West Glocester Elementary School Handbook

Wesi Glocesier
Elementary
School
Parent Handbook
& Glocester Public
Scfioots Policy
j
Packet
2012-2013
iiaorL. Inc.
GLOCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2012-2013 SCHOOL CALENDAR
MONTH
M
AUGUST
27
SEPTEMBER [3]
10
17
24
28
4
11
18
25
29
5
12"
19
26
30
6
13
20
27
14
21
28
OCTOBER
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
2431
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
(22)
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
(17)
6
13
20
7
14
21.
(15)
27
28
'
1
[§]
15
22
29
MONTH
(days;
W
31
7
( 3)
(18)
FEBRUARY
4
11
18
25
DECEMBER
JANUARY
5
12
19
25
[ 6
13
20
27
. 7
14
21
28'
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
.3
4
1
7
8
14 . 15
21 22
28
(15)
6
13
20
27
(20)
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
2<3
1
8
1 5
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
(17)
7
14
21
28
1
8
15
22
29
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
31
(22)
6
13
5
12
19
24
6
13
20
25
7
14
21
26
MAY
20
27
(ij
2
7
8
9
14
15
16
21
22 23
28
29
30
5
12
19
26
(days)
MARCH
APRIL
NOVEMBER '
W
M
(21)
JUNE
10 11
17 18
24 25
31
3
10
17
22
29
4
11
18
23
30
96
1st Qtr. - Aug. 29 - Nov. 2
2nd Qtr. - Nov. 5 - Jan. 23
(10)
84
(45 days)
(45 days)
3rd Qtr. - Jan. 24 - April 4
4th Qtr. - April 5 - June 14
(45 days)
(45 days)
,i
August 28, 2012 - Teachers Report (Orientation)
August 2 9 , 2012 - Students First Day of School
Schools will close on:
Sept. 3, 2012
Labor Day
Sept. 11, 2012 Primary Election
Oct.
B , 2012
Columbus Day
Nov. 6, 2012
General Election
Nov. 12, 2012
Veteran's Day
Nov. 13, 2012
P r o f . Development
Nov. 2 2 - 2 3 , 2012
Dec. 24-Jan. 1, 2013
Jan. 21, 2013
' F e b . 18-22, 2013
March 29, 2013
April 15-19, 2013
May 2 7 , 2013
Thanksgiving Recess
Holiday Recess
Martin Luther King Day
Winter Recess
No School
Spring Recess
Memorial Day
School will close on June 14, 2013 (or 180th student day) (Make up days June 17, 18,
19;
West Glocester Elementary School
111 Reynolds Road
Chepachet, RI 02814
(401)567-0350
Faculty Roster 2012 - 2013
Kindergarten
Mrs. Mountford
Grade 1
Mrs. Flynn
Mrs. Simmons
Mrs. Winsor
Grade 2
Mrs. McDermott
Mrs. Sullivan
Grade 3
Mrs. Davis
Mrs. Oliver
Grade 4
Mrs. Aldous
Ms. Dulude
Special Education
Mrs. Crowley
Mrs. Richard
Mrs. Queenan
Mrs. Greenwood
Art
Mrs. MacPhee
Computer
Mrs. Adams
Library
Mrs. Weber
Music
Mr. Latendresse
Grade 5
Mrs. Peg Fallon-Pelletier
Ms. Jordan
Physical Education &
Health
Ms. Gloria
Instructional Coach
Mrs. Luth
Ms. Livingston
Literacy Teachers
Mrs. Altaian
Mrs. Abatecola
School Psychologist
Ms. Duncan
Speech
Mrs. Babbitt
School Social Worker
Ms. Gaudiana
Nurse/Teacher & Health
Ms. Breen
Secretary
Mrs. Autiello
Special Education
Clerical
Mrs. Conde
Teacher Assistants
Mrs. Ashworth
Mrs. Brewster
Mrs. Clark
Mrs. Gervais
Mrs. McDonough
Ms. Pitocco
Mrs. Sevegny
Mrs. Smith
Mrs. St. Germain
Mrs. Ware
Custodians
Mr. Gauvin
Mr. Adams
Ms. Paolino
Principal
Ms. Zambarano
Superintendent of
Schools
Mrs. Dubois
Philosophy of Education
Glocester School Department's primary purpose is to provide an
educational environment, which gives all students a sound education.
Recognizing the diversity of student potential and interest, we will
persistently strive to meet student needs. Glocester's education can and will
provide more than basic and marketable skills.
We believe that Glocester's youth have a right to a quality education.
This right involves the duty of sincere, responsible, respectful effort and
behavior on the part of students and staff. Local government officials, School
Committee members, community leaders, parents and staff shall contribute to
the attitudes of students by showing respect for each other and
demonstrating other qualities inherent in good citizenship.
The Glocester School Department shall strive to select and employ the
best-qualified people and to assist in the development of each student's
intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth and stability. The
resources for obtaining and maintaining excellent educational standards shall
be provided.
The Glocester School Department will additionally establish high
standards for its professional members and will apply fair treatment in all of
its relationships with every person inside and outside of the school system.
Students' Rights and Responsibilities:
You have the right to a safe environment. You have the responsibility to
follow safety rules.
You have the right to use school books, materials and equipment. You have
the responsibility to take care of all school materials.
You have the right to fair treatment. You have the responsibility to treat
others fairly.
You have the right to voice your opinion. You have the responsibility to
respect the opinions of others.
You have the right to a good education. You have the responsibility to do
your best.
Daily Schedule
The daily school schedule is as follows:
Kindergarten AM Session
Kindergarten PM Session
Grades 1-5
•
•
•
•
9:00 am to 11:45 am
12:30 pm to 3:15 pm
9:00 am to 3:15 pm
Students should not arrive at school any earlier than 8:50am when supervision
by aides begins.
Children who arrive at school after 9:00am are marked tardy. Parents must
escort their student(s) into the building and sign in at the office.
To release a child before the regular dismissal time, a note should be
sent to school. Upon arrival a parent must report to the office at which time
the child will be called down from the classroom. No student will be released to
anyone other than the parent unless directions to that effect are received.
Parents who wish to pick up their child at 3:15 pm should send a note
in with their child. At dismissal, parents or other authorized adult must meet
children at Door #6 and check their child out with the aid
Attendance Requirements
It is important that a child be present each day that a school is in session
unless serious reasons prevent attendance. Frequent absences interfere with continuity
of instruction and reduce a student's ability to maintain a high level of achievement.
There are times, however, when it is in the best interest of all concerned that children
not be sent to school. It is requested that children not come to school with fevers,
rashes, or any illness that might be contagious. When your child is absent from
school, it is school policy that parents report such absences to the office
before 9am.
Family Trips
Family Trips that are taken when schools are in session incur loss of
instructional opportunities, which can never be recovered. Parents are advised that the
school wilt not arrange homework to be taken on such trips. Any resulting absences
will be unexcused.
Medications at School
If it is necessary that a student take medication in school, such
medication will be dispensed only when
• It is prescribed by a doctor,
• It is in the original prescription container
• The doctor gives written directions for school officials.
No medication, including over the counter medications, will be administered unless
these guidelines are met. Further, A PARENT OR OTHER ADULT MUST DELIVER
MEDICATIONS TO SCHOOL. It is also helpful if the nurse is notified when a child
is taking medication not given at school.
Student Residency
Children who live outside of the corporate limits of the town of Glocester are
classified as non-residents and may not be enrolled in the Glocester Public Schools
without prior permission. When a question exists regarding residence, building principals
will refer parents to the Superintendent's office to obtain and complete appropriate
forms to verify residence.
Emergency Information Cards
An Emergency Information form is on file for each child attending our
elementary schools. They are sent home early in the school year and need to be filled
out carefully, completely and returned promptly to school. These forms are especially
important when your child is ill or when there are parental restrictions concerning
visitation of the child. Please make every effort to keep all of this information
current. For emergency and administrative reasons, it is very important that an up-todate student address record be maintained. Notify the school office immediately if you
have a change of address during the school year.
Access to Records
In accordance with federal law, parents have access to all records of their
children. Without your prior consent, only you and authorized individuals having
legitimate educational interests will have access to your child's records. Should you
wish to review such records, please call the school office to arrange for an
appointment, 567-0350.
Books
All basic texts are loaned to students for their use during the school year. They
must be properly cared for and covered at all times. Loss or damage to books or
other school property will require compensation.
Lunch Program
Glocester children in grades 1-5 have the option of bringing their lunch to school
or buying a hot lunch. Milk is included with a hot lunch purchase. Milk is also available
for purchase to those who bring their lunch to school and kindergarten students. A
breakfast program is available to students in AM-K and Grades 1-5. Menus will be
distributed monthly to each child.
Milk and lunch money is collected daily at school. However, to lessen
bookkeeping time, it is requested that milk or lunch money be sent in on the first
school day of the week. Federal assistance for the lunch program is available to
eligible families. Applications will be sent home in September. All information is kept
strictly confidential.
Prices for 2012-13
Lunch $2.20
Milk .40
Breakfast $ 1.00
Homework
Homework will be assigned to your child as a means of reinforcing basic skills
which a have been introduced in the classroom and need more practice
Minimum homework time allotments are as follows:
Grade 1
Not to exceed 15 minutes, twice weekly
Grade 2-3
Not to exceed 30 minutes, twice weekly
Grade 4
Not to exceed 40 minutes, 4 times weekly
Grade 5
Not to exceed 50 minutes, 4 times weekly
School Cancellations
Cancellation of school takes place only during extraordinary circumstances
such as extreme weather conditions, equipment failure, or public crisis. School will
not be cancelled unless a significant safety risk has been created by unusual
circumstances.
On days when there may be a question about school closing, delayed opening,
or early dismissal you are advised to listen to a local radio/TV station or log on to
htj~p://ww^^
Enter the zip code 02857 to obtain information for
this area. Additionally, the region uses the ALERTNOW system, which will send a
telephone message to families.
In the event of an early closing all children will be sent home in the
usual manner unless the office is notified otherwise. Emergency procedures (that
is, what to do and where to go) should be discussed with your child so that
he/she will know what to do should such a condition occur. The school office cannot
phone parents to notify them of school closings.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for November 13, 2012.
Conferences can also be arranged directly with the teacher at any time during the
school year.
Insurance
School Insurance will be offered at the beginning of the school year.
Parents wishing to take advantage of this service are asked to return the completed
application promptly
Lost and Found
Parents are urged to label all belongings, including wearing apparel,
with your child's name. All lost items are placed in a designated location in each
school. Encourage your child to claim any missing possessions from the lost and found
area. Parents may also check for lost items at any time after checking in at the
office.
Telephone
The school telephone number is 567-0350 and will be answered daily, 8am4pm. Before and after this time period you are welcome to leave a message.
Students are allowed to use the school phone only in emergency situations. Cell
phones are not to be used by students in school.
West Glocester Elementary School Community Organization
The West Glocester Elementary School Community Organization (WGESCO) is
a non-profit association of interested parents and teachers of children attending
West Glocester Elementary School. By means of various fund raising projects, the
WGESCO provides enrichment activities and social events for children throughout
the school year. Parent involvement in this group is important to its success. You
are encouraged to participate as an active member, by working on a committee and
attending monthly meetings.
School Improvement Team (SIT)
The School Improvement Team is a group of parents, teachers, and
administrators who represent the school community and who are interested in
making the school a better place for learning and teaching. The SIT focuses on
improving student achievement. Its work is to gather and analyze information that
can be used to make decisions that drive changes in the school. At the beginning of
each school year, the team sets goals and objectives based upon that information.
We welcome new members to join in the work that is so important to the school.
Check the monthly calendar in the newsletter for dates and times of the meetings.
Field Trips
Field trips within town and to nearby points of interest are scheduled by
various classroom teachers throughout the school year to supplement different
aspects of the classroom curriculum. Parents will receive notices of field trips well
in advance of the trip date and will be required to sign a Field Trip Permission Form
in order for their child to attend. Field trips are viewed as an extension of the
classroom; therefore, a student whose parent(s) decide that he/she will not attend
a field trip shall remain at home that day. Should a field trip extend beyond the
regular school day, it is imperative that arrangements be made to pick up children
at school at the designated arrival time. It is a School Committee Policy that if a
child requires medication on a field trip, the parent is provided with a number of
options to satisfy this need; a letter from the school nurse in advance of the field
trip lists these various options. All designated chaperones must have a current BCI.
Discipline Policy
It is the goal of the Glocester Discipline Policy to create a learning
environment where children feel safe, secure, happy, and have a maximum
opportunity to learn. To accomplish this goal, each teacher implements a
classroom discipline plan. In addition, a school-wide discipline plan governs
the common areas (cafeteria and playground) of the school. These plans
specify rules that cover the behaviors expected of our pupils.
The
Glocester School Committee believes that a school, like any community, must
have rules by which to operate. The School Committee, with the help of
students, parents, and staff, sets forth these guidelines and rules by which
we can function efficiently and fairly in the community.
1.
2.
3.
4.
General School Rules:
Follow directions the first time they are given
Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself
Speak well about yourself and others
Respect school property
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Guidelines for the Cafeteria :
Walk; do not run.
Use an inside voice; do not yell
Food and drinks should be consumed at the lunch tables
Remain seated until you are instructed to leave
Place all trash in its proper place before leaving the cafeteria
1.
Guidelines for the Playground :
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
2.
Play safely
3.
4.
Use playground equipment properly
Take turns on the playground equipment
Internet Use Agreement
•
The internet is a special tool that can help a child learn, communicate and solve
problems. It is always the goal of the school to keep children safe and to make
their time while accessing the internet fun, interesting and educational. To this
end, we would ask the students to follow these guidelines:
3 Treat school property with respect and act responsibly
3 Follow all the instructions given by the teacher and remain on the designated
sites
-J Use the internet as a learning tool and the information for projects, reports,
and discussions
Q Tell your teacher if you see something that is inappropriate or makes you
feel uncomfortable
J Talk to your parent or guardian about your activities on the internet
~][ Be aware that there are consequences for choosing not to follow the
internet rules
© FableVision, Inc.
Glocester Transportation - Important Phone Numbers
Bus Coordinator - Mrs. Heidi Whitford
568-6206 ext. 237
email: [email protected]
Hopkins Bus Company - 568-5096
Jaques Bus Company - 568-8433
Bus Policy
Safety and efficiency are primary concerns of school bus transportation. Bus routes shall be arranged so as to insure
maximum efficiency without sacrificing safety. No elementary student will be required to walk more than .5 of a mile
to a bus stop or to school.
Students may not change buses except for childcare purposes. All daycare drop off and pick up arrangements must be
made for the entire year. Parents must make these arrangements in advance by calling the bus coordinator
@ 568-6206 ext. 237 and then sending a note to the school office. There is no transportation for daycare outside of
West Glocester's bus district.
If you or your child is experiencing any type of problem with a bus, please contact the school Principal to try to get
the matter resolved. Waiting at a bus stop to talk or argue, with a driver not only delays the bus, but may also prove
upsetting to the driver who has the responsibility of getting children to and from school safely.
Bus Drop Off
Children in Kindergarten or First Grade must have someone to meet them at the bus stop or they will not be dropped
off.
If no one is there to greet them the following steps will occur:
1. The children will be brought back to school.
2. If there is no one at the school to supervise, the child will be brought to the bus garage, and the driver will
attempt to call you.
3. If no one can reach you, we will ask the police to help.
If you miss your child's bus, please call the school office @ 567-0350 to inform them.
Bus Behavior
Proper conduct is required of all students riding the school bus. The safety of students will not be jeopardized by
inappropriate behavior. The bus driver is the authority of the bus; parental support for the driver is essential.
Written notices from the Principal keeps parents informed of inappropriate behavior. Students may be temporarily
suspended from riding the school bus if the behvior inteferes with the operation of a safe and orderly transportation
sysytem.
Included in this packet are school bus rules which provides students with bus conduct expectations. Please review
these rules with your child.
School Bus Rules
In an effort to ensure everyone's safety, we ask all students to follow the
bus procedures and rules, as outlined below:
1. The bus driver is in charge of the bus and all passengers must
promptly obey all directions and instructions
2. Take your seat upon entering the bus and remain seated until you
reach your destination; if seats are assigned, use only your assigned
seat
3. Use respectful language; no loud talk or noises that may distract the
driver
4. No animals, weapons, explosives, or any large object which could cause
an obstruction are allowed on the bus
5. Keep aisles clear of objects at all times
6. Do not throw anything out the bus windows
7. No smoking, lighting matches, eating or drinking allowed on the bus
8. Upon leaving the bus, wait until the driver signals that it is safe to
cross the street; always check traffic in both directions before
crossing
9. In the event of an emergency, emergency exit procedures will be
followed
..:.. ; ;,
•
© FableVision, Inc.
Dress Code.
West (Slocester Elementary School has developed the following guidelines to
assist parents and students in determining appropriate attire for school.
Student clothing should allow students to concentrate on their work at
school and play safely. The following dress code guidelines will be followed
throughout the school year:
•
•
•
•
•
Shorts and skirts should be mid-thigh length or longer
No skin should show between tops and bottoms
Tops should have wide straps or sleeves; no spaghetti straps,
strapless, bare backs or low-cut necklines
Shoes should be appropriate for the playground and gym class; sandals
without a strap across the heel, flips flops, and high heels are not
appropriate and should not be worn
'heelies' are considered to be toys and are not to be worn to school
clothing should not advertise alcohol or tobacco products or include
foul words or sexual references
Students who wear such clothing to school will call their parents to request a
change of clothing or may borrow appropriate clothing from the nurse, if it
is available. The student may be required to sit out of gym or recess, if no
other clothing is available.
© FableVision, Inc.
Information About Bullying
The Glocester School District believes that children learn best in a school environment that is
safe and respectful to all. The following is an information sheet to overview the issue of
bullying and the responsibilities of the schools. Actual district and state policy are available
for you through the district web site.
What is bullying?
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school age children that involves a real or
perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated
over time.
To be considered bullying, the behavior must be aggressive and include:
• An Imbalance of Power - Kids who bully use their power - such as physical strength,
access to embarrassing information, or popularity - to control or harm others.
• Repetition - Bullying behaviors happen more than once or have the potential to
happen more than once.
•
Types of Bullying:
There are three types of bullying:
• Verbal - saying or writing mean things. This includes: teasing, name-calling, taunting
or threats to cause harm.
• Social bullying - hurting someone's reputation or relationships. This includes: leaving
someone out on purpose, telling other children not to be friends with someone,
spreading rumors and embarrassing someone in public.
• Physical - hurting a person's body or possessions. This includes:
hitting/kicking/pinching ,spitting, pushing/tripping, taking/breaking someone's things
and making mean or rude hand gestures.
•
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic devices. These devices and
equipment include cell phones, computers and tablets. They also include social media sites,
text messages, chat and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or
emails, rumors sent or posted on social networking sites, embarrassing pictures, videos,
websites, or fake profiles.
Note: Students shall be prohibited from accessing social networking sites in school.
What does At School mean?
At School means the places and situations that the school is responsible for preventing and
/or addressing bullying issues. These include:
• On school premises
• At any school-sponsored activity or event
• On a school bus
• At a bus stop
Reporting bullying.
The victim of bullying, a witness and anyone who has credible information that bullying has
taken place may file a report. Faculty and staff must file a report if they have witnessed
bullying. Student report forms will be available in school. Parental/staff forms will be
available at school or through the school's website. Once a report has been received the
school administration will review the complaint. If the complaint is found credible,
appropriate disciplinary actions will be imposed. The district's school psychologist and/or
social worker will be available in support of all parties.
Media Release Agreement
Throughout the school year there are opportunities to capture the many wonderful
accomplishments of our students on film. Whether we have representatives from
local newspapers, students doing college course work and/or teachers capturing a
special classroom moment, children often have an opportunity to be photographed
or videotaped. We are proud of our students' accomplishments and the programs
offered a our school, and our children enjoy seeing themselves in the photo
displays or videos. In order that student confidentiality is maintained,
documentation of parental permission to photograph a child is required.
Please note;
ij a student's photo may be published in a school yearbook, however, no
photographs will be published on the school website
LI lists of students' names may be made public, either within the school on class
lists or in a local newspaper as a result of a special activity
Q be sure to check the appropriate items on the Parent Acknowledgement Page
©.FabteVjsjoiL. I nc.
Parent / Guardian Acknowledgement Page
***After reviewing the Student & Parent Information Packet, please complete this form
and return this page to your child's teacher. Keep the remainder of the packet as a
reference. ***
Date:
Student's Name:
Grade:
Teacher:
I have read and reviewed the following policies with my child:
General School Rules, including guidelines for the cafeteria and playground
Internet Use Agreement
School Bus Rules
Dress Code
Bullying Information
Parent Permission:
Yes, I give permission for my child to be photographed or videotaped
No, I do not give permission for my child to be photographed or videotaped
Yes, I will allow my child to use the internet while at school
No, I will not allow my child to use the internet while at school
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Date: