Parent-Student Handbook and
Calendar of Events 2015-2016
Belleview Elementary School
~ An Equal Opportunity School District ~
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the 2015 – 2016 school year at Belleview Elementary School. Please read through this handbook and
calendar with your child during the first week of school and review rules and policies with your child. Valuable information
about our school is located on every page. A newsletter will be sent home with each interim progress report and report card
giving you additional dates of events, activities, and/or parent workshops for each month. Please write any additional dates or
changes to the calendar pages for easy reference.
The Calendar of Events section contains information about events that were known at the time of printing. Please use
the Calendar of Events section as a working calendar to record additional events as they are scheduled. Each newsletter has a
section about upcoming events and is a great resource for adding events, testing dates, etc. to the calendar as they are
scheduled. Dates for state required tests are not on the calendar since the specific dates for each test were not available
but the testing will still occur in the spring, mostly during late March and throughout May. Also notice that there are again a
couple of “Weather Emergency Make-Up Days” on the calendar. If we are forced to take hurricane days and close the school,
the district calendar has designated dates in November and June that will be used if necessary for emergency weather makeup days. Otherwise these are non-school days.
We are providing one of these informational calendars to each family. If you desire additional calendars, you may
purchase them in the office for $3.00 each. A limited number of extra calendars are available for purchase so if you need
more please buy them soon.
The staff and I are looking forward to working with you and your child this school year. We took our last year’s theme and
have expanded it for our theme this year of “Saddle Up for Success – Riding the Quality Trail!” Throughout the year we will
use this theme to help our students achieve success both academically and behaviorally.
Sincerely,
Brenda Conner,
Principal
Table of Contents
Page 1
Page 2
Pages 3 - 4
Page 5
Page 6
Pages 7 – 8
Pages 9
Pages 10
Page 11
Pages 12
Page 13
Pages 13 - 14
Page 14
Pages 15
Pages 16 - 17
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Table of Contents, Equal Opportunity School System Information
Address, Phone Numbers, General School Information
Campus Maps
Administrative and Instructional Staff
Non-Instructional Staff
Arrival and Departure from School
Attendance, Tardies, and Early Checkouts
Cafeteria, Cell Phones
Contact Information, Discipline and Behavior
Dress Code, Extended Day Care Program
Field Trips
Health and Medical Information
Home Practice
Instruction, Assessment and Grade Reporting
Library and Media Center Information
Lost and Found, Majority to Minority Transfers
Make-Up Work, Money and Payments, Parent-School Communication
Parent Involvement, Parties and Classroom Events, Pledges
Release of Information, Visitors and Volunteers, Walking Students to Class
~ An Equal Opportunity School District ~
Students in Marion County are entitled to certain rights, standards, and protections including those of due process, equal opportunity protection, accurate and confidential record
keeping, safeguards to health and safety, and access to suitable employment. The School Board is committed to affording students the benefits of these rights, standards, and
protections. Students who feel that they have questions concerning this matter have the right and responsibility of discussing such questions with the school’s administration.
The Marion County Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, or qualified disability in its employment
practices and in its access and admission to educational programs, services, and activities.
This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the, Florida Educational Equity Act of 1985, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, Title IX Amendments of 1972, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Questions or request for additional information regarding the above mentioned acts may be forwarded to
the designated compliance administrator.
Rose Cohen, Equity Assurance Director, ADA, Title IX and Equity Issues
phone: (352) 671-7711
Amanda Steckman, Program Specialist for Section 504 Inquiries
phone: (352) 671-6860
512 SE Third Street,
Ocala, Florida 34471
Belleview Elementary School
5556 S.E. Highway 484
Belleview, Florida 34420
www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/bve
Motto: Be the BEST, Show SUCCESS
Colors: Blue, White, and Silver
Mascot: Bronco
Mission Statement: Belleview Elementary School will provide a quality learning environment where students will learn and become
responsible, self-sufficient citizens who will be willing and able to become contributing members of our democratic society.
School Days:
Early Release Days:
Office Hours:
7:45 A.M. – 2:05 P.M.
7:45 A.M. – 12:05 P.M.
7:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Telephone Numbers
Main Office
Fax
Cafeteria
Extended Day
Guidance Office
Health Clinic
Marion County School Board
Transportation
671-6100
671-6105
671-6103
671-6104
671-6101
671-6106
671-7700
671-7050
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Belleview Elementary School – Instructional Staff
2015 – 2016
Administration, Dean, Counselor
Brenda Conner – Principal
Monica McPhee – Assistant Principal
Terri Darnell – Dean
Jeanne Peluffo – Guidance Counselor
Megan Bolomey – Math Specialist
Chris Davis - Professional Development Specialist
Special Area Teachers
Deborah Rosetti – Art
Kevin Tindall – Music
Jeanne Baumel – P.E. Coach
Leo Gerace – P.E. Coach
Sandi Lewis – Media Specialist
Special Education Teachers
Arlene Biggers – SC-ESE
Vickie Conrad – SC-ESE
Jennifer Frangella SC-EBD
Marie Howe – SC-EBD
Amy Greene – ESE Pre-K
Sarah McQuary – ESE Pre-K
Sandra Gaw – Varying Exceptionalities
Nallas Lawson – Varying Exceptionalities
Suzanne Platt – Varying Exceptionalities
Tobi Doerffel – Speech
Susan Holbrook - Speech
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten
Jennifer Seamans
Kindergarten Teachers
Sarah Cairns
Sherra Griffis
Laura Paiz
Nalda Roberts
Karen Steinman
Angela Wilkerson
1st Grade Teachers
Lindsey Bigelow
Sommer Fugate
Marilyn Monroe
Theresa Roper
Ashley Stockel
Anna Worley
2nd Grade Teachers
Debra Davis
Denise Distel
Carolyn Hardy
Michelle Maurice
Melissa Richner
Pam Weeman
3rd Grade Teachers
Sonia Caro
Wendy Earnest
Henrietta Gates
Kim Jones
Andy McGuire
Laurie Pryor
4th Grade Teachers
Amy Gardner
Russell Kurland
Daureen Meadows
Deborah Richards
5th Grade Teachers
Cristy Hamblen
Barbara Karr
Emily Parker
Rachel Williams
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Belleview Elementary School – Non-Instructional Staff
2015-2016
Administrative Support Staff
Teri Nelson – Secretary
Millie Warner – Information Processing Clerk
Karen Furry – Receptionist
Jessica Leady – Guidance Clerk
Kathy Burkett– Media Assistant
Tammy Langley – Clinic Assistant
Betty Barosso – ESOL Paraprofessional
Janet Roman – ESOL Paraprofessional
Joanne Newberry – School Based Substitute Teacher
Custodial/Maintenance
D. J. Barns- Day Custodian
Valerie Connell – Lead Custodian
Sharon Duke-Clark - Custodian
_______________- Custodian
Mary Patterson - Maintenance
Cafeteria Staff
William Ostrander – Cafeteria Manager
Sonia Brady – Cafeteria Worker
Patricia Keif – Cafeteria Worker
Samantha Kirk – Cafeteria Worker
Christa Leubner – Cafeteria Worker
Jodi Ryder – Cafeteria Worker
Paraprofessionals
Deborah Ashworth
Desiree Bedell
Karen Bagent
Teresa Calcione
Doreen Cole
Cheryl Davidson
Michelle George
Vickie Godbee
Carlene Gooch
Masie Greenleaf
Lynda Kinard
Deborah Long
Tonya Lowe
Dixie Macolino
Betty Matchett
Zoila Morillo
Kevin Sinning
Lisa Smallridge
Andrew Smith
Tammy Tidwell
Tanya Viera
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ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL
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School Hours: The classrooms open at 7:20 a.m. The first bell rings at 7:40 a.m. and the tardy bell rings at 7:45 a.m. to
signal the start of the school day. The school day ends at 2:05 p.m. Because our staff is not available to supervise students
before 7:20 a.m., students should not arrive on campus before this time. Students not riding a bus must be picked up no
later than 2:20 p.m. or they may be placed in the Extended Day Program at the parent’s expense. If these drop off
and pick up times present a problem, we ask that you utilize our Extended Day Care Program to ensure safe supervision of
your child. Children who plan to eat breakfast need to go directly to the breakfast line.
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Morning Arrival: For safety, we highly encourage parents who drive to drop students off in our car loop which is
open from 7:20 to 7:43 a.m. In the mornings, we use an extended single file line in car loop and your child needs to
wait until we open the vehicle door. Please restrain any pets as we open the door. However, if you drive your child
to school and wish to have your child enter through the front lobby, you must park your car and walk your child to
the front door. For the safety of the students, do not simply drop off students in the parking lot. Please back in to
park near highway 484 or use a parking space close to 57th Ave. to limit traffic in the front area for children who walk
to school. Parents must wait with their children outside the lobby door until 7:20 when staff members are on duty and
students are allowed to enter the building. Marion County Schools and property are mandated to be free of smoking.
Please do not smoke in your car or use cell phones in our parking lot when you drive or walk onto our campus.
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Student Way Home: It is important to establish a consistent pattern with your child’s teacher of how your child will get
home. If you find it necessary to occasionally change your child’s way home, you must send a note to your child’s teacher with
your signature or fax a request to the front office at 671-6105 for your child to go home a different way. All faxes must
arrive prior to 1:00 p.m. and need to have your driver’s license or student identifying information on the fax. We suggest you
call to make sure your fax was received. Phone calls alone to change way home will not be accepted for safety purposes.
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Bike Riders and Walkers: State law requires that students riding their bikes to school wear a bike helmet. A bike rack is
available for students to use located behind the health portable. All walkers must cross at the cross walk with the crossing
guard or school employee and enter through the front of the school.
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Front Gate Pick-Up: Parents who wish to walk their child home, may meet their child at the front gate. Parents picking up
students at the front gate must always produce a Front Gate Pick Up card (one child’s name per card) that is obtained
in the front office where identification and authorization to pick up is verified. All students must be picked up by 2:15
from front gate. For safety, do not bring animals with you to the front gate. If you drive, you must park and walk to the
front gate. Back in to park so you will have a clear view when you leave. Avoid parking in the grassy ditch area near the bus
gate to prevent crossing over the bus lane. Parents who drive are encouraged to use the car loop.
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Car Rider Pick-Up: The car rider loop is located on the east side of the school. Parents picking up students in the car loop
need to obtain a Car Rider Pick Up card from the front office where identification and authorization is verified. This card
must be displayed in the front window of the vehicle until the child is placed in the car by a staff member. In the
afternoon we use a double line for car pick-up. Car riders must be picked up no later than 2:20 p.m. or they may be placed in
Extended Day at the parent’s expense. Students should wait for a staff member or a safety patrol student to open the car
door before entering or departing the car. If you have pets inside your vehicle, they must be restrained while we are
unloading or loading the vehicle. Remember to have your child use his/her seat belt.

Bus Transportation: Bus transportation is provided for eligible students as long as the child abides by the rules of safety
and proper behavior. Students with serious or repeated bus violations may lose the privilege of riding the bus. Students
suspended from riding the bus are still obligated by state law to attend school, and it is the parents’ responsibility for
transportation. Glass containers, animals, and excessively large objects such as science projects are not allowed on the bus.
During the first week of school the district safety policy requires your child to ride the bus in the morning if he/she will be
riding the bus home in the afternoon. Generally, no exceptions are allowed to ensure the safety of the students.
Students who ride a bus must abide by the bus rules:
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Be on time, the bus cannot wait for children who are tardy.
Stand off the roadway while waiting for the bus.
Stay in your seat at all times while the bus is moving.
Keep arms and hands inside the bus.
Always obey the driver who is in full charge of the students on the bus.
Observe good classroom conduct while on the bus.
Do not eat or drink on the bus.
Remember the driver and/or school administration has the right to assign seats on the bus.
Any severe behavior infraction may result in immediate suspension from bus transportation
Bus Silence Signal: Dome lights on school busses are used to signal children when they need to be quiet. When the dome light is on,
all students must be totally silent. Normally, this is when they are loading and unloading the bus, at an intersection, or at a railroad
crossing. The driver also may use the dome light if an unsafe condition exists.
During the school year, students may not ride a bus other than the one assigned. Any changes of buses for any reason other than a
change of address must be approved by the county transportation department at 671-7050.
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ATTENDANCE, TARDIES AND EARLY CHECKOUTS
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Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance is required by Florida Law (FS 1003.24). It is the parent’s responsibility to
see that the child attends school every day and arrives on time. When students are absent from school, they miss skills
taught and when they do return, they are being taught skills that build on skills they missed. When a child is absent, the
parent/guardian must send a note to the school within 3 days of the child returning to school in order for the school to
determine if the absence is excused or unexcused. The note must be dated and reflect the student’s name, date of absence,
reason for the absence, and parent/guardian signature. Marion County recognizes the following as excused absences:
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Student illness (If a child has several repeated absences or tardies due to illness, a doctor’s excuse will be required.)
Death in the family
Medical appointment (doctor’s note required)
Religious holiday
Approved school activity
Advanced absence may be classified as excused by school administration. (Two week notification is required and
absence must be something that could not be scheduled during a non-school day.)
Students may be referred to the Child Study Team for nonattendance when they have 5 unexcused absences within a calendar
month or 10 unexcused absences within a 90 calendar day period (FS 1003.26). A student who has 15 or more unexcused absences
within a 90 day calendar period is considered a habitual truant and interventions leading to court actions may occur (FS 1003.27).

Tardies: Students must be in their classrooms before the tardy bell rings at 7:45 or they will be
counted as tardy. Parents bringing a child to school late should walk the child into the school and
check the child in at the front office where he/she will be taken to class. When a student arrives
to school late, the class is disrupted as time is spent escorting the child to class and trying to
explain what has already been missed. Students with 5 or more tardies per nine weeks may be
addressed as a disciplinary issue in accordance with the Marion County Code of Student Conduct and
parents may receive wake up phone calls to help them get their children to school on time.

Early Check Outs: Checking a child out early from school is strongly discouraged. The child leaving early is not the only
student missing instruction. The class is disrupted by the call into the classroom and other students miss instruction as they
assist with escorting the child to the office. If it is necessary to check your child out early from school, the person checking
out the student should come to the front office and show his/her driver’s license to the receptionist. The receptionist will
check the child’s emergency medical form to make sure the person is authorized to check the student out of school and then
call for the student. No check outs are allowed 30 minutes prior to dismissal (1:35 p.m.) per district policy.
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CAFETERIA
Marion County School will continue to pilot an option under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the
Community Eligibility Option (CEO) for this school year. All Marion County Public Elementary Schools will provide healthy breakfasts
and lunches each day at no charge for ALL students throughout this school year.
Breakfast Served 7:20 – 7:45 – All elementary school students may eat a complimentary breakfast each day at no charge.
Breakfast is taken to the classroom (except for K students) and should be eaten by the end of morning TV announcements. There is
no charge for breakfast. All Title I Pre-K and Kindergarten students eat in the cafeteria at this time. Our 1st – 5th grade students
should go through the breakfast line as soon as they arrive and then go directly to class. ESE Pre-K and our self-contained InD
students eat in the cafeteria after morning TV announcements.
Lunch- (25 minutes) –Students should enjoy socializing with their classmates during lunch time but must use
appropriate behavior. Many children have food related allergies or medical conditions so we don’t allow students
to share food.
Lunch is free but students may also purchase extra milk, juice, water and healthy snacks, as separate items.
If you wish to send in money to put in your child’s account for this purpose, please remember to put the
money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name on the outside stating the money is for the lunch account.
If you would like to know the balance of your child’s account, please call 671-6103 and speak with our
cafeteria manager.
Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their child but may be asked to sit at the end of the table by your child. You may also eat in
the courtyard with your child. Please stop by the front office and show your driver’s license in order to get a visitor pass. Parents
are also asked not to bring lunch items to share with children other than your own child.
CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones devices may be in the possession of students on campus but cannot be visible or activated or they will be
confiscated and only returned to the parent/guardian. The exception to activation would be under the approved
direct supervision of school personnel in the office or classroom. Other electronic devices are not allowed except
for special PBS technology events. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen phones or other electronic
items.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
It is VERY IMPORTANT that the school has correct phone numbers where the parents can be reached especially in case of an
emergency. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school promptly when a change in phone numbers or address occurs
in order for the school to maintain current contact information. If you need to make an address change, you must provide proof
of residency.
DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOR
Our aim at Belleview Elementary is to foster a sense of responsibility and respect in all students. The school’s strong policy on
discipline states that one student’s misconduct cannot be allowed to infringe upon the right of another student to learn. When
discipline is necessary, we follow the Marion County Code of Student Conduct guidelines.
Students may not bring toys or other items not needed for an educational purpose. Items brought to school that are not for
educational purposes will be confiscated and only returned to the parent/guardian. The school is not responsible for lost or
stolen items of this type.
To assist students in understanding expectations for behavior at school, we have developed the Belleview Basics which are
expectations that students are expected to adhere to daily. The Belleview Basics are:
1. Be Respectful
2. Be Responsible
3. Be Safe
4. Be an Active Learner
Classroom and school rules are developed and shared with students for each of these four expectations.
Belleview Elementary school participates in the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) program which focuses on supporting and rewarding
students for good behavior. As a school-wide reward, we utilize Bronco Bucks which staff members may award to students at any
time for practicing one of our four expectations. Bronco Bucks may be spent on various PBS school events or activities periodically
throughout the year as well as in the classroom as planned by the teacher. PBS school event and activities are listed on the Calendar
of Events. Bronco Bucks must be earned by the student and may not be traded, sold, given to other students, or reproduced.
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DRESS CODE
The Marion County School Board believes that proper etiquette, social customs, and good grooming are a definite part of the
educational process. It is expected that students wear to school or school functions neat, clean, appropriate clothing that meets
the standards of this educational environment. Any extreme in clothing, hair, cosmetics, jewelry, or appearance that may disrupt
the normal operation of the school will not be acceptable. The following rules will be in effect in all Marion County schools:
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Students should wear clothing and accessories in keeping with their gender. Appropriate undergarments should be worn but
not be visible at any time.
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Students may not wear hats of any kind within the school building unless approved by the school administration for special
occasions. “Hats” include bandanas, caps, sweat bands, visors, and similar hat-like apparel.
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Students may not wear clothing or other items with pictures, logos, phrases, decals, patches, emblems, or words printed on
them that are obscene or disruptive in the judgment of the school administration. This includes, but is not limited to
nude/semi-nude figures; or figures in sexually suggestive postures; or logos of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or
prohibited substances; or satanic/occult references or gang identification.
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Tops must be long enough to clearly overlap the belt line or stay tucked in during the course of normal movement through out
the day. Shirts falling below mid-thigh length should be tucked in. No bare-midriff shirts/blouses, sleepwear, muscle shirts,
tank tops or spaghetti straps (unless a shirt is worn underneath) may be worn.
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Garments with a waistband must be secured at the waist and not show underwear or midriff. Shorts and skirts are
permitted at all grade levels and will be mid-thigh length or longer. Short under skirts/dresses is encouraged.
Students must wear shoes for foot protection and for hygienic reasons while on school grounds or school
transportation. Bedroom slippers or shoes with wheels and/or skates are not permitted and flip flops are
discouraged for safety reasons.. Sneakers must be worn during P.E. classes and recess. Boot sneakers that lace
up the calves are not appropriate and safe for P.E. Jewelry must be worn in a way that does not present a
safety or health hazard or cause a disruption to the education process.
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Wallet chains or dog collars are not permitted.
The principal may make exceptions to the dress code for special events or activities.
EXTENDED DAY CARE PROGRAM
Extended Day Care Program is available on campus each morning from 6:30 A.M. until the beginning of the school day and at the end
of the school day until 6:00 P.M. Weekly costs are $20 for morning, $40 for afternoon, or $50 for both. Parents must also pay a
$25 registration fee. Children must be picked up from afternoon care by 6:00 P.M. or be charged overtime fees. Occasional drop in
fees are $10 per morning and $20 per afternoon with $30 per afternoon charged on early release days. Extended Day Program is
managed by Marion County Public Schools Community Technical and Adult Education Center and may be contacted at 671-4135.
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FIELD TRIPS
Marion County Permission to Transport Form must be on file before any student may participate on a field trip. Permission slips and
payments must be turned in by the due date and on time or the child will not be allowed to attend. All payments need to be sent to
the student’s teacher since the teacher is responsible for verifying the collection of money for district auditing. Place money in a
sealed envelope with your child’s name on it and purpose of the money. Checks must include a physical address, phone number, and
name of the child. Refunds for students who are absent for the trip must be requested by the parent in writing, but no refund can
be made for the cost of the transportation portion of the trip or non-refundable tickets. Parents who are chaperoning a field trip
must adhere to the chaperone guidelines and have an approved volunteer form on file prior to the date of the trip. If a grade level
is able to have more than one field trip during the year, priority for chaperones will be given to parents who have not accompanied
their child on a field trip earlier in the school year. The school reserves the right to deny a student to participate in a field trip due
to behavioral issues.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL INFORMATION

Accidents and Illnesses: When a child becomes ill or has an accident, the school will make every effort to
notify the parent. Please make sure the school has current, working phone numbers and emergency contact
people designated. If the school determines the child is too ill or injured to remain at school, the parent is
required to remove the child from school promptly. If a parent or designated contact person cannot be
reached or the child is not picked up, the child may be transported to the emergency room at the parent’s
expense.
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Head Lice: Marion County Public Schools abides by a NO NIT Policy concerning head lice to keep students lice free, nit free
and to keep students in school with as little time missed as possible. Students are temporarily excluded from school to
prevent the spread of lice caused by surviving and hatching nits (lice eggs). The family is responsible to remove all nits from
the student’s hair before the child returns to school. Upon return to school, the student and parent must report to the
school nurse in the health portable who will determine if the student is free of lice and nits in accordance with district policy.
Head lice absences are limited to 1 excused day per occurrence. A student who is absent from school in excess of 3
consecutive days because of head lice will be referred to appropriate school officials.
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Health Service: This year our health portable will be staffed by a clinic assistant. Our school participates in a healthscreening program according to Florida Statute 381.0056. Health problems may affect a child’s ability to learn and
therefore initial screenings are important. Trained school staff and/or health department staff perform the initial
screenings and if necessary, recommend a medical evaluation. Screening programs find possible problems, but a referral does
not reflect a medical diagnosis. It does not take the place of an examination by a doctor.
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If you do not wish your child to participate in the health screenings, you must submit a written request, annually during the
first week of school. If you have any questions, contact the School Health program with the Marion County Health
Department at 629-0137, ext. 2043. The Marion County School Health Services Plan for elementary is listed below:
Screening Provided
Vision
Growth & Development
Nutrition
Hearing
Grade Level
Pre-K, K, 1, 3
1, 3
1, 3 or by referral
Pre-K, K, 1
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Insurance: In the event your child is injured during regular school hours, any medical expenses incurred are the
responsibility of the parents. The Marion County School Board does not carry insurance on students. Parents are encouraged
to consider purchasing optional school time or extended 24 hour student accident insurance, offered each year through an
outside vendor for a nominal cost. Additional information on this optional coverage is available on the district homepage. A
student insurance enrollment form is included in your your child’s first day packet.
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Medications: Florida state law mandates the following regarding medication:
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Only prescription medicine in the original bottle with patient’s full name, date, dosage of drug, method and time of
administration may be administered at school. This prescription medication will also only be administered when the
official Parent Authorization Form is completed and on file in the health portable. The parent must also deliver the
medication directly to the school’s clinic so it can be properly checked in.
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No over-the-counter drugs are to be brought to school. This includes aspirin, cough drops, etc.
No medication may be transported on the school bus.
Students are responsible for going to the health portable at the required time to receive medication.
HOME PRACTICE
Students will be assigned home practice on a regular basis to reinforce skills and concepts taught in the
classroom. Please help your child find a quiet place at a regular time each day to work on this practice
assignment. Consistently doing home practice helps children develop good study habits. Additionally, 20
minutes of time should also be allocated each evening for reading. AR (Accelerated Reading) is a school-wide
program used to build fluency and comprehension. Encourage your child to read AR books. Book lists and
levels can be found online at www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/bve/media/ar.cfm.
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INSTRUCTION, ASSESSMENT AND GRADE REPORTING
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Instructional Focus Documents: Marion County Schools have developed “Instructional Focus Documents” in all core subjects
which include the skills that students should master at each grade level. Teachers use these documents to guide them in
lesson planning.
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Checking for Mastery of Skills: - Students will be checked for mastery of the skills for their grade level throughout the
school year using assessments which will be used as part of their grade.
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Testing (not used for grades):
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Florida Standards Assessment and FCAT – Florida Standards Assessment for English/Language Arts and Math is
administered to 3rd – 5th grade students in the spring with the Writing assessed in 4th and 5th grades. FCAT Science is
still administered to students in 5th grade only.
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AIMSweb Curriculum Based Measurement is used to assess student progress in reading and math three times per year.
This assessment meets the state requirements regarding continual monitoring of students. The information provided by
this assessment helps the teachers adjust instruction to meet the child’s needs.
Grade Reporting: Report Cards and Interims: Report cards will be sent home at the end of each nine-week period.
Students will receive interim progress reports approximately each four and one half weeks between report cards. Interim
progress reports let parents and students know their progress at the mid-point of the nine weeks so that the student has
time to improve before the nine-week grade is issued. Below are the Marion County Grading Scales.
Grading Scale K – 2nd Grade
E = 90 – 100% exceeding grade level expectations
N = 70 – 79 needs improvement
S = 80 – 89 successfully meeting grade level expectations
U = 0-69 unsatisfactory progress toward grade expectations
A = 90 – 100 outstanding progress
B = 80 – 89 above average progress
C = 70 – 79 average progress
E = 90 – 100 excellent
S = 89 – 90 satisfactory
Grading Scale 3rd – 5th Grade
D = 60 – 69 lowest acceptable progress
F = 0 – 59 failure
Art, Music, P.E. Grades and Conduct for All Grade Levels
N = 70 – 79 needs improvement
U = 0 – 69 unsatisfactory
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LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER INFORMATION

Check and Care of Library Books: Belleview Elementary has the privilege of having many books in the library/media center
for students to utilize. Students visit the media center each week with their class to check out books. Your child is allowed
to bring them home to practice reading and share the fun of reading with you! It’s important to model reading books and talk
about the books by asking who, what, why and how questions. The books your child is allowed to bring home belong to our
school library media center at Belleview Elementary. It is important that your child understands the responsibilities of
borrowing. Please reinforce what we have taught and encourage the following library rules:
◦
◦
Protect library and audio books by keeping them safe in backpacks until you’re ready to read.
Turn pages carefully, do not write or mark on any book, keep away from food and liquids, and keep all books away
from younger brothers, sisters, or pets that can destroy them.
◦
Return library books to school each week so others may enjoy them too.
Your child is responsible for the library book once it is checked out of the school library media center. If a book is damaged,
destroyed, or lost, parents are responsible for replacing the book. Remember, checking out library books can offer your child
a wonderful learning adventure with reading! Encourage reading and get excited about it! Set aside at least 20 minutes each
day to practice reading. Reading has a positive, measurable impact on student achievement.

Finding A.R. (Accelerated Reader) Books: Use the internet AR Book Finder website of
www.arbookfinder.com to determine:
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◦
See whether a book from home or the public library is an “AR book.”
Search all of the AR books by title, author, subject, or reading level.
The following sites can help you search for specific books of interest
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
Marion County School Library Book Search: http://mymariondestiny.marion.k12.fl.us/
Public Library Book Search: http://library.marioncountyfl.org
AR Renaissance Home Connect – Our students participate in the A.R. (Accelerated Reader) program. Parents can:
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See their child’s progress with A.R. by viewing the scores for the tests your child has taken on the computer.
Click “Email Setup” to sign up to receive emails showing your student's quiz or test results.
Click “Help” to get answers to your questions about Renaissance Home Connect.
Website:
User name:
Password:
https://hosted257.renlearn.com/72115/HomeConnect/Login.aspx
Student ID (Enter your child’s student ID which is the “lunch number”)
Student’s Date of Birth—(Enter: 2 digit month and 4 digit year)
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
Digital Citizenship – The media specialist assists students in understanding digital citizenship. When at school, students are
expected to be a good digital citizen by:
o
Using digital devices only for educational purposes.
o
Staying safe and practicing appropriate access when online.
o
Protecting private information and information of others.
o
Respecting themselves and others when online.
o
And saying “NO!” to cyber bullying.
LOST AND FOUND
Please make sure your child’s name is on the inside of all possessions and especially jackets and book bags so
that when these items become misplaced, we are able to return them to your child. Each year we have
dozens of jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, gloves, and hats that are turned into our Lost and Found
department and never claimed. Lost and Found is located in the guidance office. During the last week of
each nine weeks, these items will be displayed for students to claim before they are donated to charity.
MARION COUNTY MAJORITY TO MINORITY TRANSFER INFORMATION
The Board authorizes and supports the voluntary transfer of a student from a school in which his/her race is in the majority
to a school in which his/her race is in the minority, including transfer by any minority student from a school where the total
enrollment of minority students constitutes the majority. For the purposes of this policy, “minority” refers to non-white
persons.
 Application for reassignment made on the basis of majority-to-minority may be filed at any time.
 Transportation will NOT be provided by the Board for students approved for reassignment under the majority-to-minority
transfer policy.
 In the event that space is not available due to severe overcrowding at the requested school on a reassignment request under
the majority-to-minority transfer policy, the district shall offer a reasonably comparable alternative school reassignment. If
space is not available at the requested school, and the offer of an alternative is not accepted, the request shall be placed on
hold status until such time as space becomes available. At that time, the superintendent and/or his/her designee shall
contact the originator of the request and offer the opportunity to reactivate the request.
 Any out-of-area transfer request (reassignment request) which also qualifies as a majority-to-minority request shall be
treated as such, regardless of whether the out-of-area transfer for which the student applied would be granted or denied on
the basis for which the transfer was sought.
Please address questions or clarifications to Mr. Tony Burke, District Supervisor for Student Assignments and Reassignments at
671-7747.

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MAKE-UP WORK
If a student is absent for any reason, make-up work will be provided upon request. The responsibility for obtaining and making up
missed work rests with the student. Students have one day for every day he/she was absent to make up the work. Although
students may make up missed work, it does not take the place of being present for classroom instruction, therefore attendance
and punctuality is important. For an extended illness, parents are asked to please give the school 24 hours notice
prior to picking up homework. Homework requested may be picked up in the front office.
MONEY AND PAYMENTS
Whenever you send a payment with your child to school, please place the money in a sealed envelope with the
child’s name and purpose of the money on the envelope. All checks must have your physical address, phone
number, and your child’s name on the check or we will not be able to accept the check for payment.
PARENT-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Planners: Second through fifth grade students will be required to use agenda planners. They will be expected to write class
work, home practice and other assignments daily. Please check their planner DAILY. It is designed to help your child with
organization and to simplify school-home communications. The clear vinyl pouch in the back of the planner is perfect for
sending notes or envelopes with payments for lunch or field trips to school safely. Students in 2 nd through 5th grades will be
given a planner the first week of school. If a planner is lost, additional planners are available for purchase for $3.00.

Email: Parents may contact their child’s teacher through email. Teacher email addresses are posted on the staff tab of the
school website at www.marion.k12.fl.us/schools/bve .

Newsletters and Bulletins: Students will periodically receive information to take home to parent, generally on Wednesdays.
Some of the items may require parent signature. Additionally, you should also expect to see a parent newsletter with each
progress report or report card and periodic bulletins from the office. Newsletters and bulletins from the office will
generally be sent home on BLUE paper for easier identification. Look for this color when you check your child’s book bag. A
phone Bronco Bulletin message is also done each Sunday evening to keep parents informed.

Conferences: Parent and teacher communication is vital to the success of each student. Please contact the teacher with
whom you wish to schedule a conference several days in advance to make an appointment. Teachers are not permitted to take
class time away from their students after they begin to arrive at 7:20 A.M. to hold a parent conference or take parent phone
calls. Most parent teacher conferences are scheduled between 2:20 and 3:00 PM. after the students leave.
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
Student and Parent Portal: Students and parents may stay informed regarding such items as grades, test results, and
attendance through the Marion County Portal. The log-in information is the same from year to year. Parents who have not
signed up for the Parent Portal may do so in the main office (bring a photo ID). If the log-in information is forgotten or a
student is new to Marion County, the student should ask their teacher for the information.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents are encouraged to become involved in their child’s educational process. Resources for parents to use at home are available
free of charge. Games and activities may be checked out through our Parent Resource Room daily after student dismissal. You may
also contact your child’s teacher or Betty Matchett if you would like to have materials checked out in your name and sent home with
your child. In addition to parent teacher conferences, parents can also become involved in the school by becoming a school volunteer
or becoming a member of our School Advisory Council (SAC). Contact the main office of the school or attend our Volunteer
Orientation Breakfast to learn more about how to volunteer. Approximately four School Advisory Council meetings are held each
year. Please contact the school by early September if you are interested in serving on SAC
PARTIES AND CLASSROOM EVENTS
Limited parties (Christmas, Valentine’s and end of year) are allowed during the school day. Birthday parties are not held. Cupcakes or
cookies may be sent to be shared with the class after lunch. If you are interested in helping with classroom parties or events, please
contact your child’s teacher. For safety reasons, please send only prepackaged or purchased food items and avoid home-made items.
Pledges
Florida statute 1003.44 requires that the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag be recited at the beginning
of each school day in every public elementary and secondary school in the state. Exemption from
participation may be provided upon written request of the parent or guardian. Following the Pledge of
Allegiance, we also do our Belleview Pledge to help students to focus on having a positive day every day.
I pledge to give my BEST today
Let me tell you the Belleview way
Respect, effort and honesty, too
They means success for me and you.
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RELEASE OF INFORMATION-NOTIFICATION
The School Board of Marion County reserves the right to release student directory information without prior permission of the
parent. “Directory Information” includes the student’s name, address, telephone number if it is listed, date and place of birth,
participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of athletic team members, dates of attendance and
degrees and awards received. Parents objecting to this use of directory information concerning their child must notify the principal
in writing within 10 days after the beginning of each school year. The school system maintains permanent records on each student
containing information of clear educational importance, including the student’s legal name, date/place of birth, last known address,
parent’s/guardian’s names, demographic data, records of enrollment, attendance, courses taken and records of achievement.
VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS
Visitors must enter through the front door and present a driver’s license or other picture identification in
order to receive a visitor badge. Visitors must wear their visitor badge while on campus and go directly to the
location indicated on the badge. Please return the badge when leaving campus. If a parent wishes to visit their
child’s classroom, arrangements must be made with the administration 24 hours prior to the visit.
Volunteers help in the library, classrooms (usually other than their own child’s), with clerical tasks, or special
events. Contact our volunteer coordinator or attend our Volunteer Orientation that is held early each school year for information
and volunteer placement opportunities. A volunteer form must be completed each year and may be obtained at our orientation
or the front office. We will need to make a copy of your driver’s license to attach to the form. Volunteers must check in at the
front office and wear the volunteer badge and remain in the location on the badge. Please return the badge when leaving.
WALKING STUDENTS TO CLASS
Parents who bring their children to school are encouraged to use the car loop. If parents wish to escort their
child to class on the first day of the school year, the parents will need to park in the front parking lot and enter
through the front lobby. After the first day of school, students will walk themselves to class. Exceptions
are made for students in our self-contained special education program for the year (which are our ESE PreK and InD classes). Kindergarten and Title I Pre-K parents may walk their children to the cafeteria door
for breakfast through Friday of the first week of school. (Kindergarten and Title I Pre-K teachers escort
the children to the classroom after breakfast.) After the first week of school, Kindergarten and Title I
Pre-K students will walk the short distance to the front door of the cafeteria with staff monitoring them.
Parents may park in the front of the school and walk their child to the door of the lobby to say good-bye or preferably drop their
child off in the car loop. Our 5th grade Safety Patrol students are available to escort young children to class if needed.
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