Longfellow Elementary PTA

Leopard's Den After School Program

 

PARENT HANDBOOK 2019-2020

Leopard’s Den iPhone: 713-303-4830

2:50pm - 6:00pm

 

School: 713-295-5268

PTA Welcome Center: 713-556-5716

Email: leopardsden19-21@longfellowhisdpta.org

 

Registration Deadline for the entire Academic Year:

September 27, 2019

Adopted by the Longfellow Elementary PTA Executive Board August 18, 2018.

The PTA Executive Board reserves the right to amend this handbook at any time.

Vision

To help develop good study habits and provide direction that will ensure your child’s self-determination for their entire lifetime.

Mission

Parents and teachers working together in order to create a safe haven in which children are motivated, inspired, and equipped to realize their given talents.

Values Statement

As leaders in our school, we are obligated to be role models in a culturally sensitive and age appropriate way.

Program Overview

Leopard’s Den provides supervision on the Longfellow campus from 2:50pm to 6:00pm every school day, not including early dismissal days. Supervision is provided by Longfellow teachers. The PTA uses proceeds from this program to support and improve our school. Parents may choose from two options; Full Time (2:50pm to 6:00pm) or Late Pick-up (2:50pm to 3:50pm).

Enrollment Eligibility

Good Standing Policy

Many families have been with the Leopard’s Den Program for several years and have benefitted from consistent participation. Continued participation from year to year is based on the individual family’s “good standing” with Leopard’s Den. In order to maintain good standing, all parents must:

1. Be a current member of the Longfellow Elementary PTA. Visit joinpta.org to become a member online or visit the PTA Welcome Center on campus to pick up a membership envelope and return it into the PTA drop box.
2. Complete the appropriate registration forms each year by the proposed deadline (September 27, 2019).
3. Agree to abide and adhere to the Leopard’s Den program policies written in the Parent Handbook.
4. Create a mybrightwheel.com profile and have access to the Brightwheel App ANDROID / APPLE.
5. Attend parent meetings scheduled throughout the year.
6. Pay program fees in a timely manner without incurring more than two late payments within a semester. Payments for each Month are due on the 1st of each month unless approved for a payment plan.  Payments are due in advance.  For example: Payment for all after school supervision in November is due November 1st. A payment is considered late if it is received after the 1st.
7. Does not have an outstanding balance owed to the PTA for past due Leopard’s Den program fees from the previous school year.

 

Longfellow Elementary PTA Executive Board reserves the right, to immediately terminate the enrollment of any student, without a refund, whose family does not maintain the “good standing” requirement.



Program Fees for Students Pre-Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

Thank you for choosing Leopard’s Den for your child’s enrichment and extended supervision. We look forward to working with your child. Have a Leopard’s Den question? Email leopardsden@longfellowhisdpta.org

There are two types of enrollment:  Full-time and Late Pick-up (Drop-in is NOT available)

Full-time is five (5) days a week from 2:50PM to 6:00PM when school is in session. Not prorated if all five (5) days are not used or month contains holidays, school inservice days or early release days.

Monthly	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
$250 Must be paid in advance by the 1st of every month	$900 Must be paid in full by September 3, 2019	$1150 Must be paid in full by January 7, 2020

Part-time 1 Day is one (1) pre-selected day a week from 2:50PM to 6:00PM when school is in session. Once your selected day is submitted, it cannot be changed. Not prorated if one (1) day is not used or month contains holidays, school inservice days or early release days.

Monthly	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
$50 Must be paid in advance by the 1st of every month	$225 Must be paid in full by September 3, 2019	$287.50 Must be paid in full by January 7, 2020

Part-time 2 Days is two (2) pre-selected days a week from 2:50PM to 6:00PM when school is in session. Once your selected days are submitted, they cannot be changed. Not prorated if all two (2) days are not used or month contains holidays, school inservice days or early release days.

Monthly	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
$100 Must be paid in advance by the 1st of every month	$450 Must be paid in full by September 3, 2019	$575 Must be paid in full by January, 7, 2020

Late Pick-up is five (5) days a week from 2:50PM to 3:50PM when school is in session. Not prorated if all five (5) days are not used or month contains holidays, school inservice days or early release days.

Monthly	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
$100 Must be paid in advance by the 1st of every month	$450 Must be paid in full by September 3, 2019	$575 Must be paid in full by January 7, 2020

Billing and Payment Options (No Personal Checks or Cash accepted)

Monthly	Per Semester	Payment Plan (new!)
Brightwheel App	Brightwheel App	Brightwheel App

 

PAYMENT OPTIONS: For your convenience we offer payment options. 

• Per Semester (Please refer to the section above for payment due dates)
• Once a Month (Must be paid in advance by the 1st -OR- 15th of every month. You must set up in advance which payment date you prefer. Once set, it cannot be changed.)

LATE PAYMENT FEES: Payments received after the due date will be assessed a $15 late fee for each late day. If payment and assessed late fees are not received within five days of the due date, the child(ren) will be dismissed from the program and will not be allowed back in until his or her balance is paid in full. Maximum assessed Late Payment Fee is $75.  Refer to your Student and Parent handbook for late pick up procedures.

LATE PAYMENT NOTIFICATION POLICY:

1st  Notification - Late notice reminder provided to each parent/guardian

2nd Notification - Service termination notice will be given to each parent/guardian

It is extremely important that all parents/guardians remain current with fees to ensure your child’s continued participation in the program. Failure to stay current with the payment schedule will result in family dismissal from the program until the outstanding balance is paid in full.

DISMISSAL TIME:

In order to maintain the safety of all children, Leopard’s Den pick up time begins at 3:50pm on regular school days.

LATE PICK UP FEE POLICY: For every minute past 6:00PM for Full Time Supervision (or 3:50PM for Late Pick-up option) a parent/guardian is assessed a $1 per minute late pickup fee. No exceptions! This late pickup fee will be added to your monthly invoice, charged to you through Brightwheel App. Excessive late pick-ups (five maximum per semester) will result in your child(ren)’s dismissal from the program without a refund.

PART TIME POLICY: Supervision exceeding 2 days per week will automatically be deemed as full time supervision. Your account will be charged for full time rates.

SIBLING DISCOUNT: There is a sibling discount of 10% for each additional child you register.  

Daily Schedule (may change depending on weather or upcoming school events)

• 2:50pm DISMISSAL Leopard’s Den students are picked up from each grade
• 3:00pm - 3:15pm Restroom and Handwashing break
• 3:15pm - 3:50pm Snack and Social Time
• 3:50pm - 4:50pm Homework Assistance
• 4:50pm - 5:50pm Free Play (Playground, Outdoor Games, Indoor Art & Games, Story Time, etc)
• 5:50pm - 6:00pm Dismissal time

Dismissal Door Entrance for Leopard’s Den

When picking up your child at anytime, you must use the entrance near the flagpole.  All other doors will remain locked at all times. This door leads into the Multipurpose Room.

School Early Dismissal Days

Throughout the year, the school schedules early dismissal days (3 hours early).  Leopard’s Den does NOT provide extended supervision for children on early dismissal days.

HISD Early Dismissal Dates for 2018-2019 Academic Calendar

Friday 9/27/19

Friday 10/18/19

Friday 11/8/19

Friday 1/17/20

Friday 2/14/20

Unavailable Dates

Leopard’s Den is NOT available the day before holidays, breaks and the last day of school.  These dates are:

Friday 11/22/19

Thursday 12/19/19

Friday 3/13/20

Thursday 4/16/20

Friday 5/22/20

Friday 5/29/20

Parent Meetings

From time to time, Leopard’s Den will call a parent meeting to discuss policies, new projects or to give updates on program.  In consideration of parents’ work schedules most meetings will be scheduled after 5:30 PM and kept to thirty minutes. Child supervision will be provided.   Attendance is highly encouraged and may count towards volunteer hours.

Child Release Pick Up Policy

Children are only released to parents and those persons authorized by parents in the Brightwheel App and are able to enter the dismissal PIN (personal identification number) into the Brightwheel App. Please list anyone who may pick up your child during the entire academic year.  In the event that someone not listed in the Brightwheel App must pick up a child, please follow this procedure:

1. Notify Leopard’s Den via email at leopardsden@longfellowhisdpta.org that clearly indicates the individual that will be picking up the child(ren). Parents are responsible for making sure the staff receives the note.
2. Proper identification will be required of each individual for any child to be released to if the person is unable to enter the dismissal PIN.
3. Individual must abide by the Dismissal Time Policy and Late Pick Up Fee Policy.
   

Valuables

Students should not bring valuables, toys or excessive amounts of money to Leopard’s Den. When you are picking up your child please do not leave any valuables (purse, bags, etc.) visible in your car and be sure your car is locked.

DISCIPLINARY POLICY:

Children will be expected to treat their classmates, teachers, and parents with respect when they are in the program.  Likewise, we want the children to feel secure while in the presence of their classmates and adults. Please keep this in mind when you are interacting with your child at school. Physical punishment, yelling or failure to supervise your child will not be tolerated.  If you need assistance with your child’s behavior, please ask our staff.

We believe that young children need many opportunities to practice being independent thinkers.  We will encourage the children to solve their own problems in an appropriate manner, and to develop adequate social skills.

When a child behaves inappropriately, we will observe the child and work with him/her to promote positive behavior.  We will document the incident, the intervention used, and will inform you as the need arises. If the problem persists, we will call a parent conference.  In the event that the behavior continues, the teacher will initiate a meeting with a PTA Executive Board member.

In a collaborative effort between parent and Leopard’s Den staff, a recommended behavior plan will be put in writing. The recommendations may include a time frame in which completion to maintain enrollment of the child in our program.



Leopard’s Den discipline policy is followed in conjunction with the Discipline Code set forth by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (Texas Administrative Code Title 40, Chapters 746 and 747, Subchapters L, Discipline and Guidance).

We expect children to behave as follows:

• Be responsible for personal belongings
• Participate in activities offered
• Be responsible for one’s own emotions and actions. Make an effort to be
• patient, grateful, polite and honest
• Follow proper safety procedures at all times, including:
  • Keeping outside doors closed
  • No leaving school without a guardian
  • No taking photos or videos on a student’s phone
  • No fighting or using foul language
  • No Lying or Stealing from students, teachers or staff
  • No running in school
  • No playing in the restrooms
  • No playing on or under the tables or chairs
  • Using good table manners at snack time
  • Throwing away trash and clean up after oneself
  • No bringing or sharing cosmetics
  • No toy guns, toy knives, dart/nerf guns
  • No outside pets
  • Respect for fellow students and staff
  • Stay with your group & listen to your teacher at all times
  • No wandering halls or going to a teacher’s class without checking in and permission

Children that exhibit any type of behavior which is thought to be unacceptable or unsafe by a teacher will be reminded of Leopard’s Den expectations for student behavior and an email, telephone call or MyBrightwheel message detailing the incident will be sent to their parent or guardian. There are no refunds for suspension or termination.

Unacceptable Behavior from students or parents/guardians (includes, but is not limited to)

• Foul language from students or parents.
• Watching violent or inappropriate material on electronic devices.
• Disrespect for another child, staff, or director in person, on phone or in an email
• Fighting, hitting, biting or throwing dirt onto another person
• Refusing to take part in activities
• Ignoring or disobeying rules of safety
• Public or inappropriate displays of affection
• Defacing property or vandalism
• Misuse of Longfellow Elementary School Property
• Lying and Stealing
  

DISCIPLINARY ACTION PROCESS:

1st Incident - Parent/Guardian will be notified verbally on the same day the incident occurred and the student’s profile will be notated of the incident in the Brightwheel App.

2nd Incident - Parent/Guardian will be notified verbally on the same day the incident occurred, the student will receive one (1) day suspension from the Leopard’s Den Program without a refund the following day and the student’s profile will be notated of the incident in the Brightwheel App.

3rd Incident - Parent/Guardian will be notified verbally on the same day the incident occurred, and the student will be suspended from the Leopard’s Den Program without a refund until the incident is reviewed by the Longfellow PTA Executive Board. The Executive Board will decide by vote what action is taken after a conference with the parent/guardian. This may result in continued suspension or full removal from the Leopard’s Den program with a refund.

Longfellow Elementary PTA Executive Board reserves the right to refuse service to any parent or child who chooses to not follow Leopard’s Den policies.

POSITIVE GUIDANCE:

1. Using praise and encouragement of good behavior instead of focusing only upon unacceptable behavior;
2. Reminding a child of behavior expectations daily by using clear, positive statements; 
3. Redirecting behavior using positive statements; and
4. Using brief supervised separation or time out from the group, when appropriate for the child’s age and development, which is limited to no more than one minute per year of the child’s age.

WHAT WILL NOT OCCUR IN OUR PROGRAM:

1. Corporal punishment or threats of corporal punishment;
2. Punishment associated with food, naps, or toilet training;
3. Pinching, shaking, or biting a child;

4. Hitting a child with a hand or instrument;
5. Putting anything in or on a child’s mouth;
6. Humiliating, ridiculing, rejecting, or yelling at a child;
7. Subjecting a child to harsh, abusive, or profane language;
8. Placing a child in a locked or dark room, bathroom, or closet with the door closed; and
9. Requiring a child to remain silent/inactive for an inappropriate period of time for the child’s age.

ONLINE REGISTRATION:

• For your convenience, you may register your child(ren) using this online form or fill out the paper forms on page 9, 10 and 11 and either scan or send a clear/legible photo of the completed forms to leopardsden@longfellowhisdpta.org, drop the hard copies in the PTA Welcome Center or hand them to a PTA Executive Board Member.
• You also must register as a parent on the Brightwheel website which is what will be used for billing, messaging and checking out your child(ren) at pickup.

FEDERAL TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:

• The Longfellow Elementary PTA Texas Congress 5016 federal taxpayer identification number is 76-0257653.
• The Longfellow Elementary PTA Texas Congress 5016 address is 3617 Norris Dr, Houston, TX 77025.
  

 

Questions? Comments? Suggestions?

Leopard’s Den is a Longfellow Elementary PTA program and supervised by certified Longfellow Elementary School Teachers.  Leopard’s Den is NOT a daycare facility, but provides adult supervision for Longfellow Elementary students.  

As a volunteer based non-profit organization, Longfellow Elementary PTA is dedicated to its community, school, students and parents by being transparent of all operations.  

If you have any questions not answered within this handbook, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact us at:

Leopard’s Den iPhone: 713-303-4830

(2:50pm - 6:00pm)

School: 713-295-5268

PTA Welcome Center: 713-556-5716

 

leopardsden19-21@longfellowhisdpta.org

president19-21@longfellowhisdpta.org

vicepresident19-21@longfellowhisdpta.org

secretary19-21@longfellowhisdpta.org

treasurer19-21@longfellowhisdpta.org

AUDIO/VIDEO RELEASE FORM

I, the PARENT/GUARDIAN, give authorization for my child to be photographed, videotaped, and or digitally recorded for all purposes toward Leopard’s Den’s daily operations.  This includes, but is not limited to: Annual Newsletters; Thank You Letters; Photo Albums; Volunteer Program; Fundraising & Development; Marketing & Advertising.

 

 

 

LEOPARD’S DEN MEDICATION POLICY

Written permission and instructions from a licensed healthcare provider and the child’s parents/guardians are required before Longfellow Elementary PTA Leopard’s Den staff can or will administer any prescription and/or over-the-counter medications. Medication should be given to staff and should not be left in a student’s backpack.

Written parental permission is required to apply or dispense any over-the-counter products such as Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, etc.

Leopard’s Den Student Information Form

(Please complete a form for each child attending)

 

This is to certify that my child has my permission to participate in the Longfellow Elementary PTA sponsored Leopard’s Den After School program. I authorize representatives of Longfellow Elementary School to seek appropriate medical action on my behalf for emergency treatment of my child.

LEOPARD'S DEN OPTION

Please indicate which day(s):

If no option is selected, your account will default to Full Time and you will be billed as such.

PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO PICK UP CHILD

AND/OR EMERGENCY CONTACT, OTHER THAN PARENTS

AGREEMENT TO POLICIES AND PROCEDURES