Emergency contact information should be updated yearly. Whenever a serious accident or illness occurs at school, we do everything within our power to contact a parent. If this fails, we notify the friend or neighbor listed in PowerSchool. In extreme emergencies or when we are unable to contact these people, we call the paramedics.

It is critical that you let the school office know your current home, work, and cell numbers so we can reach you.

State law prohibits any employee in a public school from administering over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol) without parental permission. Other over-the-counter medications and prescription medications CANNOT be given to a student without a signed statement from your physician.

All student prescriptions and medications must be kept and dispensed in the office. If your child has an inhaler to control asthma or an Epi-pen in case of severe allergic reactions, there are some exceptions, but the office will still need paperwork from your physician.

The Lost and Found is located by the elevator in Wasatch Too. Unclaimed items are donated to charitable organizations in December and June.

Unexcused absence: A student absence that is not excused by a valid reason will be counted as truancy if not excused within one week of absence.

Valid excuses include:

• Illness
• Death of a family member
• School activity
• Medical appointments
• Family emergency/activity

Truancy definition: When a student is absent without a valid excuse for at least half of the school day.

• Toys (including trading cards) and electronic devices are not allowed at school.
• Cell phones and smartwatches must remain in backpacks and silenced during the school day, including recess and lunch breaks.
• Due to the distractions these devices can cause, any confiscated items will be taken to the office and must be picked up by parents.

There are phones in every room in the building, and children will be allowed to contact parents for necessary conversation at appropriate times.

Wasatch Elementary uses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to meet the individual needs of students. We use evidence-based, district-approved curriculum in all grades and subject areas.

We use data to monitor and track student progress throughout the school year. In addition to Tier 1 instruction, all students participate in W.I.N. time (What I Need) twice a day. During this time, students receive interventions, extra practice, or enrichment lessons in both literacy and math.

Social workers are mental health professionals who assist with social, emotional, mental, or behavioral concerns as part of the total educational process.

They support and collaborate with school personnel, community resources, parents, and students to help maximize success in and out of the classroom.

More information can be found here: District Social Worker FAQ

School Social Worker: Kellie Byars ( kellieb@provo.edu)

We use a PBIS model that establishes clear expectations for behavior, social interactions, and academic work at Wasatch.

Students are introduced weekly to age-appropriate social-emotional skills that help build their belief in themselves and their capacity to learn new things.

We care about each and every student at Wasatch. Our goal is to empower students to make good choices that demonstrate positive behavior.

We expect appropriate behavior and natural consequences for inappropriate behavior. A safe school environment helps every student succeed.

These cards recognize students demonstrating respectful and responsible behavior throughout the school.

Students turn in their PAWsome Cards to the office for a daily prize drawing.

A Satch Salute awarded to a student recognizes their outstanding overall behavior.

The salutes are mailed home so parents are aware of when their child has earned this achievement.

A monthly celebration with the Principal recognizing students for their exceptional behavior and positive contributions.

• Be Resilient
• Act Responsibly
• Respect Yourself & Others
• Keep Growing

A student may be suspended, expelled, and/or subject to other disciplinary action for any of the following reasons:

• Frequent or flagrant willful disobedience; defiance of authority; or disruptive behavior, including, but not limited to:
  • Using foul, profane, vulgar, or abusive language
  • Fighting, assault, threats
  • Substantial disruption of a class, activity, or school function
• Discrimination and harassment (including sexual, racial, religious, disability, or any other classification protected by law)
• Possession or use of pornographic or indecent material on school property
• Trespassing, stealing, burglary, vandalism, graffiti, or destruction of school property
• Criminal mischief, threats, intimidation, harassment, bullying, hazing
• Inappropriate physical behavior, including:
  • Restraint or improper touching
  • Inappropriate public displays of affection
  • Inappropriate exposure of body parts
• Improper use of electronic devices, including cell phones, Mp3 players, laser pointers, etc.
• Use, possession, sale, or distribution of:
  • Drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco products, including e-cigarettes
• Use, possession, sale, or distribution of weapons or dangerous objects, including:
  • Firearms, knives, explosive devices
  • Chemical or flammable materials
  • Martial arts weapons
• Threatened or actual use of weapons with intent to intimidate or disrupt school operations
• Arson
• Misuse of computers, email, or the Internet
• Truancy or attendance violations
• Violations of dress and grooming standards, including clothing signifying gang affiliation or referencing tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or illegal activities

Provo City School District uses Bark for Schools to monitor school-issued accounts for signs of digital dangers. When potential issues like cyberbullying, suicidal ideation, or threats of violence arise, Bark sends notifications to school administrators.

Bark Jr is a free upgrade for Provo City School District parents. This solution helps monitor personal devices but is not installed on District Chromebooks.

More information can be found here.

At Wasatch, we provide quality educational programs for all children in all grade levels. Class assignments follow a uniform procedure that applies to all students. Our goal is to create diverse, well-balanced classrooms.

Classroom placement considerations:

• Range of academic performance/abilities
• Range of social and behavioral performance
• Balance of boys and girls
• Balance of special needs
• Balance of total class size

Our versatile teachers use an array of strategies to help each child reach their full potential.

Treats, outside activities, invitations to birthday parties, and other activities not related to school functions should be handled outside of school hours. This policy helps protect uninvited students from hurt feelings.

Guidelines for treats brought to school:

• Treats must include enough for the entire class.
• Due to federal and state laws, all treats must be store-bought.

All parents and educators belong to PAWS, an organization that enriches the educational opportunities for Wasatch Elementary students and provides support to everyone at Wasatch.

PAWS publishes a newsletter that is sent by email at the beginning of each month. It contains a calendar of school events and PAWS activities.

PAWS meetings are usually held on the first Friday of each month at 8:40 a.m. in Room 33. All patrons are welcome to attend.

PAWS Theme for the Year: Moving Forward Together

Contact Us!

• Email: paws4wasatch@gmail.com
• Instagram: @paws4wasatch
• Facebook: PAWS – Wasatch Elementary School

Welcome Dads, Uncles, Grandfathers, and Father Figures!

Wasatch Elementary is implementing this national program to provide fathers and father figures with a positive experience at school. Watch D.O.G.S. make a big difference as students line up to give high-fives on the playground, assist in the lunchroom, and support teachers in the classroom.

What is Watch D.O.G.S.?

• Watch D.O.G.S. stands for Dads Of Great Students.
• Affiliated with the National Center for Fathering, there are millions of Watch D.O.G.S. across America.
• The purpose is to bring more male volunteers into schools.
• Watch D.O.G.S. are fathers, step-fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and father figures who volunteer at least one day per year.

What does a Watch D.O.G.S. day look like?

• Arrive at 8:10 a.m. and wear the official Watch D.O.G.S. t-shirt.
• Assist in the drop-off lane or bus loop by greeting students.
• Receive a detailed schedule for the day, including classroom activities, working with small groups, helping teachers, and engaging with students.
• Join students for lunch and recess, sometimes participating in games like basketball or four square.
• End the day at 3:30 p.m. by reminding the next scheduled WatchDOG dad.

To volunteer, visit the Wasatch Elementary website or click here.

The School Community Council at Wasatch Elementary is a committee of interested community members, including parents, school staff, and administrators. They discuss parent and student issues, Trustlands funding, academic achievement, and other concerns.

Have ideas to improve the school? SCC is the place to bring them!

What is the School LAND Trust Program?

• The program brings millions of dollars annually to public schools in Utah.
• Funds come from school trust lands and are discretionary for each school.
• Each school elects a council consisting of parents, teachers, and the principal.
• Councils review student assessments and progress to determine focus areas for improvement.
• Plans for funding are developed, approved by the council, and submitted to the school board.
• Councils also oversee school safety and digital citizenship.

For more information about the Wasatch Community Council, visit the Wasatch Elementary website.

This is the highest award given at Wasatch Elementary. Students in third-sixth grades who fulfill the requirements can earn their Satch Patch. Applications can be found on the school website. Applications are due the last school day of April.

(STAR – Students Thrilled About Reading): Students in first-sixth grades can be in the Wasatch S.T.A.R. Reading Hall of Fame by completing the S.T.A.R. reading challenge for their grade/reading level. Their name and picture are posted in the library for recognition. Applications are available in the library.

Open to all students to complete if they would like that opportunity.

This is an independent study project selected by the child. This is done through intensive study over a period of weeks. Great Brain forms can be found in the Wasatch library.

Students participate in teams to read from an assigned list of books and then compete with their peers to answer questions about the books. See the Wasatch library for more information.

A madrigal-type concert choir, directed by Shawntelle Gale and Julianne Rensink, where Kodály music skills are essential in learning the repertoire. The choir is offered to fourth-sixth grade students and teaches advanced vocal skills through classical and folk music. No audition is required. They meet in the gym before school on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Students in fourth-sixth grades can participate by preparing a display that describes a scientific project they conducted. A hypothesis, research conducted, and concluding facts must be presented.

Every Wasatch student displays artwork at this cultural highlight of the year. It is an enriching family event held the first or second Tuesday night in May.

Sixth grade students can participate in the band or orchestra. This program introduces them to brass, woodwind, and string instruments in preparation for middle school.

Students can audition to be in the annual talent show held in February. PAWS will send a note with the details home with your child a couple of weeks ahead of time.

A fun-filled morning featuring relay races, obstacle courses, tug-of-war, and skill challenges. It is held at Kiwanis Park in May. Parent volunteers help direct the activities.

Held on the last day of school, every grade level performs a dance for parents and the community.

Open to students in fourth-sixth grades. Held annually in the spring.

Open to students in fourth-sixth grades who qualify and have the desire to delve deeper into math problem-solving and compete on a grade-level team.

• Second Language Skills: Students achieve high proficiency in immersion language.
• Improved Performance on Standardized Tests: Immersion students perform as well as or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests of English and math administered in English.
• Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Immersion students typically develop greater cognitive flexibility, demonstrating increased attention control, better memory, and superior problem-solving skills as well as an enhanced understanding of their primary language.
• Increased Cultural Sensitivity: Immersion students are more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards other cultures and an appreciation of other people.
• Long Term Benefits: Immersion students are better prepared for the global community and job markets where a second language is an asset.

• Maximize students’ second language proficiency.
• Provide a rich academic environment in both first and second language.
• Develop students’ ability to work successfully in multiple cultural settings.
• Offer a rich, culturally diverse experience for the entire school community.

Dual language immersion offers a rich bilingual experience for young learners when their minds are developmentally best able to acquire a second language.

• Instruction is divided between two high-quality, creative classrooms: one English and one Chinese.
• Students enjoy the advantage of two caring, qualified teachers.
• The English-speaking teacher uses half of the instruction time to teach science and English language arts (reading, writing, and spelling).
• The Chinese-speaking teacher uses the other half of the day to teach math, social studies, and health topics from the grade-appropriate level of the USOE core curriculum.
• The Chinese teacher speaks only in Mandarin and communicates using a range of engaging strategies, including pictures, songs, games, body language, expressions, pantomime, and drama.
• Children at this age are adept at picking up language in meaningful contexts. After a brief period at the beginning of the year, students too will speak only Mandarin during Chinese class.

You’ll be delighted at how quickly your child becomes a comfortable and competent Chinese speaker.

Chinese is the most widely spoken first language in the world. The Mandarin dialect is the official language of the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan and is widely understood in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, and Mongolia. Also, according to the U.S. 2000 census, Chinese is now the third most commonly spoken language in the U.S.

China is heir to the traditions of one of the world’s richest and most ancient cultures and home today to the world’s second-largest economy. Its political, economic, and cultural impact in generations to come will be significant. As business and political relationships between the U.S. and China deepen and become more complex, having the skills to communicate with people in this increasingly significant part of the world will be a valuable asset at home and abroad.

The immersion program seeks to enroll students of varying backgrounds and all abilities. Applications are open to all students entering kindergarten. However, it may not be a wise choice for children experiencing communication delays in their primary language.

• Commit to long-term participation in the immersion program.
• Develop an understanding of immersion education.
• Read with your child (in English) for 20-30 minutes daily.
• Complete Chinese homework – reading, writing, and math (20-30 minutes daily).
• Encourage the use of Chinese outside of school.
• Provide community support and, when possible, volunteer.
• Enjoy the challenges; celebrate the results.

1. Attend the Chinese Immersion Orientation meeting (usually in February).
2. Fill out and submit an application (applications are available at the meeting or in the office after that date).
3. Notification of admission will be made.
4. Sign the Parent Commitment Form to confirm acceptance and complete registration.

Students learn to examine information, form opinions, and avoid misleading information.

Students are exposed to the creative process and encouraged to be inquisitive.

Students learn to think about challenges from different perspectives and connect their problem-solving to real-world solutions.

Students learn to collaborate, communicate, and work towards a common goal.

Students are exposed to “big picture” concepts and learn how to apply their skills to real life.

• Weekly computer science lessons
• Friday STEAM activities
• Regular space simulator missions