Handbook

At May Street Elementary, our goals are centered on building intentional relationships, valuing all learners, honoring students, and holding students to high standards. To accomplish our goals, educators collaborate in grade-level teams to examine student achievement data, strengthen and calibrate instructional practices, and improve student learning. Core instruction in math and reading uses research-based curricula. We provide multi-tiered interventions for students who need additional support. We partner with our parents to find ways to boost school attendance.

Academic Experience: Students receive at least 75 minutes of daily literacy instruction and at least 60 minutes of daily math instruction. Students receive a 40-minute block of either Physical Education, Music, or Library & Technology/STEM each day. Art experiences are built into the core curriculum, and our students participate in a one-week art residency each school year.

Social-Emotional Behavioral Learning: Our school strives to ensure all students and their families feel safe and welcome. We use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a research-backed approach for developing students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral competence. We frequently teach expectations and recognize positive behavior. Our students participate in Morning Meeting each day along with additional SEL learning units throughout the school year. Please refer to this introductory letter from our Student Support Specialists, Natalie Thayer and Jess Temus, for more information.

A.V.I.D. stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and is a district-wide initiative in Hood River County School District.  AVID focuses on teaching and reinforcing academic behaviors and higher-level thinking at a young age. Students develop the academic habits they will need to be successful in middle school, high school, college, careers, military, and trade schools. Students learn about organization, study skills, communication, and self-advocacy in an age-appropriate way, which helps to ensure our school district's vision of excellence for every student, every day.

Celebrating birthdays is a common practice, especially during childhood. To model healthy habits, ensure the safety of all students, and provide an equitable learning environment for all students and families, birthday treats are not permitted. This approach helps us adhere to strict nutritional guidelines and manage classroom environments effectively. Classroom teachers develop alternative ways to honor a student on their birthday. Staff made this decision collaboratively after thoughtful, constructive discussion.

Families are encouraged to subscribe to our school calendar. Click the RSS icon in the upper-right-hand corner of the calendar to subscribe.

We work hard to form well-balanced classes in which all students will have the best opportunity to learn and to grow academically and socially. When classes are created, we follow clear, set guidelines. While we welcome parent input about the child’s learning needs, we trust that you understand that your comments constitute just one of many factors that are considered in forming classes. You may choose to complete our Student Placement Questionnaire which will give you an opportunity to tell us about your child’s learning. Student Placement Questionnaire will be shared in early April. Class assignments are announced through an automated phone message sent to families within two weeks before the beginning of the school year.

May Street Elementary uses the following forms of communication:

• Weekly Family Update is published on Sundays at 5 PM. Notification is sent to families via their preferred methods of communication using ParentSquare
  • Family Updates are not published on the Sunday after Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break
• ParentSquare: ParentSquare is the software platform used to communicate between school and families. You can message staff members directly on ParentSquare, read newsletters and posts, and see social media posts.
• School Website and District Website