COLUMBUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARENT HANDBOOK
2016-2017
Columbus Elementary
Jaguars
“WHERE YOUNG MINDS SET SAIL”
Columbus School Mission Statement
The faculty, children, parents, and community will work together to provide a
safe environment that will contribute to the development of all Columbus students to their fullest potential; enabling them to have the knowledge, skills, and
behavior necessary to succeed in a global society and to exercise the rights and
responsibilities of citizenship.
Columbus Elementary School
315 N. Kansas
Edwardsville, Illinois 62025
618-656-5167
Dr.Vince Schlueter, Principal
1
August 2016
Dear Columbus Families,
At Columbus School, we believe that each student should be provided a nurturing, safe, and
clean environment in which to learn every day. We are committed to providing quality educational
programs that will strive to meet your child’s educational, social, and emotional needs.
The atmosphere at Columbus School will nurture each child’s development of a positive selfconcept, a respect for self and others, a self-directed desire to learn, and a sense of physical and
emotional balance. We will promote self-discipline and responsibility, while valuing individual
differences. Our focus at Columbus School is to cultivate students’ abilities to be creative, think
critically, act responsibly, and sustain a lifelong desire to learn.
We understand the education of a child must be a collaborative effort of families, staff, and
community. This partnership is vital in the educational process, and we invite you to be actively
involved in the activities in which your child will participate.
Columbus School is a building steeped in the traditions of academic excellence and personal
achievement for young children. We are excited at the opportunities this school year will bring to
the children of District 7. On behalf of the faculty and staff at Columbus School, we look forward
to working together to assist your child in having a wonderful educational experience, filled with
knowledge, excitement, and growth.
Respectfully,
Vincent Schlueter
Principal
2
CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE
If children live with criticism,
they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
they learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
they learn to be shy.
If children live with shame,
they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with tolerance,
they learn to be patient.
If children live with fairness,
they learn justice.
If children live with security,
they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance and friendship,
they learn to find love in the world.
Dorothy Law Nolte
1
EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS HAVE:
1)
A Safe and Orderly Environment
A safe and orderly environment is one that is free from physical harm and conducive to
teaching and learning. Adults are consistently on duty all the time. The clearer and more
explicit the school rules, and the more firmly and fairly they are enforced, the less disorder
the school experiences.
2)
A Clear and Focused School Mission
The mission is a statement that tells what the school considers to be most important. There
are learning objectives and instructional programs which match those objectives, and an
assessment that tells whether students are achieving the learning objectives.
3)
Instructional Leadership
The instructional leader is the person who communicates the school’s mission to the staff,
parents, and a student, making sure everyone understands the mission. Applying the
principles of instructional effectiveness, the instructional leader manages the instructional
program and serves as the facilitator for the faculty and staff.
4)
A Climate of High Expectations
The staff of the building believes and demonstrates that all children can learn.
5)
Increased Time on Task
In effective schools, students are actively engaged in whole class, group, or teacher-directed
instruction. It is possible to increase guided practice and engagement rates for students
without increasing the school day or year.
6)
Frequent Monitoring of Student Progress to Improve Instruction
The most informative test is one that is locally generated, objective referenced and
nationally validated. The purpose of the test is to determine which learning objectives are
attained by which students for the purpose of instructional improvement.
7)
A Home-School Relationship
The homes from which students come are informed as to the school’s mission,
objectives, and learning activities in which students participate. Individual student learning
objectives, expectations, and individual student progress are communicated regularly.
2
This handbook is provided to students and their families to acquaint them with the rules, guidelines,
procedures and other relevant information necessary for the orderly functioning of Columbus
School. It has been structured to help promote student progress. Though this handbook provides for
the emotional and physical safety of the students through appropriate guidelines and procedures,
more extensive information about Columbus and other District 7 buildings can be found in the
District 7 Handbook, which is posted online at www.ecusd7.org.
School Day
The first bell rings at 9:05 a.m. Students should report directly to their classes to prepare for the
school day. Students at Columbus School begin classes at 9:15 a.m. Anyone not ready to learn
when the 9:15 a.m. bell rings will be considered tardy. It is important for students to be on time in an
effort to maximize each day’s learning experiences. School ends at 3:30 p.m.
Morning Procedures
Adult supervision of students begins at 8:45 a.m. For students’ safety, they should not be on the
premises before supervision begins.
1. Breakfast is served in the cafeteria at 8:45 a.m. The cost is $1.25. When the first bell rings at
9:05 a.m., the cafeteria will close to begin preparation for lunch.
2. Students should report directly to the playground upon arrival to school unless they are
eating breakfast. In case of inclement weather, students should report directly to the gym.
Bus riders will unload on Kansas St. Students will walk down Kansas St. to College St. and
continue walking to the playground. Parents may drop off/pick up students at the designated
drop-off/pick-up area on the College St. side of the school.
3. Students must have permission to be in the halls. All students must have a pass to go to the
office or clinic, a classroom, or restroom.
4. Band/Orchestra students should enter the building from College St., and place instruments
in the Band/Orchestra Room. Students should then move to the appropriate assigned area.
5. Once the school day begins, students should go directly to class, store belongings, and
prepare for class as outlined in each teacher’s classroom procedures.
6. Each school day begins with the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and lunch count.
Absences, Tardiness, and Truancy
Office hours at Columbus School are from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Academic achievement is greatly improved with punctual, regular school attendance. Arriving at
school no later than 9:05 a.m. will allow students to be adequately prepared to begin the school
day. Students not in the classroom at 9:15 a.m. will be counted tardy unless they have permission
from their teacher or the office. When a student is tardy, he/she impedes opportunities for learning.
Because being in class is vital to learning, a student who receives more than four tardies a quarter
may be assigned an after-school detention. Additional consequences may be assigned if the
student continues to be tardy.
When a student must be absent from school, parents must call the school before 10:00 a.m. at 6565167. A student must bring a written note to the office, signed by a parent or guardian, if a phone
call has not been made to report an absence.
3
Parents have the LEGAL responsibility of ensuring that their child attends school regularly. This
responsibility requires that parents actively monitor their child’s school attendance.
A parent who knowingly permits a child to miss school without valid reason or who gives
false information regarding the child’s absence may be in violation of the law.
In addition, parents and students must adhere to the following attendance guidelines as outlined in
the District 7 Parent Handbook.
Excused and Unexcused Absences
1. Excused Absences
ŪŪ Illness of the student
ŪŪ Doctor or dental appointment for student
ŪŪ Death in the student’s immediate family
ŪŪ Certain religious days
ŪŪ Court appearance
ŪŪ College visits for high school juniors and seniors
ŪŪ Family trip, provided the following guidelines are followed:
1. School is notified in advance of the absence
2. Student obtains assignments in advance of the absence
3. All assigned work is turned in upon returning to school
4. All assigned work is made up at direction of individual teachers
2. Unexcused Absences - All absences not classified as excused will be considered unexcused
or truant.
Compliance with Attendance Requirements
1. All students who leave school for a doctor’s appointment must provide written documentation
from their health care provider as evidence of attending the appointment for the absence to be
considered an excused absence.
2. All students who are absent for five or more consecutive days must provide written documentation
from a healthcare provider for the absences to be considered excused absences.
3. Any student who has been absent for 10% or more of the days of student attendance in a
semester must provide written documentation from their health care provider stating the cause
of the absence for each subsequent day of non-attendance for the absence to be considered an
excused absence.
4. Students who suffer from documented chronic or severe acute health issues may seek a waiver
of these requirements from the Building Principal.
5. Students whose parent or legal guardian has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately
returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting may be granted additional
excused absences at the discretion of the Superintendent or his designee. The parent or legal
guardian should submit written requests related to such absences related to deployment or leave
for military service to the Building Principal.
Parents should make an assignment request for planned absences. This will allow students to get
their assignments before the absence. Completed work should be turned in to the teacher upon
returning to school.
4
According to state requirements, any student who signs in after 9:50 a.m. or leaves school before
2:55 p.m. will be counted as one-half day absent.
Transportation arrangements for students should be made prior to their arrival at school whenever
possible. It is always in the best interest of the students to keep to as much of a regular routine as
possible. To minimize disruption to the classroom due to changes in transportation, please write the
change in the student’s planner or send a note to the teacher.
When homework is requested due to illness, requests must be made before 10:00 a.m. to allow
adequate preparation by the classroom teacher. It may be picked up from 3:45 - 6:00 p.m. on the
Homework Table in the lobby outside the office.
Cellular/Digital Devices
We strongly encourage parents to have their children leave all cellular/digital devices at home
during the school day. Columbus School takes no responsibility for the loss or damage of any
cellular/digital devices that have been brought to school.
If students bring cellular/digital devices to school, they must be turned off and properly stored. They
are not to be displayed or used during the school day. This is consistent with the district policy on
cellular/digital devices, which can be found in the District 7 Handbook at www.ecusd7.org.
Any cellular/digital device that is not properly stored during the school day will be confiscated and
turned in to the principal. Students will be permitted to pick up the confiscated device at the end of
the school day for the first offense. Subsequent offenses may include a parent having to pick up
the device and/or an after-school detention.
Bicycles
Students may ride bikes to school if they follow these procedures:
1. Walk bike on and off school grounds.
2. No bikes are allowed in the areas where buses are loading and unloading.
3. Bicycles are to be parked and locked in racks located on the College St. side of the building
or the High St. side of the playground. No one should be near the bicycles from 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m.
4. Bike riders must follow safety rules set by the school and enforced by the crossing guards.
5. Students may not have scooters, skateboards, and/or roller blades on school premises.
Bus Conduct
Students must behave while riding the bus to school and home, for the safety of all students, as well
as members of the community. The students will:
1. Follow all bus safety rules.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves.
3. Speak using appropriate language and volume.
4. Follow directions given by bus driver or other school personnel.
Bus drivers are entrusted with the safety of all our students. Student misbehavior makes the driver’s
job much more difficult. The expectation for all students is that they will conduct themselves in a
manner that will not be disruptive to the bus driver or other students. Any inappropriate conduct
5
occurring on the bus will be immediately reported to Dr. Schlueter. After investigating the incident,
a determination will be made. If the incident warrants disciplinary action, parents will be notified.
Depending on the severity of the situation, consequences may include: an after-school detention,
a parent conference with Dr. Schlueter, and/or a bus suspension. Students may be suspended from
the bus for a period of 3-5 days if they receive more than two bus conducts during a semester.
Building Expectations for Behavior
Columbus School sets high expectations for its students. Dr. Schlueter, the teachers, and the staff
believe that children will have quality learning experiences if the guidelines for all students are clear
and consistent. We also believe that school-to-home communication is a vital component of the
educational process.
Because of the tradition of academic excellence at Columbus School, students are expected to
behave appropriately at all times. All children will respect themselves and others; keep their
hands, feet, and objects to themselves; and follow the directions of all building and district
personnel. Classroom teachers may have additional classroom expectations for students.
Children who display good behavior at school will:
1. Receive verbal praise.
2. Earn certificates of merit and/or notes home from their teacher and/or Dr. Schlueter.
3. Secure special privileges.
4. Learn in an environment which strives to meet the needs of all children.
If children choose not to meet Columbus School expectations, the consequences may include:
1. Student conferences with teacher and/or Dr. Schlueter.
2. Loss of privileges.
3. Conferences with school personnel.
4. Lunch/recess detention
5. After-school detention.
6. In-school, hourly detention.
7. In-school suspension.
8. Out-of-school suspension.
When school rules and regulations are not followed, it is the responsibility of involved teachers
and the principal to work with the student, his/her parents, and other support personnel to help
the student correct his/her behavior. All disciplinary actions shall be directed toward protecting the
welfare of the school community as well as helping the student develop self-discipline. Disciplinary
responses may include but are not limited to the actions described in this handbook.
There are specific guidelines that each teacher has for his/her classroom. They will be discussed
the first week of school and will be displayed in the class as a visual reminder for students. Building
expectations for student behavior parallel District guidelines outlined in the Edwardsville CUSD #7
Handbook.
Any student behavior that may risk the safety of students and/or school personnel during the
educational day may result in consequences as outlined in the District Handbook.
6
Cafeteria/Playground Procedures
The cafeteria and playground are intended to be safe and pleasant for all. To ensure the safety of
everyone, students should make good choices and exhibit appropriate behavior. In the cafeteria,
good manners are expected to be used at all times. In addition:
1. Students will follow directions given by the cafeteria and/or playground monitors.
2. Students will sit in their assigned seats.
3. The tables and eating areas will be kept clean.
4. Students will use a conversational voice level when talking to others at their table. They
will not leave their table to talk to other students.
5. All food and drink will stay inside the cafeteria.
6. Students must have a pass from their teacher to return to the classroom after lunch.
7. When the weather makes it necessary, students will bring their coats, hats and gloves
with them to the cafeteria.
Students have twenty minutes to eat their lunch in the cafeteria. When dismissed to the playground,
those students not finished eating may move to a designated table to finish lunch before joining
their classmates on the playground.
The price for lunch in the cafeteria is $2.70. The cost for breakfast is $1.25. Milk is $.60.
The District 7 Food Service Department is utilizing myLunchMoney, a service that allows parents to
prepay for their child’s school breakfast, lunch, and ala carte food items using their credit or debit
card. The service can be accessed at www.myLunchMoney.com. The service is optional.
On the playground, all students will be able to enjoy the time spent outdoors if everyone is treated
with respect. In addition:
1. Equipment is to be used in the manner for which it was manufactured.
2. All students should be provided the opportunity to participate in the activities taking place.
3. All students will walk from the building to the playground and from the playground back to
the classroom.
4. Students need permission to re-enter the building.
5. Students will follow playground rules and comply with directions given by school personnel.
6. Students will use equipment provided by the school.
Detention Procedures
Detention at Columbus School is a consequence for making poor choices. After-school detentions
will be served on Tuesday or Thursday, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. A slip will be sent home to parents
indicating why a detention was assigned, and when it will be served. The slip requires a parent
signature. If the slip is not returned to the teacher on the following day, a second detention may be
assigned. The same procedure applies to referrals sent home from the office.
When assigned a detention, a student will arrive at the detention room promptly and bring all
necessary materials to the room. There will be no talking during this period, and students will not be
permitted to leave the room until dismissal. Transportation arrangements should be made before
the detention is served. If a student does not serve the assigned detention, he/she may be assigned
a half-day in-school detention, to be served in the office the next day of student attendance.
7
Homework Procedures
Students will be assigned weekly homework to be completed outside of the classroom.
Assignments will be recorded in the students’ planners, which are provided by the Columbus PTO.
Homework is due to the teacher on the assigned date. Students not completing tasks on time will
incur the consequences as set by the grade level.
Columbus School Grading Scale
The following scale will be used by all third, fourth and fifth grade teachers:
100
A+
82-83
B-
64-69
D
94-99
A
80-81
C+
62-63
D92-93
A-
74-79
C
0-61
F
90-91
B+
72-73
C84-89
B
70-71
D+
Those students who earn a 3.5 GPA or higher on their reports cards will be placed on Honor Roll
each quarter. The Grade Point Average is calculated using the average of grades from Reading,
Math, Spelling, English, Social Studies, Science and Health.
Student Planners
All students at Columbus School will be provided with a student planner, courtesy of the Columbus
PTO. It is used to record homework assignments. Along with teaching students important
organizational and study skills, this is a vital communication tool for teachers and parents. The
student planner should be reviewed with your child every night and should be signed by a parent or
guardian.
Parent Conferences
Communication between home and school is an important link to a child’s academic success. To
set a parent/teacher conference, an appointment should be made in advance with the teacher
for a time when he/she can give the parent/s his/her full attention. Parents coming to school for a
conference must sign-in with the office before going to the classroom.
Medication Policy
Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 has adopted a policy regarding administration
of medication (including non-prescription medications such as aspirin, Tylenol, and cough
drops) during school hours and at school-related events. A student who needs medication
to be administered during school hours or school-related events must have submitted a
completed request for Medication to be Administered at School form. A student may possess
medication prescribed for asthma for immediate use at the student’s discretion, provided the
student’s parent/guardian has authorized the student to carry and self administer the medication
and has completed and signed the form entitled “Request for Medication to be Administered at
School.” If authorized by the student’s physician and the student’s parent/guardian and physician
have completed the form entitled “Request for Medication to be Administered at School,” a student
may carry and self administer an epinephrine auto-injector. If authorized by the student’s physician
and the student’s parent/guardian and physician have completed the form entitled “Request for
Medication to be Administered at School,” a student may also possess the supplies and equipment
necessary to manage their diabetes pursuant to a physician approved Diabetes Care Plan. Please
see the building principal or nurse regarding the District’s medication policy and to obtain required
forms.
8
The STUDENT INFORMATION FORM is the only source for school personnel to know whom to
contact in the event of a serious injury or illness, and exactly how to contact these persons. It is
imperative that the information on this form be kept current at all times.
Students with Diabetes
A diabetes care plan will be developed for any student who seeks assistance with diabetes care in
the school setting. It is the responsibility of the student’s parent or guardian to share information
regarding the student’s diagnosis, recommended treatment and required medication upon the initial
diagnosis or any change to the treatment plan. Parents must provide the student’s health care
provider’s instructions concerning the student’s diabetes management in writing to school staff.
The diabetes care plan shall include the treating health care provider’s instructions concerning the
student’s diabetes management during the school day, including a copy of the signed prescription
and the methods of insulin administration.
Students with Life Threatening Food Allergies
The District has implemented a life threatening food allergy management program which identifies
students with life threatening food allergies, prevents exposure to known life-threatening food
allergens, responds to life-threatening allergic reactions to food, and educates and trains school
personnel who interact with students with life-threatening food allergies on the management of
students with life-threatening food allergies. Parents of students with life threatening allergies
must provide the District with written documentation from the student’s health care provider which
identifies the allergy upon diagnosis and annually thereafter.
Medical Excuse from P.E. and/or other restrictions
If a child has been absent from school or under a physician’s care, the student needs
documentation from a health care provider, giving guidance about the activities in which he/she
can participate. A release from the physician when a child can return to all scheduled activities is
needed as well. Documentation can be provided in letter form or can be faxed to the school at (618)
655-1099.
Leaving School
1. Students may not leave the school grounds without permission from the office.
2. If parents/guardians wish to sign out their child/children before the end of the school day,
check in at the office first. Office personnel will call the students to the office. Teachers will
not dismiss a student from class unless a request to do so has been made from the office.
This procedure maintains students’ safety and accurate attendance records.
3.Students will not be permitted to go home with a friend or relative without written permission
that must be received before dismissal.
4. Students will not be dismissed to anyone other than parents or adults listed on the
emergency card unless a note is received.
5. These procedures will be followed, with no exceptions.
Parking Facilities
To pick up students after school, parents must use the circle drive adjacent to the playground on the
College St. side of the school. It will require that parents pull their car onto the parking lot, and pick
up students in the drive-through area where they will be supervised. Students may not be picked up
on College St., High Street, or Kansas Street, or cross over to the church unattended by a parent.
9
Students must use the crosswalks when crossing any street bordering Columbus School. The
procedures will better ensure student safety and will be followed, with no exceptions. Please leave
the school bus lanes clear of parking and drive slowly during school hours.
The First Presbyterian Church allows us to use their parking area. Please observe the signs in
the church lot. During church activities, parking may be restricted. The church is a very gracious
neighbor, and we appreciate their willingness to help Columbus expand available parking during the
school day.
In the event of inclement weather, students will remain inside the building. Parents may drive up to
the cafeteria entrance on College St., and school personnel will send students to vehicles as cars
arrive at the entrance.
Recess during Inclement Weather
Many considerations must be made in determining use of the playground for recess. The
temperature (including the wind chill factor), the condition of the playground, the length of time the
children will be outside, and finally, students’ play attire, must all be considered when determining
where recess is to be held. If it is not appropriate for students to be outside, an alternate activity will
be planned.
Special Occasions
It is at the teacher’s discretion to determine if and when a snack is part of the daily schedule.
Healthy snacks that do not require preparation are encouraged. ALL snacks must be commercially
wrapped. For health and safety reasons, we do not accept homemade goods. This policy applies to
all school celebrations.
Birthday treats for classrooms should be dropped off in the main office at the start of the day. All
treats are checked for allergens prior to being sent to the classroom. Teachers will pause instruction
for a short period of time toward the end of the school day to recognize birthdays and distribute
treats.
Party Invitations
Please keep in mind that party invitations may only be distributed at school if ALL children in a
classroom receive an invitation. To minimize the disruption to the school day, students may not
distribute party invitations during instructional time. In addition, school staff will not be responsible
for this distribution.
Visitors
To maximize instructional time for students, and to ensure their safety, the following procedures are
in place for visitors to the building:
1. Building access is provided only through the Kansas St. main entrance during normal
school hours of 9:05 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
2. All visitors are required to provide photo identification and sign-in with the School
Safety Officer at the SSO station, where they will receive a Visitor’s Pass.
3. If you are in the building without a pass, faculty and staff will direct you back to the
office.
4. Student visitors are not permitted to accompany registered students to school or to
lunch/recess.
5. All unauthorized persons shall be required to leave the premises.
10
Safety Alert Program
In order to improve communication with parents, District 7 implements a safety and weather alert
system. The system will consist of three components: an email safety alert system, a telephone
broadcast system, and a web alert system.
Safety Alerts - Violence
The system is used to alert parents to viable threats and/or to dispel rumors. Students sometimes
attempt to use fear to manipulate others around them—often because they think it’s funny or just
want to have a day off.
All threats will be treated seriously and will be investigated by the district and public safety officials.
Anyone responsible for threats faces tough penalties, including possible expulsion from school and
criminal prosecution.
Safety Alerts - Weather
The system is used to alert parents to cancellation of school due to inclement weather.
Safety Alert Notification
A message will be posted on each alert component stating one of the following:
• There are no current safety alerts; please disregard rumors
• There is a viable threat
• School has been cancelled due to inclement weather
Parents can access safety alert information in three ways:
• Subscribe to the email alert system at www.ecusd7.org/alert/subscribe.asp
• Parents will receive messages by phone on the numbers listed on their child’s Student
Information Sheet
• Visit the District’s website at www.ecusd7.org/alert
Subscribers to the Email Alert system will not be able to reply to the system.
Pick-up Procedures in the Event of the Evacuation of Students to an Alternate Facility
1. Prepare your child. Children who are prepared experience less fear and hysteria. Let your child
know who can make the pick-up at school if you are unable to do so. Reassure your child that he/
she will be cared for until you arrive.
2. Keep your child’s emergency contact information up-to-date. The only people other than
yourself who will be allowed to pick up your child are those whom you authorize on the Student
Information Sheet. No student will be allowed to leave with another person, even a relative, unless
the school has prior written permission from the parent/guardian.
3. Remain calm. It is imperative that you do not strain resources that are attempting to direct and
maintain emergency responses. Follow all instructions given by School and Emergency Response
Officials to facilitate an orderly process.
4. Do not call school and tie up the school phone. Information will be disseminated to parents
through the school district’s Telephone Broadcast System, Email Alerts, Web Alerts (www.ecusd7.
org), the District’s Alert Hotline (618-655-6090).
5. If possible, walk from your home. Parent parking areas will be congested. Ride with another
parent if possible.
6. Park only in areas designated for parents. Do not park in other areas that may be designated for
emergency response vehicles or areas that may block an orderly flow of traffic.
11
7. Do not attempt to pick up your child directly from the student assembly area. Parents and
authorized adults must first report to the Student Request Table.
8. Bring a government-issued, photo ID with you to the Student Request Table and Student
Release Table. Students will only be released to their parents or to an adult designated on the
child’s Student Information Sheet.
9. Talk to the Parent Information Officer if you have any questions. This will help the Student
Release Team avoid bottlenecks at the Student Request and Student Release Tables.
10.Pick up all students for whom you are authorized.
11.Sign out at the Student Release Table. The staff will locate and bring your child to you. No
student will be released without a parent signature, noting time of release, destination, and phone
number.
12.Leave the campus immediately after being reunited with the student.
13.Information from the school district on retrieving student property that may still be left on
school property will be forthcoming.
Web Page
Technology is a valuable communication tool that can be used to get information about school activities
or discuss issues with teachers. The Columbus web site can be accessed at
www.ecusd7.org/columbus.
Student Dress Code
According to the Edwardsville ECUSD #7 Handbook policy, the following guidelines will be enforced at
Columbus School:
1. Dress indicating affiliation with any group that advocates dangerous or unlawful activity is not
acceptable and will not be tolerated.
2. Hats, caps, and outerwear such as coats and jackets may not be worn in the building during the
school day and must be placed in the student’s storage area.
3. Clothes displaying alcohol or drug related images, words, or phrases, or logos are not
acceptable.
4. Clothes displaying vulgar or suggestive writing, pictures, or images are not acceptable.
5. Clothes that expose a student’s undergarments by being excessively loose and sagging, sheer,
small, or having holes in them are not acceptable.
6. Clothes that expose the back, sides, or midriff of a student are not appropriate for the school
setting, and are not acceptable.
7. The use of unusual make-up, such as face and/or hair painting, creates disruption and
distraction in the building and is not acceptable.
8. The wearing of dog collars, chains, or wallet chains is not acceptable.
Each student has the responsibility to dress and groom in a manner that meets reasonable community
standards of good taste, health, safety, and cleanliness while not disrupting the educational process.
The above guidelines describe some types of dress that are not acceptable in the school setting.
A Home-School Partnership Promise
By coming together as families, teachers, and school staff, we form this partnership and affirm the
importance of family involvement in children’s learning. We promise to:
• Share responsibility at school and at home to give students a better education and good start in
life.
12
• Be welcoming to families; reach out to families before problems arise; offer challenging
curriculum; create safe and drug-free learning environments; organize opportunities to improve
student learning; and support families to be included in the school decision-making process.
• Encourage families to monitor student attendance, homework completion, and television
watching; take time to talk with and listen to their children; become acquainted with teachers,
administrators, and school staff; read with children; volunteer in school when possible; and
participate in the school decision-making process.
• Promote effective two-way communication between families and schools.
• Provide opportunities for families to learn how to help their children succeed in school and for
school staff to work with families.
• Support home-school efforts to improve student learning by reviewing progress regularly and
strengthening cooperative actions.
If you need clarifications or have questions about any of the material covered in this handbook,
contact Dr. Schlueter at 656-5167.
13
School Calendar 2016-2017
August 16, 2016
First Day of School - Full Day Student Attendance
September 5, 2016
Labor Day - No Student Attendance
October 7, 2016
Madison County Teacher Institute Day - No Student Attendance
October 10, 2016
Columbus Day - No Student Attendance
October 14, 2016
First Quarter Ends - Half Day Teacher Inservice November 11, 2016 Veterans Day - No Student Attendance
Parent Conferences, November 21-23, 2016
• Monday, November 21 (5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.)
• Tuesday, November 22 (1:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.)
No Student Attendance
• Wednesday, November 23 (8:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon)
No Student Attendance
November 24-25, 2016
Thanksgiving Holiday - No Student Attendance
December 21, 2016
End of First Semester
December 22, 2016January 2, 2017
Holiday Break - No Student Attendance
January 16, 2017
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - No Student Attendance
February 17, 2017
District 7 Teacher Institute Day - No Student Attendance
February 20, 2017
Presidents Day - No Student Attendance
March 10, 2017
End of Third Quarter
April 10-April 14, 2017
Spring Break – No Student Attendance
May 18, 2017
Last Day of Student Attendance
(If all seven [7] snow days are used, last day for students is June 1, 2017)
14