CRITTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Handbook

We are Learning One Leap at a Time

2011 Critter Lane Critterville, VA

126-989-0000 Fax 126-989-0990

Your childs teachers name: ___________________

VERIFICATION FORM
(Please sign this form and return it to the office or your childs teacher.)

I __________________________, acknowledge that I have read

(please sign your name)

The Critter Elementary School Handbook and have discussed the contents with my child, ________________________
(insert your childs name)

Todays date____________________ Thank you! Please return this sheet with your child the next school day.

Table of Contents
Verification Form (please sign and return to school) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MISSION STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BELIEFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival and Dismissal Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Before School Program (Critter Corner) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bringing Toys to School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bullying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dress Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electronic Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emergency Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expectations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expectations for Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expectations for Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expectations for Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expectations for Administrators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Handicapped Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inclement Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kindergarteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lost and Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Medication/Medical Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Critter Family Fun Nights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Critter Patrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parent CONNECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parent Pick-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dismissal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 16 1

Physical Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. T. O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quiet Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reading is Fundamental (R. I. F.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Report Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Returned Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School Board Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School-wide Discipline Expectations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standardized Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer Program (Critter Summer Adventures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tardy Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weapons Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wellness Policy for PCPS Employees and Students (IGAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitors and Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snacks Appropriate for School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Critter Elementary School

. . . learning one leap at a time
MISSION STATEMENT All students will learn through data based decision making and individualized instruction. BELIEFS Physical Environment We believe in providing a safe, healthy, student-centered environment conducive to learning. Academics We believe learning is a life-long developmental process. Community We believe it is vital to develop a partnership with the community. Emotional Environment We believe it is essential to promote a nurturing environment of mutual respect. Parents We believe open communication is necessary to ensure student success. Staff We believe a supportive staff that communicates constructively will provide a successful learning environment.

Arrival and Dismissal Times (*)

Our school day is from 8:35 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:35 a.m. Those students who come to school by car need to make an extra effort in the morning so they will not be tardy. It is especially important to allow enough time for students to eat breakfast when bringing them to school so that they will not be late for class. Students who arrive by car should come no later than 8:10 a.m. if they wish to eat breakfast at school. Please remember, if your child is tardy, you will need to sign in at the office so that he/she will not be marked absent. Do not bring children to school before 7:45 a.m. as there is no one available to supervise them until 7:45 a.m. An adult is on duty beginning at 8:00 a.m. to assist students who are unloading from cars. Our school day does not end until 3:00 p.m.

Attendance (*)
School begins promptly 8:35 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.
Student attendance is a cooperative effort and the School Board shall involve parents and students in accepting the responsibility for good attendance. Each parent/guardian or person having control or charge of a child within the compulsory attendance age shall be responsible for such childs regular and punctual attendance at school as required under Virginia State Law. It will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian or person having control or charge of a child within the compulsory attendance age

to notify the

school as soon as possible the day that the child will be absent. Unexcused
absences shall be handled according to regulations issued by the Superintendent. Please schedule all appointments (dentist, doctor, haircuts, etc) after school hours. Bring the excuse from the doctor or dentist and your childs absence will be excused. This excuse must be brought when the child returns to school. Do not wait until attendance becomes a problem.

A reasonable effort shall be made to contact a parent/guardian of each absent student every day to obtain an explanation for the students absence. A log will be kept of all call attempts. Students shall attend school for a full day and be on time unless otherwise excused. If attendance or tardiness (too many checking in late or checking out early) becomes a problem, the parent/guardian or person in charge of the child will be contacted to meet at school and discuss a plan for improvement. Parents of students who are excessively absent, tardy, or who leave early will be referred to the court for truancy. Please do not come into the building during dismissal to check your child out. We ask that you pick up your child through the parent pick-up line. This helps with the efficient flow of traffic during this busy time and provides a safer environment for all students.

Before School Program (Critter Corner) (*)

Critter Corner is a before school program in which students engage in literacy activities, games, computer skills and other learning opportunities. Available spaces are filled on a first-come first-serve basis. Application forms will be sent home early in the year. Both students who arrive on early buses and those who come by car are eligible to participate in this program. Students must arrive by 7:50 a.m. to participate.

Bringing Toys to School

Students are expected to leave personal items at home such as toys, candy, and gum. Students are not allowed to bring items such as trading cards, toys, stickers, etc. This also includes those items that attach to backpacks. Toys brought to school will be confiscated and returned only if a parent picks them up. All articles not picked up by the last day of school will be discarded. Students are also not permitted to bring or wear makeup to school. CD players/and other electronic devices are not allowed to be on at school (Field Trips may be an exception if the teacher allows them). The school will not be responsible for destruction or lost items.

Bullying (*)
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(Board Policy JFC-R4) Definition: Bullying is characterized by the following three criteria: 1. it is aggressive behavior or intentional harm-doing; 2. it is carried out repeatedly and over time; and 3. it occurs within an interpersonal relationship characterized by an imbalance of power. Teachers and administrators will talk with the students several times throughout the school year about bullying and the consequences. Bullying behaviors will not be tolerated.

Discipline Effective School-Wide

The CES school-wide discipline plan is a list of behavior expectations for cafeteria, hallways, playground, and restroom behaviors. Students are given opportunities to practice these behaviors and abide by them for coming and going within the learning atmosphere. Safety and a quiet, orderly environment are the expected outcomes.

Respect Self

Respect Others

Respect Property

Hallways walk quietly, stay in self-space, stay right Cafeteria Keep self space clean, stay seated in self space, use inside voice Playground safety first, take turns and share, stay in safe area, report problems Bathrooms use inside voices, keep clean, report problems, flush, wash hands Bus and Parent Wait stay seated, stay in self space, use inside voice, stay packed Assemblies listen quietly, stay in self space, stay seated

Dress Code (*)

(Board Policy JFC-R2: Standards of Student Dress) Our School Board has adopted the following dress code: Primary Objectives: Protection of the integrity of and minimization of distractions to the learning environment 1

 Continued safety and welfare of the students and staff members In order to enforce these primary objectives, the following regulations are required of all students in the Pulaski County Schools: 1. All clothing must fit securely enough to be non-revealing; that is, enough to protect the modesty of the wearer when the wearer is engaged in any activity one might reasonably be expected to engage in while at school or when participating in school activities. This includes, but is not limited to, excessively low-cut shirts and/or blouses; inappropriately short dresses, skirts, or shorts; clothing that bares the shoulders, back or midriff; and clothing that permits a view of undergarments at any time. 2. Shoes must be worn at all times while at school or participating in school activities unless the nature of the activity otherwise specifically supports going 3. For prescribed activities such as Physical Education classes, athletics, certain field trips, etc., teachers and administrators may require specific styles of dress and/or footwear, including, but not limited to, designated uniform dress that is generally deemed appropriate for the activity. Students and parents will be informed of such activities requirements for dress and footwear well in advance of the activity. Failure to comply will result in exclusion from the activity with all applicable penalties for non-participation, if any, applied to the student. 4. No (footwear) spikes, spurs, cleats, or other sole protrusions may be worn inside school buildings at any time. 5. Pants must be worn secured at the waist at all times. 6. Pant-leg hems must be above the sole of the shoe; no tread-upon hems are allowed. 7. No clothing made from spandex or similar skintight material may be worn as outerwear. 8. Clothing made from see-through fabric may only be worn as accessories over other, non-see-through appropriate outerwear. 9. All clothing, particularly pants and shorts, must be worn with all closures secured including buttons, fly zippers, back zippers, etc. 10. No head coverings may be worn indoors without permission from an administrator. 11. No clothing, jewelry, or other accessories may be worn or displayed in any fashion which contains or is imprinted with lettering, slogans, signs, symbols, advertisements, logos, or artistic depictions of any of the following: 1
shoeless, such as swimming, etc.

Any controlled substance legally unavailable for sale to minors, including, but not limited to, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs; Vulgarity, obscenity, profanity, pornography, or sexually explicit or suggestive subject matter, including double entendre wordplay; Items which represent offensive affronts to any segment of the school population on the grounds of ethnicity, race, religion, gender, handicapping condition, or national or geographic origin or residence 1. No gang-related insignia or style of dress is permitted at any time. 2. Spaghetti straps and tank tops are not permitted in middle school or high school grades. 3. Students may not come to school with their hair dyed an unexpected/unnatural color (i.e., blue, green, etc.) Additional PES Policy 4. Footwear At CES students are not allowed to wear shoe skates or flip flops. These types of footwear are a safety hazard to the students wearing them and to others. RULE OF THUMB: If you are not sure whether its appropriate to wear or not, it probably isnt. Choose something else!! School principals have the authority to interpret these regulations in cases where judgment is called for and to enforce compliance with them in accordance with applicable Code of Conduct provisions

Electronic Devices (*)

For examples: cellular phones, beepers, MP3 players, CD and DVD players, video game units and other similar electronic devices.

The devices must remain off and out of sight on school buses and during the school day, except in emergencies. Please refer to the County handbook for further explanations.

It is extremely important that you notify the office when your home, work, or emergency phone numbers or contacts change. We need to be able to reach you in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Phone Numbers (*)

Expectations (*)
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The faculty and staff at Critter Elementary School work hard daily to ensure that your child gets a quality education, but cannot do it alone. It takes the combined efforts of the administrators, teachers, students, and parents in order for this to occur. It is essential that everyone does his or her part to bring this about. Therefore, listed below are the expectations we have for each of us: Expectations for Students Be at school everyday and on time with your supplies Do your best work everyday Treat everyone, including yourself, with respect Take good care of your personal belongings and our school Complete your work in a timely manner Do your homework

Expectations for Parents Have your child at school everyday and on time with ample supplies Expect your child to do his or her best everyday Spend time reading to and with your child daily Communicate with your childs teacher often (form a partnership) Provide a quiet place for your child to do homework and check to see that it is complete Help your child with homework if necessary, but do not do it for him or her (they need the practice, you dont) Participate in school events as often as possible Be a school volunteer (There is research to support that when parents volunteer in schools they not only benefit their own children but other children as well.) Make certain that transportation arrangements are clear and that if students are parent pick-up, that they are picked up on time Tell other members of the community about the good things going on at Critter Elementary!

Expectations for Teachers 3

Create a supportive learning environment for all children Expect children to do their best everyday Communicate with parents frequently Provide opportunities for parents to participate in classroom events Report student progress to administrators and parents Provide a quality education for all students Make learning meaningful and fun Ensure childrens safety

Expectations for Administrators Support the learning environment Expect teachers and students to do their best everyday Monitor instruction and student progress Provide training and renewal opportunities for teachers Communicate with parents frequently Provide support and motivation for students and teachers Provide a safe, clean environment for everyone.

Handicapped Parking
Please do not park in the designated handicapped spaces unless you have the appropriate sticker.

Homework
Homework is a very important part of the instructional program. It is used to help students to learn to work independently, to practice skills that have been taught during the instructional day, and to extend lessons when class time is limited. Please make certain that students turn their homework in daily. Most students have homework Monday through Thursday. If in doubt, contact your childs teacher. From time-to-time we have had parents who have done their childs 2

homework for them. Please refrain from doing this as it defeats the purpose which is to help your child build the necessary skills.

Inclement Weather (*)

School is closed occasionally when there is heavy snowfall or when temperatures reach dangerous levels. We have enclosed a School Closing form that you must complete and return to school so that we know how your child will be going home on days when school must be closed early. These instructions will be followed unless we hear from you otherwise. Check your T. V. or radio for school closing announcements.

Kindergarteners (*)
Please pin a note or card on your kindergarten child that includes his name, teacher, and bus number or car. This will be most helpful the first few days of school and will add to a more secure feeling for your kindergartener. The first day of school is an important event in the life of your child.

LOST AND FOUND

Any item found will be placed in an area designated for this purpose in the school until the end of the end of each month. If at that time the item is not claimed, the item will be taken to a local charity. Please avoid this by labeling your childs lunch bag, coat, hats, etc

Meals (*)
Breakfast and lunch are available daily. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch must submit an application. Students who pay for their lunch can pay by the day or the week. If possible, we prefer that you pay by the week as this eliminates some confusion during meal times. Occasionally students forget their lunch money and are allowed to charge their meals (lunch only, not breakfast). You are asked to promptly reimburse the cafeteria for this amount. Students who have charged lunch three times will not be allowed to charge a fourth time and will receive a peanut butter sandwich, milk and stick cheese. A note will be sent daily notifying you if your child has had to charge a meal. Notify the cafeteria staff if you wish to designate how much money your child is allowed to spend on things such as breakfast or snacks. Also, please notify the office if you plan to eat lunch with 3

your child so that adequate preparation can be made. In accordance with our wellness policy, parents are asked not to bring fast food for their child for breakfast or lunch.

Medication (prescription and over the counter) can only be given to students with written instructions from your childs doctor and a parents signature on a medication form. Medication must be received in its original container and must be brought to school by a parent. Please notify the office, the teacher, and the nurse of any special medical conditions or needs your child may have, especially food allergies. Any left over medication not picked up within two weeks of the closing of school will be destroyed. All medication that was left at the end of last year has been destroyed.

Medication/Medical Needs (*)

Office Hours
Office hours for all schools and offices operated by the Critterville County Schools shall be 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. each business day, exclusive of designated holidays and other off-duty days approved and adopted in the Critterville County School Board yearly calendar. (School Nurse hours: 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. during the school
calendar year)

Critter Family Fun Nights

All students and their families are encouraged to attend the Panther Family Fun Nights that occur each month. These events provide fun-filled activities and opportunities for families to spend quality time together. Fliers will be sent home notifying you of these events.

Critter Patrol
Fifth grade students who demonstrate leadership, responsibility and academic progress are selected to serve on the Panther Patrol. Services provided by the Panther Patrol students are a vital part of our day-to-day school operations. These students serve as role models, help teachers in supervising younger students, and 4

serve many other functions around the school. Student selection is based on nominations from classroom teachers and the interview process.

The Patrol has occasionally throughout the school year in order to help needy students and families in addition to other causes such as Relay for Life or natural disasters. The Patrols motto is Kids Helping Kids.

FUND Raisers

Parent CONNECT
All parents/guardians who have legal rights to view their children's school records may use Parent CONNECT. It is a web based program that allows parents to view their childs school records including attendance, grades, and discipline. Further information will be provided to you if you are interested in having access to this site.

Parent Pick-Up (*)

The safety of every child at school is vitally important to all of us. Please take time to review our plan for the arrival and dismissal of students below. Your cooperation and support is essential and appreciated. Arrival 1. All children who are brought to school by car must be dropped off at the designated location (by the gym door near the white awning). 2. Children should exit cars only on the curbside of the street. 3. Parents are asked to pull up to the first cone on the sidewalk if possible to allow several cars to unload at the same time thereby helping us to reduce sitting traffic on Morehead Lane. 4. Please refrain from parking the car and walking your child(ren) into the building.

Dismissal 1. We will begin loading cars after all parent pick-up students have been brought to the gym. 5

2. An individual with a radio will call to the gym asking for your child. 3. Someone will be directing traffic. When you are given the signal, pull to the far end of the circle next to the curb. Cars will be motioned to exit the parking lot after a series of five or six cars have been loaded. 4. Please do not arrive before 2:45 p.m. The fire department has asked that you not block the driveway (other than at the time listed above) as this congestion causes a hazard in the event emergency vehicles need to approach the building. They have assured us that tickets can be issued if this continues If everyone tries to time their arrival according to the schedule listed above, we should be able to get all parent pick-up students out by about 3:15 or 3:20 with minimal waiting. 5. We ask that you not park and come in to get your child as this is unfair to those who are doing as we ask and because it slows down the process. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated by all concerned. Parents, we ask that you not wait for your child in the halls during dismissal. Doing so jeopardizes the safety of all students as it becomes difficult to keep track of students with so many people in the halls.

Password (*)
Your childs security is of the utmost concern to us. Often parents call and ask for students to go home with another individual or have someone new pick them up. This poses a problem for us, as we have no way of knowing if the person on the phone is truly the childs parent. For this reason, we ask that you include a password on the Student Information Form found at the end of this packet. When calling the school, you may be asked to identify yourself with the use of this password by the office staff. Also, please remember to bring identification with you and remind anyone you have designated to bring identification with him or her. Students will not be released if we are not certain about who is authorized to pick them up.

Physical Education
Students are required to wear appropriate footwear on the days they have Physical Education. No sandals, high heels, boots, or slip-on shoes are allowed in P.E.

P.T.O.
Every parent is encouraged to join the Parent/Teacher Organization (P. T. O.) Meetings are generally held once a month from 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Occasionally, 6

this schedule is altered and you will receive notification prior to the meeting. As soon as the schedule has been set for the year, a notice will go home to inform you of these dates and they will also be listed on our website.

QUIET ZONE
Quiet Zone is a designated area within the school community that must be quiet at all times during the instructional school day.

Reading is Fundamental (R. I. F.)

Each student will receive three free books through the Reading is Fundamental (R. I. F.) program. Please take time to read these books with your child. Reading is the key to a successful future.

Nine Weeks Tests

Students receive report cards every nine weeks. Report cards will be issued approximately one week after the end of each nine weeks period. They also receive midterm reports halfway through the grading period. Nine weeks test (core subject test given at the end of the nine weeks reporting period) grades will be reflected in your childs final grade.

Returned Checks
You will be required to pay the bank charges that we incur if your check is returned to us marked insufficient funds. If this should occur, you may be asked to pay future school charges by cash or money order.

School Board Meetings

Critterville County School Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the Critterville County School Board Office at 202 North Washington Avenue at 4:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

School Pictures
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Individual school pictures of students will be taken in the fall and spring. Ordering information and prices will be sent home prior to picture day. Class pictures and individual pictures will be taken in the spring. Yearbooks will also be available for purchase in the spring.

School-wide Discipline Expectations (*)

Please review these expectations with your child

Respect Self

Respect Others

Respect Property

Hallways walk quietly, stay in self-space, stay right Cafeteria Keep self space clean, stay seated in self space, use inside voice Playground safety first, take turns and share, stay in safe area, report problems Bathrooms use inside voices, keep clean, report problems, flush, wash hands Bus and Parent Wait stay seated, stay in self space, use inside voice, stay packed Assemblies listen quietly, stay in self space, stay seated

Standardized Testing (*)

Most of our students will participate in some form of standardized testing. These tests may be used: (a) to assess students academic progress, (b) to improve our instructional program, and/or (c) determine whether our school has been accredited by the state. Please encourage your child to do his or her best on these tests and make certain that he or she is at school on time on testing days. A letter will be sent to you to inform you of the dates and types of tests your child will be taking. A letter will be sent home early in the year to give you the exact dates of testing. Please do not make vacation plans during these times. Generally, students take these tests according to the following schedule:
K-3 5th Grade 2nd Grade 5th Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade PALS CoGat CoGat Standards of Learning (SOLs) Standards of Learning (SOLs) Standards of Learning (SOLs) Standards of Learning (SOLs) Sept.-Oct. & May Sept.-Oct. May March (writing) May May May

Tardy Policy (*)

Students who have excessive tardiness will be referred to the court for truancy.

Transportation (*)
From time-to-time we have parents who change their childs transportation arrangements and tell the child but do not notify the office. This becomes a problem for us because there are times when children are confused about the arrangements and we do not know whether to send them home on the bus or to have them wait for parent pickup. Therefore, we ask that you always notify the office by calling (and using your password) or by sending a note. If you do not notify the office and your child tells us that the arrangements have been changed, we will keep the student in the office until you come to pick him up if we are unable to verify this with you. You may find this to be inconvenient, however, your childs safety is very important to us, and we would rather inconvenience you than to endanger your child by sending him home on the bus with no one there to meet him.

Weapons Policy (*)

Our weapons policy is strictly enforced. A portion of District Policy R7-48 states, Possession or use of a weapon in a school building or on school board property is prohibited. A student found to be in possession of a weapon on school premises, before, during, or after school or at any school sponsored activity, will be subject to administrative and/or legal action. This may include immediate suspension from school, with a recommendation to the school board for expulsion. The violation may also be reported to law enforcement officials. Please make certain to review this policy with your child.

Wellness Policy for CCPS Employees and Students (IGAL)

The Critterville County School Board recognizes the link between student health and learning and desires to provide a program promoting healthy eating and

physical activity in division students. A comprehensive program is essential to foster academic, social and emotional growth, and to promote optimal health. The Critterville County School Board has established several goals to promote student wellness. These goals address the areas of nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activities. This policy includes efforts to improve the wellness of Pulaski County employees as well. Below are some of the elements of this policy that will be of special interest to you. 1. Breakfast a.) All students have access to the breakfast meal. If students arrive on late buses, they receive a Grab and Go breakfast, b.) Students have at least ten (10) minutes to eat breakfast, 2. Lunch a.) Students have at least twenty (20) minutes to eat lunch. b.) Parents/guardians will not be allowed to bring fast food meals to students during breakfast and/or lunch time, c.) b. All items on the a la carte menu are meal items or items containing no more than 30% of calories from fat, no more than 10% of calories from saturated fat per serving and have no more than 35% by weight of sugar per serving. 3. Parties - The nutritional content of foods and beverages donated for class parties or other school events is considered. Each event or activity should include no more than one food or beverage that does not meet nutritional guidelines. Following these guidelines will reinforce the importance of healthy choices. 4. Classroom - Schools will not use foods or beverages as rewards for academic performance or good behavior.

Visitors and Volunteers

For the security of all our students, we ask that all visitors and volunteers come by the office to sign in and get a pass before going to the rooms. Please return to the office to sign out. (A clipboard with sign in/out sheets is located just inside the office door). All visitors must enter the building through the main entrance.
To help us to meet these goals we ask that you consider the following ideas when providing snacks for classroom parties and events.

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Remember: Watch portion sizes Experiment with new foods Read labels. Limit high sugar, high fat items Include a wide variety of brightly colored fruits and vegetables Fruits Dried fruits (apple rings, apricots, figs, peaches, banana chips, raisins) Banana Canned peaches or pears Unsweetened applesauce Fresh pears or peaches Apples Kiwi slices Orange wedges Grapes Pineapple chunks Strawberries Vegetables Vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, broccoli, sweet potato, cucumbers) Fresh vegetables and dip* Milk and Cheese Yogurt* Pudding cups Cheese slices* Cheese cubes* String cheese* Meat Substitutes

Peanut butter Peanuts Almonds Sunflower or pumpkin seeds Nuts Hardboiled eggs* Lean beef jerky

Bread, Cereal and Pasta Whole grain bread Unsweetened cereals Whole grain crackers Graham crackers Muffins Rolls Pretzels (plain, cheese or honey mustard) Air popped popcorn Granola Bagel Oatmeal-raisin cookies Ginger snaps Fig bars Molasses cookies Bagel chips Vanilla wafers

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Combinations Trail mix Snack mix Sandwiches* Tortilla chips & salsa Beverages Bottle water 100% fruit juice Tomato or vegetable juice

Milk*

Healthy =====Snacks For Your Family===== *Appropriate if you use insulated container or ice pack to keep cold.

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