Marshall Elementary School

5135 Wexford Run Road
Wexford, PA 15090
724-935-4044

Main Office Hours

Office hours: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
School hours: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM

Dr. Marc E. Thornton, Principal
Mrs. Olivia Van der zee, Assistant Principal

Welcome to Marshall Elementary School!  We hope you had a safe and happy summer vacation, and you are ready to begin a productive school year of learning.  Please help us make Marshall Elementary a positive place to learn and to grow by being a positive, friendly person who takes pride in their school.

This handbook has been prepared to act as a guide to ensure a rewarding school year. Your knowledge of, and compliance with, the procedures, regulations and provisions outlined in this booklet are essential in providing and maintaining the safe and orderly environment necessary for the progress of everyone at Marshall Elementary.

Although it may be difficult to answer all questions through this handbook, it will help to explain many of the procedures you will need to know throughout the school year.  If you or your parents have additional questions, please call 724-935-4044.

Sincerely,

The Marshall Elementary Faculty and Staff

The mission of the North Allegheny School District is to prepare all students for success in a changing world. Each school fosters a safe, respectful, and engaging environment where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, with a focus on responsible citizenship, creativity, and lifelong learning.

The vision of the North Allegheny School District is to be a premier school district that inspires excellence in academics, athletics, arts, and activities for every student every day.

We will exceed the expectations of those we serve. We believe:

• All individuals can learn.
• Learning is a life-long process that occurs inside and outside the classroom.
• Effective teaching is both an art and science that results in increased levels of critical thinking, achievement, and growth.
• Embracing, valuing, and promoting diversity enriches our community and learning experiences.
• Integrity, trust, compassion, and open communication are hallmarks of an excellent educational community.
• Educational excellence requires effective leadership, high expectations, teamwork, and the responsible utilization of resources.
• Collaboration among students, parents, staff and community enriches our ownership of the education process.

It is very important that every family maintain an up-to-date address, email address, and telephone number record at the school office.  If you have a change in address (requires two proofs of new residency) or telephone number during the school year, please notify the school immediately. 

New Kindergarten students must be five (5) years old and new first grade students must be six (6) years old on or before September 1 of the school year in which they are enrolling.  A physical examination is required when a student enters school for the first time. Ages must be verified by a birth certificate and immunization records must be complete along with proof of residency.

Due to health concerns for students throughout the building, animals are not permitted to be brought into the building without approval from the office. On the day of the visit, you are to register at the office and at that time will be given further specific instructions regarding access to certain areas of the building.

Students will report directly to their classrooms upon arrival at school. The building is officially open to students at 8:50 AM. Students are not permitted in the building prior to 8:50 AM. Adult supervision is not provided prior to this time. The school day begins at 9:00 AM. Students who arrive after 9:05 AM will be listed as tardy. Parents transporting students to school should adhere to the 8:50 AM arrival time and use the drop off area in the parking lot.

Several assemblies will be scheduled throughout the school year.  Specific times and dates will be listed on the MES online calendar. All students are expected to follow Marshall Elementary’s PBIS expectations during assemblies.

Regular attendance is essential to students’ success and should be established early. Absences fall into one of two categories: LEGAL and ILLEGAL. 

Legal absences include

1. Student illness
2. Death of an immediate family member
3. Absences approved by the Administration, including approved Family Educational Trips
4. Religious holidays or instruction
5. Urgent reasons deemed acceptable by the administration.

Illegal absences include

1. Truancy
2. Absence due to parental/guardian neglect
3. Illegal employment
4. Family Educational Trips not approved by the administration

When students return to school after any absence, they must bring a written excuse signed by their parent/guardian, stating the reason and dates of the absence(s).  An email is acceptable, but it must be addressed to both the homeroom teacher and the building secretary.  The written excuse should be given to the homeroom teacher for record keeping purposes.  It will then be sent to the main office.  If no excuse is sent into school within three days, the absence(s) will be considered illegal.  

To request approval for a Family Educational Trip, parent(s)/guardian(s) must submit the Educational Tour Form for excusal at least five (5) school days prior to the absence and the absence must be for 10 or less school days.  Students who will be participating in an extended absence due to a request for an educational tour or trip for more than 10 days will be withdrawn after the tenth consecutive day (on day 11) and the withdrawal date will be dated the first day of the consecutive absence.  These days are considered legal absences when approved. No absences will be approved during standardized testing windows.  

Parents of students who are absent (regardless if the absences are excused or unexcused) will receive a letter from the principal after a total of ten (10) days absent.  This communication from the building administration is sent to emphasize the importance of daily attendance at school and as a reminder of Pennsylvania’s Compulsory Attendance Law.  A second notice for excessive absenteeism will be sent after a total of eighteen (18) days and an Elementary Support Team (ESAP) meeting will be held to address excessive absenteeism.  After the 18-day letter is delivered, all future absences must be supported by documentation from the child’s physician, the school’s nurse, or another administratively approved agency.  If the proper documentation is not provided after the 18-day letter is sent home, the absence will be documented as unexcused and may be referred to the District Magistrate.  

Students with legal absences may have the opportunity to complete any missed assignments upon returning to school.  Our responsibility is to promote consistent school attendance and address the underlying risk factors that may lead to truancy.  As a requirement of Act 138, students who accrue three (3) illegal absences will be asked to participate in the creation of a School Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP).  Students who accrue six (6) illegal absences will be referred to a school-based or community-based attendance improvement program or to the local children and youth agency.  In addition, the District may file a citation for truancy with the District Magistrate.  

No absences will be approved during standardized testing windows. Students requesting absences of more than ten (10) days will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Pursuant to Board Policy #3130 absences of more than ten (10) days will cause the student to “be removed as a full-time student. The District will attempt to provide support to the student during the extended absence so that he/she is able to make successful reentry into the school upon their return. The family will need to re-enroll the child upon return.”

Please see the section labeled Tardy Students for more information for tardy/late students.

Homework assignments for absent students will be available when a student has been absent for at least two school days. Telephone calls for these assignments should be placed to the office in the morning of the second day of absence.  Do not use the voicemail system for this purpose.  Assignments will be available in the office after 3:00 PM for all requests received before 10:00 AM. Assignments requested after 10:00 AM will be available the following day. 

Students who miss a single day of school can get their missed assignments upon their return to school the following day.  Students may also check their teacher’s Canvas page for assignments.  Students will be granted additional time to complete their assignments upon their return to school, typically equal to the number of days they were absent.  

For an extended illness, please contact your child’s teacher and make arrangements for absences of a week or longer. 

Due to allergy concerns and wellness policies, edible birthday treats are generally not permitted. Families are encouraged to send in non-food items such as pencils, stickers, or erasers. Arrangements should be coordinated with the classroom teacher in advance. Invitations to outside parties should not be distributed at school unless all students in the class are invited.

Being proactive to create an anti-bullying school environment is the best way to prevent bullying and conflict. Staff educates students on inclusiveness and tolerance. Various lessons and modeling are completed throughout the school year to support students to make school the best environment for everyone in the school community. The Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Program provides realistic expectations necessary to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach when responding to behavioral and social issues including bullying. Any bullying observed or reported is addressed to resolve conflict quickly. Please see the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports section. Please review Policy 249 Anti-Bullying/Cyberbullying School Board Policy.

Students are expected to behave appropriately on school buses. Bus drivers have authority and will assign seats. Rules include remaining seated, speaking quietly, and keeping hands and belongings to oneself. Misconduct may result in temporary or permanent loss of bus privileges.

Video cameras are mounted in all school buses.  The purpose of the cameras on a school bus is to increase safety and discourage disruptive behaviors.  

Students’ responsibilities are as follows:

1. Report to your bus stop no earlier than 5 to 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
2. While waiting for the bus, stay a safe distance from the roadway.  Inappropriate behavior at the bus stop will not be tolerated.
3. Board the bus in a safe, orderly manner and go directly to your seat.
4. Cross fifteen feet in front of the bus only when the red lights are flashing and traffic has come to a complete stop.
5. Never cross behind or reach under a bus.  Remain visible to the driver at all times.  Stand clear of the danger zone.
6. Talk in a normal tone of voice so the driver can concentrate and hear warning sounds.
7. Ask the driver for permission to open windows.  You must keep your arms and head inside the bus at all times.
8. Eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum is prohibited on the bus.
9. Help keep your bus clean.  No littering.  Throwing objects inside or outside is prohibited.
10. When the bus arrives at school, exit in an orderly fashion and go directly to your assigned room.
11. Always sit in your assigned seat unless directed by the bus driver, administrator, or bus monitor.

NOTE: Students must ride their assigned bus.  If a change is necessary, send a note explaining the change or call the Marshall Elementary School Office at 724-935-4044.

Students may purchase a lunch daily using either cash or funds that they have on the Point of Sale (P.O.S.) system. The daily menu options with prices are always on the North Allegheny Website. All students buying lunch or snacks will enter his or her Personal Identification Number (P.I.N.) as they purchase their lunch or snack. Assistance will be given to all students at the beginning of the year as they enter their P.I.N.

Parents may send in cash or a check payable to NA Cafeteria Fund at any time to deposit money into their child’s P.O.S. account. Cafeteria Payment envelopes should be used to include student name, Personal Identification Number (P.I.N.), and payment option. For those families with more than one child attending IES, please remember to use separate envelopes for each child. Reminders will be sent home with the student when their Point of Service (P.O.S.) account accrues a negative balance.

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Food Service Office at 724-934-7201 or 7202. Parent/guardians are responsible for assuring that a student’s [POS] account remains up to date with a positive balance. The district also has an online payment system called PaySchools Central. Log in to PaySchools Central at payschoolscentral.com. More information on PaySchools Central can be found at PaySchools.com.

Cafeteria time is meant to be a pleasant break in the day. Every student is expected to use proper table manners and speak in a normal tone of voice so that everyone may enjoy their lunch break. Restaurant-like behavior is expected, and students are to clean up after themselves.

Each year the North Allegheny School District publishes and distributes an Activities Calendar to each family. We hope that you will utilize this calendar, the district and school websites, and district publications to stay on top of upcoming opportunities and events. A weekly newsletter is sent with current events listed.

In the event that a need to disseminate emergency or crisis communications to parents and/or students should arise, the North Allegheny School District has a number of communication methods in place to facilitate this process. These include:

• SchoolMessenger
• The district website (northallegheny.org )
• Local television and radio stations (for example: KDKA TV, 1020 AM radio)
• By email

SchoolMessenger is a web-based automated system and is one of the North Allegheny School District’s communication vehicles for the delivery of information to parents/guardians and staff via phone, email, and/or text. Messages may include attendance notifications, school delays or cancellations, information about a serious health-related issue or a crisis response update. 

School Messenger and PowerSchool SIS sync on a daily basis. This means that if you change a contact phone number or email address in PowerSchool, SchoolMessenger will be updated automatically with that new information the following day.

All parent/guardian phone numbers and email addresses are imported into SchoolMessenger from the PowerSchool SIS. SchoolMessenger imports the cell, home and work phone numbers, as well as the email, provided in PowerSchool for contacts.  

Please note that within SchoolMessenger you are not able to edit the information that is imported from the PowerSchool SIS. Parents and guardians can access PowerSchool via the Tiger ID Dashboard. For more information on Tiger ID, click here. If you would like to update your contact information or add additional phone numbers, please submit an "Update Your Parent/Guardian Contact Information Form," available under the Forms Menu in the PowerSchool Portal.

On a two-hour delay day, students are not to arrive before 10:50 AM; school begins at 11:00 AM. Lunch is served; however, no recess is held. School hours for Kindergarten on delay days will be 11:00 AM–12:45 PM for morning session and 1:45–3:30 PM for afternoon session.

Students in grades K–5 will be using the Learning Management System, Canvas. Canvas is an app available on the student’s iPad, where teachers will post their daily agendas, assignments, and resources. Canvas also has a parent app that can be accessed through the parent’s Tiger ID account.

Before and after school child care is available at Marshall from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM.  This program is run by the Baierl Family YMCA.  For further information, call the YMCA at 724-934-9622.

It is very important that we maintain an up-to-date address, telephone number, and email with the district. If you have a change of any demographic information during the school year, please follow these instructions to complete a “Change of Demographics” form in PowerSchool.

Parent-Teacher conferences will be held on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026. Parents are encouraged to attend if they need to discuss academic progress and student well-being. Additional conferences can be requested by families or teachers throughout the year. Information will be sent out prior to conferences for parents to sign up for a conference with their child’s teacher.

In the event that a need to disseminate emergency or crisis communications to parents and/or students should arise, the North Allegheny School District has a number of communication vehicles in place to facilitate this process. These include: the district website www.northallegheny.org, NATV Cable (Armstrong 50, Comcast 98, Consolidate 406, and Verizon 33), contact with local television and radio stations, and SchoolMessenger.

Since 2009, the district has been utilizing SchoolMessenger, an automated telephone notification system that will deliver a personalized message to parents and employees in minutes. As it is a web-based program, its reliability and availability will not be affected by local power or equipment failures.

In addition, parents will be able to access the Contact Manager feature of this system via PowerSchool. This will allow them to determine which, if any, phone number(s) they would like to have messages sent to and/or opt for an email or text alert when they have a new phone message. Parents may choose not to receive SchoolMessenger, if they so desire.  SchoolMessenger will be used exclusively to broadcast weather-related cancellation or delay information, as well as other emergency or crisis-related messages.

If a student is involved in custody arrangements or legal restrictions, parents must submit appropriate court documentation to the school. This ensures student safety and helps staff adhere to legal directives regarding pickups, communications, and access. Custody agreements or court orders must be signed. They will be kept on file in the main office and will be considered the most up to date copy unless a parent/guardian presents revised or new paperwork to the office.

Schools follow the district’s Code of Conduct and implement positive behavior support frameworks. Students are expected to show respect, responsibility, and safety in all settings. Behavior infractions are addressed progressively and may result in parent contact, loss of privileges, or administrative action. Please review the district’s Code of Conduct.

All students riding the bus will be dismissed from their homerooms once their assigned bus has arrived.  If a student is a “pick-up”, they will leave at the 3:20 PM. bell.

If a child is to go home with someone other than his/her parent/guardian, a handwritten note MUST be sent to the school or the child will not be released.  Identification will also be requested for anyone picking up this child other than the parent or assigned guardian.

See the “Early Dismissal” section of the handbook for information regarding

“Early Dismissals” occurring earlier than normal dismissal time.

• Parents are strongly encouraged to send in a School Note with their child on the day of pick-up.  An electronic copy of the MES School Note is available on our school site MES School Note Form.    
• If the need arises over the course of the day for you to pick up your child(ren) at school, please call the school before 2:00 PM.  DO NOT SEND AN EMAIL TO THE TEACHER.  There is no guarantee that the email will be received in time.

End-of-Day Pick-ups

If you are picking up your child/children at the end of the day instead of riding the bus, please note the following.  An assigned number will be sent home with your child on the first day of school.  Each family will receive two cards with your assigned number. It is your responsibility that if someone other than the parent is picking up your child(ren), they are given the assigned family number card and a note is sent to the office with the name of the person. All students in a particular family will have the same assigned number regardless of grade level or members in the family.  This number will be used for end-of-day pick-ups only.

• All Marshall students are assigned a family number.
• Members of the same family will have the same number.
• At the end of the school day, homeroom teachers will give pick-up students their assigned family number to be used to match with the parent.
• Students will wait in the gymnasium for their family number to be called.
• Once the parent arrives with the family number, a staff member will match the family number to the student and release the child/children to the parent.
• All parents must stay in their vehicle for the process to run smoothly. Parents are not permitted to congregate at the door to wait for their child(ren).  
• Please display your number in the car window facing staff. Staff will readily make the number match and release your child/children to you. If your child is not ready to be picked up you may be asked to park in the lot and walk to the pick-up area while waiting for your child.  You must use the crosswalk.

This procedure will also be followed for our Halloween Party, Winter Party, Valentine’s Day Party, and Field Day.

We are proud of the way our students dress. A student’s individual dress indicates both self-respect and respect for others. While the school accommodates a wide variety of individual tastes, inappropriate dress is not acceptable.

Guidelines

The following should be used in determining appropriate school attire:

1. Articles must be clean (not soiled with grease, oil, paint, or dirt).
2. Clothing with slogans/emblems, etc., is acceptable as long as they do not depict illegal substances, indecent writing, or indecent pictures.
3. Warm weather clothing is appropriate with the following guidelines: halter tops or tank tops with spaghetti straps, tops exposing the midriff or display of undergarments, and torn or ragged clothing are not permitted.
4. Oversized trousers present problems regarding safety both for the individual student and fellow classmates. School staff will insist that fitting pants are worn so that students can maneuver with ease, particularly in an emergency situation.
5. Items of dress that disrupt the educational process and climate are inappropriate. Students are not to wear hats during the school day inside the building, unless it is for an approved fundraiser or activity. This also includes bandanas and head scarves (unless the head covering is based on religious reasons).
6. Footwear must be worn by all students. Flip-flops and other backless shoes are not encouraged. “Wheelie shoes” are not permitted at school.
7. Shorts or skirts must reach at the fingertips while arms are hanging naturally at the sides.
8. Tights or leggings may not be used underneath shorts or skirts to substitute length. Leggings may only be worn under appropriate length (fingertip) shorts, skirts, or dresses.

Bringing Students to School in the Morning

Please enter the front parking lot from the Marshall Campus and drop your child off in the MES Drop-Off Pick-Up Loop area by the cafeteria entrance.  Students may not enter the building prior to 8:50 AM. Exit through the parking lot towards MMS. 

Picking Up Students at the End of the Day

Please see Dismissal Procedures.

Fire Lane

Parking in the fire lane is not permitted at any time. If tardy to school you must park and escort your child into the building to sign them in late.

Main Road in Front of MES

This road is closed to car traffic during the following times:

8:45–9:10 AM and 3:15–3:45 PM—Buses only
11:30 AM–12:00 Noon and 12:30–1:00 PM—Kindergarten drop-off and pick-up

If a situation should arise that would require a student to leave the school at any time other than the normal dismissal time, the parent or guardian must send a handwritten note to the homeroom teacher who will then forward it to the office. Emails should not be sent since it is not guaranteed that the email will be received. All students must be signed out at the office by the parent or guardian. When the parent/guardian comes into the office, a driver’s license/photo identification is to be shown to an office staff member and the Visitor’s Dismissal Sign-out Log on the counter should be signed to indicate that your child/children have been picked up.  Children are not permitted to leave the building early and wait outside. Parents are encouraged to schedule normal medical and dental appointments after school hours if possible.

Students are NOT permitted to bring personal electronic devices to school unless the principal or teacher grants permission. Only district-issued devices are permitted. If an item has been confiscated from a student, the item will be housed in the office. The item will not be returned directly to the student. Parents must pick up confiscated items from the office.

The district uses a Student Information System called Powerschool. It is also a web-based grade book and reporting system that provides parents access to student records related to their schedule and academic progress. Parents can access Powerschool in their Tiger ID.   Please work closely with our front office secretaries to ensure your email address is current. Email addresses will be used periodically throughout the year to inform parents of important school and district related events.

Emergency drills will be held on a regularly scheduled basis during the course of the school year. The following is a list of drills and their scheduled frequency:

• Fire Drills—Monthly
• Emergency Weather Drill—Annually
• Emergency Drills (Hold, Lockdown or Secure)—Three drills annually
• Bus Evacuation Drills—August and March

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is based on the response to any given situation using common clear language—not codes or code words.

There is common vocabulary and symbols used with staff, students, parents, and emergency responders:

• Hold is a response that would clear the hallways, close and lock doors until the situation has been cleared.
• Lockdown is a safety response procedure that contains students and staff in safe locations within the building in the event of a threat to safety.
• Secure is a safety response that brings everyone inside the building and the perimeter is secured. No one is permitted in or out of the building during this time.
• If there is a need to Evacuate the building several locations are identified pending the emergency situation. Procedures are in place.
• Shelter is used in situations like weather related incidents such as tornadoes or earthquakes.

North Allegheny School District has a comprehensive safety plan that is continually discussed, rehearsed and evaluated. The district has adopted the use of the ALICE preparedness training model. The staff and students will be trained throughout the year to enhance our safety plans and to prepare everyone in the event of a critical incident. The district works closely with local emergency responders to ensure that safety plans are updated and promote a safe school environment. While safe evacuation from the building is sometimes the most prudent response to a threat to safety, such as a fire within the building, other responses can be appropriate pending the situation.

Drills for fire, lockdowns, and severe weather are held regularly. Staff are trained in protocols to keep students safe. In real emergencies, communication will be sent via the district’s notification system.

In the event that a need to disseminate emergency or crisis communications to parents and/or students should arise, the North Allegheny School District has a number of communication vehicles in place to facilitate this process.  

These include: 

• District website (www.northallegheny.org) 

• NATV Cable (Armstrong 50, Comcast 98, Consolidated 406, Verizon 33)

• Local television and radio stations. 

• SchoolMessenger is a telephone notification system that will deliver a personalized message to parents and employees in minutes. Since this automated service is web-based, its reliability and availability will not be affected by local power or equipment failures. In addition, parents will be able to access the Contact Manager feature of this system via Powerschool. This will allow them to determine which, if any, phone number(s) they would like to have messages sent to and/or opt for an email or text alert when they have a new phone message. Parents may choose not to receive SchoolMessenger alerts, if they so desire. SchoolMessenger will be used exclusively to broadcast weather-related cancellation or delay information, as well as other emergency or crisis-related messages.

When the building/district is on a two-hour delay, kindergarten will follow a special delay schedule. 

• Morning kindergarten—11:00 AM–12:45 PM 
• Afternoon kindergarten—1:45–3:30 PM  

All morning bus schedules will be delayed by the same amount of time.

Every Monday is Encore Day. Encore is offered to students in grades 1–5. These special subject areas are Art, Music, Library and Physical Education. Homeroom teachers will notify students of the specific dates for each of the special subject area Encore days.

Field trips that reinforce and enhance the North Allegheny curriculum are scheduled by various grade levels throughout the school year. Parents will receive notices about the field trips in advance of the scheduled trip date and will be asked to sign field trip permission forms. Chaperones must be approved and follow school guidelines. Student behavior expectations apply during all trips.

These trips are funded by the Marshall Elementary PFA. Families who are not members of the MES PFA will be requested to pay the necessary fees to have their child(ren) participate in the field trip.

There are an increased number of students in our schools who have serious food allergies.  Out of concern and respect for their well-being and an overall emphasis on health and wellness across our district, guidelines related to food items that may be brought into our classrooms have been reviewed and refined.  Due to severe life-threatening allergies, food treats are not permitted.  The North Allegheny School District encourages parents to consider bringing non-edible treats for students to enjoy instead of food items.

Students are to bring their band and orchestra instruments with them to school on days when they are scheduled to have small group practice or full ensemble practice. On occasion, students forget their instruments. Parents may need to bring the student instrument to school. Parents may drop the instrument off at the office.  Students are instructed to check at the office before their lesson or rehearsal for their instruments.  Phone call reminders to the classroom will not be made so as not to disturb the learning that is taking place during the day.

Students are not permitted to chew gum in or on the school property.

On various occasions throughout the year, students and staff will be asked to wear their grade level color. Students and staff are encouraged to wear their grade level color as a means of showing team spirit.

MES Grade Level Colors

Kindergarten: Red

First Grade: Orange

Second Grade: Yellow

Third Grade: Green

Fourth Grade: Blue

Fifth Grade: Purple

Students are not to wear hats during the school day inside the building, unless it is for an approved fundraiser or activity. This also includes bandanas and head scarves (unless the head covering is based on religious reasons).

Please visit the Health Services page of our website. You will find useful information about our medication policy, immunization requirements and health care information.

It is important that we have your current personal, work, and emergency phone numbers. In case of an emergency, accurate information can save valuable time in helping your child. Please remember to notify your child’s school at any time during the year of any changes in these numbers.

If you are planning to be out of town, please provide in writing the name of your child’s guardian and their contact information in your absence if it is someone who is not listed as an emergency contact. Without this consent, we cannot release your child to this caretaker.

If there is a change in the custodianship of your child, please notify the office and provide copies of any pertinent court agreements for this change to be honored.

Medications

Medications will be administered by the nurses according to school policy which includes written parental permission, and a doctor’s order for both prescription and nonprescription (OTC—over the counter) medications.  Please make sure to log into the SNAP Parent Health Portal to provide the necessary parental/guardian permission for the administration of acetaminophen or ibuprofen (age appropriate) as needed throughout the school year, for your child.

The following are a few important points to remember:

• Students are not permitted to carry medication with them at school. All medication is to be dispensed from the health office.  
• Medication is to be brought to school by the parent/guardian in the original container. Never allow your child to transport medication. The health office cannot and will not administer any medication in a baggy, paper towel, etc. This is for your child’s safety and is against school policy for medications. 
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be administered with parental/guardian permission and at the discretion of the school nurse. Please remember to provide permission for the administration of these medicines via the SNAP Parent Health Portal.

Illnesses

Please keep your child at home if he/she has any one of the following symptoms: 

• Temperature of 100 degrees or more
•  Vomiting or diarrhea
•  Persistent hacking cough or thick nasal drainage
•  Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Immunizations

State Law requires every student who intends to enroll in a public school to provide evidence of a successful vaccination history. At various ages, different vaccinations are necessary for enrollment. Should you have a question regarding the immunizations necessary for your child, please contact your School Nurse. These can also be found at Health Services / Immunizations.

The following illnesses require 24 hours of an antibiotic before returning to school: 

• Strep throat
• Scarlet fever
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Pediculosis (Lice)

If a child is suspected of having pediculosis (lice), the School Nurse will examine the suspected child and siblings. When head lice are found, the School Nurse will contact the parent of the child and provide educational materials concerning treatment and environmental control. Following treatment (this includes use of pediculicidal agent and nit removal), the School Nurse will examine your child’s head. Proof of treatment (pediculicidal agent or prescription packaging) must be provided to the School Nurse. Parents of the building will be notified via an Email Blast of the lice identification. Class or grade level will not be identified in the message. 

 Lice Facts 

• Incubation: Eggs of lice hatch in one week and maturity is reached in 8-10 days. 
• Symptoms: Irritation and itching of the scalp; presence of small light gray insects and/or their eggs (nits) which are attached to the base of the hairs and do not come off easily. 
• Methods of Spread: Direct contact with an infected person and indirect contact with their personal belongings, especially headgear. Lice do not jump. 
• Period of Communicability: While lice or nits remain alive on the infested person or belongings. 
• Other information: Lice have nothing to do with the cleanliness of one’s home, nor live on pets.

While lice are a nuisance, they are not life threatening. The District’s goals are for head lice to have minimal disruption to students’ educational experiences and minimize the stigmatizing impact on students and families

Homework reinforces classroom learning and fosters independence. Assignments should be age-appropriate and clearly communicated. Parents are encouraged to support routines but not complete the work for students. If homework becomes difficult, families should contact the teacher. Homework for all students should be listed on their teacher’s Canvas page. 

Homework Guidelines

Student Responsibilities

The student will:

1. Budget time to complete assignments made.
2. Arrange to make up missed assignments as required by the teacher.
3. Ask for further explanation if original directions are not completely understood.
4. Students in Grades 3, 4, 5 will record homework assignments as specified by their classroom teacher.  These students will most likely use their District-provided iPad to record these assignments.
5. Initiate the request for help when needed.
6. Properly manage time and task completion on long term assignments.

Parent Responsibilities

The parent will:

1. Provide a quiet, well-lighted study area with a desk or table and comfortable chair.
2. Keep study tools available:  pencils, sharpener, pen, crayons, paper, ruler, and dictionary.
3. Establish a regular time for homework.
4. Limit television viewing and avoid TV or radio listening during study time.
5. Inquire about your child’s homework and help him/her to budget time for completion and get ample sleep.
6. Encourage step-by-step work on long term or major projects to avoid last minute, careless work.
7. Check teacher websites weekly for homework information. 

Time Guidelines

Students should expect homework on a regular basis in accordance with the following averages:

Grade 1—10 minutes

Grade 2—20 minutes

Grade 3—30 minutes

Grade 4—40 minutes

Grade 5—50 minutes

These time allotments are suggested for four to five nights per week for most elementary students. Homework may take your child more or less time. Homework may be assigned periodically on Fridays, if needed. However, reading literature, trade books, and journal writing is always appropriate for evenings, weekends, and vacations. Any questions or concerns about homework should be addressed to the teacher who initiated the assignment.

Make-Up Work   

Requests for absent students’ homework assignments may be made on a student’s second day of illness/absence. Parents are asked to call the school before 10:00 AM on the second day of absence. Students who miss a single day of school can get their missed assignments upon their return to school the following day. Children will be granted additional time to complete their assignments upon their return.

Extended Illness  

Contact your child’s teacher to make specific arrangements for absences of one week or longer.

All students have access to the Internet. The internet is accessible through their iPads. All students are expected to follow the North Allegheny Acceptable Use Policy when using technology at school. Policy 224.1

Students are expected to use school-issued devices responsibly and only for educational purposes. Students will be restricted from accessing apps and websites that encourage passive consumption of digital content (e.g., video streaming, gamified content). Violations such as visiting inappropriate sites, attempting to bypass district content restrictions, or damaging devices may result in restricted access or disciplinary action.

As part of our NASD Strategic/Comprehensive Plan and continued commitment to providing innovative and effective learning experiences, students in grades K-12 may be given access to district-approved generative AI tools (such as writing assistants, content generators, and tutoring aids) to support instruction, creativity, and productivity. These tools are carefully vetted by the district to ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and instructional standards. As students engage in our classroom learning experiences and instructional programs, families understand that their child may use district-approved learning tools under the guidance of a teacher and in accordance with district policies, including alignment with Board Policy 224.1 Responsible Computer, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Use.

Use of District-Approved Generative AI Tools

As part of our NASD Strategic/Comprehensive Plan and continued commitment to providing innovative and effective learning experiences, students in grades K-12 may be given access to district-approved generative AI tools (such as writing assistants, content generators, and tutoring aids) to support instruction, creativity, and productivity. These tools are carefully vetted by the district to ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and instructional standards. As students engage in our classroom learning experiences and instructional programs, families understand that their child may use district-approved learning tools under the guidance of a teacher and in accordance with district policies, including alignment with Board Policy 224.1 Responsible Computer, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Use.

Students are expected to use school-issued devices responsibly and only for educational purposes. Violations such as visiting inappropriate sites or damaging devices may result in restricted access or disciplinary action.

Questions often arise regarding what toys or game-like items students may bring to school.  Children are NOT permitted to bring radios, video games, cellular telephones, or other electronic equipment to school.  Trading cards and fidget spinners are not permitted at school. Children should not bring valuables or large sums (over $5.00) of money to school.

• AM Kindergarten begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at 11:45 AM
• PM Kindergarten begins at 12:45 PM and concludes at 3:30 PM

The district provides bus transportation to AM Kindergarten and from PM Kindergarten. The noontime transportation is the responsibility of the parents/guardians.

Unclaimed items are placed in a school’s Lost and Found area. Parents and students should check it periodically. Labeling items with names is encouraged to ensure a prompt return.

All students are expected to eat daily—either a packed lunch or a lunch from the cafeteria.  Students who do not have a bagged lunch or money to purchase a lunch will be given a lunch from the cafeteria.  The cost of the lunch will be billed to the student’s P.O.S. account.

Homeless Students

Under McKinney Vento all school districts are responsible for identifying students experiencing homelessness and connecting them with the resources needed to ensure academic success. 

Who is considered homeless?

Children or youth living in a shelter, transitional housing, hotel/motel,
vehicle, campground, on the street or doubled up with friends or family due to a lack of alternate resources are considered homeless. An unaccompanied homeless youth is a child or youth that is not in the care of their parent or legal guardian and meets the definition of homeless under McKinney-Vento.

Where can students experiencing homelessness attend school?

The law indicates that homeless students have the right to remain in their school origin (the school they attended at the time of the homeless episode or last school attended) through the end of the school year in which they find permanent housing, provided it is in the child/youth’s best interest. If through consultation between the school and the family and/or unaccompanied youth it is determined that remaining in the school of origin is not in the student’s best interest, then the student has the right to immediately enroll in the school that non-homeless students living in the attendance area in which the child/youth is actually living are eligible to attend, even if they do not have all of the required documentation. Additionally, unaccompanied homeless youth have the right to immediately enroll in school, even if they do not have a legal guardian present.

What supports can school districts provide to homeless students?

Homeless students are eligible for supports and services to remove barriers to educational success. This may include transportation to the school of origin, free meals, referrals to physical/mental health providers, clothing to meet school requirements, access to school supplies and resources, assistance with credit recovery, tutoring supports, expedited evaluations and assistance to participate in school activities including parent engagement opportunities, sports, club, etc.

Homeless Dispute Process

If at any time there is a disagreement about homeless status or best interest for school placement, the district will notify the family in writing of their determination that the
family/unaccompanied youth is ineligible for McKinney Vento services. At this time, the district will provide the family/unaccompanied youth with the ability to dispute their determination.

Throughout the dispute process, the child/youth, including unaccompanied youth, will continue to be educated in the school of origin or immediately enrolled in the school they are seeking enrollment in until the dispute process is finalized. Transportation will continue throughout the dispute process. All disputes will be sent to the ECYEH Regional Coordinator who will issue a determination. If any party is unhappy with the determination, they can elevate the dispute to the state coordinator.

What if I think that I am eligible for services under McKinney Vento?

Contact Dr. Carrie Frohnapfel, Homeless Liaison for the North Allegheny School District at 412-630-5804 or cfrohnapfel@northalleghney.org

The North Allegheny School District is committed to helping all children succeed. There are many ways to help children learn and ensure those who need additional support are successful. The Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS) is one of the recommended best practices from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to ensure ALL students meet continual academic and behavioral success. This support will be given to ALL students through ongoing collaboration involving teachers, administrators, families, and specialists. Through systematic district and school--wide efforts, students will be provided services based on the evaluation of individual needs through a universal screener, consistent progress monitoring, and collaborative problem-solving efforts. Please see additional
information under Testing and Screeners.

Wellcheck

As part of the MTSS process, wellcheck is designed to bring school resources together to evaluate a student’s academic progress. The team meets to determine the root causes of deficiencies and plan for intervention. The goal of the process is to define and analyze the problem, plan for the implementation of an intervention, progress monitor and evaluate if the intervention is working.  The team meets every six to eight weeks to evaluate progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Reminders will be sent home with the student when their P.O.S. account accrues a negative balance. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Food Service Office at 724-934-7201.

Co-Presidents: Brittany Kregiel & Danielle Devlin

VP Volunteers: Nidhi Pandey

VP Membership: Christina Ashwin

VP of Parties: Priyanka Saxena

Secretary: Jessica Daley

Treasurer: Kayla Busche

IT Lead: Nicole Radford

Member-at-Large: Mitch Davda & Leah Anderson

Marshall has a very productive volunteer program.  You may volunteer to directly work with students, or indirectly by helping prepare materials that will be used in the classrooms. Any amount of time you volunteer is greatly appreciated. Please reference the Volunteer Clearances section for additional information.

Marshall Elementary has established a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. The school-wide expectations for all students are:

• Make Safe Choices
• Everyone Owns Their Actions
• Show Kindness

Students will participate in lessons and activities to learn about the PBIS program at Marshall Elementary. Additionally, students will receive “Tiger Tickets” from teachers in recognition of positive behavior throughout the school building.

The district has implemented a Student Information System called PowerSchool.  An electronic Parent Portal is available, providing parents a web-based gradebook and reporting system with access to student records, schedule and academic performance, as well as the opportunity to update demographic and contact information.  

If a parent/guardian or student detects a discrepancy in grade of attendance information, this issue should be addressed with the Teacher of Record for the class in question as soon as possible.  Inaccuracies in demographic/contact information can be corrected through the student’s building administrative or office staff.  

Typically, assignment scores/grades are posted within five (5) school days of the return of the assignment, with some exceptions based on the complexity of the assignment and/or project.  The information provided through PowerSchool SIS’s Parent Portal is not in final form and is subject to change and correction. 

We are fortunate at MES to have large playground areas. The teachers and playground assistants will explain rules for this area to all students. They are to be followed with no exceptions. Failure to follow these rules may result in the loss of playground privileges.  Follow directions of the assistant when given.

• Playground equipment will be used properly, in the manner for which it was intended and designed.
• Each child will show respect for adults and other children.
• When the whistle blows, children should put equipment away and get into a line.
• Do not throw stones.
• No chasing/tag games in stone area.
• Center grass area in front of art rooms is off limits at all times.
• Stay away from trees, bushes, and classroom windows.
• Stay off fence and back stop.
• Ask permission before retrieving equipment from behind the fence.
• Watch out for others/equipment.
• No carrying other children.
• Use equipment only when dry.
• Snacks in the lunchroom only.
• Children will stay in assigned areas.
• Keep in mind our PBIS expectations: Make Safe Choices, Everyone Owns Their Actions, and Show Kindness 

On days with inclement weather, recess is held in the classroom.  We will not go outside if it is raining or storming or if the wind chill factor is below 20 degrees.  However, we try to go out as often as possible, so dress appropriately on cold weather days.

Report cards are issued quarterly. Families can access grades through their Powerschool portal. Report cards will be available at the end of each nine week period for grades 1–5. Kindergarten students receive report cards at the end of each semester.

Student Assistance Program (SAP) is designed to assist school personnel in identifying issues, which pose a barrier to a student’s learning.  The primary goal of SAP is to help students overcome these barriers in order that they may achieve.  SAP is a systemic process using techniques to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning.  Please contact our School Counselors, Mrs. Jamie Flesher or Mrs. Kelly Kevan, should you have any concerns.

North Allegheny School District and Marshall Elementary School offer several after-school programs for our students. For any of the programs, students will be called to the appropriately assigned area at dismissal time. Transportation home is then the responsibility of the parent.  Students are not permitted to wander the parking lot.

The North Allegheny School District is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is forbidden at any school facility.

The following special education and gifted services are available for those students who meet the requirements:  GOAL, Speech, Autistic, Life Skills, Emotional Support and Learning Support. Contact the Special Education Department (412-635-4109) if there are any questions about these programs.

A student who arrives at school after 9:05 AM is considered tardy. The parent/guardian must escort their child into the office and sign him/her in upon arrival.  All students entering school after 9:05 AM, must check in the office prior to going to their classroom.  Failure to sign the student into the office may result in an absence being recorded for the entire school day.

There are three reasons recognized as valid excuses for tardiness: severe weather conditions; bus transportation difficulties; and personal accident or illness. 

A tardy student must stop in the office to receive a late slip to enter class and must submit a signed tardy note from the parent/guardian at that time. 

The district’s Attendance Policy will be strictly enforced for excessive tardiness.

Students are not to make telephone calls from any telephone or Smart Watches other than the designated office telephone. The telephone is to be used by students only in emergencies.  When we allow students to call home for homework, lunch money, and forgotten musical instruments, we are not encouraging them to take responsibility for themselves. Students must have the permission of their teacher and an adult to use the telephone.

Various kinds of testing are administered throughout the school year. Results are used to help determine individual student progress and to adjust curriculum and instruction if necessary.

aimswebPlus

The aimswebPlus program is a web-based system that provides teachers data to identify students who will benefit from early intervention strategies and targeted instruction (remediation and enrichment). The screener is used in grades K–2, but it can be used in grades 3–5 when needed. AimswebPlus uses brief, valid, and reliable measures of foundational skills in reading and math. The system is designed to universally screen and progress monitor students. The screener is given three times a year.

STAR 360

Students in grades 3–5 will be utilizing STAR 360. Three times a year, students take an online assessment allowing teachers and students to gain information about learning strengths and areas to improve in the areas of reading and math.

Study Island Benchmark Assessments

The Study Island Benchmark Assessments are administered 2 or 3 times during the school year. This assessment is closely aligned with PSSA content, and is used to provide teachers in grades 3, 4, and 5 with additional information on the skill levels of individual students as well as to enhance instruction and intervention strategies within the classroom specific to students’ needs. Students do not receive grades.

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is a criterion referenced test used to measure students’ progress toward mastering the Pennsylvania Academic Standards in grades 3 through 5. The academic standards identify proficiency levels in ELA and Math for grades 3 through 5, and Science in grade 5 (starting 24–25 school year). The dates for the PSSA tests are listed in the school calendar. Students are to be in school during the district
assessments and State (PSSA) testing, except in cases of illnesses. The dates for the tests are listed in the school calendar as well as the notifications from the school. As these tests are important, vacations will rarely be approved for the weeks of these tests. Due to the necessity to complete the tests within a given window for all students as mandated by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education, make-ups will occur for students during instructional time if missed.

Each child is responsible for the care and maintenance of the books assigned to them at the start of the school year.

District procedure states that the parent/guardian is responsible for the replacement cost of lost books or those damaged beyond use. School materials such as books, calculators, etc. that are assigned to students must be replaced if lost or damaged. The cost of textbooks/materials varies due to the original purchase price and age. If an item is later recovered, the amount paid will be returned assuming good condition.

All threats—verbal or written—must be taken seriously. For the safety of our students, all threats will be investigated and the School District’s Code of Conduct strictly enforced.

The parent/guardian of a student who wishes to have the student excused from compulsory school attendance in order to participate in an educational tour or trip must submit an application to the principal of the school in which the child is enrolled. Except for emergency situations, this request is to be submitted at least 5 calendar days prior to the date on which the student seeks to be excused for compulsory attendance. It is strongly recommended that vacations be scheduled when school is not in session.  

If a student will be absent for more than ten (10) consecutive school days, the student will be withdrawn. The district will attempt to provide support to the student during the extended absence so that he/she is able to make successful reentry into the school upon their return.  However, the family will need to re-enroll the child upon return and be required to provide two current utility bills to the office. 

For students in grades 2–5, no vacations can be approved during local standardized assessments tests or during the 3rd–5th grade PSSA testing. Please check the school calendar for the specific test dates.

Upon request by a parent/guardian, teachers shall submit a list of student assignments/responsibilities for the period of absence during an approved absence.

Assignments/responsibilities may be made either prior to the absence or upon return to school.  All assignments which are to be completed shall be submitted to the teacher(s) upon return to school or within a reasonable period of time as designated by the teacher(s).

Days absent for vacation count as days absent from school since students are not present for the learning experience. Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to schedule vacations outside of the school day. Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to monitor days absent to avoid excessive absenteeism. (Please see “Attendance” section for information on Attendance procedures related to excessive absenteeism.)

Access a Student application for Educational Tour or Trip Form

All visitors must report to the office, register with Raptor, show ID, and wear a visitor badge. Visits should be pre-arranged and may be limited during testing or other sensitive times. Volunteer clearances are required for classroom or field trip involvement.

To ensure the safety of the children, visitors will not be permitted to wander through the building. Messages for students or teachers may be given to the secretary in the office so that classroom instruction is not interrupted.  No one will be permitted to go to a classroom unless prior arrangements have been made with the classroom teachers.

Volunteers are required to submit necessary clearances prior to volunteering at any of the district’s twelve schools as outlined in Pennsylvania’s Act 153 Volunteer Clearance Legislature.  For information about the types of clearances or how to submit clearances, volunteers should visit the Volunteers & Visitors webpage for important information about the type of clearances and the procedures for submitting the clearances.

Students are not permitted to walk to or from Marshall Elementary School.

The North Allegheny School District strictly prohibits the possession or storage of weapons by students on school property. This is detailed in School Board Policy 218.1. For the purpose of this policy, the definition of a weapon also includes weapon “look-alikes.” The district’s Code of Conduct will be strictly adhered to if a weapon is brought to school.

In an effort to establish and maintain a safe and healthy school environment for all children, the North Allegheny School District approved the guidelines that are within the Student Wellness Policy #246. As stated in the Birthday section of this handbook, edible treats are not permitted due to life threatening allergy-related concerns.

The North Allegheny School District strives to improve the efficiency of communication with and access to information for parents/guardians. The district will send a building-specific email newsletter every Friday evening (except scheduled holiday breaks) to parents/guardians. This email will highlight the top happenings at each building, upcoming important dates, district information, and links to community flyers. Parents/guardians
will only receive emails from their student’s building. An archive of emails will be available on the district website and updated with the latest newsletters each Monday morning.

Parent/guardian email addresses are collected at the time of registration and are used to share district and building-level communications, and to provide updates from the district’s online gradebook and student information system. It is important for parents/guardians to update any changes in their email address by contacting the building secretary.