FOREST HANDBOOK
FOREST Elementary School
34545 Old Timber Drive
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331
248.785.2068 248.788.2002 (fax)
Table of Contents
VISION STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
MISSION STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
REMINDER AND UPDATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.................. 4
2015-2016 MORNING DOOR ASSIGNMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
2015-2016 DAILY SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Contacting Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Contacting Students During the School Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Farmington Public Schools Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Friday Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Listserv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
On-line School Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
Parent/Teacher Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
WELLNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Health & Communicable Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Drug Awareness/Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Food & Environmental Allergies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Head Lice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Health Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Immunization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Medication and Medication Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Pets at School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
CLASSROOMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Classroom Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Items Children Should Leave at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Labeling Personal Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Materials & Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Social Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Snacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
BEHAVIOR AND ATTENDANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Behavioral Expectations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Daily Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Dress Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Release of Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Reporting Absences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2
Student Code of Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Weapons in School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
DAILY ROUTINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Arrival & Dismissal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Car Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Noon Aides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Recess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
School Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
School Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Visiting School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
GENERAL ITEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Half Days of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Emergency School Closing Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Emergency Closing Before Starting Time Inclement Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Mechanical Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Early Dismissal After School is in Session Inclement Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Mechanical Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
After-School Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Emergency Drills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Lost and Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PTA Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Y-Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Safety Patrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Technology User Agreement/Voice Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
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Vision Statement
The vision of Forest Elementary School is high achievement for and by all students, where learning is our most important
work.
Mission Statement
The Forest School community creates a safe, caring, and motivating learning environment that empowers students to grow
into contributing leaders in a changing world.
Reminders & Updates
The following represents practices and policies already in place at Forest Elementary School. Individual Teachers will have
specific procedures for their own classrooms, which will be communicated early in the year. Please review these items.
2016-2017 Morning Door Assignments
Signs with teacher names listed will be held by safeties to help children learn where they should line up while waiting to
enter school. All students line up between entrances number 4 and 5 on the west side of the school. During arrival and
dismissal times, students are expected to follow Forest behavior expectations; Forest Rocks! Respect, Ownership
Cooperation, Kind, School Spirit. Students and parents (except safeties) are not allowed in the building prior to 8:25 AM
(the first bell). We encourage our student's independence so parents say goodbye to students at the door.
2016-2017 daily Schedule
Morning Line up Begins – 8:15 AM
First Bell Rings – 8:25 AM
Classes Begin (second bell rings) 8:30 AM
Grades
K
st
1
nd
2
rd
3
th
4
th
5
Lunch
11:30 – 12:00
11:00 – 12:00
12:35 – 1:05
11:00 – 11:30
12:35 – 1:05
12:05 – 12:35
Recess
11:00 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:00
12:05 – 12:35
11:30 – 12:00
12:05 – 12:35
12:35 – 1:05
School Day Ends – 3:47 PM
Half Day Dismissal: 11:40 AM
Home/School Communications/Attendance
Contacting Teachers
Please feel free to contact teachers regarding your children. Teachers often indicate a preferred method of communication;
email, phone calls, notes, etc. Because teacher work with children during the “business day,” we ask for your patience
while awaiting a response. If you need to speak to a teacher, please schedule an appointment. By scheduling an
appointment, teachers can give you their undivided attention.
Contacting Students during the School Day
Please call the main office if you need to reach your child during the school day. If you have an item that needs to be
dropped off for a student (homework, lunch, etc.) please bring it to the main office.
Farmington Public Schools Website
The FPS website is a valuable resource of information for families. Often, the website can provide answers to commonly
asked questions: curriculum, calendars, in-district resources, etc. Please bookmark the website on your computer:
https://www.farmington.k12.mi.us.
Friday Folders
Most classrooms utilize a Friday Folder, where notes, announcements and messages are sent home once per week. The
FPS website has an electronic Friday Folder, https://www.farmington.k12.mi.us/efriday. Please bookmark the FPS
website and check it regularly. Additionally, individual classrooms may periodically e-mail updates to families.
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Listserv
The listserv is an email distribution system that Forest utilizes weekly to share information and updates. Please go onto the
FPS website, https://www.farmington.k12.mi.us/listserv and subscribe to the Forest Elementary Listerv.
On-line School Calendar
FPS publishes on-line school calendars for both the district and each school. Forest uses this calendar to provide families
with dates/times for many school-based events. Please bookmark the calendar link and refer to it frequently for information
regarding Forest and FPS: https://www.farmington.k12.mi.us/Page/24
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Formal conferences are held in the fall and spring of each school year. While a variety of conferencing formats may be
used (parent/teacher, student-led, parent/teacher/student), the goal is to communicate student’s progress at school. For
the 2014-2015 school year, fall conferences will be held on October 21 (evening) and the afternoon of October 24. Spring
conferences will be held on March 24 (evening).
During school hours, a teacher’s responsibility is toward his/her entire class. Impromptu meetings with the teacher in the
classroom may be disruptive to the educational setting and take time away from students. However, teachers often provide
time for families before school begins and after it closes. Because teachers are active on committees, have faculty
meetings to attend, etc., it is wise to telephone the school for an appointment or write a note to your child’s teacher.
Health & Communicable Disease
The following are symptoms suggesting communicable diseases. Children with these symptoms should be kept at home.
Should any of these symptoms be noted while children are in school, parents will be contacted immediately. Parents are
urged to have their child seen by a physician and child must be excluded from school until fully recovered. This should
include a period of 24 hours free from fever before returning to school.
Symptoms Common to Communicable Diseases
• Red or running eyes, sneezing, or thick colored discharge from the nose.
• Cough, particularly if persistent or productive.
• Sores and crusts on the scalp face or body particularly if red and swollen or draining.
• Any skin eruptions or rash (children with rashes must be kept home until a diagnosis by a health physician
is made.) Undiagnosed rashes pose a health threat to other students and adults.
• Sore throat.
• Swelling and tenderness of the glands, particularly about the face and neck.
• Fever, suggested by flushed, hot face.
• Nausea and vomiting (children should be “vomiting free” for 24 hours prior to returning to school.)
• Pain and stiffness of neck and headache.
• Diarrhea and persistent abdominal pain.
Drug Awareness/Prevention
Farmington Public Schools provides a safe and drug free school environment. Students at the elementary level are
provided with drug awareness training through programs such as B.A.B.E.S. (Beginning, Alcohol, Addiction, Basic,
Education, Study) offered in the third grade.
Food & Environmental Allergies
As in year’s past, Forest strives to remain a nut-free school. Please see that all foods brought to school are free of nuts.
While this may seem a cumbersome duty, it is important for the safety of children at Forest. If your child has severe food
allergies, that might require an immediate response, please complete the Food Allergy Action Plan enclosed in your first
day packet. The Food Allergy Action Plan requires a doctor’s signature. If your child has other environmental allergies
requiring immediate response, please provide documentation from your doctor indicating the action steps necessary.
Head Lice
Infrequently, students are found with head lice at school. When this happens, a child needs to be treated for head lice. A
letter is sent home to parents notifying them that a case of head lice was reported in their child’s classroom. Regular
screenings at home are an effective way to eliminate head lice from the school setting. Families should be checking their
own children on a regular basis. More information is available in the State of Michigan Head Lice Manual:
https://www.oakgov.com/health/information/Pages/Head-Lice.aspx
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Health Curriculum
In May of 1988, Farmington Public Schools’ Board of Education adopted a Comprehensive School Health curriculum.
Farmington’s health curriculum includes the topic areas of: disease prevention and control, personal health practices,
growth and development, emotional and metal health, nutrition, substance abuse, family health, consumer health,
safety/first aid and community health. Your child’s health curriculum will include a study of the human Immune-deficiency
virus (HIV) and AIDS, a most serious health problem facing the American public. In grades K-3, a single lesson per grade
level has been integrated within our existing health curriculum. Overall, these lessons are aimed at understanding illness
and concerns associated with disease. According to law, you have the right to review the materials and curriculum as well
as observe instruction in your child’s classroom. If you wish to do so, please contact the school to make arrangements.
By law, you have the right to excuse your child from participation in HIV/AIDS education and/or Family Life Education if you
choose. If you wish to exercise your right to excuse your child from instruction without penalty, please send a written notice
to the principal.
Immunization
All students are required to be immunized pursuant to the provisions of Michigan Public Health Code (MCL 33.9201-9229).
Students not meeting the immunization requirements of this code shall be excluded from school as required by provisions
of state law and Oakland County Health Status Code. The State of Michigan now requires that children ages four and older
receive four doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (DPT); three doses of Hepatitis B are required. Effective 2009/10
school year two doses of Varicella (chickenpox) or history of disease is required.
Medication and Medication Forms
It is policy of the Farmington Public schools to have written authorization for students taking medication of any kind
(including aspirin and medicated cough drops) during the school day. The school must have a written order from the family
physician stating the name of the medication, directions for administering, and the reaction that may be anticipated. These
orders must be renewed yearly or whenever there is a prescription change. Forms are available from the school office.
All prescription medications must be delivered to the school office by the parent or guardian along with the attached parent
and physician’s authorization form. Oral prescription medication must be delivered in its original container with pharmacy
label, including the child’s name, attached to the container. Students are not permitted to carry non-prescription
medications to school.
All medication must be kept to the school office and administered only by school personnel. This is a safety measure for all
children. The parent may come to school and administer the medication personally. The student is responsible for
reporting to the office at the time designated by the school for the administration of medication. It is the parents’
responsibility to check with the school staff to determine if a prescription needs refilling. The parent or guardian should
remove medication left over at the end of the student’s school year or it will be discarded.
Pets at School
Unless requested by a teacher, pets should remain at home. If walking a dog to school to drop-off or pick-up a child, please
arrange to pick-up your child in a location that is away from the school, such as the paths behind the school. According to
FPS policy, pets are not allowed on school playgrounds directly before or after the school day.
Classrooms
Classroom Parties
A few times during the school year, classrooms may elect to have a celebration connected to special days and/or events.
Children often find classroom parties a highlight of the school experience. Families are encouraged to participate in the
planning, hosting, clean-up and supervision of these special events.
Homework
Individual classrooms assign homework based on a variety of factors such as, current unit(s) or academic study and
developmental age of student. The amount or content of homework may not be exactly the same for all teachers, even in
the same grade level. If you have questions regarding homework, please contact your child’s individual teacher.
Items Children Should Leave at Home
An exhaustive list of the “do not brings: would be hard to develop, but there are a few helpful guidelines to follow. Unless
requested by a teacher (such as might occur during a “show & tell”), all toys should remain at home. Any item that has a
high value (sentimental or monetary) should also remain at home. All electronic devices should remain at home. When
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necessary, unacceptable items will be taken from students and then returned to families. Children should not bring large
sums of money to school. Of course, there are to be no weapons and/or dangerous items brought to school. The
possession of weapons and/or dangerous items may result in disciplinary action; up to and including suspension and/or
expulsion.
Labeling Personal Items
Please label all of your child’s personal items. Every year, thousands of dollars worth of clothing and accessories are lost
and end up being donated to charity organizations. Farmington Public School District and its staff are NOT liable for
damage to or loss of personal property of students. It is suggested that items brought to school by your child and
deemed by you to have substantial value be insured separately on your homeowner’s policy. Therefore, children are
asked not to bring items of significant monetary or sentimental value.
Materials & Supplies
Individual classrooms will have specific supply lists, and as a general rule, school will provide the “basics.” Please do not
spend too much money on classroom supplies; often the simplest supplies work quite well. Please do not allow children to
bring rolling backpacks to school. “True “backpacks” work better for carrying materials and fit more easily in our hallways.
Social Arrangements
We ask that invitations to out of school parties, etc. be distributed outside of the school day unless such invitations are
inclusive of all class members. This precludes situations that become embarrassing, hurtful and divisive. No child should
plan to go to the home of another child directly from school without a note from their parent clearly indicating the change in
dismissal.
Snacks
Often children are allowed to bring snacks to classrooms. When deciding on snacks, please consider both content and
portion size. Snacks should be single portioned easily consumed. The fruits and vegetables are simple and healthy, and
therefore, strongly encouraged. Individual classrooms will have specific procedures on how and when snacks should be
eaten. Of course all snacks must be nut free.
Behavior and Attendance
Behavioral Expectations
All students are expected to meet the positive behavior support expectations: be respectful, have ownership of your own
behavior, be cooperative, be kind and have Forest spirit. Forest Rocks! Early in the year, each classroom will discuss what
these expectations mean and how children can live them at school. Each classroom will have procedures which support
these expectations. Additionally, when necessary corrective actions may need to be taken to help children better
understand Forest’s behavioral expectations. Please refer to the FPS student code of conduct for additional information.
Daily Attendance
When school is scheduled to be in session, all students are expected to attend a full-day of school. Please schedule
appointments outside the school day. Students are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:28 AM and will remain in school
until 3:33 PM. Punctual, consistent attendance maximizes the effectiveness of school. In the event of excessive absences
or tardiness, the office will contact families.
Farmington Public Schools maintains an attendance policy designed to promote positive patterns of school attendance. As
part of this policy, after 10 days of tardy/absences notices of school attendance are sent to families. After 20 days of
tardy/absences a second notice will be sent home and the principal will speak with the family. Absences/tardy in excess of
30 days will be turned over to Oakland County Truancy Division. Notices are intended to convey the concern Farmington
Public Schools has for our students.
Dress Code
Student dress should be modest and appropriate for typical school activities. Shorts and skirts should reach past the
fingertips, when arms are extended to the sides. Shoes should be appropriate for outside play; flip flops and crocs don’t
provide enough support for safe play on the playground. Please know that vulgar or offensive slogans are not to be
displayed on clothing. Also, clothing and personal accessories must not be disruptive to the learning environment. As a
rule of thumb, if you have to ask yourself if clothing is appropriate, you probably need to select something different. When
necessary, children will be asked to change their clothes and families will be notified.
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Release of Children
Please give the office a complete list of individuals who have your permission to remove your children from school. In the
event that we are unsure if permission has been granted, the child will not be allowed to leave. Please contact school
should you need to arrange for a “new” person to remove your child from school.
Reporting Absences
In the event that a child must miss school or be late for school, please call the main office. Outside of office hours,
messages can be left on the main office line, 248.785.2068. If Forest fails to receive notification of a student absence, a
phone call will be made to families.
Student Code of Conduct
All students are expected to abide by the Farmington Public Schools Student Code of Conduct. The complete code is on
the FPS website: https://www.farmington.k12.mi.us/student-code. Please review the code with your children.
Weapons in School
Weapons and violence in schools is a topic that has increasingly concerned parents, students, educators and our State
Legislature. The Michigan Legislature has passed a law (MCL 380.1331) providing for penalties for students who possess
dangerous weapons on school property or in vehicles. While the law has been in effect for a while, it is starting to create
substantial problems because of the harsh penalties it mandates. The law provides that should a student possess a
dangerous weapon, that student shall be expelled. Farmington Public Schools has virtually no discretion in the application
of this law. If a student is found in possession of a dangerous weapon, he/she will be expelled. A dangerous weapon is
defined as a firearm or a knife with a blade over three inches in length, pocket knife opened by a mechanical device, iron
bar or brass knuckles, Intent to use the weapon is irrelevant as this law is designed to prohibit and punish possession.
Please note that many pocket knives violate this provision. The penalty for possession is permanent expulsion from every
school in the state of Michigan. In addition, every school in the state, whether public or private, is prohibited from enrolling
a student expelled pursuant to this law. The penalties prescribe by this law are very harsh. We would hate to have to expel
a student who innocently and mistakenly brought a prohibited item to school, but we are bound by the strictures of this law.
The fact that a student has had an unblemished record will not be considered a mitigating factor. There is no provision for
leniency for a first time offender. In addition, our Student Code of Conduct permits expulsion for other misbehaviors. We
want our schools to be safe places with an environment that is conductive to learning. Weapons have no place in
Farmington Public Schools. Under the law, there are no mitigating circumstances which reduce the harsh penalty imposed.
Daily Routines
Arrival & Dismissal
Children are to arrive no earlier than 8:15 AM and must be picked up by 3:52 PM. Supervision outside of these times is not
available from school faculty, except when children are participating in specific, pre-arranged programs. During the
morning line-up, students are assigned to stand in the asphalt area between entrances 4 and 5. While waiting, students are
expected to remain in line with their safety until asked the safety brings the line into the school. At the end of the school
day, students will be dismissed based on their method of transportation home.
Car Pool
For carpool to run smoothly, we request that drivers follow a few simple guidelines. Children should exit the car on the right
side. Children should be prepared to leave when the car stops; backpack ready, good-byes shared and coat on. Cars
must be attended at all times. Parking in the car pool lane is not allowed. Use extra caution when driving and drive slowly.
Follow the front circle drive completely using the appropriate exit in front of the school. Finally, Forest encourages families
to car pool by bringing several children together.
Lunch
Students will have a 30 minute period to eat lunch in the cafeteria. Lunches may be purchased at school or brought from
home. When sending a lunch from home, please make sure that your child is able to eat the lunch independently without
the need for reheating. When children bring lunch from home, milk and juice are available for purchases. When
purchasing lunch at school, students will be asked to make a lunch selection upon entering the lunch line. No pre-ordering
of lunches is necessary. Occasionally, lunch menus may be changed without notice. Each child has a FPS lunch account;
please call nutrition services at 248.489.3717 with any questions regarding your account.
Noon Aides
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As part of the Forest staff, several individuals are employed as noon aides. Noon aides are charged with the monitoring of
students during lunch and recess. Students are expected to treat noon aides as they would all staff at Forest. Typically,
noon aides handle lower level behavioral items that require a brief, immediate response. Also, noon aides provide frequent
positive feedback for children who meet the Forest behavioral expectations; Forest Rocks. All students sign a
Cafeteria/Playground Guidelines in the beginning of the year. Please review the guidelines with your child; this outlines our
expectations.
Recess
All students participate in a 30 minute daily recess, which occurs during the lunch period. In most weather situations
(except when the temperature is below zero degrees or when it rains), children will be going outside for recess, so
appropriate dress is very important. Due to limited supervision, a doctor’s note is necessary to remain inside during recess
due to health concerns.
School Parking
While the setting of Forest is lovely, it does limit the available parking. As such, families are asked to use the car pool lane
for pick up and drop off. Parking along the sides of the parking lot creates traffic problems and limits the access of district
and/or emergency vehicles. When parking on side streets, please be sensitive to our neighbors and respect their property.
Handicapped parking is to be used only by those with appropriate permits. Parking is prohibited in the bus circle in front of
the school.
School Security
During the school day, all doors are locked. Visitors must press the intercom button located on the right side of the front
door. The when the intercom button is pressed it will ring the phone in the office. The office personnel will answer the
intercom and converse with the visitor before allowing access to the building. After visitors enter the building they must sign
in at the office. Please use only this entrance when entering school. Unless supervised, all other entrances are kept locked
during the school day.
Visiting School
When visiting school, please stop by the office and sign in. Also, you’ll be asked to take a visitor’s sticker or wear a
volunteer badge.
General Items
Assemblies
Thanks to the generosity of our families and PTA leadership, Forest is able to have frequent assemblies. Typically,
assemblies are arranged prior to the start of the school year and designed to entertain and support student learning. The
content of assemblies is matched to the developmental needs of children and careful consideration is given to the topics
covered. School faculty and the PTA programming chair jointly develop the list of presentations for each year.
Half Days of School
Several times during the school year, partial days of school will be held. These days provide district faculty the opportunity
for professional development and record keeping. For the 2014-2015 school year, half day dismissal will be at 11:31 AM.
Delayed start days begin at 9:28 AM. Child care for these days is available from the YMCA and must be scheduled before
the scheduled dismissal; you may contact the YMCA at 248.553.4020.
Half Day Dismissal 11:40 AM
Emergency School Closing Procedures
Because the safety of students is always of primary concern to the District, Farmington Public Schools has consulted with
the Oakland County Department of Emergency Management and the local police departments in the development of the
following school closing procedures for elementary, upper elementary, middle and high schools.
Emergency Closing Before Time Inclement Weather
The decision to close schools because of weather is made in cooperation with state, county and local authorities. The
decision is normally made prior to 6:00 AM, but it may have to be made later if there is a sudden change in weather. Tune
in to one of the following radio or television stations for school closing information or call the Farmington Public Schools’
information line at 248.489.3337.
Radio and TV Stations
• WJR 760 AM WJBK Channel 2
• WWJ 950 AM WDIV Channel 4
• WXYT 1270 MA WXYZ Channel 7
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•
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WJLB 97.9 FM WKBD Channel 50
Closing are also posted on the District’s web site at
www.farmington.k12.mi.us and cable Channel TV-10
Mechanical Failure
When it is determined prior to 6:30 AM that a mechanical failure in a building cannot be repaired within a timely period,
school will be canceled at that building for that day. The local radio station will be notified.
Early Dismissal After School is in Session Inclement Weather
Elementary students will not be sent home early in the event of inclement weather.
After School Activities
Whenever school is canceled or dismissed due to inclement weather, all athletic, co-curricular, recreation and community
education programs for the day and evening will be canceled unless otherwise notified.
Emergency Drills
All FPS schools conduct emergency drills during the school year. Four types of drills are conducted. Fire/evacuation drills
in which the building completely is emptied. Tornado/severe weather drills where students are taken to shelter areas within
the building. Lock down drills, which secure all building entrances and keeps children in classrooms. Lock down and take
cover drills, where a “lock down” is executed and children are moved to secure locations in their classrooms. The
administration of drills is mandated by both district policy and state law.
Field Trips
The use of field trips to support learning is a proven method of teaching. Depending on the grade level, children may attend
a few field trips per year. The use of field trips is based on the appropriateness of the trip, the link to FPS curriculum and
the availability of resources. When a field trip is scheduled, it is the intent of Forest to have all children attend field trips,
regardless of family resources.
Lost and Found
Bins located in the main entry hold items found at school. Feel free to check them when you child is missing something.
PTA Membership
The PTA plays a vital role in the operation of Forest Elementary School. PTA members provide leadership and resources
for many of the great events held each year. A schedule of PTA events, meetings and volunteer opportunities is provided
at the beginning of the school year. Throughout the school year, PTA updates are supplied through Friday Folder notes
and listserv messages. Please consider becoming an active, involved member of the Forest PTA.
Y-Care
The YMCA provides before and after-school day care for children at Forest. The YMCA day care program is not overseen
by FPS or Forest Elementary. When students are in the care of the YMCA the YMCA employees are responsible for
monitory children. The program operates daily from 7:15 AM to 8:23 AM and then from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. For additional
information, including cost, please contact the YMCA at 248.553.4020.
Safety Patrol
Fifth Grade Safety Patrol members are on duty before school and at the end of the school day beginning the first week of
school. Advisors work closely with the Safety Patrol to see that they are on post in designated classrooms promptly and
are doing a good job. It is important that all children follow the directions of the Safety Patrol. They are there to help
students.
Technology User Agreement/Voice Mail
Farmington Public Schools has a technology and video user agreement that must be discussed, signed and filed by parents
and students who will access the internet. We request that teachers are not called to the telephone during class time
unless it is an emergency. Telephone messages to the teachers or to other staff members will be left in the person’s
mailbox. Each staff member has a voice mail number. You may leave messages without calling the office or interrupting
the work day. Since you won’t know when your message will be retrieved, this service is only for non-emergency
messages.
Volunteers
Parental assistance and involvement is very much appreciated. There are many ways in which a parent may become
involved. Some may work directly with the children in the classroom or help in the Media Center. Others may present a
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special activity in the classroom. Sometimes, teachers can use help in preparing materials, which can be done in your
home. Volunteers fill out appropriate forms, sign in at the main office and wear a visitor sticker or a volunteer badge.
Unless you have made special arrangements, please do not bring other children with you when you help in a classroom.
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