Dear Mark Twain Parents,

This handbook has been designed to provide you with helpful information about Mark Twain Elementary School. It should help to answer questions that you might have regarding the everyday operation of our school, our procedures, and our policies. We encourage you to keep this handbook where you can easily reference it, as it should be helpful to you if you have a question about Mark Twain Elementary School. Should the answer to your question not be in this handbook, please give our office a call and we will do our best to help you.

Sincerely,

The Staff of Mark Twain Elementary School


Office/Support Staff Phone Numbers

Principal: Sarina Compoz
303-347-4700
Voice Mail: 303-347-4711
scompoz@lps.k12.co.us

Secretary: Sherry Newton
303-347-4700
Voice Mail 303-347-4711
snewton@lps.k12.co.us

Clerk: Kim Barber-Kieffer
303-347-4700
Voice Mail 303-347-4710 
kbarber-kieffer@lps.k12.co.us


Littleton Public Schools Vision Statement

Exceptional community, extraordinary learning, expanded opportunity, and success for all students.

Mission Statement

To educate students for the future by challenging every individual to continuously learn, achieve, and act with purpose and compassion.

School Rules

Keep your hands and feet and all objects to yourself.
Treat others with dignity and respect.
Follow adult directions the first time.

Spirit Colors and Mascot

School Colors: Orange, Black and White
School Mascot: The Tiger

Most Successful Students:

Want to learn
Study
Attend school unless they are truly ill
Have good work habits
Come to class prepared
Are engaged in activities in addition to classes
Dress appropriately
Are punctual
Treat people and property with respect
Are supported by their families and rooted in family values
Are well fed and rested
Are optimistic about themselves and their future
Care about their physical condition
Express opinions in an appropriate manner
Smile
Accept responsibility for the consequences of their actions or inactions
Maintain an environment free from emotional and physical harm
Behave in a manner which fosters a positive school environment conducive to learning
Communicate effectively to build a more positive school environment
Accept the unique attributes and qualities of every individual

General Information

Arrival/Departure Information

School hours are 9:01 a.m. to 3:43 p.m.

Each day before students arrive at Mark Twain, teachers and staff are engaged in individual planning, team meetings, and committee work. Before school, it is each teacher’s responsibility to prepare for the day’s lessons as well as communicate with colleagues about curriculum, instruction, and student needs. It cannot be their responsibility to supervise students who arrive early.

Playground supervision begins at 8:50 a.m. Please see that children do not arrive before 8:50 a.m. unless you are staying with your child, or your child is involved in a supervised activity, or special arrangements have been made with a Mark Twain staff member to provide supervision. P.M. kindergarten should arrive no earlier than 12:45 p.m.

Students who do arrive at 8:50 a.m. are not to go to the classrooms, but are asked to wait outside on the playground, in the line where their classroom teacher will meet them. We ask that students do not “cut through” the atrium to get to the playground, but rather that they walk, around the south side (golf-course side) of the building, to get to the playground. Occasionally we have an “inside day” in the morning due to inclement weather. On “inside days” students report to the hallway near their classroom and sit outside their classroom until the teacher arrives.

If your child is transported to school in a local child care van or by someone other than you, please make sure they understand that students are not to be dropped off before 8:50 a.m. If you have questions, please call the Mark Twain office.

There is no supervision provided at the school after 3:43 p.m. Please be prompt in collecting students as close to 3:43 p.m. as possible.

Absences/Tardies

Attendance is something we take very seriously at Mark Twain. Your child is expected to arrive at school on time each scheduled school day. Doctor and other appointments should be scheduled outside of the school day whenever possible. If this is not possible, we ask that you schedule appointments at times that are least intrusive to the school day. Please refer to the LPS Student Code of Conduct book regarding parent responsibility for compulsory school attendance.

Parents are required to phone the school at (303) 734-5825 to report the absence of their child. The absence should be phoned in by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the absence, or the preceding day. Parents should leave the following information: Parent’s name, child’s name, teacher, date(s) and reason for absence.

• If the child will be absent for a planned period of time, the parent needs to call only on the first day of the absence, specifying the exact dates of the absence and the date the student will return to school.
• Parents will be contacted for any student who is absent and for whom the school has not received a parent call. It is extremely important that the emergency cards be kept up-to-date with home, work and cell numbers.
• If your child has a communicable illness, please notify the Mark Twain office. Parents will be notified when students have been exposed to a communicable illness in the classroom if it is deemed necessary.
• Make-up work will be provided to students who are absent due to illness. Typically, one day per day absent will be given for the completion of make-up work. Please contact your child’s teacher to make arrangements for make-up work due to illness.
• Make-up work will not be provided in advance for families taking vacations during the school year. 

It is important that children arrive on time for school. A “tardy” child not only disrupts the class when arriving late, but he/she misses an important part of the academic learning time. When it is unavoidable and a child is tardy, please come into the office and sign students in. The office will make sure that they get counted for lunch as well as remove them from the “absence” list. The student also needs to take a “hall” pass to the teacher.

Academic Program

The curriculum is designed to foster a love of learning and to nurture curiosity in our students. Academic classroom programs in the basics - Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics - are supplemented by teachers in Physical Education, Music, Art, Media/Library, and Technology.

Our staff works to provide a curriculum, which offers a challenge to each student. We are also concerned about the social/emotional growth of children and believe a positive self- concept can support good progress at school.

Accidents

If an accident/injury occurs, the school office personnel will make every attempt to contact the student's parents. If the parents are unavailable, the authorized emergency contact person will be notified. It is imperative that the office has at least one emergency contact person listed on the emergency card. It is very important that current information is given to the office personnel so that your records are always up-to-date.

Animals on Campus

The Littleton Public Schools Board of Education approved a change in the district policy with regard to animals on campus. Animals may be on the school premises only in connection with an organized and approved school activity, approved by the principal. Animals are allowed to be housed in a classroom for a specific and appropriate educational purpose for the time necessary to achieve an educational goal. Students and parents may no longer bring animals onto the school premises, unless authorized by the principal. This is a change from past practice. The policy is based on the unpredictability of an animal’s behavior with regard to student safety. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with this policy.

Bikes/Scooters/Skateboard Rules

Neighborhood children may ride bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and roller blades to school. However, it is a parent's responsibility to make sure their children are wearing the appropriate safety gear (helmets, pads, etc.). Safety rules must be observed at all times. Once on school property, bikes, scooters, and skateboards should be carried or pushed; they may not be ridden on campus. Roller blades should be taken off immediately upon arriving on school grounds. All bikes should be stored in the bike racks by the west entrance to the building (playground side). Bikes should be locked during the day. All scooters, skateboards, and roller blades should be stored in the classrooms. Bikes, scooters, skateboard, and roller blades should be clearly marked with the student's first and last name. Mark Twain will not be responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged bikes, scooters, skateboards, or roller blades.

Birthdays

Birthdays are an exciting time for our kids. Birthdays are recognized with treats for kindergarten classes only. Birthday invitations for private parties should not be distributed at school unless every child in the class is receiving one.

Book Fines

Sometimes a book gets damaged or lost during a school year. A fine is in order to cover the cost of repair or replacement. Please work with the school to see that these fines are taken care of before the end of the school year.

Please return all library books no later than the Friday before the last week of school. If books cannot be located for return, a replacement cost fee will be assessed. If a book is paid for, then at some time in the future it is located and returned the assessed replacement fee will be refunded. Please keep the receipt for a refund. If books are not returned or paid for by the last day of school, the student’s report card will be held until the library record is cleared up. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Buses

The privilege of riding a school bus is contingent upon a student’s good behavior and observance of the regulations for student behavior both at bus stops and on board buses.

The driver of a school bus shall be responsible for the safety of the students on the bus both during the ride and while students are entering or leaving the vehicle. Therefore, it is the bus driver’s duty to notify the Director of Transportation and the Principal of the school involved if any student persists in violating the established rules of conduct.

After due warning has been given to the student and to the parent/guardian, the principal may withhold from the student the privilege of riding the school bus. The student may also be denied admission to school, suspended or expelled in accordance with established policies, including discipline or habitually disruptive students, for flagrant violation of school bus rider conduct regulations, or conduct detrimental to the safe operation of the bus.

Bus transportation is provided for Mark Twain students living over one mile from the school or where special situations warrant. Routes and pick/up drop off points can be obtained from the LPS Transportation Services Center (303) 347-4775.

Children are not allowed to walk home if their bus is late unless they have permission from a parent/guardian.

The following items are not permitted on school buses: Baseball bats, hockey sticks, tennis rackets or similar sports equipment, glass objects, explosives, firearms, knives, lighters, matches, live animals or insects, or skateboards. Small science classroom projects may be transported in sealed plastic containers.

Classroom Parties

PTO room parent volunteers, in coordination with the classroom teachers, plan two parties each year - Halloween and Valentine's Day. Specific dates and times are determined each year pending calendar parameters.

Communication

To facilitate school-to-home communication, a wide variety of tools are used. The Twain Tales, our school newsletter, is published monthly and sent home with the youngest child or only child in the family. The newsletter also can be accessed from our web site. Our address is: http://twain.littletonpublicschools.net. The Twain Bulletin Board is located in the main hallway and is updated weekly. Be sure to check our web site for up to date information also. Each teacher at Twain has voice mail. Parents will receive voice mail telephone numbers for the staff at the beginning of the year. Because teachers are not available during class time to take calls, please leave a voice message so the teacher can get back with you. The staff is committed to keeping parents informed about their children and uses traditional forms of communication as well as technology-based methods. Also, we would very much appreciate making communication a two-way process. Please call the school (303-347-4700) or the voice mail for your child's teacher if you are concerned about your child, if you want to share good news and celebrations, or if you want to exchange information. The Mark Twain Marquee in front of the building lists major school events. The district web site is another excellent source of updated schedule information on all LPS schools. The web site address is: http://littletonpublicschools.net.

Crossing Guard Duty

All crossing guards you see helping children safely across the street before and after school are parent volunteers. Please sign up to volunteer at least one day as a crossing guard. Crossing guard volunteers may pick up a bright orange safety vest and crossing sign in the front office. Remember to check in!

Delayed Schedule

In the event of inclement weather, school may be on a delayed schedule, beginning 30 minutes later than usual (9:31). Buses also run their routes on a 30 minute delayed schedule. Announcements will be made on major radio and television stations when a "Delayed Start" is in place. Please do not call the school office for information about weather-related schedule changes.

Dismissal Procedure

If a student is to go someplace after school other than home or a usual sitter, please send a note requesting a change in the normal dismissal procedure. Neither the teacher nor the office may accept a child's word on the requested change.

Dress Code

Please make sure your child dresses appropriately for Colorado weather. Student grooming and apparel must adhere to LPS standards of decency, must not pose a threat to public or personal safety or health, and must not be disruptive of or distracting to the learning environment, classroom activity or student behavior. The following are prohibited:

- Tank tops with large armholes, crop tops that show midriff, halter tops or tops with spaghetti straps
- Short shorts (above fingertip length).
- Hats
- Baggy/Saggy clothes that are more than 1 size bigger than the child's regular size
- T-shirts or other apparel depicting alcohol, drug, tobacco use or advertisement, or apparel displaying gang symbols, or using defamatory or vulgar, offensive or obscene language

Please refer to the LPS Student Code of Conduct handbook for further guidelines.

Early Departure Information

If a student needs to be taken out of school before the end of the school day, it is required that an adult come to the office and sign the child out. The office staff will call your child down to the office. Students may not meet their parents outside. All parents are required to sign their student in/out each time the student has come in late or left early.

Emergency Closure Procedures

In the case of an emergency or severe weather, please tune in to the following radio or television stations for information about changes in the school's schedule. Stations will be contacted no later than 6:30 a.m. for school closures or late starts, and as soon as possible for early dismissal.

AM RADIO
KHOW (630)
KKZN (760)
KOA (850)
KKFN (950)
KNRC (1150)
KBNO (1280)
KEZW (1430)
KCKK (1600)

FM RADIO
KLDV (91.1)
KBCO (97.3)
KYGO (98.5)
KOSI (101.1)
KRFX (103.5)
KXKL (105.1)
KBPI (106.7)
KQKS (107.5)

TELEVISION
Channel 2
Channel 4
Channel 7
Channel 9

Field Trips

Each grade level typically plans a number of trips off site to support and enhance the curriculum. Signed parent permission is required in advance for these excursions. A blanket permission form is requested at the start of the school year and kept on file in the office. If you wish your child to NOT attend a particular field trip, you may opt your child out by signing the form that is sent home prior to each field trip.

Fifth Grade Continuation

Fourth grade parents plan a reception following the continuation ceremony. The fifth grade continuation ceremony typically occurs the morning of the last day of school each year (pending calendar parameters).

Homework Policy

Twain's homework policy is aligned with best research practices. Guidelines suggest students should be doing approximately ten minutes of homework/study time per grade level, Monday through Thursday nights. For example, if your child is a second grader, look for him/her to be doing approximately 20 minutes of studying a night. If a student states they have no homework, strongly encourage the student to read for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Sometimes students may have homework assigned and may also be given an opportunity to finish or redo in-class assignments as deemed appropriate by the teacher. If you feel that your child has more or less homework than his/her grade level expectation, please contact your child's teacher. A conversation to determine basic understanding of assignments, to discuss management of time in the classroom, and to develop solutions is in order.

Immunizations

Immunizations must be current and up-to-date to enroll in school. Contact school office for required immunizations or any questions.

Library/Media Center

It is the mission of school library information specialists to teach students to access, evaluate and use information effectively and to help students become successful readers. At Twain we have a substantial collection of age-appropriate books and other materials. The media center is open throughout the day. Classes visit the media center once a week with their teachers to explore Information Literacy and Literature Appreciation. Lost or damaged books are the student’s responsibility. They are expected to pay the replacement cost.

Please return all library books no later than the Friday before the last week of school. If books cannot be located for return, a replacement cost fee will be assessed. If a book is paid for, then at some time in the future it is located and returned the assessed replacement fee will be refunded. Please keep the receipt for a refund. If books are not returned or paid for by the last day of school, the student’s report card will be held until the library record is cleared up. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found area is located in the hallway by the cafeteria in the glass case. Students may check the Lost and Found for lost items at any time other than class time. Lost and Found items will be displayed during Parent/Teacher conferences and during other evening events. Unclaimed items are given away to charity at the end of the year.

Lunches

Hot lunches are served at school every day. Milk is also available for students who bring their lunch. Snacks are also available for purchase during the lunch hours. Prices for lunches change every so often. Check the Twain Newsletter for current lunch/milk prices. Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their children. Money can be deposited in a student's lunch account. When sending checks to school to be deposited into your child's account, please reference your child's account number on the check. Every time a student goes through the lunch line, his/her account is automatically debited. Each student has a five-digit student number which they will need to memorize so debits can be made. When the student's lunch account is low, the student will get his/her hand stamped indicating this. When a student owes more than one lunch, no further charges can be accepted. Neither the cafeteria nor the school is able to provide lunch loans. In the event a child does not have a lunch or lunch money, the student will be given a snack of milk, cheese, and crackers. The cafeteria is not allowed to provide a lunch. Please be sure your child has meal credits, lunch money, or a lunch from home.

Medications

By law, only medication prescribed by a doctor can be administered to students at school. It must be provided to the office in its original container, with a liability form, which is signed by the student's physician and parent. Over-the-counter medications may not be administered by school personnel either. Parents may come to school to administer medication to his/her student as needed.

Money

Children are highly discouraged from having money at school other than that which they would need for one day's lunch. Money required for field trips, pictures, etc. should be placed in the appropriate envelopes with the child's name and teacher's name on it.

Office Hours

The school office is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Two formal Parent/Teacher conference times are scheduled during the school year. Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for October and March. Should you wish to have additional conferences to discuss your child's progress, please feel free to make an appointment with the teacher.

Parking Policy

The parking lot is located on the north side of the building, entrance and exit onto Costilla Ave. Parking spaces are limited, as staff uses this lot also. Please pay attention to and obey all signs in the lot and please observe safe driving through the lot.

Personal Belongings

Problems often arise when articles are brought to school that are hazardous or interfere with school procedures. Money and other valuables should only be sent to school when there is a definite need for them. Absolutely no knives, guns, or weapons (or replicas) will be permitted. Toys and items such as electronic games, walkmans, radios, walkie-talkies, etc., are also not permitted at school.

Physical Education

If your child needs to be excused from PE participation for 1- 2 PE classes, please put your request in writing. If your child is under doctor's care, it's recommended that a doctor's note accompany that request also.

Report Cards

Report cards are sent home on a 12-week trimester reporting basis. See district calendar for ending dates for each trimester.

Safety at School

Mark Twain has emergency plans for fire, natural disasters, and unwanted intruders. Drills are conducted regularly so that students will know what to do in an emergency. Quiet, orderly behavior is expected during the drills.

There are McGruff safe houses located throughout the neighborhood. Signs indicating McGruff houses should be visible from the street.

School Pictures

Individual student pictures are taken by professional school photographers each fall. Class pictures are taken in the spring. Look for specific information regarding school pictures throughout the year.

Snacks

Teachers will determine "snack time" and procedures for their classrooms. Students may bring a snack to eat during this time. Please make sure it is nutritious. Do not allow your child to bring candy, gum, or drinks (other than water). Students will not be allowed to eat their snacks while playing on the playground. This will prevent choking hazards and littering.

Technology

Keyboarding, word processing, and Internet research are some of the technology skills students learn and use. Strict computer use and care guidelines are upheld.

The Internet is a fluid environment in which information available to students is constantly changing, and the District does not endorse any content or make any guarantee as to the accuracy of information or the appropriateness of any material accessible to students. The Board acknowledges that it is impossible to predict with certainty what information students might locate on the Internet, but believes that the valuable information and interaction available on the Internet outweigh the possibility that users may access material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the District.

Student use of the District Internet system is a privilege, not a right. Use of this resource demands personal responsibility and an understanding of acceptable uses of the Internet. Depending on the nature and degree of the violation and the number of previous violations, unacceptable use of the District Internet system may result in one or more of the following consequences:

- Suspension or cancellation of use or access privileges
- Denial of future access
- Payments for damages and/or repairs
- Discipline under other applicable District policies, including suspension and expulsion
- Civil or criminal liability under other applicable laws

Student users who violate this policy will be subject to the disciplinary procedures set forth in the Student Code of Conduct and Board policy. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the District Internet system.

Use of School Telephones

Students are not allowed to use school phones for arranging after school plans with friends. Such arrangements must be made before the school day or after arriving home. School phones are for school business only and for emergency situations.

Vacations

If you are unable to schedule your vacations during school breaks, please notify the office for attendance purposes. Also, inform your child's teacher of extended vacation plans.

Vision and Hearing Screening

Vision and hearing screenings take place at the school during the year. Should any screening indicate a concern, you will receive notice.

Visitors

Parents and visitors are welcome at the school during the day. However. it is required that all visitors on campus must sign in at the main office and wear a visitor's badge. When staff members encounter someone in the building who is not an employee and is not wearing a visitor's badge, they will direct that person to the office to sign in. For the safety of our students, all doors other than the main entrance doors remain locked from the outside during school hours. In order to plan effectively for classroom visits, we appreciate knowing the purpose and time of a parent's visit ahead of time. It is requested that preschool age children and infants not be taken to classrooms during observations not by volunteers working in the classrooms. Family members are welcome to eat lunch with students. Former students who wish to visit prior teachers must make arrangements in advance. For liability purposes, our campus is closed to older students and off-track students during the school day.

Weather

Fresh air and exercise are good for our children (and adults). On very cold/and or wet days, children are kept inside during recess time. If the temperature is 20 degrees or less (wind chill factor taken into consideration), there will be inside recess. Please dress your child(ren) appropriately, as the weather in our area is unpredictable.


School Programs

Please note that School Programs may change from year to year.

Adopt-A-Family

Families that are new to Twain are matched with existing Twain families - with similar aged children - to help them get better acquainted with the school, and provide an opportunity to ask questions about the school programs and events.

Art Program

Twain’s art program is based on the belief that art skills are not inherited – they are developed. The goals of our art program are to support students’ appreciation and enjoyment of art and promote children’s creative growth, art concepts and skills. Our program ensures exposure to a variety of art experiences, as well as the use of different media and techniques (drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printing). In Twain’s art program, projects incorporate aspects of art appreciation along with art history to give to children a growing treasure of knowledge about artists, art styles, and art influence in our everyday lives.

Basketball Clinic

Boys and girls in the 4th and 5th grades learn basketball skills and gamesmanship in this supervised activity.

Caring Connection

We all need help every now and then. A group of Twain parents connects with families who might be experiencing a time of need, e.g., illness, injury, death, financial hardship, etc. This group provides meals for the family over a period of time. This group does not provide financial or other assistance. However, we can connect families in need to agencies in the area which do provide that type of assistance. Please contact Principal Kinney directly if you are in need of assistance, or if you know of someone who could benefit from this connection. The Beatles sang it best, "We get by with a little help from my friends." Make the call!

Gifted and Talented Program

Gifted and talented learners are a diverse group of students with unique learning needs. Gifted and talented students are those children whose abilities, talents and potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced, that they require special provisions to meet their educational needs. GT students at Twain are identified through a formal process, which includes collecting data from multiple sources to determine the best possible match between available services and learner needs.

The following options are a part of GT services at Mark Twain.

- In class flexible grouping
- Cluster grouping
- Pull out classes
- Acceleration by grade Students may be nominated for GT screening by a parent or teacher.

Chess Club

K-5 students are welcome to come and learn how to play the game of chess.

Grand Partners

This program is for senior citizens who love to volunteer in the Littleton Public Schools and love to assist in the classroom.

Instructional Coach

Mark Twain Elementary has an Instructional Coach. She works extensively with teachers in their first, second, and third year of teaching meeting with them weekly, performing lesson demonstrations in their classrooms, and observing their instruction to students. She collaborates with veteran and new staff in professional development supporting implementation of best practices in teaching and consulting with teachers on curriculum planning, lesson design, and assessment. Training opportunities are offered by our coach for staff and parents according to established needs and interests.

Junior Great Books

This grade level reading enrichment program uses group discussion to teach reading comprehension. (Twain’s PTO funds the training cost for the adult volunteers).

Kindergarten Buddy Day

The kindergarten classes welcome the next years fall kindergarteners. Student’s buddy-up with new children to share their experiences.

Letterheads

A group of spellers in grades 3rd, 4th and 5th who have met certain spelling requirements meet weekly to practice spelling skills. Interested students are encouraged to participate in the district’s spelling bees.

Littleton Sports Clubs

Littleton offers a variety of sports clubs for boys and girls of all ages. Look for specific information on each club in your child’s folder.

Counseling Program

Mark Twain is fortunate to have a school counselor! Tasks carried out in the Counseling Program include:

1) Small group counseling support

Changing Families
Anger Management
Friendships/Social Skills
Study Skills/Organization
Learning Differences
Gifted and Talented Support
New Student Support

2) Individual Counseling

3) Crisis Intervention

4) Parent/Teacher consultation and collaboration

5) Presentations to teachers and parent community

6) Child Study Facilitator

7) Community resource connections

8) Scoring/interpretation of social/emotional/behavioral screening Student participation in-group or individual counseling begins through teacher and parent referral, and must accompany written permission from parents.

Groups run from 6-8 weeks, and meet 30 minutes per week. Attempts are made to schedule groups during times, which are least academically intrusive in the child’s day. Children are divided into Primary groups (grades K-2), or Intermediate groups (grades 3-5). Parents and teachers receive week-by-week summaries at the end of each group, which describe what was discussed. Parents may call any time regarding their child’s participation in group or social/emotional/ behavioral/academic well being.

Mark Twain Publishing Center

“Every child an author” Each year every child at Twain has the opportunity to publish one or more books through our Mark Twain Publishing Center. By taking their pieces public, children have a compelling reason to revise and edit their writing to be read by others. Publishing further motivates our authors to write for the purpose of entertaining, informing, or persuading their real audience. Classroom teachers set criteria and specific learning goals for students to take written pieces to the publishing stage so that publishing becomes an integral part of our writing instruction. A cadre of parent volunteers supports this publishing process by word-processing, laminating, and binding the students’ written pieces. Our published books are prominently displayed in the Twain Atrium for you to read and enjoy. Look for the Twain tiger paw print embossed on the seal affixed to each book cover. It’s our trademark!

Music Program

The performing arts program consists of grade level objectives in the following areas of study:

Beat
Rhythm
Melody
Harmony
Form
Expressive Quality
Technique
Drama

National Geography Club

This club is open to all 4th and 5th graders. The students will study many geographical locations throughout the world. If eligible, some students may participate in the district’s Geography Bee.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Mark Twain has a very active and supportive PTO. We encourage all parents who are interested to become involved in supporting the PTO. This Parent/Teacher organization plans and implements many special activities for the school. Some of the activities include fundraisers such as grocery store certificates; spring fundraising event, book fairs, and spirit wear sales. Money raised through the PTO efforts goes back into the school. We could not provide the quality program we currently have at Mark Twain without this dedicated hard-working group.

Physical Education Program

Physical Education is a component of education that takes place through movement. The purpose of physical education at Twain is for all students to learn and develop fundamental movement skills, to participate regularly in physical activity, and to know the implications of and benefits from involvement in physical activities.

Reading Tutor Program

This program is designed for students who need extra help and some specific one-on-one assistance. See grade level teacher for more information.

Safety Patrol

Twain parents help students cross the streets near the school and keep cars out of the school bus drop off are before and after school.

Scouts

Boys and Girls Troops are formed for boys (grades1-5) and girls (grades K-5) at the beginning of the school year. Look for more information on becoming a Boy or Girl Scout of America in your child’s folder.

Scrabble Club

What a way to wake up your brain! Have fun while you sharpen your spelling skills, expand your vocabulary and math skills and become a quick draw with a dictionary.

Scrapbooking Club

This club is open to all 5th graders. The students will learn creative techniques to organize and assemble their own album.

Second Step

This program is available to help students deal with conflict resolutions by using role-playing and empathy techniques.

Student Council

A group of students from grades 4 and 5 will be selected to represent their class. The student council acts as goodwill ambassadors for Twain. The Student Council also participates in community service projects, works at special school events and has its own school store.

Special Education Program

Mark Twain has a Student Resource Team to service students with disabilities. Services may be provided by Special Education teachers, Speech/Language Pathologists, Psychologists, and/or Occupational Therapists. Students with learning disabilities may qualify for this program through the referral process. The Special Education program emphasizes an inclusionary model, but when appropriate, individual and small group instruction is provided in academic, prevocational, and social skills. The Special Education teacher works with each student on specific goals and objectives. Students with difficulties in the areas of speech and language, which significantly impact their performance, may qualify for this program through the referral process. The Speech Pathologist works on articulation, language development, fluency or voice with individuals and small groups.

Twain Accountability Committee (TAC)

The Twain Accountability Committee is an advisory body of parents and staff members. Final authority and accountability for any decision rests with the principal. Generally, the TAC serves as a “sounding board” for the school and provides parent input in various areas of the school program. The TAC shall be responsible for overseeing the School Improvement Plans and the Annual Report. This will be done in concert with the staff and administration.

Volunteers in Public Schools (V.I.P.S)

This is a great way to get involved in your child’s school experience. Many opportunities are available to volunteer, such as: Family events, Fundraising events, School programs and Special School events. Parent volunteers are critical to the success of Mark Twain. There is also work that can be done at home so working parents can feel free to volunteer as well.


Family Events

Please note that Family Events may change from year to year.

Night of the Arts

On this night of fun, artwork will be in multiple galleries throughout the school. Music fills the halls as the Twain Choir performs in the gym. Books and authors of the Twain Publishing Center can be found in the Atrium. Top off the evening with ice cream in the cafeteria.

Parent Education Night

Learn more about Twain’s reading programs; about how children start to read and write, and how they can become more proficient. Also learn valuable techniques to improve their technology and math skills. You will learn skills and methods to use at home.


Special School Events

Please note that Special School Events may change from year to year.

Field Day (Games/Events)

On this day of fun for all, students enjoy coming together with their classmates to participate in outdoor sporting events and games. Everyone celebrates Field Day with an outdoor lunch.

Fun Run

All students, staff, teachers, parents, babies in stroller, toddlers, etc., race for fun and build self-esteem.

Red Ribbon Week

Students learn about Drug Awareness and making good choices. Volunteers help make die-cut red ribbons for students to wear and assist with the week’s activities.

Twain Day

A day for the entire school to celebrate Mark Twain’s life. Musical, cultural and art activities focus on this historic time period.


Fundraising Events

Please note that Fundraising Events may change from year to year.

Barnes & Noble Book Fair

Come out and support Mark Twain at the Book Fair. B&N will contribute a percentage of all purchases, used with a voucher, back to Mark Twain.

Box Tops for Education

Earn money back for Twain on General Mills Box Tops (Ten cents per box top).

Cartridges for Kids

Donate used cartridges and cell phones to be recycled and get money back for Twain.

Donation Drive

An option for families who don’t have the time or inclination for other fundraising opportunities. This is a one time tax-free donation for the school year.

Entertainment Books

Students and Twain families help sell coupon books that include discounts on dining, skiing, movies, dry cleaning, etc.

Gift Wrap

Gift-wrap, special occasion, birthday and holiday items are for sale.

Grocery Store Certificates

Good at King Soopers, Safeway and Albertson’s – certificates are available in the Twain office and from Neighborhood Representatives. (They are exactly the same as cash!) Twain receives monies equal to 5% of the cash value of the certificates.

Labels for Education

Save labels from designated companies, to accumulate points, and earn valuable merchandise for Twain.

Mark Twain Book Fair

Books are displayed at school and are available for preview before purchasing. Library and classroom wish lists are available if you would like to purchase and dedicate a book in your child’s name.

Spirit Wear

Mark Twain has its very own line of T-shirts! Look for more information in your child’s folder about Spirit Day.

Spring Fundraiser

To be determined by Twain community interest and school need.