Washington Elementary Student Handbook - Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools

Washington Elementary Student Handbook

Table of Contents

MISSION STATEMENT
GOVERNING VALUES
ABSENCE
BELL SCHEDULE
BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, SKATEBOARDS, AND ROLLERBLADES
BRINGING PETS TO SCHOOL
BUSES
CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
CHILD CARE
COLD WEATHER RECESS/PLAYGROUND PROCEDURES
COMMUNICATION
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
DRESS CODE
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
FIRE AND EMERGENCY DRILLS
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
INVOLVEMENT WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OR CHILD INVOLVEMENT OR CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES' AGENTS
LUNCH/MILK/JUICE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM
MEDICATION
MONEY
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
OFFICE HOURS
PARENTS RIGHT TO RESTRICT SCHOOL IN RELEASE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
PICK-UPS
PUBLICATION/SALES
RECESS MILK
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
RELEASE OF STUDENTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
SAFETY RULES FOR BUILDING AND PLAYGROUND
STUDENT INSURANCE
STUDENT VISITORS
TELEPHONES
TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN
VOLUNTEERS

Washington Elementary School
2911 Washington Street
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
715-422-6130

2007-2008 Handbook

Fall 2007
Dear Parents and Guardians,

It is with a great deal of pride that I welcome you to Washington Elementary School where our mission is to provide a safe and exciting learning environment for your child. Our staff believes we are in a partnership with you to provide academic and social skills, which will serve your child for their entire life and allow each student to grow to their fullest potential.

We are confident that Washington Elementary will be a school where your child feels respected and cared for as an individual as he or she learns responsibility and gains academic skills. With your help as parents, we can provide guidance and support for our children to help them through important developmental periods. Together we can prepare them with the necessary skills to be successful in their adolescence and adulthood.

We are looking forward to serving your child and working with you, so we invite you to visit the school. The classroom teachers, specialists, educational assistants, custodians, cooks, secretary, and I anticipate making this a most successful and memorable year.

WELCOME TO WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

Sincerely,

J. L. Gray
Principal

A Great Place To Learn

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.

GOVERNING VALUES:

WE BELIEVE .. each student is the first consideration of the education process.

WE BELIEVE .. all students can learn.

WE BELIEVE .. learning is a life-long process.

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.

ABSENCE:

Parents are legally responsible for their children's school attendance according to the state law of Wisconsin. We request parents to call the school if their child will be absent. If a child is absent from school, parents should contact the school by telephone (422-6130) by 9:00 a.m. or you will be contacted by the school. In addition, sending a note to your child's teacher on the day he returns to school stating the reason for absence would be helpful. The following is a sample excuse:

Please excuse (Name, first and last) for his absence on (date of absence). He was home with the (reason - example: flu, medical appointment, funeral, etc.)

Date & Parent Signature

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 school when the number of absences are determined to be restricting a student's progress.

School boards are required to provide each student enrolled in district schools with a copy of the established attendance policies.

School boards are also required to notify students enrolled in district schools and their parents or guardians of the following:

1. Their right to request the school board to provide the student with program or curriculum modifications as outlined in section 118.15(l)(d) of the state statues, and

2. The decision-making process to be used in responding to such request under sections 118.15(l)(dm) and (e) of the state statutes.

This notice must be provided at the beginning of each school year.

BELL SCHEDULE:

*Note: Children should not arrive before 8:35 a.m.

8:45 a.m.	Official School Start Time
3:30 p.m.	Dismissal Bell

BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, SKATEBOARDS, AND ROLLERBLADES:

Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and roller blades may be ridden to school and should be locked and/or parked in the areas provided. When students arrive at school and leave, they must push their bicycles or scooter and carry skateboards or rollerblades. Students will not be allowed to ride on the playgrounds or sidewalks during school hours.

Bike Riders:

All students that ride bicycles to school are to ride directly to the bike racks, park them, lock them (preferably), and walk to the front door waiting area. Bicycles are considered a vehicle and are to be ridden only in the areas in which vehicles are driven, and must be walked on the sidewalks. Bicycles may not be ridden during the school day, and are not to be ridden through parking areas when arriving at school or when leaving after school.

BRINGING PETS TO SCHOOL:

Children who wish to bring pets to school for "show and tell" should have the permission of the teacher and must follow school policy regarding animals in school. Generally, a parent must take pets home shortly after the "show and tell" activity. Leaving the pet(s) at school all day is not only disruptive to the entire class, but is not the best experience for the animal. There are district policies for animals at school.

BUSES:

All buses arrive at school at about 8:25 a.m. and will unload at the “buses only” driveway. At dismissal time, students board the buses at the “buses only” driveway entrance to the building and leave by 3:35 p.m.

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 WFHR (1320 AM), WGLX (103.3 FM), WSPT (97.9 FM), WIFC (95.5 FM), WSAU (550 AM), WDEZ (102 FM), WRIG (1390 AM), WSPO (1010 AM), WAXX (104 FM), WAYY (1150 AM) WYTE (96 FM), WDLB (1450 AM), WLJY (106 FM), WIZD (99.9 FM), WYCO (108 FM), AND WXCO (1230 AM) as early as possible, but in no case later than 6:30 a.m.

If bad weather develops during the morning while school is in session, the following procedure will be used:

Buses will begin running at 12:00 noon, with the following schedule:

Elementary Schools	12 noon
Junior High Schools	1:00 p.m.
Lincoln High School	1:20 p.m.

All students, including walkers, will be dismissed at the times listed above. Generally, lunches will be served before the pupils are dismissed.

We encourage you to listen to the radio if you think the weather is bad and please DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. It is important to keep the phone lines open.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

Please inform the office if you change your address or telephone number. A written notice is preferable.

Child Care:

Washington School has a before and after school hours child-care. It is a Kid’s Clubhouse program that is run through the YMCA. If your student arrives at school prior to 8:30 a.m. they must be enrolled in this program. We do not have supervision for students to be at school prior to 8:30 a.m. For more information or registration materials, contact the YMCA at 887-3550.

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 10 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 windchill thermometer
Long sleeve	40 - 49 on the windchill thermometer
Winter clothes	0 - 39 on the windchill thermometer

COMMUNICATION:

School newsletters are sent home on a regular basis. Besides including information about school policies, special events, and school lunch menus, the newsletters will, at times, carry messages from the children. We encourage parents to read these newsletters with their child.

At www.wrps.org you will find electronic copies of most home communication like the lunch menu, this handbook, etc. Go to the home page and then go to Mr. Gay.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES:

Please check with your doctor, the Wood County Court House, or our school nurse, Mrs. Carol Naze (422-6258), for Student Immunization Law Age/Grade Requirements.

DRESS CODE:

Students are asked to comply with a dress code at Washington. Students are not to wear clothing, which may cause a disruption to the educational process or the orderly operation of the school. This includes:

"Short" shorts, spaghetti strap tank tops, halters (which reveal undergarments or exposed midriffs), cutoffs, and clothing with inappropriate messages are not acceptable. 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 activities.

If such clothing is worn to school, 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.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

Should a child become sick or injured during school hours, they will be taken to the office. The office personnel will make every effort to notify the child's parents. If the parents cannot be reached by phone, the phone number listed as an emergency number will be notified. NOTE: It is very important to update your child's EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARD whenever there is a change.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES:

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

FIRE AND EMERGENCY DRILLS:

Fire and emergency drills are required by law and are an important safety precaution. It is essential that when the first signal is given, everyone obeys orders promptly and clears the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible. The teacher in each classroom will give the students instructions.

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 (10) working days, the
employee or student should place the grievance in writing and present it to the Superintendent of Schools.

3. If the grievance is not settled within ten (10) 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 (20) 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 Nondiscrimination 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: 422-6008.

INVOLVEMENT WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OR CHILD INVOLVEMENT OR CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES' AGENTS:

A Law Enforcement Officer or Child Protective Services' agent may on occasion need to contact a student at school. The school principal or counselor is responsible for coordinating the procedure.

Suspected abuses and/or neglect: The Child Protective Services' agent has the right to interview and take a student into protective custody. Parental notification by school authorities is not required.

Suspected criminal conduct and/or arrest: Diligent efforts will be made to contact the parent immediately so that the parent can be present for the interview and any subsequent action.

LUNCH/MILK/JUICE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM:

Money may be deposited at any time. We ask that all payments be sent in an envelope with the child's first and last name, ID number, and amount. No change will be given back; the exact amount should be enclosed because the total amount will be deposited in the student’s account. Do not write checks out and request change for book orders or other activities. One check may be written if there are multiple students in the family. Then specify your wishes on the envelope. If your wishes are not stated, then the money will be divided equally between your children. When a student’s account runs out of funds, or runs low (below $4.50), a note will be sent home in your child’s folder and/or a call will be made to the home.

2006-2007 Lunch Prices

Hot Lunch	- Student, Daily	$ 1.50
	- Adult, Daily	$ 2.50
Hot Lunch (reduced)	Student, Daily	$ .40
Milk/Juice		$ .25
Grades K - 6 Recess Milk (semester)		$22.50
Early Childhood Recess Milk (semester)		$ 7.50

Lunch money can be used any day and no refunds will be given unless a child moves from the district. Money left in the account at the end of the year will carry over for the next school year.

MEDICATION:

According to Wisconsin Statutes #118.29 and Wisconsin Rapids School Policy for Administering Medication in School, the following procedures must be followed before any medication can be administered to your child.

1. The Physician/Dentist Orders for Administering Prescription Medication in School form must be completed by the prescribing physician and parent and returned to school.
2. Medication to be administered at school must be in a pharmacy labeled bottle with the following information on the bottle: child’s full name, name of drug and current dosage, time and quantity to be given, physician’s name, name and telephone number of the pharmacy and date if it is prescription medication.
3. Each medication must have its own properly labeled bottle, (i.e. Ritalin – 5 mg. And Ritalin 10. Mg must be in separately labeled bottles.)
4. Medication should be supplied in ready to administer form without need for manipulation. Pills and bottle dosage must match.
5. Extra prescription labeled bottles can be obtained from your pharmacist upon request.
6. School personnel will not administer medication arriving in improperly labeled or unlabeled containers.
7. Changes in dosages, medication, and/or time of administration require a new Physician Order Form to be completed.
8. Over the counter medication will be administered only with proper written parental consent. Medication must be provided in original labeled container.

MONEY:

When money must be sent to school 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.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

The Wisconsin Rapids Public School District does not discriminate against pupils on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital, or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, learning disability, or handicap in its education programs or activities. 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 Public School District or any part of the school organization has failed to follow the law and rules of S.118.13, Wis. Stats., and P19 Wis. Admin. Code, or in some way discriminates against pupils on the bases listed above, he/she may bring or send a complaint to the Director of Human Resources, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools, 510 Peach Street, Wisconsin Rapids WI 54494, or by calling that office at (715) 422-6017.

OFFICE HOURS:

The school office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. every school day. The office phone number is: 422-6130.

PARENTS RIGHT TO RESTRICT SCHOOL IN RELEASE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION:

As per Board of Education Policy #5125.2, student directory data including such information as name, address, phone number, and grade can be released to any person upon written request. The data is not released for promotional for commercial purposes. The data may be released for educational or career opportunity purposes. Student directory data will be given out unless the school is notified in writing by parents or guardians. If you would like us to withhold such information, please notify us in writing.

PICK-UPS:

At the end of the school day, all students being picked up will be escorted by a safety patrol cadet down the sidewalk to the teacher on duty. If you choose to pick up your student, for safety reasons, the following guidelines will be in effect:
1: If you choose to enter the building to pickup your student, you must wait in the cafeteria until your student comes to you. Hopefully, this will alleviate the hallway congestion.
2: If you are picking up a Kindergartner, you may park in the teacher parking lot, enter the building and escort your student to your vehicle. However, you may not park anywhere in the circle drive as this is for district van and bus loading only.
3: In case of inclement weather, all students getting picked up will remain in their classroom until the buses have left for the day. Students will then be dismissed as their parents appear in the front drive.

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.

RECESS MILK:

If you wish your child to participate, please complete the recess milk form and have your child return it to the secretary. Students receive milk when the money is received.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:

Students entering any grade for the first time shall present a birth certificate or other acceptable evidence to verify the date of birth. Furthermore, all persons ten (10) years of age or younger entering initially or transferring from another state are required to be completely immunized against vaccine preventable diseases as designated by the state health authority. Proof of such immunizations must be submitted to the school.

Pupils entering from other districts will have their parents sign a "Permission to Release Records" form. This form will be sent to their former school and the records will be mailed to Washington Elementary.

RELEASE OF STUDENTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY:

A custodial parent or authorized person requesting release of a student during the school day must make arrangements with the office before contacting the student. Release will be made only to those individuals designated on the student's emergency card, unless authorization has been previously given to the office by the parent.

SAFETY RULES FOR BUILDING AND PLAYGROUND:

In the interest of the health and safety of all children the following rules must be observed.
1. All ball games such as football, soccer, softball, or any other games where balls are kicked or batted, are to be played in the fields east of the building.

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

3. Slow pitch softball - NO HARDBALL.

4. No horseplay on any of the equipment.

5. Snow, sticks, stones, or missiles of any kind are not to be thrown at any time.

6. Bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, 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.

7. Students will enter the building in an orderly manner when the bell rings. If it is necessary to come into the building before the bell rings, permission from the playground supervisor is required.

8. Running in the halls or rooms is not permitted at anytime.

9. Report all accidents immediately to the playground supervisor and your homeroom teacher.

10. No fighting of any kind, real or pretend is allowed.

11. The “bullying” of students of by one or more individuals will not be tolerated nor will the interruption of games in progress by those individuals or groups seeking to cause trouble.

12. Do not play King-on-the-Hill.

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

14. 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.

STUDENT INSURANCE:

Student accident insurance is available through a private provider on an annual basis. Applications are sent home during the initial weeks of school. The school district does not provide individual insurance for students.

STUDENT VISITORS:

All student visitors must have arranged their visit with the principal first, and then the office will direct their request for the visit to the teacher concerned. Each teacher may choose to have visitors or not. The length of time that would be appropriate for the room, subject, or grade level is also up to the teacher. Visitations will not be allowed unless they have been cleared and approved with the classroom teacher. Classroom teachers should not approve visitations to special teacher's rooms without their approval.
Also, an emergency name and phone number are required to be left in the office for the visiting student.

TELEPHONES:

The school telephones in each room and in the office are for school business and may be used by students only in cases of emergency.

TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN:

Parents and visitors must report to the school office for clearance before visiting classrooms or checking out children prior to regular dismissal time.

Students should not arrive earlier than 8:30 a.m. because there is no supervision in the morning. Permission to arrive earlier must be obtained from a teacher or from the principal.

Students are to remain on the school grounds from the time they arrive in the morning until dismissal time unless they have a note from home indicating otherwise.

VOLUNTEERS:

If you wish to be a school volunteer, contact your child's teacher or Mr. Gray. We will work with you finding an appropriate setting to utilize your talents. Volunteers have been of great assistance to the school, and our children always benefit from exposure to a wide variety of concerned adults.

Adjust Font Size: A A A A A A