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.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND 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: __________