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Hale Kula

Elementary School

Parent-Student
Handbook
Waianae & Ayres Avenues
Schofield Barracks
Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786
Jan Iwase, Principal
Phone: 305-3400
http://www.halekula59.k12.hi.us
Revised July 2015

This handbook has been prepared


to answer many of the basic questions
you may have about Hale Kula. We
hope that you will become very
familiar with the contents of this
handbook because it will give you a
better understanding of the school and
the activities of your children. If you
have any other questions, please
contact the school at 305-3400 and
we will be happy to help.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome

1-2

Registration Information

3-5

Health Information

6-7

Student Information

8-13

School Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

14-16

Student Discipline and Safety

17-19

School Meal Plan

20-22

Parent Information

23-27

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS


Office/Administration

305-3400

Health Room

305-3430

Cafeteria

305-3440

Parent Community Networking Center

305-3461

A+ After-School Program

305-3443

Library

305-3451

Roberts Hawaii School Bus, Inc.

832-4888

Welcome to Hale Kula Elementary School


Accredited by the Western Association of Schools &
Colleges!
Aloha and welcome to Hale Kula Elementary School!
Hale Kula Elementary School is located on Schofield Barracks, an Army base in
Wahiawa, Hawaii. We have approximately 750 students in preschool through fifth
grade. Most of our students are from military families, and nearly one-third transition in
and out of our school during the school year.
We hope that you will become familiar with the contents of the Parent-Student
Handbook. It has been prepared to answer many of the basic questions about
procedures, requirements, and programs at our school.
We invite you to become partners with us as we work to provide a safe and
nurturing learning environment so all students can be successful in school. Additional
information about our school, our Academic Plan, and our progress report can be found
at our website http://www.halekula59.k12.hi.us. In addition, the Parent Bulletin, Monthly
menus, supply list and school calendar are posted on our website. Hard copies will not
be sent home unless requested. If you have any other questions, please contact the
school at (808) 305-3400, and we will be happy to assist you.

Our Vision . . .
Hale Kula Elementary empowers learners to explore, discover, create, and share!

Our Mission . . .
At Hale Kula Elementary, learners explore through hands-on experiences and inquirybased learning to discover new ideas. We expect students to collaborate and
communicate with each other and to rely on critical and creative thinking skills to gain
new insight into their learning.

Our Beliefs . . .
We believe . . .

all students can learn.


v Therefore, we address individual strengths and needs by using a variety of
teaching strategies.

instruction should be rigorous and relevant.


v Therefore, we provide instruction based on big understandings and essential
questions.
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assessment should be ongoing and authentic.


v Therefore, we use multiple assessments to impact instruction and measure
learning.

a safe and nurturing environment is essential for learning.


v Therefore, we promote caring and respectful relationships.

education is a community responsibility.


v Therefore, we encourage families and the community to be active in fulfilling
our schools vision and mission.

General Learner Outcomes . . .

The ability to be responsible for ones own learning.

The understanding that it is essential for human beings to work together.

The ability to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving.

The ability to recognize and produce quality performance and quality products.

The ability to communicate effectively.

The ability to use a variety of technologies effectively and ethically.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Office Hours
Our office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The
office is closed on state and federal holidays. New student registration hours are from
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon (for next-day enrollment) and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (two-day
wait before enrollment).

Transfers to Hale Kula from Another Hawaii Public School


Students coming to Hale Kula from a public school in Hawaii must present the
Release Card (Form 211) issued by the childs former school and address verification
(acceptance for quarters/utility bill/rental agreement).

Transfers to Hale Kula from Out-of-State - Required Documents


The following records are required when a child registers for school in Hawaii for
the first time:

Birth certificate, passport, or baptismal certificate

Report card and/or records from previous school

Current documented tuberculin (Mantoux) clearance at the time of school entry

Complete series of required immunizations

Physical examination/Form 14 completed by a medical physician within one year


before Hawaii school entry

Address verification (acceptance for quarters/utility bill/rental agreement)

Medical Requirements
A physician must physically examine a student within twelve months before the
student first enters school in the State of Hawaii. The following are additional medical
requirements:

TB test: All new students must show proof of freedom from communicable
tuberculosis through a negative TB (Mantoux) test or x-ray at the time of school
entry. The record must show the date the TB test was administered, the date
the result was read, the result (in mm), and who administered the test.

Provisional enrollment: Students can be provisionally enrolled if parents


produce a signed doctors statement that indicates the student is in the process
of completing all health requirements. A date and time for the next scheduled

visit must be noted on the doctors statement. If health requirements are not met
within thirty days, the student will be excluded from school.

Immunizations: All students attending school must be immunized against:


1. Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DPT): Primary immunization and booster
doses
2. Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): Two MMR immunization shots
3. Polio myelitis: Primary immunization (original series) and a booster one
year later
4. Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine are required for school entry for all
students born after December 31, 1992.
5. Varicella vaccination or physicians documentation/confirmation of
chicken pox

Families in Temporary Housing at Schofield Inn


While you are housed at the Schofield Inn, your child(ren) may attend Hale Kula
Elementary School. Once you move out of the Inn, however, you will need to move
your child to the school serving that housing area. This is an Army/School district
decision. If you move to quarters within the Hale Kula area, please inform the school
office about your change in address and phone number. You may directly register your
child(ren) at the school they will attend if you know where your permanent housing will
be.

Transfers Out of Hale Kula


Parents/guardians must submit a written request to the office at least two weeks
prior to the childs last day of school. This will enable the office to secure the necessary
release papers for your child.
Parents should come to the office for the Release Card on the childs last day of
school since it contains confidential information that should not be lost. If this is not
possible, instructions may be sent to the office to have the card given to your child if
he/she is old enough to be responsible.

Early Release Before School Closes in June

A student leaving during the last four weeks of school will be given a report card
with grades for the school year and an indication as to whether the student will be
promoted or not based on achievement and effort up to the date of his/her
release.

A student leaving during the fifth and sixth weeks before school closes will be
given a report card with grades up to the time of departure. School records will
be forwarded later upon request of the receiving school.

A student leaving school prior to the sixth week before school closes will be
released through normal procedures except that the report card and a progress
report will be given at the time of departure. School records will be forwarded
later upon request of the receiving school.

These procedures have been set with the assumption that students who leave
prior to these dates will enroll in a new school in time for that school to determine their
final grade. If the student does not enroll in a new school before the end of the school
year, it will be up to the receiving school to determine promotion or non-promotion for
early departure.

HEALTH INFORMATION
Health Aide
The Health Room is located in the school office and is attended by a Health Aide.
She/he is not a certified nurse; a complex nurse supervises the Health Aide. The Health
Aide may be contacted during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Illness or Injury in School


If your child becomes ill or is injured in school, the school will provide temporary
care or first aid. The Health Aide will notify you by telephone if your child needs to be
sent home. If you are unable to come in person, inform the school if someone else will
be picking your child up. We will only release your child to someone who is listed on the
Emergency Card. Please update your Emergency Card as changes occur. This is
to ensure the safety of your child. Children are not allowed to walk home
unaccompanied. If an injury appears to be serious, we will call 911 immediately and
inform you.

Illness or Injury at Home


Illnesses or injuries at home should be taken care of before sending your child to
school.

Medications
No medications will be stored in the Health Room or administered by the Health
Aide without proper clearance from the parents, prescribing physician, school Health
Aide, and the School Health Branch Chief. The Department of Health requires proper
and accurate processing in order for the Health Aide to administer medication to
students. If oral or topical medications must be administered in school, the School
Health Aide must be notified and proper procedures must be followed. If possible,
please make every effort to give medications before and/or after school to eliminate the
need to administer medications during school hours.

Head Lice
Throughout the years, head lice or pediculosis has been identified in schools not
only in Hawaii, but also throughout the country. The school Health Aide conducts inschool screening as necessary. However, in order to keep this potential problem under
control, the School Health Branch of the Department of Health is requesting that parents
periodically check their child(ren) so that early identification can be made and treatment
applied. Parents should check the nape of the neck and around the ears for a pearly,
tear-drop-shaped egg attached to the hair shaft. The live louse may be difficult to detect
and may not be seen. An early signal to parents that a louse infestation may be present
is intense itching of the head. Parents suspecting the presence of head lice should call
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a physician or pharmacist for appropriate treatment. Please call the school Health Aide
to notify her of the presence of head lice; this allows the school to check the other
students in the class for possible infestation.
If a student is found to have head lice, parents will be called to pick up the
child(ren) and will be given instructions on how to treat the problem. The student may
return to class after proper treatment and after being re-checked and cleared by the
Health Aide. Chronic cases may be referred to the Army Community Health Section for
assistance.

Doctors Note
Students must have a doctors note on file with the Health Aide for restricted
school activities including temporary restrictions. No substitution drink will be provided
with school lunch parents must provide.

Emergency Card
The Health Aide keeps your childs Emergency Card in her office. If there are
any changes, please contact her immediately to notify her of these changes (home or
work phone numbers, new emergency contact persons, etc.)

Phone Number
If you need to contact the Health Aide, the phone number is 305-3430.

STUDENT INFORMATION
Hours of Instruction
School begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:10 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesdays, school begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 1:10
p.m. Early dismissal on Wednesdays allows time for faculty, grade level, and other
meetings, a provision of the state teachers contract.

Nondiscrimination
No Hawaii public school student shall be excluded from participation in, denied
the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination due to the students race, color,
national origin, sex, religion, or handicapping condition under any program or activity in
the Department of Education.

Morning Arrival
Children must be 10 years of age or older to walk to and from school without
adult supervision. (See 25th ID(L) and USARHAW Pam 210-5.) Students must be 12
years of age to supervise younger children walking to and from school.
It is suggested that students not come on campus until 7:45 a.m. daily unless an
adult provides supervision. Students eating breakfast or arriving on the school bus will
be supervised in the cafeteria. Students who are not having breakfast will wait quietly in
the designated areas. At that time, they should walk to their classrooms and wait quietly
for their teacher.

Absences, Tardies, Early Dismissal


Students should arrive to school on time and ready to learn. Please try to
schedule appointments during non-school hours so your child can be in school
for the entire day. The first bell rings at 7:45 a.m. and students will be released from
their wait area to walk to class. The tardy bell rings at 7:55 a.m. Any student who is not
in class by that time will be considered tardy and must get a tardy slip from the office.
Students who are chronically tardy will be referred for follow-up, and parents will be
notified.
If your child will be absent from school, please call the office at 305-3400. A
student with frequent absences will be referred to the counselor and/or administrator for
follow-up. A Family Court referral can be implemented for chronic unexcused
absences. Notice of impending long-term or emergency absence must be cleared with
a letter to the principal prior to the absence or as soon as possible.
When your child needs to leave school before the regular dismissal time, please
send a note to school that day. A parent or guardian must sign the student out at the
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office, and identification will be required to sign the student out. Children will only be
released to people on the Emergency Card. Students must be in school for at least half
of the school day to be considered present.

Leilehua Complex Deployment Policy


Attendance Policy:
Any student who will be out of school for 10 or more days must do one of the following:
1.

Be enrolled at a school in their new geographic area; or

2.

Fill out a form 4140 Exception to Compulsory Education (Home Schooling).

Upon return to Hawaii, students must re-enroll at their home school. However, there will
be no guarantee of previous classroom assignment.
With 3 (school) days advance notice, homework will be provided for up to 10 days.

Afternoon Pick-Up
Parents, when waiting to pick up your children at the end of the school day,
please wait in the cafeteria until 5 minutes before the end of school. At that time, you
can walk quietly to pick up your child. Your cooperation will minimize disruptions to the
classrooms.

Late Pick-Up Policy


At Hale Kula, student safety is of foremost importance. Parents need to know
that their child is safe when they are at school.
We have a procedure when a student is not picked up on-time at the end of
the day (2:10 pm on M, T, TH and F and 1:10 pm on W). Teachers will bring a child
to the office so that our clerks can call a parent or emergency contact to pick him/her up.
We will be documenting when a child comes to the office, and we will ensure that the
person picking your child up is on the emergency contact list. This will require that
person to show a picture ID and sign for the child that they are picking up.
Although this procedure my be an inconvenience, we feel it is necessary due to
the number of students who are sometimes waiting in the office for someone to pick
them up.

Change of Address and/or Phone Number


It is very important that the school office have accurate records on each child.
We need to have current phone numbers for parents and guardians. We request the
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name of at least one other contact in Hawaii in case of an emergency when parents or
guardians cannot be reached. If there are any changes, please contact the office
immediately so that we may update our files.

Rainy Day Plans


Please discuss with your child what to do in case of rainy weather after school.
On most rainy days, the office has a long line of students waiting to use the phone. This
is something that can be prevented if children have previous instructions from their
parents.

Dress Code
Just as adults dress appropriately for their workplace, students are expected to
dress conducive to maintaining a positive and safe learning environment. Inappropriate
attire includes but is not limited to:
Attire showing pictures or messages promoting drugs, criminal activities,
sexploitation, discrimination, profanity, or violence.
Clothing that exposes underwear or underwear worn as outerwear.
Clothing that is skin tight, saggy, reveals midriff, lower back, cleavage or
buttocks.
Halter tops, strapless, straps that are less than 1 inch in width at the
shoulders or transparent tops unless worn over or under another shirt.
Short shorts or micro-mini skirts.
Sagging pants or shorts.
Head gear (hats, caps, bandanas, beanies, stocking caps, visors, wave caps)
and sunglasses may not be worn indoors.
Make-up for students.
Any clothing or accessories that may be deemed unsafe or inappropriate to
the school environment (i.e. large hoop earrings/heeled dress shoes).
Physical Education Please dress appropriately for P.E. Closed toed shoes are
recommended for safety reasons.
Exceptions to this dress code must be approved by the Vice-Principal or designee.
Consequences for students who do not comply with the dress code will be as follows:
* First infraction: Students will be sent to the office and counseled on
appropriate dress. Parents will be notified.
* Second infraction: Students will be sent to the office and counseled on
appropriate dress. Parents will be called and asked to bring in appropriate
clothing for the child.
* Subsequent infractions shall be considered insubordination and dealt with as
determined by the Vice-Principal or designee.

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Student Service to School


It is the policy of the Department of Education and the Board of Education that
students assist in the cafeteria. At Hale Kula, fourth and fifth graders are assigned
cafeteria duty during the lunch periods. Students practice career and life skills while
providing an important service to the school. Third graders are assigned to cafeteria
duty in the fourth quarter. They learn essential lessons in responsibility, courtesy,
health, and safety. School service is limited to one day per month, not to exceed seven
total days in the school year. Each student receives a free lunch for service on his/her
day of cafeteria duty.
Any student who is unable to provide this service because of a physical reason
can be excused. A signed note from a physician is required in order for the student to
be excused because of physical reasons.

Classroom Visits
Parents are always welcome to visit the classroom. However, to minimize class
distractions and prevent interruption of instructional time, parents are requested to make
arrangements with a teacher at least 24 hours in advance of a classroom visitation. Any
spur-of-the-moment request to visit the class must be cleared with the administration
and classroom teacher first.
Parents should report to the office to sign in and get a Visitors Badge
before going to the classroom. If there is a message or an item that needs to be
delivered to the classroom, the office staff will see that the child receives it. Please
check at home to see that your child has all necessary items for the day; this will
minimize disruptions to the classroom.

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Conferences may be arranged at any time with teachers; please contact your
childs teacher to arrange for a date and time. Parent-teacher conferences are
scheduled for all students during the last of October. Students are released early and
conferences are scheduled with each family. It is expected that parents will make every
effort to keep their conference appointments.

Addressing Concerns
If parents have concerns about their childs work, performance, or behavior, the
teacher should be contacted. Every effort should be made to work together to resolve
the problem. If either the parent or teacher believes that additional help is needed, the
school counselor may be contacted. If the problem persists, parents may contact the
administrator for assistance.

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Lost and Found


Throughout the school year, many articles of clothing and miscellaneous items
end up in the Lost and Found area located in the office or cafeteria stage area. Please
ask for assistance to check these areas for any lost items. It is helpful to label your
childs belongings so they can be returned if misplaced. Unclaimed articles will be
donated periodically to a charitable organization.

Leave Valuables at Home


The following items should be kept at home unless required for class use: cell
phones, ipods, video games, skateboards, wave boards, roller blades, scooters, jewelry,
money, trading cards, toys, radios, and electronics. These items will be confiscated and
parents will be required to come to school to get them back.
Only money for lunch or school-related functions should be sent with the child.
Trading, buying, or selling of items on campus is not allowed unless it is an
authorized school function.

Student Activities
Students have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities including:

Junior Police Officers (JPOs) The Honolulu Police Department trains selected
4th & 5th grade students to serve as crossing guards in the mornings and
afternoons.

Student Council 4th and 5th grade representatives join the elected Student
Council officers to organize student activities for the school. The student
government organization helps students to learn leadership and citizenship skills.

Cross Country, volleyball, basketball, and track teams These students compete
against other complex or district elementary schools in tournaments or meets.
Sportsmanship as well as skills development are stressed in these events.

Greeters Club for selected 3rd and 4th graders. These students greet new
students to the school and help with their transition. They also say Aloha to
students leaving Hale Kula.

Ukulele Class meets 1x/week. A small monthly fee is assessed for this class.

Grade level service or extracurricular clubs may be established by grade level


teachers.

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Other enrichment or remediation classes may be scheduled throughout the year.


Parents will be notified of these opportunities. A fee may be assessed for these
classes.

Student Recognition
Students have opportunities to be recognized for their positive achievements:

Super Eagle Classroom teacher selects two students from each class who has
exhibited excellence and a positive attitude. Students are honored at the
quarterly Super Eagle Assembly with a small reception to follow.

Spotlight Eagle Award - is given to students for random acts of kindness or


citizenship in the school or in the classroom.

Birthday Celebrations
The Department of Education has a wellness policy, which stresses physical activity
and healthy eating. Schools are discouraged from serving or selling foods, which have
little nutritional value and contribute to obesity or other health-related conditions.
This year, we are requesting that class parties serve healthy refreshments and that
birthdays be celebrated without cupcakes or other sweets. If parents would like to
celebrate a childs birthday, please check with your childs teacher. He/She can suggest
other ways to celebrate such as donating a book or game to the class. The students will
enjoy these items long after your childs birthday.
Please help us comply with the Department health and wellness guidelines.

Construction on Campus
Hale Kula Elementary School has been awarded $26.6 million from a Department of
Defense Facilities Grant and $6.6 million from the State of Hawaii to upgrade our
facilities. Construction began in the summer of 2013 and the project will take three
years to complete. During this time, designated areas on campus will be off-limits to our
students. The contractors and the school will be meeting regularly to ensure the safety
of our students during the school day.
Additionally, traffic and parking will be impacted. We will do our best to ensure a
smooth drop-off and pick-up procedure for our students. Our suggestion is to get an
early start or to walk or bike to school.
We are so fortunate to receive funding for this major project to upgrade Hale Kula
Elementary School, and the inconvenience we will experience will be well-worth it by the
time the project is complete.

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SCHOOL CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, AND ASSESSMENT


Common Core State Standards
Hale Kula Elementary is committed to providing a curriculum that enables all
students to achieve high standards. The Common Core State Standards are the
guiding force behind our curriculum. The standards describe what our students should
be able to know, to do, or to care about.
Our school community was instrumental in examining data to determine the goals
and objectives we will be focusing on for the school year. The Academic Plan is our
written document that outlines how we will address the needs of our students. A copy of
the Academic Plan is available on our web site: http://www.halekula59.k12.hi.us
Grade level teachers plan a curriculum that aligns with our content and
performance standards based on the Common Core State Standards. Please see your
childs teacher if you would like to know what your child will be learning in school this
year.

Referral Process
The parent and teacher should work together if there are academic, social, or
behavioral concerns about a student. If either parent or teacher believes that additional
help is needed, the school counselor may be involved.
There is a referral process if the student continues to have problems. The
Student Services Coordinator is the initial point of contact; we will be happy to direct
your questions to the Student Services Coordinator and a team will be convened to
determine whether further evaluations are appropriate.
Hale Kula has a partnership with Tripler Army Medical Center through the School
Mental Health Team.

Special Education
Hale Kula has a Special Education department to service our students with
special needs. Please inform the school if your child has an Individualized Education
Program (IEP), and we will provide the services as designated in the IEP. If you have
concerns about your child, there is a referral process as described above.
Special Education teachers provide services in resource, inclusion, or selfcontained classes. Other services may be provided depending on the special needs of
the student.
Parents are important members of the team that determines the students IEP
goals and objectives. If you have any questions, please ask your childs special
education teacher or call the Student Services Coordinator at 305-3412.
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English Language Learners (ELL)


This educational program assists students who speak English as a second
language. A trained ELL teacher works with these students in small groups to enable
them to be more successful in their classrooms. Please contact the office to obtain
more information about this program.

Field Trips
Teachers plan field trips periodically throughout the school year. Field trips are
an extension of the class curriculum and address the content standards. Students are
assessed a fee for admission and transportation costs. Volunteers who would like to
accompany the class, as chaperones must take the Chaperone Class that is offered
several times a year. The PCNC announces the training classes through the monthly
Parent Bulletin. Please note that field trip forms and fees (cash only) must be
turned in by 8:00 a.m. to your childs teacher on the designated final day of
collection.

Gifted and Talented Program


Hale Kula has a procedure to identify students who are gifted and talented in
grades 2-5. The program will follow guidelines in the Department of Educations
Chapter 51: Provision of Appropriate Educational Programs and Opportunities for
Exceptional Children Who are Gifted and Talented. The classroom teachers will then
provide a differentiated curriculum that meets the needs of these students. Please
inquire at the office if you would like to know more about the G/T program.

Report Cards
Teachers use different assessment tools to gather data about the students such
as daily work assignments, tests and quizzes, participation in classroom discussions,
cooperative learning activities, thematic projects or activities, and homework
assignments. Teachers report the progress of students to parents at the end of each
quarter of the school year. If you have questions about your childs grades or progress
in school, please contact your childs teacher.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium


Hawaii is part of SBAC and 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students will be taking on-line
assessments for English Language Arts and Math. These assessments will be taken
during the fourth quarter and are based on the Common Core State Standards.
Additionally, 4th graders take the Hawaii State Assessment for science. Students have
3 opportunities to improve their HSA Science proficiency score.

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Tutoring Services
Instructional coaches work with teachers to address the needs of students who
are not meeting proficiency based on a variety of assessments.
Additionally, limited tutoring services for grades 3-5 are available through a
SOAR grant. If your child needs additional assistance and support in reading and/or
math, we will send a letter home to inform you of this learning opportunity.

Section 504
Section 504 is a federal law, which is designed to protect the rights of individuals
with disabilities. A 504 requires the school to provide a free and appropriate public
education (FAPE), which generally consists of developing a plan with modifications and
accommodations and/or related aids and services to meet the students individual
needs. Please inform the school if your child has a 504.

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STUDENT DISCIPLINE AND SAFETY


Without safe schools, it is difficult, if not impossible, for learning to take place.
National School Safety Center

Our Belief about Discipline


We believe that appropriate student behavior allows teaching and learning to
occur. Students have the right to learn, and teachers have the right to teach in an
environment that is positive and free of distractions and disruptions. We believe that a
caring culture is the foundation for success in school.

Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS)


The Comprehensive Student Support System is a continuum of academic, social,
emotional, and physical environmental supports and services to support all students. It
is through a proactive school-wide discipline system and a community of caring and
supportive relationships that students learn to behave respectfully, responsibly, and
safely. Discipline means teaching appropriate behaviors and providing interventions to
students so these behaviors do not occur again.
Hale Kula implements the TRIBES Program as an integral part of our PBIS
system. TRIBES encourages the development of a positive environment in the
classroom in order to promote growth and learning. The classroom is viewed as an
inclusive learning community that supports the development and achievement for all
students. The four TRIBES agreements are embedded in all we do school-wide,
throughout the school day.

Attentive Listening We listen with our ears, our eyes, and our hearts.
Appreciations/No Put-downs We express gratitude and appreciations to
others and say things in a positive way. Teasing and name-calling are
unacceptable.
Right to Pass/Right to Participate We have the right to choose when and to
what extent we will participate in group activities. (The Right to Pass does NOT
apply to completing assignments, taking tests, or responding to an adult.)
Mutual Respect We respect ourselves, respect others, and respect our school.
We treat others, as we would like to be treated.

Additionally, as a school, community, we are focusing on this message:

Take care of yourself


Take care of others
Take care of our school

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A matrix of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Expectations is shared in


every classroom and describes appropriate behavioral expectations in different school
settings. These expectations have been written to ensure the respect, safety and well
being of anyone on our campus. Please review the matrix with your child.

Chapter 19
Chapter 19 is the administrative rule, which governs student conduct in the
Department of Education. Chapter 19 utilizes the Hawaii Revised Statutes as a model.
The purposes of Chapter 19 are to:

Promote and maintain a safe and secure educational environment

Teach and acknowledge proper behavior

Deter students from acts which interfere with education or are self-destructive,
self-defeating, or anti-social

Maintain proper student conduct

Offenses in Chapter 19 are classified according to classes: Class A and Class B


are unlawful conduct violations; Class C offenses are those prohibited by the
Department of Education; and Class D offenses are prohibited by individual schools.
Disciplinary action shall be taken for all class offenses; the principal or designee
considers a number of factors (intention of the offender, nature and severity of the
offense, impact of the offense on others, age of the offender, etc.) when determining the
appropriate disciplinary action.
Copies of Chapter 19 are distributed at the beginning of the school year and are
available in the office.

School Safety and Crisis Management Plan


The School Safety Committee meets regularly to review our guidelines and
procedures to ensure the safety of everyone on campus. They also developed and
continuously review and revise the School Safety and Crisis Management Plan. This
plan explains how the school will handle crisis situations such as a fire, bomb scare,
shelter-in-place, or other disasters. The school regularly performs school-wide drills to
ensure that we are properly prepared for emergencies, and we work with the military to
prepare for an evacuation drill. All persons who are on campus during an emergency
drill are expected to follow the procedures.

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Safe and Drug-Free Schools


All public schools in Hawaii are required to adhere to the following:
U.S. Gun-Free Schools Act:
This federal legislation states: Any student who is found in possession of a
firearm while attending school shall be excluded from attending school for not less than
one year.
Act 90 Relating to School Discipline:
The 1996 State Legislature passed Act 90 which states: Any child (student) who
is found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon, switchblade knife, intoxicating
liquor, or illicit drugs while attending school may be excluded from attending school for
up to ninety-two days as determined by the principal and approved by the
superintendent. The due process procedure of the Department of Education, adopted
pursuant to Chapter 19, shall apply to any child who is in possession of a dangerous
weapon, switchblade knife, intoxicating liquor, or illicit drugs while attending school. If a
child is excluded from attending school, the Superintendent shall ensure that substitute
educational activities or other appropriate assistance shall be provided, and that the
child is referred for appropriate intervention and treatment services, as determined by
the principal in consultation with the school counselor.
Honolulu City Council Ordinance No. 95-49:
This ordinance states: It is unlawful for a minor to purchase, possess, or use
any pepper spray in the city. Pepper spray is a contraband item, and is a Class D
offense under Chapter 19.
Laser Pointers:
Laser pointers have been banned from Hawaii public schools due to their
potential danger to eyes.

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SCHOOL MEAL PLANS


We do not accept cash for student meals, except for the purchase of milk.
Parents need to be sure their child has sufficient funds in their meal account. We will
continue to send home reminders when funds are running low in account. If a student
does not have sufficient funds in his/her account, we will allow him/her to make one
lunch loan, which must be repaid by the next day. We will begin accepting payments for
meal accounts (cash or check only) on Friday, July 24, 2015. Checks should be
payable to Hale Kula Elementary School.

School Meal Program


The school meal program is under the guidance of Department of Education
School Food Services Branch and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The program is designed to provide students with nourishing meals at a minimal cost.
Meal planning and preparations follow the regulations and procedures of the USDA and
the School Food Services Branch. The cost of each meal includes 1/2 pint of milk:
Lunch = $2.50

Breakfast = $1.10

Milk only = $0.60

Meal costs may increase during the school year.


We will no longer be providing juice substitution for children with milk allergies.
Parents are requested to send juice or other liquid (water is available at the fountain).
Breakfast:
Served from 7:15 a.m. 7:40 a.m. Doors open at 7:15 a.m.; there is no
supervision until that time.

Once the children have been served breakfast, they will be supervised until the
first bell rings; they will be excused to walk to their classroom.

Parents are welcome to have breakfast with their child. Cost is $2.40.

Lunch:
Lunch is served daily following this schedule:
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5

10:30 am - 11:00 am
10:45 am - 11:15 am
11:00 am 11:30 am
11:30 am 12:00 pm
11:45 am - 12:15 pm
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Parents are welcome to have lunch with their child. Cost is $5.50; non-Hale Kula
children also pay $5.50. The daily lunch count needs to be submitted each

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morning, so if you plan to purchase lunch, please inform your childs teacher at
least one day in advance so you can be included in the adult count.

A monthly menu will be posted on the school website at the beginning of the
month. Copies are available in the office.

Qualifying for Free and Reduced Meal Program

The State of Hawaii Department of Education participates in the USDA National


School Lunch and Breakfast Program. It is the intent of the US Congress that
nutritious meals be available to every student regardless of the households
ability to pay. Hale Kula follows the established regulations of the USDA.

Each family must apply each year to qualify for free or reduced price meals.
Reduced-priced meals are $0.30 for breakfast or $0.40 for lunch (price may
increase during the school year). If you qualified in the previous school year,
your status will be honored for the first twenty school days. If you fail to reapply,
your child will be required to pay full price for all meals until you receive
notification that you are qualified.

Effective July 1, 2013, the on-line application link for USDA program for
free/reduced meals opens. This is a new web-based site that provides families
with the option to submit an application on-line at http://ezmealapp.com.
Applications will go home on the first day of school and will be available in the
school office throughout the year. Please follow the directions and fill in all the
spaces required. Military families count Base Pay + BAS + COLA (do not
include BAH or other).

Free and reduced meal counts affect a schools qualification for Title I
funds. It is important for all qualified families to apply even though their
child may not eat school lunch. Hale Kula does not qualify for Title I funds
this year.

ACCUTAB System
Hale Kula uses a computerized system that works much like a bank account.
Parents may deposit any amount of money in their childs account. When the child
purchases a meal, the amount of the meal is automatically deducted from their account.
Students are automatically assigned a bar coded individual account that can be
used for both breakfast and lunch. Students will have a student ID card with their name
and account number on it. If this card is destroyed or lost, there will be a $5.00
charge to replace it. Other information about our ACCUTAB System:

Payments to a students account can be made in the office during normal office
hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Payments (cash or check) should be placed in
envelopes with the childs full name, room number, and amount of payment.
21

Place the envelope in the payment box near the office counter. Checks should
be made payable to Hale Kula Elementary School.

Please note that there is a $25.00 charge for all returned checks.

Parents are responsible for keeping a running account of balances. As a


courtesy, we will send a reminder on Mondays and Fridays when a student has
five days left. If there is no money left in the account, USDA regulations do not
allow for loans.

Any discrepancies can be addressed to the ACCUTAB clerk.

NO CASH will be accepted in the breakfast/lunch line, except for milk. All
monies must be deposited in the breakfast/lunch payment box located in the
office.

Any remaining money in a students account will be refunded at the end of the
school year or carried over to the next school year per parents request.

No Lunch Loans
We have instituted a one meal only loan policy. A payment reminder will be
sent home on the day a student makes a loan. The student will also call to inform
his/her parent about the loan. Repayment of the loan and money should be brought to
the school office the following day. Students will not be able to borrow for lunch a
second time without having repaid the first loan. Parents will be called to bring a lunch
or money for their child. A substitute snack will be offered to children who have no
home lunch, no money or if parent cannot be contacted.

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PARENT INFORMATION
Parent Community Networking Center (PCNC)
The PCNC exists to increase parent and community involvement in the school.
We seek to build healthy and strong relationships between the home, school, and
community. The PCNC is involved in many activities at the school: Parent-Child
Workshops, inviting guest speakers to the school, assisting with school-community
programs, Super Eagle assemblies, and training, scheduling, and recruiting parent
volunteers.
The PCNC office is located in the Administration Building. Visit the room to meet
other parents, to see what resources are available, and to see how you can get involved
at Hale Kula.

Volunteering
If you have the time and are interested in making a difference in your childs
education, consider volunteering! The opportunities to assist the school are endless.
Parents make a tremendous impact when they volunteer. Studies have shown that
student achievement increases when parents are involved in their childs education.
You can make a difference!
Our PCNC is a good place to start. Fill out a volunteer survey and return it to
school. Our PCNC facilitator will contact you to schedule you for training, if necessary.
If you have any questions, please call or stop by at the PCNC room in the office.
Not all volunteer positions require training. Your childs teacher can tell you what
kind of assistance you can provide in the classroom. Some of the volunteer activities
are:

Room parent or field trip chaperone

Correcting papers, checking student work folders, photocopying or preparing


activity materials

Tutoring students who need extra assistance with school work

Assisting in the library or Tech Center

Serving on the PTO Board or School Community Council

Helping in the lunch room or at recess time

Serving as a crossing guard at crosswalks for students walking to school

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Transition Center
One of the issues facing military families when they relocate to a new duty station
is transitioning to a new school. Our Transition Coordinator helps to make this transition
smoother and more comfortable.
New students and parents are encouraged to attend the Transition Center
orientation, which is held daily. The Transition Coordinator can answer questions about
the school, take you on a tour of the campus, and show your child where his/her class is
located. The Transition Center is in the Administration Building.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)


Hale Kula has a very active PTO. All parents and teachers are welcome and
encouraged to join this organization. The PTO assists the school in providing resource
support for activities, equipment, or projects. Membership applications are available in
the school office. Information about meetings and activities will be announced in the
monthly Parent Bulletin. Visit the PTO room, P-15-B, for more information on how you
can get involved.

School Community Council (SCC)


SCC is a process for school improvement; SCC recognizes that people within the
schools community have the knowledge and competence to decide what is best for the
school. The School Community Council is made up of representatives from six
stakeholder groups: parents, teachers, students, classified staff, community, and
administration. Each role group elects its own representatives to the SCC and
decisions are made based on what is best for our students. A primary responsibility of
the SCC is to work with the principal in the development of the Academic and Financial
Plan. Meetings are held monthly, and guests are welcome to attend. Minutes of the
Council meetings and other SCC documents are available for review in the school office
or on our school website.

Communication
Home-school communication is important, and Hale Kula is committed to
informing parents about school activities. Please check our school website
http://www.halekula59.k12.hi.us for updated information. The following are ways we
communicate with parents about upcoming activities and events:

Monthly parent bulletin A parent newsletter is posted monthly on our website.


Please give careful attention to this publication; it is an important means of
communicating general school information to parents.

Wednesday Folder Your child will bring home a weekly Wednesday Folder.
Please check it for important information from the school or from your childs
teacher.
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Hale Kula Highlights the PCNC sends a weekly push notification to your email
to families with information about upcoming school activities or events. If you
wish to receive the Hale Kula Highlights, be sure to sign up at
hkeshighlights.blogspot.com

Parent Teacher Organization meetings The PTO Board meets monthly, and
open meetings are held as needed. All members are welcome to attend.

Parent Bulletin Board This board is located on the side of D-Building.

School Community Council meetings The Council meets monthly. All are
welcome, but only SCC elected representatives are involved in the decisionmaking.

Facebook page Request to join the Hale Kula Eagles page to get updated
information or reminders about the school. Click the Facebook link on our school
website.

Paid Positions at the School


Please watch for openings listed in the Parent Bulletin if you are interested in
working at the school. Positions include:

Substitute teachers (college degree and completion of substitute teachers class


is required)
Substitute educational assistants (at least two years of college is required)
Classroom cleaners or substitutes
Lunchroom/playground supervisors and substitutes
ACCUTAB clerk
Paraprofessional tutor (at least two years of college is required)

Parking
Parking is available in the paved lot across the school on Ayres and in the lot
across from the Soldier Assist Center. Please do not park on the sidewalk next to the
Ayres Avenue fence; vehicles parking in this area may be ticketed.
Student safety is our primary concern; therefore the parking area directly in front
of the school is for staff only during designated hours (7-8:15 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m.).
This will ensure that students are not running through traffic to get to and from cars.
During peak morning and afternoon hours we will have one drop-off/pick-up lane.
School staff will be assisting by opening doors and keeping the traffic moving efficiently.
The driveway at the entrance of the school is blocked after school for bus pick-up
only. The grassy lot in front of the school will also be blocked off at the end of the

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school day to prevent double-parking. The parking lot will be open for student pick-up
after the buses have left.

No Dogs Allowed on Campus at Any Time


Please refrain from walking your pets on school grounds. It is unhealthy for
students to play on grounds where animals have urinated or defecated. Additionally,
some students have allergies to animal fur. We ask for your cooperation in keeping our
school grounds clean for our students.

YMCA After-School A+ Program


Hawaii was the first state in the nation to provide after-school services for public
elementary school students. A+ provides a quality program for children of working
parents or children whose parents are engaged in job training or who are attending
school. Applications for the A+ program are available in the school office. The West
Oahu YMCA is contracted to run the Hale Kula A+ program. The hours of operation are
from 2:10 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and from 1:10
p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Please call 625-1040 for more information.

No Smoking Policy
In conjunction with Hawaii state law, there is no smoking on school grounds
at any time even when dropping off or picking up students. Hale Kula is proud to
be a Drug-Free School Zone, and we have an active Drug-Free School Program. We
ask that all parents and visitors to our campus comply with this no smoking policy.

Lost Books
Textbooks and library books are loaned to the students for their use while
attending Hale Kula. Students are responsible for these books and must pay the
current replacement cost of any books they do not return or books that they damage.
The librarian will notify parents in writing if there are unreturned or damaged books as
well as the cost to replace the books.

Bus Transportation
In accordance with Hawaii Administrative Rules 8-27-5, students are eligible to
ride the school bus if they ride the bus on a daily basis, attend their home school as
determined by their legal residence, and reside one mile or more via the shortest
walking distance from school. Transportation is limited from students legal home
address to school and return, and provided to students during the regular school year.
In determining eligibility, no child will be discriminated against on the basis of religion,
sex, or ancestry.

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The following areas qualify:

Area 1:
Area 2:
Area 3:
Area 4:
Area 5:

Mendonca Park, Woodwinds, Kemoo by the Lake


Bus stop at Waianae Uka Avenue
Bus stop at Kolekole Avenue
Schofield Inn
Bus stop at Ralston Field

You may pick up a copy of the current bus schedule in the office. This
schedule is subject to change; the bus driver will inform students of any
changes. Please allow 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up times.
When registering a child to ride the school bus, parents or guardians shall
complete and submit the required documents. Bus application forms are available in
the schools office.
Students who ride the bus will be required to purchase in advance,
quarterly or yearly passes or a sheet of ten coupons. Students staying at
Schofield Inn may purchase bus coupons. When the office receives payment, a bus
pass is issued. Cost of bus transportation is $1.25 each way. No refunds.
Please review the bus rules with your child. Bus transportation is a privilege, and
students must follow the rules. The bus driver will notify the school of any disciplinary
problems, and the school will impose consequences for any bus referrals.
Parents should be aware that school bus transportation services are contracted
to private bus companies. Students are expected to follow the bus rules so the driver
can concentrate on driving the bus safely. Students whose behavior is disruptive,
unsafe, or distracting to others may be suspended from riding the bus or denied bus
privileges.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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NOTES

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