Information for Parents

EMERGENCY PLANS AND DRILLS
Each classroom has posted evacuation procedures for students pertaining to fire and disaster drills.  Students are expected to follow procedures and obey instructions from their teachers in the event of a drill.  McAuliffe School will conduct fire/disaster drills so that the students become aware and familiar with the routine.  Please refer to the District Handbook/Calendar for further information regarding emergency plans.  If building evacuation is required, we will be transported to Prairie View Middle School.

 
CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL
Cancellation of school takes place only during circumstances such as extreme weather, equipment failure, or public crisis.  Because of the hardship, which can be caused, school is not usually cancelled unless a significant safety risk has been created by unusual circumstances.  If you signed up for “XPEDITE”, the electronic messaging system for Kirby School District 140, you will be notified of emergency closings. If you do not want to be part of the Xpedite System, please contact the office.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION
In the event of an emergency, we will make every effort to contact parents.  If we are unable to do so, the school will contact the person listed as an alternate in case of emergency.  It is extremely important for your child’s safety that we have up-to-date emergency information on file.    Without written consent, students will only be released to adults who are listed on your Emergency Information Form. 

COMMUNICATION WITH HOME
The McAuliffe monthly calendar and newsletter will be posted on our website, ksd140.org.  Click on the link to McAuliffe School.  If you would like a hard copy, please contact our office at 429-4565.
 

IVY LEAGUE
The Ivy League is a before and after school care program that will be housed at our school.  This is a separate company from the school.  If you need information, please contact Ivy League directly at 815-464-1265.
 

LOST AND FOUND
During the school year, many articles of clothing – and other items such as jewelry, lunch boxes, glasses, and other personal belongings – end up in the school office “lost and found”.  The “lost and found” will be open for inspection during office hours.  The articles will be prominently displayed at a school function near the end of the school year.  Unclaimed “lost and found” articles may be donated to a not-for-profit organization after the end of the school year. 

MARKET DAY
Our PTO conducts a monthly Market Day Program.  Information is sent home each month detailing items available for purchase.

PATROL PEOPLE
Some of our fifth graders will be selected to be patrol people.  These students are trained and take their responsibility very seriously.  They make sure during entrance and dismissal times that the students stay on the sidewalks surrounding the school.  They also alert the supervisor to any problems before or after school in which our students may be involved.  We appreciate the support of the parents who model courteous and safe practices during our arrivals and dismissals.  Please remind your child to follow the directions of our patrol people and crossing guards. 

TELEPHONE MESSAGES
Only in extreme emergencies is it possible to deliver telephone messages to individual students. It is very disruptive to the students when classrooms are interrupted during a lesson.

TRAFFIC FLOW
Cars are prohibited from driving on the school premises during the hours of 7:45 A.M. to 8:10 A.M. and 2:15 P.M. to 2:45 P.M. Students are to walk on the sidewalks to their respective areas. With this procedure, we will eliminate any unnecessary risk. Please remember that the safety of our children should always be a priority. Parents of Kindergarten students, during arrival and pick-up times, should adhere to our policy of parking and walking to pick up or drop off students. Safety is our major concern not convenience!

VACATIONS
AVOID SCHEDULING ANY VACATIONS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR If you are planning a trip, please let the office and the classroom teacher know at least ONE WEEK prior to the trip. Student absences will be marked as unexcused during this time. Work missed during this time is neither eligible to be graded nor factored into student’s final grade.

VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers may be needed during the school year for various activities.   Please contact a PTO Board member and/or your child’s teacher if you would like to volunteer for a specific program.  Be sure to come to the office and complete a Volunteer/Non-Employee Acknowledgement of Non-Criminal Background form on your first visit each school year.  You will need a photo ID in order to complete the form.  When entering the building, you are required to sign in at the office and receive a visitor’s pass.