Table of Contents

Welcome
Mission Statement
We Believe...
Staff
VESPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Absence
Bicycles
Boundaries
Buses
Cancellation of School
Cassette, CD Players, Ipods, and MP3 Players
Cold Weather Recess/Playground Procedures
Communication
Dress Code
Early Sign Out
Enrichment Activities
Field Trips
Publication/Sales
Equal Opportunity Statement
Money
Immunizations
Insurance
Lunch/Milk
Lunchroom Conduct
Medication
Non-Discrimination Statement
Grievance Procedure
Parents Right to Restrict School Release of Public Information
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Progress Reports/Report Cards
Professional Development Days
Safety Rules for Building and Playground
Rules and Logical Consequences
Responsive Discipline Guidelines
School Hours
School Nurse
School Records
Sexual Harassment
Sick Children
Special Services
Student Pickup
Telephone
Testing
Transfer of Records and Boundary Exceptions
Book and Material Fee
Videos/Films
Wellness Policy
Healthy Classroom Snacks
School Calendar

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The Vesper Community Academy Staff welcomes you to join us in educating your child(ren).� We will work in partnership with you to follow our district's mission statement to provide the best education for every child.� To help build that relationship, communication is a top priority for all of us.� The Vesper Community Academy Handbook is one way of communicating between home and school.

The contents of the handbook have been selected with you in mind.� Please read the handbook over and discuss key points with your child(ren).

The talented and dedicated staff at Vesper is focused on growth and learning for all students.� We believe strongly in the partnership that needs to exist between home and school...providing both academic and social skills, which will serve your child(ren) for life.

You have many opportunities to get involved at Vesper Community Academy.� Please take every opportunity to connect with the learning that takes place for your child(ren) at school!!! Remember, every parent belongs to the PSO (Parent Student Organization).� You are always welcome to join classrooms and volunteer where needed.� We welcome and appreciate your involvement at Vesper.

Vesper Community Academy provides a safe and caring learning atmosphere for our students.� We do this by working together- with each of you.� Thanks for all you do to support your child's learning.� I'm looking forward to a great year!!

Sincerely,
Mr. Terry Whitmore

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The Future of our Community

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.

...all students can learn.

...learning is a life-long process.

...in a safe, caring and respectful learning environment.

...all students should become effective citizens of the community, state, nation and the world.

...meaningful home, school and community involvement is vital to continuous improvement.

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VESPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
6443 Virginia Street
Vesper, WI 54489
2007/08

Staff

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VESPER COMMUNITY ACADEMY

The following items will help answer your questions concerning the beginning of the new school year:

All K-6 classes at Vesper Academy will begin at 8:45 AM, with dismissal at 3:45 PM.� The 4 year-old kindergarten class will begin at 1:00 PM and dismiss at 3:45 PM.� For parents who have students that walk or ride bikes to school, we ask for your cooperation in not allowing your child to be on the playground before 8:35 AM, as there is no playground supervision before classes begin.� Students may enter the building at 8:35 AM.

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Absence

Parents are legally responsible for their children's school attendence according to the state law of Wisconsin.� We request parents call the academy if your child will be absent.� If a child is absent from school, parents should contact the academy by telephone (569-4115) between the hours of 8:00-9:00 AM, or parents will be contacted by the academy.

If sisters or brothers are going to pick up work for an absent child in the family, we ask that you contact the teacher or office early in the morning to allow the teacher time to prepare the materials.

Extended absences should be reported to the office so that teachers can schedule students' assignments or arrange for homebound instruction.� While we realize that some absences due to illness are unavoidable, repeated absences produce gaps in learning which may seriously affect a child's progress in school.� Therefore, parents will be contacted by the academy when the number of absences is determined to be restricting a student's progress.

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Bicycles

Bicycles must be parked in the designated bicycle rack areas.� The academy will not be responsible for lost bicycles.� Students are not allowed to ride their bicycles during the school day and should not arrive at the academy before 8:35 AM.� Students who are normally bus riders who choose to ride their bikes should have a signed parent permission note for their homeroom teacher.

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Boundaries

See Transfer of Records and Boundary Exceptions

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Buses

All buses will arrive at the academy approximately 8:45 AM.� At dismissal time, students will board buses and leave about 3:45 PM.� Teachers will be in their rooms with the students until buses arrive and the students are called to buses.� Special staff will be outside on bus duty until buses depart.

If you bring or pick up your students, for safety reasons, please park in the parking lot- in the middle of the west lot.� The east side is for bus traffic ONLY.

All students not riding a bus to the academy should enter and exit the building through the main entrance, west door (not before 8:35).

Any student needing to get on or off a bus other than their normal assigned stop needs to:
1. Bring a signed parent request note.
2. Have the academy office issue a bus pass.

Please read the WRPS information on busing that was sent home on the first day of school.� (Bus Conduct and Driver Information).� If you have any questions, please call the academy office, 569-4115.

*Special Note: Your child will be sent on his or her bus if the office has not received an offical change request from the parent/guardian.

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Cancellation of School

Before School

If bad weather during the night makes it impossible for buses to run in the morning, radio announcements will be made on WWRW (103.3 FM), WFHR (1320 AM), WSPT (97.9 FM), WSPO (1010 AM), WAXX (104.5 FM), WAYY (1150 AM), WYTE (106.5 FM), WDLB (1450 AM), WLJY (96.7 FM), and WIZD (99.9 FM) as early as possible, but in no case later than 6:30 A.M.

After School is in Session

Generally lunches will be served before the pupils are dismissed. Buses will begin running at 12:00 noon, with the following schedule:

Elementary Schools- 12:00 noon
Junior High Schools- 1:00 PM
Lincoln High Schools- 1:20 PM

All student, including walkers, will be dismissed at the times listed above.

We encourage you to listen to the radio if you think the weather is bad and not to call the school.  It is important to keep the phone lines open.

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Cassette, CD Players, Ipods, and MP3 Players

Students are discouraged from bringing these items to school.  Students choosing to bring the players will place the players under teacher care for the school day.

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Cold Weather Recess/Playground Procedures

When the temperature or wind chill factor is below 0 degrees F, students will not play outside for more than ten minutes at a time.  If the wind chill factor is 10 degrees below 0 degrees, children will not go outside at all.

Note:
Short sleeve recess: 50+ on the wind-chill thermometer
Long sleeve recess: 40-49 on the wind-chill thermometer
Winter clothes: 0-39 on the wind-chill thermometer

All students are expected to go outdoors during winter months unless for pressing and sound medical reasons i.e. doctor's excuse.

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Communication

Academy newsletters are sent home on a regular basis.� Besides including information about academy policies, special events, and academy lunch menus, the newsletters will include messages for children.� We encourage parents to read these newsletters with their child, thereby reinforcing the impression that learning is very important.� Also, most teachers send home a "weekly folder" as a communication tool as well.� Please use these tools to have conversations with your children about the work they are doing at the academy.

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Dress Code

Students are asked to comply with a dress code at Vesper. Students are not to wear clothing which may cause a disruption to the educational process or the orderly operation of the academy.� This includes:
"Short" shorts, tank tops, halters (which reveal undergarments), cutoffs, and clothing with inappropriate messages. Clothing that contains comments, pictures, slogans, or designs that are obscene, profane, lewd or vulgar.� This includes any clothing that promotes alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, illegal drugs or illegal activites.� Bare midriffs are not appropriate academy attire for either boys or girls.

If such clothing is worn to the academy, students will be required to change or cover said clothing or will be sent home to do so.� Refusal to change or cover said clothing will result in the students not being allowed to attend class until they have complied.

NOTE: In the interest of safety, all students are required to wear gym shoes for Physical Education classes.� When Physical Education is inside, we ask that these gym shoes be other than what the student normally wears outside.� Please know that flip-flop sandals are not acceptable play shoes on the playground.

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Early Sign Out

So that we have accurate accounting of all students throughout the academy day, we ask that parents sign out in the office whenever children must leave the academy early.  Students will be called to the office; parents should wait in the office until the child/children report to the office.

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Enrichment Activities

A variety of enrichment activities await Vesper Community Academy students.  Depending on the year, the school calendar lists daytime field trips to environmental centers in our area, mini courses, and/or theater productions.

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Field Trips

Field trips are sometimes budgeted for, planned and utilized to expand and/or highlight certain units of study.  All field trips are expected to be a direct outgrowth of a specific unit or class project objective.  Field trips are to be educational and of extended teaching and learning.  Field trips must be approved in advance by the academy principal.

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Publication/Sales

All posters and publications must be submitted to and approved by the administrator before they are posted and/or distributed.  No student may sell any product (candy bars, etc.) during school hours.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

The School District of Wisconsin Rapids is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, disability or other basis prohibited by applicable fair employment laws or regulations.

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Money

When money must be sent to the academy for any reason, please place it in a sealed envelope and on the outside state the child's name, grade, the amount enclosed, and its purpose.  If it is lunch money, include the student's account number.

Only checks for lunch money can be made out to Vesper Community Academy.  All book orders for other room activity needs should be written to the teacher or event supervisor.

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Immunizations

Recent outbreaks of measles have led to a revision of the school immunization rule (HSS144) requiring a second dose of MMR vaccine.  Beginning with the 1993-1994 school year, students entering kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th grades will be required to have had two doses of MMR.
Check with your doctor if you have any questions about the following required immunizations:

*2 months- first DPT and first polio and optional HIB
*4 months- second DPT and second polio and optional HIB
*6 months- third DPT and optional HIB
*15 months- optional HIB, first MMR (Measles, mumps, rubella) and optional HIB booster
*18 months- fourth DPT, third polio
*4-6 years (or before school)- fifth DPT, fourth polio, second MMR

The Wisconsin Student Immunization law now requires varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.  In the 2001-2002 school year, the requirement applies to students in day care centers and kindergarten and will progress to include students in all grades by the 2005-2006 school year.

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Insurance

Please see the WRPS information that was sent home the first day of school or call 569-4115 for a copy of the information.

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Lunch/Milk

Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools
Food Service Information

General Information
The Wisconsin Rapids Public School Food Service Program is part of the National School Lunch Program.  The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program that provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals to schoolchildren.

All district schools, except River Cities Charter School, offer the lunch program.  Breakfast is available at Mead, Grove, Woodside, Howe and Pitsch Elementary Schools.  An ala Carte breakfast program is available at East and West Junior High Schools, as well as Lincoln High School.

School meals must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommended that no more than 30 percent of an individual's calories come from fat, and less than 10 percent from saturated fat.  Regulations also establish a standard for school lunches to provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium and calories.

Lunch Prices
The School Lunch and breakfast prices for 2009-2010 are as follows:

Elementary Students
$1.65 daily
$8.25 weekly

Junior and Senior High Students
$1.95 daily
$9.75 weekly

Adults (Lunch)
$2.85 daily

Reduced price lunches are $0.40.  Any student who qualifies for free or reduced lunch will also qualify for free or reduced breakfast.  A school lunch includes a half-pint of milk, but an extra-half pint of milk can be purchased for $0.30.  At the elementary schools, a 4-ounce serving of 100% fruit juice may also be purchased with lunch at an additional cost of $0.30.  Students eligible for free meals are required to pay for additional milk or juice that is purchased with a meal.

Student Use System
A computerized meal accounting system is used.  Each student is issued a five digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) that they enter onto a keypad at the lunch line.  This same number will be used at any school your child attends in the Wisconsi Rapids Public School district and will remain the same throughout their school career in our district.  Students may only enter their own PIN; "borrowing" or entering another student's PIN is not allowed.

This system works like a checking account where you deposit money in each student's account.  When the student makes a meal purchase, the cost of the purchase is deducted from the computer account.  Parents/guardians are expected to keep the student's account in a positive balance.

The system automatically recognizes any student eligible for a free or reduced meal and records the transaction appropriately.  Students receving free meals do not need to deposit money if the account will only be used for hot lunches or breakfasts.

Deposits to a student account are to be sent to the child's school.  Each time a payment is sent in, the amount is recorded in the student's account.  If a parent/guardian has more than one student attending school, one check may be written for all students in the family.  We ask that all payments be sent in an envelope.  Checks are the preferred method of payment.  When making a payment to an account, please indicate the student's first and last name, ID number, grade, and payment amount on the front of the envelope.  If a deposit is being sent for more than one student, please indicate each student's first and last names, ID numbers, grades and payment amount on the front of the envelope.  The ID number may be written on the check, instead of on the envelope, if you prefer.  The money will be deposited equally between each student listed unless indicated otherwise on the front of the envelope.  Having the correct information on the envelope will assure that the payment gets recorded properly.  If you have students who attend several schools, deposits must be made to each school.

Parents or younger siblings who eat meals with a student at school may have their meal subtracted from the student's account.  The system keeps a record of all student transactions, which a parent/guardian may review upon request.  Requests for this information may be made through the school office.

If a student runs out of funds in their account, he/she may receive up to five additonal meals.  If a deposit to the student's account has not been made within that time, meals from that student account will be discontinued until a payment has been made.

At the elementary schools, a note will be sent home in your child's folder when the account balance is low.

Free or Reduced Meals
School district meals are available free or at a reduced price to eligible students.  To qualify for free or reduced price meals for your children, you must complete an application and return it to the school.  All applications must be filled out completely.  A letter and application regarding the Free and Reduced Lunch Program will be sent home with your child on the first day of school.  Only one application is to be returned for each family.  Please remember to include all members of the family who are attending school on one form.  Do not send separate applications to each school.  Return completed applications to the school office as soon as possible.

Any family who is applying for free or reduced price meals and was not approved the previous year, must send money with their child/children for lunches or provide a sack lunch until they are notified that their application has been approved.

Students who were at free or reduced status at the end of last school year in our district will be carried over at that same status at the start of this school year for a time period specified by the Department of Public Instruction.  If a free or reduced application has not been filed by the end of that time period, the student will revert to full pay status.

Refunds
Any funds remaining in a student meal account at the end of a school year will be carried over to the following year.  Account balances for students transferring or changing to a different school in the Wisconsin Rapids School District will transfer to that school also.

Funds left in a student account will be refunded only if the student is moving out of the school district.  Requests for such refunds can be made through the school office.

Milk Program
This year milk fees are:
K-6 Morning Milk $25.00/semester

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Lunchroom Conduct

With the exception of classroom treats, all food will be eaten in the lunchroom.  Students are expected to use proper manners and follow the direction of the lunchroom supervisors.  Since proper nutrition goes hand-in-hand with good classroom performance, the academy staff encourages children to eat their lunch.  We strongly encourage students to eat their own food (no sharing).  Even though soda pop is of questionable nutritional value, when you send it to school as part of a cold lunch, it must be placed in a thermos or plastic container.  NO CANS/BOTTLES.

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Medication

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

• written order from doctor
• child's full name on the container
• name of drug and dosage
• time to be given
• physician's name
• parental or guaridan's written permission

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

3. Only limited quantities of any medication should be kept at school.

4. All medication administered at school will be stored in a locked medicine cabinet.

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

6. No aspirin or other over-the-counter medication will be administered to children unless the above provisions are complied with.

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

8. Over-the-counter medicines require only parent permission on the form provided by the school district.

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Non-Discrimination Statement

The Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools does not discriminate against pupils on the basis of sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability or handicap in its education programs or activites.  Federal law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion or handicap.

The District encourages informal resolution of complaints under this policy.  If any person believes that the Wisconsin Rapids School District or any part of the school organization has failed to follow the law and rules of S. 118.13, Wis. Stats., or in some way discriminates against pupils on the basis listed above, he/she may bring or send a complaint to the administration office at the following address: Thomas A. Lenk Educational Services Center, 510 Peach Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.  If you require additional information on these two subjects, please contact Terry Whitmore at 569-4115.

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Grievance Procedure

Any alleged violations of this policy are to be processed in the following manner:

1. The aggrieved employee or student should discuss the alleged violation with his/her building principal.

2. If the grievance is not resolved in step one within ten working days, the employee or students should place the grievance in writing and present it to the Superintendent of Schools.

3. If the grievance is not settled within ten working days, the grievance will be submitted in writing to the Board of Education Personnel Committee.  The Committee will meet to rule on the grievance within twenty working days.

4. In the event the grievance is not resolved in step three, the case may be presented to the state or federal agency having appropriate jurisdiction.

Inquiries concerning the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools Non-discrimination Policy, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, or alleged discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, sex, or handicap, should be referred to the Director of Human Resources, 510 Peach street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.  Telephone 422-6000.

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Parents Right to Restrict School Release of Public Information

Wisconsin law permits, legal guardians, adult students (18 years or older), or guardian ad litem, of students attending public schools in Wisconsin to request the public school not release certain directory information about their child.  Director information which cannot be disclosed to the public if parents (legal guardians, etc.) object, includes:

1. Student name
2. Address
3. Telephone listing
4. Date and place of birth
5. Major field of study
6. Participation in officially-recognized activities and sports
7. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
8. Dates of attendance
9. Photographs
10. Degrees and awards received
11. The name of the school most recently attended by the students

Parents (legal guardians, etc.) of all students attending the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools desiring to deny release of all or part of directory information duringn the school year should send a letter by October to the Director of Human resources, Thomas A. Lenk Education Service Center, 510 Peach Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.  The letter should state the specific information regarding this requirement.  Please contact Thomas A. Lenk Education Services Center at 422-6000.

Unless the district is otherwise notified by parents or guardians in writing to the above address, this information will be given to the public on request.  This information shall not, however, be released for commercial or promotional purposes.

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Parent/Teacher Conferences

Traditionally, conferences for all parents are held in November.  These conferences in the fall provide an opportunity to discuss and identify a pupil's academic achievement.  However, parents are not restricted to this period alone; they may ask for a conference whenever they perceive a need.  Parents should contact the teacher to make conference arrangements.

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Progress Reports/Report Cards

Progress reports are issued four times per year.  Questions or concerns regarding progress reports should be directed to your child's teacher.

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Professional Development Days

The Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools provide an excellent professional development program for our teaching staff.  Several full day collaborative proffessional development days are scheduled each year.  Professional developments are scheduled on Fridays or around the weekend throughout the school year enabling families the opportunity to plan three-day weekend activites.  Please contact the academy office if you have any questions about the Professional Development release day schedule.

Please mark the following dates:
 
Friday, October 2, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
 

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Safety Rules for Building and Playground

In the interest of the health and safety of all children the following rules must be observed:

A. Two handed tag or flag football only- NO TACKLE.

B. Slow pitch softball- NO HARDBALL.

C. No horseplay of any kind on the equipment.

D. Sticks, stones or missiles of any kind are not to be thrown at any time.

E. Bicycles, scooters, roller blades, and skateboards ridden to school are to be placed in the appropriate storage areas upon arrival and are not to be ridden during the school day.

F. Enter the building in an orderly manner when the bell rings.  If it is necessary to come into the building before the bell rings, get permission from the playground supervisor.

G. All sports equipment must be returned at the end of each play period to the room where it was checked out.  People checking the equipment out are responsible for checking the equipment back in.

H. Running in the halls or rooms is not permitted. Safety First.

I. Report all accidents immediately to the playground supervisor who reports them to the office.

J. No fighting of any kind, real or pretend.

Students are expected to use the equipment in a safe manner:

A. SWINGS
1. One student per swing will be allowed.
2. Students will swing back and forth in the normally accepted manner.
3. When pushing a swing, students are not to "run through".
4. Swings are not to be twisted or thrown over the top.

B. CROSSING BARS
1. No chicken fighting or crossing on top of the bars will be permitted.
2. No penny drops.

c. MERRY-GO-ROUND
1. Students will remain seated while it is moving.
2. Only a reasonable number of students will be allowed on the merry-go-round at one time.

D. JUNGLE GYM
1. No tag shall be played on the climbing equipment.
2. Pushing and shoving will not be allowed.

E. PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
1. Tag will not be played on this equipment.
2. There will be no jumping from the top of this area.
3. As on the jungle gym, no climbing on top of the crossing bars or pushing or shoving will be allowed.

Winter Rules

A. Climb up the hills in a path other than the one people are sliding down.

B. Slide down only when the way is clear.

C. Do not play King-of-the-Hill.

D. Snow should not be thrown in any way.  No snowballs or missiles of any kind are to be thrown on the playground.

E. The building of snow forts, snowmen and other snow sculpture is encouraged.  Please do not destroy what others have enjoyed building.

F. Do not take other people's hats, scarves or mittens.

G. No Face washes with snow.

Hard and fast rules cannot be made to cover all situations.  It is most important that good judgement prevail at all times.  Recess is a time to get some exercise and to have fun.  Your student's actions will largely determine if it is a happy and safe recess.

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Rules and Logical Consequences

Vesper Community Academy has been working on studying the Responsive Classroom philosophy.  The Responsive Classroom is an approach to teaching and learning that emphasizes both social and academic skills. It is based on learning theory and developmental psychology with a basic belief that all children want to learn and all children want to be good.

The seven principals of the Responsive Classroom are:

• The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum.
• How children learn is as important as what they learn.
• The greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction.
• There is a specific set of social skills that children need in order to be successful academically and socially.

C- Cooperation
A- Assertion
R- Responsibility
E- Empathy
S- Self Control

• Knowing the children we teach individually, culturally, and developmentally is as important as knowing the content we teach.
• Knowing the parents of the children we teach is important to knowing the children.
• How the adults at school work together to accommplish their mission is as important as individual competence.

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Responsive Discipline Guidelines

In order to achieve the goals of a Responsive Learning Community, consistent disciplinary procedures are used throughout Vesper Community Academy.  These include the following:

Hopes and Dreams- Students hopes and dreams provide the intrinsic motivation for them to care for themselves, others, and their environment in ways that encourage each student to stretch and grow.  Students write and share their own hopes and dreams for the year with their classmates.  Teachers and parents also create and share their hopes and dreams for their children.  Rules are developed directly from the collective hopes and dreams of the students and teachers.

Rules- Rules are developed collaboratively with all members of the classroom by looking at how students will together to accomplish their hopes and dreams.  Rules are positive in nature and are broad enough to address many different kinds of situations.  The rules are posted in the classroom and constantly referred to throughout the day and year.

Modeling and role-playing- Teachers and students work together to model appropriate behaviors and methods of working together.  Classroom routines and expectations are taught and modeled.  Modeling and role play allows students to see situations in action and discuss potential problems in order to prevent them.

Practice- Students spend time practicing behaviors that will support the classroom and school rules.  Students practice such things as lining up, walking in the halls, going through the lunch room, taking a time out, etc.

Guided Discovery- Classroom materials will be presented to the students through a guided discovery that involves noticing the characteristics, practicing using the materials, and planning for their care.  Guided discovery will provide students the opportunity to think and problem solve in order to use the materials to increase their learning.

Logical Consequences- There are times when each person will break a rule.  These opportunities at Vesper Community Academy are viewed as learning opportunities.  Consequences to each occurrences at Vesper Community Academy are consistent in that they are relevant, reasonable, and respectful to all students.  The three types of consequences used include:

Reparations- "You break it- You fix it"
Loss of privilege, and/or
Time out/Time away

This approach allows students to learn and develop self-control and responsibility.  The strategies used at Vesper Community Academy are as follows:

1. Reminder/Redirection- After proactive strategies have been used, a student is given a remindner of redirection when a rule is broken.

2. Time away/Take a break- A student is directed to take a time away/break if disruptive behavior continues after the reminder/redirection.  During a time away/break, a child takes a short break to get under control and then rejoins the group.  Time aways/breaks take place for small infractions and provide for clear classroom expectations.

3. Second Time Away/Take A Break- If the disruptive behavior continues, the student is directed to take another time away/break in the classroom.  The child remains in the time away/take a break area in the classroom until the behavior is under control.  A short conference with the teacher takes place to review the plan for appropriate behavior before rejoining the group.

4. Time Out/Take A Break in buddy room- If the disruptive behavior continues, a child will be directed to take a time out/break in an adjoining classroom.  This time out/break gives the student an opportunity to have time to problem solve without the distraction of the classroomm or fellow classmates.  As soon as the teacher has a break, the teacher will conference with the student and make a plan to return to the classroom.

5. Time Out/Take A Break in the office- If the disruptive behavior continiues, the child will be escorted to the office and will meet with a member of the leadership team.

NOTE: Extreme situations may result in an immediate referral to the office.

Time out/Take a Break forms are used to document time out of the classroom and a copy is sent home to the parent for parent signature.  A discussion regarding the problem and appropriate solution is helpful in supporting the child to make appropriate behavior choices in the future.  Any questions about the time out should be directed to the Vesper staff member who signed the time/out take a break form.

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School Hours

Grades K-6           8:45-3:45
4K                         1:00-3:45 (Vesper)

Lunch Hours:

School Dismissal     3:45

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Academy Nurse

Our nurse is at the academy on Thursday for a couple of hours during the day. During the noon hour we have our health aide available to work with children.

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Academy Records

Parents have the right to inspect any information contained within their child's cumulative school folder.  Upon receipt of a written or verbal request, the records will be opened to parents.

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Sexual Harassment

It is the policy of the school Board to maintain an educational environment that is free from all forms of harassment and to insist that each employee and student is treated with dignity, respect and courtesy.  Any form of sexual harassment through conduct or communications of a sexual nature is a violation of Board policy.

The Board approved policy and complaint procedure on sexual harassment can be obtained in our school's office or by contacting the Director of Human Resources, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, 510 Peach Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494, or by calling that office at 715-422-6000.

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Sick Children

Children occasionally become ill while at the academy.  Since the academy is not equipped to care for sick children over an extended time druing the academy day, we require that a current emergency number be on file at the school.  In cases where both parents work, a phone number at work or that of a neighbor or relative is necessary.  All address, phone and employment changes should be reported to the office.

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Special Services

Vesper Community Academy has a variety of special services available to the children.  Depending upons circumstances, it is possible to call upon the assistance of a school psychologist, a speech and language clinician, a guidance counselor, an able learner facilitator, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a reading specialist and academy nurse.

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Student Pickup

Parents picking up students from the academy during the day should check into the office first.  The academy secretary will call the children to the office.  Please do not go to the classroom and pick up the children without checking into the office first.  All visitors are expected to wear a Visitor badge while in the building.

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Telephone

The academy telephone is a business phone.  Only in the case of a necessity will children be permitted to use the phone.  Parents are encouraged to assist their children in deciding after school plans before leaving for the academy in the morning.

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Testing

Standardized testing is done in third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades.  In meeting the requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation, students in each of these grade levels will take a form of the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam (WKCE) each year.  Other assessments include a district-wide writing assessment in third, fourth and fifth grade.  The results from these tests are used to determine student needs.  This information along with input from teachers and parents assist the adacemy in developing an educational plan which meets the needs of each student within the classroom setting.

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Transfer of Records and  Boundary Exceptions

Parents who are moving out of the academy neighborhood or school district should call the academy secretary to announce their intentions and then contact the new school to arrange for a transfer of records

Those parents who live outside the Vesper Community Academy attendance boundaries must apply for a bounday exception in writing to Human Resources Director, 510 Peach Street, Thomas A. Lenk Educational Services Center, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.

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Book and Material Fee

A letter will be sent to each family explaining the fee schedule for the 2009/10 school year.

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Videos/Films

All video/films used in the classroom that are not specifically developed for an educational purpose must be previewed by a staff memeber.

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Wellness Policy

Wellness influences a child's development, health, well being, and potential for learning.  To afford students the opportunity to fully participate in the education process, students must attend school with their bodies ready to take advantage of the learning environment.  The district-wide nutrition and physical education/activity policy encourages all members of the school community to create an environment that supports lifelong healthy eating habits and regular physical activity.

The policy includes School Nutrition Guidelines and Physical Education/Activity Guidelines.  Some new guidelines specific to our elementary students include:

*School snacks/birthday treats/class activities/awards: Nutritious snacks are recommended for school or class activities and awards.  See the "Healthy Classrooom Snack" resource developed for the district.  We strongly encourage that classroom snacks not be served within one hour before or after scheduled school mealtimes.  We encourage staff to utilize non-food rewards when possible.  If providing food rewards not on the suggested food list, use extremely small servings infrequently.

*School store/snack carts:  Healthy snacks and beverages are recommended for school stores, snack carts, or snacks sold in classrooms during the instructional day.  See the "Recommended Food List for School Stores" resource developed for the district.  School stores/snack carts shall not sell food items during the school breakfast or school lunch meal times.  Vesper School currently does not have a school store/snack cart.  If this service becomes available, a list of approved items available will be provided to parents.

*Fundraising: Students, staff and parents are asked to consider alternative fundraising strategies that use healthy food choices or non-food items.

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Healthy Classroom Snacks

The School District of Wisconsin Rapids believes that a healthy, well-nourished and active student is better prepared to learn.  Parents/guardians and school staff are partners in helping achieve this goal for all our students.  Providing healthy classroom snacks is one way we can help assure that students are receiving nutritious choices at school.  When providing food for school snacks, birthday treats, or parties, please make choices from the recommended list below.  Portion sizes for snacks should be small; less than 150 calories per serving is suggested.

• Raw vegetable tray served with a low fat dip or dressing.
• Fresh fruits or 100% fruit juices
• Dried fruit, raisinns or fruit cups
• Crackers/Breads- Teddy Grahams, graham crackers, Triscuits, wheat crackers, Goldfish, saltines, Rye Krisp, bread sticks, pretzels, vanilla wafers, animal crackers, small bagels, low fat popcorn, Chex or party mix, rice cakes.  Recommended serving size is about 1 oz.
• Trail or Cereal Mixes (without candy)- Avoid nuts if any students in class have a nut allergy
• Low fat pudding cups
• Low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sherbet
• Granola or Breakfast Bars
• Low Fat Yogurt, Go-Gurt, or YoJ
• String Cheese, cheese slices or natural cheese cubes (Colby, chedder, etc.)-1 oz. serving
• Muffins/Quick Breads- small low fat muffins or low fat quick breads made with fruits, pumpkin, zucchini or bran.
• Ready-To-Eat Cereals (look for lower sugar options)
• Low fat meat and cheese trays or sandwiches
• Original (unfrosted) Rice Krispie Treats

For Birthday Treats:

In additon to the above list, other ideas include angel food or sponge cake, mini cupcakes, and baked corn chips with salsa or low fat dip.  Students also enjoy "non-food" birthday treats such as pencils, stickers, etc. in place of food.

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Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools
2009-2010
School Calendar

* There is no school for all students unless otherwise designated.

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