Buder Family and Student Handbook 2026-2027
We are Buder. All Kids are our Kids.
Dr. Melisha Mack, Principal
Mrs. Meredith Alton, Assistant Principal
1. Contact Information
- Buder Elementary School
- Phone: (314) 493-6300
- Website: Buder Elementary School Home of the Bobcats!
Meet our Office and Administrative Team
Principal
- Dr. Melisha Mack mackm@ritenourschools.org Ext. 4201
Assistant Principal
- Meredith Alton altonm@ritenourschools.org Ext. 4202
Office Professionals
- Meriel Curtis curtism@ritenourschools.org Ext. 4203
- Michelle McNabb mcnabbm@ritenourschools.org Ext. 4200
Nurse
- Debbie Schwer schwerd@ritenourschools.org Ext. 4205
Counselors
- Gracie Morris morrisg@ritenourschools.org Ext. 4206
- Angela Weise Weisea@ritenourschools.org Ext. 4122
Social Worker
- Mary Clare Monahan monahanm@riternouschools.org Ext. 4122
Office Hours
Monday– Thursday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Record Requests
Please send records requests to curtism@ritenourschools.org
2. Buder Mission, Vision and Values
Buder Mission
In order to promote high academic success and celebrate our diversity, the mission of Buder School is to:
- Build a safe, nurturing environment
- Unite school, home, and community
- Develop self-reliant, productive citizens
- Engage lifelong learners and to foster
- Respect for self and others.
Buder Vision
We are a community of capable, connected, and contributing lifelong learners who are safe, responsible, respectful, and cooperative problem solvers.
Buder Values
We are a community: We are students, staff, families, and neighbors actively involved together in the learning process.
We are capable: We use our skills, strategies, and resources to successfully accomplish our goals.
We are connected: We rely on and support each other every day and in every way.
We are contributing: We share our good ideas and our goodwill with our school community.
We are lifelong learners: We increase our knowledge and build upon it for success today and in the future.
We are safe: We keep our hands, feet, and all other objects to ourselves and report unsafe situations.
We are responsible: We take ownership and do what is required, expected, and right.
We are respectful: We take care of and value ourselves, one another, and our school.
We are cooperative: We work together peacefully to accomplish our goals.
We are problem solvers: We approach challenges with a can-do attitude.
3. Welcome & First Day of School Information
We are excited to welcome all of our new and returning families to our school community. Our staff looks forward to partnering with you to support your child in developing the knowledge and skills needed for success in school and beyond.
School begins on Monday, Aug. 24. All students are expected to arrive on time and remain in class until dismissal at 3:35 p.m.
Free breakfast is available for all students beginning at 8:15 a.m. Students who are not eating breakfast at school may arrive beginning at 8:30 a.m. Students are considered tardy after 8:40 a.m.
Your child’s classroom assignment and teacher will be available in the Parent Portal shortly before the first day of school.
The campus is open to parents walking their students into the building in the morning. Parents must enter and exit the building through the front entrance and sign in, and must exit by 8:50 a.m. to protect instructional time.
4. Arrival Procedures
All car riders must be dropped off in the back of the building using the far west entrance. The front entrance and crosswalk area are reserved for buses only.
For student safety:
- Follow all staff directions
- Drive slowly and carefully
- Ensure students are ready to exit quickly
- Students may only exit when signaled by staff
If students are riding their bikes to school, please ensure they wear helmets. Additionally, the school is not responsible for bikes being outside the school building. Please make sure they have a bike lock.
Students may not arrive before 8:15 a.m. Instruction begins at 8:40 a.m. Students arriving after 8:40 a.m. must report to the office and will be marked tardy.
Staff supervision is not available before 8:15 a.m. or after 3:50 p.m.
5. Communication
Families are encouraged to sign up for ClassDojo for classroom communication and updates. Teachers will send invitations. We strive to respond to all parent communication within 24 hours. For support, contact Dr. Mack or Ms. Alton.
6. Childcare Options
Families may consider:
- Daycare providers (Strawberry International Schools, Sunshine Daycare)
- YMCA Y-Club (on-site before/after care, independently operated)
- Mark Pacatte, Program Director, Mid-County Family YMCA 314-866-2317
- Family, friends, or carpool arrangements
- Neighborhood walking groups
- Backup emergency pickup plans
7. Dismissal Procedures
Dismissal begins at 3:35 p.m. and typically takes 10–15 minutes. All students must be picked up and off campus by 3:45 p.m.
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, supervision will not be available after 3:50 p.m.
Important Guidelines
Dismissal changes must be made by 2:30 p.m. Call the office for dismissal changes only.
- No changes after 2:30 p.m.
- Early release cutoff: 12:30 p.m.
- No student release between 3:00 and 3:35 p.m.
- The Front of the building is reserved for buses/walkers
Pickup Locations
- Grades 2–5: Back of building
- K – 1: Front lower lot (east entrance)
- Staff will escort students to vehicles
- Siblings will be dismissed together from the K – 1 area when applicable.
- Walkers will exit through the main entrance. The flagpole area is a designated meeting location.
- K – 1 students must have an adult present at bus stops, or they will be returned to school.
8. Emergency Information & Forms
Families must update emergency contact information in the Parent Portal before the first day of school.
Families must update the required annual forms, which include the Technology Usage Agreement, FERPA Form, Medical Health Information Form and Transportation Verification Form.
9. Student Dress Expectations
Students should dress appropriately for a learning environment:
- Shirts must extend below the waist
- Clothing must cover undergarments
- Athletic shoes are required for PE
- Closed-toe shoes are strongly encouraged
- Sandals and flip-flops are discouraged due to safety concerns
10. Lunch & Recess Procedures
Students are given 30 minutes for lunch daily. Teachers have 15 minutes in their schedules daily for recess. Recess is based on weather conditions:
- Below 20°: Indoor recess
- 20–32°: 10–15 minutes outside
- 32–90°: Normal recess
- 90–100°: Normal recess with water breaks
- Above 100°: Indoor recess
11. Meals & Nutrition Guidelines
- Breakfast and lunch are free for all students.
- Students may bring or purchase meals.
- Parents may visit for lunch (must sign in at the office and have completed a background check).
- Soda, candy, and chips are discouraged.
- Peanut products are not allowed due to allergies.
12. Birthday Celebrations & School Parties
Birthday celebrations must be coordinated with the classroom teacher. Store-bought items are permitted. Celebrations take place during lunch to protect instructional time. Parents can stay for the parties if they have a background check on file.
13. Technology Expectations
Device-Free School Policy
Personal devices (phones, smartwatches, earbuds, etc.) are not permitted during the school day, including:
- Class time
- Lunch
- Recess
- Assemblies
- Restrooms
Cellphone lockers are available if needed.
Chromebooks
- All instruction uses district-issued devices only.
- No video or photos of students/staff
Chromebooks should be charged daily and brought by the student for instructional use.
Toys
Toys, collectibles, and valuables should remain at home unless specifically requested by the classroom teacher.
14. Volunteers
All volunteers must adhere to the district policy for volunteering
- Register with the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR)
- $15 online fee (+$1.25 processing fee), one-time fee at time of registration
- Lifetime registration
- Worker Registration form
Volunteers must also fill out the application using the following link: volunteer application. Please contact Ms. Curtis if you have any questions.
15. Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student's academic success. Students are expected to attend school every day and arrive on time. Our attendance goal is 90% attendance by the end of the school year.
When a student is absent, a parent or guardian should notify the school office as soon as possible. Excessive absences, tardies, and early dismissals may negatively impact academic achievement and student progress.
Whenever possible, please schedule appointments outside of school hours. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring students are present and engaged in learning each day.
Attendance Hours
- Breakfast Begins: 8:15 a.m.
- Student Arrival Begins: 8:30 a.m.
- Instruction Begins: 8:40 a.m.
- Students Arriving After 8:40 a.m. Are Considered Tardy
- Dismissal: 3:35 p.m.
Attendance Line: (314) 493-6301
Spanish-Speaking Families Attendance Line: (314) 358-6847
Attendance Online Reporting Form
16. Visitor Procedures
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
All visitors must:
- Enter through the main office.
- Present a valid photo ID when requested.
- Sign in at the office.
- Wear a visitor badge while in the building.
- Sign out before leaving.
Visitors are not permitted to enter classrooms or other areas of the building without authorization.
Parents and guardians are welcome partners in our school community, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain a safe learning environment.
17. School Safety and Emergency Procedures
Buder Elementary regularly conducts safety drills throughout the school year to prepare students and staff for emergencies.
These drills may include:
- Fire Drills
- Severe Weather Drills
- Earthquake Drills
- Lockdown Drills
- Evacuation Drills
During drills and emergencies, students are expected to follow staff directions promptly and respectfully.
In the event of an actual emergency, families will receive communication through district-approved communication systems.
Please ensure that all emergency contacts remain up to date in the Parent Portal.
18. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
Buder's PBIS Program
At Buder Elementary, we are committed to creating a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for all students. Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program helps students develop the academic, social, and emotional skills needed to be successful learners and responsible citizens.
PBIS Vision
We are a community of capable, connected, and contributing lifelong learners who are safe, responsible, respectful, cooperative, and effective problem-solvers.
Buder Bobcats
Buder Bobcats is our schoolwide positive behavior recognition system. Students earn Bobcats by demonstrating our school expectations throughout the day.
Students may save and redeem Bobcats for incentives and special activities throughout the year. Bobcats encourage positive behavior, responsibility, and goal setting.
Sample Bobcat Rewards
| Bobcats Earned | Reward |
|---|---|
| 25 | Item from the Buder Store or classroom reward |
| 50 | Extra computer time, lunch with a friend, or a larger store item |
| 75 | Homework pass (teacher discretion) or extra recess |
| 100 | Office Assistant or Classroom Assistant |
| 150 | Ice cream treat with a friend or lunch with a staff member |
| 250 | Pizza party with two friends |
Rewards and incentives may change throughout the school year.
School-Wide Expectations
Students are expected to demonstrate positive behavior in all school settings by being:
Safe
- Follow directions.
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
- Walk at all times.
- Report unsafe situations to an adult.
Responsible
- Be prepared and on time.
- Complete assignments.
- Use materials appropriately.
- Take care of school property.
Respectful
- Use kind words and actions.
- Follow directions the first time.
- Listen when others are speaking.
- Respect personal space and privacy.
Cooperative
- Work well with others.
- Take turns and share.
- Include others in activities.
- Follow school and classroom procedures.
Problem Solvers
- Use words to solve conflicts.
- Demonstrate self-control.
- Ask for help when needed.
- Report problems appropriately.
These expectations apply in all school settings, including classrooms, hallways, restrooms, the cafeteria, recess, assemblies, and on the bus.
Monthly Character Traits
Each month, students will focus on developing a specific character trait.
August: All Expectations
September: Safety
October: Respect
November: Responsibility
December: Cooperation
January: Problem Solving
February: Community
March: Capable
April: Connected
May: Contributing
Student Behavior Expectations
Buder Elementary utilizes a progressive approach to behavior support. Consequences are designed to teach and reinforce appropriate behavior while maintaining a positive learning environment.
Level I Behaviors (Classroom Managed)
Examples:
- Arguing
- Disrupting class
- Refusal to participate
- Inappropriate language
- Minor disrespect toward peers
- Not following classroom expectations
Possible Responses:
- Reteaching expectations
- Student conference
- Parent contact
- Change of seat
- Reflection form
- Loss of privilege
- Buddy classroom break
Repeated Level I behaviors may be elevated to Level II interventions.
Level II Behaviors (Classroom/Office Managed)
Examples:
- Bullying, intimidation, or harassment
- Theft
- Bus misconduct
- Technology misuse
- Disrespect toward staff
- Leaving class without permission
Possible Responses:
- Administrative conference
- Parent conference
- Behavior contract
- Counseling referral
- Restorative conference
- Referral to Tier II supports
- Suspension when appropriate
Level III Behaviors (Office Managed)
Examples:
- Fighting
- Physical assault
- Possession of a weapon
- Threats involving weapons
- Sexual harassment
- Serious safety concerns
Possible Responses:
- Immediate administrative referral
- Suspension
- Administrative hearing
- Referral to outside agencies
- Restriction from school activities
- Alternative placement or modified schedule
Students exhibiting Level III behaviors will be addressed in accordance with district policy and the school's crisis response procedures.
Families play an important role in supporting positive behavior. We encourage parents and guardians to review behavior expectations with their child, celebrate positive choices, and maintain open communication with school staff.
Together, we can ensure that Buder Elementary remains a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where all students can learn and thrive.
19. Student Health and Medication Procedures
The health and safety of our students are important to us.
If your child requires medication during the school day:
- Medication must be brought to school by a parent or guardian.
- Medication must be in the original container.
- Appropriate medical authorization forms must be completed by the parent or guardian and submitted to the school nurse.
- The nurse or designee is responsible for providing medicine to the students. Students are not allowed to keep any medication on their person.
Students should remain home when experiencing symptoms of illness, such as:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Contagious illnesses
- Other symptoms that may interfere with learning or place others at risk
Please notify the office of any significant medical changes throughout the school year.
20. Transportation Information
The safety of students during transportation is a shared responsibility between families, students, and the school.
Students riding district transportation are expected to:
- Follow all bus rules and driver directions.
- Remain seated while the bus is moving.
- Use respectful language and behavior.
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves.
Transportation changes must be communicated to the office by 2:30 p.m.
Questions regarding transportation services should be directed to the Ritenour Transportation Department at 314-493-6327.
21. Parent and Family Engagement
Buder Elementary values strong partnerships between home and school. Families play a critical role in student success.
Families are encouraged to:
- Join the PTO
- The Buder PTO meets on the 2nd Monday of each month from 5–6 p.m. in the teacher’s lounge.
- A virtual option available via Zoom
- Interpreters are available.
- For more information, please contact the PTO at PTO Email
- All families are encouraged to participate.
- Attend family engagement events.
- Participate in parent-teacher conferences.
- Volunteer at school events
- Monitor student progress through Parent Portal and ClassDojo
- Maintain regular communication with teachers
Together, we can create a positive and supportive educational experience for every student.
22. Academic Support Services
Buder Elementary provides a variety of supports to help all students succeed academically and socially.
Services may include:
- Reading and Math Interventions
- English Learner (EL) Services
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- School Counseling Services
- Special School District (SSD) Services
- Gifted Education Services
Students receive support based on individual needs and eligibility requirements.
23. Nondiscrimination Statement
The Ritenour School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices.
Questions regarding compliance may be directed to the Ritenour School District Administrative Center.