If your child will be getting home any other way than his/her assigned bus route, send in a dated and detailed note in the morning with your child. If there’s a change in plans during the school day, call the office no later than 1:00pm. This does not include prior long-term arrangements that have already been made; these do not need to be re-sent. 

Assemblies are opportunities to enhance the educational programming, welcome guests to our school, and to demonstrate school pride. If you wish to attend an assembly, please sign in at the office and join us in the back of the gym in the chairs provided. This allows our staff members to sit in the chairs on the sides of the gym so they may be available to our students. 

We believe that all students deserve a physically and emotionally safe environment where they can enhance their self-esteem, discover the joy of learning, and take important steps toward learning responsible decision-making.

At Chain Lake Elementary, we are each a Cheetah who CARES by being:

• Cooperative 
• Accountable 
• Respectful 
• Enthusiastic 
• Safe 

We believe that behavior is something to be taught, just like we teach reading and math. Teachers and staff explicitly teach what each of these expectations look and sound like around the campus and in different situations such as assemblies, bus lines, walk zones, etc. We believe this involves: clear teaching and understanding of what is expected, consistent follow through with positive reinforcement and logical consequences when needed. 

Actions Taken To Respond To And Teach Behavior 

Positive Reinforcement: We work to positively recognize behaviors that show the CARES principles. This could look like verbal compliments or Cheetah Paw tickets. 

Minor Unexpected Behavior: Behaviors that are inappropriate but minor in nature are responded to and resolved by the staff in the setting in which the behavior occurs (teacher, recess supervisor, etc.) The staff member may use discretion in determining the response to minor behaviors, depending on the severity and/or frequency of the action(s). 

Actions may include, but are not limited to: 

• Verbal Reminder of Expectations: A brief conference between a student and staff member. 
• Reteaching of Expectations: The staff member reteaches the expectation to the student. 
• Break/Reset: A student may be asked to go to a different spot in the classroom or on the playground to take a break, fill out a reflection sheet, cool down, etc. 
• Problem Solving Conference: A meeting with the staff member and student(s). 
• Logical Consequences: A consequence designed by a staff member that is related in some way to the misbehavior. (Example: Misuse of playground equipment results in loss of use of that equipment for a specific time.) 
• Loss of Privileges: Loss of activity. 
• Behavior Contracts: A written agreement among student(s), staff member, and parent designed to set clear expectations, improve behavior and communicate progress. 
• Restitution: Repairing a relationship or damage done with a verbal or written apology, compensation of time, work, effort, replacement of property, etc. 

Major Unexpected Behavior: Behaviors that cause a significant disruption to teaching, learning, or physical/emotional student safety, or repeated minor behaviors are typically responded to and resolved by an administrator or designee. The principal/designee may use discretion in determining consequences for behaviors depending on the severity and/or frequency of the action(s). 

Actions may include but are not limited to: 

• Break/Reset 
• Problem Solving/Reteaching Conference 
• Logical Consequences 
• Loss of Privileges 
• Behavior Contracts 
• Restitution 
• Formal Discipline: Disciplinary actions based on district and state policies as outlined in the District Handbook. 

Every spring or when students are registered for school, parents or guardians are given an opportunity to provide input about your child’s placement. In the spring, a notice will be placed in the newsletter letting parents know when the input forms will be available for the following school year. 

The information you share regarding the academic, social and emotional needs of your child is considered during the student placement process. Each class is created through a comprehensive process to ensure that every child is part of a well balanced classroom that reflects the diversity of our school community. Please remember that verbal or written requests for specific teachers will not be considered and that your input will be shared with the placement team and the classroom teacher. 

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled twice each year, in the fall for all students and in the spring as needed (see the district calendar for dates). You will receive an invitation to meet with your child’s teacher. 

We value this important opportunity for parents and teachers to partner in our work of supporting your student’s learning. During the conference, we will discuss your student’s strengths, areas for growth, and his/her progress. If at any time you have questions regarding your child’s education, please contact the teacher to set up a time to talk. 

Address

Chain Lake Elementary School 
12125 Chain Lake Road 
Snohomish, WA 98290 

Office Hours

M-F 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. 

Phone

360-804-3100 

Attendance Hotline

360-804-3101

Fax

360-804-3199 

Principal: Ana Apter, 360-804-3100, aptera@monroe.wednet.edu
Assistant Principal: AJ Adamski, 360-804-3105, adamskia@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Manager: Kathy Bruning, 360-804-3102, bruningk@monroe.wednet.edu
Office Assistant: Rose Chapman, 360-804-3104 
Counselor: Heather Mitchell, 360-804-3103   

Chain Lake Website Link 
Chain Lake Staff Directory Link 

Office: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM 

Regular Schedule (Monday-Thursday): 8:55 AM - 3:25 PM 

There is no student supervision prior to 8:45am 

School Improvement Fridays: 8:55 AM - 2:10 PM 

Early Dismissal Schedule (Holiday, Winter Break, Conferences): 8:55 AM - 12:55 PM 

Last Day of School Dismissal: 12:00 PM 

This District Handbook (https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/about/district-handbook) is intended to provide all students, teachers, administrators, and families with access to and an understanding of Monroe School District’s expectations. The handbook provides a summary of some of the laws, regulations and district policies that govern attendance, student rights, responsibilities, student discipline, and due process. Specific policies are referenced by the policy number (i.e. 4302). The complete policies are available via the district website: 

www.monroe.wednet.edu>about>school board>boarddocs or 

https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/mpswa/Board.nsf/Public#. 

Policy: 3224 

Preserving a beneficial learning environment and assuring the safety and well-being of all students are primary concerns of the Monroe School District Board of Directors. 

Students’ choices in matters of dress should be made in consultation with their parents. 

Student dress will only be regulated when, in the judgment of school administrators, there is a reasonable expectation that: 

• A health or safety hazard will be presented by the student's dress or appearance including possible membership in a gang or hate groups; 
• Damage to school property will result from the student's dress; or 
• A material and substantial disruption of the educational process will result from the students' dress or appearance. 

For the purpose of this policy, a material and substantial disruption of the educational process may be found to exist when a student's conduct is inconsistent with any part of the educational mission of the school district. Prohibited conduct includes the use of lewd, sexual, drug, tobacco or alcohol-related messages, or gang-related apparel. 

The uniforms of nationally recognized youth organizations, and clothing worn in observance of a student’s religion, are not subject to this policy. 

The superintendent will establish procedures providing guidance to students, parents, and staff regarding appropriate student dress in school or while engaging in extracurricular activities. Such procedures will ensure that any student wearing, carrying, or displaying gang-related apparel, or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student will be asked, with notice to his or her parents, to make appropriate corrections and be subject to discipline if the corrections are not undertaken. 

Policy: 3224P 

The student and parent may determine the student's personal dress and grooming standards, provided that the student's dress and grooming does not: 

• Lead school officials to reasonably believe that such dress or grooming will disrupt, interfere with, disturb, or detract from the school environment or activity and/or educational objectives; 
• Create a health or other hazard to the student's safety or to the safety of others; 
• Create an atmosphere in which a student, staff, or other person's well-being is hindered by undue pressure, behavior, intimidation, overt gesture or threat of violence; or 
• Imply gang membership or affiliation by written communication, marks, drawing, painting, design or emblem upon any school or personal property or one’s person. 

The principal, in connection with the sponsor, coach, or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity if the principal reasonably believes that the student's dress or grooming: 

• Creates a hazard to the student's safety or to the safety of others; or 
• Will prevent, interfere with or adversely affect the purpose, direction, or effort required for the activity to achieve its goals. 

If the student's dress or grooming is objectionable under these provisions, the principal will request that the student make appropriate corrections. If the student refuses, the principal will notify the parent, if reasonably possible, and request that the parent make the necessary correction. If both the student and parent refuse, the principal will take appropriate disciplinary action. Students may be suspended, if circumstances so warrant. Students who violate provisions of the dress code relating to extracurricular activities may be removed or excluded from the extracurricular activity for such period as the principal may determine. All students will be accorded due process safeguards before any corrective action may be taken. 

Students identified as being gang involved, influenced or affiliated will be provided assistance and/or programs which discourage gang involvement or affiliation, enhance self-esteem, encourage interest and participation in school or other positive activities and promote membership in authorized school organizations. 

School bus transportation is provided by the school district for students attending Chain Lake. However, some families opt to drive their children to and from school. 

If you are providing your own transportation, essential procedures for all vehicles entering the school site drop-off and pick-up zone include: 

• Use the driveway entrance south of the school parking lot for drop-off and pick-up (See picture below) 
• All cars need to be off Chain Lake Road while waiting in line for car drop-off/pick up. 
• Parents need to remain in the car. 
• Students should exit and enter from the curb side. 
• Pull as far forward as possible within the designated zone. This will allow for cars to get through the zone in a more timely manner.
• Only drop your student off in full sight of the supervisor.
• No parking in the bus loading zone for drop-off or pick-up.
• Please do not use your cell phones or smoke while in the school traffic zone. 
• Yield to side traffic and slowly exit the parking lot as it is also a bus zone. 

Early Dismissal: For child safety and to ensure that only an authorized person takes a child from school, please send a note from home to let us know of a planned early dismissal. A child dismissed prior to the regular dismissal time must be met in the office and signed out by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult. Please come to the office and we will call your child from the classroom. 

Parents and guardians have access to a variety of student information, such as attendance, discipline, grades, food service balance and history, vaccinations, and student and family demographics. With the Family Access web portal, you can review your child’s progress with just a “point and click” from your home or office. You may also submit your child’s absence notifications via the web and review your login history. To sign up for your Family Access password and username, visit the website. 

Field trips are taken as a regular part of our educational program. A signed permission form is required for all field trips. In order to provide adequate supervision, we ask for adult volunteers to accompany classes going on field trips. If you wish to be a chaperone, it is important that you get your volunteer application completed at least three days prior to the trip, or by the deadline given on the paperwork sent home. Finances should never be a reason for a child to not attend a field trip. Please let your child’s teacher or the front office staff know if your child needs a scholarship. Siblings are not permitted on field trips. 

We encourage families to select healthy food and drink choices for students to eat or drink during the school day and, as such, students are not allowed to bring or consume energy drinks while at school. 

Monroe School District contracts with Chartwells to prepare and provide nutritious meals for students that promote learning readiness and healthy eating behaviors. All meals come with a visit to our fresh fruit and veggie bar, which features a variety of fresh produce, including locally grown when available. 

If bringing food to school for a classroom event or birthday, food prepared by a commercial source (store-bought items) is required so that ingredients can be reviewed for students with food allergies. Non-edible treats (bookmarks, pencils, or stickers) are another option for celebrating a birthday rather than food. Please check with your child’s teacher for specific classroom procedures around food and drink.

Student Report Cards are sent home with students at the end of each semester. 

We suggest that all items from home remain at home. If a family chooses to send something to school, any items should be of minimal monetary and/or sentimental value and fit in your child’s backpack. There is no trading, lending, or selling of items. Toys must be kept in backpacks during class time and while riding on the school bus. If toys become a distraction to the school environment they may be kept in the office until the end of the day. 

Electronic devices and related items should be left at home or secured in students’ backpacks during school hours. At the discretion of the classroom teacher, there may be special occasions when electronic devices are allowed in the classroom. At no time will the school assume responsibility for the loss, damage, or theft of cell phones or electronic devices. Students who bring them to school will do so at their own risk. 

If you need to contact your child, please do so through the office not on their personal devices. We are happy to pass messages onto children when it is needed.

Our library has been designed to be a focal learning place in our school. Books are shelved together by genre (fantasy, mystery, animals, history, science, etc.), which aligns to the state standards. Classes will visit the library weekly with their teacher. During their visit, the library specialist will read/introduce them to a rich piece of literature. 

Students have the opportunity to check out as many books as they can read throughout the week. During recess or before/after school, students are allowed to return books and check out other books as needed. Monthly overdue book notices will be sent home to families via kid mail and email. The school will partner with parents to address any lost or damaged books. 

The library is also open during many recesses. Library specialists will provide options that may include reading, playing games, or creating/inventing in the Makerspace. 

Articles of clothing or other items found on the school grounds are brought to the lost and found bins located in the hallway beside the gym. Please label your child’s items (especially jackets) as it is easier to return lost items to the owner when they are labeled. Periodically, the Lost and Found is emptied and donated to a local charity. We share the dates of these donations in advance through the school newsletter. 

If your family is in a temporary living situation resulting in loss of housing due to eviction or economic hardship, your child might be eligible for certain educational rights and services under the McKinney Vento Act. We encourage you to fill out the Student Housing Questionnaire. 

To access McKinney-Vento services, please contact Tinna Pamanian, MSD McKinney Vento/Foster Care Liaison at: pamanianc@monroe.wednet.edu or 360-804-2534. 

Students are advised to only bring money to school for a specific reason, such as lunch money or when there is a specific event happening at school. Money can be lost or stolen which causes upset feelings, creates mistrust, and disrupts the learning environment. We do not have secure areas or lockers, and backpacks are often left unsupervised during the school day. Please do not send large sums of money to school with your child. 

Our Cheetah Newsletter is published every Thursday and sent via ParentSquare. The newsletter includes important school and PTA information and lists upcoming events. Newsletters will automatically be sent to the email on record. Please be sure to keep this contact information current. If you do not have access to email, you may request a paper copy of the newsletter to be sent home with your child.

Birthday parties are great fun for kids. However, not being invited to a birthday party can be a negative experience for those not receiving an invitation. In consideration of the feelings of children not receiving invitations, no invitations should be handed out at school unless every child in the classroom receives one. Please check with individual teacher procedures. 

The purpose of recess is to allow students to socialize, exercise, play and take regular breaks from classroom learning. It is our goal to provide students with as many options and opportunities as possible during this time. Students are taught what our school expectations of being cooperative, accountable, respectful, enthusiastic, and safe look and sound like with appropriate use of school equipment and boundaries within the use of the playground.

Chain Lake Elementary has an active and supportive Parent/Teacher Association (PTA). We hope you plan to become an active member. The annual membership drive is in the fall, and we welcome all memberships throughout the year. It is also not necessary to be a PTA member in order to support and enjoy the many fun family events that PTA sponsors. Look for contact information, meeting dates, and PTA information in the newsletter, on our website, and on Facebook. PTA email: chainlakepta@gmail.com; PTA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chainlakeparents 

Policy: 4218 and 4218P 
The Board of Directors is committed to improving meaningful, two-way communication and promoting access to District programs, services and activities for students and parents with limited English proficiency (LEP) free of charge. Our District’s language access plan includes: 

Oral Interpretation 

The District will take reasonable steps to provide LEP parents competent oral interpretation of materials or information about any program, service, and activity provided to non-LEP parents and to facilitate any interaction with district staff significant to the student’s education. The District will provide such services upon request of the LEP parent(s) and/or when it may be reasonably anticipated by District staff that such services will be necessary. 

Written Translation 

The District will provide a written translation of vital documents for each limited English proficient group that constitutes at least five (5) percent of the District’s total parent population or 1000 persons, whichever is less. For purposes of this policy, “vital documents” include, but are not limited to, those related to: 

• registration, application, and selection; 
• academic standards and student performance; 
• safety, discipline, and conduct expectations; 
• special education and related services, Section 504 information, and McKinney-Vento services; 
• policies and procedures related to school attendance; 
• requests for parent permission in activities or programs; 
• opportunities for students or families to access school activities, programs, and services; 
• student/parent handbook; 
• the District’s Language Access Plan and related services or resources available; 
• school closure information; and 
• any other documents notifying parents of their rights under applicable state laws and/or containing information or forms related to consent or filing complaints under federal law, state law, or District policy. 

If the District is unable to translate a vital document due to resource limitations or if a small number of families require the information in a language other than English such that document translation is unreasonable, the District will still provide the information to parents in a language they can understand through competent oral interpretation. 

Our top priority is keeping our students, staff and volunteers safe. Therefore, we require all volunteers, including field trip chaperones, to submit a volunteer application and be approved in order to spend time on campus. 

All volunteers must: 

• Have an approved MSD volunteer application on file 
• Sign in and out of the office and always wear an ID badge while on school grounds 
• Wear appropriate attire 
• Show respect for all students and staff 
• Maintain confidentiality by sharing concerns regarding students with school staff only 
• Call the school if you are unable to attend a scheduled volunteer shift
• Leave all personal items (including cell phones) in a locked car or at home

If you live within district boundaries and are more than a mile away from your child's assigned school (other than Fryelands Elementary), your child is eligible to ride a school bus. Students who are enrolled and eligible to ride the bus must submit the online request form to be assigned to a bus stop. 

Please visit our Transportation Department to learn about bus routes. 

Students will not be allowed to ride a different bus or get off the bus at a different stop than the one assigned without parental permission and pre-approval through the school office. A school provided bus pass needs to be given to the driver in order to board or change stops. 

To request long-term or permanent changes, please complete the online Transportation Request Form. 

Remember to always be at your stop 5 minutes prior to your assigned bus stop time. Please remember that traffic, weather and other unforeseen circumstances may cause some routes to be delayed. 

For more information, please visit the Transportation Department page on the Monroe School District website. 

Many school facilities including school buses routinely video tape to maintain the safety of students, staff and visitors.