Accidents/Illness
If a child is injured or becomes ill at school, s/he will be given first aid by the school nurse or other trained staff members.  The parents will be called to come and get their child if the school nurse or principal feel that this is necessary.  If a parent cannot be reached, the persons listed under emergency numbers on the Emergency Information Form will be contacted.  If no one can be reached, the school nurse or principal will use judgment as to whether or not to call a physician or aid car.

It is very important to keep up-to-date emergency information in the school office.  If there are any changes in emergency names or numbers, please contact the school office immediately.

Attendance
Regular school attendance is vital to the success of students.  Students are expected to attend classes all day every day.  Washington State Law recognizes illness and disciplinary actions as acceptable excuses for absence.  In addition, family emergencies and participation in school-sponsored, parent-approved activities may be appropriate reasons for absence.  Please call to notify the school office if your child will not be attending class.

When a student returns to school following an absence, Washington State Law requires that the parent/guardian send a note or call the school explaining the nature of the absence.     Return to Top of Page

Bus/Pick-up Notes & Procedures
All students will be placed on their usual bus to go home unless there is a note on file in the office or a phone call from the parent directing otherwise.  If you do need to call the school to change dismissal plans, please try to do so as early in the day as possible in order to insure that your wishes are carried out.

Students who are being picked up after school will be waiting in front of the gym with staff supervision.  Parents should drive through the pick-up lane as quickly as possible.  If your student has not yet arrived, please continue on through the line to circle around and drive through again.     Return to Top of Page

Dress Policy
Students are expected to come to school dressed appropriately for participating in a learning environment.

The principal shall have the discretion to interpret whether or not a student has violated the bounds of the dress code.     Return to Top of Page

Drugs/Weapons Policies
Students are here to learn and grow to become responsible adults.  Drugs and alcohol do not allow children to fully develop their potential.  Machias Elementary is a "Drug Free" environment where alcohol, tobacco products and chemical substances are prohibited by Washington State Law.  Possession of any substance which is or is purported to be one of the above is grounds for immediate suspension from school.

Washington State Law also prohibits the possession of any weapon or anything that may be used as a weapon on the school grounds.  This includes knives, guns, razor blades, martial arts weapons, etc.  Toys that resemble weapons are also not allowed at school.  Violation of this policy is also grounds for immediate suspension from school.  There are no exceptions and this rule applies to adults visiting campus as well.    Return to Top of Page

Harassment
This has become a major issue at schools over the past few years.  At Machias, we promote an atmosphere of respect and acceptance.  Excessive teasing or picking on other students is harassment and will not be tolerated.  While each situation will be considered individually, a progressive discipline program will be followed.  Continuous or extreme cases of harassment may be dealt with by suspension from school. 
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Medication
We must have a Medication Form signed by both the parent and the physician on file in the nurse's office before any medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can be dispensed at school.  This form must be renewed with each school year.  In addition, all medication must be in the original container from the pharmacy.  Medication Forms are available in the school office.     Return to Top of Page

Personal Property at School
Students are requested not to bring personal property such as toys, electronic games, and stereos to school.  The school cannot be responsible for lost or damaged personal property.     Return to Top of Page

Report Cards & Conferences
The evaluation of student progress is continuous throughout the entire school year.  A combination of three report cards and two parent-teacher conferences will be used to communicate progress in grades Kindergarten through six.  Reports cards are issued at the end of each trimester.  This year, conferences are scheduled for the weeks of October 5-9 and March 18-22.     Return to Top of Page

Thursday Packets
Every Thursday, students will bring home a Thursday Packet which will contain school work, the weekly Bobcat Bulletin newsletter, and other information from the school and community.  Please be sure to watch for this packet, review the contents, sign the appropriate place on the outside of the envelope, and return it to the school on Friday.     Return to Top of Page

Visitors
In order to protect students and to be aware of all people in the building, everyone must check in at the school office when coming to the school.  All visitors and volunteers must wear a badge issued by the office when in the building or on the playground.    Return to Top of Page

If a relative is visiting the family, s/he may not attend school with a student.  This creates too much disruption to the school day.  Only enrolled students may attend classes.     Return to Top of Page

Volunteers
Machias School has been fortunate to have many wonderful volunteers help out in the classrooms, with individual students, and with many of our activities and programs.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact your child's teacher and/or the Machias PTG Volunteer Coordinator, Angela Schwartz at 425.335.5827.  
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