Elementary Handbook

Dr. Anthony L. Moore
Assistant Superintendent
anthony.moore@raytownschools.org
816-268-7000

Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! We are excited to welcome all our students and families back to an engaging and successful year at the Raytown Quality Schools! This handbook is designed to help you and your child navigate the school year smoothly by providing important information about our programs and resources.
 

Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment where every child can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential to your child’s success. We encourage you to stay involved, communicate regularly with your child’s teacher and participate in school events.

Please take time to review the handbook carefully. It contains valuable details about attendance, school schedules, safety protocols and other guidelines that will help ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. Together, we will make this school year full of growth, discovery, and joy. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school’s office or district staff. Your children are our number one priority and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to play a vital role in their educational journey! I’m looking forward to meeting and working with you this school year!

Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!

Respectfully,

Dr. Anthony L. Moore
Assistant Superintendent
Raytown Quality Schools

Raytown Quality Schools
2025-2026
Board Members

Alonzo Burton, Board President
Nodie Newton III, Board Vice President
Edna Adelusola
Dr. Madelyne Renee’ Douglas
Jordan Jamerson
Rick Moore
Michael Watson
Rachel Johnston, Board of Education Secretary
Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox, Superintendent

ATTENDANCE, ABSENCES, and TARDINESS:
When students must be absent, it is their responsibility to complete missed assignments. Parents are to call or email the school by 9:30 a.m. if their child will not be in attendance on any given day. For the sake of a child’s health and the health of others, children should not come to school when they are ill. Reasonable efforts will be made to send home those students who come to school showing visible signs of illness. Be sure that the school has the telephone number of the person who should be contacted, if you are not available, in the event of an accident or the illness of your child. Students who arrive after the tardy bell need to be signed in by an adult.

MAKE-UP WORK:
Students are responsible for contacting the teacher after each absence concerning work missed. When a student is absent, parents may request assignments. Contact the teacher to make arrangements to pick up assignments.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES:
A valid state issued ID is always required to check out your student, even if you have previously presented your ID. We will release students to adults identified as household parents or nonresident parents. We will not release your student to anyone without your permission. Please call the school office, in advance, if an adult other than the parent is picking up your student. District staff may refuse to release a student if they have concerns regarding the student’s safety or whether a person is authorized to pick up the student. For student safety, the school office is closed 20 minutes before dismissal. Parents who arrive when the office is closed for dismissal should join the car rider line.

PICKING UP STUDENTS:
The district will release a student to either parent unless the district has a valid court order directing otherwise. If district staff have concerns about releasing the student to a parent, the student may be held while additional precautions are taken, including, but not limited to, verifying custody orders and/or contacting the other parent or contacting appropriate authorities.

STUDENT PICK-UP AT DISMISSAL:
Students who are not walkers, bus riders or who do not attend Before/After School Care are expected to be picked up from school no later than 15 minutes after dismissal. Administrators will consider the circumstances when handling a situation in which a student is not picked up within 15 minutes of dismissal. Generally, when students are not picked up on time, the school will attempt (if possible, and when appropriate) to contact the parent/guardian and emergency contacts. If the school doesn't hear from the parent/guardian within 30 minutes after dismissal, the Missouri Children's Division of the Department of Social Services and the police may be called to pick up the student. Please ensure the school has your student's updated parent/guardian and emergency contact information.

BIRTHDAY TREATS: Birthday treats are not permitted at school. Party invitations may be distributed but must include every child in the classroom. Delivery of flowers or balloons to school is not permitted.

PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES:
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled at specific times during the school year. Parents are urged to schedule their conference as soon as information is sent home. Thank you in advance for attending parent-teacher conferences. If you have any concerns about your student’s educational experience, don’t wait for a conference – contact your student’s teacher ASAP to address any concerns. If you are not satisfied with your response, reach out to your student’s principal or Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND THE PLAYGROUND:
It is expected that all students will participate in regular school activities such as physical education classes and recess. Students are expected to come to school dressed appropriately for the weather. If your child has any limitations, parents are required to furnish a written statement explaining the limitations. Athletic shoes are expected to participate in PE class.

INCLEMENT WEATHER:
Due to safety and wellness being a top priority in the Raytown School District, there may be times when outside weather conditions prevent students from going outside for recess and other activities. We will consult guidelines, as appropriate, from the Missouri State High Schools Activities Association (MSHSAA) and the Jackson County Health Department when determining when the weather may be unsafe for students to be outside. Several considerations may be evaluated when determining whether to permit students to go outside, including lightning, tornadoes, storms, temperature, and wind-chill factor.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING:
The guidance and counseling program is both comprehensive and developmental in nature. The guidance and counseling program is available to assist students. If you want additional information regarding available guidance or counseling services, please contact your student’s teacher or principal.

FIELD TRIPS:
As part of the school program, children are taken on educational field trips requiring bus transportation. Any questions regarding your child’s field trips should be directed to your child’s teacher. 

CHECKING OUT LIBRARY BOOKS:
It is a privilege for students to check out library books (free) and be able to read these books at home. Students are required to return books at their due date, or parents will be responsible for lost or damaged books. Students’ checkout privileges may be suspended until his/her book(s) are returned or paid for.

PHOTOGRAPHIC AND VIDEO IMAGES:
In honor of students’ activities and accomplishments, the Raytown C-2 School District is proud to publish and display student photographs, video images and artwork in different ways including newsletters, promotional items, web sites and special events. In order to ensure the safety of our students, all of the district's buses are equipped with video cameras that may be reviewed by administration sometimes. Any parent who does not wish to have their student's image or artwork published or displayed should notify the school's principal via written request at the start of each school year. Special note: For safety concerns, any image of a student published on the district web site will not include any directory information outside of the child's name.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
Raytown Consolidated School District No. 2 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap in admission or access to programs, activities, or employment. Any person having inquiries concerning Consolidated School District No. 2’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact:

Ms. Shirley Earley
6608 Raytown Road
Raytown, Missouri 64133
(816) 268-7000.

ENROLLMENT/RESIDENCY:
Residency requirements must be met before enrollment can be approved. Questions regarding enrollment and residency should be directed to the Residency Office, 816-268-7035. Students new to the District will be placed in a classroom after records are received. The school will contact you with the start date.

TEMPORARY LIVING ARRANGEMENTS:
Every child has the right to full and equal education, regardless of whether the child has a permanent living arrangement. This includes access to transportation services for the child to ensure the child is provided the opportunity to remain in their school of origin. Students may continue attending their school of origin the entire time they lack permanent housing. If a student, parent, or guardian is aware of any child without a permanent living arrangement, they should contact the school to ensure the child is provided with the appropriate opportunities to continue their education.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS, TELEPHONE, EMPLOYMENT, & BABYSITTER:
In case of an emergency, the school authorities need to be able to contact you or someone responsible for your child. You should make changes in address, telephone, or place of employment regarding yourself and your emergency contact person in the parent portal.

STUDENT INSURANCE:
The school assumes no liability for injuries at school. Therefore, the school merely acts as a medium in supplying insurance information. Insurance is made available to parents at a nominal cost and is optional.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
Students are not allowed to use personal electronic devices at school. Student devices, including cell phones, that come to school should be placed in the off position and remain in the backpack from the time the student exits the car or bus at arrival until the student is back in the vehicle at dismissal. If your student is unable to follow the personal electronic device expectations, a staff member will contact you, and the student’s phone may be held for you to pick up. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal devices.

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS:
For specific information regarding ways to volunteer, contact your schools office. You may also check the RQS website for further information regarding Volunteering as well: ttps://www.raytownschools.org/community/ volunteer-services. If parents want to eat lunch with their child and wish to order a school lunch, please notify the office by 9:30am the day of your visit in order to be included in the lunch count. Food from restaurants i.e., Page 7 McDonald’s, Taco Bell, etc. may be brought in but must be eaten in an area designated by principal. Food delivery, such as Door Dash, is not permitted. Carbonated or caffeinated beverages should not be sent to school with students.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
In any emergency situation, your child will be released only to the parent, guardian or a person designated by you. Occasionally schools may need to dismiss early (or start late) because of conditions beyond our control - such as inclement weather, loss of electricity, water line breaks, etc. In the event of school cancellation or early dismissal, evening activities will also be cancelled. If you have reason to think school might be cancelled or dismissed early because of weather, please listen to the radio and check the district website. The announcement will also be made on social media and TV stations along with other school closings. A message will also be sent out using the district automated School Reach system. Our district is called “Consolidated School District No. 2, Raytown.” You may also call the District Information Line at 816-268- 7001.

REDUCED/FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM:
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation's children by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards.
Children may be eligible for reduced or free lunch based on household income. The school should be contacted by any person wanting to submit an application for free or reduced lunches. Free or reduced lunch applications are available in the school office.

ASBESTOS HAZARD EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT:
Parents have the right to inspect the school’s asbestos management plan. Schools will notify parents about the availability of the school’s asbestos management plan and asbestos-related activity taking place within the school. The school must make the plan available for inspection within five (5) working days of it being req

FIRST AID:
The school attempts to provide an environment in which the child will be safe from accidents. If an accident does occur, and is brought to the attention of the school, reasonable first aid will be administered.
If a child has a temperature of 100° or higher, the child will be sent home and must stay out until they are fever-free for 24 hours, without medication, before returning to school. Children who vomit while at school will also be sent home and must stay out for 24 hours before returning to school. If there is question of communicable disease or an injury that requires medical attention, a doctor’s note will be required in order for the child to return to school.

MEDICATION GUIDELINES:
If you want the school to administer an over-thecounter or prescription medication to your child during the school day, the medication must be transported to the school by the parent. The medication CANNOT be transported by the student.
Once transported by the parent, the building will provide an appropriate permission form and notify the parent of all applicable guidelines. Approved over-the counter or prescription medications will NOT be administered without a completed permission form or note signed by the parent/guardian. Additionally, failure of the parent and/or child to comply with the applicable guidelines may result in the medication NOT being administered to your child. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines.
 

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE:
For a nominal fee, the Raytown Quality Schools offer the Great Expectations Program Before and After School Day-Care in all of the elementary buildings. Students must be enrolled and fees paid before they can attend the program, including the free Wednesday after school care. Please call the Page 9 school office Great Expectations office for further information at 816-268-7086.

Elementary Schools Dismissal Day and Times

Elementary Schools Directory

DRESS AND GROOMING:
Students should come to school in clothing that is clean, comfortable, and appropriate for school activities. Clothing with cut-outs or that displays words or inappropriate slogans are distracting to the learning environment and may not be worn. The administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of clothes to be worn at school. Parents will be asked to bring a change of clothing if their child comes to school inappropriately dressed.

Any type of appearance that distracts others, poses a safety hazard, or disrupts the learning environment should be avoided. Examples include clothing with obscene, satanic or profane messages, apparel or style known/associated with “street gangs”, clothing advertising tobacco, alcohol, or drug related items, clothing that inappropriately exposes private areas of the body, including the midriff and stomach, and sagging pants.

HARRASSMENT:
It is the policy of the District to maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment because of an individual’s race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, disability, or other legally protected characteristic. The School District prohibits any and all forms of unlawful harassment and discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, disability, or other legally protected characteristic.
It shall be a violation of District policy for any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel of this District to harass or unlawfully discriminate against a student through conduct of a sexual nature, or regarding race, color, national origin, ethnicity, disability, or other legally protected characteristic.
The District will act to promptly investigate all complaints and take appropriate action to protect individuals from further harassment or discrimination. If the District determines that unlawful harassment or discrimination occurred, steps will be taken to promptly and appropriately discipline any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who is found to have violated this Policy, and/or to take other appropriate action reasonably calculated to end the harassment/discrimination.

REPORTING PROCEDURES:
Any student who believes he or she has been the victim of harassment or discrimination is encouraged to immediately report the alleged acts to his/her teacher, the principal, Dr. Anthony Moore, or the District’s compliance officer, Ms. Shirley Earley (816- 268-7000). Parents who are aware of any suspected harassment or discrimination are also encouraged to report the conduct. It is highly recommended that all reports are in writing and, if applicable, reference “discrimination” or “harassment” so that the report is appropriately channeled for investigation. If you or your child is not satisfied with the District’s response to any complaints of discrimination or harassment, you are highly encouraged to follow-up (in writing if possible) with another teacher, principal, Dr. Moore, or Ms. Shirley Earley.

INVESTIGATION:
Upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging unlawful discrimination or harassment, the Compliance Officer will undertake or authorize an investigation as outlined under Board Policy AC. Board Policy AC is available on the District’s website. If you have any questions about Board Policy AC, please contact Ms. Shirley Earley.

RETALIATION:
Submission of a good faith complaint or report of unlawful discrimination or harassment will not affect the complainant or reporter’s future employment, grades, learning, or working environment, or work assignments. The School District will discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who retaliates against any person for reporting a complaint. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment. If you believe that you, or your child, is being retaliated against, please report your concerns to the appropriate party: teacher, principal, Dr. Moore or Ms. Shirley Earley, the District’s compliance officer. It is recommended that you submit your concerns in writing and specifically note “retaliation” in your written report.

THREATS, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING BEHAVIOR:
Conduct which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment may constitute bullying. Students who believe they have been victims of, or have witnessed an act of intimidation or bullying, should report the incident(s) to a teacher, counselor, principal or school administrator. Parents are also encouraged to contact the school if they are concerned about threats, intimidation or bullying of any student. Putting complaints in writing, with “bullying concern” clearly indicated, is encouraged to ensure that the complaint is properly investigated. If a parent is not satisfied with the response, continued reporting (in writing when at all possible) is highly encouraged. The appropriate administrator shall conduct an investigation of the incident and will take disciplinary action where appropriate.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA):
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student's education records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights include the right to inspect and review all of the student's education records maintained by the school and the right to request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 9150, requires that the Raytown School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. However, the Raytown School District may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Raytown School District to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

• A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production
• The annual yearbook
• Honor roll or other recognition lists
• Graduation programs 
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want the Raytown School District to disclose directory information from your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the school principal in writing by September 1.
The Raytown School District has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student's name
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Photograph
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended

For more information on FERPA or related issues, or for copies of the Board policy, please contact the community relations office at 816-268-7000.

REQUIRED FEDERAL “RIGHT TO KNOW” INFORMATION FOR TITLE I:
According to Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-95), upon your request and in a timely manner, the District is required to provide the following information:

• Whether your student’s teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
• Whether your student’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria has been waived. Whether your student’s teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher.
• Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition to the information that parents may request, a building receiving Title I.A funds must provide to each individual parent:

• Information on the level of achievement and academic growth of your student, if applicable and available, on each of the State academic assessments required under Title I.A.
• Timely notice that your student has been assigned, or has been taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by, a teacher who has not met applicable State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

In addition, Complaint Procedures are posted on the district website at www.raytownschools.org under District Info>Legal Notices. This guide explains how to file a complaint about any of the programs that are administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)2. It defines the term complaint, discusses the process for filing a complaint, and explains the investigation, appeals, and complaint resolution process. For additional information, please contact the district’s Federal Programs office.