. 

 

When a student is picked up at a time different from his/her regular dismissal time, parents must request the child through the office. We will not release students to persons other than their parents or guardians without permission from the parents or guardians, except in the case of an emergency, when we will release the child to persons designated on the enrollment form as emergency contacts.  The school office must have appropriate documentation showing that a parent has no visitation rights in order to deny a parent the right to pick up his/her child.

 

Occasionally it is necessary to dismiss school early because of the weather.  Please make sure the school office is made aware if there are different arrangements for these days; otherwise, the child will follow his/her normal routine.

 

 

Students are not allowed to make personal calls or texts during the school day without permission. Telephone messages for students will be delivered at the end of the day. Students will not be called to the phone except in an emergency.

 

A student is prohibited from using or having his/her personal cellular telephone turned on during the regular school day. Students must have the telephone(s) turned off during the school day and left in their backpack.

 

In the event your child misses school and you would like to request homework, please contact the office by 8:30 AM.  Homework will be available outside the office after 3:00 that day.  

 

Mark Twain will recognize all first through third grade students who achieve honor roll status each quarter. To be eligible for Honor Roll a student must earn all A’s and B’s. Students will be recognized with a certificate indicating each quarter honor roll is obtained. This certificate will be given during the awards assembly at the end of the year.

 

 

Currently parents are unable to visit school outside of certain events, but may arrange classroom visits with the teacher in advance. If a visit to a classroom has been approved, it may not interrupt the instructional process.  All visitors, including parents and guardians, are expected to report to the office and receive a “Visitor” sticker before going to classrooms.  At this time parents may not eat breakfast or lunch with their child. Parents may not attend lunch recess with a child.

 

 

A crossing guard is provided by the Rolla Police Department to assist students crossing Salem Avenue using the two crosswalks. Please insist that your child cross the street only at the marked crosswalks.  No cars will be allowed to enter the bus lane, which enters from LaGuille Court. A car rider map is attached at the end of this document outlining the car rider pick-up procedure at the end of the school day. Please note the direction of traffic flow.

 

Marked handicapped parking spaces are available in the parking area at the front of the school for those who require accommodations.  All others should use the regular parking spaces and entrances.  We have duty personnel outside from 7:35 - 7:55 and from 3:15 - 3:35 (students will be taken into the office at 3:35 and parents will be contacted in the event that a child is not picked up before 3:35)

 

 

(FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal or appropriate school official a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy. Parents or eligible students should write to the principal or appropriate official, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her responsibility as authorized by the district. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Complaints should be directed to: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

 

The district has determined that the following information regarding the district's K-7^th grade students is not harmful or an invasion of privacy and therefore will release this information without first obtaining parental consent. If a parent, guardian, person acting as a student's parent in absence of a parent or guardian, or the student (if 18 or older) does not want the district to release the information listed below, they must notify the district in writing within ten (10) days of receiving this handbook.

 

Students in kindergarten through seventh grade – Student's name; parent's name; date and place of birth; grade level; bus assignment; enrollment status (e.g., full-time or part-time); participation in school-based activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of attendance; honors and awards received; artwork or coursework displayed by the district; most recent previous school attended; and photographs, videotapes, digital images and recorded sound unless such photographs, videotapes, digital images and recorded sound would be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy.

 

 

All instructional materials, including teachers' manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material that will be used in connection with any survey, analysis or evaluation as part of any program shall be available for inspection by the parents or guardians of the students. Further, a parent may inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed by a school to a student. The term "instructional material" does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

 

In general, the district will not collect, disclose or use personal student information for the purpose of marketing or selling that information or otherwise providing the information to others for that purpose. In the rare case where the district may collect information from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information, parents may inspect any instrument used before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student, upon request and in accordance with Policy KI.

 

Parents will be notified at least annually at the beginning of the school year of this policy and within a reasonable period of time after any substantive change in the policy. The district will directly notify parents at least annually at the beginning of the school year of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when the above described surveys or evaluations are scheduled or expected to be scheduled or when information for the purpose of marketing will be collected. Parents have the opportunity to opt the student out of participation in any surveys or evaluations described in this policy.

 

The district has established limits on the use of recording equipment in order to minimize disruption and protect instructional time essential to improving student achievement. Any recording activity, even activity permitted under this policy, will be prohibited if the activity creates a disruption to the education process. See Board Policy for more information.

 

The Rolla Public Schools will implement and maintain procedures necessary to comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA). To view the guidelines for AHERA can be found on the school district website (procedure EBAB-AP1) or by contacting the school district office. Any further information concerning the school district's procedures for asbestos control can be found in the school district offices.

 

 

Rolla Public Schools may participate in the Medicaid administrative claiming and direct service programs for students who are eligible and for reimbursable services the district provides. There will be no effect on the child’s Medicaid benefits and no costs to the parents/guardians in such cases.  The Medicaid reimbursements, though not sufficient to pay the cost of the services provided, are used to support and expand school health and education services.  Parents/guardians may receive periodic reports of the district’s participation in the Medicaid program.  Questions about such reports may be directed to the Director of Special Services at 573-458-0100.

 

 

The district will use assessments as one indication of the success and quality of the district's education program. Following are the standardized tests administered to all students in the Rolla Public Schools, and the purpose of administering each.

• Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning - DIAL-4-Used for kindergarten screening/administered to students who plan to enroll in kindergarten the following fall.
• Missouri Assessment Program (MAP)-Given to students in grade 3. This is a criterion referenced test required by the State of Missouri/tests student mastery on key skills identified by the state and helps to identify curricular strengths and weaknesses.
• STAR Reading-This test is given to students to assess student reading level.
• Woodcock-Munoz-English proficiency test used to screen for Limited English Proficient students.
• Maculaitis Assessment (MACII)-Given to students to measure English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Basic Achievement Skills Inventory (BASI)-Math & verbal skills assessment given to 2^nd grade students who pass the initial screening process for gifted.

 

The Rolla Public Schools Board of Education recognizes that homelessness alone should not be sufficient reason to separate students from the mainstream school environment. Therefore, the district, in accordance with state and federal law and the Missouri state plan for education of the homeless, will give special attention to ensure that homeless students in the school district have access to a free and appropriate public education. More information can be found on the school district’s website or by contacting the school district office.

 

 

Bus transportation is provided to those students who are eligible, based on the distance and route that a student must travel to and from school.  This route must be one mile or more from school. Questions or concerns about bus transportation should be directed to Mr. Leo Clark, Director of Transportation (458-0125).

 

Each bus driver will provide a summary of bus rules to each student riding a bus during the first week of school.  It is important that as a parent you read this summary of bus rules.  Misconduct on the bus presents a safety hazard for the individual and all others on the bus, and will not be tolerated.  Consequences for inappropriate bus behavior may include, but are not limited to, the following:  administrative conference, phone call/note to parents, recess detention, and bus suspension. 

 

Rules established by the board of education state that only those students assigned to a particular bus will be allowed to ride.  Exceptions will be made on an individual basis for emergency or unusual situations only, and students must obtain a bus pass from the principal's office.  Students are not allowed to ride a bus other than their own for recreational reasons, such as to play with a friend, sleep-overs, scout meetings, or similar activities.  Requests for a change in transportation arrangements must be made in writing by the parent or guardian to the principal's office.  

 

 

The Board recognizes the importance of preserving a safe educational environment for students, employees and patrons of the district. In order to maintain the safety of the educational community, the district will strictly enforce the necessary disciplinary consequences resulting from the use or possession of weapons on school property. No student may possess a weapon on school property at any time, except as specifically authorized during a school-sponsored or school-sanctioned activity permitting weapons. The school district will provide secured storage of student firearms if necessary.School property is defined as: Property utilized, supervised, rented, leased, or controlled by the school district including but not limited to school playgrounds, parking lots and school buses, and any property on which any school activity takes place. More information can be found on the school district’s website or by contacting the school district office.

 

 

If it is not raining or snowing, children will usually go outside for recess in the winter, unless the wind chill index indicates a health hazard. Students will not be allowed to stay inside for recess unless we have a doctor’s request based on a specific illness.  It is important that appropriate clothing be worn at all times.  To find out if school is in session, please call 458-0101 and follow the commands.

 

 

Classroom parties are generally held at Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day.  These parties are usually held at the end of the day so that they do not interfere with instruction.  If you do not want your child to participate in holiday parties, please let the teacher know so other arrangements can be made. Early checkout counts against their attendance. 

 

Birthdays and special events are sometimes celebrated in individual classrooms.  In addition, all students will be recognized by birth month by our PTO with a free book from their “Birthday Book Cart.”  Please inform your child’s teacher if you do not want him/her to participate in these activities. Invitations for birthday parties, etc. may not be distributed at school unless all children in the same class are invited as this practice is not only disruptive to instruction, but often causes hurt feelings.  The school will not give out addresses of students for these purposes. The office will not allow flowers and balloons to be sent to school for students.  This is a safety hazard on buses and a disruption to instruction.

 

 

Mark Twain has a very active group of volunteers who serve our students in a variety of capacities.  Gina Zervos is the volunteer coordinator for the district.   If you are interested in volunteering, please call the Central Office at 458-0100.  Mark Twain PTO also actively supports the school and its programs.  PTO as a general rule, PTO meets the last Tuesday of each month. Reminders will be sent home with the children prior to each meeting.  All parents are encouraged to participate in PTO.

 

 

Field trips are planned in each grade to support the curriculum and classroom activities.  Parents are frequently asked to accompany students as chaperones. Chaperones must complete the required background check as required by board policy. We allow a limited number of parents to ride the bus, but many times parents are asked to drive separately in order to attend a field trip. Students are expected to ride the bus to and from the field trip destination; however, exceptions will be made only for the student whose parent is driving or if two parents are riding in the same car, then only the children of these parents can ride in the car.  No younger siblings will be allowed on any field trip.  Parents asked to be chaperones cannot be responsible for other Mark Twain children if they are watching younger siblings, therefore no siblings will be allowed on field trips.  There will be no exceptions to this request.

 

 

The board of education gives the principal the authority and responsibility for assigning students to classes.  This is an educational decision that takes many factors into account.  Concerns about placement should be put in writing to the principal before May 1 each year.  Concerns will be taken into consideration, but requests for specific teachers cannot be honored. 

 

 

Teachers regularly send home graded papers so that parents are informed about the child's progress in school.  Mid-quarter grades are sent home each quarter, by individual teachers to be reviewed and returned to school.  Mark Twain’s grading scale is as follows:

 

90-100 A

80-89 B

70-79 C

60-69 N or D

50-59 U or F

 

In some subjects, students work in groups based on individual levels of functioning and ability so that each child has the opportunity to be successful.  In those subjects, the report card will reflect both a letter grade and a level of work.  Each "grade" must be interpreted in light of all other information on the report card.  Questions about grading criteria should be directed to the child's teacher.  A separate grading and reporting system is used for kindergarten.  This system is explained to kindergarten parents through materials given to them throughout the year.

 

Parents are encouraged to use the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to access their student’s grades, attendance, behavior, etc. Contact the school office to sign up for this opportunity.

 

Each student has a permanent folder, which is the official school record.  Parents have the right to inspect this record, and request an amendment or hearing for any information that may be incorrect or misleading.  If you wish to inspect your child's record, an appointment should be made through the school office.

 

 

Promotion and retention is based on an evaluation of academic, physical, social and emotional growth.  Near the end of the school year, each child is considered individually for promotion to the next grade or level.  The decision to retain a student is made only when the educational staff believes that retention is in the best educational interest of the child. No student is retained for disciplinary reasons and it should never be seen as a punishment.  State laws, specifically HB 319, regarding reading level will be enforced when retention decisions are made.  Parents will be a part of the decision-making process, however, board policy places the final decision on retention with the principal.

 

 

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools, children who live outside the district but are attending a private school within the district, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, children who are wards of the state, and children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade.  The Rolla Public School District #31 assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction.  Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

 

The Rolla Public School District #31 assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.

 

The Rolla Public School District #31 assures that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians.  Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child.  Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

 

The Rolla Public School District #31 has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA).  This plan may be reviewed Monday through Friday at the Rolla Public Schools Administration Building at 500A Forum Drive, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

 

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

 

 

The cafeteria opens daily at 7:35am. All breakfast and lunch menus offered meet the National School Breakfast/Lunch Program guidelines.

 

Free & Reduced School Meal Applications

Please apply online by clicking here.

Returning students must apply before the cutoff date in September or meals will automatically be charged at full price.  Payment will be due for any meal charges accrued prior to application approval.

 

Daily Meal Prices for the 2025-2026 school year are:

 

Lunch - $2.25 full price 

 

Lunch Milk may be purchased by students who bring their lunch from home. (.50 per carton)

Students must have money on their cafeteria account to make lunch milk purchases.

Snack Milk is served in grades K-3 classrooms. (25 count tickets are available at $12.50 ea.)

 

Payment Options

• Online Payment – set up your account with My School Bucks by clicking here.

All parents/guardians are encouraged to open an online account. Its free features will help you to monitor your student’s cafeteria account: low-balance e-mail alerts, current balance, transaction and purchase history. A $2.75 convenience fee applies only when making a payment.

• Send cash or check with your child in a labeled envelope. Include the child’s full name, ID number, & teacher.
• Specify if you are purchasing meals and/or snack milk tickets. Write the student’s name or ID number in the memo section of the check.

Students may charge meal purchases only. The charge limit is $10.80

School Meal Balance Notifications are sent by email. You may initially need to release these items from your Spam/Junk folder. Charge letters are sent home with students whenever email information is unavailable. Please check backpacks daily and send payment the following day. If your payment will be late, please provide meals from home until money for meals can be sent. Once the maximum charge limit is reached, we will offer our choice of an alternate item and milk at no cost. Students may not purchase *extra items when their account balance is negative. (*snack milk & lunch milk)

 

All cafeteria balances automatically roll over at the end of the year.

Your student’s balance transfers with them to the next grade level and district school.

 

Refund Checks

For balances of $5 or more, call 458-0100 (ext.11110). Leave a message with your name, phone number, and your new mailing address. Any fees owed will be deducted first. Checks are mailed.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

All students in grades K-3, who eat school meals or purchase lunch milk should memorize their 5 digit ID number.

 

 

Students with health issues requiring special dietary needs must submit a completed Medical Statement for Student Requiring Meal Modification form to the school nurse before any meal accommodations will be considered. The form must state the medical reason, list the food(s) to be omitted, name substitutions, and be signed by the child’s doctor and a parent or guardian. Updated forms will be required when changes to the information on file are necessary. USDA guidelines obligate public schools to furnish substitutions only for those dietary issues which are deemed disabling or severe and only when the required documentation has been submitted. The nurse will notify the cafeteria staff when a completed form is submitted. Appropriate meal replacements may be provided as directed by the Dept. of Elem. & Secondary Education (DESE) and/or as indicated by the child’s doctor. Forms are available from the school nurse and on the district website.

 

Please see the District Website’s Lunch Homepage to find monthly menus, online payment information etc. Click here to visit the lunch homepage.

 

The Rolla Board of Education adopted a Wellness Policy in June 2006.  The premise behind this policy is to promote a healthier lifestyle for our staff and students.  We encourage parents to provide a variety of nutritious foods for your child if you pack their lunch.  We request that food brought into school be pre-packaged.  Our food service department will make a concentrated effort to offer nutritious meals to our children that encourage healthy eating habits.

 

 

Each class has a weekly library period, during which time students learn about the use of the library, check out books, and participate in other library activities.  Students are free to use the library during the day when given permission by their teachers.  Students are expected to pay for the replacement of library materials that are lost or damaged while in their possession. 

The school librarian is the coordinator of Mark Twain’s Accelerated Reader Program.  This program focuses on increasing the amount of time students spend reading independently each day.  Networked computers in each classroom are an integral part of the program and provide detailed documentation and diagnostic information on each child’s reading progress.  Students are recognized as they achieve 25%, 50%, and 100% of their individual reading goals.

 

Parents are encouraged to contact the school staff any time there is a question or concern.  Appointments may be arranged by calling the school office (458-0170), or by leaving a voicemail message for the teacher. Teachers check their voicemail daily, and will return phone calls promptly. Teachers welcome contact with parents, in addition to the parent-teacher conferences scheduled at the end of the first and third quarters.  

 

The board of education’s policy for addressing complaints related to a student states that the concern must first be expressed to the child's teacher.   If satisfaction is not achieved at that level, the principal may become involved, then the assistant superintendent, superintendent, and finally, the board of education. 

 

 

Student Health Information:

Health Policies and Student Health Services and Requirements are included with the Board Policy and may be viewed online. (See Policy JHC and JHCD)

 

School nursing is a specialized practice of nursing that protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. Our goal is to help every student be healthy, safe, and ready to learn. In an effort to keep all children healthy at school, and to prevent the spread of illness, please observe the following guidelines/ policies: 

 

Students need to be kept at home or will be sent home for:

Elevated temperature ≥ 100.0; may return after being fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication.

Vomiting/Diarrhea; may return to school when symptoms have resolved for 24 hours without medication. (Student’s are sent home at the discretion of the nurse, as there can be non-communicable reasons for vomiting/ diarrhea and may require physician documentation).

Suspected of having a communicable disease (i.e. strep throat, pinkeye, etc.); May be required to have a doctor's note to return or antibiotics for a specified amount of time depending on the condition.

 

Chronic Conditions:

If your student has a chronic condition (diabetes, asthma, seizures, etc) or food allergies please contact the school nurse to ensure all appropriate forms, actions plans, and doctor’s orders are on file and up to date. (Most forms are available on rolla31.org, under the Health Services tab.)

 

Lice:

To avoid unnecessary exclusion of students from school we do not send students home for lice or nits. Parent or guardian will be notified by the nurse if their child has lice or nits and instructed on treatment before returning the next day.

 

Other Communicable illnesses and diseases: 

Students that pose a risk of transmission to others will be managed as required by law and in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), the CDC (center for disease control), and the local health departments. Examples of these include, but not limited to - chicken pox, influenza, COVID, conjunctivitis (pink eye), strep throat, etc. Any student suspected of having a communicable illness/ disease will be sent home by the nurses and may be required to be out for 24 or more hours and/or have a doctor's note to return to school. 

 

Immunizations:

Students are required to be up to date on immunizations per state law in order to attend school, or have an exemption on file. Medical exemptions require certification by a licensed physician . A religious exemption requires written certification from a parent/ guardian that immunizations violate his/ her religious beliefs. Students not in compliance with immunization laws should be excluded from school. (JHCB)

 

About Medications (policy JHCD, JHCD-AP(1)):

The first dose of any medication will NOT be given at school due to the potential for adverse reactions.

When possible, medication should be scheduled to be given when the student is NOT in school (before or after school).

Medications must be brought by a parent/ guardian. Students are NOT allowed to bring their own medications to school.

High School students are an exception, but only with appropriately signed paperwork (this excludes controlled medications).

In order for the nurse to accept medication brought to school, it must be in a current, appropriately labeled prescription bottle.

Parents are responsible for updating the nurse of any and all medication changes throughout the year.

Some over-the-counter medications (like Tylenol, ibuprofen, etc.) are available in the nurse's office, but the nurse must have parental consent to administer them (marked during online registration) and can only administer per the standing doctor's order from the district's medical director.

If you want your child to receive a dose or a medication that is not on the district's standing order, you will need to provide a doctor's order and medication in its original packaging.

The district will not administer any medication that is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

(High school only) High school students may self-administer their own medications after the nurse receives written permission (see the nurse for the necessary form) and a signed doctor's note.

 

Under no circumstances are students allowed to share medications with another student (prescription or non-prescription)

 

Screenings (JHC-AP(1)):

Every school will conduct hearing and/or vision screenings per state guidelines as time allows throughout the school year. Nurses can also screen upon request of a teacher, parent/ guardian concern, and as necessary for IEP/504s evaluations.

Parents/ guardians will be notified in writing if there is a concern noted from the screening that would indicate a need for further evaluation

If you do not wish to have your child screened you can opt out by providing the school nurse (in writing) this request at the beginning of the year (must be provided annually).

 

Emergency Information: 

It is of utmost importance that we have someone to contact should an urgent or emergency situation arise. Please keep your personal and emergency contact information up to date, as well as your student’s health forms.

 

The information listed above is not all-inclusive. If you have any questions please contact the school nurse (573-458-0170)

 

Mark Twain, along with the other two elementary schools will continue to implement Positive Behavior Supports.  PBS is a broad range of systematic and individualized strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes while preventing problem behavior.  All three elementary schools have adopted three universal behavior expectations.   These will be displayed throughout the building and will be mentioned daily so that all children are keenly aware of what they are.  They are “Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Your Best”.  

 

Mark Twain is a “”Fight Free” School.  All students are expected to keep their hands, feet, and all other objects to themselves (KHFAOOTY).  Board policy defines fighting as, “mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict either verbally or by physical action.”  The “Fight Free” program is designed to decrease fighting in school and to teach our youth today appropriate interpersonal behavior skills.

 

 

Discipline is viewed from a positive perspective at Mark Twain.  We want our students to learn from mistakes and make positive changes in behavior when necessary.  We have high expectations and focus on positive behavior exhibited by our students.  Each teacher has his or her own classroom discipline plan.  Each plan includes a provision to visit the principal’s office when there are repeated behavior problems or major infractions.  Generally, parents are notified when a student is sent to the principal’s office.  A copy of the discipline referral will be sent to parents.    Board policy outlines the district’s code of conduct, which is available on the district’s web page or from the school office upon request.  Following is a condensed synopsis of offenses and actions that may be taken.  

Assault to Persons

First Offense:  Administrative conference, up to ten school day suspension, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Second Offense:  Same consequences as above, and up to 180 school day suspension.

Third Offense:  Same consequences as above, and expulsion.

Assault to Staff

First Offense:  Up to Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in the student’s discipline record.

Fighting

First Offense:  Administrator conference, up to five school day suspension, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.

Second Offense:  Same consequences as above, and up to ten school day suspension.

Third Offense:  Same consequences as above, and 10-180 school day suspension.

Weapons other than Firearms

First Offense:  Administrator conference, up to expulsion, and possible documentation in the student's discipline record. 

Second Offense:  Five-day suspension up to expulsion and possible documentation in the student's discipline record.

Firearms

First Offense: Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in the student's discipline record.

Verbal Abuse to Staff

First Offense:  Staff/student conference, up to ten school day suspension and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.

Second Offense:  One to 180 school day suspension and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.

Third Offense:  Expulsion and possible documentation in the student's discipline record.

Gang Attire/Symbols

First Offense:  Administrator conference, up to a two school day suspension, and possible documentation in the student's discipline record.

Second Offense:  Two to ten school day suspension and possible documentation in the student’s discipline record.

Third Offense:  Five to 180 school day suspension and possible documentation in the student’s discipline record.

Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, Alcohol

First Offense: Ten School Day suspension with provisions for reduction to five, notification to law enforcement officials and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Second Offense:  One hundred eighty day suspension to expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in the student's discipline record.

Distribution or Attempt to Distribute Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, Alcohol, or Substances Represented to be such.

Sale

First Offense:  Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in the student's discipline record.

Distribution Other than Sale

First Offense:  Up to expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in the student's discipline record.

Second Offense:  Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in the student's discipline record.

Tobacco Possession

First Offense: Parent conference, up to a one school day suspension

Second Offense:  Up to a two school day suspension.

Third Offense:  Up to a four school day suspension.

Fourth Offense:  Up to a ten school day suspension.

Fifth Offense:  Up to a 180 school day suspension.

Tobacco Use

First Offense:  Up to a two school day suspension.

Second Offense:  Up to a four school day suspension.

Third Offense:  Up to a 10 school day suspension.

Fourth Offense: Up to a 180 school day suspension.

Extortion

First Offense:  Conference, up to a ten school day suspension, and possible documentation in the student’s discipline record.

Second Offense:  Conference, up to a 180 school day suspension, and possible documentation in the student’s discipline record.

Third Offense:  Expulsion and possible documentation in the student’s discipline record.

False Alarms

First Offense:  Ten School Day suspension and possible documentation in the student's discipline record.

Second Offense:  Expulsion and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.

Theft

First Offense:  Arrangements for restitution and conference, up to a ten-day suspension, possible notification to law enforcement officials, and possible documentation in the student’s discipline record.

Second Offense:  Same consequences as above and 1-30 school day suspension.

Third Offense:  Same consequences as above and ten school day suspension to expulsion.

Vandalism

First Offense: Parents will be notified. Arrangement for restitution parent conference, up to a 10 school day suspension, possible notification to law enforcement officials, and possible documentation in the student’s discipline record.  Students or their parents or guardians will be requested to make specific arrangements to reimburse the school district for expenses incurred in cleaning up litter or repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed school property.

Second Offense:  Same as above, with 1-30 school day suspension.

Third Offense:  Same as above, up to expulsion.

Arson

First Offense:  1-180 school day suspension or expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in the student’s discipline record.

Second Offense:  Expulsion, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in the student’s discipline record.

Truancy

First Offense:  Parent conference, up to a one school day suspension.

Second Offense:  Up to a two school day suspension.

Third Offense:  Up to a five school day suspension.

Fourth Offense:  Up to a ten school day suspension.

Fifth Offense:  Up to a 180 school day suspension.

Use of Obscene Language

First Offense:  Parent conference, up to a three school day suspension.

Second Offense:  One to five school day suspension, and possible documentation in the student’s discipline record.

Third Offense:  Semester suspension and possible documentation in the student's discipline record.

Use of Language that is Disparaging or Demeaning

First Offense:  Parent conference, up to a three school day suspension.

Second Offense:  One to five school day suspension and possible documentation in a student's discipline record.

Third Offense:  semester suspension and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.

Use of Disruptive Speech or Conduct

First Offense:  Parent conference, up to a three school day suspension.

Second Offense:  One to five school day suspension and possible documentation in a student's discipline record.

Third Offense:  Semester suspension and possible documentation in the student's discipline record.

Use of Electronic Communication Devices

First Offense:  up to a ten school day suspension; however if the communication device is related to involvement in controlled substances or gang type activity, the student may be suspended for up to 180 school days or expelled.

Second Offense:  Five to ten school day suspension; however, if the communication device is related to involvement in controlled substances or gang type activity, the student will be expelled.

Other:  Other violations of good order, which may result in suspension or expulsion from classes or school functions:

1. Participation in unauthorized or unscheduled activities.
2. Habitual absences.
3. Falsifying or forging names on excuses, passes or progress reports.
4. Dishonesty, such as cheating plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the school district.
5. Unauthorized entry into or use of school district facilities.
6. Disobedience or disrespect to a teacher or school official.
7. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other activities on school district premises.
8. Off-campus misconduct of a serious nature, which may adversely affect or disrupt school discipline and good order.
9. Any other conduct which is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools or which tends to impair the morale or good conduct of the pupils.

The Missouri Safe Schools Act requires that discipline records are a part of a student’s permanent record, and will be transferred with any official records.

 

 

Students are provided with all textbooks and equipment free of charge.  However, these remain property of the Rolla Public Schools.  Items that are misused or lost may result in a fee charged to the student or parents to replace the item.  In addition, desks, coat racks, shelves, lockers, etc., are school property.  These may be inspected or searched at any time.

 

Users of district technology do not have a legal expectation of privacy in the user's electronic communications or other activities involving the district’s technology resources, including e-mail and access to the Internet or network drives. By using the district's network and technology resources, all users are consenting to having their electronic communications and all other use monitored by the district.

 

 

As educators we understand the importance of encouraging parents to be a partner in their children’s education.  As a result, if you have questions regarding the following information, as it relates to your children’s teachers, please let us know.

 

-Whether or not the teacher has met state qualifications

-Types and levels of teacher certifications held

-If the teacher is teaching under an emergency/provisional license

-What college degrees the teacher holds

-Major areas of study

If you have questions about paraprofessional credentials and services, please contact the office.  In addition, if it is necessary for your child’s teacher to be absent from the classroom for four or more consecutive weeks, we will inform you of this situation if the substitute does not meet state certification requirements.  

 

Dear Parent or Guardian:
Our district is required to inform you of information that you, according to the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-95), have the right to know.
Upon your request, our district is required to provide to you in a timely manner, the following information:
Whether your student’s teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
Whether your student’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
Whether your student’s teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
 

In addition to the information that parents may request, a building receiving Title I.A funds must provide to each individual parent:
Information on the level of achievement and academic growth of your student, if applicable and available, on each of the State academic assessments required under Title I.A.   Timely notice that your student has been assigned, or has been taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who has not met applicable State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

Click here to view the District Handbook Addendum.

 

Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)

 

COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

This guide explains how to file a complaint about any of the programs¹ that are administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)²  .    

 

General Information

1.   What is a complaint?

 

For these purposes, a complaint is a written allegation that a local education agency (LEA) or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) has violated a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under ESSA.

 

2.   Who may file a complaint?

 

Any individual or organization may file a complaint.

3.   How can a complaint be filed?

 

Complaints can be filed with the LEA or with the Department. 

 

Complaints filed with LEA

 

4.   How will a complaint filed with the LEA be investigated?

 

Complaints filed with the LEA are to be investigated and attempted to be resolved according to the locally developed and adopted procedures. 

5.   What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the local level (LEA)?

 

A complaint not resolved at the local level may be appealed to the Department.

¹ Programs include Title I. A, B, C, D, Title II, Title III, Title IV.A, Title V                                                                                                                                                                                                        Revised 4/17

² In compliance with ESSA Title VIII- Part C. Sec. 8304(a)(3)(C)

 

Local education agencies are required to disseminate, free of charge, this information regarding ESSA complaint procedures to parents of students and appropriate private school officials or representatives.       

 

Complaints filed with the Department

 

6.   How can a complaint be filed with the Department?

 

A complaint filed with the Department must be a written, signed statement that includes:

1.   A statement that a requirement that applies to an ESSA program has been violated by the LEA or the Department, and

2.   The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated.

 

7.   How will a complaint filed with the Department be investigated?

 

The investigation and complaint resolution proceedings will be completed within a time limit of forty-five calendar days. That time limit can be extended by the agreement of all parties. 

 

The following activities will occur in the investigation:

 

1.   Record. A written record of the investigation will be kept. 

2.   Notification of LEA. The LEA will be notified of the complaint within five days of the complaint being filed.  

3.   Resolution at LEA. The LEA will then initiate its local complaint procedures in an effort to first resolve the complaint at the local level.

4.   Report by LEA. Within thirty-five days of the complaint being filed, the LEA will submit a written summary of the LEA investigation and complaint resolution.  This report is considered public record and may be made available to parents, teachers, and other members of the general public. 

5.   Verification. Within five days of receiving the written summary of a complaint resolution, the Department will verify the resolution of the complaint through an on-site visit, letter, or telephone call(s).

6.   Appeal. The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the U.S. Department of Education.

8.   How are complaints related to equitable services to nonpublic school children handled differently?

 

In addition to the procedures listed in number 7 above, complaints related to equitable services will also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, and they will receive all information related to the investigation and resolution of the complaint.  Also, appeals to the United States Department of Education must be filed no longer than thirty days following the Department’s resolution of the complaint (or its failure to resolve the complaint).

 

Appeals

9.   How will appeals to the Department be investigated?

 

The Department will initiate an investigation within ten days, which will be concluded within thirty days from the day of the appeal.  This investigation may be continued beyond the thirty day limit at the discretion of the Department. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Department will communicate the decision and reasons for the decision to the complainant and the LEA.  Recommendations and details of the decision are to be implemented within fifteen days of the decision being delivered to the LEA.

  

10. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the state level (the Department)?  

 

The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the United States Department of Education.  

 

Dear Parent or Guardian:  

Our district is required to inform you of information that you, according to the Every Student Succeeds  Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-95), have the right to know.  

Upon your request, our district is required to provide to you in a timely manner, the following  information:  

∙ Whether your student’s teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade  levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.  

∙ Whether your student’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.  

∙ Whether your student’s teacher is teaching in the field of discipline or the certification of the  teacher.  

∙ Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.  In addition to the information that parents may request, a building receiving Title I.A funds must provide  to each individual parent:  

∙ Information on the level of achievement and academic growth of your student, if applicable and  available, on each of the State academic assessments required under Title I.A.  

∙ Timely notice that your student has been assigned, or has been taught for 4 or more consecutive  weeks by, a teacher who has not met applicable State certification or licensure requirements at  the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

 

 

The Board of Education believes that the education of each student is a responsibility shared by the school as well as the family.  The Board recognizes the need for a constructive partnership between districts and families that will provide for two-way communication and foster educational support for students and families.

 

The Board also recognizes the special importance of parental involvement to the success of its Title I, Migrant (MEP), and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) programs.  Pursuant to federal law, the district and parents will jointly develop and agree upon a written parental involvement policy that will be distributed to parents participating in any of these programs.

 

In keeping with these beliefs, it is the intention of the district to cultivate and support active parental involvement and to set and realize goals for parent-supported student learning.  The district will:

1. Provide activities that will educate parents regarding the intellectual and developmental needs of their children at all age levels.  This will include promoting cooperation between the district and other agencies or school/community groups (such as parent-teacher groups, Head Start, Parents as Teachers, etc.) to furnish learning opportunities and disseminate information regarding parenting skills and child/adolescent development.
2. Implement strategies to involve parents in the educational process including:

• Keeping families informed of opportunities for involvement and encouraging participation in various programs.
• Providing access to educational resources for parents/families to use together with their children.
• Keeping families informed of the objectives of district educational programs as well as of their child’s participation and progress within these programs.

3. Enable families to participate in the education of their children through a variety of roles.  For example, family members should be given opportunities to:
   • Provide input into district policies.
   • Volunteer time within the classrooms and school programs.
4. Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and staff to enhance their understanding of effective parent involvement strategies.
5. Perform regular evaluations of parent involvement at each school and at the district level.
6. Provide access, upon request, to any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
7. If practicable, provide information in a language understandable to parents.

Title I Parent Involvement

District Policy

Pursuant to federal law, the district and parents of children participating in the Title I program will jointly develop and agree upon a written parent involvement policy.  This policy will describe how the agency will accomplish the following:

• Involve parents in the joint development of the Title I program plan and in the process of reviewing the implementation of the plan and suggesting improvements.
• Provide the coordination, technical assistance and other support necessary to assist participating schools in planning and implementing effective parental involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance.
• Build the schools’ and parents’ capacity for strong parent involvement.
• Coordinate and integrate Title I parental involvement with those of other educational programs.
• Conduct, with the involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy in improving academic quality of the schools served, including identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in activities authorized by law, particularly by parents who are economically disadvantaged, have disabilities, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy or are of any racial or ethnic minority background.  The district will use the findings of such evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental involvement and to revise, if necessary, the parental involvement policies.
• Involve parents in the activities of the schools served.