Berwyn Heights Elementary School

Student Handbook 

 

 

 

 

Creating life-long learners serving the global community.

 

 

Our school mascot is the Husky and our school colors are blue, red and white. 

School Hours

The school instructional hours are from 9:15 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.

Students should plan to arrive when our doors open at 9:00 a.m. Prior to that time children are not permitted to wait in the entrances, as they are not supervised by staff.

School Phone Numbers

School Office: 240-684-6210 After school hours, a machine will

School Fax:               240-684-6216                record your message.

School Nurse: 240-297-6019

Before/After Care:    240-684-6226

School Website   https://schools.pgcps.org/berwynheights/

School Staff

 

School:	Area 1, Cluster 1 Berwyn Heights Elementary School
Address:	6200 Pontiac Street Berwyn Heights, MD 20740
Phone Numbers:	Office: 240-684-6210 Fax: 240-684-6216
School Hours:	9:15 to 3:25

NAME	POSITION	EMAIL
MAIN OFFICE AND SUPPORT
Amanda Alerich	Principal	Amanda.alerich@pgcps.org
Valerie Holt	Secretary II	Valerie.holt@pgcps.org
Evelyn Andres	Secretary I	Evelyn.andres@pgcps.org
Veronica Shaw-Kittrell	Nurse	V.shawkittrell@pgcps.org
Caroline Green	Professional School Counselor	Caroline.green@pgcps.org
Kristen Buker	Parent Engagement Assistant	Kristen.buker@pgcps.org
INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD TEACHER
Ellen Bastio	ILT	Ellen.bastio@pgcps.org
Kathleen Schuster	ILT	Kathle.schuster@pgcps.org
KINDERGARTEN
Kathelene Smith	Classroom Teacher	kathlene.smith@pgcps.org
Katie Miante	Classroom Teacher	Katherine.miante@pgcps.org
Amy Bender	Classroom Teacher	Amy.bender@pgcps.org
FIRST GRADE
Leslie Collins	Classroom Teacher	Leslie.collins@pgcps.org
Darlene Wright	Classroom Teacher	Darlene.wright@pgcps.org
SECOND GRADE
Theresa Charles	Classroom Teacher- Long Term Substitute	Theresa2.Charles@pgpcs.org
Kristen Lewandowski	Classroom Teacher	Kristen.lewandowski@pgcps.org
Madeline O’Hara	Classroom Teacher	Madeline.ohara@pgcps.org
THIRD GRADE
Alison Levasseur	Classroom Teacher: Math	Alison.levasseur@pgcps.org
Chele Sachs	Classroom Teacher: RELA	Chele.sachs@pgcps.org
Jacqueline Conover	Classroom Teacher: SCI	Jacqueline.conover@pgcps.org
FOURTH GRADE
Kathy Schuster	RELA ILT	kathle.schuster@pgcps.org
Ankita Sharma	Classroom Teacher: Math	Ankita.sharma@pgcps.org
Mary Hill	Classroom Teacher: SCI- Long Term Substitute	mary.hill@pgcps.org
FIFTH GRADE
Melinda Brady	Classroom Teacher:SCI	Melinda.brady@pgcps.org
Megan Ottaiano	Classroom Teacher: RELA	Megan.ottaiano@pgcps.org
Quinne Jackson	Classroom Teacher: Math	Quinne.jackson@pgcps.org
SIXTH GRADE
Bret Goldstein	Classroom Teacher: Math	Brett.goldstein@pgcps.org
Lena Scaduto	Classroom Teacher: RELA	Lena.scaduto@pgcps.org
Dan Schrot	Classroom Teacher: Science	Daniel.schrot@pgcps.org
CHINESE
Yiting Wu	Chinese Teacher	yiting.wu@pgcps.org
Shu Jen Chen	Chinese Teacher	Shujen.chen@pgcps.org
ESOL
Eun Hee Kim	ESOL Teacher	Eunhee.kim@pgcps.org
Katie Tyser	ESOL Teacher	Kathryn.tyser@pgcps.org
Michelle Kang	ESOL Teacher	Michelle.kang@pgcps.org
Lourdes Krause	ESOL Teacher	lourdes.krause@pgcps.org
SPED
Jacqui Cooper	SPED Chair	Patricia2.cooper@pgcps.org
Kristina McKitrick	SPED Teacher	Kristina.mckitrick@pgcps.org
Tracey Battle	SPED Teacher- Long Term Sub	tbsingle@pgcps.org
Tiarra Nash	Paraprofessional	tiarra.nash@pgcps.org
Melinda Smith	Paraprofessional	Melinda.smith@pgcps.org
Tamar James	ISEA	Tamar.james@pgcps.org
SPECIALISTS
Tiffany Papanikolas	Music	Tiffany.papanikolas@pgcps.org
Alysha Sears	Physical Education	Alysha.sears@pgcps.org
Margo Richman	.5 Art	charlot.richman@pgcps.org
Gwendolyn Dennis-Mack	.5 Library	gwendolyn.dennismack@pgcps.org
Isaac Segal	.5 Instrumental Music	Isaac.segal@pgcps.org
FOOD SERVICES
Ann Jones	Food Service Satellite Leader	ann.Jones@pgcps.org
Jean Miller	Food Service Assistant	Jean.miller@pgcps.org
Norma Medel	Food Service Assistant	Norma.medel@pgcps.org
BUILDING SERVICES
Sheila Williams	Building Supervisor	Sheila2.williams@pgcps.org
Rosa Guevara	Night Lead	rosa.guevara@pgcps.org
Vacant	Night Cleaner

Absences

 

Excused absences are defined by the Maryland Public School Law, bylaw 13/07/02/01 as follows:

*Death in the immediate family

*Illness of the child

*Quarantine

*Court Summons

*Physical incapacity

*Mental Incapacity

*Violent Storms

*Work or activity approved or sponsored by the school

*Observance of religious Holidays

*State emergency

Upon returning to school from an absence, students are required to bring a written note from his/her parent stating the reason for the absence.

Arrival and Breakfast Procedures

The school doors open at 9:00. Parents are to drop students off outside the back doors of the school.  All students go directly to their classroom for breakfast.

All students will be offered a nutritious, balanced breakfast in the classroom this year. Breakfast will be served from 9:00 to 9:20. 

Late Arrivals

Parents may enter the building with their child at 9:25 or later and accompany them to the front office.

They will sign them in and their student will receive a late pass.

Students will not be admitted into their classroom without this pass from the office.

Attendance

Daily attendance at school is very important. 

Students should be in school every day that he/she is physically able.

It is hard for a child to be successful in school if regular attendance becomes a problem.

Our goal is to provide the best possible education for our students.

We need the children to be in attendance each school day. 

 

 Bus Behavior

Remember, the bus driver is the authority figure on the bus.

1. Remain seated until the bus driver opens the door at your stop.

             2. Keep all of your possessions in your lap.

3. Talk quietly and respectfully to the students sitting next to you.

Inappropriate behavior could lead to loss of bus riding privileges.

Cafeteria Procedures

Teachers will walk their students to the cafeteria and stay with them until they are seated.

Change of Address

If you have changed your address, home phone number, work number, or any emergency information, please notify the school secretary at once. 

If you move to an address outside the Berwyn Heights attendance area, you must file a Special Transfer Request to remain in our school.

 

Delayed Openings/Early Closings

Whenever decisions are made to modify the entire school system’s schedule, notice is given to all major radio and television stations. 

We will post information on ClassDojo.  

School Openings Students Arrive

Regular Time   9:00

1 Hour Late 10:00 Buses will be 1 hour late, Lunch on regular schedule

2 Hours Late        11:00 Buses will be 2 hours late, Lunch times altered

  

Early Closings Students Dismiss

2 Hour Early Release 1:25 PM

3 Hour Early Release 12:25 PM

Dismissal Procedures

School dismissal is at 3:25pm. Early dismissals must occur BEFORE 2:45.

After 2:45, parents must wait outside of the building for their student. 

Car riders are dismissed via the back door. 

Car riders should be picked up at the Kiss and Ride at the back of the building ONLY.

No cars will be allowed in the bus pick-up area. 

Walkers are dismissed through the front side doors (by the Community Center) and back doors. 

All bus riders are dismissed through the front door, when their bus is called.

Parents wishing to pick their child up in a car will enter the rear parking lot and drive toward the Kiss and Ride.

A staff member will guide you.

We will load cars into two lanes, filling the entire loop, stopping at the end of the bottom lot.

Once all cars are stopped, students will be released to load into cars.

When students are in the cars, we will release the cars to exit the parking lot. 

Early Student Departures

A request to have your child excused from class early should be sent with your child on the day of the early dismissal. 

The time and reason for leaving should be included. 

When possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours. 

Students will be released ONLY to the parents unless the school has been notified, in writing, by the parents or guardian of alternative arrangements.

Please plan any early dismissal prior to 2:45, unless there is an emergency. 

This will minimize disruptions for the students at end of the day. 

Field Trips

Field trips are an extension of our instructional program. 

We ask that parents encourage their children’s participation and ensure that permission slips are returned by the due date.

Class trips require a 1:6 ratio for Kindergarten, grades 1-5 require 1:15 and grade 6 - 1:20.

Parent chaperones must have background checks that include fingerprinting  done by the school system.

The contact number to the Fingerprinting office is 301-952-6775.

Hall Procedures

4. When exiting the building for fire drills, emergencies, and daily dismissal, classes should form lines    

      on the same side of the hall as their classroom.

 

Health Room Services

Our nurse is Ms. Shaw-Kitrell.

She can be reached at school at 240-684-6220.

A student who becomes ill or injured is sent to the school nurse, accompanied by 2 students.

The parent may be called to pick up the child from school.

If a student needs medication at school, a form must be requested from the school nurse and completed by the parent and attending medical personnel.

 

 

Lunch and Breakfast Costs

Parents are encouraged to complete the Federal FreeFood Program form. 

Money cannot be borrowed from the office.

Students without lunch money will be offered a cheese sandwich and milk.

The full/reduced cost of lunch is as follows:

Breakfast:   free

Lunch: full - $2.75

Parent Conferences

During the school year, teachers schedule conferences with parents to discuss their child’s progress. 

Parents can also request conferences with teachers.  We need parents actively involved at Berwyn Heights and the conference time is an opportunity to be an active participant in your child’s education. 

If you wish to meet with school resource and specialist staff, please contact the school office for an appointment. 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parent/Teacher Association is a volunteer organization which fosters a close relationship among parents, teachers, staff and school administration. 

It serves as a crucial link by providing an opportunity for parents to be involved in school activities and functions. 

Some of the organization’s activities include fundraising to support school/grade level activities, trips, and projects. 

PTA annual membership dues are $12.00 per family and teacher.  All parents are invited to sign up and volunteer for a committee. 

The annual membership drive is held at Back- to- School Night. 

PTA Website   bhespta.org

 

Personal Property

The school cannot assume responsibility for the personal property of students.

Therefore, electronic devices, money, and/or toys, should not be brought to school.

Please clearly mark clothing articles and other personal items with the child’s name in order to facilitate return to the rightful owner.

 

Playground Procedures

Prince George’s County Public School’s Code of Student Conduct

Berwyn Heights will not tolerate offenses that interfere with the safety or learning of other students.

These behaviors will be dealt with in accordance with the administrative procedure of the Prince George’s County Public School’s Code of Student Conduct. 

Formal disciplinary actions may be imposed after other possible alternate forms of discipline have been attempted and proven unsuccessful in resolving a given problem.

Student actions shall be recorded on the Pupil Discipline Referral form.

The Code of Student Conduct is outlined in the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook which is sent home during the first two weeks of school.

The School Counselor reviews these policies with all students.

Parents and students are to sign the Code of Student Conduct Memorandum of Understanding and return the form to the School Counselor.

Progress Reports and Report Cards

Interim Progress reports are posted online at the mid-point of each marking period.

Report cards are sent home after the close of each grading quarter.

The fourth quarter report card will mailed home to the address of record at the end of the year.

  

Restroom Procedures 

Primary Grades have restrooms in their classrooms.

Intermediate students are to use the bathroom across from the cafeteria.

Each student must be accompanied by another student when walking to the bathroom

Grades K-2 have bathrooms in the classrooms.  

The Intermediate grade students use a sign-out log in their classroom. 

If there is a cleaning problem, students are to report the problem to the teacher. 

NO student may use the bathroom in the Community Center. 

In case of emergencies students will use the bathroom in the Health Suite

School Calendar

Student will receive a copy of the school system’s calendar.

Changes occur throughout the school year and updates to the school system’s calendar may be found on the internet at www.pgcps.org or at https://schools.pgcps.org/berwynheights/.

 

School Counselor

Our school counselor, Ms. Caroline Green, works with students, staff and parents to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven, counseling program that focuses on the social emotional, academic, career and social/personal development of all the students.

This is done through classroom lessons, small group and individual sessions and counseling sessions in collaboration with the staff and parents/guardians.

Some common topics include: feelings, effective communication skills, conflict resolution, making and keeping friends, study skills, setting goals and career exploration.

School Uniform

We have a mandatory uniform policy

Headdress can be worn indoors for religious or health reasons ONLY.  No hats are worn in the building.

School-Wide Discipline Policy - Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS)

We believe that each child is entitled to learn in a safe and caring environment. 

We believe that good order and discipline in the learning environment is necessary for effective learning to occur. 

A strong discipline policy will teach appropriate behaviors and lead to lifelong good habits.

Teachers, support staff, and volunteers model and teach behaviors that help students become respectful, caring, and responsible adults. 

We are all responsible for teaching courteous behavior and modeling appropriate language at all times. 

We believe that each day is a new day and each student is entitled to a fresh start at the beginning of each day.

Showing Our Husky “P.R. I. D. E.”

At Berwyn Heights, we show

our Husky P.R.I.D.E. when we:

 

are Prepared

are Respectful

are Involved

      Do Our Best

are Excited!

Visitors to the Building

All visitors to Berwyn Heights must report to the office when they arrive in the building.

Students from other schools or friends of Berwyn Heights’ students are not allowed to visit during the school day. 

All visitors must bring proper ID when reporting to the office and wear a visitor’s badge, issued at the office, while visiting the school.

PDF copy of this handbook