STUDENT/PARENT
HANDBOOK
2020-2021
Dear Families,
Welcome to Morley Nelson Elementary. Morley Nelson Elementary is a safe and positive learning environment in which a diverse community of learners achieves their highest potential. We are excited to have you join us in this mission.
Communication between home and school is essential. Please do not hesitate to contact the office or your child’s teacher with questions, concerns and/or suggestions. We hope you will set aside time each week to read and review school work and information your child brings home. The newsletter and monthly calendar of events is sent home the first Monday of every month. The newsletter includes important information for all families. You can also access the newsletter and information from our website: http://www.boiseschools.org/schools/nelson/.
We look forward to working with all of our families this year. Go Raptors!!
Cher Situm, Principal
Erika Velasco, Assistant Principal
AGENDA BOOKS
Students have been provided with agenda books. These books are to be used under the direction of
the classroom teacher and should aid the student in organizational skills. They are also a great source of
communication between parents and the school. The agendas are provided free of charge; however, students will
be charged for lost or damaged books.
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL - Virtual/online instruction until further notice
Supervision in the cafeteria is provided before school begins at 8:00 AM. Parents should not drop a child off or
allow a child to walk to school so that she/he arrives before 8:00. Supervision is provided by staff from the
Community Center. Please contact Chris Camacho at 854-4917 with specific questions about this opportunity.
Students should go immediately to the cafeteria if it is before 8:45. Starting at 8:45 supervision on the playground
is provided. Students are not allowed in the halls before school unless prior arrangements have been made.
ATHLETICS - All athletics postponed until further notice
We offer basketball and track to grades five and six. Girls’ Basketball runs from October through December and
Boys’ Basketball runs from January through March. Track takes place in April and May. Coaches will send
information home with interested students during the sport season.
Student spectators must be accompanied by the child’s parent/guardian. Both seating and supervision are limited.
ATTENDANCE
The Board of Trustees of the Boise Independent School District requires 90% attendance for all elementary
students. The policy outlines the requirements and responsibilities on the part of the parents to ensure their child
is in school at least 90% of the days school is in session. As part of our policy, parents will be notified when
absences reach five, eight and ten days during the semester. We realize there are many factors to be considered
and every effort will be made to work with parents. We are asking parents, however, to think seriously about the
importance of good attendance and make every effort to have their child/children at school when school is in
session.
PARENTS NEED TO CALL THE SCHOOL AT 854-4610 IF THEIR CHILD IS ABSENT.
**Reference to Boise District Policy #3121 is outlined in your student’s planner. Idaho Code 33-207 also defines
attendance requirements.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Morley Nelson School operates within the framework of a positive discipline program to teach self-responsibility.
We will encourage appropriate behavior and use natural and logical consequences when a child's behavior
interferes with his or her learning or the learning and rights of others. We understand that home
rules/expectations and school rules/expectations are often different. We greatly appreciate your support as we
strive to maintain a safe and positive school setting.
The school's interest when establishing rules is to protect students, property, serve our educational purposes, foster
health and safety, and avoid serious disruption of the educational process.
Each teacher will manage his/her classroom to meet the educational needs of all students. In instances of escalated
misbehavior, the child may be removed from the situation, classroom, or the school. By employing a wide range of
intrinsic and extrinsic reinforcement, student appropriate behaviors and efforts to succeed shall be recognized.
Fighting, including play fighting, is strictly forbidden. Parents will be notified should their child be involved.
Suspension, either in or out of school, is a likely result of fighting.
**Reference to Boise District Policy #3230, #3272, and #3273 is outlined in your student’s planner. These policies
outline student conduct, detention, suspension, and expulsion.
BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, ROLLERBLADES, SKATEBOARDS
Bicycles are to be placed in the racks provided on the school grounds. Bikes should be licensed and locked. The
school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen bicycles. Bikes are to be walked at all times on school grounds. This
is for the children’s protection. Skateboards, scooters, and roller blades/Heelies are to be carried once students
arrive on school grounds. They should be put in a safe place where they will not pose a potential hazard. These
items are the responsibility of the student who brought them and the school cannot be responsible if they are lost or
stolen.
REMINDER: Bicycle helmets save students from serious injury.
BIRTHDAYS
The classroom teacher is responsible for establishing a procedure for celebrating birthdays in the room. Parents
should check with the teacher before sending treats. Other ways for recognizing birthdays should also be discussed
with the classroom teacher. We discourage sending flowers or balloons, however, if they are delivered to the school,
the teacher will be notified and the child may pick them up in the office at the end of the school day. Parents are
asked to not send birthday invitations to school to be handed out.
BREAKFAST IN THE CLASSROOM
Breakfast is available, free of charge, to all students in their classrooms after school starts.
BUS INFORMATION
General bus rules:
• Follow the directions of the bus driver.
• Sit down, and remain seated until arrival at destination.
• Do not change seats unless directed to do so by the driver.
• Keep hands and feet to yourself.
• Keep voices down--no shouting or whistling.
• Do not put hands, or anything else, outside the window of the bus.
• No fighting or swearing.
Students not following the bus rules may be issued a Bus Conduct Notice by the driver. If a student’s behavior is
extreme, he/she may be suspended from the bus. If a student receives 3 or more Bus Conduct Notices in a school
year, he/she will be suspended from the bus for a number of days to be determined by the principal or assistant
principal.
Students are not permitted to ride the bus home with friends unless they are signed up with First Student Bussing.
**Reference to Boise District Policy #8110, #3240, #2231 and Boise District Procedure #3240BP is outlined in your
student’s planner. These policies and procedure outline transportation and student bus conduct.
CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL
Cancellation of school takes place only during circumstances such as extreme weather, equipment failure, or public
crisis. The Board of Trustees and Office of the Superintendent of Schools are aware of the hardship which can be
caused by an abrupt cancellation of school. Therefore, school will not be canceled unless a significant safety risk
has been created by unusual circumstances.
Every practical means is used to notify parents of a cancellation, including radio, TV and newspapers. In addition,
messages will be broadcasted through Infinite Campus, the Morley Nelson School Fusion page, as well as a direct
email. In the unusual circumstance school must be canceled during the school day, the school will determine that
all students have satisfactory transportation and supervision at their home before releasing them from school.
We encourage parents to call or e-mail teachers with questions. Every staff member at Morley Nelson can be
reached via e-mail by using the following format for e-mail addresses: first name.last name@boiseschools.org
(example: lisa.roberts@boiseschools.org)
The Monday of, or before, the start of each month, a calendar and newsletter will be sent home. Parents are asked
to review the newsletter for valuable information and note special dates listed on the calendar. Important notices,
PTO announcements and student information will be sent home on Mondays.
COMMUNITY CENTER
Boise Parks and Recreation runs a Community Center at our school. Students in grades 1-6 may attend the
Community Center before school from 8:00-9:00 A.M. or after school each day until 7:00 P.M. If you have
questions about Community Center activities or hours, please call 854-4917. Chris Camacho is the supervisor for
the Morley Nelson Site.
COUNSELING
Mrs. Orellana Anderson is the full time counselor at Morley Nelson, and Ms. Haugland is the part time counselor.
They are a resource for parents, students and teachers. The primary goal is to prepare and present classroom
lessons at all grade levels.
Parent Education classes are offered in the fall and spring. Flyers with times, dates and registration information
are sent home with the students. Parents are encouraged to call or come in and meet with Mrs. Orellana
Anderson and/or Mr.Haugland should they have questions.
(208)854-4616
yaneth.orellanaanderson@boiseschools.org
DRESS CODE
Revealing clothes such as low-riding pants, and shirts exposing the chest, back or midriff are not appropriate for
the school environment.
•Shirt straps should be at least three (3) fingers in width. Muscle shirts are not allowed.
•If necessary, shirts should be able to be tucked into pants.
•Shorts should be no shorter than 6 inches above the knee.
•Gang-related clothing is not allowed in the Boise School District. This includes long belts or chains and
display of colors, such as bandanas.
•Head-coverings are not allowed in the building with the exception of head attire that is necessary for
religious or medical reasons.
•Open-toed footwear in the school setting is a safety issue. Open-toed shoes are easily broken and can result
in injury on the playground. It is recommended that students not wear open-toed shoes. Students must
wear appropriate footwear on P.E. days.
•Shoes with wheels (“Heelies”) are not allowed at school.
If it is determined that a student’s attire, hair or grooming is disruptive to the educational atmosphere or is
detrimental to the health and safety of the student or others, parents will be notified to bring a change of clothing.
If a parent cannot be reached, a change of clothes may be provided.
**Reference to Boise District Policy #3223 is outlined in your student’s planner. This policy defines student dress.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Some emergency situations require special procedures due to the nature of the situation. Bomb threats, hostage
situations, earthquakes and brandishing of weapons are examples of these types of emergencies. Our goal in any
such emergency is to protect the lives of all students and school personnel. Circumstances may dictate the total or
limited evacuation of the building. Should there be a need to be evacuated from the building for an extended
period of time, Fairmont Junior High has agreed to temporarily house our students.
EARLY STUDENT CHECK OUT
Parents coming to school early to pick up their child need to come to the office and sign him/her out. Students are
not allowed to be picked up directly from the classroom. The child will be called from the classroom to the office.
Also, students are not allowed to leave school early with someone not listed on their enrollment form unless the
school has a signed note or received a phone call from the parent or guardian. Note: Picture ID may be required to
verify permission for student pick-up. If parents have authorized another person to pick their child up after school,
parents need to let the classroom teacher or office staff know by note or phone call.
FIELD TRIPS
A field trip permission form for the year will be coming home with every child. The permission slip only needs to
be signed once for the whole year. As trips are scheduled, parents will be notified by the classroom teacher. Parents
may be asked to help cover the costs of field trips.
HARASSMENT/BULLYING/INTIMIDATION
It is the policy of the Boise School District to maintain a learning environment free from harassment, bullying,
and/or intimidation. Each student has the right to work in an atmosphere that promotes equal opportunities, free
from all forms of discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive. Sexual
harassment refers to sexual overtures or conduct that is not welcome, is personally offensive, affects morale, and
therefore interferes with a student’s ability to study or participate in school activities. Any student who believes
she/he is being harassed, bullied, and/or intimidated should immediately report the situation to a school staff
member. Once reported, a thorough, objective investigation will take place. Students who harass, bully and/or
intimidate others will receive consequences which may include suspension and/or the involvement of law
enforcement.
**Reference to Boise District Policy #3212, #3231, and #3232 is outlined in your student’s planner. These policies define
bullying, hazing, and harassment.
HEALTH OFFICE
Immunizations - The State of Idaho requires that all children be immunized against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus,
Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. The Hepatitis B series is also required if your child was born after Nov. 22,
1991. The DPT is given every ten years after the initial series. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella are given as a
one-time injection. These immunizations can be given by a family doctor or by the Central District Health Dept.
Parents can obtain the Health Dept.’s current schedule by calling 375-5211. Children must be immunized and
certified information given to the school nurse before they can be enrolled in school. For more information contact
the school nurse.
If a child is taking a prescription medication that needs to be given at school, parents must contact the School
Nurse or the Health Technician to complete the necessary paperwork. Prescription medications must be in the
correctly labeled prescription bottle in order to be given at school. They will not be accepted in baggies, envelopes, etc.
Non-prescription medications may be given only if the medications are in the original bottle with clear instructions
from the parent as to how they are to be administered (dose, time, etc.) ALL medications are to be stored in the
Nurse’s office.
If lice are found on a child, parents/guardians will be notified. All of the other children in that classroom will be
examined for lice. The classroom will be disinfected. Normally the presence of nits will not exclude the child from
school, however, treatment of lices is remoccende for health and safety purposes.
Children should not be sent to school if they are ill. Students should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to
school. If a child is injured, the basic first aid will be administered. If the injury is judged to be serious, the
parent/guardian will be notified. If someone cannot be located, the school will call 911 to have the child transported
to the nearest medical facility. It is extremely important that the school has CURRENT home and work phone
numbers and at least two “emergency” names and numbers to contact.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an integral part of the educational process. Homework assignments can help reinforce skills taught in
the classroom, develop responsibility and instill independent work habits. Teachers may assign homework to
practice, extend, and/or enrich skills taught in the classroom. Homework will be assigned to students according to
the individual needs of the student and the materials and ideas being studied at the time. Parents/guardians can
encourage good study habits at home by providing a quiet, well-lit place to study, setting aside a regular study time
and showing interest in the child's work. If a parent feels like his/her child is spending too much time on
homework, she/he should contact the classroom teacher. If a child is absent and is able to work, homework may be
requested by calling the school office at 854-4610.
INSURANCE
Parents are encouraged to have medical-hospital insurance to cover injuries at school. Often parents are under the impression the school carries medical insurance for students, which is not the case. IF A CHILD IS INJURED AT SCHOOL, IT BECOMES THE PARENTS' RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR DOCTOR AND HOSPITAL BILLS. Each year the school sends home insurance forms which can be taken advantage of if a family does not have insurance. Parents should read and seriously consider the brochure "Student Accident Insurance."
LOST AND FOUND
Each year many articles of clothing, lunch pails, etc. are lost. It would be helpful to have students’ names put on
clothing prior to being worn to school. Parents and students are encouraged to check the lost and found on a
regular basis.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Morley Nelson provides Provision 2 meals. Provision 2 is an alternative program within the National School
Breakfast and/or Lunch Program. Provision 2 is determined, in part, by the total percentage of free or reduced
price meals served at the school during a baseline year. Under Provision 2, all students enrolled in the school
receive meals at no cost to the students regardless of family income.
PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION (P.T.O.)
Parents are welcome and encouraged to become involved in P.T.O. Once meeting times are determined, a notice
will be sent home. It is the school’s hope to establish a strong connection between school, home and the community.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Only those items on the school supply list or requested by the teacher should be brought to school. Students need to
leave personal playground equipment, toys, tape recorders, cameras, MP3/Ipod type players, electronic games,
radios or large sums of money at home. No money should be left in desks or in the building overnight. The school
is not responsible for money or valuables lost or stolen.
PHONE CALLS/CELL PHONES
Parents should communicate fully any instructions for the day for their child before school. Students are not
allowed to call home to arrange for after school plans with friends. If parents wish to send their child to school
with a cell phone, the phone must be kept in a backpack and turned off at all times while the student is on school
grounds. Should the child’s cell phone ring during class or be visible, the phone will be given to the office and must
be picked up by a parent.
Phone calls for teaching staff will only be transferred to classrooms before school, during breaks and after school to avoid classroom disruptions.
PLAYGROUND RULES
Students are to remain on the Morley Nelson play field or blacktop area during outdoor recess. Wet and muddy
areas will be designated as off limits. Students are expected to exercise respect for each other in all areas of play.
Swearing, hitting, throwing objects (this includes snow and/or snowballs,) kicking, tackling, wrestling, fighting and
play fighting are not permitted. This includes tackle football or other games of physical contact that are rough and
potentially harmful. Children who cannot follow these guidelines will be removed from the playground.
Weather permitting, students will be sent outdoors each day. Decisions to have outside recess during cold weather
depend upon the temperature, precipitation, and wind chill factor. Shorter outside recess times are scheduled on
very cold days. Students should always dress for outside recess. All students must be on the playground during
outside recess. Only students with medical excuses from a doctor will be allowed to remain in the building during
scheduled outside breaks.
PROHIBITION OF GANGS AND HATE GROUPS
Gangs, hate groups and similar organizations or groups which advocate hatred or discrimination on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin or handicap are against the fundamental
values of the educational environment of the Independent School District of Boise City. The activities of such
groups and their members are prohibited on school district property and at all school sponsored functions.
Such prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the congregation of members, the solicitation or
recruitment of members, the possession of group paraphernalia and materials, verbal harassment, the intimidation
of others, the advocacy of discrimination and any other behavior. Some examples include the wearing of gang
colors or insignia, the use of language, codes and/or gestures that provoke violence or seek to advocate the purpose
and objectives of such groups. Disciplinary action may include suspension or expulsion.
**Reference to Boise District Policy #3234 is outlined in your student’s planner. It defines student conduct as it may
relate to gangs.
PROHIBITION OF WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES & MATERIAL THAT CAN BE IGNITED
The Independent School District of Boise City has "zero tolerance" for students who bring to school weapons, look
a like weapons or other objects/substances which are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff
members or visitors, or are a disruption to the educational process. Possession and/or use of these
objects/substances at the elementary school or at any school sponsored activity without prior permission of school
officials will result in in-school or out-of-school suspension.
Administrative Procedure
Any or all personnel employed by the Boise School District at the elementary level having knowledge of students
with weapons or other objects/substances which are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff
members, or visitors or are a disruption to the educational process shall notify the building principal immediately.
**Reference to Boise District Policy #3236 is outlined in your student’s planner. It defines student conduct as it may
relate to weapons. Reference to Boise District Policy #3260 and #3261 defines searches by district officials.
STUDENT DROP OFF/PICKUP
Student drop off and pick up is to take place in the one-way only driveway. The entrance is closest to the tennis
courts. Cars cannot park along the student pick up/drop off lane.
The bus loop is for busses ONLY. Cars cannot enter that loop to park in the parking lot inside the bus loop
between 8:45-9:15 A.M. or 3:30-4:00 P.M. This ALLOWS the busses to use the curb next to the school and
prevents children from walking between the busses. All cars must be parked in a designated parking spot.
SUSPENSIONS
Suspensions from school are given by the principal or assistant principal for severe or repeated infractions of
school rules and policy. Suspensions cannot be given by teachers. Parents will meet with the principal or assistant
principal before a student will be reinstated to school following a formal suspension.
Out of school suspensions are given only as a last resort. A suspension signifies that the student’s behavior has
been so disruptive or harmful that removing the student from the school environment is necessary.
**Reference to Boise District Policy #3230, #3272, #3273 and #3274 is outlined in your student’s planner. These policies
outline student conduct, detention, suspension, and expulsion.
TESTING
A variety of testing measures will be used throughout the school year to provide specific data on our students. Data
will be carefully assessed to assist the teacher in meeting the needs of our students. This data will also be made
available to parents. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they need assistance interpreting this data.
State/District testing includes:
VISITATIONS - Masks required until further notice
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to visit school. Parents needing to talk to a staff member can request an
appointment at any time. An appointment is necessary since the teacher is not able to talk to parents while the
class is in session. ALL ADULTS MUST SIGN IN AT THE OFFICE AND RECEIVE A VISITOR BADGE, before
entering the hallways and classrooms.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to get involved! Volunteers can enhance education in numerous ways
both at home and at school. For more information on how to become involved, volunteers can contact the school
office or the classroom teacher. All volunteers are required to sign in at the office and receive a volunteer
identification badge. Volunteers are asked to sign out prior to leaving. This also assists in keeping records of
volunteer hours.
For complete policies and procedures please refer to The Independent School District of Boise City Policy Manual www.boiseschools.org/trustees.
Please sign and return to the office right away!
Morley Nelson Elementary School
Student - Parent - Teacher Compact 2020/2021
This compact is an agreement between the student, parent, and teacher. Participation in this agreement is essential for each child’s best educational experience.
As a Student I will:
As a Parent/Guardian I will:
As a Teacher I will:
After having read and discussed the Student Handbook and Compact with your child, please, sign and date this agreement. Return ONLY the bottom portion to your child’s classroom teacher and keep the handbook for future reference.
Student - Parent - Teacher Compact 2020-2021
Student’s Signature_______________________________________________Date______________
Parent’s Signature________________________________________________Date_____________
Teacher’s Signature_______________________________________________Date______________
Contract for Success at Morley Nelson 2020-2021
Contract: I have read the Morley Student - Parent Handbook and agree to follow district policies and Morley norms and rules.
Parent: ____________________ Date: __________
Student: ____________________ Date: __________
Staff Member: ________________ Date: __________
Technology Policy
Cell phone use is not permitted during the school day. If your child(ren) must bring a cell phone to school, they must be turned off when they arrive to school and kept in their backpacks. Electronic games and equipment are easily misplaced or stolen: please do not send these things to school with your child, as we will not be responsible for their loss. District technology policies apply to all students.
I have read and understand the above policy.
Parent: ____________________ Date: __________
Student: ____________________ Date: __________
Field Trip Permission for 2020 – 2021 School Year
My child has my permission to attend Morley Field Trips.
Parent Signature: ____________________ Date: __________
Permission to Photograph
There are various reasons a school would like to photograph a student. Some of these include: classroom usage and newsletters.
I give my permission for Morley Staff and media to photograph my child for school news purposes.
Parent Signature: ____________________ Date: __________