Administration and Staff:

Principal Jan HillAssistant Principal Demond MullinsSecretary/Office Mgr. Judy GlanzerSecretary/Bookkeeper Evelyn PopeLunchroom Manager Sonja Stewart

Important Phone Numbers:

MPS Public Information Office223-6870

MPS Bus Transportation: 284-2085

Mrs. Hill’s Email AddressJanice.hill@mps.k12.al.us

PTA Board:

Manjit Haughery--President

Paige King--Vice President Programs

Kara Cosby--Vice President Membership

Oksana Williams--Treasurer

Meg Fiedler--Recording Secretary

Kimberly Cyr--Corresponding Secretary Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary

School1700 West Fifth StreetMontgomery, AL 36106

(334) 269-3673Janice.hill@mps.k12.al.us

Easy Ways to Help!!!Whenever you use your Target cards, designate Forest Avenue as your School of Choice. We will receive a percentage of the purchase!Clip labels from all Campbell’s products and turn them in at school! We are able to get points toward P.E. equipment and other items!

Designate Forest Avenue as your school and we will receive 5% of any purchase!! Our school code is: 70001738 .Join us for our scheduled CiCi’s Family Nights!! Check the school calendar! Classes with the most participation win free pizza!!! Clip and save your General Mills Boxtops! Put them in the box in the lobby and we will receive dollars in exchange for these boxtops!!! This is a great way to support our school!!Volunteer Moms, Dads and Grandparents are always welcome at Forest Avenue. We always need help in the library, on field trips or in the copy

room!! Please fill out the PTA Volunteer Form and then be ready to help!! Thank you!!!

Forest Avenue Student/Parent HandbookOne of the criteria to remain in the program at Forest Avenue is “Satisfactory Attendance Records”. Excessive tardiness is not acceptable. Excused absences/tardys are those which meet the criteria listed below. (See MPS Code of Student Behavior for further clarification)A written excuse from a parent stating illness as the reason for absenceAn absence of more than three days, or a pattern of excessive absence,

requires a written excuse from a physician, dentist or other recognized medical practitioner.

Serious illness or death in the student’s immediate familyRecognized religious holidaysApproval of absence for other reasons must be presented in writing in

advance of the absence and given to the principal for approval. A form is available in the school office.

It is the responsibility of the parent or child to schedule make-up work for excused absences with the teacher(s). No make up work is allowed for unexcused absences/tardies.

Students must be checked in/out by a legal guardian and through the front office.

Perfect Attendance means no absences, no tardys, no check-ins or check-outs!

General Information:Daily Schedule:8:10 am Supervision of Students Begins (Breakfast Line Opens at 8:00)8:30 am Students Admitted to Classrooms (Please be here, ready to go to class at 8:15)8:30 am School Begins 8:40 am Tardy Bell Rings and Students Must be Signed-In at the Office3:40 pm Dismissal Bell Rings

1. All visitors are asked to stop by the office, sign in, and receive a red visitor’s badge. Teachers have been instructed to monitor our visitors and to send those without a badge to the office to sign in. Parents will be allowed to observe in the classrooms with a green visitor badge. These green badges may be obtained from Mrs. Hill or Mr. Mullins.

2. According to MPS Policy, parents/legal guardians wishing to observe in the classroom should receive permission from the principal. Please remember that this is not a time to conference with the teacher or to have conversation with your child. Teachers will have a designated chair for visitors. Green “classroom observation” badges are available in the office. Classroom observations are not permitted during major graded assignments (tests, presentations, etc.).

3. Please allow your child to become an independent and responsible student while at Forest Avenue. To do this, we ask that you do not go into the classroom with your child in the mornings or afternoons to help him/her with bookbags, etc. Our teachers are working hard to teach independence and responsibility in all grades and this will assist us! If your child is unable to carry a project, please leave it in the office and a staff member will deliver it to the classroom.

4. Due to student privacy requirements, neither teachers nor administrators will discuss a student with anyone (including other family members) unless a parent or legal guardian is present. Please do not ask teachers for information they are not permitted to disclose or for others to observe in the classrooms.

Parent and Visitor Information1. Please call the office (269-3673) to schedule a conference.

2. If your child has more than one academic teacher, it is best to have both/all teachers involved in the conference. This helps you understand your child’s behaviors, needs and participation in both/all classes.

3. Conferences may be scheduled on most Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons at 3:40 p.m., during the teacher’s planning period, or at 7:50 most mornings. Some teachers have specified conference times, so please schedule these through the office.

4. If you would like a teacher to call you, please send a note by your child, call the office and leave a message, or email that teacher at: firstname.lastname@mps.k12.al.us. Email addresses are located elsewhere in this handbook. Please do not call teachers at home or on cell phones unless they have specifically asked you to do so.

5. Please refrain from conferencing with teachers during lunch, at PTA meetings, before and after school or on field trips.

Scheduling a ConferenceAbsences/Tardy and Check In/Out Procedures

TransportationBus Transportation is available to all students who attend Forest Avenue. Arrangements for pick-up and drop-off points is done through the Bus Transportation office. The number for Bus Transportation is 284-2085.

Bus students are dropped-off in the morning and picked-up in the afternoon at the rear entrance of Forest Avenue. Teachers are on duty to supervise arrival and dismissal of students. The following established rules are expected to be followed by students transported on MPS school buses:Keep hands, feet and objects to yourselfBook bags are to remain in your lap and unopenedSit in assigned seats and remain seatedNo loud or distractive noisesFollow the bus driver’s directions at all timesBus referrals will be written if rules are not followed. The bus is considered to be a “rolling classroom” and all Code of Conduct rules apply.

The use of cell phones is prohibited while in the car pool lane!!Car Riders are dropped-off and picked-up in the front drive-through of the school. Students may not be dropped-off until 8:10. Teachers are on duty for supervision beginning at 8:10. Unless the weather prohibits, students are to remain outside until the 8:25 bell rings. Fifth grade students wait on the old front steps, Grades K-4 students wait on the sidewalks by the flagpole. Cars stay on the curb until students get out and then move to the outside lane to exit.

Parents are asked to allow students to enter the building on their own after the first day of school. This instills responsibility and independence even for our kindergarteners. Teachers are on duty in the hallways to make sure students make it to class. Any parent entering the school must sign in at the office and obtain a red visitor badge.

Parents are asked to PLEASE remain in cars in the drive-through lane at all times. It is tempting to leave your car to find your child, but the process works well if you allow us to bring your child to you. Students line-up by grade level in a designated area and are called by walkie-talkie and bullhorn when their car is pulling forward. Your child’s name should be visible in the front window of your vehicle all year. Parents who park across the street and walk over for children should cross only at the crosswalks. There is no parking on the curb at the corner of Forest Avenue and Fifth Street. Fifth Street is one-way in the mornings and afternoons.

Important!!!!!!If a change in transportation is to occur for any given day, a written note must be

sent to the teacher. Please do not call the office for a change in transportation unless it is an emergency.

Field Trip GuidelinesTeachers at Forest Avenue believe that students benefit greatly from experiences on field trips. School bus transportation will be used if at all possible for local field trips. Charter buses are used for most out of town trips. Students are required to have written permission on MPS field trip forms in order to participate in field trips. No phone

permission or faxed forms are acceptable. Payment for trips is communicated to parents well in advance of trips and deadlines for payment must be followed. Most of the time, teachers must pay for trips in advance and require student payment early. Depending on the trip, some money may NOT be refundable if a child misses the trip.

Parent volunteers are necessary for field trips. If an MPS bus is used for the trip, parents must follow the bus in private cars. If a charter bus is used, payment will be required for parents to ride. Specific information will be supplied by individual teachers. Younger siblings are not allowed on field trips. It is important for parent volunteers to monitor Forest Avenue students and not be distracted by younger brothers and sisters.

A Field Trip Guide for Parents handbook will be provided to all parent volunteers.

NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE ALLOWED ON FIELD TRIPS

Field Trip T-Shirts are required to be worn on all Forest Avenue field trips.5th Graders will wear their “Friday Shirt” for field trips this year.

Gifts, Birthdays and School PartiesTwo parties will be planned by room mothers each year. These parties are scheduled for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Parties will be from 2:30-3:30 pm. Siblings are not allowed to attend class parties or school dances (4th and 5th grade). Individual birthday parties are not allowed. No gifts may be delivered to classrooms. Please remember to send “healthy” snacks whenever you provide snacks.

School PicturesIndividual school pictures are taken twice each year, Sept. 4 and March 7. Payment for these pictures is made directly to the photographer in a supplied envelope. Class pictures are taken on Jan. 10, and are available by pre-payment of order. Purchasing school pictures is a great way to help us raise necessary funds for the school.

MedicationPlease read the medication information printed in the MPS Code of Student Behavior that you will receive on the first day of school. Students who need to take prescription medication, must follow the guidelines printed in this code. Non-prescription medication may not be administered at school, therefore please do not send any with your child. If prescription medication is to be administered three times a day, and does not specify “with meals”, please give this to your child in the morning, after school, and at night.

If a parent comes to the school and administers medication to a child: (1) Inform the school nurse, (2) Have the nurse log in the medication and the dose into the child’s computer medical information.

In Case of Emergency1. Be sure to include an emergency contact phone number on the back of the registration card. This should not be a long distance number and MUST be different from those listed on the front of the card. This information is necessary if we cannot contact you at work or at home. In the event of an emergency involving illness or accident, and the parent cannot be reached, the office will follow the School Safety Plan, including calling paramedics and/or ambulance services, if needed.

2. In the event of a tornado warning, please refrain from coming to the school to check out your child. This is both for your safety and for your child’s. Students are placed in safe areas in the school as determined by the Emergency Management Office of the State of Alabama. Parents may always check-out students if safety is a concern. Watch the local TV stations if severe weather occurs before school begins on any given day. If at the end of the day, students will be held at school until the warning is lifted.3. In the event we must evacuate the school, we will evacuate to the ASU Acadome. Parents will be notified via TV/Radio announcements and the school messenger phone system. Parents are to go to the front of the Acadome (ticket office area) to sign out students.

Internet Access PolicyThe form in the Code of Student Behavior must be signed and returned to the homeroom teacher the second day of school. Please note the listed consequences for inappropriate use of the internet.

You may always contact Mrs. Hill at: janice.hill@mps.k12.al.us

Our school website is: http://www.forestave.mps-al.org/Library Media Center

Students are encouraged to visit the Library Media Center to discover the wonderful world of reading! An Automated card catalogue system assists students in locating specific books. The Alabama Virtual Library is available to all Forest Avenue students. The STAR reading assessment is administered periodically during the school year to assist teachers in directing students to books within their appropriate reading difficulty level. Accelerated Reader quizzes are available, and encouraged, to enable students to improve reading comprehension/vocabulary skills. All tests must be taken at Forest Avenue and during the regular school day (8:25-3:40).

When a child comes to the library for the weekly visit, he/she should have all checked-out books with them. New books may not be checked out until all books are returned or renewed. Parents are responsible for paying for lost library books.

Science Lab/Computer LabParents are requested to purchase a set of safety glasses/goggles (not swim goggles!) to be worn during science experiments. This is for your child’s safety and is a requirement in order to participate in particular aspects of the science lab curriculum. These goggles/glasses are labeled with your child’s name and are kept at school for convenience. You will receive ordering information from the science lab teacher, Mrs. Overby.

Earphones are required for use in the computer lab. You will receive information about the use of earphones from Mrs. Acreman at the beginning of the school year. All students must have a signed Internet permission on file in order to participate in many activities in the computer lab.

Breakfast/Lunch/JuiceMs Stewart and her staff provide nutritious and tasty school breakfasts and lunches each day.

Money for breakfast/lunch may be paid daily, weekly, or monthly. Long term payments must be made on Mondays. We encourage advance payment. If paying by check, make it payable to Forest Avenue Lunchroom. If the student has paid for lunch and is absent, credit will be given for the absences and it will be carried over until the child returns.

Money for lunches bought on a daily basis will be kept by the student and paid directly to the cashier at lunch. Please send the exact amount. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in this matter. Payment may be made on-line.

When there is more than one child in the family, each child must bring his/her own money or a separate check. This must be for breakfast or lunch only (not juice). Money will not be loaned from the office.

Students who do not bring lunch money, or lunch from home, will be provided with a peanut butter sandwich and milk.

No carbonated beverages, glass containers, or lunches/bags from fast food restaurants are allowed at school at any time. If a child is allergic to milk, a doctors note should be filed with Ms. Stewart, our lunchroom manager. If a child cannot drink milk, he/she should bring 100% fruit juice or water from home to have with lunch.

Parents are encouraged to allow us the first month of school to get into our routine before coming for lunch. Beginning September 2, we welcome you to visit often and have lunch with your child. There are picnic tables outside for nice days if you and your child would like to eat outside. Food may not be taken into the outdoor science lab.

Child Nutrition Services prohibits fast food to be brought to school for lunch. Please either bring lunch from home or buy lunch at school when you come to eat with your child.

Juice is $.40 per day and money for juice will be accepted only on Mondays. Juice may be paid by the week, semester or year. Money is turned in to the homeroom teacher. Juice money will be accepted on days other than Monday only if the child was absent due to illness on Monday. No money will be accepted after the tardy bell rings. No juice money will be refunded. This money must be separate from the lunch money.

Forest Avenue Uniforms Forest Avenue students are required to be in compliance with the uniform

guidelines at all times.

BoysShirts White (collared) polo or button down

White turtle neck long-sleeves may be worn under polo or button down shirts

Burgundy polo typeNavy cardigan sweaterNavy pullover sweaterNavy pullover sweatshirt (plain or Forest Avenue logo) or plain

navy zip up fleece (no attached hoods, please)All shirts must be short or long-sleeved and must be long enough to be

tucked in at all times.Belt Must be worn if pants have belt loops.Pants Regular length or knee length (shorts) only

Khaki or Navy Predominantly while, black or grey tennis shoes with any color trim. No “light-up” shoes or shoes with wheels. Socks (White or black only) are required

NO SEPARATED TOE SHOES FOR BOYS OR GIRLSGirls

Shirts White shirt (collared--Peter Pan, polo, or button down) No banded shirts.Burgundy polo-type shirtWhite turtle neck may be worn under shirtsNavy or white cardigan sweater

Navy zip up fleece (no hood)Navy V-neck pullover sweaterNavy sweatshirt (plain or Forest Avenue)No sleeveless shirts . All shirts must be long or short-sleeved and must be long enough to be tucked in at all times. No attached hoods, please.

Belt Must be worn if pants have belt loops.Pants Regular, knee length shorts or capri

Khaki/Navy No distracting Jewelry! No stretchy “animal” bracelets.

Skirts/Skorts/Must reach the top of the kneeShorts Khaki or Navy

Plaid (Only Forest Avenue plaid)Jumpers: Must reach the top of the knee

Khaki or NavyPlaid (Only Forest Avenue plaid)

Predominantly while, black or grey tennis shoes with any color trim. No “light-up” shoes or shoes with wheels. (No boots)

White Socks or tights must be worn. No footless leggingsNo decorative scarves are allowed. No headbands with decorative ribbon hanging from them. Forest Avenue Field Trip T-Shirts must be worn on all school trips. These are available at the school.

All pants must be worn at the waistline and tucked in.During cold weather students may wear white turtle necks under uniform shirts, navy sweatshirts, or SOLID navy zip-up fleece (with no hoods). All jackets that are not navy

blue must be removed upon entering the classroom so that all children are in uniform compliance during the school day. Navy, Khaki or FAAM plaid bows, headbands or hair barrettes are preferred for girls. No artificial nails are allowed.Bookbags are provided for students in kindergarten, first and second

grade. No rolling book bags are allowed in 3rd grade. See 4th/5th grade teacher handouts.

Lost and Found Lost and Found is located between the second grade hallway and the lunchroom. Items found without owners are taken to that area and are kept until school ends. All items left unclaimed after school ends will be donated to the uniform swap or given to a local clothes closet. Please be sure names are on all jackets, sweaters and lunchboxes. Parents are encouraged to check the lost and found area if you are missing items!

Money at School Whenever possible, payments should be made by check for food services, pictures, PTA purchases and the like. Separate checks should be sent for separate expenses. Please be sure to send the exact amount since we do not keep change at school. We are not allowed to cash checks through the office. Sometimes it is necessary for students to bring cash to school. Please talk with your child about being responsible when he/she is bringing money to school.

Criteria to Remain in the Program The criteria to remain in the program at Forest Avenue is:

“Students must maintain, for the current year, an academic average of 3.0 or better, a B average in conduct and satisfactory attendance records.” Grade point averages are computed using the core academic subjects (math, reading, science, social studies and reading). This procedure will be followed as written for the 13-14 school year. (See pg. 29)

Dress Code ViolationsIt is important that students comply with the dress code procedures as stated on page 14. The first offense will warrant a note home to the parent for a signature. If a child is out of compliance with the dress code for the second time, the parent will be called and asked to bring the appropriate clothing for the child. The third offense will be handled according to Code of Student Behavior and considered Persistent/Willful Disobedience.

Field trip shirts are required for all Forest Avenue field trips. If a child comes to school without wearing a field trip t-shirt, every effort will made to have the parent bring one to school. Students will not be denied the trip due to attire, but for your child’s safety on the trip, we require all students to be dressed alike.

FOREST AVENUE ACADEMIC MAGNET ELEMENTARYFACULTY AND STAFF

2013-14NO CARGO OR PAINTER PANTS WILL BE ALLOWED, NO CROCS!

PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Jan Hill Demond Mullins

J. Glanzer, Secretary E. Pope, Secretary (Bookkeeper)S. Stewart, Lunchroom Manager

KindergartenL. BrothersM. HopsonK. KenerlyR. SummersT. ThomasV. WannamakerGrade 1J. ArmstrongE. BakerD. HoltamV. PalmerV. RichardsG. ThomaseGrade 2B. CrittendenP. HenryTBAC. KirklandC. RobertsF. Miller

Grade 3G. AndersonM. CookA. GarnerJ. PorathK. ScottT. MumpfieldGrade 4T. AtchesonD. GunnN. HallR. OffordB. ViarsGrade 5S. LoweryR. PhillipsE. MossJ. RodopoulosB. Vinson

Science Lab Computer Lab Counselor MusicSpeech/Sp. Ed.

B. Overby R. Acreman S. Johnson V. Whiting

Spanish Media Specialist Physical EducationReading Coach School Nurse

E. Jabes A. Blakeney S. O’Neal M. M. Ferguson Pick up a Publix Partners card for your keychain in our school office. Present your card at the register and our school will receive a percentage of your purchase!!! We have plenty in the office for you to share with friends, grandparents and neighbors. They are good at any Publix in the United States!! IMPORTANT: The driveway behind the school is for bus traffic only. Parents are not allowed to use this as a short-cut from Mulberry to Pineleaf Drive. Please proceed to Carter Hill in order to turn onto Pineleaf.Never drop off or pick up car-riders in the back of the school.Breakfast Prices for 2013-2014Adult visitor Breakfast…….$2.00Student Paid Breakfast…….$1.00

Lunch Prices for 2013-2014Adult Visitor Lunch……………………$3.50Student Paid Lunch……………$1.75(includes milk)Milk only……………………$.35

TEACHERS AND STAFF EMAIL ADDRESSES

Kindergarten:Leanna.Brothers@mps.k12.al.usKay.Kenerly@mps.k12.al.usReba.Summers@mps.k12.al.usTina.Thomas@mps.k12.al.usVanessa.Wannamaker@mps.k12.al.usMacy.Hopson@mps.k12.al.usLakilah.Gregory@mps.k12.al.usFirst Grade:Emily.Baker@mps.k12.al.usJennifer.Armstrong@mps.k12.al.usVeronica.Palmer@mps.k12.al.usVivian.Richards@mps.k12.al.usGina.Thomase@mps.k12.al.usDiane.Holtam@mps.k12.al.usSecond Grade:Elizabeth.Crittenden@mps.k12.al.usCheryl.Kirkland@mps.k12.al.usCarol.Roberts@mps.k12.al.usFrances.Miller@mps.k12.al.usPreston.Henry@mps.k12.al.usTBAThird Grade:Gayle.Anderson@mps.k12.al.usAngela.Garner@mps.k12.al.usJulie.Porath@mps.k12.al.usKelly. Scott@mps.k12.al.us

Tanika.Mumpfield@mps.k12.al.usMary.Cook@mps.k12.al.us

Fourth Grade:Tracy.Atcheson@mps.k12.al.usDonna.Gunn@mps.k12.al.usNelly.Hall@mps.k12.al.usRebecca.Offord@mps.k12.al.usBarbara.Viars@mps.k12.al.usFifth Grade:Emily.Moss@mps.k12.al.usJennifer.Rodopoulos@mps.k12.al.usStarla. Lowery@mps.k12.al.usBonnie. Vinson@mps.k12.al.usRobbin.Phillips@mps.k12.al.usSpecialists:Emely.Jabes@mps.k12.al.usRhonda.Acreman@mps.k12.al.usShirleyA.Johnson@mps.k12.al.usSusan.O’Neal@mps.k12.al.usBrendaJ.Overby@mps.k12.al.usVivian.Whiting@mps.k12.al.usMary.Ferguson@mps.k12.al.usAllison.Blakeney@mps.k12.al.usOffice Staff:Janice.Hill@mps.k12.al.usDesmond.Mullins@mps.k12.al.usJudith.Glanzer@mps.k12.al.usEvelyn.Pope@mps.k12.al.us

Table of ContentsPage 1 School Administration and PTA Officers

Page 2 Mission and Vision Statements

Page 3 Table of Contents

Page 5 Easy Ways to Help!

Page 7 Daily ScheduleStudent Absences, Check-In/Out Procedures

Page 9 Parent and Visitor InformationScheduling a Conference

Page 11 Communication

Page 13, 15 Transportation and Car Pool Information

Page 17 Field Trip GuidelinesGifts, Birthdays and School partiesSchool Pictures

Page 19 Medication ProceduresIn Case of EmergencyInternet Access Policy, Testing

Page 21 Library Media CenterScience Lab/Computer LabDiscipline

Page 23 Breakfast/Lunch/Juice Information

Page 24 Uniform Policy

Page 25 Lost and FoundMoney at SchoolTextbooksCriteria to Remain in the Program

Page 26 Honors/Awards, Reflections Program

Page 27 PTA Information

Page 28 Confiscated Items, Communication Devices, Disruptive Parents, Bookkeeping

Page 29 Gifted Information, Testing, Technology

Page 30 Faculty and Staff

Page 31 E-mail Addresses

Page 32 Calculating your child’s GPA

Page 33 Lunch Schedule

Page 34 Receipt to Return to Homeroom teacher

Back Cover MPS 2011-12 Calendar Please refer to the school calendar that is included in this handbook. Important dates during the school year have been included. You may add other dates as they become available. I, ______________________, the parent of _________________________,

have received a copy of the Forest Avenue Student/Parent Handbook for

2013-14.

_____________________________________________________

Parent Signature Date

_____________________________________Homeroom Teacher 2013-14

Please return this page to your child’s homeroom teacher. This page will be placed in your child’s cumulative folder as documentation that you have received a Student Handbook.

Page 1Page 3Page 4Page 5Page 6Page 8Page 10Page 11Page 12Page 13Page 14Page 15Page 25Page 20

Page 21CALCULATING YOUR FIRST-FIFTH GRADE CHILD’S GRADE

POINT AVERAGE (GPA)A Grade Point Average is computed by assigning numerical points to the core academic subjects. The core subjects are: Math, English, Science, Social Studies and Reading. The numerical points assigned are: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and F=0. Assign the points to the grades for each 9 weeks and divide by the cumulative number of core subjects completed thus far. For example, for the 4th 9 weeks:

Your child may have earned:Math A(4) B(3) A(4) A(4)Science C(2) B(3) A(4) B(3)

English B(3) A(4) A(4) B(3)Social Studies C(2) B(3) B(3) C(2)Reading A(4) A(4) A(4) B(3)

15/5 subjects 32/10 subjects 51/15 subjects 66/20 subjects

3.0 3.2 3.4 3.3 (Final GPA for the year)

Page 22Criteria

Your child’s yearly cumulative grade point average will be printed on his/her report card each grading period. If you have any questions about this, please ask your teacher. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average for this year, on the final report card, in order to remain in the Forest Avenue program. Grade point averages do not round up. If your child’s GPA drops below a 3.0 on any report card, a Student Improvement Plan will be developed to provide accommodations designed specifically for your child. Teachers will communicate this to parents and progress will be closely monitored. Communication with your child’s teacher is extremely important if your child is borderline to meet the GPA requirements in either conduct or in academics.All schools will be safe and caring communities where teachers teach and all

students learn at higher levels.

Montgomery Public Schools Mission StatementForest Avenue Vision Statement

Vision Statement: The vision of Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School is to teach, model, and encourage children to become independent learners who are self-motivated, disciplined, and committed to life-long achievement.

MPS Vision Statement

Our Vision: One focus ... preparing students for life. Forest Avenue Mission Statement

The mission of Forest Avenue Academic Magnet Elementary School is to encourage productive and

responsible students by providing a challenging and stimulating curriculum taught by

dedicated, innovative, professional staff in a safe, positive and nurturing environment.

Page 2KINDERGARTEN GPA

The GPA for each area of the report card must be a 3.0. These areas

include:Reading,

Mathematics, Conduct

A Cumulative GPA is noted at the end of each grading period for each area.

Welcome to the 2013-14 school year! We are looking forward to another exciting year here at Forest Avenue! Our teachers have worked hard over the summer and plan to offer your child the very best education available! If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Jan Hill, PrincipalDiscipline

Students at Forest Avenue are expected to have a high standard of behavior. One of the criteria to remain in this program is good behavior (at least a B, but we know you expect A’s!) Integrity is defined here as “choosing to do the right thing, even when nobody is watching”….this is what is expected. As you review the MPS Code of Student Behavior, you will notice that Class A Offenses are “those behaviors that interfere with the educational process in the classroom or elsewhere when the student is under supervision of the teacher or other school officials.” Teachers will communicate the consequences for violation of Class A offences through the grade level/classroom discipline plan. Some offenses may warrant skipping prior interventions and initiating more serious consequences. Other offenses will be handled according to the MPS Code of Student Behavior.

TextbooksTextbooks are issued by the classroom teacher once she receives the signed student information card. There is a statement on the back of the card for parents to sign that it is understood that you will pay for any loss, abuse or damage to state owned textbooks issued to your child. ISBN numbers are available in the office, or on the school website, if you wish to purchase separate textbooks for home. PLEASE PUT YOUR CHILD’S FULL NAME AND/OR LUNCH NUMBER ON THE “FOR____” LINE OF ALL CHECKS!

Page 23Lunch Schedule

Kindergarten:

Gregory-12:00-12:25Brothers-11:55-12:20Kenerly-12:05-12:30Hopson-11:55-12:20Summers-12:05-12:30Thomas-11:55-12:20Wannamaker-12:00-12:25

First Grade:

Baker-12:30-12:55Armstrong-12:30-12:55Holtam-12:35-1:00Palmer-12:25-12:50Richards-12:35-1:00Thomase-12:25-12:50

Second Grade:

Crittenden-11:15-11:40Kirkland-11:20-11:45Roberts-11:25-11:50Miller-11:15-11:40TBA-11:20-11:45Henry-11:25-11:50

Third Grade:

Anderson-12:15-12:40Garner-12:20-12:45Cook-12:10-12:35Porath-12:20-12:45Scott-12:15-12:40Mumpfield-12:10-12:35Fourth Grade:

Atcheson-11:45-12:10Gunn-11:50-12:15Offord-11:40-12:05N. Hall-11:45-12:10Viars-11:50-12:15Fifth Grade:

Lowery-11:30-11:55Phillips-11:30-11:55E. Moss-11:35-12:00Rodopoulos-11:30-11:55Vinson-11:35-12:00

MPS Calendar2012-2013

Important Dates

Aug. 8-16-Teacher Professional DevelopmentAug. 19-Students First DayOct. 11-End of 1st Nine WeeksOct. 17-Report CardsDec. 20–End of 2nd Nine WeeksJanuary 6-Students ReturnJanuary 9-Report CardsMarch 14-End of 3rd Nine WeeksMarch 20-Report CardsMay 29-End of 4th Nine WeeksMay 29-Last Day for StudentsMay 30-Teacher Work Day

Student Holidays

Sept. 2-Labor DayOct. 14-Columbus Day/Staff PDNov. 9-Dismissal at 1:30Nov. 11-Veteran’s Day

HolidayNov. 25-29– Thanksgiving HolidaysDec.23-Jan. 3-Winter HolidaysJan. 20– King/Lee DayFeb. 17-President’s Day/Staff PDMarch 24-28-Spring HolidaysApril 18-Weather DayMay 26-Memorial Day

School Pictures

October 4-Individual Fall PicturesJanuary 10-Group Class Pictures

March 7-Individual Spring Pictures

Back to School BashSeptember 20

Report Cards

Grading Period Ending DatesReport Cards

1st Nine Weeks October 11October 17

2nd Nine Weeks Dec. 20January 9

3rd Nine Weeks March 14March 20

4th Nine Weeks May 29 May 29 Car riders are admitted to breakfast between 8:00-8:15. All students should complete breakfast by 8:30.

Artificial fingernails are not allowed. Headbands, ribbons and bows matching school uniforms are preferred.

Gifted students are those who perform at or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment.These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program.Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student.Additionally, all second grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.

For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance.The information is entered on a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria.The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.

To make a referral, contact the Gifted Specialist or Gifted Referral Screening Team chairperson at your child’s school.If you have further questions, you may contact the Gifted Coordinator 269-3808.

Identified gifted students in magnet programs receive enrichment and/or acceleration through the magnet program.

For further information about the Montgomery Public Schools Gifted Program, go tohttp://www.mps.k12.al.us/index.php/departments/special-education/gifted-education.

Gifted Education InformationPage 19

TestingForest Avenue Students will take the STAR Early Literacy (Kindergarten), and the STAR Reading and STAR Math (1-5) Assessments three times this year. There will be a new test to replace the ARMT Plus that will be administered during the window of May 5-13. The specific dates are still to be determined and will be communicated as soon as they are firm.

Confiscated ItemsItems not to be brought to school are listed in the MPS Code of Student Behavior. Any of these items that are brought to school will be taken up by the teacher and the following procedures will be taken:Teacher will submit the item to the principal or assistant principal for further action if

necessaryItem is logged in with the secretary and placed in a secure locationParents will be contacted regarding retrieving the itemDisciplinary action will follow the MPS Code of Student Behavior

Disruptive Parents/AdultsAny visitor who causes disruption, distraction, or any other interference in the teaching and learning process will be asked to leave immediately. The Principal will have the right to have a disruptive visitor removed by school security and/or the police department as well as the right to prohibit the individual from participating in future visits to the school.

Honors and AwardsForest Avenue recognizes achievements of students at Honor’s Assemblies each year. First—Fifth Graders have Honor’s Assemblies at the end of the first semester (in January) and at the end of the school year (in June). Kindergarten students have only one Honor’s Assembly and it is held in June.

For First-Fifth graders, the January Honor’s Assembly recognizes accomplishments for the first semester. Students receive Good Conduct Ribbons, Academic All A Ribbons and Academic All A/B Ribbons. Those earning all A’s and all A/B’s have their names called and come to the stage for recognition. Awards are also presented for non-academic type achievements or awards received during the first semester. These may include: Holiday Writing Awards, PTA Reflections Awards, Student Council Officers, etc. Accelerated Reader Awards are also presented. Each grade has it’s own Honor’s Assembly.

At year-end Honor’s Assemblies there are several additional awards. Kindergarteners are recognized for Perfect Attendance (see below) and Principal’s Award (All G’s All Year in all areas of the report card). Each kindergarten student is called to the stage to receive a kindergarten certificate. First- Fifth graders are recognized for All A’s for the second semester, all A/B’s for the second semester, Perfect Attendance (see below), and Principal’s Award (All A’s All Year both in Academics and in Conduct). Fifth graders may also qualify to receive the President’s Award (Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.9-4.0). Students will also be recognized for other activities, such as Chorus, Student Council, Ambassadors, School Related Competitions, Physical Fitness Awards, and more.

Perfect Attendance: In order to receive a year-end award for Perfect Attendance, a student must be present 100% of the time and have no recorded check-outs, check-in’s or tardy’s. Even though an absence or a tardy may be excused, this still counts against perfect attendance.

Each year the National, State, and County PTA conducts an awards program. There are several categories into which a student can submit entries. These are: visual arts, creative writing, photography, dance (and possibly more each year!) Please watch for

the information after school starts and encourage your child to enter. Judging is done at the school, county, state and national levels. If a student should make it all the way to the National PTA, college scholarship funds are awarded! PTA will be sending home this information and you will need to request an entry packet through the office.

PTA Reflections ProgramThere are additional expenses incurred when a child is enrolled in a magnet school. By accepting placement at Forest Avenue, you agree to meet these financial obligations. Parents will be notified well in advance of payment due for supplies, field trips, etc. We expect all parents to make payments when payment is due. Any fee charged for a returned check will be the responsibility of the parent. Separate checks must be sent for individual students and for individual activities. For Example, lunch money must be separate from juice money. Field trip payments may not be included with any other payment. Make all checks payable to “Forest Avenue”, unless it is a payment to PTA, and that will be made payable to “Forest Avenue PTA”. Please read all correspondence carefully to determine to whom the check should be made payable. Exact amount of payment is required, no change is kept in the office.

We appreciate any donations you wish to make! Mrs. Hill will send a letter acknowledging the donation and this is acceptable for tax purposes. Donations may be made to individual teachers, the Smartboard Maintenance account or to the school’s general operating expenses. This is especially helpful since we receive no state or local funding for technology, library enhancement or professional development.

BookkeepingPage 18Page 16

CiCi’s PIZZAWhen you purchase individual or class school

pictures, we receive a percentage of the proceeds!!Communication

Communication is one of the key components for success at Forest Avenue. In order for effective communication to happen, it must be a two-way conversation. We have provided email addresses for all staff members elsewhere in this handbook. Teachers check email at least once per day. If it is imperative to contact a teacher, please copy Mrs. Hill and the chances are better for it to be read during the school day you send it.

The school phone is often busy. Please do not leave information on the answering machine if it is time sensitive. We will check the answering machine, but it may be later in the day. Again, email is the best way to contact us during the school day. Please send a copy of the email to Mrs. Hill if it is time-sensitive.

Parent conferences are scheduled through the school office. Teachers provide a schedule of available times and the school secretaries are able to schedule these conferences. We encourage parents to schedule conferences with both/all of your child’s teachers when requesting a conference. If a question can be answered by a phone call from a teacher, please ask the secretary to have the teacher call you.

Students in grades 1-5 are provided a code with which parents can access classroom grades on the internet. These are the same each year, but parents must sign these out from the office the first time they request one. Teachers will send home bi-weekly grade printouts only when requested by a parent. If a parent is unable to access grades using the internet, please ask the teacher to send these bi-weekly grade printouts. Signed papers are sent home every two weeks. Mid-quarter reports will be sent home to all students. These will contain the course averages at mid-term.

Students are also assigned a code for Accelerated Reader. By following the provided directions, parents are able to keep a close watch on Accelerated Reader student progress. Parents can also request that an email be sent to you each time your child takes an AR quiz. Mrs. Blakeney, media specialist, will provide more information regarding this. Most kindergarten students begin using AR the second semester.

Communication from the principal and from the PTA will be sent to parent email addresses. If a parent wishes to have a paper printout of these means of communication, you will have the opportunity to do so. There will be a form sent home at the beginning of the year for parents to provide any changes in email addresses from last year, provide new email addresses or to select to receive paper copies of communication. This not only improves our ability to communicate with you, it will save the school a tremendous amount of copying and copy paper.

We want to keep you informed and we want you to communicate with us!!Page 7PTA

Car Pool ProceduresMorning Drop Off

Teacher supervision starts at 8:10. Children are not to be dropped off until after 8:10.Car riders may enter the line for breakfast between 8:00 until 8:15. WATCH CAREFULLY FOR CHILDREN!!PUT DOWN CELL PHONES WHILE IN THE CAR POOL LANE!!!!!Pull forward to the orange cone, or as close to the car in front of you, as possible.Have your child ready to exit your car as soon as you stop. Stay in line along the curb until your child exits your car, then turn on your blinker and

move into the left lane to exit.Never pull around stopped cars if your child is still in your car. Please wait patiently until

that car moves forward so that you can proceed.NEVER BACK UP IN CAR POOL!Always have your child exit your vehicle on the curb side.If you choose not to enter our drive through, have your child cross Fifth Street only at

the Crossing Guard.Do not block the crosswalk, either on Fifth Street, or in our drive through lane.Everyone must cross at the crosswalk, both in our school drive through and on Fifth

Street.Do not stop at the 5th grade entrance or at the main entrance if you are able to pull

farther forward. Pull all the way to the orange cone, or up close to the vehicle in

front of you, before stopping.Students are tardy if they are not in their classroom when the 8:30 bell rings. Please

be on time and do not ask your child to “RUN” in order to be on time. Plan to have your child at school by 8:15...not 8:30, then you will be on time!

Afternoon Pick-UpPUT DOWN CELL PHONES WHILE IN THE CAR POOL LANE!!!!!!!!WATCH CAREFULLY FOR CHILDREN!!!!Never leave your car parked in our drive-through lane unless you remain in the car.Never leave your car to walk up to retrieve your child. We will bring him/her to you.Please have a sign with your child’s name and grade in the front window of your car.

Please have it written LARGE AND DARK so that it can be read several car lengths away. This will help tremendously!!

Please help us teach your child that when his/her name is called to go to a blue square (painted on the sidewalk). A teacher will then help them to your car. Children are never to go into the drive through lane without a teacher escort.

A teacher or administrator will be at each of the two crosswalk areas in our drive-through to stop cars for you and your child to cross safely. Please cross only at these designated crossing areas.

Please refrain from conferencing with teachers if they are on duty in the afternoons. They each have a

responsibility to get children safely to their cars.Save the caps from your Coke products(bottles) and turn them into the office. We will enter the codes. There will be a drop-off box for caps located near the main office.Forest Avenue First Semester Honors Programs will be held on January 13 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Grades and January 14 4th and 5th grades. Year-End Honors Programs will be held in May for all grades. The dates will be announced when school begins.

No navy shirts are allowed. Only sweaters, vests, sweatshirts and Jackets are

navy.Navy dresses with collars are not

allowed.Page 9Page 17

Manjit Haughery is our PTA President this year. She and her team of officers have planned several opportunities that will provide necessary funds to our school, while promoting family togetherness at Forest Avenue. Volunteerism is a vital part of our school and, with no state or local funding, PTA is what keeps our school running and allows us to continue to provide outstanding services to your child. Some of the areas where they will need many volunteers are:Popcorn Fridays—Each Friday during the school year, children will have the opportunity

to purchase popcorn as a snack. Volunteers will be needed on a rotating basis to help pop the popcorn, bag it, and deliver it to classrooms.

Spirit Store—Our school store (clothing and other FAAM items) will be open on a regular basis and volunteers will be needed to “man the store”.

Back to School Bash—This is our main fundraiser for the school year. It will be on Friday night, September 20 in our school backyard. Hundreds of volunteers are

necessary to make this effective and fun!! Caroline Breshears is our coordinator this year. Caroline’s contact information will be provided when school starts.

Copy room, PTA website, Library volunteers are also necessary areas where we will need many volunteers!

The contact information for our PTA officers is provided below:PTA President (Manjit Haughery)manjithaughery@hotmail.com

PTA Treasurer(Oksana Williams)oksana.williams@gmail.comVice President of programs (Paige King)troyking@yahoo.com

Vice President of Membership (Kara Cosby)cosby21@charter.netReflections Chairperson (Candi Longnecker)clongnecker@hotmail.com

Recording Secretary (Meg Fiedler)mfielder@appellate.state.al.usCorresponding Secretary (Kim Cyr)kdcyr@knology.netMedia Chairperson( Kelly Kellum)cskellum@gmail.com

Spirit Store Coordinator (Clare Phung)clarephung@charter.net

E-MailWe have initiated a drive to input parental email addresses into an address book. Parents will be grouped by grade level and parents will have the option of having correspondence sent via email or receiving paper copies. This not only assures that you will receive all correspondence in a convenient manner, but it also will save our PTA the expense of copying numerous forms and papers. Correspondence from the school office will also be available by email.PreferredShoes Are:PreferredShoes Are:(no separate toes)SAVE YOUR CAPRI SUN JUICE POUCHES AND TURN THEM IN TO THE BOX IN THE HALLWAY FOR SCHOOL REWARDS!ORDER YOUR PARTY AND BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES FROM TISH (AROUND THE CORNER ON MULBERRY ST. AND WE GET A PERCENTAGE OF THE PURCHASE!!

Please refrain from scheduling family vacations that interfere with school days. It is very important that your child attend school each day he/she is healthy! Unexcused absences result in a zero entered for any graded activity or test!

Page 24Cell Phones and Other Communication Devices

Bringing a cell phone or other communication device to school is strongly discouraged. Teachers WILL NOT be using these devices during instruction and if a cell phone disrupts a class, it will be delt with according to the MPS Code of Student Behavior. If there is an extenuating circumstance in which a student must have a phone at school, please contact Mrs. Hill for approval and procedures. All school procedures regarding these devices are applicable for school buses and while on field trips. We strongly encourage parents to turn off cell phones while on the school campus.

TechnologyAll Classes at FAAM are equipped with Smartboards. Our PTA has purchased two IPad carts, each storing 26 IPad 2s. We are dreaming of having an IPad cart for each grade level so that our students have this technology more available to them. Tax deductible donations are always accepted and may be dedicated to our technology fund.