Student Handbook

 

Manitowoc Public School District

2026-2027

Elementary Parent/Student Handbook 

Introduction

This student handbook was developed to answer many of the commonly asked questions that families may have during the course of a school year. This handbook summarizes many of the official policies and administrative guidelines of the MPSD Board of Education and the District. 

This handbook is effective immediately. 

Please take time to become familiar with the following information and keep the handbook available for reference. It can be a valuable reference during the school year and a means to avoid confusion and misunderstanding when questions arise. Should you have any questions that are not addressed in this handbook, contact your principal. This handbook is in accordance with school board policies and supersedes all prior handbooks and other written or oral statements regarding any item in this handbook. School Board Policies may be viewed on the district website manitowocpublicschools.org.

TRANSLATOR HOTLINES

“If you need this information translated in Spanish, please call...”

Si usted necesita esta informacion traducida al Espanol, por favor llame al 663-9372.

“If you need this information translated in Hmong, please call...”

Yog koj xav kom peb txhais cov ntawv no ua lus Hmoob, thov hu 663-9373

ATTENDANCE

MPSD Student Engagement Team Mission: 

The Manitowoc Public School District (MPSD) community commits to building relationships and working collaboratively as a cohesive student-focused team while being open-minded and vulnerable in our journey to improve student engagement. 

What are the Systems of Attendance?

Every school year, the Manitowoc Public School District Systems of Attendance (SOA) Team evaluates student attendance on a weekly basis, identifying students who are struggling to engage in school consistently. Manitowoc Public School District will be partnering again with the City of Manitowoc to engage students in learning by supporting high levels of attendance. 

How will MPSD Measure Attendance?

Each week, various student reports will be evaluated in order to determine which students may be in need of additional support. Our ultimate goal is to increase student engagement and academic achievement by improving attendance. Students who have numerous unexcused absences will enter our SOA process.

How do Students Earn Unexcused Absences?

Guardian permission/reason for the absence was not provided to the office.

How many days can my child be absent (excused or unexcused) prior to being considered truant? 

The MPSD recognizes a maximum of 10 partial or whole days of excused absences per school year. We understand that there are circumstances in which a student’s absence may exceed 10 days; building administrators will work with families during these situations to ensure students are supported. 

What are the Supports (Levels of Intervention) that will Occur if My Student Enters SOA?

• Level 1 - A courtesy Robo-Call generated through our Infinite Campus student information system will alert parents and guardians when their student has been marked for an unexcused absence. 
• Level 2 - If Level 1 is unsuccessful in improving attendance, students who were marked unexcused for all or part of four (4) school days, students, and/or families will receive additional communication from a school administrator or their designee. Students and/or guardians will work with their building representative to develop a Personalized Learning Plan housed in Infinite Campus to determine any support necessary to improve engagement. 
• Level 3 - If Level 2 is not successful in improving attendance, families will receive written communication requesting an in-person meeting with a building representative. The purpose of this meeting will be to review and revise the plan built in Level 2 and to communicate what next steps may occur if your student’s engagement does not improve.
• Level 4 - If Level 3 is not successful, students and/or guardians will meet with administration during a period throughout the day to review the personalized learning plan. This will serve as a final warning before the student and/or guardians receiving a citation.
• Level 5 - If there is a lack of engagement in the above Levels of support and lack of communication with school personnel, the student or guardians can receive a habitual truancy fine amounting to $439. Students or guardians that receive the fine will be automatically enrolled in the truancy buy-back plan. Students that come back to school will earn money back on their habitual truancy fine.  

Who do I Contact to Notify the School of my Student’s Absence?

  Franklin Elementary School Attendance Line
(920) 663-9509
Jefferson Elementary School Attendance Line
(920) 663-9529
Monroe Elementary School Attendance Line
(920) 663-9666
Stangel Elementary School Attendance Line
(920) 663-9748
Riverview Early Learning Attendance Line
(920) 663-9691

When Can I Call to Excuse my Student’s Absence(s)?

Up to 24 hours after the absence (Parents are allowed to excuse their students from school up to 10 times per school year. Additional absences require a medical excuse. 11 + absences w/out a medical excuse become “Unexcused”)
In advance of an absence or appointment. 

Tips on Tracking and Supporting your Students Attendance

Visit the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to ensure that your address and phone numbers are up to date.
If changes are required, please update your IC information.  If you need help call the school office
If you do not have access to the online Infinite Campus Parent Portal, please reach out to your school secretary for assistance.
Talk with your son or daughter about their absences, and feel free to contact your school’s administration for information involving those absences.
Plan for vacation time by alerting school secretaries before your vacation so that your student is accurately marked in attendance.

Please contact any of our administrators with questions! The SOA team appreciates your support and cooperation as we strive for engaged community members, creative problem solvers, and effective communicators. Attendance & engagement are crucial to the academic success of students in the Manitowoc Public School District. 

TRUANCY PROCEDURES 
By Wisconsin statute 118.16, truancy is defined as any absence of part or all of one or more days from school during which a school official has not been notified of the legal cause of such absence by the parent or guardian of the absent pupil, and also means intermittent attendance carried on for the purpose of defeating the intent of the compulsory attendance law.

If determined that a student has been truant, school officials may require a student conference, parent conference, counseling, detention, or suspension to deal with the problem.

Wisconsin Act 239 defines “habitual truant” as:  “A student who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part of all of 5 or more days on which school is held during a school semester.”  When a child first becomes a habitual truant according to this definition, notice must be sent to the parent or guardian by registered or certified mail.”  A truancy meeting will be held with the principal, parent and child.

Parents or guardians have the responsibility, under Wisconsin Law S.118.15 (1) (a) to cause their child to attend school regularly. In accordance with Wisconsin statute, the Manitowoc Public School District has adopted a truancy plan which is on file in the office of each building principal.

BEFORE SCHOOL INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURE 

On mornings when it is raining or severely cold (feels like temperature of “0” or below), staff are posted by the student entrances inviting students to come in.  Bus riders can come in when their bus drops them off. Students keep their backpacks with them and wait for teachers to pick them up for the day.

DISTRICT SPECIFIC INFORMATION

 

VISITORS, VOLUNTEERS AND GUESTS TO THE SCHOOL

Parents are welcome to volunteer at school. Classroom and library volunteers are often needed. If parents wish to help in the school, call or come to the school and make arrangements according to the school's needs and your schedule. If you could help in preparation of materials, reading with students, or if you have a hobby or skill to share, inform the school accordingly. Parent volunteers in the classroom and on field trips will need to have a background check completed prior to volunteering or a field trip.  These forms can be filled out in the office.  

For the welfare of students and to facilitate the orderly operation of schools, all persons except for registered students, faculty and employees of the Manitowoc Public School District, are required to register in the school office for authorization to be in any school building or on the school grounds.  Visitors will need to have their driver’s license and will be registered through our Raptor system.  Visitors will wear a visitor’s badge, which must be returned to the office when leaving the school. Loitering in the school buildings or on school grounds by unauthorized personnel is prohibited.

STUDENT DIRECTORY DATA

The MPSD considers the categories listed below to be student directory data. Unless a parent/guardian denies permission in writing, this information may appear in news releases and may be shared with the public under the open records law. 

Student name and age
School and grade level
Honors and awards received
Participation in school-sponsored activities and sports
Photograph
Name of previous school(s)

A parent may deny the release of some or all of the items through the Infinite Campus annual update before the 3rd Friday in September.

SCHOOL CLOSING

At times of inclement weather, tune in to the following to get further details on school closings or delays: Radio Stations --  WOMT-WQTC (1240AM - 102FM), WCUB-WLTU (980AM - 92.1FM), WLKN (98.1FM), WIXX (101.1FM) and WTRW (1590AM) – Television Stations – Channels 2, 5, 11, and 26. You will also receive a phone call and text message from the MPSD automated calling system.  **Please make sure you have provided the school with your current phone number through the Infinite Campus Annual Update to receive these calls/texts. If your number has changed please call the office or update the information in Infinite Campus.

CONFERENCES

Parents/guardians of Elementary students will be invited to attend two scheduled conferences, one in fall and one in the spring.  Both conferences are by appointment.  Parents/guardians will receive a Google calendar invite to sign up for a time prior to both conferences.  

STUDENT PROGRESS 

Students’ academic progress is reported to parents at least four times during the school year – or more often if your child is having difficulty in any subject area or doing exceptionally well in one. Please feel free to make an appointment to talk to your child’s teacher.  If your child is experiencing academic or behavior problems in school, you will be notified.  The school needs your help and support in order to help your child learn and develop in many ways.  Parent teacher conference opportunities will be held once in the fall and once in the spring. 

STUDENT LEARNING MATERIAL CARE AND FINES

Student learning materials (technology) are supplied for students.  Please be respectful of these materials by keeping them clean, safe and dry, and away from pets. 

Fines will be charged for damaged or lost materials.  

Chromebooks --$150

Chargers--$15

SCHOOL SPECIFIC INFORMATION

 

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS: 

Support for all of our students begins with a safe learning environment. Our goal is to promote a positive learning environment by explicitly teaching expectations in all areas of our school. Our basic expectations for our community members are summarized to be safe, kind, respectful, and responsible. 

FRIDAY FOLDERS 

Each Friday, or last day of the week, students will bring home a folder or envelope that will contain school/community related notices and/or special forms.  Be sure to take all the papers out, sign the envelope, and return it the next school day with your child (ren).  This process has reduced the constant trickle of notices that could come home daily.

If you have more than one child attending the same school, please be sure to look through all their envelopes.  There will be some duplication of materials, but there will also be information specific for each child.

BIKES, SKATEBOARDS/SCOOTERS/ROLLER BLADES (In-Line Skates)

Bikes, E-Bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller blades (in-line skates) or roller skates are not to be used on school property during school hours, except with prior approval.  Students may ride these items to and from school, provided they stop using them upon arrival at the edge of the school campus.  If a student repeatedly does not comply with this request, the privilege to ride the equipment to school will be revoked. The school does not assume responsibility for lost, damaged, or stolen equipment.

Bicycle riders are expected to ride in a safe manner
Bikes should be licensed
Bikes must be locked in the bike rack
Bicycles are not to be ridden on the playground
Students are encouraged to wear helmets and knee and elbow pads with skateboards, scooters or in-line skates.

BIRTHDAYS

If they wish to, students may bring birthday treats to school. Students will be able to share treats with their classmates. Send only enough for the student’s class and teacher. Please notify the teacher in advance if at all possible. Please be aware of any food allergies in your child’s classroom and provide treats that all students can enjoy.

FIELD TRIPS

All parents MUST complete the annual update in Infinite Campus. Permission for field trips will be given in this update. There will be no paper permission slips sent home for field trips.  If you have made arrangements with your child’s teacher to chaperone a field trip, you will need to complete a background check form. 

GUIDELINES FOR BUS RIDERS 

Students who ride the school bus are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner while waiting for the bus and while riding the bus.  Misbehavior will result in parents being notified.  When a second report is issued, parents will be notified and other restrictions will be imposed.  A third report will result in suspension from riding the bus for up to five (5) days. A serious act endangering the safety of other students may result in immediate suspension of riding privileges. When students do not ride the bus home, the school office must be notified by the parents. Passengers will not be permitted to board or exit a bus except at home or school unless their parents have made special arrangements.  These arrangements must be submitted in writing. Passengers must be ready to board when the school bus arrives.

If you have questions for Brandt Bus, please contact them at 682-8823. 

NEWSLETTER

At least monthly, you can expect an electronic newsletter to be shared out through an Infinite Campus email and text. We will also provide the link on our Facebook page. We do not provide a printed version of our Newsletter unless it is requested.  Our newsletter is our primary communication with parents providing lots of information about events, activities, general information, etc. Thank you for staying informed about what is happening at school.

LOST AND FOUND   

Mark clothing and personal items with your child’s name so that if items are misplaced, they can be returned. Unidentified items are turned into the “Lost and Found”. At the end of each quarter unclaimed items will be given to charity. 

MONEY AND VALUABLES

The school is not responsible for money and items of value that are brought to school by students.  If money is needed for a school-related item (school pictures, book fair, etc.) the school office or classroom teacher will notify you.  When sending money to school for any reason, please send it in an envelope. Items such as hand-held electronic games, toys, trading cards etc. may not be brought to school unless special permission is given by a staff member. If you are not sure if an item can be brought to school, please call the office to check.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

At MPSD we are fortunate to have parents and teachers willing to work together for the good of our students.  The Parent Teacher Organization is a vibrant, caring group of adults who strive to enhance the educational opportunities for our children.  The interest and energy of concerned parents is an important part of the education of our young people!  Our meetings are held monthly. Please check the Facebook page or our school newsletter for meeting dates and times. 

PETS

No animals may be on school property during school hours or for school events. Parents and guardians should not bring dogs to the playground when they are picking children up.

PLAYGROUND/RECESSES

Students will have daily opportunities for outdoor recess as the weather permits and should dress accordingly.  Many activities are available for students.  To keep the playground safe, students should use only the playground equipment and materials provided to them by the school.   The school will not assume responsibility for broken or stolen property or assume liability for equipment that is brought from home. Rough and inappropriate behavior on the playground or playground equipment may cause injury. Tackling and throwing of snow/ice or pea gravel is not allowed at any time.

The "feels like" temperature of zero (0) will be used to decide whether recesses are to be inside or outside. If there is a health concern that prevents a child from going outside, please provide a doctor's note including the number of days the child is to remain inside.

REQUEST TO LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY

A written request to have a child excused from classes early should be sent with the child on the morning of the dismissal or called in to the school office.  The time and reason for leaving should be included.   The parent, or an appointed adult, must then sign the student out in the office before the child can leave the building.  Appointed adults may be asked to present a photo id prior to release of the student. When the student returns to school, they must be signed in at the office by an adult.

ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY

If your child becomes ill or is accidentally injured, the school will call you.  Therefore, it is important that you provide the school with current emergency phone numbers and inform the school of any changes.  Be sure to notify the school whenever your contact information changes (even if the change is temporary.) 

If your child is absent, you are asked to call the school attendance line.  This will allow you to leave a message at any time.  If a call is not received by 9:00 AM office personnel will call you to verify the absence.

STUDENT DRESS

Clothes that students wear to school should maintain an appearance that does not distract from the learning environment.  Clothing displaying inappropriate language, pictures, and promotions of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco use are prohibited. Hats and other items worn on the head such as bandanas are not allowed in the school building.  Students attending school inappropriately dressed will call home to obtain other clothes or be given other clothes to wear from school. Remember to have tennis shoes for your children on days they have physical education classes. Trends come and go; additions may be made to this list at the discretion of the Principal.  Staff Members are at liberty to make decisions about the appropriateness of student clothing and appearance.

STUDENT PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF

Franklin Pick-up and Drop-off

Families will not be allowed to enter the building before or after school with their children. If you have a meeting scheduled with your child’s teacher, please check in at the main office.  Please be prompt when picking up your children at the end of the school day. We do not permit students to stay on school grounds after school unless they are participating in a school-sponsored activity. 

Drop Off

For safety, students should be dropped off no earlier than 7:15 am. There is no supervision before 7:15 am.
Breakfast drop off: The circle drive is for breakfast drop off only. Please pull into the drive, let your child out of the vehicle, and proceed out the exit. Parking in the drop off area is prohibited. (Breakfast will be served from 7:15 -  7:35 am in the gym. Please enter through the gym doors. After 7:35 come to the main office doors.)
Regular drop off: Please park when dropping off your children. We ask that you have your children walk to the closest corner, cross the street using the cross walk, and then go to the playground. There is no drop off in the teacher parking lot located off of S. 35th Street.. 
Crossing guards will be stationed at the corners of:
Forest Circle and S. 35th Street
Dale Street and S. 35th Street
Dale Street and S. 33rd Street
After 7:35 come to the main entrance to check in.
Note: The first week of school, the designated meeting spot will be marked with a cone and your child’s teacher’s name. 
Pick up

Students will exit the building after the 3:00 pm dismissal bell rings. Your child’s teacher will lead the class out to their designated spot. (There is NO pick-up in the staff parking lot, please plan accordingly.)
Please pick up your child at their class’s designated spot.
Students are expected to be picked up or walk home no later than 3:20 pm on M, T, Th, and F and 1:30 pm on W.
** Parents if your pick up plan needs to change for some reason, please call the office and we will let your child know. (920.663.9510)
Bus

Please contact Brandt buses for any bussing questions. (920.682.8823)
Kids taking the bus will go directly to the designated bus pick up area. 

Please follow these procedures to  help us keep our children safe!

 

Jefferson Pick-up and Drop-off

All students meet at their assigned entrance starting at 7:40 AM. At dismissal, students will exit out of their same assigned door. Supervision and Breakfast starts at: 7:15 A.M. -- School starts at 7:45 AM. All students need to enter through assigned entrances. Please be prompt when picking students up at the end of the school day. We do not permit students to stay on school grounds after school unless they are participating in a school-sponsored activity. Students are dismissed at 3:00 P.M. (M, T, TH, F) and at 1:15 P.M. (W).

Anyone who comes to pick up a child at the end of the school day should have a designated pick up spot on the playground when the last bell rings. In order to ensure school safety, parents will not be permitted to enter the school building. The same goes for siblings who need to meet each other- We ask that siblings meet on the playground. If you need to talk to your child(ren)’s teacher, please make a pre-arranged appointment with your child’s teacher and check-in at the office accordingly. 

No pick up or drop off traffic should be in the parking lot section before or after school. This area needs to remain unobstructed for the  buses we have servicing our students. Please make arrangements to pick your child(ren) up at another location along Manila Street, east side of 14th Street, or north side of Division Street. There are many other side streets where families can park and walk to the playground to pick up children.

 

Monroe Pick-up and Drop-off

Students should not arrive at school before 7:15 a.m as staff will not supervise students before that time. Students can choose to eat breakfast or go to the playground when they arrive at school in the morning. Kindergarten students will go to the playground. If parents would like to stay with their child until the school bell rings at 7:35, please wait in front of the school by the main office entrance. 

Students will be dismissed at 3:00 pm. If siblings meet at dismissal, please designate an outside area where they should meet one another as they may exit the building through different doors.  Families will not be allowed in the building at arrival and dismissal times. 

Please review the important information regarding the circle driveway and parking protocols sent home at the beginning of the school year. Please be prompt when picking students up at the end of the school day. We do not permit students to stay on school grounds after school unless they are participating in a school-sponsored activity. Students are dismissed at 3:00 P.M

 

Stangel Elementary (K-4) Pick-up and Drop-off

Arrival Time Drop Off: Students should not arrive at school prior to 7:15 a.m. as there is no staff on the playground for supervision. When students arrive in the morning by car, they should be dropped off in the circle drive. Students get out of the car on the passenger side of the car only. Staff will be present to assist students. Students will then go to the back playground and line up with their classes. The first bell will ring at 7:30am. Buses will drop off in front of the school on Cedar Ave. This is a no parking area for cars. Bus students will be walked to the back of the school to the playground to join their classes to line up for school. 
End of Day Pick-up: School dismisses at 3:00pm. Students can be picked up in the circle drive or street parking. Parents should walk across the street to get their students. Buses pick up on Cedar Ave. on the school side of the street. There is no parking for cars in the bus area. Teachers will walk students out at the end of the school day. 
Breakfast: Breakfast is served daily at 7:15-7:30. When students arrive at school they should go to the back of the school and enter through door D. Breakfast is served in the gym. The first bell rings at 7:30am. School begins at 7:45. 

Riverview Early Learning (EC/4K/TK) Pick-up and Drop-off 

Arrival time:  All students and parents meet at designated  teacher signs in the front of school.  Once the entire class is ready to go, classes will walk together into the building through the main office doors. At dismissal, teachers will walk students back out to parents waiting at teacher signs. Please do not park in the front of the orange cones and keep your speed at 5 mph in our pick up areas during this busy time of day. Students and families should not wait at designated teacher signs earlier than 5 minutes before the start of the school day. Bus riders arrive and depart the building at an alternative school entrance.

End of Day: Please be prompt when picking students up at the end of the school day. We do not permit students to stay on school grounds after school. No pick up or drop off traffic should be in the East parking lot before or after school. This area needs to remain unobstructed for staff and the buses we have servicing our students. Please use the front parking lot to pick your child(ren). 

Early Pick Up During the School Day: Children may not leave school during the school day without an adult signing them out of the office. No one is permitted to enter the playground to speak to or to pick up a child during the school day. During the school day children must be picked up in the office only. All visitors must come directly to the office.

FOOD SERVICE

 

MEAL PROGRAM

The Manitowoc Public School District has contracted Chartwells to manage and carry out our school lunch program.  This lunch program will comply with all guidelines for the National School Lunch Program.  Each day your child (ren) will have the opportunity to select from several options offered to make up the school lunch.

Chartwells will use a debit account system to manage payments and purchases in Infinite Campus.  Under this system, parents and guardians can deposit money directly into an account established for their family. Information for this system can be found on the Manitowoc School District website, under Services, then Food Services.  Online payments will be posted to the food service account immediately.  If you have questions about your food service online account or want to know more about the food service program, please contact Pam Kretsch at kretschp@mpsd.school or call 920-686-4773.  The system is not a charge account and payment must be received prior to the purchases.

Cash or check payments will be posted to the account the following school day after being received. A drop box for payment is located outside the office.    

 

A new Free & Reduced application must be completed each year unless you received a letter from the district stating you are already approved.  Applications are included in the Back to Basics mailing. If you need another one please contact the Manitowoc Public School District Administration Office at 686-4777.  Applications can also be found on the MPSD district website under Services, Food Service, then Free & Reduced.  You may also apply online in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal; Meal Benefits.  Only one application needs to be filled out per household.  Should you have any questions while completing the application, please contact Pam Kretsch at 686-4773. 

Please direct all questions to Chartwells Food Service Director at 920-686-4774.

BREAKFAST AT SCHOOL

Breakfast will be available before the start of school for students who choose to take breakfast. 

LUNCH AT SCHOOL

Students eat lunch in the lunchroom/gym. Parents are always welcome to join their child for lunch. If an adult wants to eat hot lunch, please call the office to order lunch in advance at 663-9520.

MICROWAVES ARE NOT AVAILABLE for reheating food. Please use a thermos to keep food warm for your child, or send a cold lunch.

DISTRICT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS & POLICIES 

The Code of Conduct includes the following: 

Unacceptable Behaviors & 4 Levels of Response
District Policies
Alcohol & Drug Policy #5530
Bullying Policy #5517.01
Cell Phones Policy #5136
Destruction or Misuse of Property Policy #5600
Disorderly Conduct Policy #5520
Discrimination/Harassment Policy #5517
Hazing Policy # 5516
Internet use Policy #7540/7540.03
School Security Policy #8410
Sexual Misconduct/Assault Policy #2266
Weapons/Look-Alikes Policy #5772
MPSD Basics 
This publication includes information regarding school schedules, fees, registration, policies and more. 

TOBACCO, ALCOHOL, AND OTHER DRUGS

Smoking

State law forbids smoking or the possession of smoking materials for people under the age of 21.  Students are not permitted to smoke or possess smoking materials IN or AROUND school.  Violation of the smoking policy will result in disciplinary action and city ordinance citations. All Manitowoc Public School District buildings are designated as tobacco free. Use or possession of tobacco in any form in or around the school building, on the school bus, or during any school-sponsored activity is prohibited for everyone.

Alcohol/Drug Use

The use, possession, sale or intent to sell, transfer of drugs, or other substances for non-medical purposes is prohibited.  The use or possession of drug paraphernalia (as defined in State Statutes 161.571-577) or alcohol is prohibited.  Having illegal drugs, chemicals or alcohol in a person’s system in or on school property, in any district owned or contracted vehicle or at school-sponsored events is prohibited.

CELL PHONES  

Students are allowed to have cell phones at school but they must be turned off and be stored in their locker or backpack. Students are not allowed to use cellphones in school or on the playground. If students are found using their cellphone at school they will turn them into the office for the day.  The student can pick it up at the end of the day.  If the student is using their cell phone a second time without permission it will be in the office and a parent will need to come in to retrieve it.  

Wisconsin statute 175.22, Act 118 prohibits the use of any cell phone, camera or other recording device to capture, record or transfer a representation of any person or part of a person. 

Cell phones, cameras, or other recording devices are strictly prohibited in MPSD restrooms or locker rooms.  

The MPSD is not responsible for lost/stolen cell phones or other electronic devices. 

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES

 

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) 

According to the Family Education and Privacy Act of 1974, student information and records are made available to custodial parents. The Manitowoc Public School District, in its attempt to promote the best interests of each student enrolled in its school in partnership with both parents of the student, shall maintain strict neutrality between parents who are involved in a divorce, legal separation or annulment whether pending or completed unless otherwise directed by a court order. Both parents, upon request, will have access to their child’s grade reports, notices of school activities, disciplinary actions, notices of teacher or principal conferences, etc., unless the custodial parent provides the school’s principal with written evidence of a court order prohibiting the non custodial parent from such access.  If you have any questions contact your child’s school principal.

School Nursing Services

School nurses are Registered Nurses who bridge health care and the educational system to ensure that each child is at their best for optimal learning. MPSD RNs provide shared coverage for all schools and off site programs. RN responsibilities include:

Assessing students needs to identify who may need nursing services during the school day.  
Work collaboratively with parents/guardians and their student’s medical providers.
Create individualized health plans/emergency action plans for students with chronic health needs requiring medication and/or treatments at school.
Annual review of student health needs as disclosed by family.
Ensure safe medication administration and treatments according to medical orders.
Member of the IEP/504 team to provide information and interventions when a student’s health needs affect their education.
Staff training on individual student needs, general medical emergencies, CPR/ AED and first aid.
Case management of students with health needs.
Communicable disease monitoring.
Refer to community resources as needed.

Injury and Illness All injuries  and illnesses must be reported to a staff member. If minor, the student will be treated and may return to class. If care is required, the health office will follow the school’s injury and illness guidelines. The nursing or office staff will determine whether the student should remain in school or go home. No student will be released from school without proper parent/guardian permission.

 

Medication

It is best to give your student medication at home. However, there are times a student may need to be given medication or have a medical procedure performed during school hours. 

MPSD Medication Consent form must be completed by a parent for any prescription and over the counter medication to be given at school. 
A medical provider must sign authorization for prescription medications.
Students who need medical procedures at school also need a completed MPSD Procedure form.
It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to transport medication to/from school.
Medications must be in the original container.
The school nurse has the right to refuse medications or to stop providing medication if the policies are not followed. 
Consent forms and additional information can be found on the MPSD website under Nursing Services

Physical Examination

It is recommended that all children entering school for the first time have a well-child exam by their medical provider and continue on a yearly basis. Regular vision and dental exams are highly recommended as well.  

Vision Screening

The ability to see properly affects learning. Students in the following grades are screened annually for vision abnormalities: EC, 4K, KG, 2, 4, 6 and 8. If your child does not pass the vision screening, a letter will be sent to your home. Please contact your school office if you do not want your child’s vision screened.

 

School Based Dental Clinic 

Lakeshore Community Health Care provides dental services during your child’s school day. Interested families complete an annual consent and health history.  They provide an examination, cleaning, X-rays, sealants, fillings and much more. Any child who is NOT currently established with a dentist is able to be seen. All children are accepted and claims are sent to insurance companies or sliding scale fees are applied. The clinic will visit every school in the district based on interest level.  

 

Communicable Diseases 

Managed as in accordance with district policy and Wisconsin Department of Health guidance.

 

Immunizations  

WI State Law requires the following immunizations. Immunizations may be waived for medical, personal conviction, or religious reasons. However, if there is an outbreak of vaccine preventable disease, students with waivers may be excluded from school until the outbreak subsides.  

Number of Doses by Age:
Pre-K: 4 Dtap, 3 Polio, 3 Hep B, 1 MMR, 1 Varicella
Grade K- 5: 4 Dtap, 4 Polio, 3 Hep B, 2 MMR, 2 Varicella
Grade 7-11: 4 Dtap, 1 Tdap, 4 Polio, 3 Hep B, 2 MMR, 2 Varicella, 1 MenACWY
Grade 12: 4 Dtap, 1 Tdap, 4 Polio, 3 Hep B, 2 MMR, 2 Varicella, 2 MenACWY

Meningococcal and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations are recommended at age 11.  Meningococcal conjugate vaccine protects against bacteria that can cause meningitis, a very serious illness which can lead to death in as little as 48 hours. A second shot is recommended for teens at age 16 to continue providing protection.

Please see the MPSD Website for further school health information and how to contact a school nurse directly. 

 

Handbook reviewed and revised August 2026