Parents and Students of the Mill Creek Learning Community,
Welcome to the 2017 – 2018 school year! We are excited to have many new families to our community joining our returning families. Our theme this year is “Together Everyone Achieves More!” With dedication to working together we all will achieve many things this coming year especially our students. They will grow in knowledge and skills faster than ever before!
We encourage parents and guardians to be active participants in their child’s school experience. Children do better in school when their parents are involved and take an active role in their education. We encourage you to volunteer and invite you to help out in any way you can this year. We have a great PTA that can help you be more involved.
Be sure to follow us on our social media sites:
Web Page @ schools.graniteschools.org/Millcreek
FaceBook @ facebook.com/millcreekschoolutah
Instagram @ Instagram.com/principalkane #yosoymillcreek
Twitter @ twitter.com/millcreekel
PTA @ millcreekmustangspta@gmail.com
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Principal Ann Kane via email at akane@graniteschools.org or phone at 385-646-4912.
Daily Bell Schedule
Kindergarten All Day, First Grade – Sixth Grade
8:35 am ……………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. First Bell
8:40 am ……………………………….……………………………………………………………………………….………………… School Starts
3:20 pm ………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………..………….… School Ends
1:15 pm …………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………..….…. Early Release Days
Kindergarten AM
8:40 am – 11:40 am ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…… Monday – Thursday
8:40 am – 10:40 am ……………………………………………………………………………………..….… Fridays/Early Release Days
Kindergarten PM
12:20 pm – 3:20 pm …………….……………………………………………………………………………….……… Monday – Thursday
11:10 am – 1:15 pm …………………………………………………………………………………….….… Fridays/Early Release Days
Morning Recess
| Kindergarten – Second Grade | 10:00 – 10:15 am |
| Third Grade – Fourth Grade | 9:25 – 9:40 am |
| Fifth Grade – Sixth Grade | 9:45 – 10:00 am |
Lunch
| Kindergarten SEP | 11:40 am – 12:15 pm | Lunch then recess |
| First Grade | 11:40 am – 12:15 pm | Lunch then recess |
| Second Grade | 11:40 am – 12:15 pm | Recess then lunch |
| Third Grade | 11:30 am – 12:05 pm | Lunch then recess |
| Fourth Grade | 11:30 am – 12:05 pm | Recess then lunch |
| Fifth Grade | 12:10 pm – 12:45 pm | Lunch then recess |
| Sixth Grade | 12:10 pm – 12:45 pm | Lunch then recess |
Afternoon Recess
| Kindergarten – Second Grade | 2:15 – 2:30 pm |
| Third Grade – Fourth Grade | 1:45 – 2:00 pm |
| Fifth Grade – Sixth Grade | 2:00 – 2:15 pm |
Granite School District 2017 – 2018 Elementary School Year
| School Begins First – Sixth Grade | Monday, August 21, 2017 | |
| School Begins Kindergarten SEP | Thursday, August 24, 2017 | |
| School Begins AM/PM Kindergarten | Monday, August 28, 2017 | |
| No Kindergarten/PostAssessment | May 8 – 12, 2018 | |
| School Ends Kindergarten | Thursday, May 24, 2018 | |
| School Ends First – Sixth Grade | Friday, May 25, 2018 | |
Holidays and Other Days Schools are Closed
September 4, Monday ……………………………………. Labor Day
September 29, Friday …………. Comp Day for SEP Conferences
October 19 & 20, Thursday & Friday ……………….….. Fall Recess
October 27, Friday ………………. End of Term/Teacher Work Day
November 22 – 24, Wed – Fri ………………… Thanksgiving Recess
December 22 – January 1 ……………….……..……. Winter Recess
January 12, Friday ……………….. End of Term/Teacher Work Day
January 15, Monday …………….……………………….. MLK, Jr Day
February 16, Friday ……………… Comp Day for SEP Conferences
February 19, Monday ………….………… Washington/Lincoln Day
March 29, Thursday ……………… End of Term/Teacher Work Day
March 30, Friday…………….……….…………………. Spring Recess
April 2, Monday …………………………….….. Student Recess Day
April 3, Tuesday ……………….. Emergency Closure Make Up Day
Elementary School SEP Conference Schedule
September 26 & 27, Tues & Wed ……….…….…. Fall Conference
February 14 & 15, Wed & Thur …………….….. Spring Conference
Mill Creek Faculty and Staff
| Ann Kane | Principal | |
| Lisa Boman | Principal’s Secretary | |
| Damian Shinsel | Head Custodian | |
| Karen Stringham | Sixth Grade | |
| Jackson Bellaimey | Fifth/Sixth Grade DLI Spanish | |
| Carla Hall | Fifth/Sixth Grade DLI English | |
| Katie Shields | Fifth Grade | |
| Karen Grim | Fourth Grade | |
| Cruz Pineda | Fourth Grade DLI Spanish | |
| Sonya Dollins-Colton | Fourth Grade DLI English | |
| Ivonne Jensen | Third Grade | |
| Ruben Nunez | Third Grade DLI Spanish | |
| Vivianna David | Third Grade DLI English | |
| Barbara Lowe | Second Grade | |
| Mari Aldazabal | Second Grade DLI Spanish | |
| Debbie Wessman | Second Grade DLI English | |
| Marilyn Barrett | First Grade | |
| Dayana Lamb | First Grade DLI Spanish | |
| Laurel Kwak | First Grade DLI English | |
| Gina Graham | Kindergarten SEP | |
| Nancy Walker | Kindergarten Am/PM | |
| Rochelle Clark | Resource | |
| Christina Jensen | Resource | |
| Tiffany Peoples | STS | |
| Dee Caldwell | Literacy Coach | |
| Denae Lambert | PE Specialist | |
| Mitchell Hart | PE Specialist | |
| Rachel Lankford | Art Specialist | |
| Teresa Kitchen | PreSchool | |
| Leigh Cazier | PreSchool | |
| Alli Schiel-Hair | PreSchool | |
| Christine Peasley | Social Worker | |
| Pauline Hood | Speech | |
| Tanya Meegan | Psychologist | |
| Kelli Aramaki | USD |
MILL CREEK POLICIES and CODE OF CONDUCT
Academic Focus
Mill Creek Elementary teachers focus daily on teaching and learning. Students face countless opportunities to master new content and to retain new skills. It is imperative that all students make academic growth each year. To monitor growth, Granite School District provides a variety of assessments to pre-test students in Language Arts and Math. Further assessments measure the growth of students in these areas. Teachers adjust their instruction based on these and other assessments to insure that students can learn at their maximum.
Students track their learning in data books or in their planners. We want students to be responsible for their own learning and will assist them in setting learning goals for themselves. It is important that parents express their expectations for learning to their children. Setting a specific time for reading and homework each day is helpful in creating learning habits at home.
Attendance is closely tied to each students’ success in school. To reward and acknowledge students who attend school each day on time, Mill Creek provides attendance incentives and activities throughout the school year.
Awards are given to students at the end of the year for perfect attendance and excellent attendance. Awards are also given out for academic excellence and citizenship.
Accidents and Illnesses at School
If a student is injured on school grounds, and the injury is serious in nature, parents will be notified and asked to pick up the child for their own observation or examination. Parents will be notified promptly of all major injuries INCLUDING HEAD INJURIES.
In the event of a more serious accident or illness school personnel will notify parents or their emergency contacts if necessary. Please be sure that the work, cell, and emergency numbers on the registration card are always current so we can reach you or the persons designated as the emergency contacts in the event of an emergency. If neither parent nor the person designated as emergency contact can be reached, the principal will decide what action to take, and, depending on the situation, may call for paramedic assistance. In all cases, a diligent effort will be made to notify parents. The student may be released only to persons listed on the registration card unless prior written arrangements are made with the office staff.
The school staff is allowed to administer only minor first aid.
The majority of our school year takes place during the winter, and winter colds and other illnesses are a common problem during this time. We do not want your child to miss school, but students should be kept home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms or illnesses:
- Fever
- Mites and Lice
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Contagious infections
If the student becomes ill during school, the student will be brought to the sick room. Parents will be asked to pick the child up from school.
Air Quality
Winter in Salt Lake County inevitably brings periods of temperature inversions, leading to poor quality. When this happens, one of the primary concerns is the health of students who go outside for recess.
In these conditions, schools follow the direction of the Utah Department of Health for when to keep students indoors for recess. The graph below shows the points on the PM2.5 index at which groups of students are kept in side for recess. Current PM2.5 levels can be found at www.airquality.utah.gov.
Parents, with the advice from their health care provider, should inform the school in writing if their child is part of a sensitive group who should have limited outdoor physical activity when air quality is poor.
Arrival and Departure Time
Granite School District does not provide for student supervision on the playground before or after school. For safety reasons, students should not arrive at the school prior to 8:15 am nor depart later than 3:30 pm. For students who are still waiting for pick up after twenty minutes after school is out, students will be brought to the office and parents contacted by phone. If the parent or anyone on the registration card is unable to be reached, Granite District Police will be contacted to help assist with supervision and contacting the parents.
Arts
Granite School District provides a half time Fine Arts teacher to Mill Creek through the Beverly Taylor Sorensen Art Program. This year’s art form will be visual arts. Students will have art every other week giving them the opportunity to combine visual arts with core curriculum. Every two years, the District will provide another art form in the hopes that students who stay at Mill Creek will have the opportunity to experience all four art forms during their elementary years.
Attendance
Mill Creek has a strong commitment to quality education. We are concerned when a student misses school for any reason. The mission of Granite School District is to prepare every student with the knowledge and skills needed for lifelong success in an ever-changing world. Students who are excessively absent from school will find it difficult to accomplish their educational goals. Mill Creek offers individual and class rewards for daily attendance. Mill Creek participates in the Every Day Counts initiative.
Good attendance is critical in insuring that children will gain the skills they will need to be successful in school. Research supports the connection between school success and being at school on time every day.
Granite School District Attendance Policy states: Seven or more days of excused absences within a school year are considered excessive and may require a doctor’s note to excuse subsequent absences.
- After five or more days of unexcused absences within a school year, the school will mail the parent a Truancy letter asking for the parent’s help with their student’s attendance and warning of consequences for future truancy. Please note, a student must be in attendance 4/7th of a school day to receive credit for one full day.
- After ten additional days of unexcused absences within a school year, the school will mail the parents a Habitual Truancy Notice/Pre-Court Hearing. The Habitual Truancy Notice requires the parents to appear at a Pre-Court hearing.
- If absences/late arrivals continue, students and parents will be referred to court. Court involvement may include fines, jail terms, required community service or other sanctions the court deems appropriate.
Bad Weather
Students will be allowed to stay in the school building if the weather is extreme (very cold, lightening, high wind, etc.). Students may also stay inside on bad air quality days. Recesses will be supervised by teachers and aides. If the weather is extreme when students arrive in the morning, they are to come into the main doors of the building and sit in their assigned location until the school bell rings. Children are expected to come in quietly and behave appropriately while waiting for the bell. Appropriate behavior would entail sitting in one place and quietly talking with others or reading a book.
Bicycles/Scooters/Any Wheels
Students are welcome to ride their bikes, scooters, or skateboards to school. For the safety of all, they are not to be used during school hours or at after school functions or in the building.
Once on school grounds, students must dismount and walk their wheeled equipment carefully to the racks and lock them up. Please do not leave unlocked items at the rack. Mill Creek does not assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items.
Due to limited space in the building, students are not allowed to bring wheeled equipment into school without teacher permission. Students should not wear Heely’s or rollerblades to school.
Birthdays and Special Occasions
We recognize that birthdays and other special occasions are an important part of a child’s life. If you are planning for your child to share a treat with their classmates, please get approval from the teacher know prior to the special day. It is acceptable to bring commercially packaged treats for all of the students in the classroom. It is state policy that homemade treats cannot be shared. Please make arrangements with the teacher for delivery of treats.
Balloons and other decorations must be approved by the classroom teacher prior to the arrival of such decorations.
Breakfast and Lunch Program
Lunch money is to be paid in advance. Please use Pay PAMS online to make advanced payments or bring payment to the school office. There is a box by the lunch secretary’s desk for payment drop off. Lunch money may be sent any day. Envelopes are on the front counter. Please put your child’s name and teacher’s name along with the amount of money being paid.
The school breakfast and lunch program is a federally subsidized program that meets the highest nutrition standards. Free and reduced lunch applications are available online. We are happy to help you and you are welcome to use a school computer to fill one out. A new application must be filled out each year. This year GSD Board of Education has approved that all students who qualify for reduced or free lunch fees will not have to pay any fee for lunch.
If your child does not purchase a school lunch, they must bring a sack lunch from home. Sack lunches should have one serving size portions or what your child will eat in one sitting. Large bags of chips, cookies, etc. create problems with storage and there tends to be a lot of theft of stored food items. Items are kept in a non-monitored area. Students eating school lunch are not allowed to bring items from home to eat. Please leave the extra snacks for your child to enjoy when they get home.
Bullying – See School Safety section for GSD policy
Bullying includes these three components:
- Unwanted or aggressive behavior involving a real or perceived power imbalance.
- Intent to hurt, intimidate, humiliate, or cause harm
AND
- The behavior is repeated or has a significant potential to be repeated – OR – a single egregious event.
These behaviors will not be tolerated at Mill Creek and will be seen as a severe school infraction in our school-wide discipline plan. Parents will be notified if their child is bullied or is bullying others at school.
Students can report problems to their teacher, put a note in the Buddy Box (found in the Library), or ask to speak to the principal. Your child may report issues to you. Please let us know of these issues so that we can assist your child in taking care of the problems they are having at school.
Mill Creek utilizes a variety of programs in preventing bullying and to respond to bullying incidents. These programs include:
- Assemblies
- Individual and small group counseling
- Classroom social competency instruction
- Buddy Box
- Ongoing support and consultation for students
- Referrals to community resources
- District-provided support
Granite School District has a special hotline. If students are aware of a dangerous situation involving a weapon or bullying they are encouraged to call this hotline:
- CALL 801-481-7199 or TEXT 801-664-2929
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices
Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed to be accessed during school hours. If students do carry cell phones to communicate with parents before or after school, the cell phone must be turned off and stored in a backpack during school hours and in the school building. Cell phones can be stored in the office if the student requests it. Neither Granite School District nor Mill Creek Elementary are responsible for damage to or loss of cell phones or other electronic devices students bring to school.
If a student abuses the privilege of having a cell phone or other electronic devices out during school hours, the device will be confiscated and a parent will need to pick them up from the office.
Checking Students Out
Please try to schedule appointments after school hours and on early release days. If your child needs to be checked out during the school day, please take the following actions:
- Please call the office or send a note with your child to notify the school beforehand.
- Enter through the front doors and check in at the office. The office staff will call your child from class to the office. It is Granite School District policy to show picture ID every time you pick up your child during school hours.
- Do not go to the classroom to pick your child up. This could cause a disruption.
- Before you leave, sign your child out including student’s name, time and date of check out.
- Your child can only be released to persons authorized by you on the registration card.
- Students cannot walk home alone or meet you outside during school hours. You must pick your child up in the office and check them out.
Citizenship Plan
Mill Creek Elementary takes a positive approach to citizenship development. We believe that students have the right to learn and that teachers have the right to teach. We expect all student to behave appropriately and support the teaching and learning process.
Codes of Conduct
Mill Creek Elementary’s school-wide expectations are:
- Be Respectful
- Be Responsible
- Be Safe
It is our desire at Mill Creek to provide a safe learning environment for each of our students. Students who demonstrate appropriate behavior and follow the codes of conduct will be invited to participate in positive reinforcement programs and may receive positive reinforcement prizes.
Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated at Mill Creek. Inappropriate behavior which threatens the personal safety of student or staff, or which prevents teachers from teaching and students from learning is not tolerated. School rules focus on creating this safe learning environment. Students who violate these rules are subject to disciplinary action. Rules, consequences and rewards are in force when students are involved at ANY school sponsored activity. We expect all individuals on school grounds to abide by school rules.
Classroom discipline is handled in the classroom according to the teacher’s discipline policy. You will receive information from the classroom teacher of what that policy entails. All classrooms have the same first three rules:
- Follow Directions
- Stay on Task
- Keep Your Hands, Feet and Other Objects to yourself (KYHFOOTY)
Serious infractions include:
- Damaged or vandalized school property
- Chronic disrespectful or discourteous behavior
- Sexual Harassment
- Threatening or intimidating behavior
- Profanity, swearing
- Stealing
- Any behavior which threatens the safety of students or staff, or which prevents teachers from teaching and students from learning
- Bullying
Students who do not follow the school wide rules may receive the following:
- Reminder and/or warning
- Think Time in or out of classroom
- Parent contact
- Loss of privileges – consequences
- Office Referral
- Parent Conference
- In School Suspension
- Out of School Suspension
- Referral to Granite School District Police
- Referral to Granite School District Safe School
Parents will be notified when their child has a problem following rules. The intent of phone calls and notes home is to help students learn and practice more appropriate behavior by communicating with parents.
Conferences
Granite School District provides two opportunities during the school year for teachers, students and parents to meet to discuss academic and behavioral progress. Conferences are a perfect time to discuss your child’s progress, strengths and areas of concern. Students are the star of the show, so bring them. If you need to meet for more time than the conference allows, or need an appointment during the school year, do not hesitate to contact the teacher. Information will be coming home to schedule conference appointments online.
This year’s conference dates are September 26 and 27, 2017 and February 14 and 15, 2018. We look forward to seeing you here!
Contact Information
Mill Creek Phone Number: 385-646-4912
Mill Creek Fax Number: 385-646-4913
Email: Every Granite School District educator and staff has a district email which ends with @graniteschools.org. School professionals check and respond to emails daily. For example, Principal Ann Kane’s email is akane@graniteschools.org
Website: schools.graniteschools.org/millcreek
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/millcreekschoolutah
Dress Code
Mill Creek is a place of learning. Safe and proper dress sets the tone for the school atmosphere, as well as its reputation. Any dress or grooming which distracts from the educational experience of any child is not allowed at school. In conjunction with Granite School District policy, clothing must be “safe, modest, clean and suitable for the various learning activities going on at school, and not advertise positions contrary to the instructional program of the district.”
Clothing that may not be worn to school includes:
- Low cut or inappropriately revealing tops
- Spaghetti-strap tank tops (straps of 2” or less)
- Bare midriff, tank or see-through tops
- Short shorts or skirts (no shorter than fingertips when standing tall and holding arms down to side)
- Sagging or bagging pants
- Long belts or distracting belt buckles
- Rags or scarves identifying gang involvement
- Clothing with inappropriate language or illustrations (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual pictures, etc.)
- Hats of any kind, unless outside or promoted during theme days
Things such as unnatural hair color, excessive piercings and other things that are a disruption and a distraction to learning are not allowed.
Proper footwear should be worn at all times. Closed-toed shoes are safest to wear. Dress for the weather including safe winter play (gloves/mittens, hat, coat).
Parents, volunteers, and staff must also follow the dress code while on school property or at a school sponsored activity.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
The illegal use, possession, distribution, or sale of alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances by students is prohibited in all Granite School District schools, on school grounds, at school sponsored activities, or when students are being transported in vehicles dispatched by the District.
Granite School Board Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs
The Board recognizes the hazards of illegal drug use and, in agreement with state and federal laws, prohibits the illegal use, possession, distribution, sale or being under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances or intoxicants of any kind by students. Violations also include student use, possession, distribution or sale of drug paraphernalia, imitation controlled substances, or resorting where illegal drugs are being used or possessed. This policy covers all Granite District schools, school grounds, school sanctioned activities and when students are being transported in vehicles dispatched by Granite District.
The Board requires the development and implementation of educational programs that will have a positive effect upon student values, provide information on the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs, and aid in the prevention of use of those substances. The Board supports and encourages programs that coordinate school and parent cooperation in attempting to prevent substance abuse and encourages parents and guardians to seek school, public, or outside professional help for students who become involved with alcohol or drug abuse.
Disciplinary action independent of any court action will be taken by appropriate Granite School District personnel for students violating the District Alcohol and Other Drug policy. Students found in violation of the policy are subject to disciplinary action including automatic law enforcement referral, automatic suspension, parent conference and counseling.
Dual Language Immersion
Many students at Mill Creek Elementary participate in the Dual Language Immersion program focusing on the Spanish language and culture. These students learn academic content while acquiring the Spanish language at the same time. Students in the DLI program receive math, science, or social studies instruction in the Spanish language. Because of the teaching strategies used, the students learn the concepts and skills for the subject area and develop the ability to read, write, speak and listen in Spanish. The goal of the DLI program is for the participating students to develop literacy skills in both English and Spanish while attaining academic achievement that is at or above their grade level as measured by Utah core testing. In addition to the academic gains, students develop a world cultural sensitivity to prepare them academically, linguistically and socially for the challenges and needs of our global community.
Emergency Preparedness
Granite School District and Mill Creek personnel are prepared to assist student in the face of an emergency. Every month staff and student practice drills in case of fire, earthquake, or school lock down. Emergency supplies are available to assist during lengthier evacuations. If the school is locked down, only emergency personnel will be allowed to enter the school. Parents will be notified as quickly as possible. GSD Communciations Department will assist Mill Creek staff with those notifications.
English Language Assistance
The world is welcome at Mill Creek! Many diverse languages are spoken in our building. If you need translation assistance, please contact the office at 385-646-4912.
Students who are learning the English language receive additional assistance and support. Assessments help guide areas of need and growth. Highly trained teachers, small group practice, one on one interventions and computer based instruction are some of the supports English Language Learners receive.
Early Release Days
The last day of every week is an Early Release Day. School gets out at 1:15 pm on Early Release Days. Normally, this is a Friday. However, when the week is in session less than five days, the early release day is on the last day of the week that school is held.
Field Trips
Field trips are an important part of the educational process and are used as hands-on extensions to classroom curriculum. No child will be allowed to attend a field trip without an Off Campus Activity form signed by the parent/guardian prior to each field trip. Students are expected to obey all bus regulations and Mill Creek school rules while off campus. Students may be denied field trip privileges for misbehavior and/or delinquent assignments. This decision will be made by the student’s teacher.
We appreciate parent chaperones. Nevertheless, space is often limited and long range planning is required to set up field trips. For this reason, please communicate your desire to attend a field trip well in advance. Your child’s teacher will contact you, and every effort will be made to accommodate you as a chaperone.
In order to keep all children safe, parents must have a Granite District background check or remain with an employee at all times during the field trip. School policy does not allow you to bring young children on the field trip.
Food and Gum
All food and drinks are restricted to the cafeteria unless otherwise authorized by the teacher. Students who take school lunch should not bring extra food from home. Please save those snacks for when your child gets home. If your child brings food from home, please send one serving portions of food. Food may not be shared with other students and large portions are difficult to store.
Students are not allowed to chew gum in the building or on school grounds.
According the Board of Health, no homemade foods of any kind may be distributed. Food must be commercially packaged or prepared in a commercial kitchen.
Fund Raisers
Mill Creek Elementary has two fundraisers per year. One is sponsored by the school in the Fall and one is sponsored by PTA in the spring. Funds earned by the school and by PTA are used to benefit the students including field trips, activities and programs. Participation in the fundraisers is optional, but your participation is greatly appreciated and benefits each student at Mill Creek.
This year’s fundraisers will be Apex Fun Run starting September 5 and ending with our Fun Run on September 14. The PTA will once again be doing Yes Week during March. Watch for more information on both of these events as we get closer.
As a part of the bigger community, Mill Creek may choose to participate in an additional fundraiser sponsored by Granite Education Foundation to support all of our students and families in the District.
Halloween
Following a long tradition at Mill Creek, we will continue our Halloween Parade. The parade will be in the morning outside as weather permits. Students are encouraged to wear costumes but no masks should be worn. We do expect the Dress Code to be followed with all costumes. For safety concerns, no weapon facsimiles are allowed. Parents and other family members are welcome to watch the parade. Children should bring a change of clothes as costumes will not be worn the entire school day.
Teachers and volunteers will host a class party during the last part of the school day. Please let your child’s teacher know if you are willing to help with this party.
This year’s Halloween Parade is scheduled for Thursday, October 26, 2017.
Homework
Homework will be meaningful, purposeful and minimal at Mill Creek. Most teachers have a set routine and consistently send weekly assignments home on the same schedule with the expectation that items will be returned as scheduled. Many classes use a planner, folder or some other system to send work to and from class.
Students who have not used class time provided to complete as assignment may need additional time on that task. This constitutes make up work and should not be confused with homework.
Parents should provide positive support with their child’s homework while allowing for independent learning to occur.
Daily reading is a requirement of all Mill Creek students. Daily reading helps students succeed in countless ways. Twenty minutes of reading a day is the minimum requirement and increases as students get older.
Kindergarten and Immunizations
Students entering Kindergarten must turn five years old on or before September 1. All Kindergarten and other students are required to show proof of complete immunizations. If there is an outbreak of a particular disease, students whose immunizations are not current will be excluded from school until the Health Department determines that it is safe for them to return to school.
Library
Students are encouraged to check books out of the school library. These books may be taken home for home use. Children and parents are responsible for all books checked out and the books are to be returned on time and in good condition. If not, children and parents are responsible for paying to replace the book.
Lost and Found
Articles of clothing, backpacks and other large items left on school grounds will be placed in the lost and found bin located in the main entrance. Smaller items such as jewelry, eye glasses and keys are turned into the main office.
Parents are encouraged to write their child’s name on their clothing and personal items. If your child has lost something at school, have him/her check in the lost and found. Parents are also invited to check in the lost and found, just remember to get a visitor’s badge when you come in.
Abandoned items will be donated to charity several times throughout the year.
Medication
Granite School District personnel may administer medication to students while the student is under the supervision of the school consistent with this policy and Utah Code 53A-11-601 et seq.
Students that are administered, self-administer, retain, or possess medications, whether prescription or non-prescription, are prohibited from sharing, selling, or distributing medications for any reason.
“Medication” under this policy refers to a substance used to treat a medical condition. For the purposes of this policy, that term does not include prohibited or illegal substances, nor does it refer to personal care products such as lip balm, lotion, sunscreen, contact solution, cough drops, etc.
Please contact Mill Creek’s main office to complete the necessary paperwork for school-administered medications.
- Schools shall require and maintain a current Medication Authorization Form.
- Medications shall be furnished by parents/guardians and delivered to the school by a responsible adult accompanied by written consent of the parent/guardian and current written orders (directions and prescriptions) from the student’s health care provider. Orders shall indicate the student’s name, medication, dose, route, time of administration, medication’s purpose, a statement from the health care provider that the medication is necessary during school hours, and any possible side effects and procedures to follow if a severe reaction should occur.
- Medications shall be current (non-expired) and delivered to the school in a pharmacy or manufacturer’s labeled container only. The pharmacy label shall include the student name, name of medication, dose, time, and route.
Self-Administered Medication
Elementary students may retain and self-administer epinephrine (Epipens), insulin, or asthma medication (inhaler) if a parent/guardian completes a current GSD Medication Authorization form that includes a statement from the student’s health care provider that the student is capable of carrying and self-administering his or her own medication, and that it is medically necessary for them to keep the medication at all times.
Moving
Please notify the school in person before you move to a new location. Current addresses and phone numbers are important for safety reasons. If you are moving outside the Mill Creek area, and plan on switching schools, a transfer slip must be prepared which includes the child’s last day of attendance, new home address, and name and address of the new school. All school materials, texts and library books must be turned in or paid for before a transfer slip can be issued and student records released.
Students’ cumulative and/or special education file will then be sent to the new school. These records cannot be hand carried by the parent.
PTA
Mill Creek has a strong and active PTA. They support and encourage the success of all of our students and staff. The success of the PTA depends on an active membership. All parents and teachers are invited and encouraged to join and become active participants. The PTA provides many of the fun activities students participate in throughout the year including Back To School Night, Box Top collections, and Field Day.
Sign up for PTA Remind text by texting @millpta to 81010.
Contact Mill Creek’s PTA by emailing millcreekmustangspta@gmail.com
Pets
Students should keep their pets at home and off school grounds except when permission has been obtained from the child’s teacher for a brief visit. Parents need to accompany and monitor the pet at all times.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Students
Mill Creek has a very small parking lot. We need everyone to help when picking up and dropping off their children so everyone can get in and out in a timely, safe, and happy manner.
If you are parking and leaving your car, you need to be in a designated parking stall. Do not park in the Handicap stall if you do not have a handicap sticker/placard.
Do not park so as to obstruct other vehicles. Park in designated parking stalls.
If you are at the curb, you must remain with your car at all times. Please have your child enter the car curbside.
Please follow the directions of the staff members who are directing traffic. When we follow their direction, everyone gets going in a safe and timely manner.
Preschool at Mill Creek
Mill Creek Elementary is proud to be part of the Granite School District Preschool Services program. Half day classes are available for young children. Registration for Preschool at Mill Creek is facilitated at the District offices. Call 385-646-4672 for more information and to register.
The Preschool Services Department also helps assess and provide services for students with disabilities. If you suspect your preschool child has a disability, call the number listed above.
Recess
Successful recess provides a needed break for students and teachers from classroom activities. It provides time to exercise and to socialize. All children are expected to participate outside for all recesses. Students should dress appropriately for the weather. If there is inclement weather, supervised inside recess will be held.
Students learn safety rules for all recess equipment as well as appropriate boundaries for play. All recesses are supervised by teachers and/or aides. Students needing extra practice in learning recess skills or following school expectations will be invited to participate in structured recess times.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued at the end of each term. They contain academic, attendance, citizenship and assessment information. Special activities and programs are contingent upon a student’s attendance, satisfactory citizenship and satisfactory grades. Students and parents need to be aware of the requirements for participating in these activities.
In addition to report cards each term, each teacher will keep students and parents updated on progress including missing assignments and behavior concerns throughout the term.
Grades are posted regularly throughout each term. Make sure you have access to GradeBook.
Safety To and From School
Parents are responsible for the safety of their children as they travel to and from school. Please take time to instruct your child on the importance of using the available sidewalks, painted crossing areas, traffic signals and obeying safety patrol and crossing guards.
It is important for children to walk with friends and have a regular meeting place before and after school. They should plan to meet at a predetermined location on school grounds.
Granite School District does have a Safe School Policy which addresses conduct away from school grounds. We encourage parents and community members to report to the school any incident which they believe could endanger students on their way to and from school. You may also contact Granite Police at 801-481-7122.
Granite School District strives to provide safe, supportive, and welcoming schools for all students. District policies prohibit conduct that is unsafe, disruptive, or disrespectful toward others.
School Safety
District policies do not allow for unsafe conduct. For example, District policies prohibit threats or acts of violence; real or look-alike weapons; explosive or flammable materials; gang activity; criminal behavior; destruction or damage to property; willful disobedience or defiance; and possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or other prohibited substances.
Bullying, Harassment, and Other Similar Conduct
Bullying, cyberbullying, hazing, harassment, and other similar conduct are also prohibited. Generally, this type of conduct includes an intent to cause distress or harm; involves a relationship where there is an imbalance of power or strength; and includes repeated acts (or one big act) of violence, intimidation, humiliation, or social isolation. Bullying, harassment, and other similar conduct can be physical, verbal, or written. It can come in the form of social pressure, criticism, or disrespectful treatment. It can also look like intentionally excluding others from an activity. It may be used as retaliation against another person, which is also prohibited. This type of conduct may be obvious or it may be subtle, and it can include convincing another person to commit the prohibited actions or even agree to be the victim of the treatment. Bullying and other similar types of conduct can also be considered discrimination if the conduct is based on a person’s race, gender, or some other protected classification.
Reporting and Correcting
If you are treated in the ways described above or you see another person being treated that way, please report it as soon as possible. There are many ways to make a report:
- you can talk to your principal, teacher, or another employee at the school;
- you can leave a message in “Buddy Boxes” or deliver it in writing to the office;
- you can call or text the District Safety Hotline – Phone: (801) 481-7199, Text: (801) 664-2929;
- you can use the SafeUT application on a cell phone;
- you or your parents can report to the District by calling the School Accountability Department: (385) 646-4510;
- you or your parents can report to the District by calling the Educational Equity Department: (385) 646-4205;
- you or your parents can report to the Office for Civil Rights, Region VIII, U.S. Department of Education, Federal Building, Suite 310, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80204.
Administrators will investigate all reports, make corrections, and work to prevent further misbehavior. Issues will be addressed at the lowest possible level. Students involved in bullying, cyberbullying, hazing, retaliation, harassment, discrimination, or other similar conduct may receive discipline including parent/guardian conferences, suspension/expulsion, referral to law enforcement, placement outside the school, and/or other discipline that is appropriate. This policy covers conduct occurring at school and conduct outside of school if it affects the school environment.
For more information about these subjects, please contact the District Compliance Office by calling (385) 646-4009.
Safe School District Policies
https://www.graniteschools.org/legal/policies/
Relevant policies are as follows:
- Article VIII.B.3. School Safety Violations
- Article V.C.7. Unlawful Acts in or about Schools and School Trespass
- Administrative Memo One-Hundred Six, Safe School Policy
- Administrative Memo Ninety-Five, Prohibited Substances
- Article VIII.B.9. Prohibition of Bullying, Cyberbullying, Hazing, and Retaliation
- Article V.C.1. Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
School Security
We need your help! Please protect your school by reporting any loitering, weekend parties and fights, vehicles on the playground, broken sprinklers or individuals doing harm to the building or school grounds. Thank you!
Mill Creek Elementary: 385-646-4912
Granite Police: 801-481-7122
Sexual Harassment – See Safe Schools Policy
Any form of sexual harassment by staff, students or others, as defined below, is strictly prohibited. Violators of this policy will subject themselves to investigate and disciplinary procedures.
Definition of Sexual Harassment: Any verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, which has the purpose of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Any suggestion, request, demand or pressure for sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threat concerning one’s grades, extracurricular standing, job, etc.
If something bothers you or makes you feel uncomfortable, let that person know. If it continues, tell a trusted adult like a teacher or parent. If it still continues, and/or is severe and persistent, tell a counselor, social worker, teacher, parent and/or the principal. The principal will report it to the authorities.
Special Permits
If you wish to have your child attend Mill Creek Elementary but do not live in the boundaries, please fill out a special permit. Special permits are approved based on class size and availability. Severe behavior problems or excessive absences and tardies can lead to the special permit being revoked. Special permits for the beginning of the year are accepted in the order that they are received. Special Permits need only to be filled out when entering a new school, not each year.
Special Services
Granite School District employs a myriad of professionals that support students and families. Some of these professionals include:
- Special Education teachers
- School social workers and psychologists
- Speech and Language therapists
- School nurses
- Physical and occupational therapists
Many students receive special education services or accommodations detailed in a Section 504 or health care plan. If you feel your child has some special needs and no plan is in place, please contact the school office, 385-646-4912.
Student Planners
Students in grades Third through Sixth are given a daily planner. The planner is one way to keep communication open between school and home. The student planner will be sent home either daily or weekly depending upon the teacher’s instructions. When reviewing the planner with your child, take the time to ask about your student’s day and check for homework and classwork. If you have any information or concerns that you would like to share with the teacher, feel free to write it in the planner. When students and parents use the planner effectively, it will be a useful tool for students, parents and teachers.
Tardy Students
In order to benefit from teacher instruction, students must be on time to school each day. Teachers start promptly at 8:40 am. A warning first bell will ring at 8:35 am when students should line up and be ready to enter the building promptly.
Any student who comes in after 8:40 am is considered tardy. Habitual tardiness will be regarded as a violation of school rules.
When a student arrives late, students need to report to the office before being admitted to class.
Please note when students arrive late to class, it causes disruption to the entire class. It also takes additional teacher time to explain or catch the student up with the rest of the class. Students often feel embarrassed and unsure when they arrive late.
Teachers start promptly and if a student is late, they will miss instruction.
Please make it a family priority to be to school every day on time. Students will start their school day feeling confident and successful.
Technology
Students at Mill Creek have the opportunity to use a variety of technology to enhance their learning experience. All classrooms have iPads, computers, document cameras and projectors. Many of our classrooms have SmartBoard technology as well. We have one computer lab, one rolling cart computer lab and two ChromeBook computer labs. Teachers have strategically planned technology use for students throughout their learning opportunities.
Our Language Arts program, Wonders, as well as our Math program, Go Math! have strong technology components.
Students are required to sign and agree to Granite School District Technology Agreement.
Telephones
With the amount of business and the need to reach patrons, it is essential to keep personal phone calls to a minimum. The phone may be used for emergencies. To make a phone call, a student must get permission from the teacher and use a phone pass. Students will not be called out of class to talk on the phone unless it is an emergency.
After school arrangements need to be made at home before students leave for school. For example, students will not be allowed to call to see if they can go to a friend’s house after school.
Utah School for the Deaf and Blind (USDB)
Mill Creek Elementary has a strong partnership with the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind (USDB). Students from the USDB program main stream into Mill Creek Elementary classes accessing special services from USDB as well as programs provided by Mill Creek. They attend classes with USDB teachers and aides that promote independence, develop skills with assistive technology, social skills, orientation and mobility, extended core and participate in other activities. The hearing impaired program is a Listening and Spoken Language model in which students use their hearing, hearing aids, and/or cochlear implants to access English in a spoken form.
USDB teachers are specially trained to meet the students’ individual needs. Students have the opportunity to work with regular education teachers with support from USDB.
