School Handbook
Welcome to Minneha Elementary School!
Welcome to Minneha! The staff at Minneha Elementary School wishes to extend a warm welcome to you and your child. We look forward to working with your family throughout the school year. The work of Minneha Elementary is to empower ALL students with the 21st century skills and knowledge necessary for success by providing a coherent, rigorous, safe, and nurturing, culturally responsive, and inclusive learning community.
Getting Ready for School
- Attendance Expectations
- Transportation
- Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
- Dress Code
- Health Services and Medications
- ParentVue - Communication from School
Attendance Expectations
Attendance
Good attendance is critical for steady academic growth, and, by law, children are required to attend school. When a child is late or absent, a parent should notify the school promptly. This is important so that:
• The school knows your child is safe.
• The child’s absence is recorded as excused.
• Unexcused absences will receive a call from ParentLink
• Board Policy 1460 states: “Regular school attendance is required of all pupils enrolled in elementary and secondary schools under the Kansas Compulsory attendance Statue (KSA 72-1111)
PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE (973-8809) IF YOUR CHILD MUST BE ABSENT or if you have a change of contact information, address, or phone number.
If you are asked to leave a voice mail, please give the following information:
- Name of the parent or guardian calling
- Student's name and grade
- Date(s) of absence
- Reason for absence; please be specific
Absences will only be excused for the following reasons:
- Illness
- Medical or dental appointment
- A family death or serious illness
- Court/judicial appearance
- Religious observations
- School-sponsored activities
Students who are late to school will be considered tardy. Please make every effort to have your student at school on time.
Additionally signing your child out in the afternoon prior to the end of the school day affects their attendance and learning.
Students who become truant (inexcusably absent three consecutive days or five school days in any semester or seven days in a school year) will be reported to the Kansas Department for Children and Families in accordance with Board of Education Policy 1461.
Transportation
Students must live 2.5 miles or more from their assigned school to qualify for transportation to that school.
For questions about WPS transportation and busing, call 316-973-2190.
The district does offer the FirstView app that helps families track their student's school bus. Families will need a security code from the school office to use the app.
Transportation and Parking
Students eligible for bus transportation will receive schedules and rules for bus behavior at the time of enrollment. Three (3) “Bus Incident Reports” may result in a suspension from the bus for a period to be determined by the administrator. Serious infractions may result in immediate suspension. The parents then become responsible for transporting the child to and from school. Parents are requested to discuss this information with their children.
Parents are welcome to park in the south parking lot at Minneha and walk with your child(ren) through the parking lot. However, cars cannot be parked in the bus lanes in the parking lot. Parents CANNOT enter the south parking lot after 4pm, as students are being dismissed at that time. Please leave that area for bus loading and unloading only.
Parents driving students to school are asked to remain in single file while moving through the north driveway behind the school so that no student is crossing in front of moving vehicles. Parents, please remain in your automobile and allow staff to guide students. If parents need to get out of the car, please park in the spaces provided to keep the drive open for safe passage. If you need to change arrangements for your child’s transportation for the current day, you MUST notify the office BEFORE 3:30 pm. Transportation changes might not be relayed on time if you call after 3:30pm.
Safety To and From School
We care about each student’s safety to and from school. We are especially concerned about our very young children. Therefore, Pre-Kindergarten students are to be accompanied to and from school by an adult. Preschool students must be dropped off and picked up from the teacher. If arriving late to school, be prepared to walk your student to class.
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
Minneha Car Arrival Procedures
Pre-K and Siblings Arrival Procedures
- Enter off of Webb Road and go left
- Drop off pre-k student at door 24
- Drop off kindergarten - 5th grade student at door 1
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Arrival Procedures
- Enter off of Webb Road and go right
- If you only have a kindergarten - 2nd grade student stay in the right lane and follow teachers instructions to merge and drop your student off at door 7.
- If you also have a 3rd - 5th grade student drop them off at door 13. Teachers are there to assist. Then continue on to drop your kindergarten - 2nd grade student off at door 7. Multiple teachers will be there to help students out of the car.
3rd - 5th Grade Arrival Procedures
- Enter off of Webb Road and go right
- Stay in the left lane even if you have a kindergarten - 2nd grade student.
- Drop off your 3rd - 5th grade student at door 13. Teachers are there to assist.
- If you have a kindergarten - 2nd grade student continue on to door 7 after following teacher instructions
Minneha Car Dismissal Procedures
Pre-K and Siblings Dismissal Procedures
- Enter off of Webb Road and go left
- Pick up pre-k student at door 24 first
- Continue on to pick up kindergarten - 5th grade student at door 1
Kindergarten and 1st Grade/Siblings Dismissal Procedures
- Enter off of Webb Road and go right
- Merge to the left lane
- Once stopped put up the orange sign in the driver's window for teachers
- Once a teacher signals for you to pull forward, pull up to the next empty spot. We will load 5 cars at a time.
- Students must be loaded on the driver's side for safety.
2nd Grade - 5th Grade Dismissal Procedures
- Enter off of Webb Road and go right
- Stay in the right lane
- Once stopped put up the yellow sign in the passenger's window for teachers
- Once a teacher signals for you to pull forward, pull up to the next empty spot. We will load 5 cars at a time
- Students must be loaded on the passenger's side for safety
Dress Code
Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet Dress Code Policy 2024
*Administration will have the final say regarding any and all dress code concerns.
Minneha Standardized Dress Code
Parents and staff at Minneha Elementary believe that students should dress in a manner and style that promotes a positive, safe school climate and enhances self-image for students. A standardized dress code:
Promotes an atmosphere of discipline and learning that enhances academic achievement.
Values students for their character, by providing an equal socioeconomic footing for all, eliminating "label competition."
Fosters a school’s sense of "community" by enhancing self-respect, school pride and students’ self-esteem.
Lessens distractions in the classroom and upholds modesty standards.
Rev.20240801
SHIRT OPTIONS:
- Colors are cardinal red, white, navy blue and light blue
- Long or short sleeves (no sleeveless)
- Solid colors only
- No logos larger than 1x1 sq in.
- No rips/holes/drawings on clothing
- Minneha PTO purchased logo T-Shirts or sweatshirts
- Other Minneha purchased shirts may be worn on Fridays (Field day, grade level shirts, garden shirts, etc.)
PANTS/DRESS OPTIONS:
- Pants, tailored shorts, skorts, or jumpers’ COLORS are navy blue and khaki (tan)
- Uniform dresses must be solid uniform colors (cardinal red, white, navy, khaki, and light blue)
- Leggings may only be worn under skirts/jumpers/dresses and must be solid school colors (cardinal red, white, navy and light blue)
- No rips/holes/drawings on clothing
- Shorts may be worn under skirts/jumpers as long as they are not visible beneath the hemline
- Shorts, skirts, skorts, or jumpers must be longer than mid-thigh
SHOES/SOCKS/BELTS/HATS:
- Socks that are VISIBLE above the shoe/ankle line must be white, BLACK, cardinal red, navy blue, or light blue (no patterned material)
- Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes only. Tennis shoes are best.
- Belts are optional as long as pants stay up
- No hats/caps/bandanas (headbands are allowed unless they are a distraction and disrupt the learning environment)
- Headscarves are allowed for religious purposes only
NOT ALLOWED:
- Printing or logos anywhere on clothing over 1x1 inch sq.
- No sweats, overalls, or rompers
- No oversized/sagging, or extremely tight clothing
- No make-up or earrings over 1 inch
- No heelies, flip flops, crocs, or heels over 1 inch tall
- Hair should not be colored to where it causes a distraction to others
- NO HOODIES may be worn in the classroom. Only at recess times are hoodies allowed.
- No sequence, beads or lace on the uniform attire
- Writing or tattoos on the body will not be permitted and will be washed off at school.
LAYERING OPTIONS:
- Colors are cardinal red, white, navy blue or light blue
- Sweaters, sweatshirts, turtlenecks must be solid uniform color
- Undershirts must be solid uniform color
- Sweaters, zip up jackets, or sweatshirts of solid school colors may be worn in the classroom.
- No Pull-over Hoodies may be worn in the classroom.
OTHER GUIDELINES:
- Clothing should be neat, clean, free of holes and graffiti, and of proper length and size. (BOE 1473)
- If there is a concern regarding a dress code violation, then one of the following may occur:
- Student will be asked to change into Minneha loaner dress code clothing during the school day.
- Student will be asked to call home to bring up standardized dress clothing.
- Parent Conference regarding Standardized dress code regulations per policy 1473 and Minneha’s uniform policy.
SPIRIT DAYS:
The first Friday of the month is Spirit Day. Students may wear jeans/bottoms following requirements above. The shirt theme will be announced in the Newsletter or on a Parentlink! On PICTURE DAYS, students may dress up in non–uniform clothing following the guidelines above.
Health Services and Medications
Medications:
Parents should advise the office or nurse if their child has a health problem. ONLY MEDICINE PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR CAN BE GIVEN AT SCHOOL. The school office has a specific form for administering medication (both prescription and over the counter) that must be signed by both the doctor and the parent/guardian to authorize giving your child medication at school. Medications must come in their original container.
Student Health:
- If a student becomes ill during the school day, they should request a pass to see the nurse.
- Students who exhibit fever, sore throat or tonsillitis, any eruption of the skin or rash, any respiratory symptoms accompanied by a fever, severe cough or cold, or any eruption of the scalp, will be sent home.
- Parents will be notified to pick up their student and must do so in a timely manner to limit exposure to other students and school staff.
- Please keep your emergency contact information up to date with both the teacher and office staff.
- School board policy (BOE P5316) restricts school personnel from giving students any medication, including over-the-counter medication.
Student Immunization
All school children are required by law to have a complete immunization series. If your child should be exempt from immunizations, you must provide a signed affidavit. Parents of exempt children are hereby notified that exempt children shall be excluded from school in the event of an outbreak or suspected case of a vaccine-preventable disease.
Illnesses:
If your child has a fever or has had a vomiting or diarrhea episode in the past 24 hours, please do not send him/her to school. Students with these symptoms need to be at home so they can recover. Sending the child to school needlessly exposes other children to germs. You will be contacted to pick your child up from school if he/she has a temperature of 100+ or is otherwise ill. Students should not return to school until 24 hours after a fever breaks and/or gastrointestinal issues have ceased.
3, 5, 7 Rule
Inexcusably absent for a substantial part of a school day on either three (3) consecutive school days, or five (5) school days in any semester or seven (7) school days in any school year, whichever of the aforementioned occurs first. A student’s attendance pattern must meet this rule before he/she can be reported to the Office of SRS or to Office of the District Attorney.
ParentVue - Communication from School
The district uses the ParentVUE online portal to give parents to access information about their student's attendance, assignments and grades. ParentVUE allows parents to quickly and easily update their family contact information, which is vital in order to maintain strong home-to-school connections.
During the School Day
Behavior Expectations
Behavior Mission Statement
Keeping students emotionally and physically safe at school is our number one priority. All students have the right to learn in an orderly environment that is free of disruption. We understand that from time to time, students may need additional practice meeting these expectations. We are trying to teach students academic and behavioral skills they will be using in the real world that will help them be successful adolescents and adults. Our staff will work closely with parents to ensure students learn to be responsible citizens and develop strategies for resolving conflicts.
Minneha School Wide Discipline Plan
• We will respect others and ourselves in all ways.
• We will treat others as we want to be treated.
• We will do what we are asked.
• We will contribute to keeping our school safe.
Any guns/weapons (toy or real), fighting, assault, inappropriate language or gestures, gang activity, willful destruction of property and harassment of any kind will be dealt with according to district and state policies. Parents will be contacted immediately if any of these behaviors are displayed. Individual contracts may be used for students who consistently choose inappropriate behaviors. Parental support is necessary to reinforce students’ positive behavior at school.
Board Policy 1464 states: Each Pupil is held responsible for his/her personal actions. The right to attend a WPS school carries with it the obligation to maintain acceptable behavior. Minneha provides a positive and safe learning environment for all students.
Bullying
We take bullying very seriously.
Bullying is defined as:
1) purposeful behavior that intends to cause harm or distress
2) is usually repeated over time
3) occurs in a relationship where there is an imbalance of power.
Forms of bullying are:
1) Physical
2) Cyber
3) Relational Aggression
Witnesses of bullying are to tell the bully to stop, tell an adult, and reach out in friendship to the victim.
If your child is experiencing bullying at school, please contact your child's teacher or school administration and let them know about it right away. It is important to remember that we cannot act in situations that we know nothing about.
Families and students are also encouraged to use the SPEAK Up Anonymous Tip Program. The district’s Crime Stoppers in Schools program has created the Speak Up program, which allows students, staff and parents the ability to send anonymous tips through a secure website, app or phone number. The funding for this service is provided by Crime Stoppers of Wichita and Sedgwick County, a division of The Wichita Metro Crime Commission.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is words or behaviors that are sexual in nature and are unwanted and unwelcome. Sexual harassment could be touching or grabbing body parts, touching or rubbing on self in front of another, sending or delivering unwanted and unwelcome messages, notes or pictures with sexual content, sexual gestures, looks, jokes, comments or noises. Sexual harassment is not tolerated in Wichita Public Schools.
All complaints of sexual harassment will be investigated completely and when the complaint is made. All efforts will be made to provide confidentiality, to the extent possible, for all people involved. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. False complaints will also result in disciplinary action.
Cell Phone Policy
Student Personal Items/Cell Phones
Please write your child’s full name on every item that he/she brings to school. This protects you from financial loss and is helpful to the teacher in identifying items. We recommend that students keep all valuable personal items at home. If your child must have a cell phone, they must be kept OFF and in the student’s backpack or with the teacher. If your child has their phone on them or in their desk, The teacher or office will keep it until a parent can come get the device. We are NOT RESPONSIBLE for the loss of a child’s personal property. Please keep these at home.
School Meals
We provide breakfast for all students free of charge.
Lunch fees can depend on family income. Complete the Free and Reduced Meal Application annually to qualify for free lunch and adjustments to school fees.
The district uses an app called School Cafe to allow families to see menus.
The district uses LINQ Connect to pay for meals.
For special dietary restrictions, please contact the school nurse.
Breakfast and Lunch Program
Breakfast is served from 8:50 to 9:00 as a Grab N’ Go item. Breakfast and lunches will be based on FREE/REDUCED/FULL PAY for the 2024-2025 school year. Applications for free or reduced breakfast and lunch should be completed as results can impact other school fee amounts. Contact the office for details.
Field Trips
Field Trips
Teachers will schedule field trips to enhance classroom instruction. Prior to any field trip, your child’s teacher will send home a trip waiver/permission form for your signature. It is mandatory that parents read and sign this form and return it to school. No student will be allowed to leave the building on a field trip without a signed trip waiver form on file.
Any parent that would like to volunteer and attend the field trip MUST complete the Parent Volunteer Registration Form.
Parent Volunteer Registration Form
Weather Information
The safety of students, staff and parents is the Wichita Public Schools' greatest priority during the threat of dangerous conditions.
Emergency plans are in place should tornadoes, lightning, hail, snow or other dangerous circumstances present a safety concern.
Severe Weather
If severe weather (lightning/heavy rain or heavy snow) should occur just at dismissal time, students will be kept in the building, until a parent or authorized adult comes for them. Please have all phone numbers updated as a Parent Link call may be sent to parents to provide detailed information regarding dismissal.
Emergency School Closings
If Wichita Public Schools needs to announce the closing of some or all schools for any emergency reason the media outlets will be notified. The Parent Link system will be used, and all families will receive a phone call and/or email notifying them of schools closing. In the event school is closed, cancellation would apply to any scheduled event for that day including evening programs and activities.
Tornado Warning Procedure
In the event of a tornado warning (tornado may be imminent) all students will proceed to the Safe Room (South Gymnasium). Schools will not be dismissed, and students will not be released until the warning has expired. Once the safe room is closed it will remain closed until the “all clear” is given. No buses will begin their route until the warning has expired. If a tornado warning is received while route buses are operating, the driver will take students to an appropriate shelter.
Family Engagement
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Conferences
As a parent, you are very important to your child's success in school. Teachers need parents to help children learn and do their best in school.
A conference gives you and the teacher a chance to talk about your child's progress and work together to help your child. In a conference with your child's teacher, you can:
• Find out how your child is doing in school.
• Help the teacher better understand your child's needs.
• Plan ways in which both you and the teacher can help your child do better in school.
Minneha will have parent-teacher conferences two times each year -- once in the Fall and again in Spring.
Conferences can be held at other times -- whenever you or the teacher feel a conference is needed. To ask for a conference, send a note or call the teacher at school, and arrange a good time to meet.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are provided to parents every quarter. Reviewing these reports is an essential component of parent involvement in their child's education. Please look for these reports and discuss them with your student. You may also log on to ParentVue for an ongoing list of grades provided by the teacher. If you have any concerns about these reports, contact your student's teacher.
Visiting and Volunteering
School Visitation
Historically, all parents are encouraged to visit school and become involved in the school programs and activities. We ask that you contact teachers to arrange for classroom visits and conferences. IT IS REQUIRED THAT ALL VISITORS SIGN IN with ID (WHEN ENTERING THE BUILDING) AND SIGN OUT (BEFORE EXITING THE BUILDING) THROUGH THE OFFICE.
*Due to the recent pandemic, the school district has limited non-student access to the building. This is subject to change at the discretion of the USD259 School Board.
Parents, caregivers and other relatives wanting to volunteer in the school or for field trips are required to register every year as a volunteer. Visit the Volunteer Registration page to complete your annual registration.
PTO
PTO Meetings are at 5:30 pm on the 1st Monday of each month in the Library.
Please visit https://www.facebook.com/MinnehaPTO for more information on what you can do to be a part of Minneha Core Knowledge Elementary!
We work round the year to support the school in any way we can! We would love for you to be a part of that!
Classroom Celebrations
If you would like to attend a field trip with your child you will need to fill out a volunteer form first. Then, on the day of the field trip you will meet your child at the destination