WELCOME TO “THE CARING SCHOOL”

 

Dear Parents,

 

We would like to make the 2006-2007 school year the most productive and enjoyable year your child can possibly experience. We live in a time when raising children can be a most challenging task. Everyone is advocating a variety of teaching strategies and child-raising tactics. It is often difficult for the individual working with children to know just what style is best. One can find research, surveys and opinions to support most methods. The result of this problem is often a variety of teaching styles and strategies being used in the same community and in the same school. A consequence of such a diversity of styles can be confusion in what is acceptable group behavior on a school-wide basis. For the sake of children, each member of our "team" (staff and parents) must sacrifice some personal belief to better promote mutually acceptable expectations all can accept.

 

The Hartford Public Schools are committed to becoming Quality Schools and to that end, our staff has completed sixteen days of Quality Schools training and have begun sharing that learning with students. Responsibility training, developing positive relationships, and making good choices are among the topics discussed.

 

WHAT MAKES A QUALITY SCHOOL?

 

IN A QUALITY SCHOOL:

• There is a warm and caring environment
• Students are always asked to do their best work
• Students are always asked to do useful work
• Students are always asked to evaluate their work so there is continuous improvement of the work and the system
• Quality work always feels good and is never destructive

 

Working with you and your children to provide the best possible education for all children is our goal, our task and our responsibility.

 

The Red Arrow Elementary School provides an opportunity for a rewarding and enjoyable school experience. We encourage you to go through this handbook with your child and make this year the best year.

 

Dear Students:

 

The information in this handbook is for you. Please read the handbook and know the rules and procedures of Red Arrow Elementary. Please go through it carefully and ask questions when you are unsure about any part of this book. We want your time at school to be fun, worthwhile and productive.

 

Sincerely,

 

John L. Busch

Principal

 

John Busch----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Principal

Teresa Babb---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Secretary

 

FACULTY

 

Kim Jensen------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Kindergarten full day

Bethany Howard----------------------------------------------------------------------- Kindergarten full day

Maryanne Foster---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kindergarten full day

Laurie Southworth--------------------------------------------------------------------- First Grade

Sandra Stoll----------------------------------------------------------------------------- First Grade

Niki Birkhead---------------------------------------------------------------------------- First Grade

Mary Hutchins-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second Grade

Pam Ward-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second Grade

Melissa Weber------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second Grade

Doug Paluch---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Third Grade

Lisa Reed-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Third Grade

Cindy Miller------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fourth Grade

Cathy Rawson-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fourth Grade

Jennifer Stubbs------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fifth Grade

Charles Swanson---------------------------------------------------------------------- Fifth Grade

Madelene Collins---------------------------------------------------------------------- Resource Room

Doris Allen------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Resource Room

Brad Hackman-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Physical Education

Laura Busch----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Music

Chris Jarvis------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Art

Kris Regalado-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Migrant / Bilingual

Nancy Larsson------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reading Consultant

 

PARAPROFESSIONALS

Trudy Friday----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title I. Asst.

Linda Kanyuh--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title I Asst.

Lisa Norden----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title I Asst.

Valerie Bury ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computer Lab Asst.

Lynette Earls-Berger----------------------------------------------------------------- Special Education Aide

 

Child Care

Ashley Ledesma----------------------------------------------------------------------- Director

                                                                                                                                                Jessica Martinez----------------------------------------------------------------------- Assistant

 

LIBRARY

Roberta  Woodruff------------------------------------------------------------------- Librarian

Diana Pomeroy------------------------------------------------------------------------ Library Asst.

 

LUNCHROOM STAFF

Carrie Roberts

Cathy Moore

Debbie Swigart

 

MAINTENANCE

Kyle Norden

Bill Jordan

 

 

 

SCHOOL CALENDAR

 

 

First day of school (Full Day)-------------------------------------------------- September 5, 2006

 

Student pictures---------------------------------------------------------------------- September 27

 

Parent Teacher Conferences---------------------------------------------------- November 8 and 9

 

No school for students------------------------------------------------------------ November 10

 

Thanksgiving Holiday------------------------------------------------------------- November 23 - 24

 

Winter Holiday begins------------------------------------------------------------- December 23

        School resumes-------------------------------------------------------------- January 8, 2007

 

Early Release 2:10------------------------------------------------------------------- January 18 and 19

No School (Teacher Records Day)------------------------------------------- January 22

 

Parent Teacher Conferences---------------------------------------------------- March 28 and March 29

No School ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ March 30

 

Spring Break begins--------------------------------------------------------------- March 30

        School resumes-------------------------------------------------------------- April 9

 

Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL -------------------------------------------------- May 28

 

Early Release for final exams (2:10)----------------------------------------- June ????

 

Last day of school (1/2 day, 11:40 dismissal)--------------------------- June ????

 

 

SCHOOL HOURS - RECESS AND LUNCH SCHEDULE 

 

                Kindergarten                                                        8:20 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.

                                               

                Grades 1^st  - 5^th                                                     8:20 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.

 

Children may enter the building with the ringing of the first bell.  With inclement weather they may enter upon arrival and go to the gymnasium.  Children are to enter the gymnasium via the external door on the east side of the gym.

 

RECESS HOURS

 

All students are to receive one 20 minute recess period in the afternoon.  Recess supervision will be under the direction of aides.  For inclement weather the supervision of children will be a joint responsibility between the classroom teacher and recess aide.    

 

LUNCH HOURS

 

The lunch hour begins with lunch in the cafeteria between 11:00 and 11:40. Classrooms go to lunch at approximately five minute intervals beginning with kindergarten and ending with fifth graders.

 

 

ABSENCE & EARLY DISMISSAL

 

Regular school attendance is vitally important to steady academic progress. Healthy children make regular school attendance possible. When illness occurs, it is wise to keep your child home. School policy requires a phone call or a note to explain an absence. This is a lesson to your child that you value attendance at school. It is also appropriate to send us a note to explain student tardiness.

 

Students may be excused from school early for appointments: doctor, dentist, etc. It is important for the child to attend school for every minute possible, so please only take students early for very important reasons. Please report to the office first and sign out the child. We will notify the classroom teacher to send the child to the office to meet you.

 

It is also important to send a note that morning so the office and the teacher know your child is leaving.  The approximate time and the name of the person picking your child up should be included in the note. 

 

Telephone requests for children to be sent home will be carefully screened due to the danger of persons other than parents or legal guardians making these requests. The safety of your child is of extreme importance to you and to us.

 

 

When a child comes to school, he/she is expected to participate in all school activities including the noon hour recess, and physical education unless he/she has a note from the doctor indicating not to participate.  A serious supervision problem exists when we split children between indoors and outdoors.

 

 

 

ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS

 

In the event a student is injured or becomes ill while at school he/she is taken to the school office.  Emergency cards are used to contact parents/guardian or friend in case of illness or injury. In the event of a school related injury needing medical attention, parents will be notified immediately. Please make sure you notify the school of any changes in emergency information such as work phone numbers so you can be notified as quickly as possible.

 

STUDENT INSURANCE

 

Hartford Public Schools carries insurance to cover students injured at school.  The insurance is SECONDARY to family health insurance, which means the school insurance only covers costs not covered by your family health insurance.

 

The student MUST report any injury immediately to the aide or classroom teacher.  An accident report and insurance claim form must be completed.  Hartford Public Schools will NOT ACCEPT A MEDICAL BILL CHARGED TO THE SCHOOL. The insurance company will not pay claims for medical treatment for students who are injured while fighting.

 

ADULT CROSSING GUARDS

 

There will be adults helping children cross the street on MAIN STREET directly in front of the school, and at the corner of CENTER STREET AND SOUTH STREET.   These are the areas of heavy traffic.  Please direct your children to cross at these designated spots.

 

 

AFTER SCHOOL Extended Opportunity

 

Students may be kept after school for academic or behavior reasons. Teachers or the principal are required to give parents one-day advance notice so transportation can be arranged.  Students having chronic problems with incomplete work or poor behavior may also be required to attend Saturday morning make-up sessions.  If, for good reasons, your child cannot stay after school that night, parents must call the teacher or principal to arrange another date otherwise the child will be kept after school.

 

BICYCLES

 

A.      Students must be in the third grade or above to be eligible to ride their bicycles to school - unless accompanied by an adult.

 

B.         Bicycles should be walked across the corners having a crossing guard.  Students should be encouraged to obey the safety patrols and traffic signs at all times.

 

C.        Bicycles are to be parked in the bicycle racks and not on the sidewalks or the lawn.  Bicycles are not permitted on the playground during the school day. 

 

D.      Bicycles should be parked as soon as students arrive at school, and are not to be ridden around the playground or building during recess and noon hours.

 

E.      For security reasons, a lock should always be used by the bicyclists. Parents should record the serial number to help identify stolen bikes.

 

  Students are not to ride or bring skateboards to school for safety reasons.  Roller/in-line skates are only allowed in the gym during supervised physical education classes.

 

 

CELLULAR PHONE POLICY

Students may possess a cellular telephones or other electronic communication devices in school, on school property, at after school activities and school-related functions. During school hours and in school vehicles cell phones must be turned off and stored in backpacks or purses. Electronic communication devices capable of wireless and unfiltered connection to the Internet are prohibited. The school district will not be responsible for lost or stolen devices. Students found to be using any electronic  communication device in violation of board policy, or for any illegal purpose, shall be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct.

 

CLASSROOM VISITS

 

Another way for the parent to get to know the school is through classroom visits.  The school is always open for you to visit.  Following are some hints to help you arrange and get the most out of your classroom visit.  We encourage and welcome parents and the community to visit our school. Please stop at the office first so we may get to know you and guide you to the classroom.  We also encourage you to volunteer a part of a day once a week to help out in classrooms.  This is an enriching experience for you and your child.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

The district has a monthly newsletter which is sent out to all citizens of Hartford.  The Hartford Newsletter is very informative, giving you an overview of our school community. It highlights events at each of the buildings. 

 

In addition Red Arrow Elementary will send bulletins throughout the year with the children.

 

 

CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

 

There are two reasons to have rules and laws concerning people's conduct—getting along with each other and safety. To help us get along, for example, we discourage name-calling because it hurts feelings and leads to arguing and fighting. To create a safe environment for children we discourage behaviors that endanger themselves or others. For Example students are not allowed to jump from moving swings because of the potential for serious injury.  All the rules we have at Red Arrow Elementary have been carefully considered and discussed at length with the entire staff.  Our goal is to have a safe and caring environment for the children of Hartford.

 

It is expected that students will at all times obey the three primary rules of the school.

                               1.   They will respect the rights of other people.

                                2.   They will engage themselves in activities that are safe for themselves and others.

                                3.   They will respect property.

 

These three rules, of course, give rise to the multitude of more specific expectations but are the essence of our school rules.  Hopefully, students will exhibit self-control as they grow and develop in elementary school.  If students do not demonstrate maturity to control their own behavior and violate one of the three primary rules, appropriate action will be taken.  Consequences will be administered according to the seriousness of the offense.  Incidents will be investigated for the purpose of obtaining all information pertinent to a fair decision. Our goal is to move children to practice the self-discipline they are going to have to exercise as they mature to adulthood.  It is also important that parents, teacher and principal be as consistent in enforcing the rules. It is only as we move forward as a team and work together that good building discipline can be realized and a set of consistent expectations in behavior developed on the part of the students.

 

The following rules are to be observed at all times: 

Children remain on the school property during school hours. At noon, aides are in charge of the playground.  Students must listen to them and follow directions.

 

                Throwing rocks, stones, sticks, snowballs, etc. is prohibited for obvious safety reasons.

 

Defacing or destruction of property is prohibited. Students destroying property may be required to pay restitution along with other consequences. Serious incidents will be referred to the police for prosecution.

 

Weapons of any kind are not allowed at school or at school functions. All weapons will be confiscated and turned over to authorities. Parents will be contacted and stringent consequences will be administered which may include suspension or expulsion.

 

Unsafe playthings such as slingshots, peashooters, darts, chains or anything we deem unsafe for children, will be taken from the child.  If necessary, such incidents will be reported to the police for possible legal action.

 

Violence, threats, intimidation and/or extortion of other students are strictly prohibited and are subject to the same levels of consequences as other serious infractions. Violence is any mean look, gesture, word, or action that hurts a person’s body, feelings, friendships, reputation, or property.

 

Bullying is a form of violence that is intentional, repeated, and involves a imbalance of power between the people involved. Bullying can take the form of a look, gesture, word or action. Interventions for bullying will take place at the earliest possible level. Students who feel they are being bullied or students who witness others being bullied are required to report the incident as soon as possible. They may meet privately with the principal, parapros, or the teacher to report bullying. The names of witnesses will be kept confidential.

 

Drugs and Alcohol

The possession, use, distribution or attempting to distribute tobacco, illicit drugs and alcohol, including non-alcoholic malt liquors (Sharp’s, O’Doul’s, etc.) on school premises is forbidden. Students who violate this school policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion. The school may also require a drug and alcohol abuse assessment as a condition for re-entering school.

 If it is determined that a student has a drug and/or alcohol problem, the school will provide the student and his/her parent(s) with information about any available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation, and  re-entry programs.

 

Gang Activities and Symbols

Gang presence in all areas of the state is increasing and our community is not immune to their activities, recruitment, and related crime. For that reason gang activity, recruitment, drawings, symbols, and colors are not permitted in our schools. The staff will contact the parents of any child who engages in such activities.

 

We recommend that parents take signs of gang interest very seriously. It is important that parents are aware of gang symbols, drawings, and lettering. The earlier parents take action when a child shows an interest in gangs, the more likely gang involvement can be prevented. Parents need to closely monitor their children and their friends. The time children are free of adults is the time they are likely to come in contact with people who may introduce them to drugs, alcohol, gangs, and other self-destructive behaviors. Parental supervision is the best prevention.

 

Suspensions and Expulsions

Suspensions are given in the most severe cases of behavior, which requires a swift and decisive response from the school. Examples include:

                 Three to ten days - Striking or raising a hand to a staff member or fighting as evidenced by anger, feet and fists and intent to do physical harm.

                 One to three days - For four or more citations on the playground, excessive disruptive behavior, insubordination or other behavior which either

                interrupts the learning of other students or endangers others students or themselves.

 

The principal may impose longer periods of suspension or even expulsion depending on the seriousness of the offense and the threat to others and/or the threat to property. Parents may appeal suspensions to the superintendent.

 

Please see Attachment on page 19 for a copy of the Discipline Referral Form

The following page is a chart of behaviors expected in various areas of Red Arrow Elementary School. These will be reviewed with students the opening day of school.
..\MiBLSi\Behavior_Matrix 2.doc

 

DUE PROCESS

 

All students shall be afforded due process regarding suspension and/or expulsions for misconduct. This shall include being notified of the charges, and having the right to respond to the charges, and having the right to appeal the decision. Due process safeguards shall be implemented as follows:

1.       Notification of Policy and Regulation

Students will be given copies at the time of enrollment. Other rules and regulations concerning students will be announced as needed.

2.       Notification of Charge

Before imposing any disciplinary action involving suspension, a student will be verbally informed of the nature of the misconduct and the disciplinary action being considered. Written notice will be given to the student and his/her parent(s).

3.       Notification of Parent(s):

A.       Parent(s) will be notified as soon as possible by telephone and by written correspondence when a student has been suspended.

B.       In the case where an immediate suspension is not deemed necessary, but where it is determined by the principal that discipline should take the form of a suspension, a reasonable effort will be made by the administration to verbally contact the parents prior to the suspension. In cases where the parent(s) cannot be contacted, the suspension shall begin the second day following the decision to suspend.

C.      It is understood that the parent(s) or guardian(s) shall have the right to copies of the charge(s) and the right to request a conference with the principal to exercise all other rights of due process on behalf of the students where the student is a minor child.

D.      A student or parent/guardian dissatisfied with a suspension decision may appeal by following the procedure below:

1.       Notify the administrator involved and a review of the decision will be conducted.

2.       Appeal the decision to the next administrative level (superintendent) for review.

3.       Appeal to the board of education for review.

 

PLAYGROUND RULES

 

1.       Listen and follow directions from the supervisors the first time they are given.

2.       Use equipment properly and safely.

3.       Refrain from pushing, hitting, hurting, or kicking another student.

4.       Refrain from play fighting or wrestling.

5.       Stay within playground boundaries and report to the supervisor before going between playgrounds or using the bathrooms.

6.       Use appropriate language, profanity and put-downs are unacceptable.

7.       Refrain from having food, drinks, or gum during recess.

8.       Refrain from throwing or kicking sand, stones, snow or snowballs.

9.       Stop playing and line up when the bell rings or whistle is blown.

10.    Return equipment to its proper place.

 

To help us supervise the playground, please:

 Tell the teacher or supervisor if he/she is in need of help.

All accidents are to be reported to the playground supervisor, your teacher or the office.

 

DRESS AND GROOMING

 

Dress and grooming are generally considered to be of a personal and family concern and it is expected that all students and their families will exercise good judgment in this matter.  Clothes and personal appearance directly influence a student's behavior and attitude.  Students, whose dress or grooming jeopardizes personal health or safety, interferes with the educational function or orderly operation of the school, may be sent home for more appropriate dress or grooming.

 

All coats, boots, mittens, etc. must be marked with your child's name.  Please put a loop at the top of your child's coat on the inside so that he can hang his coat up. To preserve the carpet, children are not allowed to wear boots in the classroom.  If your child wears shoe-boots, please send a pair of shoes with him to wear while in the classroom.

 

Major factors involved in determining whether clothing is acceptable for school are: neatness, cleanliness and appropriateness.

·         At all times, clothing should be clean, neat and sufficiently modest to avoid distracting others

·         Shorts are expected to be clean, neat and mid-thigh.

·         No short shorts.  No halter-tops.

·         Clothing with derogatory slogans and designs are not acceptable.

·         Shoes must be worn in case there is a fire or a fire drill.

 

 

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

 

Each parent is asked to complete an Information Sheet or Emergency Authorization form, which will be kept on file in the office.  The information sheet or medical form will indicate the necessary information the school must have should an emergency arise.  For your child's sake, it is extremely important that these forms be completed and returned to the school a week after school starts.

 

EVACUATION PROCEDURE

 

In the event of catastrophic emergency such as a gas leak, bomb threat, threat of violence, fire at a nearby gas station, derailment of a chemical car on the CSX rail, truck accident, or an airplane crash in the area, Red Arrow Elementary will be evacuated and all students will be taken to the Hartford United Methodist Church.

 

·         Students will remain at the church until it is declared safe to return to the building or until it is decided to send them home.

·         If students are to be sent home, announcements will be made on local radio and TV stations. The district auto-dialer will begin calling all primary emergency numbers with a message to parents. A message will be posted on the district emergency number 621-7020 giving parents instructions. In addition staff are encouraged to use the phones available in the church and cell phones to contact parents.

·         Parents or designated adults may pick up the children at the United Methodist Church. Please park in the large lot on the north and east sides of the building and follow directions of the one-way signs.

·         Parents are to sign out their children at the two tables set up at the entryways.

·         Buses will also take students home if so directed by our emergency information. Drivers will check to see that someone is home before releasing the child.

·         Communications with parents is extremely important so please keep the office up-to-date with any changes in emergency phone numbers.

 

 

FIELD TRIPS

 

A field trip is an educational experience outside of the classroom or building, involving the use of facilities other than school owned.

 

To participate in a field trip, the student must bring a permission slip signed by the parent to the classroom teacher.  This not only gives permission for the students to leave the school property but also informs the parents as to that day's school activities. All students must ride the bus with their classmates to the field trip location. Parents wishing to take their children home from that location, must provide a written, signed statement to the teacher prior to leaving the site.

 

Children on a field trip represent their school, parents, and themselves.  Their attitude and behavior must be represented accordingly.

 

Our belief is that all students should attend field trips, however, on occasion a student may be denied the opportunity to attend a field trip because of chronic and extreme misbehavior. This decision will be made between the classroom teacher and the principal then parents will be notified. The student will be provided with suitable, non-punitive assignments for that day and arrangements will be made for supervision within the building.

 

Because of insurance limitations only the students and parents may ride the buses on field trips. Please arrange child care for other siblings.

 

Please be aware that smoking is discouraged on field trips and all school related activities.

 

HANDICAPPED--AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

 

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law which protects the rights of Americans who have disabilities.  The disabilities may include things such as blindness, deafness, loss of use of limbs, loss of mental abilities and even mild learning disabilities.

 

The Hartford Public Schools has implemented a policy for insuring the district's compliance with this law.  In addition, the district has developed a plan for improving each building within the district to insure that those citizens and students having handicaps have access to our educational system.  The plan extends over several years and includes physical changes such as curb cuts, lowered door thresholds, remodeled bathrooms, railings, door handles and listening devices for classrooms and the auditorium.

 

HEAD LICE

 

To prevent infestation, frequently, remind your child not to borrow combs and not to wear each other’s hats and scarves.  Check your child’s head two or three times a week so you know there are no nits or lice present.  During September and October, classroom teachers check heads every two weeks on Friday.  Beginning in November, we check heads once a month, on the last Friday of the month.  If we spot a problem, we send home a written notice, which includes a form to complete and return to school.  This forms asks for the name of the head lice shampoo used and the date you used it. We check heads on Friday so parents have the weekend to do the shampoo routine.  School policy permits us to exclude your child from school if this information is not presented to the school.

 

If you are ever affected with a chronic head lice problem in your household, the Van Buren County Health Department may be able to provide you with assistance.  Their phone number is 621-3143.  With mutual cooperation and support, we can handle this problem when it arises.

 

HOMEWORK

 

Moderate amounts of homework will be given for reinforcement of processes, for related and/or supplemental activities, or for the completion of an assignment thoroughly explained and begun during class.  No homework will be assigned if it entails a new concept for which no instruction has been offered.

 

Parents are advised to work with the teacher to make sure assignments are completed on time.  Provide a quiet place to study, a set time to complete homework, check to see how long ago it was assigned.  Perhaps a bit of procrastination is involved.  Our teachers are fair and try to be very reasonable concerning homework. They make every attempt to make sure home work is useful and worth learning.

 

IMMUNIZATIONS

 

State law requires that students have up-to-date immunization records at school.  Students without complete immunization records can be excluded from school until the record is complete. New students enrolling in the district will have 30 days to submit updated records, if they are in progress and some shots have already been given.   If records are not complete at that time, the student will be excluded until all records are complete.  An immunization waiver for religious purposes is available for parent signature and with the approval of the health department.

 

 

 

LOST AND FOUND

Use a Sharpie to put your child’s name on everything they bring to school

Occasionally, a child loses a possession. A "Lost and Found" area is provided for lost clothing, equipment, etc.  Valuables (watches, rings, money etc.) are turned into the office. Parents can help by marking clothing and other personal items.

 

Radios, cameras and other valued items are not allowed in school for safety and security reasons. Loss, theft or breakage is the responsibility of the student and the school will not cover costs for repair or replacement.

 

LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAMS

 

Hot lunches will be provided each day and should be the same nutritious and tasty meals we are accustomed to.  The cost is:

                                 Hot lunch with milk                $l.50 per day*

                                Reduce price lunch                   $ .40*

                Milk                                         $ ..30      

 

*subject to change

 

If you are financially unable to purchase lunch for your child and you can qualify under the eligibility standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, application forms are available from the school office.

 

Please send ALL lunch/milk money to school in envelopes with your child's name, teacher’s name, amount of money and the number of lunches or milk to be purchased.  Young children are often confused or forget such details.

 

Breakfast is served in the Red Arrow Cafeteria from 7:55 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. each school day.  Children participating are to go directly to the cafeteria when their buses arrive.  Walkers may also go directly to the cafeteria after 7:55 a.m.

 

The cost is:           

Paid Breakfast                     $ .85*

Reduced Breakfast             $.30 *

                *subject to change

 

Students qualifying for free lunch or reduced lunches also qualify for  free or reduced breakfast.

 

 

MEDICATION FOR STUDENTS

 

 NOTE:  CHANGES IN STATE LAW REQUIRE A CHANGE IN OUR PROCEDURES. If a child must take medication at school, these procedures MUST be followed:

 

·         Prescription medications to be administered at school require an original copy of a completed school medication form from the doctor and must include the parent’s signature, before school staff are allowed to administer the medication.

 

·         Parents must also provide a completed and signed consent form before over-the-counter medication can be administered at school.  We are no longer able to take request to provide over-the-counter medication to a student over the phone, through parent notes and or faxes. The consent forms will be available at the office and copies are sent home with the emergency information cards at the beginning of the school year. A copy is also on page 18 of this handbook.

 

·         Medication will be kept locked in the school office (a small refrigerator has been purchased for medication requiring refrigeration).  Asthmatic students may keep their inhalers with them if the doctor has indicated the need in his written instructions.

 

·         Two staff members will be present to supervise administration of the medication.

 

·         It is recommended that medication be brought into school by parents, not sent to school with the child if at all possible.

 

·         Medication left over at the end of the school year that is not picked up by parents will be discarded.

 

·         Prescription and over-the-counter medication sent to school must be in the original, labeled, containers.  If asked, the pharmacy may provide a second, labeled container for the doses to be administered at school. The pharmacy may also provide exact dosages eliminating the need for parents to divide or cut pills before sending them to school.

 

 

PARENT RIGHTS AND CUSTODIAL ISSUES

 

Federal law provides that biological parents have all rights to their children unless there is a specific court order stating otherwise. Often times when parents divorce or separate, one of the parents will come to school and request that the other parent not be allowed to take the child from school. Schools because of the law cannot honor that request. If there is such a court order, make sure the office has a copy and is fully aware of the court requirements.

 

 

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

 

We feel reporting your child's progress is a year-around process.  It takes good communication and a desire on the part of the school and parents to frankly discuss each child's progress to develop an accurate picture of their potential.  Spring and fall conferences are scheduled by the office after requesting parents to choose a time slot most appropriate to their personal schedule.  Information will be sent home two weeks before the parent-teacher conferences.

 

Please feel free to request a conference with any member of the staff at other times whenever you feel it is necessary.  Teachers may also contact you by note or telephone if there is a need for a conference with you.

 

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify the office and the teacher will be glad to reschedule.  (621-7400)

 

 

PETS

 

Pets visiting school can be a delightful, valuable component of a good curriculum and we enjoy this kind of experience. Arrangements need to be carefully planned by the parents and the teacher. Timing, transportation, safety factors relative to students and pets are all areas that require appropriate decisions. Please contact the teacher and plan together so the pet/s visit will be happy, valuable and memorable.

 

PUBLIC HEALTH

 

State law requires that students infected with chicken pox, pink eye, impetigo, scabies, mumps, measles, rubella (3 day), ringworm, strep throat, hepatitis, scarlet fever, meningitis must be excluded from school.  Because of the serious nature of these illnesses, parents must take the child to the doctor or contact the health department. The number is 621-3143. If your child contracts any of these diseases, please call the school so preventative measures can be taken and reports can be forwarded to the health department.

 

PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY

 

There are times when it is in a student’s best interest to give him/her an extra year to strengthen skills before promotion to the next grade. This decision is preceded by discussions with the parents. When a decision is mutually agreed upon, the possibility of a successful year for the student is greatly enhanced. Every effort will be made to reach a decision acceptable to both parties. The school policy does give the school the right to make the final decision.

 

In grade retention is a serious decision and as such the process will be characterized by careful evaluation, discussion and sensitivity to the needs of everyone involved. Students need to feel the support and caring of both parents and school staff. Our goal is to assist students in becoming confident, successful people. Retention is never intended to be a punitive action, nor is it a sign of failure. Children develop at different rates and we need to be flexible to meet their individual needs.

 

P.T.O.

 

Red Arrow Elementary School has a very active, involved and committed P.T.O.

Meetings are scheduled on a regular basis. Notices will be sent home prior to the meetings. Baby-sitting services and refreshments are provided.

All Red Arrow families are automatically members.  Get involved, support your P.T.O.

 

REPORT CARDS

 

Report cards are given four times a year:

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