FAMILY HANDBOOK
15800 Roe Avenue
Overland Park, Kansas 66224
913-239-7500
www.bluevalleyk12.org/spe
Education Beyond Expectations
This publication is available in alternative formats
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Table of Contents
Sunrise Point Elementary School ......................................................................3
Sunrise Point Elementary Layout and Pods .......................................................4
Absence and Sick Days ....................................................................................4
Before School/After School Care ......................................................................4
Bicycles ……………………………………..………………………………………………………………4
Book Fair ........................................................................................................4
Building Security .............................................................................................5
Bus Information ..............................................................................................5
Classroom Visitations ………………………………………………………………………………….6
Cell Phone Free Zone ………………………………………………………………………………..6
Cold Weather Policy ........................................................................................6
Contact Information ........................................................................................6
Dress Code .....................................................................................................6
Early Pickup and Late Arrival............................................................................7
Early Dismissal Day .........................................................................................7
Early Release Day ...........................................................................................7
Email..............................................................................................................7
Emergency Safety Interventions (ESI) ………………………………………………………….8
Field Day ...................................................................................................... 13
Harassment .................................................................................................. 13
Late Students ............................................................................................... 14
Lost and Found ............................................................................................. 14
Media Permission .......................................................................................... 14
Nut-Safer …………………………………………………………………………………………………14
Parent Newsletter ......................................................................................... 15
Parent Orientation Night (Back to School Night) .............................................. 15
Pets on Campus Policy .................................................................................. 15
PTO ............................................................................................................. 16
Room Parents ............................................................................................... 16
School Hours ................................................................................................ 16
School Lunches ............................................................................................. 16
Bringing Lunch .......................................................................................... 16
Buying Lunch at School .............................................................................. 16
Lunch Payment Methods ............................................................................ 17
Lunch Visitors ............................................................................................ 17
School Nurse ................................................................................................ 18
Sending Medication to School ..................................................................... 18
School Directory............................................................................................ 18
School Parties ............................................................................................... 18
Sending Money to School .............................................................................. 18
SPLASH Classes ............................................................................................ 19
Special Education .......................................................................................... 19
Specials Class Scheduling .............................................................................. 20
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 Art Class……………………………………………………………………………… 20
 Computer Class & Technology Policy.…………………………………..… 20
 Music Class & Strings/Band …………………………..……………………… 22
 Physical Education Class …………………………..………………………….. 22
 REAL Class ……………………………………………..………………………….. 22
 Spanish Class ……………..………………………………………………………. 23
Spirit Days .................................................................................................... 23
Spirit Wear ................................................................................................... 23
Staff Appreciation Lunches ............................................................................ 23
Student Arrival and Dismissal Procedures ....................................................... 23
Severe Weather Dismissal ............................................................................ 25
Student Placement Input for Teachers from Parents........................................ 26
Treats for Student Birthdays .......................................................................... 28
Weapons/Weapon-Like Devices ..................................................................... 28
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Sunrise Point Elementary School
Welcome to Sunrise Point Elementary School, one of Blue Valley’s newest
elementary schools, est. 2006. We hope that this guide will answer some of
your questions and give you the basic information you will need to have a
wonderful experience at our school this year.
Sunrise Point Elementary School conforms to Blue Valley School District policies
and procedures. These may be found at the district website:
www.bluevalleyk12.org
Sunrise Point Elementary School
15800 Roe Avenue
Overland Park KS 66224
Important Phone Numbers
School Office: 913-239-7500
Attendance Line: 913-239-7505
School Fax: 913-239-7548
School Nurse: 913-239-7513
Counselor: 913-239-7517
Cafeteria: 913-239-7503
Library Media Center: 913-239-7510
Principal: David Sanders
Executive Director for School Administration:
Tony Lake, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services:
Tonya Merrigan, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools:
Todd White, Ed.D.
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Sunrise Point Elementary Layout and Pods
Sunrise Point Elementary is a kindergarten through 5th grade school. Sunrise
Point opened in the fall of 2006. Physically, the school has a semi-circular core
(the media center, main office, art and music classroom, gymnasium and
cafeteria) and three classroom wings extending from the semi-circle. The wings
are referred to as Blue Pod, Yellow Pod, and Green Pod. Blue Pod is closest to
the gym and cafeteria houses the fourth and fifth grade classes. Yellow Pod
houses the kindergarten and first grade classes and Green Pod houses the
second and third grade classes. The school is equipped with fortified tornado
shelters with reinforced concrete walls and ceilings and storm proof doors in
each pod section to protect students and staff in dangerous weather.
Absence and Sick Days
If your child is going to be late or absent from school, you must call the school
Absence Line at (913) 239-7505 before 9:00 a.m. You will leave a recording
stating your child’s name, grade level, teacher, reason for absence, and a
parent’s day time phone number. Parents will be contacted regarding students
who are absent from school and have not left a message relaying the reason for
their absence. Please call the absence line even if you have notified the teacher
of the absence.
Before School/After School Care
The YMCA leases space to operate a before and after school care program
independent of the school. The YMCA program is located in the Sunrise Point
cafeteria. For drop off and pick up for the YMCA program, parents should use
the south double door entrance near the in-ground bike racks at the front of the
school. Call (913)345-9622 for times, costs, and program information.
Bicycles Policy…
Sunrise Point does allow students, K-5, to ride bicycles to and from school. Bikes
should be parked at the west side of the school by the cafeteria entrance doors.
Bike riders are encouraged to wear helmets! Due to the added danger
associated with these items, skate boards, scooters, roller blades, roller shoes,
and other “non-bike” modes of transportation, are not permitted.
Book Fair
The Book Fair gives students and their families the opportunity to buy new books
at school with the proceeds going to the Sunrise Point PTO to support the
school. Individual classes attend the book fair during school hours and additional
after school hours are available for parents and siblings to attend.
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Building Security
In order to better protect students and staff, the Sunrise Point building will be
locked and inaccessible to the public except during normal school office hours.
The office hours during the school year are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. MondayFriday. Employees have badge access outside these hours. The YMCA Childcare
program will have their designated entrance/exit unlocked during their operating
hours, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. but the security gate by the gymnasium will be
lowered to prevent access to the rest of the SPE building by anyone using the
YMCA entrance/exit.
What does this mean for parents and students? The only “downside” of this
enhanced security protocol will be that students will not be able to come up to
school after hours to retrieve forgotten homework or personal items. There will
be times when teachers wish to meet with parents and/or students outside
normal office hours. Teachers may arrange to meet parents/students at the
main entrance and let them into the building. Evening meetings scheduled at
Sunrise Point will occur as normal with evening custodial staff unlocking the
appropriate entrance for the scheduled event.
Anyone inside the building at any time can always exit using any exit door.
Doors are locked at all times and cannot be opened from the outside, but they
can always be opened from the inside in an emergency.
We hope that this increased security will give parents and staff peace of mind
knowing that we are doing all that we can to keep our somewhat isolated
building safe and secure.
Bus Information
Bus services are available at no charge to students living outside a 2.5 mile
radius from the school. Students living within the 2.5 mile radius may obtain
services for a fee. Forms are available online by visiting the Sunrise Point
website: www.bluevalleyk12.org/spe Arrangements for busing must be made
through Durham School Services, 7707 W. 151st Street, Overland Park, Kansas
66223. Phone 913-897-2347. We do not currently have any part of our
attendance area outside of the 2.5 mile radius.
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Classroom Visitations
Parents are encouraged to visit our school and are always welcome. Please make
arrangements with the classroom teacher for an appropriate time. We ask that
you follow a few general guidelines to avoid disrupting valuable instructional
time. All visitors must check in with the office first to obtain a Visitor’s Badge,
with the exception of musicals and class parties, all-school functions, and
arranged parent/teacher conferences. We do not allow friends or relatives to visit
and sit in classrooms with students due to liability concerns; however visitors are
always welcome at lunch, accompanied by an adult.
Cell Phone Free Zone
The front circle drive, during busy arrival and pick up is a cell phone free zone.
We ask that parents and visitors NOT use cell phones to talk or text during this
busy time. Parents who are parked awaiting student dismissal may use cell
phones, but we ask that calls me terminated when students appear at dismissal
time.
Cold Weather Policy
We consider it important for children to have an opportunity to play outdoors
during the day. If a child is to remain inside for health reasons, we must have a
note. In case of unfavorable weather, please be assured we will use discretion as
to whether the children will have outdoor recess. Generally, 10 degrees F actual,
or wind chill, temperature is the cut-off for indoor recess during cold weather.
Please dress children appropriately – hats, coats, gloves – for cold weather.
Contact Information
At registration, you filled out all contact information for your child/children. Any
change in contact information (home phone, work phone, cell phones,
emergency contacts, etc.) should be turned in to the office listing the student(s)
name and the information that has changed. This information will then be
relayed to the school nurse and necessary school personnel.
Parents can also update contact information by accessing the Blue Valley District
website using Parent Assistant. This requires a username and password which
can be obtained by contacting the SPE office at 913-239-7500.
Dress Code
Sunrise Point adheres to the Blue Valley School District’s policies on appropriate
clothing. Please also note that students should not wear “short” shorts, haltertype tops, and students may not have bare midriffs.
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Early Pickup and Late Arrival
If your child needs to leave school before the end of the school day, you must go
to the office and sign your child out. The office will contact the teacher to send
the student to the office. Please do not go to your child’s classroom to
pick him/her up. The office staff will call your child to the office for pick-up.
Please send a note to your child’s teacher ahead of time so they can be prepared
to dismiss your child with needed papers and information.
If your child arrives late, past the regular starting time for classes, you must go
to the office and sign your child in. After 8:45 a.m., students may not “sign
themselves in.” Your child will receive a pass from the office for his/her teacher
and may then proceed to their classroom. It is not necessary for parents to
escort their child to his/her classroom.
Early Dismissal Day (Half-Day of School)
Two times during the year, students will have a half day of school and be
dismissed at 11:45a.m. These dates are the day before Winter Break in
December and the last day of school in late May or early June.
Early Release Day
The school district designates several days during the year when the students
attend a partial day. The remainder of the day is used for staff development and
teacher education. The following start and end times apply:
 Morning Kindergarten starts at 8:35 a.m. and releases at 10:35 a.m.
 Afternoon Kindergarten starts at 12:00 p.m. and releases at 2:00 p.m.
 All other students start at 8:35 a.m. and release at 2:00 p.m.
Email
Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, parents began receiving emails from
different areas within the Blue Valley School District using the School Messenger
system. Please be sure the SPE office has an updated email address for you and
your student. Emails may be sent from the District Office, school or teacher.
Sunrise Point Elementary will send a Principal’s Parent Newsletter every Friday
with information for the upcoming week(s). You have the option to “unsubscribe”
from the School Messenger system but please be aware that doing this will
prevent ALL emails including school and teacher emails from being sent.
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Emergency Safety Interventions (ESI)
Emergency Safety Interventions (ESI) refers to the use of seclusion or physical
restraint. District personnel may use seclusion and/or physical restraint only
when less restrictive alternatives were determined by the school employee to be
inappropriate or ineffective, and when a student's behavior presents an
immediate physical danger to self or others. Violent actions that are destructive
of property may necessitate the use of ESI. The use of ESI shall stop as soon as
the immediate danger of physical harm ceases to exist. If you would like more
information the Blue Valley Board of Education Policy 3522, Administrative
Guideline and Request for Investigation of ESI can be found at
https://district.bluevalleyk12.org/ParentsAndStudents/Pages/ESI.aspx. Please
contact, Dr. Mark Schmidt, Executive Director of Student Services with questions
regarding ESI.
Board Policy 3522: EMERGENCY SAFETY INTERVENTIONS 3522
ESI Restrictions
1. Use of ESI for purposes of discipline, punishment or for the
convenience of a school employee, is prohibited.
2. A student shall not be subjected to an ESI if the school has received
appropriate documentation from the student’s licensed health care
provider, stating the student has a medical condition that could put
him/her in mental or physical danger because of an ESI. The written
statement shall include the student’s specific medical diagnosis, a list
of reasons why ESI would be dangerous based on the diagnosis, and
any suggested alternatives to ESI. A student may still be subject to an
ESI if not using the ESI would result in significant physical harm to the
student or others.
Campus Police Officers and School Resource Officers shall be exempt from the
requirements of ESI when engaged in an activity with a legitimate law
enforcement purpose. School security officers are not exempt from ESI
requirements.
Seclusion “Seclusion” occurs when a student is (1) placed in an enclosed area by
school personnel; (2) purposefully isolated from adults and peers; and (3)
prevented from leaving, or reasonably believes he or she will be prevented from
exiting. All three conditions must be present for seclusion to occur. Use of “Time
Out” where a student is temporarily removed from a learning activity without
being secluded when used as part of a behavioral intervention is not considered
an ESI.
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Seclusion Restrictions
1. During seclusion, a school employee shall be able to see and hear the
student at all times.
2. All seclusion rooms equipped with a locking door shall be designed to
automatically disengage when the school employee moves away from the
seclusion room.
3. A seclusion room shall be a safe place with proportional and similar
characteristics as other rooms where students frequent, including wellventilated and sufficiently lighted.
Restraint
“Physical restraint” occurs when bodily force is used to substantially limit a
student’s movement, except that consensual, solicited or unintentional contact to
provide comfort, assistance or instruction shall not be deemed physical restraint.
The use of “Physical Escort” or temporary touching or holding the hand, wrist,
arm, shoulder, or back of a student who is acting out for the purpose of inducing
the student to walk to a safe location is not considered an ESI
Restraints Restrictions
1. The use of prone physical restraint, supine physical restraint, physical
restraint that obstructs the airway of a student, or any physical
restraint that impacts a student’s primary mode of communication is
prohibited.
2. The use of chemical restraint, except as prescribed treatments for the
student’s medical or psychiatric condition by a person appropriately
licensed to issue such treatments, is prohibited.
3. The use of mechanical restraint, except those protective or stabilizing
devices either ordered by a person appropriately licensed to issue the
order for the device or required by law, any device used by a certified
law enforcement officer in carrying out law enforcement duties, and
seat belts or other safety equipment when used to secure students
during transportation, is prohibited.
School Documentation of Incidence
1. Each building shall maintain documentation any time ESI is used with a
student. Such documentation must include all of the following: a) date and
time of ESI; b) type of ESI, c) length of time the ESI was used; d) school
personnel who participated in or supervised the ESI; and e) whether the
student had an IEP, 504 plan, or behavior intervention plan at the time of the
incident.
2. All documentation shall be provided to the building principal, or principal’s
designee who will maintain the documentation and review the data at least
quarterly.
3. The principal or designee will submit the documentation on the final day of
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the fall and spring semester of each school year to the Superintendent or
his/her designee.
4. The District designee will report incidents of using ESI to the Kansas State
Department of Education (“KSDE”) as required.
Parent Notification and Documentation
1. The principal or designee shall notify the parent the same day as the incident.
The sameday notification requirement is satisfied if the school attempts at
least two methods of contacting the parents (i.e. phone and text, or phone
and email).
2. A parent may designate a preferred method of contact to receive notification.
3. A parent may agree, in writing, to receive only one same-day notification
from the school for multiple incidents occurring on the same day.
4. Documentation of ESI shall be completed and provided to the parent within
one (1) school day of the incident. The documentation will include: a) events
leading up to the incident; b) student behaviors that necessitated the ESI; c)
steps taken to transition the student back to the educational setting; d) the
date and time of the incident, type of ESI used, duration of the ESI, and the
school personnel who used or supervised the ESI; e) space or an additional
form for parents to provide feedback or comments to the school regarding
the incident; f) a statement that invites and strongly encourages parents to
schedule a meeting to discuss the incident and how to prevent future
incidents; and g) email and phone information for the parent to contact the
school to schedule the ESI meeting. Schools may group incidents together
when documenting the items if the triggering issue necessitating the ESI’s is
the same.
5. Upon the first ESI each year, parents will be provided a printed copy, or upon
written request, an email copy of: a) the ESI policy which indicates when ESI
can be used; b) flyer of parent rights; c) information on the parent’s right to
file a complaint through the local dispute resolution process (which is set
forth in this policy), d) the complaint process of the state board of education;
and e) information that will assist the parent in navigating the complaint
process including contact information for Families Together and the Disability
Rights Center of Kansas. Upon the second or subsequent incident, the parent
shall be provided with a full and direct website address containing all such
information.
6. If the school is aware that a law enforcement officer or school resource
officer has used seclusion, physical restraint or mechanical restraint, including
handcuffs, on a student, the school shall notify the parent the same day
using the parents preferred method of contact. The school is not required to
provide written documentation to the parent, nor document this law
enforcement action as an ESI.
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Parent Right to Meeting on ESI Use
After each incident, a parent may request a meeting with the school to discuss
and debrief the incident. The student may be invited to attend the meeting at
the discretion of the parent. The school shall hold this meeting within ten (10)
school days of receiving the parent’s request. The time for calling the meeting
can be extended beyond the 10-day limit if the parent is unable to attend within
that time period.
1. The focus of any such meeting shall be to discuss proactive ways to prevent
the need for ESI and to reduce incidents in the future.
2. For a student with an IEP, the IEP Team shall also discuss the incident and
consider whether to conduct a functional behavior assessment and/or
whether a behavior intervention plan is needed, or existing plan needs to be
modified.
3. For a student with a Section 504 Plan, the 504 Team shall also discuss the
incident and consider whether to conduct a functional behavior assessment
and/or whether a behavior intervention plan is needed, or existing plan needs
to be modified. The Team should also discuss and consider if there is a need
for a special education evaluation.
4. If the student with an IEP or Section 504 Plan is placed in a private school by
the parent, the meeting shall include the parent and the private school. If a
formal team meeting is held, the private school will help facilitate the
meeting.
5. For a student without a Section 504 Plan or IEP, the school staff and parent
shall discuss the incident and consider the appropriateness of a referral for
special education evaluation, the need for a functional behavioral assessment,
or the need for a behavior intervention plan. Any such meeting shall include
the parent, a school administrator, at least one of the student’s teachers, a
school employee involved in the incident, and any other school employees
designated by the school administrator.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit the development and implementation of a
functional behavior assessment or a behavior intervention plan for any student if
the student would benefit by the measures.
ESI Complaint Investigation Procedures
1. If a parent believes that an ESI was used in violation of state law or board
policy, the parent may file a written complaint within thirty (30) calendar days
of notification of the disputed ESI. The “Request of Investigation of
Emergency Safety Invention (ESI)” shall be accessible on the Blue Valley
District website.
2. The Board of Education has delegated to the Superintendent or his/her
designee the authority to receive parental written complaints regarding the
use of ESI.
3. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Superintendent or his/her designee will
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investigate the complaint and develop a written report which will include
findings of fact, conclusions relevant to the requirements of this policy or
regulations of the KSDE; and, if necessary, corrective actions to remedy an
instance of noncompliance.
4. The written report will be submitted to the parents, the school, the Board of
Education, and to the KSDE within thirty (30) calendar days from the date the
complaint is received in the Superintendent’s office.
5. A parent may file a request for administrative review by the Kansas State
Board of Education within thirty (30) calendar days from the date a final
decision is issued pursuant to the local dispute resolution process.
Annual Staff Training
Staff members shall be trained regarding the use of positive behavioral
intervention strategies, de-escalation techniques, and prevention techniques.
1. The District designee will schedule school personnel ESI training programs
consistent with nationally-recognized training programs on the use of
emergency safety interventions.
2. Training will be designed to meet the needs of personnel as appropriate to
their duties and potential need for use of ESI procedures. Staff members
deemed most likely to need to restrain a student will be provided a greater
intensity of training.
3. The District designee will maintain written or electronic documentation of
training provided and lists of participants in each ESI training program. This
documentation will be made available for inspection by the state board of
education upon request.
Appointment of Designee
The Superintendent shall appoint a District staff member to implement the
requirements of this policy for using Emergency Safety Interventions (ESI).
Board ESI Policy Notice
Board Policy 3522 is published on the District’s website, in the District’s Parent
District Handbook, on each school’s website, and in each school’s student/parent
handbook. Parents will be notified of the online availability of this policy annually
during enrollment.
B.O.E.
B.O.E.
B.O.E.
B.O.E.
7.
Adopted 12 Aug 2013
Amended 08 Sep 2014
Amended 10 Aug 2015
Amended 08 Aug 2016 LEGAL REFERENCE: K.A.R.91-42-1 through 91-42-
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Field Day
Field Day is a fun event held during the school year for all students at Sunrise
Point. Different types of physical exercises are held outside for an approximate
two hour block of time. Students will need P.E. clothes and tennis shoes for
these active events. Parents are responsible for putting sunscreen on their
children for this outdoor event.
Harassment
The Board of Education believes that all students and employees are entitled to
work and study in school-related environments that are free of sexual
harassment. Therefore, sexual harassment by any officer, employee, student or
other person having business with the District is prohibited. Sexual harassment is
defined as sexual advance, request for sexual favor, or sex-based behavior that
is not welcomed and not requested.
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, unwanted
attention of a sexual nature; continued or repeated unwanted sexual flirtations;
advances or propositions; continued or repeated unwanted remarks about an
individual’s body; sexually degrading words used toward an individual or to
describe an individual; the display in the school or workplace of sexually
suggestive actions, gestures, objects, graffiti or pictures.
1. A student who believes that he or she has suffered sexual harassment, or his
or her parent or guardian, may report such matter to a building administrator,
nurse, counselor, or teacher. If a nurse, counselor or teacher receives a
complaint from a student or parent, he or she will notify a building administrator
as soon as possible. Students or their parents may also notify a district level
administrator in Educational Services.
2. Reports of sexual harassment received from other sources will also be
investigated.
3. After completion of an investigation, if the investigator determines the claim of
sexual harassment was made maliciously, disciplinary action will be taken.
4. Retaliation against a person who reports or testifies to a claim of sexual
harassment shall be prohibited. Any retaliation shall itself be viewed as an
instance of sexual harassment, subject to the provision of this policy.
For more information on this Blue Valley School District Policy, refer to the Blue
Valley School District Parent Handbook.
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Late Students
Parents are asked to make every effort to have students at school on time each
day. Students should be in their classrooms when the tardy bell rings at 8:35
a.m. The entrance vestibule inner doors are locked when the tardy bell rings
and students must come through the office to get to their classrooms. Late
students must be signed in by a parent/guardian. How do you know if you are
arriving late? If there are no staff members on duty in the circle drive when you
pull up, then you are late and must come into the school to sign-in. Please do
not send students into the office to sign in.
Lost and Found
An area for lost articles is located in the main hallway across from the Art Room.
Students or parents may check at any time for lost articles. Marking your child’s
clothes, lunch boxes, and personal items is the best way to assist in locating your
child’s items.
Media Permission
Upon a student’s initial enrollment in the district, parents shall be asked for
consent for their children’s appearances (interviews, video depictions and still
photographs) in district-sponsored media, and for interviews and photographs
arranged by the district for publication by the public news media. The consent
required by this policy shall be obtained through the Student Enrollment Form.
Annual reminders of the rights granted the district under this policy shall be
provided through appropriate notices contained in the parent handbook provided
to parents at the start of each school year. Any parent who wishes to modify or
revoke a previously-issued consent shall do so through a written notice to the
principal of their child’s school. “District-sponsored media” shall include district
and school print publications, district television programming and district or
school Web sites, but shall not include “student publications” as defined by
K.S.A. 72-1506. Pursuant to Kansas law, student editors of student publications
are responsible for ensuring that appropriate consent has been given by persons
who appear in student publications.
Nut-Safer
Sunrise Point will be joining several other Blue Valley elementary schools this
year by designating all classrooms as “nut-safer.” Last school year we operated
with nut-safer classrooms and no restrictions classrooms. This was problematic
and confusing to staff and families. We often have students visiting each other’s
classrooms for projects, instructional groupings, presentations, etc., which can
present issues for our students with nut allergies if they were in a “no restrictions”
classroom or area. More than half of our classrooms were nut-safer last school
year. Since the first day of the 2016-2017 school year, all SPE classrooms have
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been nut-safer, which mean that all treats brought into the building will need to
comply with the nut-safer guidelines. These may be found by clicking here: 20162017 Nut Safer Guidelines and Approved Snack List.
Thank you for your understanding as we strive to insure the safety of all of our
students. Students MAY bring items that contain nuts to eat at LUNCH TIME, as
our dining room does serve items that contain nuts. We have designated “NutSafer” tables in the dining room for our students with nut allergies.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT KRISPY KREME DONUTS ARE NO LONGER A
PART OF THE NUT-SAFER SNACK LIST. WE ARE SORRY, AS THESE WERE
A FAVORITE NUT-SAFER PRODUCT IN THE PAST.
Parent Newsletter
Every Friday, a link to the SPE website is emailed from the principal to all parents
at Sunrise Point. If you are not receiving the weekly email, please contact the
school office at 913-239-7500 so that we may update our email records for you.
This may also be done using ParentVUE on the Blue Valley website –
www.bluevalleyk12.org.
Parent Orientation Night/Back to School Night
Back to School Night is held in the evening generally during the first two weeks
of school. Parents (the evening is not designed for students or other children),
as a group, attend a half hour session to meet their child’s teacher in their child’s
room to get an overview of the year and what is expected. Generally two
sessions are held so parents with more than one child can meet all the teachers.
This is also where parents will have the opportunity to sign up for all classroom
events during the school year: classroom party assistants, party snacks and
crafts, chaperone volunteers for field trips, etc.
Pets on Campus Policy
Because of a serious injury to a beloved pet after a pet-on-pet altercation, and
the potential for children to become injured, Sunrise Point implemented a “no
pets on campus policy” in the fall of 2010. While household pets are typically
docile, some are unpredictable around crowds of eager children. We don’t want
to run the risk of a pet bite or having a child frightened, as some of our students
are afraid of animals. Also, pets sometimes leave “evidence” of their visit...we
don’t want to have children and adults stepping in animal waste. Parents are
requested NOT to bring pets with them on campus. Parents are certainly
welcome to transport pets in their cars, but please keep your pets inside your
vehicle. Your cooperation is appreciated.
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PTO
The Sunrise Point Parent Teacher Organization is a volunteer group made up of
parents and staff members whose common goal is to enhance the learning
environment of the students at the school. Many different functions are
sponsored by the PTO and include field trips, the purchase of school supplies,
school carnival, ice cream social, and purchases made for teachers for our school
building that will benefit the entire school community. All parents are
encouraged to attend the PTO meetings and know that suggestions are
welcome.
Room Parents
Each classroom has volunteer parent/parents that act as the coordinator of
events between the teacher and the parents. The room parent(s) organizes the
classroom parties including crafts, games, and snacks; the staff appreciation
lunch for the grade, and any other parent-related effort that the teachers
require.
School Hours
School start and finish times are as follows:
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Morning Kindergarten – 8:35 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Afternoon Kindergarten – 12:30 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Full Day Kindergarten and Grades 1 through 5 – 8:35 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Students should arrive on campus no earlier than 8:20 a.m. (Supervision of
students begins at 8:15 a.m.) Students who arrive between 8:15 and 8:25 a.m.
wait in the school foyer for dismissal to classrooms. Students are not supervised
prior to 8:15 a.m. when the teacher contract day begins. Parents who need
child supervision before 8:15 a.m. should contact the YMCA at (913)345-9622 for
times, costs, and program information.
School Lunches
Lunch periods are 30 minutes in length and children sit by grade level in the
cafeteria.
Bringing Lunch
Students who bring lunch to school need to know there is no refrigeration
available.
Buying Lunch at School
Lunch is available at school with the option of 3 hot entrees, 2 cold
entrees, or a peanut-butter and jelly “uncrustable” sandwich. Fruit and
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vegetable selections vary daily. White and chocolate milk, and 100% fruit
juices are available as beverages. Menus are given to the students
monthly and can also be found on the district website.
Lunch Payment Methods
Lunches are paid for with a pre-paid card that is kept in the dining room.
Cards accounts are paid by family, so if you have more than one child at
SPE, they both/all will use one account to pay for their lunches. (Note:
Family lunch accounts cannot span different schools; they are only
available to students at the same school.) A notice is sent (either on
paper through your child’s backpack or via e-mail) when the account
balance is low. Payments may be sent to school in an envelope listing the
student’s first and last name, and the words LUNCH MONEY written on it.
Checks should be made payable to Blue Valley Food and Nutrition Services
(BVFS.)
Payment may also be made online using a credit card or e-check through
the Parents Online portal at the Blue Valley website
www.bluevalleyk12.org
Lunch Visitors
Visitors are welcome during the student lunch periods at any time during
the school year. Students enjoy having parents and smaller siblings join
them for lunch once in a while. Visitors are asked to sign-in at the office
and wait for students in the dining room or by the dining room entrance
doors. Visitors are asked to say their goodbyes as students leave the
dining room rather than going back to the classroom with students. In
order to minimize classrooms disruptions, we ask that parents not go to
the classrooms before, or after lunch. Because we often need every seat
at our lunch tables, parents are asked to use a folding chair for adult and
sibling seating. There is a supply of black plastic folding chairs in the
dining room by the exit doors to the bike rack area. If you bring food in
from restaurants or home, please ONLY share with your child. With the
myriad of food allergies among our student body, we would appreciate it
if you would not share food with children other than your own. Also,
sharing food and treats with some children and not others leads to hurt
feelings. We appreciate your understanding and support.
Your child may have told you that we have colored table cones in the
dining room. The east side of the dining room has blue cones and the
west side has red cones. Grade levels are assigned tables in either the
blue or red zone. The cones help students identify where to sit and they
assist us at dismissal as the cone is turned on its side when it is time for
that table to empty garbage and take their lunch trays to the dishwashing
area.
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School Nurse
A registered nurse is available during school hours. When your child was
registered for school, you indicated what medication may or may not be given to
your child. The nurse will also inform parents of any contagious illnesses (strep
throat, pink eye, etc.) that have occurred in a child’s classroom.
Sending Medication to School
Medications that need to be taken at school are required to be
accompanied by a doctor’s note telling the child’s name, medication,
dosage, and how often it is to be taken. All medication should be in the
original packaging with the student’s name on it.
One parent recommendation is to put your child’s medication inside a
large zipper plastic bag. On one side of the bag, in marker, write your
child’s name, on the other side of the bag (on the inside) tape a picture of
your child. Should your child come to the nurse’s office and immediately
need their medicine, this can speed the look up process even if your child
is too sick or out of breath to tell their name.
All medication (including over-the-counter medications) must be left with
the school nurse. The students may not carry or take any medication on
their own. Exceptions to this rule are rescue inhalers and epi-pens for life
threatening allergic reactions that are registered with the nurse via a
consent form filled out by parents.
A new doctor’s note is required every school year for medication to be
taken at school.
School Directory
PTO distributes a directory to the families who join PTO. A form is included in the
annual registration packet to give permission for their information to be included.
School Parties
There are three parties scheduled and arranged by the teacher and room parents:
Fall, winter and Valentine’s Day. At the fall party the students can dress in costume;
non-violent themes are strongly encouraged, any weapons or weapon look-a-likes
are prohibited. The PTO also sponsors a brief end-of-school year classroom
celebration for students on, or near, the last day of classes in May or early June.
Sending Money to School
When sending money to school, please seal it in an envelope and on the front
write to whom the money goes, what it is for, and your child’s name. Example:
Mrs. Jones Book Order Jane Doe. This way if the envelope is misplaced, it will
be known where it needs to be delivered. In addition, this makes it easier for all
the collection of money to go to the correct person; all the envelopes for lunch
money, book orders, raffle tickets, etc. can be given to the correct person.
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SPLASH Classes
SPLASH (Sunrise Point Learning After School Hours) is a name given to a group
of optional after-school classes that are offered by Sunrise Point staff members.
There is a fee for the classes (given with class descriptions). Different classes
are offered at different times during the year. Information on these classes will
be given to parents so that they may enroll for classes of interest.
Special Education
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are established for students who
require special education assistance. Parents who have concerns about their
child’s performance in school should first discuss those concerns with the
classroom teacher or school counselor. The classroom teacher or school
counselor can initiate school interventions as appropriate which may or may not
lead to a special education referral.
Occupational Therapy
The services in this program are available for students who need
assistance with fine motor coordination if these problems significantly
impact academic performance.
Resource Instruction
This program is designed to offer extra instruction and support of
students who need assistance in particular academic areas. Students
qualify for this program through a testing process which identifies their
ability level and achievement in order to qualify for this program.
Speech Therapy
A certified clinician provides services for students whose speech or
language issues if these problems significantly impact academic
performance.
Special Education Council
Blue Valley School District has a Special Education Council aimed at
supporting parents of children who are either experiencing learning
difficulties or who are gifted. The council is comprised of a parent
representative from each school in the district and Blue Valley staff
members.
The Special Education Information Line is 913-239-4272.
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Specials Scheduling
Art, Computer, R.E.A.L., Physical Education, Music, and Spanish are called special
classes. Each day of the week will be given a number so if the first day of school
is a Monday – Monday will be Day 1, Tuesday Day 2, Wednesday Day 3,
Thursday Day 4, and Friday Day 5. Students will be assigned a day for each
special class, so your student may have Art on day 1, Spanish on Day 3, etc. Art
would not always fall on a Monday. If during the second week of school Monday
is a holiday, then Day 1 would be Tuesday, Day 2 would be Wednesday, etc.
Art Class
The Sunrise Point Art program is founded on Discipline Based Art
Education, which takes curriculum from each of the four main disciplines
of art: studio production, art history, art criticism and aesthetics. The
focus of art class is not the end product, but the learning process students
go through to get to the product. Most materials used in the classroom
are washable, but accidents do happen. Please note when your child has
art and plan clothing choices accordingly.
Computer Class
All students at Sunrise Point attend computer class weekly. Students
work on keyboarding, work with instructional software, and learn skills
that will enable them to use technology to enhance their learning
experience. The Blue Valley School District has an acceptable use policy
that all students must follow:
Technology Policy
Sunrise Point seeks to integrate the use of technology as an
important part of our education program. The opportunity to
approach learning in a variety of formats and to access information
from a wide range of sources presents exciting learning
opportunities. With access to computers and people all over the
world also comes the availability of material that may not be
considered to be of educational value in the context of the school
setting. The District has installed filtering software to restrict access
to controversial materials. In addition, we have implemented the
following policies:
Students will only use the Internet with the teacher’s permission.
Internet usage will not be allowed during the teacher’s absence
(i.e. recess, absent from building).
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Students will use only approved search engines or sites
bookmarked by a teacher.
In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon proper
conduct of the user who must adhere to the strict guidelines
outlined below regarding unacceptable and inappropriate use. It is
unacceptable/inappropriate for students to:
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Publicize his/her name, address, phone number;
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Send/receive messages using someone else’s name;
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Lend his/her account and/or password to other students and/or
adults;
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Plagiarize the work of others in completing school assignments;
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Vandalize or otherwise destroy data of another user;
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Send/receive messages that contain obscene language, graphics,
pictures;
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Send/receive messages that are inconsistent with school rules;
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Use obscene, harassing or abusive language on-line;
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Violate copyright laws;
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Attempt to log-on to district computer networks as a network
administrator;
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Access or attempt to access any part of the district computer
networks or any part of a sub-system of the Internet without
proper authorization;
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Create, copy or post a computer virus;
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Use communication technologies for commercial use;
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Use communication technologies in any way that violates school
rules, administrative guidelines, Board policies or procedures, state
statues, local ordinances, or other laws.
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Consequences of Unacceptable Use:
Students violating these guidelines or other administrative
guidelines or board policies relating to acceptable use of
communication technologies will be subject to any and all
applicable disciplinary measures. Possible disciplinary
measures may include, but are not limited to, temporary or
permanent loss of use.
Music Class
All SPE students participate in weekly music classes. Students explore
various instruments, vocal performance, and learn about various musical
concepts. All grade levels at SPE perform in a grade level musical for
parents during the school year. Classroom teachers and the principal will
inform parents of the musical date in classroom and school newsletters.
Strings/Band
This activity is available to 4th and 5th grade students (Only fifth
grade students may participate in band.) Students in these grade
levels will bring home information concerning this program shortly
after school begins.
Physical Education Class
All children need to dress appropriately for PE class. This includes having
your child wear pants or shorts (no dresses/skirts please) that are weather
appropriate. Your child needs to wear tennis shoes on their PE day.
There are many different activities where your child could be injured if
they are wearing sandals, boots, or other foot wear.
All children are responsible for coming prepared to participate in all
activities unless they have a doctor’s note excusing them from activity. A
doctor’s note for the child to return to activities is needed as well. All 1st
and 2nd grade students will receive a written report of all the activities that
they will be learning in the fall and spring. All 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade
students will receive a Fitness Test report card in the fall.
REAL Class
The Reading Enjoyment and Appreciation of Literature (R.E.A.L.) program
seeks to expose students to various kinds of literature (books, plays,
poems, theatrical skits) and to encourage them to read any and all types
of literature. This program is part of the rotating special classes that
students enjoy. REAL is provided for students in grade K, 1, and 2.
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Spanish Class
Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade attend Spanish class. Those
new to Sunrise Point can check out a cassette tape, complete with paper
copy, from the Spanish teacher. This tape has all the vocabulary the
student will need for his or her particular grade level and can be checked
out for two or three weeks. Many students have benefited from this tape
and paper copy as they can not only see the words but also hear their
correct pronunciation.
Spirit Days
Spirit Days are days to show pride being a Sunrise Point student. Students can
wear their “spirit wear” to school or simply wear the school colors of red, white,
and blue. Spirit Days are typically Tuesday each week.
Spirit Wear
Spirit wear is the term for items that are provided by the PTO for students and
their families to purchase to demonstrate pride in being a Sunrise Point
Patriot. Items vary from year to year with regard to interest. Items can include
T-shirts, (short and long sleeve) sweatshirts, hoodies, zip hoods, lounge pants,
and shorts, water bottles, etc.
Staff Appreciation Lunches
Often, the PTO honors our staff with a lunch. Meals are provided by parents
during the weeks of parent-teacher conferences in October and in February. The
PTO staff appreciation coordinator generally asks for assistance or caters these
events.
Student Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
ARRIVAL IN THE MORNINGS…
Drop-off and Car Line
 Parents are asked not to park and walk-up to escort their child(ren) into
school so that students can make their way independently to their
classrooms in order to establish independence and responsibility.
 Using the carline will aid in a smooth and safe student delivery. Parents
who have the need to park and walk up to deliver items/students should
park in the VISITOR parking spaces in the north parking lot (by Entrance
Door #18.) This will avoid the need for students to cross the busy circle
drive traffic lane.
 Students should arrive no earlier than 8:20 a.m.
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Students who arrive before 8:20 a.m. will wait outside. (There is no adult
supervision of students before 8:20 a.m.) In the event of inclement
weather, early-arriving students may wait in the vestibule until 8:20 a.m.
Parents who need child supervision before 8:20 a.m. should contact the
YMCA at (913)345-9622 for times, costs, and program information. At
8:20 a.m., students will make their way to the main hallway near their
designated pod entrances. Students will sit on the floor in their designated
grade level location (signs are posted.) Staff members will be on duty to
supervise students at the pod entrances.
Only the NORTH side of 158th Terrace (the side that borders the school
playground) may be used for student drop-off. The south side of 158th
Terrace has “NO STOPPING/NO PARKING” signs. Please observe this
important safety procedure.
Cell Phone use in the carline during busy arrival and dismissal is
prohibited.
At 8:25 a.m. when the bell rings, students will ORDERLY make their way
to classrooms where teachers will be waiting at their classroom doors to
greet them.
Bus Riders
 Bus students will be dropped off in the bus lane and will enter the building
through the cafeteria doors on the west side of the building.
Walkers
 Students who walk to school will enter the building through the cafeteria
entrance doors at the rear of the building.
DISMISSAL IN THE AFTERNOONS

Parents are asked not to park and walk-up to get their child(ren.) Using
the carline will aid in a smooth and safe student pick-up. Parents who
have the need to park and walk up to get students should park in the
VISITOR parking spaces in the north parking lot (by Entrance Doors # 17
and #18.) This will avoid the need for students to cross the busy circle
drive traffic lane. Parents who need to meet their child at dismissal and
arrive before the 3:40 p.m. dismissal time are asked to wait in their child’s
grade level pick-up zone on the sidewalk area of the circle drive next to
the building. This will avoid congestion inside the building in the foyer
area as carline students are exiting the front doors of the school.
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Dismissal – Severe Weather
Check the weather in the morning. If rain is predicted and you do not want
your child to walk home, make your decision in the morning and send a note to
the teacher notifying him/her of a change in dismissal. (Calling the office late
in the day is not a good option and may result in confusion for your
child.) If we do not receive a note we will dismiss your child via his/her regular
plan. If your child is a car rider, send appropriate rain gear (umbrella, jacket with
hood or raincoat) as we will dismiss as usual unless the rain/storm is prohibitive.
In case of significant rain, we will still dismiss car riders through the main
entrance with students waiting under the circle drive canopy.
In case of significant rain, walkers will be held in the building until parents can
be notified via email or until the rain lessens. We strongly encourage parents to
team up to have a designated walker come to the school to pick up groups of
students. Parents may come as early as 3:25 to do so.
In case of lightning in the area (within a 15 mile radius as noted on our
lightening detector system), students will be held in the building until an all-clear
is issued.
If there is a severe storm warning (or tornado warning), all students will be
held in the three tornado shelters in our building until the warning has been
lifted. Parents are asked NOT to come to school during a warning…your children
are safer here at Sunrise Point than they would be at home. Parents who do
come to the school during a warning will wait in our storm shelters with us.
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Student Placement Input for Teachers from Parents –
Frequently Asked Questions
 What is the process for placing students in classrooms at
Sunrise Point?
The right “mix” of students in a classroom can have a profound effect on
learning. Much time, effort, and energy is put into placing students in classes for
the coming year. Involving more professionals who work with our students on a
daily basis aids us in our goal of setting up a classroom of students where all can
learn and grow. Sunrise Point does not allow parents to request a specific
teacher by name.
 Why can’t I just ask for the teacher I want? Don’t I know my
child best?
Absolutely, parents know their children best. However, school personnel have a
perspective that parents do not…..how a child works and interacts with a large
group of students (classroom) which may be made up of both preferred and
non-preferred classmates. Also, in some cases, a teacher who is well known and
regarded in the school community may not be the best match for a particular
student. Parents may know teachers on a personal basis, and may even have
had another child in a particular teacher’s classroom, but that situation might not
be in the best match for a particular student.
 Can I ask not to have my child placed in a particular teacher’s
classroom?
Yes, parents who have had an unsuccessful experience with a teacher may
request that their child not be placed in that teacher’s classroom. Likewise,
teachers may prefer not to repeat with a family for various reasons. With three
or four teachers per grade level, these requests can typically be met. If a parent
chooses to request to exclude a teacher for placement consideration, ONLY ONE
teacher at a grade level may be requested to be excluded.
 Can I ask for my child not to be placed in the same class as
another child?
Yes, there may be circumstances where a child has had a neighborhood conflict
with another child and a parent would prefer that the children be in different
classes. Or, on the other hand, parents may ask that best-friends be in separate
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classes in order to expand their child’s circle of friends. Current year teachers
may also feel that two students currently in the same class should be separated
for the next school year.
 Can I ask that my child be placed with a specific classmate in
the same classroom?
Yes, but parents should limit requests of this type to fewer than 5 friends. We
should be able to accommodate that request for at least one or two of the
names listed. The reason for this is again that we have a goal of a balanced
classroom. And, we could run into a situation where school personnel feel that
two students should be separated, yet one, or both, of the parents desires for
them to be in the same classroom.
 Can I ask my child’s current classroom teacher who he/she
thinks is the best teacher for my child for next year?
Please do not ask our teachers to discuss their colleagues. SPE teachers have
not necessarily seen each other teach and may not be familiar with their
colleague’s teaching style. The principal and counselor have this expertise and
can work to find the best match.
 Can I change my child’s class placement if I’m not happy with
the assigned teacher?
Because of the vast amount of work necessary for a balanced class, parents are
asked to support their child’s class placement. If a parent anticipates a particular
classroom assignment that he/she could not support, please communicate that
on the Student Placement Input Form. School administration will work with
parents to insure that student classroom placement is beneficial. Because of the
intricate nature of placement for all students, moving an individual student from
one class to another can upset the balance in the proposed new class. Moving
students after class lists are made public will be a last resort and will be
extremely rare.
 When are Student Placement Input Forms Due?
Student Placement Input forms from parents will be due to the Sunrise Point
Office by the end of April each year. Classes are formed in May for the next
school year, so parent input needs to be in the hands of the principal before May
1st each year.
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 When will I know my child’s classroom placement?
The Blue Valley School District sets a date each year that class lists may be
revealed to parents. We typically send out class assignments to parents on the
day of our back-to-school social. That event is typically held the day before
school starts.
Treats for Student Birthdays
Birthdays are very special times for our children. Parents are asked to call or
send a note to the teacher a few days before your child’s birthday if you would
like to celebrate at school with birthday treats. Treats are usually shared at the
end of the day, but can vary depending on the day’s schedule or individual
teacher preference. Please get an exact count and be sure to include the
teacher. (To minimize disruption of instructional time in the classroom, students
may not leave their classroom and distribute treats to other teachers or faculty.)
Please send treats in individual portions that do not need to be cut or divided at
school.
Parents can determining whether to send edible (from the nut-safer list) or
nonedible treats. Of course, birthday treats are always optional. If edible
treats are sent, ALL must be from the 2016-2017 Nut Safer
Guidelines and Approved Snack List, and healthy treat
options are encouraged.
Birthday invitations must be distributed outside of school as to not hurt other
student’s feelings. Student addresses can be found in the school directory.
Weapons/ Weapon-Like Devices
Possession on School Property:
Board Policy 3516 addresses the possession of a “weapon” or a “weapon-like
device” on school district property. It is essential that both parents and students
realize that this applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year, (even
during the summer or other vacation times). Students who possess such items
on district property at any time can suffer district expulsion or other appropriate
school consequences. Depending on the issue, police may also be involved. The
lesson here is to never bring a weapon or “weapon like device” onto school
property. Per Board Policy 3516, “weapon like devices” include, but are not
limited to any facsimile weapon, pocket knife, box cutter, antique firearm, Class
C common fireworks, etc. This does include pellet guns, b-b guns, airsoft guns,
and paint guns.
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