OHES Family Handbook

School Hours

• Student arrival is between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM
• Students are designated tardy beginning at 9:31 AM
• Dismissal begins at 3:40 PM

Please Arrive On Time Daily

Students who arrive late may miss out on important details and be unprepared for learning concepts. When students show up on time to school every day, they develop the habit of being punctual with important commitments.

Attendance

Attendance Matters

• There is a strong and positive correlation between scholar attendance and scholar achievement. Regular, full day attendance at school ensures that the scholars maximize their opportunities to learn and collaborate with their peers. Thus, we strongly encourage parents to make certain that, when at all possible, scholars are in attendance at school, on time, and ready to learn.  
• The Prince George’s County Public Schools policy regarding absences states a child must provide a note providing a legal reason for his/her absence in order to receive make-up work.  
• If a teacher does not receive a note for an absence, the student will receive grades of 0% for all classwork, homework, and assessments missed due to the unexcused absence.  
• In instances where the parents know in advance that the scholar will be missing school, they should inform their child’s teacher as soon as possible. Only scholar illness, bereavement, a school sponsored event, participation in court proceedings, and religious holidays will be coded as excused absences. Scholars missing an excessive number of school days due to illness may be required to present medical documentation.
• Scholars who miss school due to an excused absence will be permitted to make up work in accordance with the schools makeup policy. If scholars miss school for unexcused reasons, they may not be permitted to make-up missed work (i.e. classwork, quizzes, tests, and/or projects).

Attendance Information

All students are expected to attend school regularly in accordance with The Public Schools Laws and Bylaws of Maryland 1984.  According to Bylaw 13A.08.01.02, “Absence from school, including absence for any portion of the day, of students who are presently enrolled in public schools shall be considered lawful only under the following conditions:  death in the immediate family, illness of the child, quarantine, court summons, violent storms, work or activity approved or sponsored by the school or the local school system, or the state education agency, observance of a religious holiday, or state emergency.”  Excessive absences will result in a referral to the Pupil Personnel Worker for further investigation.

Tardiness

Children may enter the school building beginning at 9:00 AM each day.  They are expected to be seated and ready for the school day to begin at 9:30 AM.  The beginning of the day is extremely important for students and teachers.  When a child arrives late, the class and teacher are inconvenienced and the late student is unaware of announcements and instructions that have already been given.  In addition, arriving on time is a habit that we work to establish with all children at a young age.  We urge parents to make every effort to have your child at school on time each day.  Students arriving late, after 9:30 AM, must report with their parent/guardian to the office to obtain a late pass to take to their teacher.  Excessive tardiness may result in a referral to the Pupil Personnel Worker for further action.

Absences

When a child is absent, you will receive an automated call from us via the School Communication System (SCS). When the child returns to school after an absence, you must send a note to the teacher explaining the reason for the child’s absence.  When your child is absent, parents are asked to contact the main office, as well as your child’s teacher to inform them of the absence.  Teachers will review missed work when a child returns to school after an excused lawful absence.  Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher to obtain missed assignments.

Excused Absences and Make Up School Work

Scholars who miss school due to an excused absence will be permitted to make up work in accordance with the schools makeup policy. If scholars miss school for unexcused reasons, they may not be permitted to make-up missed work (i.e. classwork, quizzes, tests, and/or projects).

Arrival Map | Dismissal Map

Arrival

• Students are expected to arrive at school between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM.  School staff supervision is not available before 9:00; therefore, children who walk to school, car riders, or arrive in a daycare van should not arrive at school before 9:00 AM. 
• If your child is a car rider, parents are to:

*Stay in the car.  The car line is a “kiss and ride” zone.  Staff members will provide directions when students are to safely exit the car.  For the safety of our school team and students, please put your car in park when your child is exiting your car.  Also please make sure you are looking forward at all times and following the directions of the staff member on duty.  

• If you need to get out of your car, please park your car in the parking lot.  The goal of the car line is to keep the cars moving.  

There is no parking on the side road by the front of the school for drop offs.

Arrival Map -  Building and Roads Aerial View

Dismissal

• Afternoon announcements begin at 3:25 PM.   If you desire to pick-up children early please do so before 3:00 PM. Early dismissals will NOT be permitted after 3:00 PM.  It disrupts the flow of afternoon dismissal and jeopardizes the safety of our students. 
• Have you chosen a dismissal plan for your child? 
• There is no parking on the side road by the front of the school for pick ups.

Dismissal Plans

• Option #1 My child will be a bus rider
• Option #2 My child will be a car rider.
• Option #3 My child will be a walker                      

For safety reasons, a caregiver, parent/guardian, or older sibling must accompany Kindergarten - 1st grade walkers.  

In order to avoid confusion, it is important to keep your family’s dismissal plan consistent. 

Our school does not have a before and aftercare program.

Bus Riders Dismissal Plan

• Please remember that a caregiver/parent or guardian must meet pre-K and Kindergarten students at the bus stop. If no one is at the bus stop, the driver will bring the student/s back to Oxon Hill Elementary.  
• All pre-K and kindergarten students must wear their school provided vest each day for dismissal school bus.  Please send the vest to school everyday.

If your child rides a school bus, please discuss with him/her the following Student Bus Rider Responsibilities as determined by the school system:

• Be at designated stop ten minutes prior to pick-up time.
• Only ride the bus you are assigned to by the PGCPS Department of Transportation.
• Get on and off the bus at your assigned stop.
• Remain seated while the bus is in motion; keep noise down by talking in normal conversational tones only; maintain normal classroom standard of conduct.
• No eating or drinking on the bus; no animals or other non-school related objects should be taken onto the bus.
• Do not extend arms, hands, head, or any object from windows, or throw any object from the bus.
• A responsible adult or designee is expected to meet Kindergarten children at the bus stop. If the bus driver is uncertain if the child will have a responsible escort at the stop, they will return the child to school.

According to regulations issued by the Board of Education, students who are not bus riders may not ride a bus. In addition, students may not ride a bus different from the one they are assigned. If your child is to go home with a bus rider, please contact school administration for authorization. Regulations prohibit parents from riding the buses to and from school.

Car Riders Dismissal Plan

• Car rider dismissal will begin at 3:40 PM.    
• Parents should gather in the car line area, making 2 lines.
• You should have your color code visible on your dashboard.  Your color code identification card will be distributed during the first week of school.  If someone other than yourself is picking up your child/children they will be required to provide the color code information.   
• Your child will be brought to you.  
• Please stay in your car in order to keep the flow of the car line consistent.  
• Please put your car in park when your child is entering your car.  
• When exiting the car line all traffic must turn left out of the parking lot. 

Walkers Dismissal Plan

• Walker dismissal will begin at 3:40 PM.
• Parents are to pick up their child/children from the back entrance by the playground.  
• Make sure you are able to provide the staff on duty your child’s color code in order for your child to be released to you.  Your color code identification card will be distributed during the first week of school.  If someone other than yourself is picking up your child/children they will be required to provide the color code information.

Arrival & Dismissal Final Notes

• All students must be picked up no later than 3:40 PM.
• If a child is to follow a different dismissal protocol, parents must send a note to the teacher indicating the date and change prior to the change.    
• A child may not visit another child’s home after school or be transported by a person not in your family without prior parent approval.  This rule is for all children’s safety.  If a student does not bring a note to school, we will insist that he/she follows the normal dismissal routine.  Once a student has boarded the bus, the student will not be removed from the bus.

Early Dismissal

• If it is necessary for a student to be dismissed early from school, parents are asked to send a note or email to the child’s teacher.  When arriving to pick up children for early dismissal, parents must report to the front office and present government issued identification. 
• If an adult other than individuals listed on the emergency contact document are picking up a child, that person must be designated in writing.  They will be required to present Photo ID.  Photo ID will also be requested from individuals on the emergency contact document if they have never been to the school. 
• Frequent early dismissals is a disruption to your child’s learning.  
• Early dismissals will NOT be permitted after 3:00pm.  It disrupts the flow of afternoon dismissal and jeopardizes the safety of our students.

School Closures

• In cases of poor weather conditions or other local emergencies, changes in the dismissal routine may be modified.  Oxon Hill Elementary personnel are not responsible for the final decision to close school. 
• These decisions concerning early morning closings are generally made prior to 5:00 AM.  Radio stations and television stations within the Washington Metropolitan area then provide an announcement.  The goal is to contact the stations in time for early morning broadcasts that begin between 5:00 and 6:00 AM.
• This information may also be accessed on the Prince George’s County Public Schools web page at www.pgcps.org.  Parents can sign up to receive emails about delayed openings and early closings. See the PGCPS Emergency Notifications page and sign up to receive E-alerts through SchoolMessenger.

SchoolMessenger

Code of Student Conduct

• The basic policy of the Board of Education regarding student conduct and discipline is found in the Administrative Procedure 10101 - Student Rights and Responsibilities, SECTION 7: PGCPS Code of Student Conduct
• At the start of the school year, our Professional School Counselor will review the Code of Student Conduct with all students.
• The staff at Oxon Hill Elementary work with children in a positive manner in order to maintain good order at all times.  Students understand that rules are made so that they will be able to learn and function in a safe environment.  Staff members communicate with parents regarding problems that a child may be having with discipline.  Parents are encouraged to provide as much support as possible in this area.

Oxon Hill's Way on Full Display

Oxon Hill Elementary School is a PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) school. PBIS is a framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. PBIS is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives.

Oxon Hill's Way

• I am RESPECTFUL, attentive, courteous to all.
• I am RESPONSIBLE, focused, committed to learn
• I am SAFE, smart, ready to do my part.
• I am PREPARED, steady, with a vision and mission to be College and Career Ready.

What Can You Do To Help Your Child Stay On The Path To Positive Behavior?

• Ask your child about his/her day at school every day. 
• Make sure your child is ready every day. Ensure a good night’s sleep. 
• Provide a quiet time and space for your child to do homework nightly. 
• Keep in touch with your child’s teacher. 
• Practice positive phrases with your child, such as, “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” “Please,” and “I’m sorry.” 
• Attend school events and other school activities as your schedule allows.

PGCPS Dress Code

• No hats or “skull-caps” are to be worn at any time. Headdresses can be worn indoors for religious or health reasons only.
• Shirts and blouses should be continuous from neckline to waist.  The mid-section should never be visible. Tank tops or muscle shirts are not allowed.
• Clothing with vulgar language, obscene pictures, weapons, drugs/alcohol, drug paraphernalia and/or tobacco Products are not allowed.
• Identifiable gang/crew clothing or paraphernalia are not allowed.
• See-through clothing is not allowed.
• Skirts, dresses, shorts, and spandex skirts should be no shorter than the individual’s fingertip level.
• Pants should be secured at the waist; no sagging below waist to expose undergarments.
• Tights, stretch pants, leggings, and spandex body suits must be worn with clothing long enough to cover the buttocks.
• Shoes must be worn.  (For your safety soft-soled or closed toed shoes are recommended for recess and Physical Education.

Mandatory Uniform Dress Code

Código de vestimenta uniforme

Oxon Hill Elementary, has a mandatory uniform policy.  All students are required to wear their uniform daily. A description of the uniform is provided.

Uniform examples - navy blue bottoms, light blue or white tops, socks, closed toe shoes.

Código de vestimenta uniforme

Todos los estudiantes deben usar el uniforme de la escuela.

Personal Cell Phones & Portable Electronics

• Students are allowed to be in possession of Portable Electronic Devices (PED). However, students may not use such a device in a manner that will disrupt the school environment. PED may not be used when students are getting on and off the bus and during the school day.
• The use (calling, texting, playing games) of cellphones during the school day are not permitted unless given permission.
• If a PED is not used in accordance with Administrative Procedure 5132 administration will secure the device and return it to the parent. The school is not responsible for such devices if they are lost, stolen or damaged.  Additional information can be found in the SRRH and Administrative Procedure 5132.

Computer Technology Usage

Students using technology (computers and the Internet) on the school premises must adhere to the following guidelines:

• No illegal activity
• No “chat rooms” or “chat lines”
• No Internet sites that promote activities or opinions inappropriate to a
• No use of equipment for commercial purposes
• Must not impede network operations
• Must not interfere with others’ work or use another’s account
• Must not misrepresent one’s own identity
• Must not disclose one’s identity on the Internet

School Issued Devices

Students in pre-K through 5th grade will be provided a school issued chromebook.  The use of technology is for the sole purpose of improving educational outcomes and therefore scholars are expected to:

1. All devices and accessories assigned to students are the property of Prince George’s County Public Schools  and are on loan to the student. 
2. The use of the computing device is a privilege, not a right.
3. Inappropriate use will result in loss of privileges and will be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the principal. 
4. Families are responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices. 

Breakfast and Lunch Information

Meals for School Year 2024-2025

Oxon Hill Elementary  has been designated as a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a program under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) that aims to increase access to nutritious meals for students. Schools that qualify for CEP can provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students without the need for individual meal applications

Meal Prices for School Year 2024-2025

• Breakfast is free for all students.
• Lunch is free for all students.

Students are welcome to bring lunch to school each day!

Student Meal Accounts

While school meals are free for all students, any additional snack/drink items would need to be purchased. Parents and guardians can deposit funds into their student accounts via online payment at Myschoolbucks.com. The following forms of payment are accepted: cash or certified checks or money orders at the register. Our school does not accept checks.

Reporting Student Progress

Yellow Folders

• Classroom teachers will communicate their policy for monitoring and reporting student progress. Each student will be given a yellow folder, which is used to bring home graded papers, classwork, and school information.  Parents are requested to review your child’s work, school information and communications from the teacher and make certain that the folder is returned to school in accordance with the teacher’s policy.

Progress Reports

• A progress report will be sent home with all students at the midpoint of each grading period.  If you have questions about the progress report, please contact your child’s teacher.

Report Cards

• Our county reporting system for grades K-5 provides for four report cards to convey pupil progress during the school year.  In addition, at least one parent-teacher conference will be scheduled during the year.  Parents or teachers may request a conference at any time to discuss a child’s progress in school.   At any time during the year, parents may access their child’s grades through ParentVUE. 
• Kindergarten and first grade will receive letter grades PR (Proficient), IP (In Process), EM (Emerging) and ND (Needs Development).  Students in grades 2-5 will receive letter grades of A, B, C, D, or E based upon individual performance according to the teacher’s calculation of the students’ performance each quarter.  
• In accordance with PGCPS Policy, students in grades 2 -5 will receive Honor Roll for a Grade Point average of 3.0 or higher with no grade lower than a C and Principal’s Honor Roll for a grade point average of 4.0. We will have quarterly Awards Ceremonies to recognize and celebrate student accomplishments!

*For issues with access to ParentVUE, please review the ParentVUE Support page for helpful information first. If your issue is not resolved please contact the school at 301-749-4290.

Student Information System

Our student information system is an online tool that allows parents to monitor their child’s academic performance. Parents are encouraged to check their child's progress on a regular basis.

Parents and guardians can access our student information system using the links below. Families will need to submit student information through the Synergy portal to retrieve an access code to complete their ParentVUE account activation.

PGCPS requires teachers to input two grades per week for each scholar subject area into the student information system.  The parent should initiate any additional communication regarding scholar grades.

Home/School Communication

At Oxon Hill Elementary, the expectation is that parents and staff will work together to ensure that our scholars receive the best education possible. Positive parent-teacher communication is a vital means to building a strong school community while also ensuring that scholars have the home and school support necessary to achieve academic success. Teachers are required to respond to parent communication (i.e. email or phone calls) within a 48 hours window of time, excluding weekends. We ask that parents understand that due to teacher obligations to plan lessons, instruct scholars, and communicate with multiple parents, they will need up to 48 hours to respond to parent inquiries.

Weekly Updates

Mrs. Transou will share weekly updates, which will provide strategies to support the home school connection, upcoming school events, and important school information. The updates are shared on Class Dojo.  All parents are encouraged to connect to Class Dojo at the start of the school year.  Individual teachers may send updated newsletters or emails with relevant grade-level  information.

Telephone Calls to School

Teachers’ availability to take telephone calls during the school day is difficult.  Please feel free to call and leave a message or email your child’s teacher.  Please expect a response within 48 hours.

Faculty & Staff Directory

Bullying

Bullying refers to conduct that:

• Adversely affects a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the school's educational programs or activities;
• Is a result of repeated negative actions (intentional, aggressive behavior) by one or more other students over time; and
• Occurs in a relationship in which there is an imbalance of power.  

A student is bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly and over time to intentional negative actions on the part of one or more students, and whose ability to participate in and benefit from the school’s educational programs or activities is adversely affected.  Bullying causes harm from repeated negative conduct in a relationship with an imbalance of power.

Resources

• https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/what-is-bullying
• https://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/parents/definition-impact-roles.asp

What to do if you are a victim of bullying

There are things you can do

• if you are being bullied:
• In a calm, clear voice, tell the person to STOP.
• If speaking up seems too hard or not safe, walk away and stay away.
• Report the bullying to a trusted adult.
• Do not keep your feelings inside. Talk to a trusted adult.

Reporting Bullying

Report Bullying Now

Visitors

• All visitors to Oxon Hill Elementary must report to the main office immediately upon entering the building. PGCPS states that visitors must show identification, sign in with the front office staff and obtain an electronic RAPTOR visitor pass before proceeding throughout the building.  This pass must remain visible at all times.  
• Visitors wishing to conference with their child’s teacher must secure an appointment with the teacher; discussions with teachers during instructional time are not permitted. 
• If a court has ordered restrictions against any persons regarding visitations with your child, please provide the office with copies of the court orders.
• If you bring something to your child during the day, please come to the office for assistance.

Field Trip Chaperones

Volunteer @OHES

1. Apply to be a volunteer
2. Complete the Background Screening Process (One Time Requirement)
3. Complete Mandatory Safety Training Modules (Annual Requirement)

Learn how to volunteer @ OHES

PGCPS Parent Code of Conduct

No person shall:

• Act in a threatening manner (i.e., gross disrespect, threatening, using loud or offensive or profane language, swearing, or displaying temper, or causing disruption to professional or academic climate) toward any staff member or student;
• Approach someone else’s child in order to discuss an issue or chastise them. (Such an approach to a child may be seen as an assault on that child and may have legal consequences);
• Injure any other person or threaten to do so;
• Damage or destroy school property or the property of a teacher, administrator, other district employee or any other person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson;
• Disrupt classes, school programs or other school activities;
• Send abusive, harassing, or threatening emails or text/voicemail/phone messages or other inappropriate written communication;
• Record or videotape any interactions within the school building where there is an expectation of privacy (classroom instruction, conversations with teachers, students, staff), unless all participants to the conversation have given their permission for the recording or videotaping;
• Misuse social media to fuel campaigns and complaints against schools, school staff, and/or other parents/students through social networking and websites;
• Misuse social media for cyberbullying and/or to publicly humiliate another by inappropriate social network entry;
• Disrupt school transportation or confront transportation staff on the bus, the road, in neighborhoods, or on school system grounds;
• Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are suggestive and inappropriate, obscene, advocate illegal action, promote alcohol or illegal substances, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school program;
• Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age;
• Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed;
• Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies;
• Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions of vehicles while on school property;
• Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, tobacco, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at school functions;
• Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at any school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers;
• Loiter on school property or at school functions;
• Gamble on school property or at school functions;
• Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school district officials performing their duties;
• Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code; or
• Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance, or Board policy while on school property or while at a school function.

Code of Conduct for Families and Visitors

OHES Spirit Wear

Shirts will go on sale in September. Sprit shirts can be worn in replacement of the uniform shirt.

OHES
Oxon Hill Elementary
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