Table of Contents

MISSION STATEMENT
GOVERNING VALUES
BOOK AND MATERIALS FEE
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
ATTENDANCE
BIKE/SCOOTER! RIDERS & ROLLER BLADERS
BUILDING SAFETY PLAN
BUSES
CHILD CARE
BREAKFAST/LUNCH FEES
LUNCHROOM BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
MONEY
PRIVATE VEHICLES AND STUDENT PICK-UP
GROVE SCHOOL BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES
PLAYGROUND RULES
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
CODE OF CONDUCT
SCHOOL HOURS
STUDENT DRESS
VIDEOS/FILM
VISITORS
PARENTS RIGHT TO RESTRICT SCHOOL IN RELEASE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
STUDENT SURVEYS
GROVE SCHOOL STAFF

Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools

MISSION STATEMENT

Working together with home and community, we are dedicated to providing the best education for every student, enabling each to be a thoughtful, responsible contributor to a changing world.

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GOVERNING VALUES

We Believe...each student is the first consideration
                       of the educational process.
We Believe...all students can learn
We Believe...in a safe, caring, and respectful
                       learning environment.
We Believe…all students should become effective
                       citizens of the community, state,
                       nation, and the world.
We believe...meaningful home, school, and
                       community involvement is vital to
                       continuous improvement.

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BOOK AND MATERIALS FEE

Book and material fees are assessed yearly on a per student basis. The elementary fee is $20.00 per student.

The Board of Education has established the following in regard to student fee payments:

     “Unpaid student fees accumulate from one year to another. Attempts continue to be made to collect fees throughout the student's elementary career. Financial hardship considerations may result in the waiver of or reduction of fees (principal discretion). Parents must request such a waiver, with no group of individuals being given an automatic waiver due to income level. Unpaid fees accumulate and follow the student into the junior high school. The student is not permitted to participate in any secondary co-0curricular activity until fees are paid, a payment plan is established, or the fees are waived or reduced.  Once the level of unpaid fees reaches $500 per family, the District retains the option of seeking payment through small claims count. LHS seniors with unpaid fees will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies and will not be granted senior privileges.”

Please make checks pay able to your child's elementary school and return in an envelope with your child's name. If you wish to pay for two or more students, you may write one check and include all names on the envelope.

No student will be denied access to programs, activities, or services for failure to submit this fee. Please contact your child's principal if you have any concerns or questions regarding this fee.

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NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools are committed to equal education opportunity for all students in the district.

It is the policy of the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, pursuant to s.118.3, Wis. Stats., and P19, that no person, on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability, may be denied admission to any school in this district or be denied participation in, be denied the benefits, of, or be discriminated against in any curricular, extracurricular, pupil services, recreational, or other program.

This policy also prohibits discrimination under federal statues, included Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race and national origin), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (handicap).

It shall be the responsibility of the Director of Human Resources to examine existing policies and develop new policies where needed to ensure that the Wisconsin Rapids School District does not discriminate pursuant to federal and state law. The Director of Human Resources shall ensure that an employee is designated annually to receive complaints filed under s.118.13, Wis. Stats., P19, Wis. Admin, Code, Title IX of the Education Act of 1973. That employee shall assure adoption of a complaint procedure to resolve complaints alleging violation of these laws, assure that an evaluation of the district's compliance with s.118.13, Wis. Stats. is completed every five years under p19, Wis. Admin. Code and submit Form PI-1197 to the Department of Public Instruction annually.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Wisconsin Rapids, WI

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ATTENDANCE

All students are expected to attend school every day unless excused for illness, family emergencies, or other acceptable reasons. Attendance is crucial if a student is to succeed in school. Please encourage your child to place a high priority on education by supporting regular attendance. If a prolonged absence is expected, please advise us as soon as possible.

In order to provide for the safety of students, parents are required to telephone the school when their son or daughter is absent. You may call Grove's attendance line, 422-2011, and leave a message, or call the school office prior to 9:00 a.m. If a student is absent, and a call or voice mail has not been received by 9 a.m., the school secretary will call the parent or guardian at home or at work. This policy insures that both parents and staff know the location of the student.

When taking the child out of school during the school day for medical appointments, illness etc., please be sure to sign the student out in the office. If the student returns, they will need to stop in
the office again to sign back in. This will prevent us from holding the bus at the end of the day for students who have already left.

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BIKE/SCOOTER! RIDERS & ROLLER BLADERS

All students riding bicycles to school are asked to walk directly to the bike racks, park their bikes, lock them (preferably), and then wait on the playground. Bicycles must be walked on the sidewalks when on school property between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There is no riding of bicycles on school property between these hours.

Students on scooters or roller blades are expected to follow the same rules as bicycles. Students having scooters that cannot be folded and brought into the building will be asked to leave them in the bike rack. Roller blades may only be put on when students are off school property.

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BUILDING SAFETY PLAN

Under district policy, it is understood that the principal of the school is charged with the responsibility of the safety of students and staff. Therefore, like all buildings in the district, Grove School has developed a Safety Plan covering the processes and procedures to be followed in the event of a severe accident, bomb threat, fire or explosion, intruders on school property, etc. Periodic drills are conducted so that students and staff know exactly what to do.

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BUSES

All buses arrive at school about 8:30 a.m. and will unload at the north entrance of the building. At dismissal time, students will board the buses at the north entrance to the building and leave about 3:30 p.m. They will wait for the buses in the music room. Private vehicles are not allowed to be in the driveway north of our building before or after school. This is a bus only area.

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CHILD CARE

Grove School has a before and after school child-care program called the YMCA Kid's Clubhouse. For more information or registration materials, contact the YMCA at 887-3550.

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BREAKFAST/LUNCH FEES

Grove has a breakfast program as well as a hot lunch program.  The daily cost is as follows:

Breakfast :
Student:  $1.00 per day or 30 cents if you qualify for reduced price
Adult:      $1.50 per day

Lunch:
Student:  $1.50 per day or 40 cents if you qualify for reduced price
Adult:      $2.50 per day

Ala Carte Juice or Milk:
Students/Adult:  25 cents per item

Snack Milk Program:
Grades K-6  $22.50 per semester
Early Childhood  $7.50 per semester

Grove School has an automated system for collection of lunch money. Money may be deposited in your child's account anytime during the year. This money should be sent to school in an envelope with your child's name, account number, if known, and the amount of the deposit.

The recess milk program will begin shortly after the start of the school year. If you wish your child to participate, please complete the appropriate form and have your child return it to the school secretary.  (Please note - this is a separate program from the lunch program.  Payment is required if your child wants to participate - free/reduced approval does not apply)

Those children who bring a lunch from home and wish to drink milk/juice may also deposit money in their lunch account.

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LUNCHROOM BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

Realizing that lunchtime is a social time for students, we ask that students eat as they talk in an . "across the table voice" to their classmates. All students will sit at tables designated for their. classrooms. Students are expected to:

1. Wait in line quietly and with respect for others

2. Be ready to punch in their lunch account number

3. Use "Yes, please" and "No, thank you" when going through the serving line

4. Address all adults with respect and listen

5. Clean up after themselves and carefully put plates, silverware, and garbage where they belong.

6. Sit down and wait to be dismissed

7. Eat items from their own lunch without sharing food between students

If students choose not to follow the Lunchroom Behavior Guidelines, the following consequences will be issued. First, constructive warning will be given. Second, the student will be asked to relocate. Third, the student will be asked to leave the lunchroom. Assigned seats may be given to students who habitually choose not to follow the guidelines.

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PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

The District Medication policy is based upon State regulations and must be carefully followed.
1. Medication instructions must contain:

Child must self-administer the medication at the designated time under the supervision of authorized personnel.

Medication must be in properly labeled bottles. Medication that is in unlabeled containers, such as envelopes, baggies, or wrapped aluminum foil, will not be administered by school personnel.

Parents must notify school when the drug is discontinued and the dosage or time is changed. If the medication is resumed, a new doctor order must be received.

Written permission from the doctor and parent must be received annually for pupils on yearly medication.

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NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

1. Over-the-counter medications will be administered only with written parental consent.

Frequently used over-the-counter medications that are taken for conditions such as recurring migraine headaches, must be supplied by the parent.

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MONEY

When money is sent to school for any reason, please place it in a sealed envelope. On the outside
state the child's name, the amount enclosed, grade, teacher, and its purpose. The envelope should be left with the classroom teacher or brought to the office until the end of the day.

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PRIVATE VEHICLES AND STUDENT PICK-UP

Vehicles are not to be left unattended in the circle drive. This area is for picking up or dropping off students. If you are coming in the building, please park along Grove Ave. or Lincoln St. Do not double-park while pulling in the circle drive to pick up a student. Traffic needs to keep moving, so you may need to go around the circle more than once. If your child is not visible, do not stop and wait, as this causes congestion. Please observe the no parking area by the flagpole.

Students are not permitted to walk between parked cars to get to their parent's car. Students will need to wait near the loading area by the door if they are going to be picked up in front. Students may only get into your car in the loading area. You will need to help us enforce this rule by talking to your child about this at home and abiding by it yourself.

Please consider parking on Grove or Lincoln Street so your child can walk away from the congested area to find you. Students may walk along the sidewalk to the street and then meet their parents in a designated area. Students may also walk down the sidewalk to Clyde Avenue, if you pick this spot as your place to meet. Try to park on the school side of the street so your child does not try to cross the busy street in the middle of the block.

Students will be directed to walk at all times on the sidewalk in front of the building. No playing with siblings or classmates will be allowed. It is all too possible for students to slip in front of a car where the driver cannot see them. If students wish to play, they may do so on the playground.

The handicapped parking space with the sign will be enforced. There needs to be a space left open for anyone who may need it. Do not park or stop in the handicapped space if you do not have a permit.

Parents Entering the Building to Pick Up Students are asked to wait near the office until 3:20 to pick up their children. Standing and waiting near classrooms disrupts the last few minutes of class and will not be permitted. You are welcome to walk down to the classrooms at 3:20.

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GROVE SCHOOL BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

In order to ensure the safety of all the students and adults at Grove, the following behavior guidelines have been set. Although this list seems long, students, teachers, and aides have worked together to compile these rules so that everyone will understand them and be able to work, play, and learn together in a safe manner. Each student makes a choice in following the rules. There will be consequences for those who choose not to follow the rules as written.

Basic Behavior Guidelines:

• Respect others
• Share and play fair
• Be kind to everyone
• Keep your hands and body to yourself
• Respect the property of others
• Put things back and clean up
• Remember to say please and thank you
• Speak to teachers, aides, and other students with respect * LOVE TO LEARN

General Rules -- Apply Everywhere

1. Please enter/leave the building in an orderly manner
2. Please walk in the halls and classrooms at all times
3. Keep the walls in the bathrooms and hallways free from writing
4. Swear words and other profane statements are not allowed
5. Students involved in a fight with another student will immediately be removed from the playground or classroom and taken to the principal's office, where a behavior report will be completed. The first offense will result in a half-day, in-school suspension. The second offense will result in a one day, out-of-school suspension. A third offense will result in three days, out-of-school suspension. Parents will be notified and, if necessary, asked to come to school to take their child home.
6. Any student striking or threatening to strike an adult on school property will be suspended immediately from school and must confer with the principal and parent/guardian before
    returning to class.
7. Bullying or harassment will not be tolerated.
8. Walk at all times on the sidewalk in front of school.
9. There will be no playing allowed on the sidewalk in front of school during dismissal.
10. Snowballs, sticks, stones or missiles of any kind are not to be thrown.
11. Bikes and scooters must be walked -- skateboards and rollerblades must be carried while on school property between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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PLAYGROUND RULES

The designated playground area is the black topped area west of the building, the open area containing the play equipment, and the baseball fields. All of the woods west of the baseball area are out-of-bounds. The field north of the building is included in the play area only during times when there is appropriate supervision.

Field Rules

1. All ball games, such as football, soccer, softball, or any other games where balls are kicked,
       thrown, or batted are to be played in the field.
2. Two-handed tag or flag football is acceptable, but tackle football is not.
3. Students must use only school equipment unless a school adult has cleared equipment from
   home.

Blacktop & Equipment Rules

1. Balls on the blacktop are to be used only for 4-square or basketball and are not to be kicked
   against the building.
2. Tackling, wrestling, red rover, chicken, and other body contact, such as "smear", are not
   permitted on the playground.
3. Running or playing tag on the equipment is dangerous and is not allowed.
4. Jump ropes are to be used for jumping, not swinging at others or for playing horse.
5. The "bullying" of students by one or more individuals will not be tolerated nor will the
   interruptions of games in progress by those individuals or groups seeking to cause trouble.
6. There is one trapeze bar. The other bars should not be used as a trapeze.
7. Use slides, ladders, and steps to get off the equipment. No jumping off. No pushing off.
8. Use the slides as they were intended. Go down the slide feet first only. Do not climb up the slide.      
   Wait at the top until the bottom of the slide is clear. Go one at a time so the slide tube is not 
   clogged up with people.
9. Swings should be used in a front and back motion. Swinging from side to side, jumping and    
   flipping off, or twisting the swings is not allowed. Walk far enough away from the front of the  
   swings. Do not walk between the swings.
10. Leave balls, ropes, or other toys off the equipment.
11. Stay off all fences and sit on the benches.
12. Candy should be kept inside the building.
13. Personal toys and electronic devices, such as CD players, may get broken or lost at school.
    Please leave these kinds of personal items at home.
14. Keep off of the equipment boxes located by the playing fields.

Winter Rules

1. The building of snowmen, forts or other forms of snow sculpture is encouraged; however, the
   games of "King of the Hill" and "Chicken" are not allowed.
2. Snowballs, sticks, stones or missiles of any kind are not to be thrown.
3. There will be no face washing in the snow.
4. Everyone must wear boots to keep their feet dry and the floors clean.
5. Everyone must wear snowpants or windpants.
6. Stay off any ice patches, as students may fall and injure themselves.

When the temperature or wind chill factor is between 0 F and -10 F, students will not play outside for more than10 minutes at a time. If the temperature or wind chill factor is -11 F or below, students will not go outside at all.

Report any problems or accidents to the playground supervisor.
The enforcement of all rules will be carried out by the person(s) on duty in the specific areas.

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SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

Consistent and common sense supervision of students is expected of all staff members. Students should know all of the rules associated with proper behavior in the classroom, in the building, and on the playground. The students have been involved in the development of playground and building rules, with class groups assisting in the development of classroom rules. Parents, please review the safety rules listed in this handbook with your children, and periodically check to see if your child is meeting both building and classroom expectations.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

The Wisconsin Rapids Public School District recognizes and accepts its responsibility to create, foster, and maintain a positive and safe environment, conducive to teaching and to the learning process.

The district has a legal duty to make its schools as free as possible of the dangers of violence, weapons, drugs, and other behavior harmful to the educational environment. This duty is enforced through the district's Code of Conduct. This policy states that if a student's behavior is dangerous, disruptive or unruly, or it interferes with the teacher's ability to teach effectively, it will not be tolerated.

Therefore, if action were warranted, the steps outlined in the Code of Conduct would be put in place. If a student's behavior escalates to where it disturbs the learning of the other students in the class, the teacher may remove that student from the class. Depending on the circumstances, the student may be removed for the duration of the class period, or for the entire day.

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SCHOOL HOURS

All classes at Grove School will begin at 8:35 and dismiss at 3:20 p.m. For those parents who have students who walk or ride bikes to school, we ask your cooperation in not allowing your child to be on the playground before 8:15. There is no playground supervision for students prior to 8: 15.  Students may enter the building at 8:25 a.m. During periods of severe cold and other inclement weather, the building will be opened earlier.  We encourage parent communication with teachers. Parents are welcome in the building before 8:25, but we ask that all students wait outside until the doors are open for the day.  There is no supervision in classrooms until that time.

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STUDENT DRESS

In. any situation, good personal grooming is an asset. Personal appearance should not attract undesirable attention, cause disruption, present a health problem, or present unsafe situations for children in the building.

The following clothing must be avoided:

• Clothing with comments, pictures, slogans or designs that are obscene, profane, lewd or vulgar
• Clothing which harasses or threatens an individual or group of individuals because of sex, race, color, religion, handicap, national origin or sexual orientation
• Clothing which advertises or promotes alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or illegal drugs
• Clothing which is revealing
• Shoes equipped with retractable wheels

The teacher/administrator may ask students to change clothing or may contact parents for more suitable attire if these guidelines are not followed.
 
NOTE: In the interest of safety. ALL STUDENTS are required to wear gym shoes for Physical Education classes. When physical education is inside we strongly urge that these shoes be other than what the student normally wears outside.

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VIDEOS/FILM

A staff member must preview all videos/films used in the classroom that are not specifically developed for an educational purpose, and must be "G" rated. Any video/film rated less than "G" must have a parental permission and the authorization of the building principal.

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VISITORS

Parents and guardians are always welcome at Grove School! We encourage your participation and assistance. When visiting, please use the front doors. It is mandatory that you check in at the office. If you plan to stay for a time, you will be asked to sign in when you arrive and sign  out when you leave.

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PARENTS RIGHT TO RESTRICT SCHOOL IN RELEASE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

Wisconsin law permits parents, legal guardians, or adult students (18 years or older), to request that public schools not release certain directory information. Directory information which cannot be disclosed to the public if parents (legal guardians) object, includes:

• student name
• address
• telephone listing
• date and place of birth
• major field of study
• participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• weight and height of members of athletic teams
• dates of attendance
• photographs
• degrees and awards received
• the name of the school most recently attended by the student

Parents or legal guardians of all students attending the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools desiring to deny release of all or part of directory information during the 2007-2008 school year, should send a letter to the Director of Human Resources, 510 Peach St., Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 54494. The letter should state the specific information to be withheld for public disclosure. For additional information call 422-6000.

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STUDENT SURVEYS

The School Board respects the privacy rights of parents and their children. No student shall be required to participate in any survey associated with a school program or the District's curriculum, or which is administered by a third party in the schools, if the survey includes one or more of the following items:

• political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent;
• mental and psychological problems of the student or the student's family;
• sex behavior or attitudes;
• illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
• critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships;
• legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers;
• religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student's parent; or
• income other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such a program.

The building principal shall notify parents/guardians at the beginning of each year of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when such survey activities are scheduled involving their children. Parents/guardians shall be given the opportunity to request that their child not participate in a survey containing the above information. If a survey containing any of the above information is funded in whole or in part by a program administered by the U.S. Department of Education, written consent shall be obtained from the student or, in the case of a minor student, the student's parent/guardian before the student participates in the survey.

Parents/guardians may, upon request, inspect a survey containing any of the above information and any survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to a student. They may also request to inspect any instructional materials used in connection with the surveyor any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for the student. Requests to inspect a survey or instructional materials should be made to the building principal or his/her designee. Survey inspection requests should be made prior to the date in which the survey is scheduled to be administered to students. The principal or designee shall respond to such requests without delay.

This policy shall be published annually in student handbooks. The policy must also be distributed to parents/guardians and employees in the District.

LEGAL REF.: No Child Left Behind Act of2001
 Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

CROSS REF.: 333-Parent Rights in the Curriculum
347 -Student Records
347-Rule(1)-Guidelines for the Control and Maintenance of Student Records
347-Rule(2)-Student Record Files
348-Research and Surveys in the Schools
349-Parent Rights and District Programs/Activities
491-Photographing of Students
850-Public Solicitations in the Schools

APPROVED: November 11, 2002

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GROVE SCHOOL STAFF

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