M.J. Christensen

Elementary School

Student and Parent Handbook

2019 – 2020

“Sailing to New Horizons”

M.J. Christensen Elementary School

9001 Mariner Cove Drive Las Vegas, NV 89117

Tel: (702) 799-4390 Fax: (702) 799-1413 christensenes.com

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Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to M.J. Christensen Elementary School. We are delighted to have you as

part of our wonderful school community. We are proud of our school and confident

that you will feel the same.

Our focus at this school is on three things: Learning, Safety/Security, and

Community. We are here to give your children the very best education that we can

provide. We concentrate on excellent instruction and try to hold to a minimum

anything that interrupts student instruction. We appreciate your support in ensuring

an uninterrupted learning environment for our students.

The faculty and staff present this handbook as a way to summarize our educational

goals and to inform you about the basic operations of the school. At M.J.

Christensen Elementary School, we believe the following:

Every student can learn.

Every student should feel valued.

Every student deserves to learn in a positive, safe environment.

Student learning should be celebrated.

Parents, students, teachers, and staff all share responsibility for student

learning.

It is important that students and parents understand our expectations for student

behavior and academic performance. Working together, we will create an

environment where student learning is celebrated and common goals, common

language, and common practices are implemented.

Teachers and staff at M.J. Christensen work collaboratively as a team for the

students. You, as parents, are also critical members on that team. We hope you will

be an active part of your child’s learning, because your child will mirror your

commitment to education. As equal partners, you are always welcome at our school.

Do not hesitate to call our school office if we can be of any assistance to you. We

are here to serve you and the best interests of our students.

Sincerely,

Angela Jacobs

Principal

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MARCUS JOY CHRISTENSEN - Our Namesake 4

MISSION/VISION, LOGO, MOTTO and COLORS 5

SCHEDULE FOR SCHOOL DAY 6

INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS 7

SCHOOLWIDE EXPECTATIONS AND PROCEDURES 8

POSITIVE RECOGNITION 14

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES 15

ATTENDANCE POLICIES 17

DRESS CODE 18

ITEMS OF INTEREST 20

PARENTS AND COMMUNITY 28

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MARCUS JOY (MJ) CHRISTENSEN

A Man of Business and Politics

Marcus Joy Christensen Elementary School was named to honor the memory of a man who

was not only a successful businessman, but also one who spent time as a Nevada legislator

and shaper of the Las Vegas business community.

MJ Christensen was born in Brigham City, in 1899. His mother died when he was very

young, and his grandparents subsequently raised him. Following graduation from Box Elder

High School in 1918, MJ spent two months in the army stationed at the University of Utah

in Salt Lake City. In 1919, he was sent on a twenty-two month mission to Illinois.

In 1927, MJ Christensen was hired as a railroad watch inspector. He continued his work

as a watch inspector even though he opened a small jewelry business in a drug store in

1939.

In 1941, Mr. Christensen opened his first jewelry store. Between 1941 and 1981, MJ

Christensen jewelry stores were opened at a variety of locations.

Mr. Christensen was elected to the Nevada State Assembly in 1952, serving four terms.

In 1967, he was elected as a State Senator in Nevada.

MJ also helped to shape business in the city of Las Vegas as president of the Las Vegas

Chamber of Commerce in 1954. During that same year he also served as the second

president of the Better Business Bureau, which he had helped to form in a previous year.

Marcus Joy Christensen was a storyteller who loved theatrics. His grandchildren

remember him for his storytelling and his love of ice cream.

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M.J. CHRISTENSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MISSION/VISION:

M.J. Christensen Elementary School’s mission is to ensure that all students have

the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and ethics necessary to succeed academically and

to practice responsible citizenship.

LOGO:

M.J. CHRISTENSEN MARINERS

MOTTO:

SAILING TO NEW HORIZONS

COLORS:

BLUE AND WHITE

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M.J. CHRISTENSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2019 - 2020

SCHEDULE FOR SCHOOL DAY

8:45 a.m. Students may arrive on the playground / Breakfast begins

9:00 a.m. First bell – Students line up on playground

9:10 a.m. School day begins / Students arriving after this time are tardy

11:40 a.m. a.m. Early Childhood dismissal

12:50 p.m. p.m. Early Childhood session starts

3:21 p.m. p.m. Early Childhood and grades K-5 dismissal

Lunch Schedule

Grade Lunch Recess

Kindergarten 10:55 - 11:30

Varies by teacher

1st Grade 11:20 – 11:40 11:40 – 11:55

2nd Grade 11:35 – 11:55 11:55 – 12:10

3rd Grade 12:20 – 12:40 12:40 – 12:55

4th /5th

Grade (Huffman,

Powell, &

Balzer )

11:50 – 12:10 12:10 – 12:25

4th/5th

Grade (Mairs/Angulo)

12:05 – 12:25 12:25 – 12:40

*Lunch/recess times may be adjusted as needed on testing days or inclement

weather days.

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INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS

Student achievement is the #1 goal at our school. As it says in our mission

statement, we want all students to be successful learners. To ensure that they are

successful, our students must master, among other things, the essential concepts

and skills outlined in the Nevada Academic Content Standards (NVACS).

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are taught Nevada Academic Content

Standards in English language arts, and math. The K-5 standards define what

students should understand and be able to do by the end of each grade. The goal of

the standards is to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared

to go to college or enter the workforce and that parents, teachers, and students

have a clear understanding of what is expected from them. The standards are also

benchmarked to international standards to guarantee that students are competitive

in the emerging global marketplace.

Please ask your child’s teacher or an administrator about the Nevada Academic

Content Standards for your child’s grade level. You may also find information

regarding Nevada Academic Content Standards at http://www.doe.nv.gov/ and on

the National PTA website at www.PTA.org.

How Parents Can Help

1. Ask your child what he/she has learned each day.

2. Try to find a quiet place for your child to study and complete homework.

Schedule time at home every day when your child can concentrate on

his/her studies. Sit with your child at least once a week while he or she

works on homework.

3. Make reading a part of your everyday routine. In the younger grades,

read with your child every day. Have your child explain his or her

favorite parts and share yours as well. In the upper grades, your child

should read independently every day. Ask your child about his or her

reading and require him or her to support answers with evidence from

the text. Writing is also a great activity for your child to do at home.

Have younger children draw a picture and tell you a story about it. Older

children can craft their own writing whether they write stories, opinion

pieces on a topic of choice, or summaries of what they have read.

4. In math, it is essential that children know their basic addition,

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subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. Practice math facts at

home with your child and find word problems in everyday situations to

help your child apply his or her knowledge.

5. Communicate frequently with your child’s teacher. When you have a

conference with your child’s teacher, ask about your child’s progress

toward mastery of Nevada Academic Content Standards.

6. Check Infinite Campus regularly for your child’s academic progress. Let

your child know that his/her progress is important to you.

SCHOOLWIDE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS AND PROCEDURES

At M.J. Christensen Elementary School, we feel that a safe and orderly

environment is essential to the teaching/learning process. An educational

environment based on respect, courtesy, care, integrity, and responsibility in which

teachers can successfully teach and children can comfortably learn is our goal.

One major goal for students is that they recognize their responsibilities as

citizens of the M.J. Christensen school community by developing self-respect,

self-discipline, and respect for others.

Our school management plan is a schoolwide approach to teach and reinforce

appropriate student behavior and systematically provide logical consequences for

inappropriate behavior. All staff members at M.J. Christensen have the authority

to provide recognition and consequences according to our plan. Students will be

encouraged to consistently follow rules of conduct, set a good example for others,

and reflect upon how their behavior affects others. Through this consistent

feedback, they will learn to make increasingly better choices about their behavior,

thus becoming self-disciplined.

MJ Christensen Anchors for Success

Our school staff will be teaching students the M.J. Christensen Anchors for

Success. The foundation for our Anchors for Success comes from Ron Clark’s The

Essential 55. Anchors for Success are founded on three basic ideas: respect for

others, respect for school, and respect for ourselves. It is important that

students have a clear understanding of expectations, adhere to those

expectations, and are recognized for their efforts. Anchors for Success are as

follows:

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M.J. Christensen Anchors for Success

Mariners respect others.

Be a friend to all.

Use polite language (for example, please, thank you, excuse me, sir, ma’am, I

agree, I respectfully disagree).

o Use adult’s names (Mr. ____ , Ms. ____ or Mrs. ____) or sir/ma’am to

address and respond to them.

Listen attentively while others are speaking.

o Look at the speaker.

o Track speaker with your eyes.

o Remain silent when someone is speaking, during a presentation, or at

an assembly.

Make the right choices. Be polite. Don't cut. Don’t push.

Show good sportsmanship and integrity.

o Don’t brag if you win.

o Don’t show anger if you lose.

o Congratulate participants.

Mariners respect their school.

Help keep Christensen clean.

o Keep desk and work area clean and

organized.

o Keep tables and floor in the lunchroom

clean.

o Pick up trash and place in garbage can.

Have Mariner pride at all times.

Mariners respect themselves.

Always be ready to learn.

Always be punctual.

Always be honest.

Always be the best you can be.

Challenge yourself!

Mariners follow the

Anchors for Success at all times!

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M.J. Christensen Houses

M.J. Christensen ES has established schoolwide houses. All students and staff are

members of one of the school houses, Aceso, Galene, Nereus, or Palaemon. The

purpose of the houses is to promote positive student behavior, and to build teamwork

and camaraderie among staff and students across all grade levels schoolwide. Houses

foster an atmosphere where students, parents, staff, and community members work

together to create a positive school environment, and create a school that inspires

academic excellence, leadership, collaboration, and high quality education for our

students.

Students can earn points for their house by demonstrating the M.J. Anchors for

Success. Students and staff can show team spirit by wearing house colors. Students

will be recognized for positive behaviors and awarded points for their house. Also,

houses will organize and participate in schoolwide activities throughout the school

year. Each month, students and staff will participate in a team building house

meeting. In addition, the house with the most points earned for the month will enjoy

a team celebration.

House Name House Color House Characteristic

Aceso green compassionate

Galene blue understanding

Nereus black giving

Palaemon red helpful

Classroom Expectations and Progressive Consequences

Teachers have developed a list of classroom expectations for their students. The

responsibilities have been discussed with students and are clearly posted in the

classroom. Parents should be aware that specific expectations vary according to the

individual style of each teacher. Consequences for students who do not meet

expectations have also been established and communicated by each teacher. This

hierarchy could include: reminder/verbal warning, “time-out” in class, phone call or

letter to parent, parent conference, referral to grade level hierarchy of

consequences, detention, or Behavior Referral to administration.

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SCHOOLWIDE PROCEDURES

Hallway Procedures

Always be quiet.

Be in a straight line.

Cross your arms.

Do the right thing.

Playground Procedures

Always walk on the blacktop.

Be safe and respectful.

Control your behavior.

Do the right thing.

Lunchroom Procedures

Always talk softly and stay seated.

Be polite while eating your food.

Clean up after yourself and others.

Do the right thing.

Restroom Procedures

1 Flush

1 Squirt of Soap

1 Paper Towel

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS IN COMMON AREAS

PLAYGROUND

1. Play fair and follow P.E. rules for games.

2. Play games that do not require any physical contact.

3. Play fighting is not allowed.

4. Use language that is appropriate and free from profanity.

5. Use school playground equipment properly.

a. No turns or flips on any of the bars—pull ups and chin ups only.

b. No sitting on top of playground equipment.

c. One-at-a-time on the slide—feet first.

6. Toys and athletic equipment brought from home are not permitted.

7. Play without throwing rocks, sand, or other objects.

8. Walk on the blacktop and playground areas. Running is only allowed on the

field.

9. Practice good sportsmanship and respect the rights of others’ playing space.

10. Food must be eaten in the lunchroom. Gum is not allowed on campus.

11. Play in designated areas only.

12. Immediately report any problems to an adult on duty.

LUNCHROOM

1. Students will enter and exit the lunchroom quietly and orderly.

2. Students will use “INSIDE VOICES” to speak to one another while in the

lunchroom.

3. When finished with lunch, students will collect all their garbage from their

table top and floor space.

4. Students will remain in their seats until dismissed.

5. Students will not trade food but eat what has been provided.

6. Food must be eaten in the lunchroom.

HALLWAY

Walk quietly in the hall.

Walk in a single file line, keeping arms folded and hands and feet to yourself.

Respect hallway displays; do not touch the walls or any decorative display.

Keep to the right side of the hallway.

Lines stop at corners.

Turn corners when teacher permits.

All students must have one of the following passes if they are alone in the

hallway:

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o Hall Pass

o Health Office Pass

Students are not allowed in the hallway before or after school.

RESTROOM

Restroom manners are to be taught and reinforced from the beginning of the year.

Each student is accountable for his/her own behavior.

Students should:

o use indoor voices.

o use restrooms.

o wash and dry hands.

o place towels into trashcans and no other place.

o flush toilets and urinals.

o leave promptly, no loitering.

Students should not:

o crawl under doors.

o slam doors.

o swing on doors.

o climb on toilets, urinals, etc.

ASSEMBLIES

Enter the multipurpose room in an orderly manner, i.e., straight line, no noise.

Follow your teacher’s direction.

Sit where directed, younger students in front. Leave an aisle down the middle of

the room.

Stay seated on your back pockets. No kneeling, squatting, lying down, etc.

Administration or a teacher will open the assembly. Follow directions given.

Give Me Five!

1. Eyes on me

2. Lips closed

3. Ears listening

4. Sit up straight

5. Hands and feet to yourself

Clap to show your appreciation in a polite manner. Voices are quiet. No booing or

whistling will be allowed.

Stay seated until directed to leave. All eyes should be on your teacher.

Leave the multipurpose room quietly in line, with your arms crossed, following

teacher’s directions.

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POSITIVE RECOGNITION

To teach students school behaviors that promote a positive learning environment, all

staff members participate in recognition of appropriate school behaviors.

HOUSE POINTS AND CELEBRATION

House points are awarded to students for following the MJ Anchors for Success.

At the end of the month and school year, the house with the most points earns a

house celebration.

MEMORABLE MARINER

Each teacher selects a Memorable Mariner for the month. Selection is based on

following our MJ Christensen Anchors for Success. The student’s parent/guardian

receives a letter informing him/her that his/her child has been selected. The

student receives a trophy to display on his/her desk. A party will be held at the end

of the month for all Memorable Mariners selected from each class.

FISH CHIPS

As a part of our school behavior incentive program, students can earn “fish chips”

for exhibiting one or more of the M.J. Anchors for Success. A weekly drawing for

a prize is held at the end of the week for students who have earned fish chips and

dropped them off in the fish chips bucket in the office.

PRINCIPAL’S BOOK OF HONOR

Students who reach a special goal, academic or behavioral, can be sent to the

principal’s office to sign the Principal’s Book of Honor. These students receive a

prize and a special dog tag.

CLASS RECOGNITION

Classes are also able to earn awards for appropriate behavior and demonstration of

outstanding effort. Specialists recognize classes with SWAG (Students Winning

Achievement Goals) points.

SEMESTER AWARDS

Achievements in academics, citizenship, and attendance are recognized during our

semester awards assemblies. Students can earn “A Honor Roll” for achieving all A’s

on their report card, “A/B Honor Roll” for achieving all A’s and/or B’s on their report

card, “Citizenship Award” for achieving all E’s for their learner behaviors, and

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“Perfect Attendance” for being present (the entire semester) at school every day

with no tardies and no early releases.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Student Code of Conduct

We encourage all parents and guardians to read the K-12 Student Code of Conduct

booklet provided by Clark County School District (CCSD) with their children. This

booklet outlines behavior expectations, problem behavior areas, and corrective

consequences for students. It also includes information regarding the general CCSD

dress code, Nevada Code of Honor, and Educational Involvement Accord.

Progressive discipline principles will be followed as outlined in this document. The

administration will use their judgment to determine what disciplinary action is

appropriate for each situation. Parents will be informed of their child’s disciplinary

consequence. The range of disciplinary actions is: Informal Talk, Conference,

Parent Notification, Time Out, Required Parent Conference (RPC), In-School

Suspension, Out-of-School Suspension, etc.

In-School Suspension in a Classroom:

Students will be assigned a suspension room in a grade level different

from their own.

Students given an In-School Suspension will remain in the assigned

classroom for the entire day. Students will report to the office for

supervision during lunch and specials (PE, Library, Music, Art).

The homeroom teacher of the suspended student will be responsible

for compiling assignments for the duration of the suspension.

At 3:00 p.m. the student will report to the office to review the day.

In-School Suspension in the Office:

The student will serve the suspension in the office.

The classroom teacher will be notified as soon as possible about a

student who will be suspended in the office.

Students given an In-School Suspension in the office will remain in the

office for the entire day. The student will eat lunch in the office and

will not attend specials classes.

The classroom teacher of the suspended student will be responsible for

compiling assignments for the duration of the suspension.

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Required Parent Conference

A Required Parent Conference (RPC) is issued at any time the administration

determines that a student’s behavior requires the combined attention of the

student, his/her parents, the teacher and administrator. The student’s parent

will be notified and an appointment with school personnel will be scheduled.

The student may not attend school until after the Required Parent Conference

is scheduled. An attempt will be made to include the teacher in all Required

Parent Conferences.

Students who receive a Required Parent Conference (RPC) or Suspension (any

type) will participate in an alternate activity instead of joining his/her House

Celebration for the month. The student will remain in his/her classroom for

the House Meeting during this time. Alternate classrooms may be assigned for

students as needed.

BULLYING AWARENESS

M.J. Christensen Elementary School aims to provide a safe and respectful learning

environment. Students and parents should know both what bullying is and is not in

order to raise the awareness of all students to the negative effects of bullying, both

for the bully and for the victim. Bullying is outlined under Nevada law as well as

CCSD Policies.

Here at M.J. Christensen, we strive to promote positive interactions between

students. While some behaviors may not be acceptable, they may not always fall

under the definition of bullying. All unacceptable behaviors are addressed by staff

and appropriate behaviors are taught to help students learn from their choices.

In addition, cyberbullying means bullying through the use of electronic

communication. Electronic communication means the communication of any written,

verbal or pictorial information through the use of an electronic device, including,

without limitation, a telephone, a cellular phone, a computer or similar means of

communication.

We will instruct students through a variety of means as to what bullying is and is

not, and how to handle it whether they are the victim or simply a bystander. Our

school counselor coordinates bullying awareness through classroom lessons, group

activities, and one-on-one assistance. AT M.J. CHRISTENSEN, THERE IS ZERO

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TOLERANCE FOR BULLYING. Serious consequences will result from attempts to

bully a student at our school.

STUDENT INTERVIEWS

As part of the CCSD Bullying and Cyberbullying Policy, the school administrator must

complete the investigation into the alleged bullying incident no later than two school

days after receiving a report. The administrator must interview all students directly

involved as well as their parents/guardians.

NOTICE OF STUDENT SEARCHES

Students are hereby informed that they will be subject to search when they enter

campus after the beginning of the school day. This includes, but is not limited to,

unauthorized returns. This notice does not exclude personnel, however, from

searching a student at any time should there be reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES

When any student is absent, the parent must write a note explaining the absence

and submit it to the child’s teacher or office within three (3) days of the absence in

order for it to be excused. Phone calls are not accepted. Students reporting late

(after 9:10 a.m.) must report to the office for an admission/tardy slip. A tardy

becomes a half day absence if more than one hour and fifty-five minutes is missed

and becomes a full day absence if more than three hours and forty-five minutes of

the instructional day is missed.

School attendance is vital to your child’s academic success in school. State laws have

been enacted to reduce the high rate of habitual truants in schools. As a result of

attendance legislation, Clark County School District’s policies and regulations

regarding student attendance are as follows:

The principal of the school is required to report the pupils who are habitually

truant to law enforcement.

A habitual truant is defined as “a student who has three unapproved or

unexcused absences within one school year.”

A truant is a pupil who is absent from school without the approval of the

teacher or principal of the school unless the pupil is physically or mentally

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unable to attend school.

If a pupil is absent due to physical or mental reasons, the parent must notify

the school in writing within three days of the absence.

The court has the authority to order the student or parent to pay a fine of

$100.00 or more for habitual truancy.

Elementary students who exceed twenty (20) unapproved absences during the

school year may be retained in the current grade.

All arranged absences in excess of ten (10) days during a school year shall be

considered unapproved. All arranged absences for which the makeup work was

not completed and submitted as specified by the teacher shall be considered

unapproved.

After any absence, the parent or legal guardian is responsible to contact the

teacher to obtain appropriate makeup work within three (3) school days

directly following the absence. Once contact has been made with the teacher,

the nature of the makeup work and the time allowed for completion will be

determined and communicated by the teacher to the student/parent or legal

guardian.

Students shall be allowed a minimum of three (3) days to complete makeup

work.

Parents of students with excessive tardies and/or absences will be required to

attend a Required Parent Conference. During this conference, student attendance

policies and regulations, the student’s academic progress, and ways to improve

attendance will be discussed.

DRESS CODE

The Clark County School District reserves the right to insist that the dress and

grooming of students are within the limits of generally accepted community

standards and that students shall be required to show proper attention to personal

cleanliness. Fashion and fads which become a health or safety hazard to

oneself will not be allowed. Students’ dress, personal appearance and conduct are

required to be of such character as not to disrupt or detract from the educational

environment of the school or create a safety hazard. Any style which tends to

diminish instructional effectiveness or discipline control by teachers is not

acceptable. The school administration shall have the right to designate which types

of dress or appearance disrupt or detract from the educational program and may

be a potential safety hazard. The dress code includes the following:

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1. Requires the wearing of shoes with soles (no flip flops). House slippers and

shoes with wheels are not permitted. *Students should wear lace-up athletic

shoes on PE days.

2. All clothing must be sufficient to conceal any and all undergarments. No skin

will show between bottom of shirt/blouse and top of pants or skirts at any

time. All sleeveless shirts must have straps at least three inches wide.

Prohibited tops include, but are not limited to, crop tops, tank tops, strapless,

low-cut clothing, clothing with slits, or tops and outfits that provide minimum

coverage.

3. Requires that all shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers/dresses must be at

fingertip length.

4. All jeans, pants, and trousers must be secured at waist level. Sagging is

strictly prohibited. Jeans, pants, and trousers are not to have rips or tears

that expose undergarments and/or are located mid-thigh or higher.

5. Headgear (hats, hoods, caps, bandanas, hair grooming aids, etc.) is not

permitted on campus except for designated school approved uniforms, special

events, authorized athletic practices, documented medical conditions, bona

fide religious reasons, or CCSD/school sanctioned activities.

6. Slogans or advertising on clothing, jewelry, buttons, and/or accessories which

by their controversial, discriminatory, profane, and/or obscene nature disrupt

the educational setting are prohibited.

7. Any clothing, jewelry, buttons, and/or accessories that promote illegal or

violent conduct, or affiliation with groups that promote illegal or violent

conduct such as, but not limited to, the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol,

tobacco, or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats are

prohibited.

8. Spiked or studded clothing, jewelry, and/or accessories are prohibited.

9. Outerwear such as coats, mittens, and scarves must be removed upon entering

the classrooms/buildings. Administrators, teachers, and staff may use their

discretion as appropriate based on the temperature in the facility.

Please note that some types of headbands worn by students (with animal ears,

etc.) may disrupt or detract from the educational environment and therefore,

may not be permitted.

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ITEMS OF INTEREST

ACCIDENTS

Accidents that occur at school should be reported immediately to the teacher or

supervisor in charge so that the appropriate action can be taken. In case of serious

accidents, parents are notified and emergency assistance will be obtained.

ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER CHANGES

Parents are required to notify the school office promptly in person if there is a

change of address or phone number. Please be sure all home, work, and emergency

contact phone numbers are kept current. Correct phone numbers are essential in

case of an accident or other emergencies.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

When dropping off and picking up students from school, please do not drive into

the main parking lot. Buses must have access to deliver students to school. You

may pick up/drop off students in the drop lanes along the curb on Mariner Cove or

by the bike racks on Waterview Drive. As always, please follow rules of the road

by adhering to speed limits, obeying signs, not double parking, and not making U-

turns on the streets surrounding the school. We appreciate your cooperation in

making our school grounds a safe place for our students and the entire community.

ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL

Playground supervision begins at 8:45 a.m. Children are not to arrive at school

in the morning before 8:45 a.m. Since safety is foremost in our minds, we ask

your help in this matter, as there is no supervision on the playground prior to 8:45

a.m. Students who need to be dropped off at school before 8:45 a.m. must be

enrolled in Safekey. When arriving at school at 8:45 a.m., students may eat

breakfast in the multipurpose room or play on the playground. No students are

allowed in the halls before 9:00 a.m. The instructional day begins at 9:10 a.m.

Morning Line Up

Prior to the 9:00 a.m. bell, staff on duty will use a freeze whistle to alert

students to prepare for lining up.

When staff members blow the long whistle, students will freeze.

Staff will then blow two short whistles.

Students will walk to their classroom dot, line up, and wait for the teacher.

Teachers will pick up their students at the classroom dot when the bell rings

at 9:00 a.m.

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ARTICLES NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL

Any item that can create a hazard to the health or safety of others or is disruptive

to the school’s learning environment will be confiscated and kept in the school office.

Only an adult may claim items considered to create a hazard. Such items include,

but are not limited to: electronic games, trading cards, toys, hairspray/dye,

perfume, balloons, squirt/toy guns, make-up, gum, scooters, laser pens, skates,

skateboards, fidget spinners, etc.

Tobacco, matches, weapons and drugs have no place in school.

Athletic equipment should be left at home.

BICYCLES

Students riding bikes to school are required to walk their bikes while on the school

grounds. To ensure the safety of your child’s bike at school, please invest in a bike

lock. All bikes are to be parked and locked in the bike parking area on the southeast

corner of the playground. The school is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen

bikes. Students are not to share a lock with another student. SKATEBOARDS,

SCOOTERS, ROLLER-BLADES, AND SHOES WITH WHEELS ARE NOT

ALLOWED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Please check with your child’s classroom teacher prior to sending in any birthday

treats. All treats must comply with the nutrition and beverage standards outlined in

CCSD Regulation R-5157 regarding Student Wellness. Approved snacks may be

distributed by the parent or student at lunch so as not to interrupt instruction.

Remember that many students have food allergies. Holding birthday “parties” and

passing invitations at school for parties are not permitted. This includes delivering

balloons, flowers, presents, etc. to students during instructional time. These items

may not be kept in the classroom.

BREAKFAST

Breakfast is served daily from 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The price is $1.25. Students

can pay at school, or parents can pay online at www.MySchoolBucks.com.

CELL PHONES

The Clark County School District maintains the following cell phone guidelines:

Phones must be turned off and remain off during the instructional day.

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Phones left on vibrate/silent modes are subject to seizure.

Cell phones should be stored in a non-visible location such as a backpack.

Phones confiscated in violation of these guidelines will only be returned to a

parent/guardian during non-instructional hours.

Cell phones must remain off during a school evacuation, lockdown, or drill.

During these situations tell your child NOT to try to contact you by cell

phone until given the okay by school staff, thus allowing emergency

communication channels to remain open.

CCSD Policy 5136 must be followed at all times. This includes video and/or

audio recording without a person’s consent.

If your child needs to bring a cell phone to school, it must be kept in his/her

backpack at all times in the off position. It may be used before or after school.

CELL PHONES ARE NOT TO BE USED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY!

CHEWING GUM

Careless disposal of gum in drinking fountains, on furniture, and on floors presents

sanitation and cleaning problems and result in costly repairs. Therefore, gum is not

permitted on campus.

CLOSED CAMPUS

The gates surrounding the school will open at 8:45 a.m. each day. They will be locked

at 9:00 a.m. and remain locked during the school day. During this time, students and

visitors should enter through the front door and report to the office. All visitors,

including parents, volunteers, and non-school CCSD staff, must report to the

office, sign in, and obtain a visitor’s badge. Gates will be open at 3:21 p.m. for

dismissal and will again be locked at 3:31 p.m. each day.

In addition, the M.J. Christensen campus is closed to middle school and high school

students. If a middle school or high school student is picking up brothers or sisters,

he/she is to wait on the sidewalk off the school grounds until the dismissal bell rings.

DISMISSAL AFTER SCHOOL

School is dismissed at 11:40 a.m. for a.m. Early Childhood students and at 3:21 p.m.

for p.m. Early Childhood students and all other grades. Kindergarten students may

be picked up on the kindergarten playground. All other students will be picked up

from their class dot on the playground. Parents should meet their children at the

class dot or other designated area outside of the building. Students may not

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walk through the building.

At 3:31 p.m., all students who have not been picked up should report to the office to

ensure their safety, as there is no supervision after this time. Once a student

reports to the office, only an adult authorized on school paperwork may pick up the

student. Photo identification must be presented.

When a student is not picked up on time, CCSD’s After School Care Process goes

into effect. Information regarding this process is sent home at the beginning of the

year, provided upon registration, and is available in the office.

CCSD has partnered with several community agencies that provide after-school care

programs for students. CCSD encourages all parents to enroll their students in

after-school care programs in case an emergency prevents the parent/guardian from

picking up his or her child from school within several minutes after dismissal.

It is recommended that parents register their children in Safekey and purchase an

after school Safekey pass even if they pick their children up every day in case of an

emergency. Please contact the Safekey office at (702) 229-2526 for more

information or see the Safekey section of this handbook.

EARLY PICK UP

Interrupting the classroom to ask for a student is a serious disruption to the

educational process, interferes with time to teach, and infringes on the educational

rights of other students. Office personnel will not be allowed to interrupt classroom

instruction to release a student early unless there is documentation of an

appointment or emergency.

We strongly encourage scheduling medical and dental appointments after school so

that students’ education is not interrupted. If you need to pick up your child early

from school, a written request should be submitted to the classroom teacher prior

to that day. We will not release students after 2:50 p.m.

Parents/guardians and all adults authorized on school paperwork must present

picture identification to office personnel when signing out their children to leave

school.

HOMEWORK

Homework is encouraged and used by teachers to extend and expand the activities

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presented during the instructional day. Homework should ordinarily be assigned

Monday through Thursday, leaving weekends and holidays free whenever possible.

When homework is assigned, it is expected that:

1. The teacher has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that students

understand the purpose of the assignment, what is to be accomplished, and

how it is to be completed.

2. The amount and degree of difficulty is based on the student’s grade level

and ability.

3. All students will be held responsible for completing the work and returning

it to the teacher for proper evaluation within the time frame identified by

the teacher.

4. Students will be held accountable for a high standard of accuracy, neatness,

legibility, proper arrangement on the page, correct spelling, and punctuation.

5. Check with your child’s teacher for further guidelines.

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS

The Clark County School District suggests the following precautionary measures

for parents and their children. Parents are urged to have frank discussions with

their children about the following:

1. Teach your children, regardless of age, their full name, your full name, their

address, and phone number.

2. Explain the dangers of being abducted and/or molested.

3. Explain that private parts of their body should not be touched by anyone,

and if that happens, to report it immediately.

4. Police officers are to be trusted for help; explain that police can always be

identified by their marked car or motorcycle and their uniform.

5. Emphasize the importance of staying close to a parent, relative, or friend

when away from home.

6. Explain the importance of noticing and remembering identifying

characteristics of strangers, such as their height, hair, eye color, voice

quality, clothes, and unusual marks. Also stress the importance of

remembering the vehicle description, such as color, size, and license plate

number.

7. Stress the importance of protesting and running away if a stranger tries to

take your child/children somewhere.

8. Never accept candy, money, or gifts from strangers.

9. Never go into a garage, shed, or alley with a stranger.

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10. Never get into a car with a stranger. If a stranger asks for directions, be

polite but do not go near the vehicle. If a stranger gets out of his/her

vehicle, run away immediately.

11. Parents should occasionally accompany their child/children to school and

monitor the area they are traveling.

12. Parents should know who their child/children normally walk to school with

and the route they normally take.

As always, the safety of our children is of utmost importance. Please report any

suspicious activity to the local police department and/or school administration.

INFINITE CAMPUS

Infinite Campus is used to maintain all CCSD student records including schedules,

health information, grades, attendance, and address and phone numbers. Parents

are able to access students’ information through Infinite Campus by signing in to the

Parent Portal at https://campus.ccsd.net/campus/portal/clark.jsp. Please see the

office or your child’s teacher if you would like more information regarding Infinite

Campus.

LUNCH

Students may bring lunch from home or purchase school lunch. School lunch is served

daily for a cost of $2.00. Students may pay at school, or parents can pay online at

www.MySchoolBucks.com. Lunch menus are posted in the cafeteria and in the office.

They are also available online at www.ccsd.net/departments/food-service/school-

lunch-menus. Your child may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Parents

can apply online at www.myschoolapps.com or pick up a paper application in the front

office.

MEDICATION

Any prescription medicines, including inhalers, that your child must take at school

must be on record with and kept in the Health Office before the medication can be

given. Over-the-counter medication (such as cough drops, aspirin, etc.) cannot be

brought to school.

MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS

Parents, please note that a message to a student involves classroom disruption.

There is no way to verify if you are the parent or legal guardian over the phone.

Therefore, messages will not be given to students without that parent or guardian

coming to the school and showing legal photo I.D. Lunches, homework, school

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materials, etc. may be dropped off in the office for the student to pick up at

designated times so as not to interrupt instruction.

PARENTLINK

ParentLink is used as another way to increase communication between school and

home. ParentLink is a web-based notification service. Messages from school will be

sent via telephone, email, and/or text through ParentLink.

PARTIES

In observance of special days, teachers and classes may prepare and carry out

suitable educational activities. It is expected that these special activities will

function as educational projects and that social activities will not begin earlier than

one hour prior to dismissal time. Food choices provided to children must meet

CCSD’s nutritional standards. Therefore, foods of minimal nutritional value such as

carbonated beverages, non-fruit popsicles/ices, chewing gum, candies primarily made

of sweeteners or artificial sweeteners (hard candy, jellies and gums, marshmallow

candies, fondant, licorice, spun candy, and candy coated popcorn) will not be allowed

during the school day. Examples of healthy choices include graham crackers, baked

chips, yogurt, clean or wrapped fruit, and fruit/vegetable juice.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Students who bring personal belongings to school are responsible for their security

and safety. The school is not responsible for any items lost or stolen from

anywhere within the school at any time. These items include, but are not limited to,

cell phones, bicycles, musical instruments, clothing, hats, confiscated nuisance

items, etc.

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION DEVICES

Personal technology and communication devices may include cell phones, laptops,

tablets, smart watches, or similar electronic devices. CCSD Policy 5136 must be

followed at all times. Students who bring or wear a smart watch to school must

follow the CCSD cell phone policy stated above.

RELEASING STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL

For the protection of the students and to prevent unauthorized and unwanted

persons from taking children from school prior to dismissal or at the close of

school, the following procedures will be followed:

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Persons picking up children during school hours are required to report to the

office.

Only those who are authorized by the parent/guardian and included on the

appropriate district form may pick up children.

Parents/guardians and those authorized to pick up children must present

picture identification to office personnel when signing out students to leave

school.

SAFEKEY

Safekey is a City of Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Service program. For a prepaid

nominal fee, students are supervised before school from 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

and/or after school from 3:21 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For your child’s safety, it is strongly

recommended to enroll your child in Safekey and purchase an after school Safekey

pass so that in the event you are late in picking up your child, he/she can remain in

Safekey until you arrive. For more information, please contact Safekey at (702)

229-2526.

SAFETY DRILLS

Fire, hard/soft lockdown, and shelter-in-place (for natural hazard, chemical spills,

or any intruder crises, etc.) drills are conducted on a regular basis. These drills

are required by law and are an important safety precaution.

SCHOOL VISITS AND PARENT CONFERENCES

We encourage parents to visit the school as frequently as possible and observe our

instructional program. When visiting the classroom, we ask you to observe the

following procedures:

Provide 24-hour notice that you would like to visit the classroom. This will

provide the teacher time to ensure that the visit does not disrupt instruction.

This will also allow for an administrator to make arrangements to join you

during your visit.

Sign in first at the office and obtain a visitor’s badge.

Take a seat in the back of the classroom.

Classroom visits should last no more than 30 minutes. If you have a special

circumstance where you feel the need to visit for a longer period of time,

please request this of the teacher in advance. The teacher will make the

determination on whether or not this will be possible, depending on the

instruction planned.

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If you have questions, please write them down so that you can ask the teacher

after school or during a conference.

If at any time you feel the need for a conference with your child’s teacher, please

notify the teacher or our office so an appointment can be arranged. When you

receive a request from a teacher for a conference, please make every effort to meet

with the teacher. We feel these conferences are essential in providing the best

possible education for your children.

PARENTS AND COMMUNITY

BUSINESS PARTNERS

M.J. Christensen Elementary School always welcomes the support and involvement

of businesses in the community. Please contact the school office if you are

interested in becoming involved in a school-business partnership.

INTERACTIONS WITH STUDENTS

While we appreciate the help of our parents and families, only staff members may

address concerns involving other children. Parents, volunteers, and visitors must

report inappropriate behaviors, game violations, and any other concerns to school

staff immediately. School staff will take the necessary action to resolve the

situation.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

The staff at M.J. Christensen Elementary School loves to see families involved in

their child’s education and enjoy the help of those who volunteer within our school!

Family support is a valuable asset and is encouraged in our school. M.J. Christensen

Elementary School expects all staff members and volunteers to maintain the highest

professional, moral, and ethical standards in their conduct with students and adults.

Volunteers should understand their role and responsibility in the overall operation

of the school. With Senate Bill 287 in place, CCSD is under strict expectations for

welcoming volunteers into schools. If you are interested in volunteering, please

contact your child’s teacher or the office for guidelines on being a volunteer.

PARENT CONCERNS

If you should have a concern with your child’s teacher or about something that has

occurred in the classroom, your first course of action should be to set up an

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appointment with the teacher to voice your feelings. If, after you have spoken with

the teacher, you are not satisfied with the handling of your concern, you may wish

to call the school office and set up an appointment to speak with the teacher and an

administrator to resolve the matter. If you so wish and if the administrator deems

it appropriate, your child may also participate in this conference.

PTA (PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATON)

M.J. Christensen Elementary School is proud of our PTA, whose contributions have

helped support students, teachers, and instructional programs. Our PTA facilitates

fundraising programs and many of our fun events, such as the Fall Festival and

Pastries with Parents to name a few. Your participation in the PTA is an invaluable

experience in which we hope you will partake.

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M.J. Christensen House Anchors for Success Contract

Student Name _____________________________________

House ________________________ Date ______________

Mariners respect others.

I will:

Be a friend to all.

Use polite language (for example, please, thank you, excuse me, sir, ma’am, I agree, I respectfully disagree).

Listen attentively while others are speaking.

Make the right choices. Be polite. Don't cut. Don’t push.

Show good sportsmanship and integrity.

Mariners respect their school.

I will:

Help keep Christensen clean.

Have Mariner pride at all times.

Mariners respect themselves.

I will:

Always be ready to learn.

Always be punctual.

Always be honest.

Always be the best you can be.

Challenge yourself!

I will follow the Anchors for Success at all times!

When I meet these goals: I will be able to participate in my house meeting and/or

celebration.

If I do not meet these goals: I may not attend my house meeting and/or house celebration

if I demonstrate any behavior(s) that require disciplinary action.

I have read and agree to follow the Anchors for Success at all times.

Student signature ________________________________________

I have read and agree to promote the Anchors for Success with my child.

Parent or Guardian signature: ____________________________________

Please sign and return to the classroom teacher

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M.J. Christensen Elementary School

Student and Parent Handbook

Signature Page

I have read the 2019 – 2020 M.J. Christensen Student and Parent

Handbook. I will be responsible for knowing all information and following all

procedures outlined in the handbook. If I have questions or concerns, I will

contact the student’s teacher or administration for clarification.

*Please return this signed signature page to your child’s teacher.

_______________________ _________________________ ____________

Student’s Name Signature Date

_______________________ _________________________ ____________

Parent’s Name Signature Date