In compliance with Washington State Law, all students are expected to be prompt and regular in school attendance.  Daily attendance is one of the keys to educational success.  Each subject taught in school requires a student’s active and continuous involvement in order to develop the skills and concepts. Most classroom experiences cannot be duplicated on an individual basis.  An absent student loses the experience of lecture, discussion, and participation.  The following guidelines are to be followed by students and parents:

*School starts at 8:55 AM and dismisses at 3:25 PM Monday-Thursday and 2:10 PM on Fridays.

*Call the Attendance Line at 360-804-3501 each day that a student is absent. Parents may also report absences using Family Access.

*Students should arrive at school on time and attend on a regular basis. Students are to report directly to class or to the gym if buying breakfast beginning at 8:40 AM.  Do not drop off students prior to 8:40 AM.

*Please plan for traffic.  If you are driven to school and arrive after school begins, you will be tardy/unexcused after the 8:55 bell, and must be signed into school in the office.

*Attendance is monitored and notification will be made if attendance/tardy issues arise.

*If your child will be missing school for more than three days and the absence is not due to illness, we ask that you complete a Pre Arranged Absence form prior to your child’s absence. Pre Arranged Absence Form

Tardiness

Tardiness interferes with individual progress and classroom procedures. Students who arrive at school after 8:55 a.m. are to report to the office to receive an admit slip. Parent or Guardian MUST come into the office and sign the student in.  For end of the year attendance awards, four tardies count as one absence. If a student shows a pattern of poor attendance through excessive tardiness, our counselor will call to set up an appointment to offer any services that the school may be able to provide. You may request, in writing, a copy of your child’s attendance for review at any time or you may also access it through your Family Access account.

Early Release of Students from class/school

When it is necessary to release a student early from class, we require that an authorized adult check through the office and sign the early release sheet. We will call for the child. All late arrivals and early dismissal are noted on the student’s permanent attendance record. Children are to be released only to those adults who are either parents/guardians or have been identified by the parent/guardian as an acceptable alternative. Our goal is to protect children from unwarranted intrusion and insure their safety and well being. No child at any time is to leave the school grounds on their own or with an unauthorized adult, older sibling or friend. 

Safety is always our number one priority. If you are in immediate danger or your tip is in regards to a life-threatening emergency, call 911! We encourage students, parents/guardians, volunteers, and staff to report all other safety concerns to any of our staff members or to submit concerns via Guardian, our online tip reporting system.

Guardian allows anyone to easily report tips of threats, bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism or any other safety concern to our administration.

 Guardian | Monroe School District 103

Every concern that is reported in the system immediately notifies our administrators so they can investigate and take appropriate action. Reports may be filed anonymously through this system. The more information we are provided with, however, the easier it is for us to address concerns in a timely manner.

At Maltby Elementary, student voice matters! Through ASB and a variety of student clubs, our Mustangs have the opportunity to lead, collaborate, and create meaningful change in our school community. Whether it's planning spirit days, launching service projects, or exploring shared interests, we encourage every student to speak up, get involved, and discover their leadership potential.

Assemblies are opportunities to welcome guests to our school and to demonstrate talent and school pride. As a guest, please 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. These events should be treated as public performances and all appropriate behavior applies: entering quietly, using conversation voices between activities, clapping only at appropriate times, and no derogatory noises or remarks.

At Maltby, we have common expectations that define how we live together in our school community in a positive and productive way. 

We believe that behavior is something to be taught, just like we teach reading, writing 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, cafeteria, etc.  This teaching is followed up by consistent follow through with positive reinforcement and logical consequences when needed.  

Actions taken to respond to and to teach behavior

Positive Reinforcement: We work to positively recognize behaviors that show the Mustang Pride principles. This could look like verbal compliments or Mustang Moment cards.

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 Think sheet, calm 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 recess time or other activity.
• Behavior Contracts:  A written agreement among student(s), staff member, and parent designed to set clear expectations, improve behavior and communicate progress.
• Restorative Justice:  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.

Electronic devices such as smart watches, phones, and related items should be left at home or secured and turned off in students’ backpacks and they will not have access to them during school hours. 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.  Electronic devices include cell phones and smart watches that allow access to texting, phone calls, and/or the internet. Electronic devices are also not allowed to be used on our school buses.

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.

Parents, volunteers and visitors, please silence your own phones while in the school, so as to not disrupt classes.  Please do not take pictures or videos of students or staff on your cell phone. 

Assignment of students to classrooms is a key factor in maximizing student learning. It is a responsibility we take very seriously. Much time and effort is devoted to matching a child's learning style with a compatible teacher. Additional factors we must consider in developing class lists include: academic balance, students with various needs (both academic and social), dynamics among students, and total number of students in each classroom. Parent input regarding placement is gathered in April for fall placement. Your “input” is one piece of the plan and should not be considered binding.

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled twice each year in the fall for all students and the spring as needed (see the district calendar for dates). You will receive an invitation to meet with your child’s teacher. This is an important way for parents and teachers to get to know each other and work toward your child’s success.

Maltby Elementary School
9700 212th ST SE
Snohomish, WA 98296

Phone: 360-804-3500
Fax:  360-804-3599

Health Room:  360-804-3532

Attendance Hotline:  360-804-3501

Bus Delay Information:  360-804-2951

Transportation Office:  360-804-2650

School Hours: 8:55 am-3:25 pm (Monday-Thursday)
8:55 am-2:10 pm (Fridays)

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Principal
Christine Hillestad
hillestadc@monroe.wednet.edu

Assistant Principal
Leah Ringer
ringerl@monroe.wednet.edu

Counselor 
Amber Kenney (Newman)
newmana@monroe.wednet.edu

Office Manager
Lisa Petrick
petrickl@monroe.wednet.edu

Office Support
Jamie Porter
porterj@monroe.wednet.edu

Nurse
Kathleen Leangen
leangenk@monroe.wednet.edu

Student Support Liaison
Ken Steenis
steenisk@monroe.wednet.edu

School Starts @ 8:55

AM Recess
Lunch/Recess 
PM Recess 

School Ends @ 3:25 – Monday – Thursday. School is dismissed @ 2:10 on Friday.

The safety of staff and students in our school is paramount. Dangerous and illegal weapons are prohibited. Any student in possession of such a weapon is subject to immediate expulsion and possible criminal prosecution under RCW9.41.280. Threats to use dangerous weapons or to harm others will be taken seriously and dealt with through the discipline policy and counselor referral process.
 

A note is required when a child is not following their “normal” after school schedule. The office assumes “normal”, is students taking their regular bus  home unless you have notified us in writing otherwise. Your child will turn their note into their teacher during morning attendance. Passes from the office will be issued for these changes and given to each child before the end of the school day.  Please include the following items in your note to the office; the date, your child’s teacher, the specific change in their schedule and a telephone number where you can be reached, in case of questions. Your help is appreciated in notifying our office no later than 2:00 p.m. if there is a change in your child’s schedule. * A note is the preferred method.

Look for communication to come via ParentSquare or listen closely to television and radio for school closure or late start information. Schools will always be open unless a Monroe School District #103 school closure announcements are made by TV, radio stations or on our website. 

Families can check school schedules anytime by calling the 24-hour Hotline at 360-804-2950.  This information is also posted on the district’s website at www.monroe.wednet.edu by clicking on the link to Inclement Weather/Transportation changes.  Monroe Public Schools is a member of an area-wide emergency network that also advises local TV and radio stations of school schedule changes or limited bus routes.

There are four types of weather/emergency related information broadcast by media in relation to schools.  They are:

CLOSED - All schools are closed.  All school activities, meetings, sports, etc. are canceled.

LIMITED TRANSPORTATION - Schools are open but school bus transportation is limited.  Some routes will be judged not safe for buses and bypassed.  Contact the school district bus garage, 360.804.2650 or Monroe School District website, for specific information prior to a limited transportation situation.

SCHOOL OPEN - LATE START - School will be open but children are to arrive at a later, specified time.  There is no supervision prior to the announced starting time of school.  Children may not arrive early with the expectation of remaining at school until it opens.

Snow Makeup Days – If school is canceled due to snow, the Monroe Public Schools will use the day(s) immediately following the regularly scheduled school days.

FAMILY ACCESS 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 web site at www.monroe.wednet.edu

All students bring home an Emergency Closure form and Medical Alert Update at the beginning of the year. The information we request is important for your child's safety. It is vital that Maltby Elementary staff know where parents/guardians can be located during the day, so please be sure the school office has an accurate phone number.  Please let the office know if there are any court/restraining orders in effect.

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. 

Classes take field trips during the school year. Parents chaperoning field trips must have completed the volunteer background check paperwork at least 2 full days prior to the date of the field trip.  Teachers will select chaperones.

https://www.monroe.wednet.edu/community/volunteer.   

There will be no gum chewing or energy drinks permitted on campus.

All schools offer nutritionally balanced meals. Meals are prepared by staff at Chartwells Food Services.  Menus are sent home monthly.  Lunch can be paid for in any monetary denomination.  Payment can be made through Family Access at www.monroe.wednet.edu. All monies go directly into your child’s lunch account and when he/she goes through the lunch line the cost of the lunch is deducted from his/her account.  District policy does not allow students to charge lunches. Checks may be made payable to Maltby Elementary School.  Two emergency lunches will be provided to students who are in need. Emergency lunch consists of a sandwich and milk. Emergency breakfast is not available.

Application forms for free or reduced lunch prices are mailed to homes from the District Office at the beginning of the school year.  If you find yourself in need of free or reduced lunch prices at any time during the school year, please drop by the office to pick up an application. These applications are kept strictly confidential.

This policy addresses the right of all students and staff to be in a non-intimidating environment. HIB will not be condoned or tolerated at Maltby Elementary School. HIB of any student or employee on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and/or disability is a serious violation of district policy and will be handled as a disciplinary issue. Sexual harassment by and toward students and staff is also prohibited and will require serious consequences if it occurs. Victims must take the responsibility for reporting incidents of HIB to a responsible adult or staff member so that action can be taken. 

You can view the MSD Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy and Procedure in the District Handbook.

If your child has a major health problem which may require emergency care or affect his/her learning opportunities or school participation, please consult with the school principal and/or the school nurse. We will make every effort to recognize and accommodate any special health needs. Generally, any child able to attend school should plan on participating in recess and other physical activities. Children unable to do so must provide a note from their physician excusing them from participation.

Head Lice at School

Since early detection is important in the control of this highly contagious nuisance, please notify us immediately if your child becomes infested. Head lice have become resistant to many of the commercial treatments available. If you would like additional information on new treatment recommendations, please contact the Snohomish County Health District at (425)339-5220.

Medication

It is best for medication to be administered at home whenever possible. However, if medication is required at school, Maltby has an established procedure. Please check with the office for specific requirements and do not send any medication to school with your student. MEDICATION SUCH AS ‑ ASPIRIN, COUGH MEDICATIONS, STOMACH MEDICATIONS ETC., should not be sent to school. Questions should be directed to our health room at (360) 804-3532.

Illness at School 

Should your child become ill at school, he or she needs to tell the teacher or supervising adult. If the situation warrants, the parent or emergency person will be contacted and arrangements made to send the child home. It is extremely important that the school always is provided with an emergency contact who can be reached at any time. For general health questions, please contact our school nurse or your family physician.  If a child records a temperature of more than 100 degrees or if the child is vomiting, we request that he/she go home or stay home from school. Students should remain at home for at least one full day following a fever’s return to normal or after the vomiting subsides.

Immunization

The State of Washington requires that students in school be fully immunized unless an exemption is granted due to medical, religious, or philosophical reasons. 

Students with Injuries

For those students suffering an injury (no matter how small) which requires them to come to school with crutches, splints, ace wraps etc…we must have a doctor’s order stating what activities may or may not be allowed. If the injury is severe enough to limit their mobility and normal activities, the school needs to be aware of the doctor’s recommendation.

Contact Christina Pamanian for information regarding McKinney Vento at pamanianc@monroe.wednet.edu.

A child should only bring money to school for a specific reason. Money can be lost or stolen which causes upset feelings, creates mistrust, and disrupts the learning environment. Please do not send large sums of money to school with your child.

Our Lost & Found is located outside the office on the hanging metal rack. Parents are notified prior to the lost and found being donated to a local charity. Please discreetly label, with your child's name or room number, items such as coats, hats, lunch boxes and any other items which could be accidentally left at school.

Our school newsletter, the “Maltby Messenger”, is available bi-weekly via ParentSquare.  Please make it a habit to review this vital communication tool.  In addition to the school newsletter, you can expect regular communication from your child’s teacher. Our primary method of electronic communication is through the ParentSquare platform.

Please park in the designated parking areas. Handicapped zones are only available to vehicles with that designation. Please follow the law and allow those spaces for people who really need them. Keep our bus and fire lanes clear of cars at all times. Do not park in the Car Drop lane. Additional parking is available at the church next door if it is needed.  Also, please make sure to respect our neighbors and do not block mailboxes and driveways.

All parents and staff are automatic members. There is no membership fee. Meetings are held several times a year.  You can reach the PTO at maltbypto@gmail.com and find resources on their Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MaltbyElementaryPTO

Birthday parties provide many pleasant memories for children. However, not being invited to a birthday party can be a very unhappy experience for those children 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.

All students are expected to provide the best of care to books and equipment entrusted to their keeping. The teacher, school librarian or principal upon any misuse or loss of school property may impose fines.

Children are not to sell or trade personal items at school. Generally, only those items necessary for classroom use should be brought to school.

Students should not bring toys or cherished possessions to school. The school is not responsible for lost items. Toys (hand-held electronic games, trading cards, toy cars, electronic pets, etc.) brought to school will be kept in the office until the end of the year or until a parent claims them.

Students are expected to follow their normal routine to and from school.  If, for some reason, your child needs to ride a different bus for a day, or get off at a different stop, or get picked up by someone, we require that the student have a written note from home giving permission for the change or call our Attendance/Transportation Hotline at 360-804-3501.  The permission slip or message should include your child’s first and last name, the teacher's name, the first and last name of the student or parent your child will be going with, and/or the number of the bus he/she will be riding. Upon receiving written permission, office personnel will issue a pass.  This pass must be given to the bus driver upon boarding the bus or to our car drop administrator.  Any student who does not have a pass will be expected to ride his or her regular bus or follow his or her regular routine.

We rely on our school bus drivers to deliver children safely to school and then home.  Drivers count on our cooperation, support, and understanding to help keep children safe while riding the school bus.  Safe riding rules will be shared with all students.  Students who choose to break those rules are issued a “Student Referral.”  Copies of referrals are given to parents and the principal.  A student who chooses not to change behaviors that interfere with the safety of other children on the bus may have riding privileges suspended.  Acts of violence against others, foul language, harassment, cruel teasing, or failure to listen and respond to the driver’s directions may constitute reason for removal of bus riding privileges.  If you have questions, we encourage you to contact the bus driver.  We must work together if we want to keep our children safe.  Please join us in our efforts.

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

At Maltby Elementary, we value community participation. We welcome visitors and volunteers to our campus. That being said, the safety of our students is our first concern. All visitors and volunteers must complete the Volunteer Application three days prior to the event that you are attending, this includes having lunch with your child. If you wish to volunteer in your child’s classroom, you will need to make arrangements with them prior to coming in to volunteer.

All volunteers, including one-time volunteers and visitors 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 
• Have personal cell phones put away while volunteering

If there is a change in the school schedule due to weather conditions, the district will make every effort to have weather-related announcements sent out through ParentSquare, broadcast on local television, AM and FM radio stations as soon as possible. Another option for notification is at www.Schoolreport.org. Just go to the website and sign up for email alerts. The district will also use its messenger service to send closure messages to your phone. Typical announcements during inclement weather may include:  School Closed – All schools in the Monroe Public Schools are closed.  Limited Bus Transportation – Schools are open, with emergency or limited transportation service. Bus drivers will inform students regarding emergency routes to bypass more dangerous roads. When limited bus transportation routes are used in the morning, the afternoon buses shall also follow limited transportation routes.  Two Hours Late – All schools will start two hours late. Bus pickup will be two hours later than usual. Schools will close at the regular time.  If schools are closed, all school meetings and/or after-school activities are automatically canceled unless specific announcements are made to the contrary. 

Parents are requested to notify the school at least 2 days in advance if a child is to be withdrawn from school. Textbooks and library books must be returned and any fines paid in order for records to be forwarded to the student's new school.