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General Information Page

USD 377 IS A TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS.

PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR SCHOOLS TOBACCO-FREE!


Activities and Athletics
A variety of opportunities are available for students with specific information available on each school's website or on the Opportunities to Play Sports page on this website.

Physical examinations are required for all pupils Grade 7-12 who are participating in sports.

KSHSAA Sports Medicine & Safety

 


District Boundaries

Legal Residence
The residence of all students is defined as the legal residence of the parent, legal guardian, or person acting in the capacity of a parent where the student resides the majority of the time. In situations involving shared custody the legal residence will be the residence of the primary custodial parent. Call (913) 833-5050 with questions regarding residency.

Maps and Boundary Information - School District Map
USD 377 covers 350 square miles encompassing all of Atchison County, excluding the Atchison City School District. The district boundaries extend into small sections of Doniphan, Jackson and Jefferson counties. 

Our district serves students from seven Atchison County townships that includes the following towns: Cummings, Huron, Lancaster, Muscotah, Monrovia, and Effingham. The District attendance centers and Board of Education/Administration Center are all located in the City of Effingham.  

Moving out of the district
Pupils who move from the district during the school year are considered non-resident and must apply for non-resident permission to finish the school year. 


Early Childhood Programs

Parents As Teachers

Parents as Teachers is designed to provide children the best possible start in life.  Using research based curriculum, parents are provided with the skills and knowledge they need to help them make the best decisions regarding their children’s education.  The program includes personal visits, group connections, health, vision, hearing and developmental screenings, and supports family connections with other community services.
 
Kansas PAT is dedicated to providing high quality service delivery that meets national and state standards and is a nationally recognized evidence-based program.    Research shows that parent education can be an important component in supporting and developing healthy relationships between children and their parents, setting the stage for strong families and children ready for success.
 
Kansas PAT is a valued partner with other home visiting and early childhood programs working together to promote access to high quality services for children and families in their communities.
 
The program is available to any parent, including fathers, relatives as caregivers, and foster and adoptive parents,  who has a child under the age of three and lives within a participating school district.

For more information about Parents as Teachers, please contact Lisa Smith at lsmith@keystonelearning.org or visit www.parentsasteachers.org

Pre-Kindergarten

Four-Year-Old At-Risk—was created to describe the focus of the program and the ‘label’ of the children participating in the program. The purpose of the program is ‘preparing children for success in school’ and a name that reflects that purpose would seem to be more appropriate, as well as more non-discriminatory. 
 
The major purpose of the State Pre-Kindergarten program is to provide a high quality early learning experience for young children in the year before they are eligible to enter kindergarten. The outcome is for children to enter kindergarten ready to succeed. This clarification is based upon current evidence that children who are at-risk benefit from being educated in a high quality early learning program with their peers, including those young children who may need special education services. 

For more information about the State Pre-Kindergarten Program, please contact Atchison County Community Elementary School at 913-833-4420 or snyder.joshua@usd377.org. 

Full day Kindergarten

The Atchison County Community School District recognizes the significant importance of early education and its impact on future academic success. Our full-day kindergarten program is developmentally and individually appropriate in addressing cognitive, social, emotional and physical areas of development. The extra time for the full day program allows teachers to challenge students, provide for differentiated instruction, and spend extra time on difficult concepts.

Kindergarten Curriculum

Our kindergarten curriculum provides a road map for our educators as they plan to teach what students need to know and do. The ultimate goal is to assess each student’s individual strengths and needs and teach for growth and success.  It provides a solid foundation of basic skills and learning experiences students need. Children progress in their ability:

  • to read and write;
  • to understand and develop number concepts and math problem-solving skills;
  • to experience hands-on science learning and concepts for healthy living; and
  • to gain a better understanding of the world through social studies exploration.

Registration Information

Parents of students five (5) years of age prior to August 31st of the current school year may register at Atchison County Community Elementary School.  For additional information or answers to specific questions, contact the office staff at (913) 833-4420.


Calendar


Directory Information

Release of Student Records - The following information is designated as directory information by the school district:

  • name
  • address
  • telephone listing
  • email address
  • date and place of birth
  • major field of study
  • participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  • weight and height of members of athletic teams
  • dates of attendance
  • degrees and awards received
  • most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student

 

Directory information may be released without prior parental consent unless a parent elects to opt out (see below).

Opt-Out of Directory Information
If a parent believes that any or all student directory information (listed in section above) should not be released without prior consent, please notify your school principal within 10 days of the beginning of the school year or within 10 days of enrollment. Notification will be given whenever educational records are transferred to another educational institution or released by court order. A copy of the records transferred or released may be requested at a charge of the school's cost.

Opt-Out of Other Student Information, Photos
Parents must also notify the school office if they elect to opt out of the following categories: photo/video release, military recruitment (juniors/seniors), and public display of student work. Parents with questions related to opting out or wishing to opt out of any of these categories should contact the school principal within 10 days of the beginning of the school year or within 10 days of enrollment.

The school principal or designee will keep a list of all outside persons or agencies that have accessed a student's records and the reason for access. When a student becomes 18 years of age or is attending a post-secondary institution, all rights accorded to parents will be accorded to the student.


Emergency Information / Address and Phone Changes

Please notify the school office immediately of address and telephone changes. This is important for the school to handle emergencies, maintain communication, and keep student records current. It is extremely important that every child maintain an up-to-date address and telephone number record at the school office.

Emergency numbers (adults who pick up a child in case of a parent's absence) are also important. We will contact the parent or designated adult in cases of serious illness or other emergencies.


Emergency Medical Protocol

Student injuries during school hours initially will be assessed and treated by the school nurse or responsible district employee. The school will contact the student’s parents/guardians to determine their instructions regarding further medical treatment in cases that have been deemed to require more than basic first aid.

In case of suspected serious injury (limb or life threatening) the 911 operator will be called to initiate the response of an emergency services ambulance. The responding emergency medical services personnel and school nurse or administrator will determine whether to transport the injured student to a medical facility for treatment.

Students injured during extracurricular activities initially will be assessed by the responsible USD 377 employee. That employee will be responsible for notifying the student’s parents/guardians to advise them of the situation and determine their instructions regarding medical treatment. In cases of suspected serious injuries (limb or life threatening) the responsible employee will call the 911 operator to initiate response of an emergency medical services ambulance to the scene. The responding emergency medical services personnel and responsible USD 377 district employee will determine whether to transport the injured student to a medical facility for treatment in situations where the parent is not available.


Emergency School Closings

In case of school cancellation due to bad weather or other emergency situations, USD 377 announcements will be broadcast on local and area radio stations  - KNZA (103.9 FM) Hiawatha, KAIR (93.7 FM/1470 AM) Atchison, WIBW (580AM/94.5FM) Topeka, etc.  The district also notifies the major radio and television stations in Topeka and Kansas City. 

In most circumstances, the decision to cancel or delay school due to inclement weather will be made by 6 a.m.  At that time, the district will notify media outlets, send out a Tiger Text and post an announcement on the main page of the district website.  On days of bad weather (snow and ice) buses will start about fifteen minutes early. Students at the beginning of the route may expect the buses early, middle of the route about on time, and end of the route may be a little late. 

In the event of early dismissal, parents or guardians may have their child dropped at an emergency drop site if approved in advance by the building principal. If the site is not approved, parents or guardians may submit another drop site for approval. This emergency drop off site should be listed on the enrollment form. The early school dismissal schedule is as follows: Elementary dismissal is the time announced, the Junior/Senior High will dismiss five minutes later.


Enrollment

Residence
Only students residing in the USD 377 School District are eligible for enrollment.  Students who reside outside the boundaries of the school district who wish to attend USD 377 must apply to the USD 377 school board for non-resident admission.

Non-resident Students
Students who do not reside within the boundaries of the district must be approved by the board each year in order to continue attending any of the attendance centers within the districts.

At the end of each school term teachers and building principals are asked to make recommendations on non-resident students to help determine whether or not a student shall be admitted the following year.  The student's conduct, attitude and effort are the main items considered when applications are being reviewed for the following year.

Age Requirements
The requirement for a child's first enrollment in a Kansas school is governed by state law and the school district cannot exercise any deviations from the law. In essence the law provides:

  • A child must be 5 years of age on or before August 31 of the current year to enter kindergarten.
  • A child must be 6 years of age on or before August 31 of the current year to enter the first grade.

 

Entrance Requirements
All students entering Kansas schools must follow Kansas laws for immunizations and inoculations (PDF).

  • Physical examinations are required for all pupils admitted to early childhood programs and kindergarten. View the Health Assessment form (PDF)
  • Physical examinations are required for all pupils Grade 7-12 who are participating in sports. View the Physical Evaluation form (PDF)


Enrollment Eligibility Requirements

Whenever a child is enrolled in a Kansas district school for the first time, the parent/guardian is required to provide proof of the child's identity. "Proof of Identity" is defined differently for different grade levels.

A child enrolling in kindergarten or first grade:

  • A certified copy of the birth certificate of the child, or
  • As an alternative for the child in the custody of the Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Services, a certified copy of the court order placing the child in the custody of the secretary.
  • In the absence of a certified copy of birth certificate for the child in kindergarten or first grade, any document which reasonably tends to establish the age of the child will be accepted as temporary proof of identity.

A student enrolling in Grades 2-12:

  • A certified copy of birth certificate of child, or
  • A certified transcript of school records, or
  • Actual school records from sending school, or
  • A hospital birth certificate.

NOTE: If proof of identity is not presented to the school district within 30 days after enrollment, written notice will be given immediately to a law enforcement agency. Upon receipt of the written notice, the law enforcement agency shall conduct an investigation to determine the identity of the child.


Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student's education records.  FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Guidelines (pdf)

 

Guidelines/Notices –  all completed online.

  • Bus Conduct Guidelines Notice
  • On-Line and Network Acceptable Use Guidelines
  • Annual Notices and Signature Page 
  • Notice of Student Accident Insurance Coverage
  • Medical Consent Information
  • Bus Student/Passenger Conduct Acknowledgement
  • Field Trip/Transportation Release
  • Network/Internet Acceptable Use Policy Acknowledgement
  • Release of Directory Information Acknowledgement/FERPA
  • Asbestos Notice
  • Tobacco Free Campus
  • Emergency Safety Interventions Policy (GAAF)
  • Possession of a Firearm is NOT Allowed
  • Bulling by Parents
  • Right to Request Information on Teachers Qualifications
  • Career and Technical Opportunities Notice
  • Nondiscrimination Notice
  • Rights Under PPRA Notice

Health Services

School & Child Care Immunization Information

Student Health History & Medical Informaiton 
 

Student health history and medical informatjion should be updated using your PowerSchool Parent Portal account and you should do this annually or any time there are changes.

  • Allergy Action Plan (pdf)
  • Asthma Action Plan (pdf)
  • Diabetes Health Care Plan (pdf)
  • Student Health Assessment Form (pdf)

Request for Administration of Medication – parents will submit this request in the PowerSchool Health module during online enrollment. This form authorizes the school to administer medication to your child.

Kansas Certificate of Immunization Form - KCI (pdf)
This record is part of the student's permanent record and shall be transferred from one school to another as defined in Section 72-5209(d) of the Kansas School Immunization Law (amended 1994.) KCI MAY ONLY BE SIGNED BY A PHYSICIAN (MD/DO), HEALTH DEPT, OR SCHOOL.

Legal Alternatives to Vaccination Requirement "KSA 72-5209"

  • "Annual written statement signed by a licensed physician (Medical Dortor/M.D. or Doctor of Osteopathy/D.O.) stating the physical condition of the child to be such that the tests or inoculations would seriously endager the life or health of the child." Medical Exemption shall be validated annually by physician completion of KCI Form B and attachment to the KCI.
  • "Written statement signed by one parent or guardian that the child is an adherent of a religious denomination whose religious teachings are opposed to such tests or inoculations.

 

 

What you need to know about student health records

Q. When a student enrolls in our school for the first time, what health records must the parent/guardain provide?

A. Students must present certification from a physician or local health department which indicates the student has received or within 90 days after admission to school will have received a health assessment and all tests and immunizations which are required by law. K.S.A. 72-5209 and K.S.A. 72-5214. A student may, but is not required to, be excluded from school until the certifications are received. K.S.A. 72-5211a and K.S.A. 72-5214(h).

 

Q. How do parents know that they need a health assessment and certification in order for their child to attend school?

A. The board is required to give all known pupils who are enrolled or will be enrolling in school, a copy of both the law (K.S.A. 72-5208 through K.S.A. 72-5211a and K.S.A. 72-5214) and the district’s policy on health assessments, certificates and immunizations. K.S.A. 72-5209(c) and K.S.A. 72-5414(d).

 

Q. What if parents indicate they cannot afford to get the required health assessment, tests or immunizations?

A. The school should inform parents of the obligations of local health departments under the law to provide the required tests and inoculations at public expense. Both laws indicate a child cannot be denied inoculations or a health assessment because of inability to pay. K.S.A. 72-5210 and 72-5214(f)

 

Q. Must the school follow any procedures if we exclude a student from attending school for failure to have a health certificate or health assessment form?

A. Yes. The school must give a parent written notification of the reason for the exclusion. The notice must state that the pupil will continue to be excluded until the pupil has complied with the statutory requirements of K.S.A. 72-5209. The notice must also inform the parents of their right to request a hearing on the matter. K.S.A. 72-5211a and K.S.A. 72-5214(h).

 

Q. Parents of a student refuse to submit the health certification asserting that the child cannot be immunized because of his health. What will we do?

A. Request that the parents provide you with a certification from a licensed physician that the physical condition of the child is such that the required tests or inoculations would seriously endanger the life or health of the child.  Such a certification satisfies the legal requirement. K.S.A. 72-5209(b)(1). A similar exemption does not exist for the health assessment form.

 

Q. Parents of a student refuse to submit the health certification or health assessment form asserting that the required tests and inoculations conflict with their religious beliefs. What will we do?

A. K.S.A. 72-5209(b)(2) and K.S.A. 72-5214(c)(1) provide a written statement signed by the parent or guardian of the child which indicates that the child is an adherent of a religious denomination whose religious teachings oppose such tests or inoculations may be submitted as an alternative to the health certification.

 

Q. Do students need a new health certification or health assessment if they transfer from another school district?

A. The original health certification and health assessment should be transferred with the records of the child. If this occurs, a child is not required to have a new certificate in each new district. K.S.A. 72-5209(d) and K.S.A. 72-5214(e).

 

Q. Must the school report a child truant who has been excluded from school for failure to have a health certificate or health assessment form?

A. No. The compulsory attendance law does not apply to this situation.  K.S.A. 72-5211a(b) and K.S.A. 72-5414(i).


PowerSchool - Student and Parent Access

By requesting a password, parents with Internet access will be able to view detailed grade performance information at anytime through PowerSchool Parent Access. Grades are available as soon as they are entered. For more detailed information on how to begin using PowerSchool Parent Access, contact your child’s building principal.

Click here to login into the Parent/Student PowerSchool module.

 


Special Education Services

Keystone Learning Services homepage

Click here to learn more about special education services


Visitors to the School - Board Policy KM  

The board encourages patrons and parents to visit district facilities.  Patron visits shall be scheduled with the teacher and the building principal.  Notices shall be posted in school buildings to require visitors to check in at the office before proceeding to contact any other person in the building or on the grounds.

Any person who visits a building and/or grounds of the district will be under the jurisdiction of the building principal who shall be responsible for developing rules and regulations governing the presence of visitors in the buildings.

The principal has authority to request assistance from law enforcement if any visitor to the district's buildings or grounds refuses to leave or creates a disturbance.  Violation of this rule may lead to removal from the building or grounds and denial of further access to the building or grounds.  Violators of this board policy may be subject to the state trespass law.


NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The Atchison County Community Schools, USD #377, Effingham, Kansas, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. Anyone having questions regarding compliance with Title VI, Title IX, Americans With Disability Act or Section 504 may contact:

Superintendent of Schools, 306 Main Street, P.O. Box 289, Effingham, KS 
66023-0289 (Title VI, Title IX, ADA, and Section 504 Coordinator).